his_o will_n which_o he_o deny_v to_o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n who_o desire_v to_o see_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v but_o can_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o hear_v but_o can_v not_o hear_v they_o there_o be_v good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n under_o those_o imperfect_a revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o they_o but_o we_o have_v far_o great_a advantage_n and_o more_o powerful_a argument_n to_o be_v good_a than_o ever_o they_o have_v and_o as_o we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o acknowledge_v these_o bless_a advantage_n so_o ought_v we_o likewise_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o improve_v they_o and_o now_o how_o do_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o condemn_v all_o impenitent_a sinner_n under_o the_o gospel_n who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o persuade_v to_o goodness_n by_o all_o that_o god_n can_v do_v by_o the_o most_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o 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direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n and_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n and_o the_o appearance_n whereof_o we_o do_v at_o this_o time_n commemorate_v for_o that_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o we_o can_v gratify_v the_o devil_n more_o than_o by_o show_v ourselves_o more_o diligent_a than_o ordinary_a to_o uphold_v his_o work_n at_o this_o very_a time_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v on_o purpose_n to_o dissolve_v they_o we_o can_v possible_o choose_v a_o worse_a a_o more_o improper_a season_n to_o sin_n in_o than_o when_o we_o be_v celebrate_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o come_v to_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o sick_a man_n for_o joy_n that_o a_o famous_a physician_n be_v come_v to_o his_o house_n shall_v run_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o excess_n and_o so_o do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o inflame_v his_o disease_n and_o make_v his_o case_n desperate_a not_o but_o that_o our_o inward_a joy_n may_v lawful_o be_v accompany_v with_o all_o outward_a innocent_a expression_n of_o it_o but_o we_o can_v be_v true_o thankful_a if_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o at_o this_o time_n in_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o just_a and_o sad_a complaint_n be_v of_o great_a scandal_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a religion_n that_o such_o irregular_a and_o extravagant_a thing_n be_v at_o this_o time_n common_o cone_n by_o many_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o do_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o do_v honour_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o christ_n birth_n as_o if_o because_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v at_o this_o time_n make_v man_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o man_n to_o make_v themselves_o beast_n if_o we_o will_v honour_v he_o indeed_o we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o our_o joy_n do_v not_o degenerate_a into_o sin_n and_o sensuality_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o express_v it_o by_o lewdness_n and_o luxury_n by_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n by_o prodigal_a game_n and_o profuse_a waste_n of_o our_o estate_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v as_o if_o we_o intend_v literal_o to_o requite_v our_o saviour_n who_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a this_o be_v a_o way_n of_o part_v with_o house_n and_o land_n and_o become_v poor_a for_o his_o sake_n for_o which_o he_o will_v never_o thank_v nor_o reward_v we_o this_o be_v not_o to_o commemorate_v the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n but_o to_o contradict_v it_o and_o open_o to_o declare_v that_o we_o will_v uphold_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v to_o destroy_v they_o it_o be_v for_o all_o the_o world_n like_o that_o lewd_a and_o senseless_a piece_n of_o loyalty_n too_o much_o in_o fashion_n some_o year_n ago_o of_o be_v drink_v for_o the_o king_n good_a god_n that_o ever_o it_o shall_v pass_v for_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n among_o christian_n to_o run_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o excess_n for_o twelve_o day_n together_o in_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n can_v easy_o be_v imagine_v than_o to_o abuse_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o ever_o be_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n into_o a_o opportunity_n of_o commit_v it_o this_o be_v to_o represent_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o a_o patron_n of_o sin_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o to_o treat_v he_o more_o contumelious_o than_o the_o jew_n do_v who_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o he_o and_o mock_v he_o and_o call_v
other_o term_n than_o of_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o of_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o beside_o this_o consideration_n we_o have_v the_o best_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n of_o their_o unblameable_a life_n viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o their_o profess_a enemy_n who_o do_v not_o persecute_v they_o for_o any_o personal_a crime_n which_o they_o charge_v particular_a person_n withal_o but_o only_o for_o their_o religion_n acknowledge_v they_o otherwise_o to_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o good_a people_n particulary_a pliny_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n who_o have_v give_v he_o in_o charge_n to_o make_v particular_a enquiry_n concern_v the_o christian_n give_v this_o honourable_a report_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o beside_o their_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n that_o at_o their_o religious_a meeting_n it_o be_v a_o 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plainness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o without_o any_o study_a ornament_n of_o speech_n or_o fine_a art_n of_o persuasion_n declare_v plain_o to_o they_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n promise_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v his_o doctrine_n and_o threaten_v eternal_a woe_n and_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n