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
so_o afraid_a of_o the_o merit_n of_o obedience_n and_o good_a work_n that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o assert_v the_o neeessity_n of_o they_o and_o do_v it_o with_o so_o much_o caution_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o it_o or_o do_v apprehend_v some_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o this_o fear_n be_v perfect_o groundless_a as_o if_o merit_n can_v not_o be_v exclude_v without_o cast_v off_o our_o duty_n and_o release_n ourselves_o from_o any_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o be_v good_a for_o any_o man_n sure_o may_v easy_o discern_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o a_o worthiness_n of_o desert_n and_o a_o fitness_n of_o receive_v a_o rebel_n be_v penitent_a and_o sorry_a for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v though_o he_o can_v deserve_v a_o pardon_n yet_o he_o may_v thereby_o be_v qualify_v and_o make_v meet_v to_o receive_v it_o though_o repentance_n do_v not_o make_v he_o worthy_a yet_o it_o may_v make_v he_o capable_a of_o it_o which_o a_o obstinate_a rebel_n and_o one_o that_o persist_v in_o his_o disloyalty_n be_v not_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o plain_a of_o itself_o that_o it_o will_v be_v waste_n of_o time_n and_o word_n to_o insist_v long_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o now_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n rely_v upon_o these_o three_o ground_n 1_o st_o upon_o the_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n 2_o dly_z the_o general_a reason_n of_o reward_n 3_o dly_z upon_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o that_o reward_n which_o god_n will_v confer_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o obedience_n 1_o st_o the_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o he_o may_v dispense_v his_o gift_n and_o favour_n upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n he_o please_v and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v plain_o declare_v that_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n he_o will_v give_v eternal_a life_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n who_o shall_v resist_v his_o will_n or_o dispute_v his_o pleasure_n the_o right_a and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v so_o unquestionable_a that_o it_o admit_v of_o no_o contest_v and_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n propose_v be_v so_o infinite_o great_a and_o unvaluable_a that_o no_o condition_n of_o obtain_v they_o which_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o can_v be_v think_v hard_a and_o unequal_a so_o that_o we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n let_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o be_v what_o they_o will_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o the_o impose_v of_o these_o condition_n upon_o we_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n but_o mere_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o silence_v all_o objection_n against_o it_o but_o 2_o dly_a the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v likewise_o found_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o reward_n in_o general_n for_o though_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o our_o reward_n so_o infinite_o beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o best_a duty_n and_o service_n as_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n be_v i_o say_v though_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o this_o reward_n be_v found_v in_o the_o immense_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o reason_n of_o reward_n in_o general_n be_v necessary_o found_v in_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n law_n for_o according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n nothing_o but_o obedience_n be_v capable_a of_o reward_n for_o though_o authority_n may_v pardon_v the_o breach_n and_o transgression_n of_o law_n and_o remit_v the_o punishment_n due_a thereto_o yet_o to_o reward_v the_o contempt_n of_o law_n and_o wilful_a disobedience_n to_o they_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o government_n and_o do_v plain_o overthrow_v the_o very_a reason_n and_o end_v of_o all_o law_n and_o make_v obedience_n and_o disobedience_n to_o be_v all_o one_o if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v equal_o capable_a of_o reward_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a than_o for_o any_o man_n to_o hope_v to_o be_v reward_v by_o god_n who_o do_v not_o live_v in_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a that_o be_v endeavour_n to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v reward_v by_o the_o great_a governor_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o be_v disobedient_a to_o his_o law_n for_o where_o obedience_n to_o law_n be_v refuse_v there_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n of_o reward_n cease_v no_o wise_a prince_n can_v think_v fit_a to_o reward_n disloyalty_n and_o contempt_n of_o his_o law_n because_o to_o reward_v it_o will_v be_v to_o encourage_v it_o much_o less_o will_v god_n the_o great_a and_o infinite_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n 3_o dly_z the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o that_o reward_n which_o god_n will_v confer_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o obedience_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o reward_n promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o the_o sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n now_o to_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o this_o bless_a reward_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o be_v like_o god_n but_o nothing_o but_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n and_o be_v renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o who_o create_v we_o in_o righteousness_n can_v make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v like_o god_n must_v be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o patient_a and_o merciful_a as_o god_n be_v and_o this_o alone_a can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v like_o he_o we_o can_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n we_o can_v not_o find_v any_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n without_o holiness_n say_v the_o apostle_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n impossible_a that_o a_o wicked_a man_n whilst_o he_o remain_v so_o shall_v ever_o be_v happy_a because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o agreeable_a and_o delightful_a society_n between_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o one_o another_o between_o he_o who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n and_o a_o sinful_a and_o impure_a creature_n for_o what_o fellowship_n say_v the_o apostle_n can_v righteousness_n have_v with_o unrighteousness_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n or_o god_n with_o belial_n that_o be_v with_o the_o wicked_a and_o disobedient_a till_o we_o become_v like_a to_o god_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n there_o can_v be_v no_o happy_a society_n between_o he_o and_o we_o we_o can_v neither_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o god_n nor_o he_o take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o we_o for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o he_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o eternal_a jar_a and_o discord_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o holy_a god_n and_o wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a men._n i_o will_v behold_v thy_o face_n say_v david_n in_o righteousness_n there_o be_v no_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n if_o we_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n god_n will_v cast_v we_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n and_o in_o great_a anger_n bid_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o we_o also_o shall_v desire_v he_o to_o depart_v from_o we_o as_o be_v unable_a to_o bear_v the_o sight_n of_o he_o so_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n since_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o qualification_n for_o the_o bless_a
their_o universal_a expectation_n three_o as_o to_o his_o miracle_n four_o his_o conversation_n five_o the_o prejudice_n that_o lie_v against_o he_o from_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v by_o person_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o authority_n among_o they_o and_o last_o that_o the_o religion_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v do_v abolish_v and_o supersede_n their_o ancient_a religion_n as_o of_o no_o long_a use_n and_o continuance_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v at_o first_o institute_v by_o god_n first_o the_o exception_n which_o they_o take_v at_o his_o extraction_n and_o original_a in_o relation_n to_o this_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o his_o original_a be_v know_v among_o they_o this_o you_o find_v urge_v against_o he_o john_n 7.27_o we_o know_v this_o man_n whence_o he_o be_v but_o when_o the_o messiah_n come_v no_o man_n know_v whence_o he_o be_v this_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v no_o just_a exception_n in_o reason_n against_o he_o for_o what_o if_o his_o extraction_n be_v know_v may_v he_o not_o be_v from_o god_n for_o all_o that_o they_o own_v moses_n for_o the_o great_a prophet_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v from_o whence_o he_o be_v but_o they_o seem_v to_o refer_v to_o some_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o do_v seem_v to_o assert_v so_o much_o if_o they_o mean_v that_o his_o extraction_n shall_v be_v altogether_o unknown_a they_o know_v very_o well_o and_o believe_v the_o contrary_a that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v of_o the_o line_n of_o david_n and_o to_o come_v out_o of_o bethlehem_n if_o they_o refer_v to_o that_o prophecy_n that_o a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n and_o so_o understand_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v without_o father_n this_o be_v real_o true_a though_o they_o think_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o joseph_n and_o if_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v no_o father_n he_o do_v sufficient_o justify_v it_o by_o his_o miracle_n that_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o be_v believe_v possible_a by_o a_o divine_a power_n as_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v which_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v because_o they_o see_v they_o 2._o another_o prejudice_n against_o his_o extraction_n be_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o parent_n and_o breed_n this_o you_o find_v mention_v matth._n 13.54_o 55._o whence_o have_v this_o man_n this_o wisdom_n and_o these_o mighty_a work_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n son_n be_v not_o his_o mother_n call_v mary_n and_o his_o brethren_n james_n and_o jâ—ses_n and_o simon_n and_o judas_n and_o his_o sister_n be_v they_o not_o all_o with_o we_o whence_o then_o have_v this_o man_n these_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v offend_v in_o he_o and_o so_o likewise_o john_n 7.15_o how_o know_v this_o man_n letter_n have_v never_o learn_v a_o strange_a prejudice_n and_o most_o unreasonable_a they_o can_v not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n because_o his_o parent_n and_o relation_n his_o birth_n and_o breed_n be_v so_o mean_v he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o to_o a_o trade_n and_o not_o bring_v up_o to_o learning_n whereas_o in_o reason_n this_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v a_o argument_n just_a the_o other_o way_n that_o he_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o divine_o assist_v who_o all_o on_o the_o sudden_a without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o education_n give_v such_o evidence_n of_o his_o great_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o do_v such_o mighty_a work_n this_o can_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o his_o breed_n for_o that_o be_v mean_a therefore_o there_o must_v be_v something_o extraordinary_a and_o divine_a in_o it_o thus_o another_o man_n who_o have_v be_v free_a from_o prejudice_n will_v have_v reason_v 3._o the_o most_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n of_o all_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o extraction_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o spiteful_a and_o malicious_a proverb_n concern_v the_o country_n where_o our_o saviour_n be_v bring_v up_o and_o they_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o that_o be_v galilee_n john_n 1.46_o can_v any_o good_a thing_n come_v out_o of_o nazareth_n and_o john_n 7.41_o shall_v the_o messiah_n come_v out_o of_o galilee_n and_o v._o 52._o search_v and_o look_v for_o out_o of_o galilee_n arise_v no_o prophet_n but_o it_o seem_v nathanael_n who_o