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word_n with_o joy_n and_o endure_v for_o a_o while_n but_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v not_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o word_n but_o their_o faith_n have_v take_v no_o deep_a root_n and_o therefore_o it_o wither_v the_o weakness_n and_o waver_v of_o man_n faith_n make_v they_o unstable_a and_o inconstant_a in_o their_o course_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o divide_v betwixt_o two_o interest_n that_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o the_o double_a mind_a man_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n it_o be_v general_o a_o true_a rule_n so_o much_o waver_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o man_n so_o much_o weakness_n there_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o any_o man_n firm_o believe_v let_v he_o attend_v to_o his_o action_n more_o than_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o 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faith_n and_o make_v it_o more_o vigorous_a and_o powerful_a and_o indeed_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o root_v and_o establishould_n do_v suppose_v a_o wise_a and_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o themselves_o serious_o how_o much_o religion_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o to_o be_v true_a to_o it_o and_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o sense_n and_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o present_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o consider_v our_o future_a and_o last_a interest_n and_o the_o whole_a duration_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o man_n be_v hurry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a and_o sensible_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o take_v time_n to_o think_v 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any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v nay_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o forsake_v our_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o consideration_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o ever_o any_o of_o we_o be_v tempt_v in_o this_o kind_n let_v that_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o judge_n be_v continual_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosever_v shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o thank_v god_n to_o see_v so_o many_o in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o hour_n of_o temptation_n to_o adhere_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o earthly_a consideration_n and_o advantage_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o hold_v their_o religion_n so_o fast_o and_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o it_o gives_z great_a hope_n that_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n whilst_o we_o live_v and_o comfort_v when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n secure_a to_o we_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o either_o by_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n
rather_o because_o they_o be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o presume_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n aught_o to_o be_v condemn_v at_o all_o adventure_n without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n this_o i_o say_v be_v fond_a partiality_n because_o every_o religion_n and_o every_o church_n may_v for_o aught_o that_o appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v thing_n impartial_o say_v the_o same_o for_o themselves_o and_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n and_o if_o so_o then_o either_o every_o religion_n ought_v to_o permit_v itself_o to_o be_v examine_v or_o else_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o consequent_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_n and_o heretic_n ought_v all_o to_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v and_o none_o of_o they_o to_o change_v because_o they_o can_v reasonable_o change_v without_o examine_v both_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o leave_v and_o that_o which_o they_o embrace_v instead_o of_o it_o 2._o admit_v this_o pretence_n be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o have_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o they_o shall_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o why_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o they_o shall_v permit_v it_o to_o be_v try_v that_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a reason_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v because_o if_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v firm_a and_o good_a i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o but_o i_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ill_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v solid_a and_o firm_a and_o such_o as_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n that_o they_o be_v so_o very_o loath_a to_o have_v they_o search_v into_o and_o examine_v this_o can_v but_o tempt_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o suspect_v that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o know_v something_o that_o be_v amiss_o in_o their_o religion_n which_o make_v they_o so_o loath_a to_o have_v it_o try_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o touch._n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a among_o all_o christian_n that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o never_o forbid_v the_o christian_n to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o frequent_o exhort_v they_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o whether_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ._n so_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n and_o again_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o prove_v and_o try_v it_o and_o so_o likewise_o st._n john_n ep._n 1._o 4._o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o he_o give_v a_o very_a notable_a mark_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n carry_v on_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o tend_v to_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n vers_fw-la 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n therefore_o speak_v they_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n hear_v they_o act_n 17._o 11._o st._n luke_n commend_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o the_o beroean_n that_o they_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o without_o disparagement_n to_o their_o infallibility_n these_o say_v he_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o word_n but_o not_o blind_o and_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o use_v due_a care_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o have_v before_o receive_v it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o admit_v and_o swallow_v contradiction_n in_o their_o faith_n and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o that_o they_o will_v encourage_v the_o people_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o and_o to_o examine_v whether_o their_o doctrine_n be_v according_a to_o they_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v the_o pope_n and_o a_o general_n council_n commend_v to_o the_o people_n the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o try_v their_o definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o worship_n by_o that_o rule_n to_o see_v whether_o what_o they_o have_v define_v and_o decree_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o their_o worship_n of_o image_n their_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n depart_v the_o sacrament_n under_o one_o kind_n only_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n in_o the_o mass._n have_v the_o beroean_n be_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o plead_v their_o right_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v very_o troublesome_a and_o impertinent_a and_o will_v not_o have_v be_v praise_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n for_o their_o pain_n as_o they_o be_v by_o st._n luke_n you_o see_v then_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a groundless_a and_o suspicious_a pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o because_o they_o be_v infallible_o in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o their_o people_n must_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o examine_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v undoubted_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o not_o only_o permit_v the_o people_n to_o examine_v it_o but_o exhort_v and_o encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o commend_v they_o for_o it_o and_o any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n must_v abhor_v to_o submit_v to_o this_o slavery_n not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v free_o into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o will_v break_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o single_a point_n and_o will_v tell_v they_o plain_o if_o your_o religion_n be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v examine_v i_o doubt_v it_o be_v too_o bad_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o allow_v of_o this_o liberty_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v people_n perpetual_o doubt_v and_o unsettled_a i_o do_v utter_o deny_v this_o and_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a with_o good_a reason_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v the_o contrary_a effect_n there_o be_v in_o reason_n no_o better_a way_n to_o establish_v any_o man_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o there_o be_v very_o good_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o believe_v which_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o see_v that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o reason_n or_o not_o so_o that_o beside_o the_o reasonablness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v of_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o account_n 1._o to_o arm_v we_o against_o seducer_n he_o that_o have_v examine_v his_o religion_n and_o try_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v most_o able_a to_o maintain_v they_o and_o make_v they_o good_a against_o all_o assault_n that_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o we_o to_o move_v we_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n whereas_o he_o that_o have_v not_o examine_v and_o consequent_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o to_o