to_o the_o despiser_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o these_o contemptible_a instrument_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n do_v their_o work_n effectual_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n go_v along_o with_o they_o gainded_z numbers_z every_o day_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o in_o a_o short_a space_n draw_v the_o world_n after_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o only_o win_v over_o the_o common_a people_n but_o also_o several_a person_n considerable_a for_o their_o dignity_n and_o eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n who_o afterward_o become_v zealous_a assertor_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o save_v knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o such_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v for_o they_o see_v something_o in_o they_o more_o divine_a and_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o great_a power_n and_o persuasion_n than_o humane_a learning_n and_o eloquence_n 4._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o mighty_a opposition_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o gospel_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o it_o must_v meet_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n from_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n which_o it_o do_v so_o plain_o and_o so_o severe_o declare_v against_o and_o likewise_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n no_o prejudice_n be_v so_o strong_a as_o that_o which_o be_v found_v in_o education_n and_o of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n none_o so_o obstinate_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o those_o about_o religion_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o god_n man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v off_o from_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o how_o little_a ground_n and_o reason_n soever_o there_o be_v for_o it_o the_o be_v train_v up_o in_o it_o and_o have_v a_o reverence_n for_o it_o implant_v in_o they_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n supply_v all_o other_o defect_n have_v man_n be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a in_o religion_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v they_o not_o have_v their_o mind_n prepossess_v with_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v enure_v to_o rite_n and_o superstition_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v they_o at_o that_o time_n be_v weary_a of_o the_o 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god_n and_o never_o be_v they_o more_o tenacious_a of_o their_o religion_n and_o law_n than_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o he_o be_v foretell_v in_o their_o law_n and_o most_o particular_o describe_v in_o the_o authentic_a book_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o certain_a groundless_a tradition_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o interpreter_n of_o their_o law_n that_o their_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n they_o conceive_v a_o invincible_a prejudice_n against_o our_o saviour_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o mean_a circumstance_n in_o which_o he_o appear_v and_o upon_o this_o prejudice_n they_o reject_v he_o and_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o persecute_v his_o follower_n and_o though_o their_o religion_n be_v much_o near_o to_o the_o christian_a than_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n yet_o upon_o this_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n mean_a appearance_n they_o be_v much_o more_o averse_a to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o than_o the_o gross_a idolater_n among_o the_o nation_n not_o but_o that_o their_o prejudice_n also_o be_v very_o great_a the_o common_a people_n be_v strong_o addict_v to_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o their_o several_a country_n and_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o learned_a who_o they_o call_v their_o philosopher_n be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o eloquence_n that_o they_o despise_v the_o rudeness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n as_o ridiculous_a and_o the_o story_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o beside_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o gospel_n meet_v withal_o from_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n
now_o remain_v but_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o ourselves_o 1._o let_v we_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o our_o pattern_n and_o example_n this_o be_v the_o inference_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n but_o one_o after_o the_o text_n belove_v if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o one_o will_v have_v think_v the_o inference_n shall_v have_v be_v if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o than_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v he_o but_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o the_o affection_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o love_n and_o his_o meaning_n be_v if_o god_n have_v bestow_v such_o benefit_n upon_o we_o we_o ought_v in_o imitation_n of_o he_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o beneficial_a one_o to_o another_o not_o but_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n but_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o it_o we_o can_v be_v beneficial_a to_o he_o because_o he_o be_v self-sufficient_a and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n add_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o exhort_v man_n to_o love_n god_n but_o one_o another_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n he_o be_v not_o sensible_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o none_o of_o these_o sensible_a thing_n can_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o but_o he_o have_v friend_n and_o relation_n here_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o our_o love_n and_o to_o who_o we_o may_v show_v kindness_n for_o his_o sake_n we_o can_v be_v beneficial_a to_o god_n but_o we_o may_v testify_v our_o love_n to_o he_o by_o our_o kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n who_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o see_v any_o one_o miserable_a that_o be_v consideration_n enough_o to_o move_v our_o charity_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o