be_v a_o good_a man_n be_v easy_o take_v off_o from_o this_o common_a prejudice_n when_o philip_n say_v to_o he_o come_v and_o see_v he_o bid_v he_o come_v and_o see_v the_o work_n he_o do_v and_o then_o refer_v it_o to_o he_o whether_o he_o will_v believe_v his_o own_o eye_n or_o a_o old_a proverb_n however_o it_o seem_v the_o jew_n lay_v great_a weight_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o this_o alone_o be_v enough_o to_o confute_v all_o his_o miracle_n and_o after_o they_o have_v shoot_v this_o bolt_n at_o he_o the_o business_n be_v conclude_v clear_o against_o he_o but_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a man_n do_v not_o use_v to_o give_v much_o credit_n to_o ill-natured_a proverb_n the_o good_a or_o bad_a character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o country_n be_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v universal_o true_a and_o without_o exception_n there_o be_v no_o place_n but_o have_v bring_v forth_o some_o brave_a spirit_n and_o excellent_a person_n whatever_o the_o general_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n may_v be_v among_o the_o grecian_n the_o beotian_o be_v esteem_v a_o dull_a people_n even_o to_o a_o proverb_n and_o yet_o pindar_n one_o of_o their_o chief_a poet_n be_v one_o of_o they_o the_o scythian_n be_v a_o barbarous_a nation_n and_o one_o will_v have_v think_v no_o good_a can_v have_v come_v from_o thence_o and_o yet_o that_o country_n yield_v anacharsis_n a_o eminent_a philosopher_n the_o idumean_n be_v alien_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o yet_o job_n one_o of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v come_v from_o thence_o god_n can_v raise_v up_o eminent_a person_n from_o any_o place_n abraham_n from_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n and_o a_o idolatrous_a people_n nay_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o can_v out_o of_o stone_n raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n the_o wise_a god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o tie_v himself_o to_o our_o foolish_a proverb_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o prophet_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v breed_v in_o a_o good_a air._n if_o god_n send_v a_o man_n it_o matter_n not_o from_o what_o place_n he_o come_v second_o another_o head_n of_o exception_n against_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o outward_a condition_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o universal_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o jew_n from_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n to_o which_o they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v at_o this_o day_n pay_v a_o great_a reverence_n than_o to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o the_o messiah_n who_o they_o expect_v be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a prince_n and_o conqueror_n and_o to_o subdue_v all_o nation_n to_o they_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a defeat_n to_o their_o expectation_n than_o the_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n appear_v so_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v almost_o universal_o offend_v at_o he_o but_o this_o prejudice_n be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o neither_o do_v their_o prophet_n foretell_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o temporal_a greatness_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n most_o express_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n and_o at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o expect_v from_o their_o ill-grounded_a tradition_n three_o against_o his_o miracle_n they_o make_v these_o two_o exception_n 1._o that_o he_o wrought_v they_o by_o magical_a skill_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v so_o exorbitant_o unreasonable_a and_o malicious_a that_o our_o saviour_n pronounce_v it_o to_o be_v a_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o for_o answer_n to_o it_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n whether_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o the_o devil_n shall_v conspire_v against_o himself_o and_o assist_v any_o man_n to_o overthrow_v his_o own_o kingdom_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a our_o saviour_n doctrine_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o devil_n design_n and_o therefore_o to_o assist_v he_o to_o work_v miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o must_v have_v be_v apparent_o against_o his_o own_o interest_n and_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n 2._o they_o pretend_v that_o though_o he_o do_v many_o great_a work_n yet_o he_o give_v they_o no_o sign_n from_o heaven_n matt._n 16.1_o it_o be_v say_v they_o desire_v
that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v all_o slave_n to_o a_o few_o and_o be_v perpetual_o chain_v to_o the_o oar_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n there_o be_v many_o time_n as_o bad_a consequence_n of_o good_a thing_n as_o of_o bad_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o all_o that_o as_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n so_o likewise_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n though_o some_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o not_o because_o religion_n be_v bad_a but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o 4._o if_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o man_n free_a choice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v necessary_o and_o constant_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o man_n for_o it_o work_v upon_o we_o not_o by_o way_n of_o force_n or_o natural_a necessity_n but_o of_o moral_a persuasion_n if_o religion_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o go_v along_o with_o it_o do_v force_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o unless_o he_o be_v thus_o violent_o force_v than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n to_o be_v good_a nor_o any_o crime_n and_o fault_n to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n be_v good_a will_v be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o help_v it_o and_o other_o bad_a because_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o so_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o but_o religion_n do_v not_o thus_o work_v upon_o men._n it_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o short_a and_o plain_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o precept_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a disobedience_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v our_o weakness_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o violence_n or_o necessity_n in_o all_o this_o after_o all_o man_n may_v disobey_v these_o precept_n and_o not_o be_v persuade_v by_o these_o argument_n may_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v may_v quench_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n prevail_v upon_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n against_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o consequent_o if_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v not_o a_o constant_a and_o certain_a effect_n upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n not_o but_o that_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n but_o some_o be_v so_o obstinate_o bad_a as_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a consideration_n it_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o 5._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n be_v as_o well_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n good_a as_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o fault_n be_v it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o good_a so_o that_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o sufficient_a objection_n either_o against_o the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o miracle_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o its_o proper_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a original_a and_o sure_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o force_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o its_o aid_n and_o help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v and_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o all_o those_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o any_o religion_n or_o institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reasonable_a and_o plain_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o where_o so_o perfect_o collect_v as_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o religion_n ever_o give_v man_n so_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o mighty_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n nor_o such_o gracious_a promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o such_o evidence_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v do_v which_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 6._o and_o last_o after_o all_o that_o have_v or_o can_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o ought_v sad_o to_o be_v lament_v by_o we_o that_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o marvellous_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o real_a objection_n against_o it_o to_o prejudice_v person_n with_o who_o it_o do_v just_o bring_v into_o doubt_n the_o goodness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o institution_n itself_o to_o see_v how_o little_o effect_v it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o excellent_a master_n in_o any_o kind_n when_o all_o the_o world_n see_v that_o most_o of_o his_o scholar_n prove_v dunce_n whatever_o commendation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o art_n or_o science_n man_n will_v question_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n answerable_a to_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o serve_a god_n more_o decent_o and_o devout_o and_o of_o live_v better_a than_o other_o man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o do_v not_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n show_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o though_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o disparage_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o it_o will_v certain_o go_v a_o great_a way_n with_o prejudice_v person_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contrariety_n between_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n so_o notorious_a and_o palpable_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o read_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o men._n who_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o present_a age_n can_v believe_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v much_o less_o pretend_a to_o be_v entertain_v and_o believe_v among_o we_o nay_o among_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o more_o serious_a profession_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_o they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o malice_n and_o envy_n in_o passion_n and_o anger_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o evil_a speak_v in_o fierce_a contention_n and_o animosity_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o these_o man_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v their_o life_n be_v full_a of_o plain_a and_o strict_a precept_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o do_v a_o hundred_o time_n with_o all_o imaginable_a severity_n and_o under_o pain_n of_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n forbid_v malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n and_o evil_a speak_n and_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o tell_v we_o so_o plain_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n oblige_v man_n to_o put_v off_o all_o these_o and_o that_o if_o any_o