they_o by_o faith_n for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v 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 but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o he_o resume_v the_o same_o argument_n again_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n for_o we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o building_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n that_o be_v we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o when_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v but_o exchange_v these_o earthly_a and_o perish_a body_n these_o house_n of_o clay_n for_o a_o heavenly_a mansion_n which_o will_v never_o decay_v nor_o come_v to_o ruin_v from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v verse_n 6._o therefore_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o what_o ever_o happen_v to_o we_o we_o be_v always_o of_o good_a courage_n and_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n know_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v since_o our_o continuance_n in_o the_o body_n be_v to_o our_o disadvantage_n and_o while_o we_o live_v we_o be_v absent_a from_o our_o happiness_n and_o when_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v then_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o that_o which_o give_v we_o this_o confidence_n and_o good_a courage_n be_v our_o faith_n for_o though_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o possess_v of_o this_o happiness_n which_o we_o speak_v of_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o support_v our_o spirit_n and_o keep_v up_o our_o courage_n under_o all_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n whatsoever_o verse_n 7._o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n these_o word_n come_v in_o by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o general_a what_o be_v the_o sway_v and_o govern_v principle_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n but_o under_o all_o event_n and_o in_o every_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o sight_n and_o present_a enjoyment_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n what_o ever_o principle_n sway_v and_o govern_v a_o man_n life_n and_o action_n he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v and_o live_v by_o it_o and_o as_o here_o a_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o walk_v by_o faith_n so_o elsewhere_o the_o just_a be_v say_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n which_o animate_v all_o his_o resolution_n and_o action_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o thing_n itself_o in_o present_a view_n and_o possession_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n future_a and_o invisible_a sight_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o hand_n and_o faith_n the_o thing_n only_o in_o hope_n and_o expectation_n sight_n be_v a_o clear_a view_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n present_a and_o near_o to_o we_o faith_n a_o obscure_a discovery_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 12._o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o this_o be_v faith_n but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n this_o be_v present_a sight_n as_o one_o man_n see_v another_o face_n to_o face_n and_o thus_o likewise_o the_o same_o apostle_n distinguish_v betwixt_o hope_n and_o sight_n rom._n 8._o 24._o 25._o hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v not_o hope_n for_o what_o a_o man_n see_v why_o do_v he_o yet_o hope_v for_o it_o but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o that_o which_o we_o see_v not_o then_o do_v we_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o sight_n be_v possession_n and_o enjoyment_n faith_n be_v the_o firm_a persuasion_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o govern_v principle_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v observe_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o govern_v principle_n and_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a we_o walk_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o order_v and_o govern_v our_o life_n in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o principle_n ii_o faith_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o assent_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o sense_n this_o be_v sufficient-intimated_n in_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o sight_n he_o have_v say_v before_o that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n and_o proof_n of_o our_o absence_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o enjoy_v but_o believe_v and_o expect_v if_o we_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n than_o faith_n will_v cease_v and_o be_v turn_v into_o sight_n but_o though_o we_o have_v not_o that_o assurance_n of_o another_o world_n which_o we_o shall_v have_v when_o we_o come_v to_o see_v and_o enjoy_v these_o thing_n yet_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o they_o iii_o notwithstanding_o faith_n be_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o assurance_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v such_o a_o assurance_n as_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n i._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o govern_v principle_n and_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o order_v and_o govern_v our_o life_n in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o principle_n a_o christian_n life_n consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o in_o a_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v what_o he_o call_v we_o to_o and_o the_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n hereto_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o sense_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v absent_a and_o future_a and_o not_o present_a and_o in_o possession_n for_o instance_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o invisible_a god_n of_o a_o secret_a power_n and_o providence_n that_o order_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v bless_v or_o blast_v we_o and_o all_o our_o design_n and_o undertake_n according_a as_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o secret_a aid_n and_o influence_n always_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o evil_a and_o to_o strengthen_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a more_o especial_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o world_n which_o though_o they_o be_v now_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o invisible_a to_o we_o yet_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v shall_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a and_o this_o faith_n this_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o absent_a and_o invisible_a thing_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o he_o call_v ch._n 11._o verse_n 1._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v viz._n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abel_n he_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o faithful_o serve_v he_o such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o noah_n who_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o not_o see_v as_o yet_o notwithstanding_o believe_v the_o divine_a prediction_n concern_v the_o flood_n and_o prepare_v a_o ark_n such_o also_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n concern_v a_o numerous_a posterity_n by_o isaac_n and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o such_o likewise_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v as_o firm_o believe_v the_o invisible_a god_n and_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n as_o if_o he_o have_v behold_v they_o with_o his_o eye_n and_o of_o this_o recompense_n of_o reward_n we_o christian_n have_v
virtue_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v both_o to_o the_o welfare_n of_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o weigh_v very_o much_o with_o we_o be_v that_o we_o have_v abundant_o more_o assurance_n of_o the_o recompense_n of_o another_o world_n than_o we_o have_v of_o many_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n which_o yet_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o action_n and_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a men._n man_n general_o hazard_v their_o life_n and_o estate_n upon_o term_n of_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o another_o world_n man_n venture_v to_o take_v physic_n upon_o probable_a ground_n of_o the_o integrity_n and_o skill_n of_o their_o physician_n and_o yet_o the_o want_n of_o either_o of_o these_o may_v hazard_v their_o life_n and_o man_n take_v physic_n upon_o great_a odds_o for_o it_o certain_o cause_v pain_n 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be_v please_v to_o give_v the_o world_n of_o a_o state_n beyond_o the_o grave_a and_o of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o life_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o so_o slender_a evidence_n so_o small_a a_o degree_n of_o assurance_n will_v serve_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o seek_v after_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n and_o yet_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o put_v they_o effectual_o upon_o look_v after_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o considerable_a no_o other_o reason_n of_o this_o can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o man_n be_v partial_a in_o their_o affection_n towards_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o love_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v for_o this_o world_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o assurance_n will_v engage_v they_o to_o 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a_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n if_o we_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o our_o persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v be_v abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o apostle_n join_v these_o together_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o what_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n which_o the_o more_o firm_o any_o man_n believe_v the_o more_o active_a and_o industrious_a will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o that_o our_o faith_n may_v have_v a_o constant_a and_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v frequent_o revolve_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o of_o that_o vast_a eternity_n which_o we_o shall_v short_o 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have_v something_o of_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o it_o and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n therein_o contain_v from_o one_o of_o the_o most_o specious_a objection_n of_o infidelity_n but_o i_o have_v a_o far_a design_n in_o this_o text_n and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n and_o inference_n from_o it_o that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o as_o first_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o clear_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o if_o abraham_n have_v not_o be_v full_o and_o past_o all_o doubt_n assure_v that_o this_o be_v a_o command_n from_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v spare_v his_o son_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v that_o those_o to_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v immediate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v divine_a otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o how_o man_n be_v assure_v concern_v divine_a revelation_n make_v to_o they_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o to_o other_o only_a these_o two_o thing_n we_o be_v sure_a of_o 1._o that_o god_n can_v work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o reveal_v and_o that_o such_o a_o revelation_n be_v from_o he_o this_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o that_o consider_v the_o great_a power_n and_o influence_n which_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o perfect_o know_v our_o frame_n must_v needs_o have_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n 2._o that_o god_n never_o offer_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o man_n belief_n that_o plain_o contradict_v the_o natural_a and_o essential_a notion_n of_o his_o mind_n because_o this_o will_v be_v for_o god_n to_o destroy_v his_o own_o workmanship_n and_o to_o impose_v that_o upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n which_o whilst_o it_o remain_v what_o it_o be_v it_o can_v 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a_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o first_o time_n god_n appear_v to_o abraham_n because_o it_o be_v a_o new_a thing_n that_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o future_a revelation_n god_n do_v show_v himself_o to_o he_o in_o so_o glorious_a a_o manner_n as_o be_v abundant_o to_o his_o conviction_n and_o this_o st._n stephen_n do_v seem_v to_o intimate_v act_n 7._o 2._o the_o god_n of_o glory_n appear_v to_o our_o father_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v in_o mesopotamia_n now_o by_o this_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o he_o at_o first_o he_o be_v so_o prepare_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o after_o revelation_n that_o he_o be_v not_o stagger_v even_o at_o this_o concern_v the_o sacrifice_a of_o his_o son_n be_v both_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o the_o assurance_n that_o accompany_v it_o full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n second_o i_o observe_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o we_o see_v here_o that_o abraham_n reason_n be_v a_o mighty_a strengthen_n and_o help_n to_o his_o faith_n here_o be_v two_o revelation_n make_v to_o abraham_n which_o seem_v to_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o and_o if_o