this_o in_o we_o to_o move_v he_o to_o pity_n we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o our_o blood_n and_o no_o eye_n pity_v we_o god_n be_v a_o pattern_n of_o the_o most_o generous_a kindness_n and_o charity_n though_o he_o be_v infinite_o above_o we_o yet_o he_o think_v it_o not_o below_o he_o to_o confider_v our_o case_n and_o to_o employ_v his_o only_a son_n to_o save_o we_o he_o have_v no_o obligation_n to_o we_o no_o expectation_n of_o advantage_n from_o we_o and_o can_v never_o be_v in_o a_o possibility_n to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o we_o and_o yet_o he_o love_v we_o and_o have_v confer_v the_o great_a benefit_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v deserve_v so_o ill_o at_o our_o hand_n but_o that_o if_o he_o be_v in_o want_n and_o we_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o help_v he_o he_o ought_v to_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a season_n for_o it_o when_o we_o commemorate_v the_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n that_o be_v ever_o confer_v on_o mankind_n the_o son_n of_o god_n send_v into_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n to_o redeem_v and_o save_v we_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o very_o much_o commend_v the_o custom_n of_o feed_v and_o relieve_v the_o poor_a more_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n when_o the_o poor_a do_v usual_o stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o commemorate_v the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v rich_a become_v poor_a for_o our_o sake_n that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v make_v rich_a 2._o let_v we_o ready_o comply_v with_o the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o great_a love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o but_o though_o he_o have_v do_v all_o this_o for_o we_o though_o he_o have_v purchase_v so_o great_a blessing_n for_o we_o as_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o power_n against_o they_o and_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n yet_o there_o be_v something_o to_o be_v do_v on_o our_o part_n to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o these_o benefit_n god_n have_v not_o so_o love_v we_o as_o to_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o carry_v man_n to_o heaven_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o and_o to_o rescue_v those_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n who_o be_v fond_a of_o their_o fetter_n and_o wilful_o run_v themselves_o upon_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v to_o offer_v happiness_n to_o we_o upon_o certain_a term_n and_o condition_n such_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o propound_v and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o blessedness_n which_o he_o offer_v as_o namely_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n a_o sincere_a and_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n these_o be_v the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n offer_v it_o only_o upon_o these_o term_n that_o we_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n then_o we_o may_v expect_v the_o bless_a hope_n but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o these_o condition_n the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v be_v no_o saviour_n to_o we_o for_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n only_o to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o if_o man_n will_v continue_v in_o their_o sin_n the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o christ_n will_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n to_o they_o such_o as_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o a_o impenitent_a course_n ipsa_fw-la si_fw-la velit_fw-la salus_fw-la seruare_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la salvation_n itself_o can_v save_v they_o these_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o if_o we_o submit_v to_o they_o we_o be_v heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n if_o we_o refuse_v we_o be_v son_n of_o perdition_n eternal_o lose_v and_o undo_v for_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o these_o be_v the_o best_a and_o easy_a term_n that_o can_v ever_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o because_o god_n send_v they_o by_o his_o son_n this_o be_v the_o last_o effort_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n and_o goodness_n towards_o the_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o heb._n 1.1_o 2._o that_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o if_o we_o refuse_v to_o hear_v he_o he_o will_v speak_v no_o more_o after_o this_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v any_o far_a attempt_n for_o our_o recovery_n for_o he_o can_v send_v no_o great_a nor_o dear_a person_n to_o we_o than_o he_o own_o son_n and_o if_o we_o refuse_v he_o who_o will_v we_o reverence_v if_o after_o this_o we_o still_o wilful_o go_v on_o in_o our_o sin_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n to_o consume_v we_o 3._o with_o what_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n shall_v we_o commemorate_v this_o great_a love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n in_o send_v his_o only-begotten_a son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n which_o we_o be_v now_o go_v to_o receive_v to_o represent_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o incarnation_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n by_o the_o symbol_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o we_o with_o what_o acknowledgement_n shall_v we_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o this_o wonderful_a love_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v show_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n endeavour_v to_o make_v all_o the_o world_n in_o love_n with_o he_o who_o have_v so_o love_v all_o mankind_n when_o ever_o we_o see_v his_o blood_n pour_v forth_o and_o his_o body_n break_v for_o we_o so_o move_v a_o sight_n shall_v raise_v strange_a passion_n in_o we_o of_o love_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o hatred_n to_o our_o sin_n and_o shall_v inspire_v we_o with_o mighty_a resolution_n of_o service_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o when_o ever_o the_o pledge_n and_o seal_n of_o these_o benefit_n be_v deliver_v into_o our_o hand_n the_o sight_n of_o they_o shall_v at_o once_o wound_n and_o revive_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o to_o cry_v out_o lord_n how_o unworthy_a be_o i_o for_o who_o thou_o shall_v do_v and_o suffer_v all_o this_o i_o be_o overcome_v by_o thy_o love_n and_o can_v no_o long_o hold_v out_o against_o the_o mighty_a force_n of_o such_o kindness_n i_o render_v myself_o to_o thou_o and_o will_v serve_v thou_o for_o ever_o who_o have_v redeem_v i_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n now_o to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o god_n even_o our_o father_n and_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o beget_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o he_o that_o have_v love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o have_v make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n and_o his_o father_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la