to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n because_o their_o suffering_n do_v real_o prepare_v and_o make_v way_n for_o their_o glory_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o 18._o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_n for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 3_o dly_z and_o last_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o future_a reward_n be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n what_o great_a encouragement_n can_v we_o have_v than_o this_o that_o all_o the_o good_a which_o we_o do_v in_o this_o world_n will_v accompany_v we_o into_o the_o other_o that_o when_o we_o rest_v from_o our_o labour_n our_o work_n will_v follow_v we_o that_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v strip_v of_o other_o thing_n and_o part_v from_o they_o these_o will_v still_o remain_v with_o we_o and_o bear_v we_o company_n our_o riches_n and_o honour_n our_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n will_v all_o take_v their_o leave_n of_o we_o when_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n nay_o many_o time_n they_o do_v not_o accompany_v we_o so_o far_o as_o the_o grave_a but_o take_v occasion_n to_o forsake_v we_o when_o we_o have_v the_o great_a need_n and_o use_v of_o they_o but_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o better_a part_n which_o can_v be_v take_v from_o we_o all_o the_o good_a action_n which_o we_o do_v in_o this_o world_n will_v go_v along_o with_o we_o into_o the_o other_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o redeemer_n procure_v for_o we_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n a_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a reward_n not_o according_a to_o the_o meanness_n of_o our_o service_n but_o according_a to_o the_o bounty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o vastness_n of_o his_o treasure_n and_o estate_n now_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v this_o to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v all_o be_v our_o own_o another_o day_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o whoever_o serve_v god_n faithful_o and_o do_v suffer_v for_o he_o patient_o do_v lay_v up_o so_o much_o treasure_n for_o himself_o in_o another_o world_n and_o provide_v last_a comfort_n for_o himself_o and_o faithful_a and_o constant_a companion_n that_o will_v never_o leave_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o let_v we_o then_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v while_o we_o have_v opportunity_n and_o serve_v god_n with_o all_o our_o might_n know_v that_o no_o good_a action_n that_o we_o do_v shall_v be_v lose_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n that_o every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n that_o we_o exercise_v in_o this_o life_n and_o every_o degree_n of_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o full_a recompense_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a how_o shall_v this_o inspire_v we_o with_o resolution_n and_o zeal_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o have_v such_o a_o reward_n continual_o in_o our_o eye_n how_o shall_v it_o tempt_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n to_o have_v a_o crown_n and_o a_o kingdom_n offer_v to_o we_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n such_o thing_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o such_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o who_o love_v he_o hearty_o and_o serve_v he_o faithful_o in_o this_o world_n sermon_n v._o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n heb._n vi_o 4_o 5_o 6._o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n these_o word_n be_v full_a of_o difficulty_n and_o the_o misunderstanding_n of_o they_o have_v not_o only_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n and_o even_o despair_n to_o particular_a person_n but_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n v._n vol._n v._n which_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o demonstrative_a instance_n both_o of_o the_o fallible_a judgement_n of_o that_o church_n and_o of_o the_o fallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o st._n jerom_n more_o than_o once_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n which_o be_v about_o 400_o year_n after_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o receive_v this_o epistle_n for_o canonical_a but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o since_o that_o time_n whether_o move_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a by_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o church_n they_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n acknowledge_v it_o for_o canonical_a from_o whence_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v necessary_o follow_v either_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n for_o 400_o year_n together_o while_o they_o reject_v it_o or_o that_o they_o have_v since_o err_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o receive_v it_o one_o of_o these_o be_v unavoidable_a for_o if_o the_o book_n be_v canonical_a now_o it_o be_v so_o from_o the_o beginning_n for_o bellarmine_n himself_o confess_v and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o confess_v it_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o true_a and_o certain_a that_o the_o church_n can_v make_v a_o book_n canonical_a which_o be_v not_o so_o before_o 5._o ser._n 5._o if_o it_o be_v not_o canonical_a at_o first_o it_o can_v be_v make_v so_o afterward_o so_o that_o let_v they_o choose_v which_o part_n they_o will_v it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o denial_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v actual_o err_v in_o her_o judgement_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n and_o one_o error_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v enough_o to_o destroy_v her_o infallibility_n there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o a_o church_n be_v not_o infallible_a than_o if_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o she_o have_v be_v deceive_v and_o this_o also_o be_v a_o convince_a instance_n of_o the_o fallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o if_o that_o be_v infallible_a in_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o whatever_o book_n be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o for_o canonical_a in_o one_o age_n must_v have_v be_v so_o in_o all_o age_n and_o whatever_o be_v reject_v in_o any_o age_n must_v always_o have_v be_v reject_v but_o we_o plain_o see_v the_o contrary_a from_o the_o instance_n of_o this_o epistle_n concern_v which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o faithful_a preserver_n of_o tradition_n have_v in_o several_a age_n deliver_v several_a thing_n this_o be_v a_o peremptory_a instance_n both_o of_o the_o fallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o of_o her_o oral_a tradition_n have_v observe_v this_o by_o the_o way_n which_o i_o can_v not_o well_o pass_v by_o upon_o so_o fair_a a_o occasion_n i_o shall_v betake_v myself_o to_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n towards_o which_o it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o consider_v the_o particular_a phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a among_o the_o ancient_n than_o to_o call_v baptism_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d illumination_n and_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d enlighten_v person_n because_o of_o that_o divine_a illumination_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n the_o doctrine_n whereof_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o at_o their_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o call_v upon_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o enlighten_v person_n be_v wash_v and_o again_o more_o express_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o laver_n speak_v of_o baptism_n be_v call_v illumination_n and_o st._n cyprian_n give_v we_o the_o reason_n because_o by_o virtue_n of_o baptism_n in_o expiatum_fw-la pectus_fw-la ac_fw-la
himself_o live_v when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n and_o to_o become_v man._n and_o then_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o assume_v our_o nature_n in_o its_o high_a glory_n and_o perfection_n but_o compass_v with_o infirmity_n and_o liable_a in_o all_o point_n to_o be_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v but_o still_o it_o be_v without_o sin_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o exact_a from_o we_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n as_o he_o do_v he_o make_v allowance_n for_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v of_o our_o sincere_a though_o very_o imperfect_a obedience_n but_o after_o all_o this_o his_o humane_a nature_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o divinity_n and_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n without_o measure_n and_o this_o will_v indeed_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o we_o and_o our_o pattern_n as_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n if_o we_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o assistance_n which_o be_v neceessary_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o this_o god_n offer_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o for_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o christ_n jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o all_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n out_o our_o salvation_n god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v so_o that_o as_o to_o that_o obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o quench_v and_o resist_v his_o bless_a spirit_n we_o may_v be_v as_o real_o assist_v as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v for_o in_o this_o respect_n all_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 8.14_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v the_o life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a so_o in_o the_o main_a it_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n and_o can_v not_o have_v come_v near_o to_o we_o without_o want_v that_o perfection_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o complete_a and_o absolute_a pattern_n the_o son_n of_o god_n condescend_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v render_v he_o the_o most_o familiar_a and_o equal_a example_n to_o we_o except_v that_o which_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a so_o have_v be_v infinite_o dishonourable_a to_o he_o and_o will_v have_v spoil_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o example_n he_o come_v as_o near_o to_o we_o as_o be_v fit_a or_o possible_a be_v in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v that_o be_v abate_v that_o one_o thing_n which_o he_o come_v to_o destroy_v and_o abolish_v and_o which_o will_v have_v destroy_v the_o very_a end_n of_o his_o come_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v without_o sin_n he_o can_v neither_o have_v make_v a_o expiation_n for_o sin_n nor_o have_v be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n and_o as_o the_o life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o absolute_a pattern_n so_o that_o by_o consider_v his_o temper_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n we_o may_v reform_v all_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o exorbitance_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o error_n and_o irregularity_n of_o our_o life_n so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a powerful_a example_n and_o of_o great_a force_n to_o oblige_v and_o provoke_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o one_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o reverence_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o love_n above_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o example_n of_o our_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a benefactor_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n of_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n of_o one_o who_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o be_v content_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n together_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o it_o and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a condition_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o opportunity_n to_o instruct_v and_o lead_v mankind_n in_o the_o way_n to_o life_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o wrath_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o god_n and_o happiness_n it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o one_o who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o seal_v his_o love_n to_o we_o in_o his_o blood_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v enemy_n do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o we_o than_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v for_o his_o friend_n and_o sure_o these_o consideration_n can_v but_o mighty_o recommend_v and_o endear_v to_o we_o this_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n we_o be_v ambitious_a to_o imitate_v those_o who_o we_o high_o esteem_v and_o reverence_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v their_o example_n in_o great_a veneration_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a kindness_n and_o benefit_n and_o be_v always_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o those_o who_o we_o love_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o those_o from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a favour_n and_o who_o be_v continual_o heap_v great_a obligation_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o pattern_n or_o the_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o it_o to_o we_o by_o that_o infinite_a love_n and_o kindness_n which_o he_o have_v express_v towards_o we_o we_o have_v all_o the_o temptation_n and_o all_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o for_o who_o will_v not_o glad_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o best_a