abraham_n reason_n can_v not_o have_v reconcile_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o they_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v believe_v they_o both_o to_o be_v from_o god_n because_o this_o natural_a notion_n or_o principle_n that_o god_n can_v contradict_v himself_o every_o man_n do_v first_o and_o more_o firm_o believe_v than_o any_o revelation_n whatsoever_o now_o abraham_n reason_n relieve_v he_o in_o this_o strait_a so_o the_o text_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o be_v admit_v the_o command_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o slay_v of_o isaac_n be_v very_o well_o consistent_a with_o his_o former_a promise_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v i_o know_v there_o have_v a_o very_a rude_a clamour_n be_v raise_v by_o some_o person_n but_o of_o more_o zeal_n i_o think_v than_o judgement_n against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o how_o very_o unreasonable_a this_o be_v will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v but_o have_v patience_n to_o consider_v these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o it_o do_v not_o endow_v man_n with_o new_a faculty_n but_o propound_v new_a object_n to_o the_o faculty_n which_o they_o have_v before_o reason_n be_v the_o faculty_n whereby_o revelation_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v for_o when_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o he_o reveal_v it_o to_o our_o understanding_n and_o by_o that_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o it_o therefore_o st._n john_n caution_n we_o 1_o jo._n 4._o 1._o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n that_o be_v there_o be_v many_o that_o false_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n but_o how_o can_v these_o pretender_n be_v try_v and_o discern_v from_o those_o that_o be_v true_o inspire_v but_o by_o use_v our_o reason_n in_o compare_v the_o evidence_n for_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o 2._o this_o will_v far_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n faith_n as_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o something_o as_o reveal_v by_o god_n now_o all_o assent_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o evidence_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o thing_n unless_o he_o have_v or_o think_v he_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o for_o to_o be_v confident_a of_o a_o thing_n without_o reason_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o a_o presumptuous_a persuasion_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n 3._o this_o will_v yet_o be_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o method_n that_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v use_v to_o convince_v any_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n suppose_v we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o one_o that_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n what_o mean_n be_v proper_a to_o be_v use_v to_o gain_v he_o over_o to_o it_o the_o most_o natural_a method_n sure_o be_v this_o to_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n he_o will_v ask_v we_o why_o we_o believe_v that_o book_n the_o proper_a answer_n will_v be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o he_o can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o then_o he_o will_v ask_v why_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o mâ—homet_n '_o s_z koran_n which_o pretend_v no_o less_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n if_o any_o man_n now_o shall_v answer_v that_o he_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o so_o every_o man_n else_o aught_o to_o do_v without_o inquire_v after_o any_o further_a reason_n because_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v a_o side_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n will_v not_o the_o man_n present_o reply_n that_o he_o have_v just_a as_o much_o reason_n as_o this_o come_v to_o to_o believe_v the_o koran_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v none_o at_o all_o but_o certain_o the_o better_a way_n will_v be_v to_o satisfy_v this_o man_n reason_n by_o proper_a argument_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o no_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n can_v with_o equal_a reason_n pretend_v to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o
the_o ethiopian_n have_v invade_v egypt_n and_o almost_o overrun_v it_o that_o pharaoh_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o oracle_n at_o memphis_n to_o make_v moses_n his_o general_n who_o by_o his_o extraordinary_a conduct_n and_o courage_n overthrow_v the_o ethiopian_n and_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n this_o moses_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o relate_v of_o himself_o but_o st._n stephen_n seem_v to_o allude_v to_o it_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o word_n and_o deed_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v and_o when_o he_o be_v full_o forty_o year_n old_a it_o come_v into_o his_o heart_n to_o visit_v his_o brethren_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v when_o he_o be_v at_o full_a maturity_n of_o judgement_n and_o in_o the_o height_n of_o his_o prosperity_n and_o reputation_n he_o quit_v the_o court_n of_o egypt_n and_o go_v to_o visit_v his_o afflict_a brethren_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o take_v part_n with_o they_o in_o their_o suffering_n than_o to_o accept_v those_o great_a offer_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o there_o be_v likewise_o another_o passage_n in_o josephus_n concern_v moses_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o the_o contempt_n which_o he_o show_v afterward_o of_o the_o crown_n of_o egypt_n that_o when_o moses_n be_v about_o three_o year_n old_a thermuthis_n the_o daughter_n of_o pharaoh_n bring_v the_o child_n to_o he_o who_o take_v he_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o put_v his_o diadem_n upon_o his_o head_n but_o moses_n take_v it_o off_o and_o cast_v it_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o trample_v it_o under_o his_o foot_n this_o be_v but_o a_o childish_a act_n and_o they_o who_o see_v it_o will_v easy_o believe_v that_o for_o all_o his_o childish_a contempt_n of_o it_o then_o it_o it_o be_v put_v upon_o his_o head_n in_o good_a earnest_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v a_o man_n he_o will_v hold_v it_o on_o fast_a and_o use_v it_o with_o more_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o that_o the_o apostle_n may_v have_v some_o regard_n to_o this_o when_o he_o say_v that_o moses_n when_o he_o come_v to_o year_n intimate_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o trample_v upon_o the_o diadem_n of_o pharaoh_n when_o he_o be_v a_o child_n but_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o year_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o judge_v better_a of_o those_o thing_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v any_o far_a i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o reflect_v great_o upon_o the_o integrity_n of_o moses_n can_v we_o think_v he_o so_o very_o conscientious_a a_o man_n who_o persuade_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o pretend_a god_n direction_n in_o the_o case_n to_o cheat_v the_o egyptian_n of_o their_o jewel_n under_o a_o fraudulent_a pretence_n of_o borrow_v they_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o thing_n as_o at_o first_o sight_n it_o appear_v and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o with_o your_o favourable_a attention_n and_o free_a from_o prejudice_n to_o vindicate_v moses_n clear_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v common_o and_o true_o say_v in_o this_o case_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o thing_n may_v transfer_v the_o right_n of_o man_n from_o one_o to_o another_o because_o the_o objection_n do_v not_o lie_v against_o god_n right_a to_o take_v away_o from_o any_o man_n what_o he_o have_v give_v he_o but_o against_o the_o fraudulent_a manner_n of_o do_v it_o which_o seem_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o command_v or_o encourage_v now_o this_o matter_n i_o think_v be_v capable_a of_o another_o and_o much_o clear_a answer_n which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o and_o ground_v upon_o the_o history_n as_o we_o find_v it_o relate_v ex._n 12._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v it_o seem_v design_n by_o this_o way_n to_o make_v some_o reparation_n to_o the_o israelite_n for_o the_o tyrannical_a usage_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o that_o first_o as_o the_o text_n express_o tell_v we_o in_o give_v they_o favour_n with_o the_o egyptian_n who_o in_o truth_n for_o their_o own_o end_n and_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o such_o troublesome_a guest_n be_v dispose_v to_o lend_v they_o any_o thing_n they_o have_v thus_o far_o all_o be_v right_a here_o be_v nothing_o but_o fair_a borrow_n and_o lend_v and_o if_o the_o israelite_n acquire_v a_o right_a to_o those_o thing_n afterward_o there_o be_v then_o no_o obligation_n to_o restitution_n let_v we_o see_v then_o how_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n bring_v this_o about_o namely_o by_o permit_v the_o egyptian_n afterward_o without_o cause_n and_o after_o leave_v give_v they_o to_o depart_v to_o pursue_v they_o with_o a_o design_n to_o have_v destroy_v they_o by_o which_o hostility_n and_o perfidiousness_n they_o plain_o forfeit_v their_o right_n to_o what_o they_o have_v only_o lend_v before_o for_o this_o hostile_a attempt_n which_o will_v have_v warrant_v the_o israelite_n to_o have_v spoil_v they_o of_o their_o jewel_n if_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o egyptian_n do_v certain_o warrant_v they_o to_o keep_v they_o when_o they_o have_v they_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o become_v rightful_a possessor_n of_o what_o they_o have_v only_o by_o loan_n before_o and_o can_v not_o have_v detain_v without_o fraud_n and_o injustice_n if_o this_o hostility_n of_o the_o egyptian_n have_v not_o give_v they_o a_o new_a title_n and_o clear_a right_n to_o they_o but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o prudence_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o choice_n and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v abstract_n from_o the_o particular_a case_n of_o moses_n and_o show_v in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v a_o prudent_a and_o reasonable_a thing_n to_o prefer_v even_o a_o afflict_a state_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n before_o the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o prosperity_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n upon_o account_n of_o religion_n together_o with_o the_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o 2._o the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n consequent_a upon_o they_o 1._o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n together_o with_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o this_o moses_n have_v in_o his_o eye_n when_o he_o make_v this_o choice_n for_o therefore_o he_o choose_v to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n rather_o than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n because_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o though_o he_o have_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a discovery_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o future_a state_n yet_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v so_o much_o assurance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o firm_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v no_o loser_n at_o the_o last_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o and_o we_o have_v no_o expectation_n beyond_o this_o world_n the_o wise_a thing_n we_o can_v do_v will_v be_v to_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o the_o present_a contentment_n of_o this_o world_n as_o we_o can_v make_v ourselves_o master_n of_o but_o if_o we_o be_v design_v for_o immortality_n and_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a or_o intorable_o miserable_a in_o another_o world_n according_a as_o we_o have_v demean_v ourselves_o in_o this_o life_n then_o certain_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v take_v the_o great_a care_n of_o the_o long_a duration_n and_o be_v content_a to_o dispense_v with_o some_o present_a inconvenience_n for_o a_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o labour_v and_o take_v pain_n for_o a_o little_a while_n that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a forever_o and_o this_o be_v account_v prudence_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n to_o part_v with_o a_o little_a in_o present_a for_o a_o far_o great_a future_a advantage_n but_o the_o disproportion_n betwixt_o time_n and_o eternity_n be_v so_o vast_a that_o do_v we_o but_o firm_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o nothing_o in_o this_o world_n can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v too_o good_a to_o part_v withal_o or_o too_o grievous_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o upon_o this_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n beyond_o all_o their_o present_a suffering_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v infinite_a gainer_n at_o the_o last_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v keep_v from_o sink_v under_o their_o present_a suffering_n and_o fortify_v against_o all_o that_o the_o
malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v that_o he_o who_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o renounce_v his_o happiness_n but_o put_v it_o out_o to_o interest_n upon_o term_n of_o great_a advantage_n and_o do_v wise_o consider_v his_o own_o best_a and_o and_o most_o last_a interest_n this_o be_v the_o first_o ii_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n together_o with_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n attend_v and_o consequent_a upon_o they_o that_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o they_o be_v mix_v and_o imperfect_a as_o to_o the_o duration_n of_o they_o they_o be_v short_a and_o but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o as_o to_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o consquence_n of_o they_o that_o they_o end_n in_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n be_v mix_v and_o imperfect_a a_o wicked_a man_n may_v make_v a_o show_n of_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n but_o even_o in_o laughter_n his_o heart_n be_v sorrowful_a and_o the_o end_n of_o that_o mirth_n be_v heaviness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a and_o sincere_a pleasure_n in_o any_o sinful_a and_o vicious_a course_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o splendour_n of_o outward_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n for_o where_o ever_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v there_o must_v be_v guilt_n and_o wherever_o guilt_n be_v the_o mind_n will_v be_v restless_a and_o unquiet_a for_o there_o be_v two_o very_a troublesome_a and_o torment_a passion_n which_o be_v natural_o consequent_a upon_o guilt_n shame_n and_o fear_n shame_n arise_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v discover_v and_o fear_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v punish_v and_o these_o do_v continual_o haunt_v the_o sinner_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o inward_a horror_n and_o confusion_n in_o his_o most_o secret_a retirement_n and_o if_o sin_n be_v attend_v with_o no_o other_o trouble_n but_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o commit_v it_o if_o it_o be_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o own_o mind_n 2._o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o the_o duration_n of_o they_o be_v but_o short_a upon_o this_o consideration_n moses_n set_v no_o great_a price_n and_o value_n upon_o they_o but_o prefer_v affliction_n and_o suffering_n in_o good_a company_n and_o in_o a_o good_a cause_n before_o the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v perfect_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o have_v no_o mixture_n of_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n in_o they_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a abatement_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v of_o so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a a_o continuance_n the_o pleasure_n of_o most_o sin_n expire_v with_o the_o act_n of_o they_o and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v the_o delight_n vanish_v i_o can_v deny_v but_o there_o be_v several_a worldly_a advantage_n to_o be_v purchase_v by_o sin_n which_o may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o a_o long_a continuance_n as_o riches_n and_o honour_n the_o common_a purchase_n of_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o of_o that_o long_a train_n of_o inferior_a vice_n which_o attend_v upon_o they_o and_o minister_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o these_o enjoyment_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n of_o a_o uncertain_a continuance_n and_o much_o more_o uncertain_a for_o be_v purchase_v by_o indirect_a and_o ill_a mean_n but_o if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o date_n with_o our_o life_n yet_o how_o short_a a_o duration_n be_v that_o compare_v with_o eternity_n make_v the_o utmu_v allowance_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v yet_o we_o can_v but_o enjoy_v they_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n it_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v rich_a or_o great_a in_o this_o world_n when_o we_o shall_v stand_v before_o that_o high_a tribunal_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o in_o the_o least_o to_o have_v be_v prince_n and_o great_a man_n and_o judge_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o poor_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v in_o this_o world_n will_v then_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o bige_a of_o we_o all_o for_o all_o mankind_n shall_v then_o stand_v upon_o a_o level_n and_o those_o civil_a distinction_n of_o rich_a and_o poor_a of_o base_a and_o honourable_a which_o seem_v now_o so_o considerable_a and_o make_v such_o a_o glare_a difference_n among_o man_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v all_o then_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o moral_a difference_n shall_v only_o take_v place_n all_o the_o distinction_n which_o will_v then_o be_v make_v will_v be_v betwixt_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n will_v be_v real_o much_o great_a than_o ever_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v betwixt_o the_o high_a and_o mean_a person_n in_o this_o world_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o why_o shall_v we_o value_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v only_o considerable_a and_o that_o only_a in_o the_o imagination_n of_o vain_a man_n during_o our_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n but_o bear_v no_o price_n at_o all_o in_o that_o country_n where_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o or_o if_o they_o do_v we_o can_v carry_v they_o along_o with_o we_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o indeed_o will_v follow_v we_o with_o a_o vengeance_n the_o injustice_n and_o all_o the_o ill_a art_n we_o have_v use_v for_o the_o get_n or_o keep_v of_o they_o especial_o if_o at_o once_o we_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o we_o have_v change_v our_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v much_o worse_o if_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o we_o have_v betray_v it_o and_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o for_o the_o gain_n or_o secure_v of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o our_o sorrow_n that_o though_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n the_o guilt_n of_o it_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o but_o will_v stick_v close_o to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o iii_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n which_o be_v misery_n and_o sorrow_n many_o time_n in_o this_o world_n but_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o next_o 1._o in_o this_o world_n the_o very_o best_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v be_v repentance_n and_o even_o this_o 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and_o by_o consequence_n all_o those_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o those_o article_n and_o be_v imply_v in_o they_o and_o by_o plain_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o they_o it_o be_v not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o partial_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n since_o the_o primitive_a time_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o have_v be_v since_o declare_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o be_v either_o to_o profess_v or_o to_o hold_v fast_o because_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o admit_v the_o pretence_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o those_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v 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particular_n may_v very_o well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o it_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v their_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o another_o religion_n 5._o against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o own_o party_n and_o faction_n i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o with_o as_o much_o clearness_n and_o brevity_n as_o i_o can_v 1._o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n all_o religion_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o institute_v the_o rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n the_o rule_n of_o institute_v religion_n be_v divine_a revelation_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o all_o christian_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v agree_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v religion_n but_o what_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v so_o one_o or_o both_o of_o those_o way_n either_o by_o scripture_n or_o by_o reason_n or_o by_o both_o and_o how_o confident_a soever_o man_n may_v be_v of_o opinion_n destitute_a of_o this_o proof_n any_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n will_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n reject_v they_o for_o want_v of_o this_o 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its_o own_o way_n and_o to_o bear_v out_o its_o self_n but_o if_o the_o man_n reason_n and_o argument_n be_v not_o good_a his_o confidence_n add_v nothing_o of_o real_a force_n to_o they_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o wise_a man_n and_o tend_v only_o to_o its_o own_o confusion_n argument_n be_v like_o powder_n which_o will_v carry_v and_o do_v execution_n according_a to_o its_o true_a strength_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o noise_n and_o general_o none_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o error_n or_o a_o design_n to_o deceive_v as_o those_o that_o pretend_v most_o confident_o to_o inspiration_n and_o infallibility_n as_o we_o see_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o enthusiast_n who_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n although_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o word_n for_o it_o for_o they_o work_v no_o miracle_n and_o all_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n and_o infallibility_n without_o miracle_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a person_n or_o in_o whole_a church_n be_v 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say_v they_o be_v apostle_n but_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n and_o as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o say_v he_o be_v a_o apostle_n so_o neither_o every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n that_o they_o be_v for_o these_o also_o when_o they_o be_v try_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o not_o may_v be_v find_v liar_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n caution_n christian_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n that_o be_v every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o and_o therefore_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n