for_o his_o religion_n when_o he_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o so_o that_o by_o this_o we_o may_v try_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o resolution_n concern_v martyrdom_n for_o what_o profession_n soever_o man_n make_v he_o that_o will_v not_o deny_v himself_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n for_o christ_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o push_n will_v never_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o he_o that_o can_v take_v up_o a_o resolution_n to_o live_v a_o saint_n have_v a_o demonstration_n within_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v never_o like_a to_o die_v a_o martyr_n sermon_n x._o the_o blessedness_n of_o good_a man_n after_o death_n preach_v on_o all-saint_n day_n rev._n fourteen_o 13._o and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o any_o nice_a dispute_n about_o the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o ii_o vol._n ii_o though_o both_o these_o be_v sometime_o controvert_v because_o it_o be_v now_o many_o age_n since_o this_o book_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o as_o write_v by_o st._n john_n nor_o shall_v i_o at_o this_o time_n inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a meaning_n of_o the_o several_a vision_n and_o prediction_n contain_v in_o it_o it_o be_v confess_o in_o several_a part_n of_o it_o a_o very_a obscure_a book_n and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o than_o that_o so_o many_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n have_v give_v such_o different_a interpretation_n of_o several_a remarkable_a passage_n in_o it_o as_o particular_o concern_v the_o slay_v of_o the_o two_o witness_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v to_o you_o though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o particular_a expression_n in_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o general_a sense_n and_o intendment_n of_o they_o they_o be_v very_o plain_a be_v a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o the_o bless_a state_n of_o good_a man_n after_o this_o life_n and_o that_o we_o may_v take_v the_o more_o notice_n of_o they_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solemn_a preparation_n and_o address_n x._o serm._n x._o as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o bespeak_v our_o attention_n to_o they_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o they_o the_o special_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v add_v to_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n declare_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v pronounce_v to_o be_v in_o so_o happy_a a_o condition_n yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o they_o second_o prosecute_v the_o general_a intendment_n of_o they_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o bless_a estate_n of_o those_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v of_o saint_n and_o good_a man_n after_o they_o be_v depart_v this_o life_n first_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o particular_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o nothing_o will_v conduce_v more_o than_o to_o consider_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v brief_o this_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n chapter_n be_v represent_v to_o st._n john_n the_o great_a strait_n that_o the_o christian_n the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v threaten_v with_o death_n or_o if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o live_v they_o be_v interdict_v all_o commerce_n with_o humane_a society_n chap._n 13.15_o and_o he_o have_v power_n to_o cause_n that_o as_o many_o as_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o image_n of_o the_o beast_n shall_v be_v kill_v and_o verse_n 17._o that_o no_o man_n may_v buy_v or_o sell_v save_v he_o that_o have_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o that_o do_v worship_n the_o beast_n be_v threaten_v with_o damnation_n chap._n 14.9_o 10._o if_o any_o man_n do_v worship_v the_o beast_n the_o same_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o wine_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v torment_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n so_o that_o whenever_o this_o shall_v happen_v it_o will_v be_v a_o time_n of_o great_a trial_n to_o the_o sincere_a christian_n be_v threaten_v with_o extreme_a persecution_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n on_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v add_v in_o the_o 12_o verse_n here_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o be_v they_o that_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n this_o be_v represent_v in_o st._n john_n vision_n as_o the_o last_o and_o extreme_a persecution_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o which_o shall_v precede_v the_o final_a downfall_n of_o babylon_n and_o when_o this_o shall_v happen_v than_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n will_v be_v try_v to_o purpose_n and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v see_v who_o be_v faithful_a to_o god_n and_o constant_a to_o his_o truth_n and_o upon_o this_o immediate_o follow_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o text_n and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o the_o main_a difficulty_n of_o the_o word_n depend_v upon_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o henceforth_o which_o interpreter_n do_v various_o refer_v to_o several_a part_n of_o the_o text._n some_o by_o change_v the_o accent_n and_o read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d