friend_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ever_o have_v who_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o example_n to_o which_o we_o stand_v indebt_v for_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n that_o ever_o be_v procure_v for_o mankind_n thus_o you_o see_v of_o what_o force_n and_o advantage_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v towards_o the_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n 3_o dly_z he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o he_o have_v purchase_v it_o for_o we_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n by_o which_o he_o have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o not_o only_a deliverance_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v but_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n when_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v just_o incur_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n he_o be_v content_v to_o be_v substitute_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o to_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n and_o to_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o our_o offence_n by_o his_o own_o suffering_n he_o die_v for_o we_o that_o be_v not_o only_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n but_o in_o our_o place_n and_o stead_n so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o die_v we_o have_v eternal_o perish_v and_o because_o he_o die_v we_o be_v save_v from_o that_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a to_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n call_v by_o the_o name_n or_o term_n of_o satisfaction_n yet_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n it_o be_v call_v the_o prize_n of_o our_o redemption_n for_o as_o we_o be_v sinner_n we_o be_v liable_a and_o indebt_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n have_v discharge_v this_o obligation_n which_o discharge_v since_o it_o be_v obtain_v for_o we_o by_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n without_o which_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v there_o have_v be_v no_o remission_n of_o sin_n why_o it_o may_v not_o proper_o enough_o be_v call_v payment_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v not_o that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o his_o son_n for_o he_o be_v always_o well_o please_v with_o he_o or_o that_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v the_o very_a same_o which_o the_o sinner_n shall_v have_v do_v in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o proper_a pain_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o that_o his_o perfect_a
both_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n that_o be_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n but_o then_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n endeavour_n to_o avoid_v this_o plain_a text_n by_o distinguish_v between_o a_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n and_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n but_o now_o if_o christ_n mediation_n by_o way_n of_o intercession_n be_v found_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o redemption_n then_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n than_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o so_o that_o the_o power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v found_v in_o his_o ransom_n that_o be_v the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n in_o virtue_n whereof_o alone_o he_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o we_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v most_o plain_o assert_v so_o that_o all_o other_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o be_v exclude_v from_o offering_n and_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n beside_o our_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o life_n for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o intercession_n be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o that_o be_v who_o put_v up_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o the_o alone_a virtue_n of_o his_o mediation_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o if_o his_o intercession_n be_v available_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a so_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n in_o apply_v to_o any_o other_o whether_o saint_n or_o angel_n or_o even_o the_o bless_a virgin_n if_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o innercession_n be_v limit_v to_o those_o who_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v by_o what_o mean_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o 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 in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v explain_v first_o negative_o and_o then_o positive_o 1_o st_o negative_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o own_v of_o christ_n for_o our_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o will_v be_v accept_v in_o this_o case_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n by_o which_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o understand_v all_o that_o profession_n of_o religion_n which_o fall_v short_a of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o name_n and_o religion_n the_o mere_a belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o ownig_a of_o he_o for_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n no_o nor_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o he_o and_o profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o communicate_v in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n no_o though_o this_o be_v set_v off_o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a manner_n by_o prophesy_v and_o work_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n many_o shall_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wondrous_a work_n we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o have_v hear_v thou_o preach_v in_o our_o street_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o without_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o gain_v we_o admission_n into_o heaven_n 2_o dly_z positive_o that_o which_o god_n require_v as_o a_o condition_n and_o will_v accept_v as_o a_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n be_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o they_o that_o harken_v to_o he_o that_o be_v to_o they_o that_o do_v so_o hear_v and_o believe_v his_o gospel_n as_o to_o obey_v it_o to_o they_o and_o no_o other_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v what_o obedience_n it_o be_v which_o the_o gospel_n exact_v as_o a_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n in_o all_o those_o who_o hope_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o virtual_a and_o a_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n a_o perfect_a and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o they_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o term_n will_v give_v we_o a_o distinct_a conception_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o 1_o st_o there_o be_v a_o virtual_a and_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o a_o actual_a obedience_n i_o mean_v the_o practice_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o several_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o course_n and_o tenor_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n when_o out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n man_n do_v show_v forth_o their_o work_n and_o by_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o their_o life_n do_v give_v real_a testimony_n of_o their_o piety_n justice_n sobriety_n humility_n meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n as_o occasion_n be_v minister_v for_o the_o practice_n and_o exercise_n of_o they_o by_o a_o virtual_a obedience_n i_o mean_v a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o holiness_n and_o equity_n of_o its_o precept_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o threaten_n and_o a_o true_a repentance_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v obedience_n in_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n for_o he_o who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o do_v true_o repent_v of_o the_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o his_o life_n be_v firm_o resolve_v to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o prevent_v or_o hinder_v this_o man_n actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a life_n but_o only_o the_o want_n of_o time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o do_v hearty_o embrace_v it_o and_o turn_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n but_o perhaps_o be_v cut_v off_o soon_o after_o as_o there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v but_o new_o gain_v to_o christianity_n be_v present_o put_v to_o death_n and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o that_o profession_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o in_o this_o case_n a_o virtual_a obedience_n be_v in_o such_o person_n a_o sufficient_a qualification_n for_o eternal_a life_n but_o where_o there_o be_v time_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n there_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n do_v sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o better_a life_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o afterward_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n put_v this_o resolution_n in_o practice_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o persevere_v in_o a_o holy_a course_n his_o first_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n though_o it_o be_v sincere_a will_v not_o avail_v he_o to_o salvation_n nay_o if_o he_o shall_v continue_v for_o some_o time_n in_o the_o resolution_n
sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n i_o come_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n to_o show_v that_o this_o method_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n which_o be_v call_v the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n because_o it_o consist_v so_o much_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o observance_n which_o be_v but_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o which_o when_o they_o be_v come_v that_o law_n do_v expire_v of_o itself_o and_o be_v out_o of_o date_n the_o obligation_n and_o observance_n of_o it_o be_v no_o long_o necessary_a but_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n come_v in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o and_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o sincere_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v no_o long_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o that_o external_a and_o servile_a and_o imperfect_a dispensation_n which_o consist_v in_o circumcision_n and_o in_o almost_o a_o endless_a number_n of_o external_a ceremony_n these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n so_o often_o speak_v of_o by_o st._n paul_n concern_v which_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o only_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o to_o a_o man_n justification_n and_o salvation_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o both_o which_o opinion_n st._n paul_n call_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n but_o there_o be_v no_o where_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v either_o by_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n that_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v in_o substance_n the_o moral_a law_n clear_v and_o perfect_v be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v our_o saviour_n express_a direction_n to_o the_o young_a man_n who_o ask_v what_o good_a thing_n he_o shall_v do_v that_o he_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n if_o thou_o will_v say_v he_o enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o that_o he_o may_v understand_v what_o commandment_n he_o mean_v he_o instance_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o the_o precept_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v full_a and_o express_a to_o this_o purpose_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o that_o be_v these_o precept_n which_o i_o have_v deliver_v and_o do_v they_o not_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n that_o be_v act_v and_o inspire_v by_o charity_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v that_o charity_n or_o love_n which_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o which_o text_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o term_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o what_o be_v available_a with_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o st._n james_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o work_n of_o obedience_n our_o faith_n be_v make_v perfect_a and_o that_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o sure_o a_o dead_a faith_n will_v neither_o justify_v nor_o save_v any_o man._n st._n john_n likewise_o very_o earnest_o