of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n then_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o run_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n upon_o more_o and_o great_a hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o such_o as_o by_o no_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o man_n in_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o prevent_v as_o for_o the_o easy_a term_n of_o salvation_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o man_n they_o signify_v nothing_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v they_o good_a which_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o believe_v they_o can_v do_v that_o have_v read_v the_o bible_n and_o do_v in_o any_o good_a measure_n understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n for_o instance_n that_o after_o the_o long_a course_n of_o a_o most_o lewd_a and_o flagitious_a life_n a_o man_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o have_v his_o sin_n forgive_v at_o the_o last_o gasp_n upon_o 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we_o propose_v to_o man_n viz._n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n manifest_v in_o the_o tenure_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n be_v not_o only_o perfect_o agreeable_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a declaration_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o do_v likewise_o natural_o tend_v to_o engage_v man_n most_o effectual_o to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o thereby_o to_o make_v they_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 and_o therefore_o every_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o religion_n which_o make_v such_o lavish_a offer_v of_o salvation_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o they_o for_o if_o after_o all_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v give_v of_o salvation_n upon_o such_o and_o such_o term_n the_o sinner_n do_v real_o miscarry_v and_o miss_v of_o heaven_n it_o be_v but_o very_o ill_a comfort_n to_o he_o to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n for_o a_o minute_n or_o two_o before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o the_o next_o moment_n after_o to_o find_v himself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o particular_a i_o mention_v as_o imply_v in_o the_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v several_a caution_n give_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n matth._n 24._o 4._o take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o eph._n 4._o 14._o that_o you_o henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n signify_v the_o cunning_a of_o gamester_n at_o dice_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o chap._n 5._o 6._o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n col._n 2._o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v by_o sophistry_n and_o vain_a reason_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n heb._n 13._o 9_o be_v not_o carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n and_o this_o caution_n be_v enforce_v by_o a_o express_a prediction_n of_o a_o great_a apostasy_n which_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o which_o many_o shall_v be_v seduce_v by_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n and_o by_o several_a art_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n this_o apostasy_n st._n paul_n express_o foretell_v 2_o thess._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n or_o be_v trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n nor_o by_o word_n or_o message_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o by_o any_o mean_n for_o that_o day_n shall_v not_o come_v except_o there_o come_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v reveal_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n and_o after_o a_o particular_a description_n of_o he_o he_o add_v v_o 9_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o in_o all_o deceitfulness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v v_o 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o kind_n of_o this_o apostasy_n the_o same_o apostle_n describe_v more_o full_o 1_o tim_n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o now_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n i._n e._n under_o a_o great_a pretence_n of_o sanctity_n spread_v their_o pernicious_a error_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n this_o be_v a_o very_a lively_a and_o pat_o description_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o it_o and_o have_v spread_v itself_o far_o and_o wide_o for_o there_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o falsehood_n have_v prevail_v under_o a_o hypocritical_a pretence_n of_o their_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n there_o marriage_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o meat_n be_v forbid_v to_o several_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o men._n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n and_o these_o certain_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o idolatry_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o do_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n ascribe_v to_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o inventor_n and_o great_a promoter_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v very_o much_o confirm_v by_o what_o we_o find_v add_v in_o some_o ancient_a greek_a copy_n in_o this_o text_n which_o run_v thus_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n for_o they_o shall_v worship_v the_o dead_a as_o some_o also_o in_o israel_n worship_v and_o then_o it_o follow_v
will_v not_o be_v prove_v without_o so_o much_o trouble_v and_o difficulty_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o let_v they_o alone_o and_o by_o the_o confident_a assertion_n of_o they_o by_o importunity_n and_o by_o any_o other_o fair_a mean_n to_o get_v they_o believe_v without_o proof_n of_o this_o stubborn_a sort_n of_o proposition_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o proof_n this_o be_v one_o that_o a_o part_n be_v the_o whole_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o thâ—â—_n the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n for_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o the_o best_a part_n neither_o but_o perhaps_o the_o very_o worst_a and_o most_o corrupt_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o prove_v and_o have_v be_v often_o do_v but_o now_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a society_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n these_o follow_v particular_n ought_v to_o be_v clear_o show_v and_o make_v out_o 1._o a_o plain_a constitution_n of_o our_o saviour_n whereby_o st._n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n at_o rome_n be_v make_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o st._n peter_n first_o can_v they_o show_v any_o such_o constitution_n in_o the_o gospel_n or_o can_v they_o produce_v the_o least_o proof_n and_o evidence_n out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o st._n peter_n be_v acknowledge_v for_o such_o by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o be_v there_o not_o clear_a evidence_n there_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n st._n james_n the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v if_o not_o superior_a at_o least_o equal_a to_o he_o do_v st._n paul_n acknowledge_v any_o superiority_n of_o st._n peter_n over_o he_o nay_o do_v he_o not_o upon_o several_a occasion_n declare_v himself_o equal_a to_o the_o chief_a apostle_n even_o to_o st._n peter_n himself_o and_o be_v this_o consistent_a with_o a_o plain_a constitution_n of_o our_o lord_n make_v st._n peter_n supreme_a head_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o suppose_v this_o to_o have_v be_v so_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v by_o any_o constitution_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o this_o authority_n be_v derive_v to_o his_o successor_n and_o if_o it_o be_v why_o to_o his_o successor_n at_o rome_n rather_o than_o at_o antioch_n where_o he_o be_v first_o and_o unquestionable_o bishop_n they_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o when_o he_o be_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n he_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o then_o the_o style_n must_v have_v be_v the_o antiochian_a catholic_n church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o the_o roman_n catholic_n but_o do_v they_o find_v any_o footstep_n of_o such_o a_o style_n in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n 2._o to_o make_v good_a this_o proposition_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n they_o be_v in_o consequence_n oblige_v to_o affirm_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o not_o keep_v easter_n as_o they_o do_v and_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o africa_n who_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o same_o bishop_n upon_o the_o point_n of_o rebaptise_v heretic_n that_o all_o these_o by_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v also_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o from_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n themselves_o will_v not_o affirm_v and_o yet_o if_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a and_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v all_o one_o they_o must_v affirm_v it_o 3._o in_o consequence_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n they_o ought_v to_o hold_v that_o all_o baptism_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n be_v void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n for_o if_o it_o be_v good_a than_o it_o make_v the_o person_n baptize_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o then_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n may_v be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o then_o the_o roman_a and_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o all_o one_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n hold_v the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n to_o be_v good_a which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n neither_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o if_o she_o believe_v consistent_o can_v she_o think_v herself_o to_o be_v so_o 4._o in_o consequence_n of_o this_o proposition_n all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o yield_v subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o supremacy_n be_v no_o true_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o do_v not_o only_o exclude_v those_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o eastern_a church_n i._n e._n four_o of_o the_o five_o patriarchal_a church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o take_v together_o be_v real_o great_a than_o those_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v affirm_v concern_v all_o those_o church_n and_o christian_n which_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o a_o capacity_n of_o salvation_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n can_v have_v so_o little_a charity_n as_o this_o come_v to_o and_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n there_o need_v no_o other_o demonstration_n than_o this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a arrogant_a and_o uncharitable_a part_n of_o it_o five_o and_o last_o in_o consequence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o of_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o ought_v to_o produce_v express_a mention_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o if_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n be_v true_a it_o be_v always_o so_o and_o always_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o and_o always_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o they_o pretend_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n shall_v never_o say_v so_o nor_o put_v a_o article_n of_o such_o consequence_n and_o importance_n in_o express_a word_n in_o their_o creed_n nor_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v use_v the_o style_n of_o roman_n catholic_n as_o familiar_o then_o as_o they_o do_v now_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o this_o be_v a_o new_a style_n which_o they_o use_v when_o they_o give_v themselves_o the_o title_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n and_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n know_v better_a than_o to_o call_v one_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o whole_a i_o be_o sure_a that_o aeneas_n silvius_n who_o be_v afterward_o pope_n pius_n the_o second_o say_v that_o before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a little_a respect_n be_v have_v to_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o how_o do_v this_o consist_v with_o their_o present_a pretence_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v by_o christ_n appointment_n the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v believe_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o yet_o little_a respect_n to_o be_v have_v at_o that_o time_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n this_o indeed_o be_v say_v by_o aeneas_n silvius_n before_o he_o sit_v in_o the_o infallible_a chair_n but_o be_v never_o the_o less_o true_a for_o that_o 5_o the_o next_o step_n of_o their_o method_n be_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v infallible_a and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o have_v a_o certain_a remedy_n against_o heresy_n and_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n which_o we_o want_v in_o our_o