will_v change_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n into_o omninò_fw-la omninò_fw-la beati_fw-la sunt_fw-la they_o be_v altogether_o bless_v very_o happy_a who_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a of_o the_o countenance_n and_o warrant_n of_o any_o ancient_a copy_n we_o will_v then_o suppose_v that_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o be_v render_v as_o we_o translate_v it_o from_o henceforth_o from_o this_o time_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v to_o what_o part_n of_o the_o text_n we_o be_v to_o refer_v it_o some_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o word_n bless_v bless_v from_o henceforth_o be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o from_o this_o time_n and_o not_o before_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n be_v immediate_o after_o death_n admit_v into_o heaven_n which_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n thought_n the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n who_o die_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o but_o then_o this_o blessedness_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v date_v not_o from_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n vision_n but_o of_o christ_n ascension_n according_a to_o that_o of_o st._n ambrose_n in_o the_o hymn_n call_v te_fw-la deum_fw-la when_o thou_o have_v overcome_v the_o sharpness_n of_o death_n thou_o do_v open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o all_o believer_n other_o refer_v it_o to_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n blessed_n be_v the_o dead_a that_o from_o henceforth_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o have_v no_o peculiar_a emphasis_n in_o it_o because_o they_o be_v bless_v that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n before_o that_o time_n other_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o word_n follow_v concern_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n yea_o from_o henceforth_o say_v the_o spirit_n all_o these_o variety_n agree_v in_o this_o sense_n in_o general_a that_o some_o special_a blessedness_n be_v promise_v and_o declare_v to_o those_o who_o shall_v die_v after_o that_o time_n but_o what_o that_o be_v in_o particular_a be_v not_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o but_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o simple_a interpretation_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o henceforth_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o whole_a sentence_n thus_o from_o henceforth_o bless_v be_v the_o
very_o grievous_a to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o i_o mean_v to_o worship_v they_o and_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o great_a disparagement_n of_o the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o our_o great_a high_a priest_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o make_v they_o the_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n with_o god_n for_o we_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o give_v we_o the_o least_o intimation_n but_o have_v express_o command_v the_o contrary_a to_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o he_o only_o to_o serve_v and_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o alone_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o practice_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o our_o most_o learned_a adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o romer_n the_o scripture_n no_o where_o propound_v the_o saint_n to_o we_o for_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n but_o for_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o life_n this_o be_v the_o great_a respect_n and_o veneration_n that_o we_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o pay_v to_o they_o and_o whatever_o be_v beyond_o this_o be_v a_o voluntary_a humility_n injurious_a to_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o most_o certain_o displease_v to_o those_o who_o we_o pretend_v to_o honour_n if_o they_o know_v how_o man_n play_v the_o fool_n about_o they_o here_o below_o let_v we_o then_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a action_n of_o their_o life_n in_o their_o constant_a patience_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n if_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o thereto_o and_o we_o may_v be_v like_o they_o if_o we_o do_v but_o sincere_o endeavour_v it_o and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o that_o end_n for_o these_o example_n be_v not_o leave_v for_o our_o admiration_n only_o but_o for_o our_o imitation_n we_o frequent_o read_v the_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v we_o choose_v rather_o lazy_o to_o admire_v they_o than_o vigorous_o to_o follow_v they_o as_o if_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v miraculous_a and_o not_o at_o all_o intend_a for_o the_o imitation_n of_o succeed_a age_n as_o if_o heaven_n and_o earth_n god_n and_o man_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v alter_v since_o that_o time_n as_o if_o christianity_n be_v then_o in_o its_o youthful_a age_n and_o vigour_n but_o be_v since_o decay_v and_o grow_v old_a and_o have_v quite_o lose_v its_o power_n and_o virtue_n and_o indeed_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n live_v at_o such_o a_o faint_a and_o careless_a rate_n as_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o either_o all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v fable_n or_o else_o that_o the_o force_n of_o christianity_n be_v strange_o abate_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v forsake_v the_o earth_n and_o be_v retire_v to_o the_o father_n but_o truth_n never_o grow_v old_a and_o those_o law_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v still_o as_o reasonable_a and_o apt_a to_o gain_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o ever_o god_n be_v the_o same_o he_o be_v and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v still_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n intercede_v powerful_o for_o sinner_n for_o mercy_n and_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v still_o as_o true_a and_o powerful_a as_o ever_o and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v still_o in_o the_o world_n and_o effectual_o work_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v let_v we_o not_o then_o deceive_v ourselves_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v