caution_n we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o will_v take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n little_a child_n say_v he_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a as_o he_o be_v righteous_a to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o my_o text_n that_o christ_n become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o so_o that_o no_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n shall_v be_v any_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n for_o so_o long_o as_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v but_o assert_v and_o secure_v 1_o st_z that_o faith_n be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n 2_o dly_z that_o we_o stand_v continual_o in_o need_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v that_o obedience_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o and_o be_v please_v to_o accept_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o 3_o dly_z that_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v found_v in_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n confer_v these_o blessing_n upon_o we_o not_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o only_o for_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n i_o say_v so_o long_o as_o we_o assert_v these_o three_o thing_n we_o give_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n any_o where_o ascribe_v to_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o express_v these_o thing_n more_o full_o and_o distinct_o that_o no_o man_n may_v imagine_v that_o whilst_o we_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n we_o have_v any_o design_n to_o derogate_v in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o only_o to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n by_o convince_a they_o of_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v in_o plain_a english_a no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o may_v get_v to_o heaven_n and_o whoever_o find_v fault_n with_o this_o doctrine_n find_v fault_n with_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n therein_o reveal_v to_o mankind_n which_o offer_v salvation_n to_o man_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n than_o these_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o to_o preach_v and_o press_v this_o doctrine_n be_v certain_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v so_o to_o pursue_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o plain_o and_o express_o declare_v by_o st._n paul_n tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n have_v this_o effect_n upon_o we_o than_o we_o may_v with_o confidence_n wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o then_o he_o add_v these_o thing_n teach_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n that_o be_v declare_v and_o inculcate_v this_o doctrine_n and_o rebuke_v severe_o those_o who_o teach_v or_o practice_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o he_o repeat_v it_o again_o with_o a_o more_o vehement_a charge_n to_o titus_n to_o press_v upon_o man_n the_o necessity_n of_o
obedience_n and_o good_a work_n chap._n 3.8_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o who_o have_v belieed_o in_o god_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n first_o of_o all_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o a_o empty_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n how_o specious_a and_o glorious_a soever_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n avail_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n no_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n no_o subjection_n to_o he_o though_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n and_o listen_v ourselves_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n though_o we_o have_v make_v a_o constant_a profession_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o have_v perform_v all_o the_o external_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n have_v go_v constant_o to_o church_n and_o frequent_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o have_v join_v in_o public_a prayer_n to_o god_n with_o great_a appearance_n of_o devotion_n and_o have_v hear_v his_o word_n with_o great_a reverence_n and_o attention_n and_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n with_o all_o imaginable_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o our_o belessed_a redeemer_n nay_o though_o we_o have_v hear_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o teach_v in_o our_o street_n and_o have_v eat_v and_o drunken_a in_o his_o presence_n yet_o if_o all_o this_o while_n we_o have_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o obey_v his_o law_n none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n will_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o mankind_n but_o we_o can_v plead_v so_o much_o for_o ourselves_o as_o those_o do_v of_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v none_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v for_o ourselves_o at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o his_o name_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o can_v allege_v all_o this_o it_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a all_o that_o such_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o be_v that_o they_o have_v call_v he_o lord_n lord_n that_o be_v they_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n that_o they_o have_v pay_v a_o outward_a honour_n and_o respect_n to_o he_o and_o declare_v a_o mighty_a love_n and_o affection_n for_o he_o but_o they_o have_v not_o do_v his_o will_n but_o have_v hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o have_v cast_v his_o commandment_n behind_o their_o back_n they_o have_v only_o bear_v the_o leave_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o have_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o reasonable_a expectation_n that_o their_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o when_o these_o man_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o those_o vain_a word_n lord_n lord_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n will_v answer_v in_o that_o day_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n when_o you_o will_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o your_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o and_o subjection_n to_o i_o you_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n therefore_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v stir_v as_o up_o to_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o thankfulness_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o or_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o it_o be_v purchase_v or_o the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v 1_o st_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v salvation_n eternal_a salvation_n which_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n our_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o by_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o by_o our_o justification_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o they_o by_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o comprehend_v the_o end_n our_o deliverance_n from_o hell_n and_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o the_o bestow_n of_o happiness_n upon_o we_o a_o great_a and_o last_a happiness_n great_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o immortal_a as_o our_o soul_n all_o this_o be_v comprehend_v in_o eternal_a salvation_n 2_o dly_z if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o this_o great_a benefit_n be_v purchase_v and_o procure_v for_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o condescension_n in_o the_o low_a humiliation_n and_o the_o unparalleled_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o never_o be_v there_o any_o sorrow_n like_a unto_o his_o sorrow_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n afflict_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o fierce_a anger_n in_o his_o take_n upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o the_o person_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o his_o become_a obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o vile_a slave_n and_o the_o most_o heinous_a malefactor_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n into_o this_o low_a world_n this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o sink_v of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o be_v content_v himself_o to_o suffer_v to_o save_v we_o from_o eternal_a ruin_n to_o be_v the_o most_o despicable_a and_o the_o most_o miserable_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v that_o he_o may_v raise_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o advance_v we_o to_o a_o state_n of_o the_o great_a happiness_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o 3_o dly_z if_o we_o consider_v the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a benefit_n and_o that_o be_v by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o suppose_v repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o be_v by_o do_v that_o which_o best_o become_v we_o and_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o original_a frame_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n and_o which_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v real_o best_a for_o our_o present_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n our_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n for_o god_n in_o give_v law_n to_o we_o have_v impose_v nothing_o upon_o we_o but_o what_o in_o all_o reason_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v our_o choice_n if_o he_o have_v not_o impose_v it_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o we_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o gracious_a than_o to_o make_v one_o benefit_n the_o condition_n of_o a_o great_a than_o to_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o will_v but_o do_v that_o which_o upon_o all_o account_n be_v real_o best_o and_o most_o for_o our_o advantage_n in_o this_o present_a life_n three_o here_o be_v abundant_a encouragement_n give_v to_o our_o obedience_n we_o have_v the_o divine_a assistance_n promise_v to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o help_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o for_o our_o further_a encouragement_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o divine_a acceptance_n in_o case_n of_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n notwithstanding_o the_o manifold_a fail_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o meritorious_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o though_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v
we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n yet_o god_n be_v please_v to_o accept_v what_o we_o can_v do_v because_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o to_o forgive_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o obedience_n for_o his_o sake_n who_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o we_o have_v the_o encouragement_n of_o a_o great_a and_o everlasting_a reward_n infinite_o beyond_o all_o proportion_n of_o any_o service_n and_o obedience_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v and_o if_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o be_v willing_a so_o gracious_o to_o accept_v and_o to_o reward_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o best_a service_n and_o obedience_n what_o can_v we_o possible_o desire_v more_o for_o our_o encouragement_n to_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n and_o to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n four_o and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n may_v serve_v severe_o to_o rebuke_v the_o groundless_a presumption_n of_o those_o who_o rely_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n upon_o chrst_n for_o eternal_a salvation_n without_o any_o conscience_n or_o care_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o if_o salvation_n lie_v upon_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o dispose_v of_o it_o and_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o one_o that_o will_v come_v and_o take_v it_o off_o upon_o any_o term_n no_o he_o come_v to_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n so_o that_o the_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o do_v necessary_o imply_v our_o forsake_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o return_v to_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n and_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n be_v not_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o his_o great_a love_n to_o mankind_n than_o they_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o his_o perfect_a hatred_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o if_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n we_o defeat_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o the_o redemption_n which_o christ_n have_v