priledge_n be_v omit_v by_o plain_a fact_n and_o evidence_n of_o thing_n themselves_o their_o supremacy_n in_o that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n neither_o be_v at_o this_o day_n nor_o can_v be_v show_v by_o the_o record_n of_o any_o age_n ever_o to_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o to_o have_v acknowledge_v his_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n whether_o with_o or_o without_o a_o general_n council_n about_o which_o they_o still_o differ_v though_o infallibility_n be_v devise_v on_o purpose_n to_o determine_v all_o difference_n i_o say_v this_o infallibility_n wherever_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v be_v plain_o confute_v by_o the_o contradictory_n definition_n of_o several_a pope_n and_o council_n for_o if_o they_o have_v contradict_v one_o another_o as_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n in_o several_a instance_n then_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o error_n on_o one_o side_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o so_o certain_a demonstration_n that_o any_o one_o be_v infallible_a as_o evident_a error_n and_o mistake_n be_v of_o the_o contrary_n next_o their_o conceal_v both_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n from_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o their_o administer_a the_o communion_n to_o the_o people_n in_o one_o kind_n only_o contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n and_o the_o plain_a institution_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o then_o their_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o the_o same_o solemn_a manner_n and_o for_o the_o same_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o beg_v of_o god_n himself_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n which_o command_v we_o to_o worship_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o which_o declare_v that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n christ_n jesus_n but_o one_o mediator_n not_o only_o of_o redemption_n but_o of_o intercession_n too_o for_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v of_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n by_o who_o only_o we_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n which_o be_v to_o be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n only_o and_o which_o express_o forbid_v man_n to_o worship_v any_o image_n or_o likeness_n and_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o their_o own_o church_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n for_o these_o practice_n in_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o several_a age_n and_o this_o acknowledgement_n we_o think_v very_o considerable_a since_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o people_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o point_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o withhold_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v so_o much_o as_o one_o testimony_n of_o any_o father_n for_o the_o first_o 600_o year_n and_o nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o than_o to_o deny_v people_n the_o best_a mean_n of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o what_o prayer_n be_v put_v up_o to_o he_o in_o the_o church_n the_o two_o great_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o purgatory_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o of_o their_o own_o learned_a writer_n to_o have_v no_o certain_a foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v seven_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o it_o be_v now_o make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v show_v in_o any_o council_n or_o father_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o christ._n and_o we_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o this_o number_n of_o the_o sacrament_n till_o the_o age_n of_o peter_n lombard_n the_o father_n of_o the_o schoolman_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n though_o that_o also_o be_v one_o of_o the_o new_a article_n of_o pope_n pius_n the_o iv._o his_o creed_n which_o their_o priest_n be_v by_o a_o solemn_a oath_n oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o teach_v yet_o be_v it_o most_o evident_o false_a that_o she_o be_v not_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o church_n be_v plain_a because_o jerusalem_n be_v certain_o so_o for_o there_o certain_o be_v the_o first_o christian_a church_n and_o from_o thence_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n derive_v themselves_o that_o she_o be_v not_o though_o she_o fain_o will_v be_v the_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n be_v as_o evident_a because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v at_o this_o day_n and_o always_o do_v deny_v that_o she_o have_v any_o authority_n or_o supremacy_n over_o they_o now_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o if_o these_o point_n and_o a_o few_o more_o be_v pare_v off_o from_o popery_n that_o which_o remain_v of_o their_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o that_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_n christianity_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o our_o religion_n have_v many_o clear_a advantage_n of_o they_o not_o only_o very_o considerable_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o obvious_a and_o discernible_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n upon_o the_o very_a first_o proposal_n of_o they_o as_o 1._o that_o our_o religion_n agree_v perfect_o with_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o point_n both_o of_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n esteem_v by_o we_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v there_o contain_v even_o our_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judge_n we_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o he_o only_o do_v we_o serve_v 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the_o continual_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n 2._o we_o believe_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v own_v in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v acknowlege_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o and_o we_o receive_v the_o whole_a faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n viz._n what_o ever_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o that_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v mere_a innovation_n and_o plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_a christian_n faith_n but_o all_o that_o we_o believe_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o to_o be_v undoubted_o the_o ancient_a christian_n faith_n 3._o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v 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a_o much_o clear_a revelation_n and_o much_o great_a assurance_n than_o former_a age_n and_o generation_n have_v and_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o this_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o hope_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o of_o obtain_v the_o happiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o incur_v the_o misery_n of_o another_o world_n this_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n with_o so_o much_o patience_n to_o bear_v the_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n with_o so_o much_o constancy_n to_o venture_v upon_o the_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n expose_v they_o to_o under_o the_o former_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n though_o good_a man_n receive_v good_a hope_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n yet_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o obscure_o reveal_v to_o they_o and_o the_o great_a inducement_n of_o obedience_n be_v temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o promise_n of_o long_a 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faith_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o assent_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o sense_n this_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o sight_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o though_o we_o never_o see_v they_o and_o consequent_o can_v possible_o have_v that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n which_o those_o have_v who_o enjoy_v the_o one_o and_o endure_v the_o other_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v thing_n arise_v from_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o they_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o any_o thing_n be_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n and_o this_o be_v so_o firm_a and_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o the_o utmost_a pretence_n of_o a_o rational_a demonstration_n man_n 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which_o be_v in_o part_n or_o imperfect_a the_o apostle_n mean_v faith_n and_o hope_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o shall_v cease_v when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a meaning_n vision_n and_o sight_n be_v come_v we_o see_v likewise_o in_o experience_n that_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o this_o life_n be_v accompany_v with_o doubt_v concern_v these_o thing_n and_o all_o doubt_v be_v a_o degree_n of_o uncertainty_n but_o those_o bless_a soul_n who_o be_v enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o those_o miserable_a wretch_n who_o lie_v groan_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n can_v possible_o if_o they_o will_v have_v any_o doubt_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o however_o contentious_a man_n may_v dispute_v against_o common_a sense_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o truth_n that_o i_o will_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o reasonable_a while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o state_n to_o expect_v that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n which_o the_o sight_n and_o sensible_a experience_n of_o they_o will_v give_v we_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o our_o present_a state_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o and_o 2._o if_o it_o will_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v have_v it_o 1._o our_o present_a state_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v have_v that_o sensible_a experiment_n and_o trial_n how_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o other_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v remote_a from_o we_o and_o far_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o we_o can_v have_v any_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o they_o till_o we_o ourselves_o enter_v into_o that_o state_n those_o who_o be_v already_o past_a into_o it_o know_v how_o thing_n be_v those_o happy_a soul_n who_o live_v in_o the_o revive_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v possess_v of_o those_o joy_n which_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v understand_v these_o thing_n in_o another_o manner_n and_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a assurance_n concern_v they_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a spirit_n who_o feel_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o horror_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n do_v believe_v upon_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o have_v other_o kind_n of_o conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o state_n and_o the_o insupportable_a misery_n of_o it_o than_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n 2._o if_o our_o present_a state_n will_v admit_v of_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o such_o a_o overpower_v evidence_n will_v quite_o take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o much_o lessen_v that_o of_o obedience_n put_v the_o case_n that_o every_o man_n some_o considerable_a time_n before_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n be_v permit_v to_o visit_v the_o other_o world_n to_o assure_v he_o how_o thing_n be_v there_o to_o view_v the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o to_o survey_v the_o dark_a and_o loathsome_a prison_n of_o the_o damn_a to_o hear_v the_o lamentable_a outcry_n of_o miserable_a and_o despair_v soul_n and_o to_o see_v the_o inconceivable_a anguish_n and_o torment_n they_o be_v in_o after_o this_o what_o virtue_n will_v it_o be_v in_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n he_o that_o have_v be_v there_o and_o see_v they_o can_v not_o disbelieve_v they_o if_o he_o will_v faith_n in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o be_v virtue_n but_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o pronounce_v