man_n like_o ourselves_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n that_o we_o be_v and_o compass_v about_o with_o the_o same_o infirmity_n so_o that_o although_o that_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o god_n endow_v they_o withal_o for_o the_o first_o plant_v and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n be_v now_o cease_v yet_o the_o sanctify_a power_n and_o virtue_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n do_v still_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o assist_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n in_o a_o word_n we_o have_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o work_v the_o same_o grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o slothful_a and_o want_v to_o ourselves_o we_o may_v follow_v their_o faith_n and_o at_o last_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o it_o even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o from_o a_o idle_a admire_v of_o those_o excellent_a pattern_n proceed_v to_o a_o vigorous_a imitation_n of_o they_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o they_o as_o to_o make_v even_o that_o matter_n and_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n to_o ourselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o tertullian_n admonetur_fw-la omnis_fw-la aet_fw-la as_o fieri_fw-la posse_fw-la quod_fw-la aliquando_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n may_v he_o convince_v that_o what_o have_v be_v do_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v there_o have_v be_v such_o holy_a and_o excellent_a person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v such_o let_v we_o not_o then_o be_v slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n since_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v now_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n sermon_n ix_o the_o encouragement_n to_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o deny_v he_o preach_v on_o all-saint_n day_n 2_o tim._n ii_o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n for_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o also_o will_v deny_v we_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n st._n paul_n encourage_v timothy_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n notwithstanding_o the_o suffering_n which_o attend_v it_o ii_o vol._n ii_o verse_n 1_o thou_o therefore_o my_o son_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o verse_n 3_o thou_o therefore_o endure_v hardship_n as_o a_o good_a soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o animate_v he_o in_o his_o resolution_n he_o quote_v a_o say_v which_o it_o seem_v be_v well_o know_v and_o firm_o believe_v among_o christian_n a_o say_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n full_a of_o encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o with_o patience_n and_o constancy_n suffer_v for_o their_o religion_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n full_a of_o terror_n to_o those_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o suffer_v deny_v it_o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n this_o be_v a_o preface_n use_v by_o this_o apostle_n to_o introduce_v some_o remarkable_a sentence_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a weight_n and_o concernment_n 1_o tim._n 1.15_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n jesus_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o chap._n 4.8_o 9_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n titus_n 3.8_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o ix_o serm._n ix_o that_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o same_o preface_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o say_n he_o be_v about_o to_o mention_v it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o will_v deny_v we_o the_o first_o two_o sentence_n be_v matter_n of_o encouragement_n to_o those_o who_o suffer_v with_o christ_n and_o for_o he_o and_o
capable_a of_o nay_o i_o will_v go_v low_a if_o god_n have_v make_v no_o express_a promise_n and_o declaration_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o reward_n to_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o and_o suffer_v for_o he_o yet_o if_o any_o man_n out_o of_o a_o sincere_a love_n to_o god_n and_o awful_a regard_n to_o his_o law_n endure_v trouble_v and_o affliction_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o providence_n this_o be_v assurance_n enough_o to_o we_o that_o our_o service_n and_o suffering_n shall_v one_o time_n or_o other_o be_v consider_v and_o reward_v for_o as_o sure_a as_o any_o man_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o his_o providence_n regard_v the_o action_n of_o man_n so_o sure_o be_v we_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v final_o be_v a_o loser_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o he_o so_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v now_o bring_v to_o this_o plain_a issue_n that_o if_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o his_o providence_n regard_v and_o consider_v the_o action_n of_o man_n it_o be_v also_o reasonable_a to_o endure_v present_a suffering_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o there_o be_v certain_o enough_o in_o this_o case_n to_o govern_v and_o determine_v a_o prudent_a man_n that_o be_v in_o any_o good_a measure_n persuade_v of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o have_v any_o tolerable_a consideration_n of_o and_o regard_n to_o his_o eternal_a interest_n indeed_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o if_o we_o have_v no_o expectation_n of_o a_o happiness_n or_o misery_n beyond_o this_o world_n the_o wise_a thing_n that_o any_o man_n can_v do_v will_v be_v to_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o the_o present_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o world_n as_o he_o can_v fair_o come_v at_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n to_o another_o life_n the_o apostle_n allow_v the_o reason_v of_o the_o epicure_n to_o be_v very_o good_a let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o die_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o be_v design_v for_o immortality_n and_o that_o another_o state_n remain_v for_o we_o after_o this_o life_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a or_o intolerable_o and_o eternal_o miserable_a according_a as_o we_o have_v behave_v ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v