wrought_v for_o we_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o in_o the_o least_o salvation_n be_v far_o from_o the_o wicked_a say_v david_n psal_n 119.155_o if_o we_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v it_o will_v bid_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a presumption_n in_o the_o world_n for_o any_o man_n to_o hope_v to_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n by_o any_o device_n whatsoever_o or_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n whatsoever_o without_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o though_o our_o obedience_n can_v merit_v yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v we_o for_o it_o though_o it_o do_v not_o make_v we_o strict_o worthy_a yet_o it_o make_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n sermon_n viii_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o commission_n and_o promise_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o apostle_n mat._n xxviii_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o jesus_n come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n these_o word_n be_v the_o last_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v to_o his_o apostle_n immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o v._n vol._n v._n i._o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n ii_o a_o commission_n to_o his_o disciple_n ground_v upon_o that_o authority_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o iii_o a_o promise_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o this_o work_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o here_o be_v our_o saviour_n declaration_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n here_o be_v a_o unlimited_a power_n and_o authority_n give_v he_o over_o all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n this_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o be_v confer_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o his_o suffering_n phil._n 2.8_o 9_o 10._o he_o humble_v himself_o and_o become_v obedient_a unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n wherefore_o god_n also_o have_v high_o exalt_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o name_n which_o be_v above_o every_o name_n that_o at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o thing_n in_o earth_n and_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v that_o all_o creature_n angel_n and_o man_n and_o devil_n shall_v do_v homage_n and_o acknowledge_v subjection_n to_o he_o ii_o here_o be_v the_o commission_n he_o give_v to_o his_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o authority_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n the_o commission_n which_o he_o here_o give_v be_v found_v in_o the_o authority_n he_o have_v before_o receive_v have_v all_o power_n commit_v to_o he_o he_o constitute_v and_o appoint_v the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n upon_o earth_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o commission_n which_o st._n john_n mention_n in_o other_o word_n john_n 20.21_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o that_o be_v as_o my_o father_n commission_v i_o before_o so_o now_o have_v receive_v full_a authority_n from_o he_o i_o commission_n you_o now_o in_o this_o commission_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n first_o of_o the_o general_a import_n and_o design_n of_o it_o second_o a_o more_o particular_a declaration_n how_o they_o be_v to_o manage_v this_o design_n first_o the_o general_a import_n and_o design_n of_o this_o commission_n go_v you_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n the_o word_n which_o we_o translate_v teach_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d disciple_n all_o nation_n endeavour_v to_o make_v all_o the_o world_n christian_n one_o will_v think_v here_o be_v a_o power_n plain_o enough_o give_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n which_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v if_o we_o compare_v this_o passage_n in_o st._n matthew_n with_o the_o other_o evangelist_n st._n mark_v oh_o 16.15_o have_v it_o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n from_o which_o text_n i_o suppose_v st._n francis_n think_v himself_o bind_v to_o preach_v to_o beast_n and_o bird_n and_o according_o do_v it_o very_o often_o and_o with_o wonderful_a success_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o legend_n of_o his_o life_n but_o to_o extend_v our_o saviour_n commission_n so_o far_o be_v want_n of_o common_a sense_n in_o which_o st._n francis_n though_o they_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v other_o gift_n and_o grace_n to_o a_o eminent_a degree_n be_v plain_o defective_a but_o to_o proceed_v st._n luke_n ch_n 24.47_o tell_v we_o our_o saviour_n command_v that_o repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n among_o all_o nation_n begin_v at_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o their_o commission_n do_v plain_o extend_v to_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n only_o they_o be_v to_o begin_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n first_o to_o they_o and_o when_o they_o have_v go_v over_o judea_n and_o samaria_n then_o to_o pass_v to_o other_o nation_n as_o st._n luke_n do_v most_o express_o declare_v act_v 1.8_o you_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v witness_n unto_o i_o
preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v of_o the_o gospel-age_n so_o that_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n call_v the_o age_n those_o that_o go_v before_o be_v constant_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o age_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n so_o we_o find_v eph._n 3.9_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o mystery_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o age_n and_o you_o have_v the_o same_o phrase_n col._n 1.26_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n the_o expiration_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o last_o time_n and_o the_o last_o day_n heb._n 1.2_o but_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n 1_o cor._n 10.11_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n be_v come_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n the_o apostle_n heb._n 9.26_o speak_v of_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n that_o be_v at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o age_n which_o have_v go_v before_o in_o the_o last_o age._n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v govern_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n by_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o this_o phrase_n in_o scripture_n the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n will_v extend_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v extend_v to_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v suppose_v now_o to_o give_v our_o adversary_n their_o utmost_a scope_n that_o which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o grant_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n reach_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o age_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o qualify_v and_o enable_v they_o for_o the_o speedy_a plant_n and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o till_o this_o work_n be_v do_v now_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o intend_a in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o this_o ought_v not_o much_o to_o trouble_v we_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o do_v extend_v to_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v give_v we_o sufficient_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v assist_v the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n in_o the_o same_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o necessity_n for_o it_o but_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o we_o in_o such_o fit_a and_o necessary_a assistance_n as_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o it_o in_o every_o age_n shall_v require_v for_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v use_v such_o extraordinary_a mean_n to_o plant_v a_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o it_o afterward_o that_o he_o who_o have_v begin_v so_o good_a a_o work_n so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o design_n will_v let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o want_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o this_o be_v reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o we_o be_v not_o also_o without_o good_a ground_n for_o thus_o extend_v the_o general_a reason_n of_o particular_a promise_n beyond_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o the_o apostle_n have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o this_o for_o heb._n 13.5_o 6._o he_o there_o extend_v two_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o all_o christian_n let_v your_o conversation_n say_v he_o be_v without_o covetousness_n and_o be_v content_a with_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v for_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o and_o again_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o helper_n i_o will_v not_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o i_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o particular_a person_n the_o first_o of_o they_o to_o joshua_n and_o the_o other_o to_o david_n but_o yet_o the_o apostle_n apply_v they_o to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n because_o the_o general_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o extend_v so_o far_o he_o who_o give_v joshua_n and_o david_n this_o encouragement_n to_o their_o duty_n will_v certain_o be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o if_o we_o do_v we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o controversy_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n which_o concern_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n mention_v in_o this_o promise_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v plain_o show_v that_o both_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o age_n even_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v second_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o promise_n itself_o namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v with_o they_o and_o here_o our_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v fain_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v that_o that_o church_n shall_v always_o be_v infallible_a and_o never_o err_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o promise_n nor_o any_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v direct_v to_o understand_v this_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v to_o that_o church_n so_o to_o any_o unprejudiced_a person_n the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o this_o promise_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v commissionated_a the_o apostle_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n he_o promise_v to_o assist_v they_o in_o this_o work_n and_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o how_o any_o man_n can_v construe_v this_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o signify_v the_o perpetual_a infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n devise_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a text_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v that_o old_a and_o totter_a fabric_n of_o their_o infallibility_n here_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n of_o assistance_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o this_o assistance_n shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o apostle_n can_v neither_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n nor_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o assistance_n here_o promise_v if_o it_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o the_o assistance_n here_o promise_v shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v conclude_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n or_o colour_n for_o it_o he_o must_v have_v a_o very_a peculiar_a sagacity_n that_o can_v find_v out_o in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o a_o promise_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n be_v not_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o joshua_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n apply_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o the_o very_a same_o in_o sense_n with_o this_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o yet_o sure_o no_o man_n do_v ever_o imagine_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n every_o christian_a and_o every_o good_a man_n be_v infallible_a but_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n