they_o bless_v who_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o the_o forcible_a evidence_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v they_o may_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v not_o praise_n no_o reward_n belong_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o so_o violent_a and_o irresistible_a a_o evidence_n it_o be_v the_o great_a commendation_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o against_o hope_n he_o believe_v in_o hope_n he_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o improbable_a but_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n at_o all_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v because_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o dispute_n no_o objection_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o shake_v our_o assent_n unless_o we_o will_v run_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o scepticism_n for_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o we_o must_v yield_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n this_o do_v so_o violent_o enforce_v our_o assent_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o as_o this_o will_v take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o will_v very_o much_o lessen_v that_o of_o our_o obedience_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n who_o have_v see_v the_o bless_a condition_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n and_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o intolerable_a torment_n of_o sinner_n shall_v ever_o after_o be_v tempt_v know_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v deprive_v he_o of_o that_o happiness_n or_o bring_v he_o into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n such_o a_o sight_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o affect_v a_o man_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v and_o leave_v such_o impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n of_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o wicked_a course_n that_o we_o may_v soon_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v conspire_v to_o kill_v one_o another_o than_o that_o such_o a_o man_n by_o consent_v to_o any_o deliberate_a act_n of_o sin_n shall_v wilful_o throw_v himself_o into_o those_o flame_n no_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v continual_o haunt_v with_o those_o fury_n he_o have_v see_v torment_v sinner_n in_o another_o world_n and_o the_o fearful_a shriek_n and_o outcry_n of_o miserable_a soul_n will_v be_v perpetual_o ring_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o the_o man_n will_v have_v so_o lively_a and_o terrible_a a_o imagination_n of_o the_o danger_n he_o be_v run_v himself_o upon_o that_o no_o temptation_n will_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o conquer_v his_o fear_n and_o to_o make_v he_o careless_a of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n after_o he_o have_v once_o see_v how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o reason_n of_o man_n obedience_n will_v be_v so_o violent_a that_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o must_v be_v very_o little_a for_o what_o praise_n be_v due_a to_o any_o man_n not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o none_o but_o a_o perfect_a mad_a man_n will_v do_v for_o certain_o that_o man_n must_v be_v beside_o himself_o that_o can_v by_o any_o temptation_n be_v seduce_v to_o live_v a_o wicked_a life_n after_o he_o have_v see_v the_o state_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o dismal_a event_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o sinful_a course_n god_n have_v design_v this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o there_o will_v hardly_o be_v any_o place_n for_o this_o if_o there_o be_v a_o free_a and_o easy_a passage_n for_o we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n to_o see_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n there_o what_o argument_n will_v it_o be_v of_o any_o man_n virtue_n to_o forbear_v sin_v after_o he_o have_v be_v in_o hell_n and_o see_v the_o miserable_a end_n of_o sinner_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o and_o last_o observation_n namely_o that_o notwithstanding_o faith_n be_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o assent_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n now_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n may_v have_v its_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v satisfy_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o of_o the_o certainty_n and_o of_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a it_o will_v not_o move_v we_o at_o all_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v good_a nor_o for_o the_o avoid_n and_o prevent_v of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o if_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o thing_n yet_o if_o we_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o slight_v it_o as_o not_o worth_a our_o regard_n but_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n which_o the_o gospel_n propound_v to_o our_o faith_n be_v fit_v to_o work_v upon_o our_o mind_n both_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o concernment_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v well_o capable_a of_o in_o this_o state_n concern_v thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n we_o have_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n argue_v we_o into_o this_o persuasion_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o from_o the_o promiscuous_a and_o unequal_a administration_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n from_o whence_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o state_n of_o thing_n after_o this_o life_n wherein_o reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v be_v equal_o distribute_v we_o have_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o these_o reason_n be_v true_a we_o have_v a_o most_o credible_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n from_o heaven_n to_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o and_o give_v we_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o visible_a aseension_n into_o heaven_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o evidence_n want_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o only_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a in_o this_o present_a state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o all_o this_o but_o what_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o uncertainty_n which_o do_v not_o come_v under_o our_o sense_n and_o which_o we_o ourselves_o have_v not_o see_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o considerable_a interest_n to_o hinder_v man_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o to_o make_v they_o hesitate_n about_o they_o for_o as_o for_o the_o other_o world_n if_o at_o last_o there_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n our_o condition_n after_o death_n will_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n because_o all_o will_v be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n but_o if_o thing_n fall_v out_o otherwise_o as_o most_o undoubted_o they_o will_v and_o our_o soul_n after_o this_o life_n do_v pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o misery_n than_o our_o great_a interest_n plain_o lie_v in_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o this_o state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o secure_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o by_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o govern_v all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n by_o this_o belief_n for_o as_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o life_n they_o be_v but_o short_a and_o transitory_a and_o consequent_o of_o no_o consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o as_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o set_v aside_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o real_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n but_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o promote_v and_o pursue_v to_o as_o great_a advantage_n nay_o usual_o to_o a_o far_o great_a by_o he_o that_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o live_v according_o than_o by_o any_o other_o person_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n and_o as_o all_o vice_n be_v natural_o attend_v with_o some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a
for_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o call_v the_o age_n of_o the_o messiah_n seculum_fw-la futurum_fw-la or_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o to_o be_v renew_v again_o unto_o repentance_n where_o the_o least_o we_o can_v understand_v by_o impossible_a be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o so_o the_o word_n impossible_a be_v sometime_o use_v as_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o ch._n 10._o 26._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n say_v if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v they_o who_o renounce_v christianity_n since_o they_o reject_v the_o only_a way_n of_o expiation_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o their_o sin_n st._n peter_n likewise_o express_v himself_o very_o severe_o concern_v this_o sort_n of_o person_n 2_o epist._n 2._o 20_o 21._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v after_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v from_o heathenism_n to_o christianity_n they_o be_v entangle_v therein_o again_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n he_o seem_v loath_a to_o say_v how_o sad_a the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n be_v but_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o when_o they_o be_v heathen_n before_o and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o and_o st._n john_n call_v this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o forbid_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v pray_v for_o they_o 1_o epist._n 5._o 16._o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o they_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o this_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o idolatry_n be_v most_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v verse_n 18._o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v this_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o