then_o evident_o reasonable_a that_o man_n 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 bear_v and_o dispense_v with_o some_o present_a trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n for_o a_o felicity_n that_o will_v have_v no_o end_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o labour_n and_o take_v pain_n and_o deny_v our_o present_a ease_n and_o comfort_n for_o a_o little_a while_n that_o we_o may_v be_v happy_a for_o ever_o this_o be_v reckon_v prudence_n in_o the_o account_n of_o this_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o part_v with_o a_o present_n possession_n and_o enjoyment_n for_o a_o much_o great_a advantage_n in_o reversion_n but_o sure_o the_o disproportion_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n be_v so_o vast_a that_o do_v man_n but_o firm_o believe_v that_o they_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 in_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o belief_n and_o persuasion_n the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v 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 against_o they_o and_o they_o think_v they_o make_v a_o very_a wise_a bargain_n if_o thorugh_v many_o tribulation_n they_o may_v at_o last_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o they_o believe_v that_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n will_v abundant_o recompense_n all_o their_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n upon_o earth_n and_o so_o confident_a be_v they_o of_o this_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o special_a favour_n and_o regard_v of_o god_n to_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o name_n so_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o it_o phil._n 1.29_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n yea_o they_o account_v they_o happy_a who_o upon_o this_o account_n be_v miserable_a in_o this_o world_n so_o st._n james_n express_o pronounce_v of_o they_o jam._n 1.12_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o endure_v temptation_n mean_v the_o temptation_n of_o persecution_n and_o suffer_v for_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o this_o consideration_n be_v that_o which_o keep_v up_o their_o spirit_n from_o sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o great_a suffering_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 4.14_o 16._o know_v that_o he_o which_o raise_v up_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v raise_v up_o we_o also_o by_o jesus_n for_o which_o cause_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v yet_o our_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n the_o suffering_n of_o their_o body_n do_v but_o help_v to_o raise_v and_o fortify_v their_o spirit_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o faint_v under_o those_o affliction_n that_o they_o rejoice_v and_o glory_v in_o they_o so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 5.2_o 3._o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o suffering_n they_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n as_o be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o that_o glory_n and_o heb._n 10.34_o that_o they_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o a_o endure_a substance_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n st._n james_n chap._n 1.2_o exhort_v christian_n to_o account_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n that_o be_v various_a kind_n of_o suffering_n because_o of_o the_o manifold_a advantage_n which_o from_o thence_o will_v redound_v to_o they_o now_o what_o be_v it_o that_o inspire_a they_o to_o all_o this_o courage_n and_o cheerfulness_n but_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n far_o beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o all_o their_o suffering_n and_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v vast_a gainer_n by_o they_o at_o the_o last_o this_o consideration_n st._n paul_n urge_v with_o great_a force_n 2_o cor._n 4.17_o 18._o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_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 for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a if_o we_o will_v compare_v thing_n just_o and_o attentive_o regard_v and_o consider_v the_o invisible_a glory_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 perceive_v that_o he_o who_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o renounce_v happiness_n but_o put_v it_o out_o to_o interest_n upon_o term_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n i_o shall_v now_o speak_v brief_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o remarkable_a say_v in_o the_o text_n if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o also_o will_v deny_v we_o to_o which_o be_v subjoin_v in_o the_o word_n follow_v if_o we_o believe_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o we_o deal_v unfaithful_o with_o he_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o that_o be_v he_o will_v be_v constant_a to_o his_o word_n and_o make_v good_a that_o solemn_a threaten_v which_o he_o have_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o suffer_v shall_v deny_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n before_o man_n matt._n 10.33_o whosoever_o faith_n our_o lord_n there_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mark_v 8.38_o whosoever_o therefore_o 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 also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n this_o be_v a_o terrible_a threaten_v to_o be_v disow_v by_o christ_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o this_o threaten_v will_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a and_o though_o we_o may_v renounce_v he_o and_o break_v our_o faith_n with_o he_o yet_o