christianity_n christ_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o condition_n do_v primary_o concern_v the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o next_o to_o they_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o general_n that_o they_o will_v be_v diligent_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o respective_a station_n teach_v man_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v this_o our_o great_a work_n to_o instruct_v our_o respective_a charge_n in_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o a_o good_a life_n we_o shall_v have_v far_o less_o trouble_n with_o they_o about_o other_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o work_n effectual_o we_o must_v be_v serious_a in_o our_o instruction_n and_o exemplary_a in_o our_o life_n serious_n in_o our_o instruction_n this_o certain_o the_o apostle_n require_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n when_o he_o charge_v minister_n so_o to_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a than_o to_o trifle_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o weighty_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a and_o everlasting_a concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o so_o slight_a and_o indecent_a a_o manner_n as_o be_v not_o only_o beneath_o the_o gravity_n of_o the_o pulpit_n but_o even_o of_o a_o well_o regulate_v stage_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o unsuitable_a than_o to_o hear_v a_o minister_n of_o god_n from_o this_o solemn_a place_n to_o break_v jest_n upon_o sin_n and_o to_o quibble_n upon_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n this_o be_v to_o shoot_v without_o a_o bullet_n and_o as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o do_v execution_n but_o only_o to_o make_v man_n smile_v at_o the_o mention_n of_o their_o fault_n this_o be_v so_o nauseous_a a_o folly_n and_o of_o so_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o religion_n that_o hardly_o any_o thing_n too_o severe_a can_v be_v say_v of_o it_o and_o then_o if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o instruction_n effectual_a we_o must_v be_v exemplary_a in_o our_o life_n aristotle_n tell_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o speaker_n have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o sovereign_a power_n of_o persuasion_n and_o therefore_o cato_n put_v it_o into_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o orator_n that_o he_o be_v vir_fw-la bone_fw-la dicendi_fw-la peritus_fw-la a_o good_a man_n and_o a_o eloquent_a speaker_n this_o be_v true_a as_o to_o all_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n the_o good_a opinion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o the_o speaker_n give_v great_a weight_n to_o his_o word_n and_o do_v strange_o dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o entertain_v his_o counsel_n but_o the_o reputation_n of_o goodness_n be_v more_o especial_o necessary_a and_o useful_a to_o those_o who_o proper_a work_v it_o be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o have_v charge_v titus_n to_o put_v man_n in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n he_o immediate_o add_v in_o all_o thing_n show_v thyself_o a_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n none_o so_o fit_a to_o teach_v other_o their_o duty_n and_o none_o so_o likely_a to_o gain_v man_n to_o it_o as_o those_o who_o practise_v it_o themselves_o because_o hereby_o we_o convince_v man_n that_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n when_o they_o see_v that_o we_o persuade_v they_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o choose_v to_o do_v ourselves_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o man_n and_o to_o confute_v their_o malice_n by_o a_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 2.15_o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o by_o well_o do_v you_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a men._n sermon_n ix_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n consider_v luke_n xiii_o 24_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a there_o be_v two_o great_a mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n equal_o false_a and_o equal_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o devil_n who_o great_a design_n it_o be_v to_o keep_v man_n off_o from_o religion_n by_o any_o mean_n make_v use_n of_o both_o these_o mistake_v to_o serve_v his_o own_o purpose_n and_o design_n upon_o the_o several_a temper_n of_o men._n those_o who_o be_v melancholy_a and_o serious_a he_o dishearten_v and_o discourage_v from_o attempt_v it_o by_o the_o extreme_a trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o it_o represent_v it_o in_o so_o horrid_a and_o frightful_a a_o shape_n encumber_v with_o such_o difficulty_n and_o attend_v with_o such_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n as_o be_v insuperable_a and_o intolerable_a to_o human_a nature_n whereby_o he_o persuade_v man_n that_o they_o have_v better_o never_o attempt_v it_o since_o they_o may_v despair_v to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o be_v sanguine_a and_o full_a of_o hope_n he_o possess_v with_o a_o quite_o contrary_a apprehension_n that_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o short_a and_o easy_a a_o work_n that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v at_o any_o time_n and_o if_o need_v be_v at_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o our_o life_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o to_o put_v it_o upon_o the_o last_o hazard_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v lull_v in_o security_n and_o adjourn_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o so_o much_o in_o their_o power_n they_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o indeterminate_a resolution_n to_o set_v about_o that_o business_n some_o time_n or_o other_o before_o they_o die_v and_o so_o to_o repent_v and_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n once_o for_o all_o these_o pretence_n contradict_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v both_o true_a but_o they_o may_v both_o be_v false_a as_o indeed_o they_o be_v and_o truth_n lie_v between_o they_o religion_n be_v neither_o so_o slight_a and_o easy_a a_o work_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o nor_o so_o extreme_o difficult_a and_o intolerable_a as_o other_o will_v represent_v it_o to_o confute_v the_o false_a apprehension_n which_o some_o have_v of_o the_o easiness_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o there_o must_v be_v some_o strive_v and_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o insuperable_a as_o some_o will_v make_v they_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o who_o strive_v shall_v succeed_v and_o enter_v in_o but_o those_o who_o only_o seek_v that_o be_v do_v not_o vigorous_o set_v about_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o make_v some_o faint_a attempt_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v in_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o but_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a the_o occasion_n of_o which_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o question_n that_o be_v put_v to_o he_o by_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n concern_v the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v v._o 23._o one_o say_v unto_o he_o lord_n be_v there_o few_o that_o be_v save_v to_o which_o curious_a question_n our_o saviour_n according_a to_o his_o manner_n when_o such_o kind_n of_o question_n be_v put_v to_o he_o do_v not_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n because_o it_o be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o useful_a for_o his_o hearer_n to_o be_v resolve_v in_o it_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v what_o number_n of_o person_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o what_o course_n they_o shall_v take_v that_o they_o may_v be_v of_o that_o number_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n he_o put_v they_o upon_o their_o duty_n admonish_v they_o instead_o of_o concern_v themselves_o what_o shall_v become_v of_o other_o to_o take_v care_n of_o themselves_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o but_o few_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o some_o have_v presumptuous_o venture_v to_o determine_v but_o only_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o many_o that_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a in_o these_o word_n we_o may_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n second_o the_o reason_n or_o argument_n to_o enforce_v it_o for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a first_o the_o
let_v he_o that_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v which_o admonition_n be_v sure_o to_o little_a purpose_n if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o that_o stand_v to_o fall_v last_o other_o venture_v all_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n and_o their_o importunity_n with_o god_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n at_o last_o this_o indeed_o be_v only_o to_o seek_v and_o not_o to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o these_o perhaps_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n represent_v as_o stand_v without_o and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o or_o as_o st._n matthew_n express_v it_o many_o shall_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n which_o be_v most_o probable_o mean_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o their_o case_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o last_o extremity_n and_o next_o to_o that_o be_v the_o day_n of_o death_n when_o man_n be_v enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o endless_a happiness_n or_o misery_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o sinner_n will_v then_o be_v glad_a when_o he_o can_v no_o long_o continue_v in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o but_o the_o door_n be_v then_o shut_v to_o most_o sinner_n and_o it_o be_v a_o miracle_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n if_o any_o repentance_n that_o man_n can_v then_o exercise_v which_o at_o the_o best_a must_v needs_o be_v very_o confuse_a and_o imperfect_a will_v then_o be_v accept_v if_o any_o importunity_n which_o man_n can_v then_o use_v will_v be_v available_a for_o with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o expect_v that_o after_o all_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o a_o long_a life_n god_n shall_v be_v mollify_v towards_o we_o by_o a_o few_o good_a word_n and_o accept_v of_o a_o force_a and_o constrain_v repentance_n for_o all_o our_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a crime_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v forgive_v we_o all_o our_o sin_n upon_o a_o little_a importunity_n when_o we_o can_v sin_v no_o long_o and_o will_v repent_v no_o soon_o let_v we_o then_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v effectual_o persuade_v to_o mind_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n in_o good_a earnest_n and_o with_o all_o our_o might_n especial_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n let_v we_o hearty_o repent_v of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o past_a life_n and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o better_a course_n for_o the_o future_a and_o let_v we_o not_o delay_n and_o put_v off_o this_o necessary_a work_n to_o the_o most_o unfit_a and_o improper_a time_n of_o old_a age_n and_o sickness_n and_o death_n but_o let_v we_o set_v about_o it_o present_o and_o enter_v upon_o a_o good_a course_n and_o make_v all_o the_o speed_n and_o progress_n in_o it_o we_o can_v and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o whatever_o we_o do_v in_o religion_n will_v not_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n if_o we_o do_v not_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o universal_a obedience_n of_o his_o law_n this_o be_v to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n and_o though_o we_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o a_o thousand_o other_o way_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a and_o after_o all_o our_o confidence_n and_o conceit_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o security_n of_o our_o salvation_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o any_o church_n it_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a damp_n and_o disappointment_n to_o we_o to_o see_v the_o sincere_a christian_n who_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n to_o come_v from_o all_o quarter_n and_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n when_o we_o who_o think_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o because_o we_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o those_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 2.7_o 8_o 9_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v vnrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n sermon_n x._o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n sermon_n i._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 intend_v by_o god_n assistance_n to_o go_v over_o this_o