the_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o be_v preserve_v from_o idolatry_n unto_o which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o viz._n the_o devil_n who_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o call_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v have_v bring_v we_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o caution_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o dependence_n upon_o what_o go_v before_o unless_o we_o understand_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v because_o apostasy_n be_v so_o often_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o it_o be_v here_o by_o st._n john_n whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o so_o that_o at_o the_o very_o best_a the_o scripture_n speak_v doubtful_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o this_o sin_n however_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o unrepented_a of_o shall_v be_v very_o dreadful_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v mild_o express_v here_o in_o the_o text_n if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v the_o more_o severe_a for_o be_v express_v so_o mild_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o figure_n here_o use_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o word_n this_o expression_n of_o god_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o such_o person_n be_v explain_v by_o their_o utter_a ruin_n and_o perdition_n but_o we_o be_v not_o of_o they_o that_o draw_v back_o unto_o perdition_n and_o in_o several_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n there_o be_v very_o severe_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n ch._n 2._o 2_o 3._o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n and_o ch._n 10._o 26_o 27._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n he_o that_o despise_v moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n for_o we_o know_v he_o who_o have_v say_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v recompense_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o again_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v his_o people_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o severe_a and_o terrible_a than_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o and_o that_o be_v rev._n 21._o 8._o where_o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o great_a sinner_n those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o religion_n out_o of_o fear_n do_v lead_v the_o van_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o this_o book_n express_v by_o continue_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n and_o i_o will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a and_o the_o abominable_a and_o whoremonger_n and_o sorcerer_n and_o idolater_n and_o all_o liar_n shall_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n and_o liar_n that_o be_v they_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n relapse_n into_o infidelity_n and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v reckon_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o offender_n and_o be_v punish_v according_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o four_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n the_o nature_n of_o apostasy_n the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o this_o sin_n the_o danger_n of_o it_o and_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n in_o expose_v man_n to_o and_o be_v there_o any_o need_n now_o to_o exhort_v man_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n when_o the_o danger_n of_o draw_v back_o be_v so_o evident_a and_o so_o terrible_a or_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n and_o occasion_n for_o it_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n among_o we_o of_o man_n apostatise_v from_o christianity_n and_o turn_v jew_n or_o turk_n or_o heathen_n i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n not_o of_o man_n apostatise_v from_o one_o religion_n to_o another_o but_o from_o religion_n to_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n and_o of_o this_o worst_a kind_n of_o apostasy_n of_o all_o other_o i_o wish_v the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o have_v not_o afford_v we_o too_o many_o instance_n it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v profess_v christianity_n any_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o shall_v make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o undermine_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o most_o serious_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n into_o contempt_n and_o
the_o iv._o and_o last_o particular_a which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o viz._n to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n which_o at_o first_o appearance_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a and_o this_o precept_n can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a if_o we_o take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o he_o who_o require_v this_o of_o we_o have_v himself_o give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v the_o great_a in_o itself_o in_o that_o he_o deny_v himself_o more_o and_o suffer_v more_o grievous_a thing_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o do_v and_o such_o a_o example_n as_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n ii_o if_o we_o cosider_v that_o he_o have_v promise_v all_o needful_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v and_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o therein_o iii_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o of_o a_o glorious_a reward_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n and_o self-denial_n beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o they_o both_o in_o the_o degree_n and_o duration_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v i._o if_o we_o consider_v that_o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o for_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v our_o saviour_n know_v how_o unwelcome_a this_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v must_v needs_o be_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o how_o hardly_o this_o precept_n will_v go_v down_o with_o they_o to_o sweeten_v it_o a_o little_a and_o take_v off_o the_o harshness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o prepare_v their_o mind_n the_o better_a for_o it_o he_o tell_v they_o first_o of_o his_o own_o suffering_n that_o by_o that_o mean_v he_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n reconcile_v their_o mind_n to_o it_o when_o they_o see_v that_o he_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o what_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o undergo_v himself_o and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o example_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o hard_a and_o difficult_a term_n upon_o which_o they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n v._o 21._o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n begin_v to_o show_v unto_o his_o disciple_n how_o that_o he_o must_v go_v unto_o jerusalem_n and_o suffer_v many_o thing_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o chief-priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o be_v kill_v then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n that_o be_v immediate_o upon_o this_o discourse_n of_o his_o own_o suffering_n as_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o it_o he_o take_v the_o opportunity_n to_o tell_v they_o plain_o of_o their_o own_o suffering_n and_o that_o unless_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o resolve_v to_o deny_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o persecution_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n they_o can_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o that_o be_v let_v he_o reckon_v and_o resolve_v upon_o follow_v that_o example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v in_o which_o i_o will_v go_v before_o he_o now_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o have_v great_a force_n in_o it_o to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o this_o difficult_a duty_n and_o to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o have_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o 2._o such_o a_o example_n as_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n 1._o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o have_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o that_o he_o deny_v himself_o more_o and_o suffer_v more_o grievous_a thing_n than_o any_o of_o we_o can_v do_v he_o bear_v the_o insupportable_a load_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o of_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n due_a to_o they_o never_o be_v sorrow_n like_a to_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 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 his_o visage_n be_v mar_v more_o than_o any_o man_n and_o his_o form_n more_o than_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i._n e._n he_o undergo_v more_o affliction_n and_o have_v more_o contempt_n pour_v upon_o he_o than_o ever_o be_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o he_o endure_v all_o this_o with_o incredible_a patience_n and_o meekness_n with_o the_o great_a evenness_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n and_o with_o the_o most_o perfect_a submission_n and_o resignation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v such_o a_o example_n as_o this_o shall_v be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o animate_v we_o with_o the_o like_a courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o lesser_a danger_n and_o difficulty_n to_o see_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n go_v before_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o on_o so_o brave_o and_o make_v perfect_a by_o great_a suffering_n than_o we_o can_v ever_o be_v call_v to_o or_o be_v any_o way_n able_a to_o undergo_v be_v no_o small_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o unknown_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o great_a as_o we_o can_v well_o conceive_v of_o they_o shall_v make_v all_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o not_o only_o tolerable_a but_o easy_a to_o we_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n animate_v christian_n to_o patience_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n that_o attend_v it_o heb._n 12._o 2._o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n for_o consider_v he_o who_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o also_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n and_o this_o example_n be_v more_o powerful_a for_o our_o encouragement_n because_o therein_o we_o see_v the_o world_n conquer_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o temptation_n of_o it_o baffle_v and_o subdue_v and_o thereby_o a_o cheap_a and_o easy_a victory_n over_o it_o obtain_v for_o we_o by_o this_o consideration_n our_o saviour_n endeavour_v to_o inspire_v his_o disciple_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o courage_n in_o this_o great_a conflict_n john_n 16._o 33._o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n but_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n 2._o this_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v such_o as_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n in_o pity_n and_o kindness_n to_o we_o and_o whole_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v their_o example_n in_o great_a regard_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a kindness_n and_o mighty_a benefit_n this_o pattern_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v which_o our_o religion_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v the_o example_n of_o one_o who_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o esteem_n and_o love_n and_o imitate_v above_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o sure_o such_o a_o example_n must_v needs_o carry_v authority_n with_o it_o and_o command_v our_o imitation_n it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a benefactor_n of_o he_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 with_o his_o dear_a blood_n and_o even_o when_o we_o be_v bitter_a enemy_n