parable_n than_o which_o i_o think_v there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n which_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o affect_v man_n or_o which_o be_v more_o artificial_o contrive_v and_o in_o the_o circumstance_n whereof_o a_o great_a decorum_n be_v observe_v it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n among_o interpreter_n whether_o this_o narration_n concern_v the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n be_v a_o parable_n or_o a_o history_n v._n vol._n v._n or_o a_o mixture_n of_o both_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o history_n the_o resemblance_n between_o it_o and_o other_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n will_v easy_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o contentious_a beside_o that_o in_o some_o ancient_a copy_n it_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o this_o preface_n and_o he_o speak_v a_o parable_n to_o his_o disciple_n a_o certain_a rich_a man_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o improbable_o conjecture_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o parable_n as_o have_v something_o of_o a_o real_a foundation_n as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o poor_a man_n as_o lazarus_n be_v here_o describe_v and_o of_o that_o name_n among_o the_o jew_n for_o in_o a_o mere_a parable_n it_o be_v altogether_o unusual_a to_o name_v person_n nor_o be_v this_o do_v in_o any_o other_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v so_o or_o not_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o dispute_v because_o it_o alter_v not_o the_o case_n as_o to_o our_o saviour_n purpose_n and_o the_o instruction_n which_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o it_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o parable_n i_o shall_v explain_v it_o as_o i_o go_v along_o and_o draw_v two_o sort_n of_o instruction_n or_o observation_n from_o it_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o observation_n shall_v be_v from_o the_o circumstance_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o decorum_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o these_o i_o will_v not_o warrant_v to_o be_v all_o intend_a by_o our_o saviour_n 10._o ser._n 10._o but_o only_o to_o be_v true_a in_o themselves_o and_o useful_a and_o to_o have_v a_o probable_a rise_n from_o some_o circumstance_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o very_o brief_o to_o they_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o observation_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o these_o i_o shall_v insist_v more_o large_o upon_o i_o begin_v first_o with_o those_o observation_n and_o instruction_n which_o i_o shall_v gather_v up_o from_o the_o circumstance_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o decorum_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o i_o shall_v take_v they_o in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o parable_n ver._n 19_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 some_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o description_n reflect_v upon_o herod_n because_o he_o describe_v this_o rich_a man_n to_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_n but_o this_o conjecture_n be_v without_o reason_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o saviour_n custom_n in_o his_o preach_v to_o give_v secret_a gird_n to_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v long_o after_o our_o saviour_n time_n that_o purple_n be_v appropriate_v to_o king_n it_o be_v then_o and_o a_o great_a while_n after_o the_o wear_v of_o rich_a and_o powerful_a man_n and_o of_o the_o favourite_n and_o great_a man_n of_o the_o court_n who_o be_v frequent_o in_o ancient_a history_n call_v the_o purpurati_fw-la those_o that_o wear_v purple_a that_o which_o i_o observe_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v not_o here_o censure_v for_o enjoy_v what_o he_o have_v for_o wear_v rich_a apparel_n and_o keep_v a_o great_a table_n this_o of_o itself_o
liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v this_o deserve_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v by_o those_o who_o make_v a_o great_a show_n of_o devotion_n and_o be_v at_o great_a pain_n in_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o all_o other_o frugal_a exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o stand_v they_o in_o no_o money_n lest_o all_o their_o labour_n be_v lose_v for_o want_v of_o this_o one_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n lest_o with_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n after_o they_o have_v keep_v all_o other_o commandment_n they_o be_v reject_v by_o christ_n for_o lack_v of_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o observation_n that_o unmercifulness_n be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 2_o do_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o alone_o and_o without_o any_o other_o gild_n be_v sufficient_a to_o ruin_v a_o man_n for_o ever_o the_o parable_n lay_v the_o rich_a man_n condemnation_n upon_o this_o it_o be_v the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n that_o torment_v he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o hell_n the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o severe_a threaten_n against_o this_o sin_n prov._n 21.13_o whoso_o stop_v his_o ear_n at_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o poor_a he_o also_o shall_v cry_v himself_o but_o shall_v not_o be_v hear_v god_n will_v have_v no_o regard_n or_o pity_n for_o the_o man_n that_o regard_v not_o the_o poor_a that_o be_v a_o terrible_a text_n jam._n 2.13_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n that_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n our_o saviour_n have_v two_o parable_n to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o sin_n this_o here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o that_o in_o luke_n 12._o concern_v the_o covetous_a man_n that_o enlarge_v his_o barn_n and_o be_v still_o lay_v up_o but_o lay_v nothing_o out_o upon_o the_o poor_a upon_o which_o our_o saviour_n make_v this_o observation_n which_o be_v the_o moral_a of_o the_o parable_n v._o 21._o so_o be_v he_o that_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o himself_o and_o be_v not_o rich_a towards_o god_n so_o shall_v he_o be_v such_o a_o issue_n of_o his_o folly_n may_v every_o one_o expect_v who_o lay_v up_o treasure_n for_o himself_o but_o do_v not_o lay_v up_o riches_n with_o god_n how_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o by_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n this_o our_o saviour_n call_v lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n matth._n 6.20_o and_o luke_n 12.33_o he_o call_v give_v of_o alm_n provide_v for_o ourselves_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a grace_n and_o virtue_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v so_o frequent_o make_v in_o scripture_n as_o to_o this_o of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a matth._n 5.7_o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v find_v mercy_n which_o promise_n as_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v a_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n so_o it_o seem_v principal_o to_o respect_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n at_o the_o great_a day_n luke_n 14.12_o 13_o 14_o when_o thou_o make_v a_o feast_n invite_v not_o the_o rich_a for_o they_o will_v recompense_v thou_o again_o but_o invite_v the_o poor_a and_o the_o maim_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a for_o they_o can_v recompense_v thou_o but_o thou_o shall_v be_v recompense_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a luke_n 16.9_o make_v therefore_o to_o yourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o vnrighteousness_n that_o when_o you_o shall_v fail_v they_o may_v receive_v you_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n 1_o tim._n 6.17_o 18_o 19_o charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o do_v good_a that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n ready_a to_o distribute_v willing_a to_o communicate_v lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o use_v a_o good_a treasure_n against_o the_o time_n which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o the_o most_o considerable_a text_n of_o all_o other_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v in_o matth._n 25._o where_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o a_o description_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o if_o that_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a representation_n of_o the_o process_n of_o that_o day_n than_o the_o grand_a enquiry_n will_v be_v what_o work_v of_o charity_n have_v be_v do_v or_o neglect_v by_o we_o and_o according_o sentence_n shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o we_o the_o proper_a result_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n our_o eternal_a happiness_n do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o one_o single_a grace_n or_o virtue_n as_o this_o of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v more_o general_a and_o fundamental_a grace_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o of_o all_o single_a virtue_n the_o scripture_n lay_v the_o great_a weight_n upon_o this_o of_o charity_n and_o if_o we_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o it_o we_o can_v but_o have_v a_o principal_a regard_n to_o it_o i_o know_v how_o averse_a man_n general_o be_v to_o this_o duty_n which_o make_v they_o so_o full_a of_o excuse_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o 1._o they_o have_v child_n to_o provide_v for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o all_o and_o they_o who_o case_n it_o be_v may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o leave_v a_o blessing_n as_o well_o as_o a_o inheritance_n to_o their_o child_n 2._o they_o tell_v we_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v something_o when_o they_o die_v i_o doubt_v that_o very_o much_o but_o grant_v their_o intention_n to_o be_v real_a why_o shall_v man_n choose_v to_o spoil_v a_o good_a work_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o grace_n and_o acceptableness_n of_o it_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o show_v a_o great_a backwardness_n to_o the_o work_n when_o we_o defer_v it_o as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v he_o that_o will_v not_o do_v good_a till_o he_o be_v enforce_v by_o the_o last_o necessity_n diu_fw-la noluit_fw-la be_v long_o unwilling_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o worst_a compliment_n we_o can_v put_v upon_o god_n to_o give_v a_o thing_n to_o he_o when_o we_o can_v keep_v it_o no_o long_o 3._o other_o say_v they_o may_v come_v to_o want_v themselves_o and_o it_o be_v prudence_n to_o provide_v against_o that_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o i_o believe_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o come_v the_o soon_o to_o want_v for_o his_o charity_n david_n have_v a_o express_a observatinn_n to_o the_o contrary_a psa_n 37.25_o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a yet_o have_v i_o not_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n beg_v bread_n and_o though_o he_o use_v a_o general_a word_n yet_o that_o by_o the_o righteous_a here_o he_o intend_v the_o merciful_a man_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o next_o word_n he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v and_o beside_o david_n observation_n we_o have_v express_v promise_n of_o god_n to_o secure_v we_o against_o this_o fear_n psal_n 41.1_o 2._o bless_a be_v he_o that_o consider_v the_o poor_a the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v he_o in_o time_n of_o trouble_n the_o lord_n will_v preserve_v he_o and_o keep_v he_o alive_a and_o he_o shall_v be_v bless_v upon_o the_o earth_n pro._n 28.27_o he_o that_o give_v unto_o the_o poor_a shall_v not_o lack_v 2._o thou_o may_v come_v to_o want_v though_o thou_o give_v nothing_o thou_o may_v lose_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v spare_v in_o this_o kind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n thou_o may_v lose_v all_o and_o then_o thou_o be_v no_o better_o secure_v against_o want_n than_o if_o thou_o have_v be_v charitable_a beside_o that_o when_o thou_o be_v bring_v to_o poverty_n thou_o will_v want_v the_o comfort_n of_o have_v do_v this_o duty_n and_o may_v just_o look_v upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o thy_o poverty_n 3._o after_o all_o our_o care_n to_o provide_v for_o ourselves_o we_o must_v trust_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o a_o man_n can_v in_o no_o case_n so_o safe_o commit_v himself_o to_o god_n as_o in_o well_o do_v if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o we_o all_o believe_v be_v peculiar_o concern_v to_o bless_v one_o man_n more_o than_o another_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o charitable_a man_n will_v not_o have_v the_o least_o portion_n 4