against_o they_o and_o i_o punish_v they_o often_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o to_o strange_a city_n gal._n 1.13_o 14._o you_o have_v hear_v say_v he_o of_o my_o conversation_n in_o time_n past_a in_o the_o jew_n religion_n how_o that_o beyond_o measure_n i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o waste_v it_o be_v exceed_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o my_o father_n 1_o tim._n 1.13_o who_o be_v before_o a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecuter_n and_o injurious_a so_o that_o he_o charge_v himself_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o murder_n and_o a_o most_o furious_a and_o outrageous_a persecution_n of_o good_a man_n for_o which_o elsewhere_o he_o pronounce_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n from_o whence_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o most_o wicked_a and_o damnable_a sin_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o they_o shall_v kill_v man_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o downright_a murder_n act_n 2.23_o speak_v of_o their_o put_v our_o saviour_n to_o death_n who_o you_o by_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_v and_o slay_v and_o act_v 7.52_o the_o just_a one_o of_o who_o you_o have_v be_v now_o the_o betrayer_n and_o murderer_n yet_o notwithstanding_o their_o sin_n be_v of_o this_o high_a nature_n in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v some_o mitigation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n that_o they_o do_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n and_o render_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n intercede_v with_o god_n for_o mercy_n for_o they_o father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v st._n peter_n also_o plead_v the_o same_o in_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n act_v 3.17_o and_o now_o brethren_n i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o as_o do_v also_o your_o ruler_n and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o find_v mercy_n upon_o his_o repentance_n on_o this_o account_n 1_o tim._n 1.13_o but_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o i_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n but_o still_o for_o all_o this_o wicked_a thing_n do_v out_o of_o conscience_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n be_v damnable_a and_o will_v prove_v so_o without_o repentance_n i_o shall_v now_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n by_o way_n of_o application_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o our_o zeal_n be_v direct_v by_o knowledge_n this_o show_v we_o how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n zeal_n be_v in_o the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n zeal_n be_v a_o edg-tool_n which_o child_n in_o understanding_n shall_v not_o meddle_v withal_o and_o yet_o it_o must_v frequent_o possess_v the_o weak_a mind_n and_o common_o by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o know_a people_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o zealous_a they_o be_v and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o knowledge_n be_v profess_o discourage_v and_o suppress_v in_o the_o common_a people_n zeal_n be_v mighty_o countenance_v and_o cherish_v and_o they_o make_v great_a use_n of_o it_o for_o this_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n be_v that_o which_o inspire_v diem_fw-la to_o do_v such_o cruel_a and_o barbarous_a thing_n as_o be_v hardly_o ever_o act_v among_o the_o heathen_a zeal_n be_v only_o fit_a for_o wise_a man_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o in_o fashion_n among_o fool_n nay_o it_o be_v dangerous_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o wise_a man_n and_o to_o be_v govern_v and_o keep_v in_o with_o a_o strict_a rein_n otherwise_o it_o will_v transport_v they_o to_o the_o do_v of_o undue_a and_o irregular_a thing_n moses_n one_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o man_n and_o most_o likely_a to_o govern_v and_o manage_v his_o zeal_n as_o he_o ought_v and_o to_o keep_v aloof_o from_o all_o excess_n and_o extravagance_n be_v the_o meek_a man_n upon_o earth_n yet_o he_o be_v so_o surprise_v upon_o a_o sudden_a occasion_n that_o in_o a_o fit_a of_o zeal_n he_o let_v fall_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v but_o just_a receive_v from_o god_n and_o dash_v they_o in_o piece_n a_o true_a emblem_n of_o a_o ungoverned_a zeal_n in_o the_o transport_v whereof_o even_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o forget_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o let_v they_o fall_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o to_o break_v all_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n 2._o from_o hence_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o worst_a and_o wicked_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n thus_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o engross_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o and_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v take_v copy_n by_o they_o as_o in_o a_o arrogant_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o so_o in_o the_o blindness_n and_o fury_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o their_o zeal_n towards_o all_o who_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o authority_n and_o direction_n and_o as_o the_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n do_v of_o old_a so_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o they_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n from_o the_o people_n and_o will_v neither_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n themselves_o nor_o suffer_v those_o that_o will_v to_o enter_v in_o they_o brand_v for_o heretic_n those_o who_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o worship_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o his_o time_n act_v 24.14_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o establish_v the_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n not_o submit_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o jew_n anathematise_v and_o excommunicate_v the_o first_o christian_n and_o persecute_v they_o to_o the_o death_n as_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o shall_v put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n yea_o and_o kill_v they_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n so_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v for_o many_o age_n use_v the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n 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murder_n of_o the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n be_v damnable_a sin_n and_o no_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n can_v excuse_v they_o or_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o zeal_n for_o god_n will_v justify_v no_o action_n that_o we_o do_v unless_o there_o be_v discretion_n to_o justify_v our_o zeal_n there_o be_v nothing_o often_o mislead_v man_n than_o a_o misguide_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la a_o false_a fire_n which_o often_o lead_v man_n into_o boggs_n and_o precipice_n it_o appear_v in_o the_o night_n in_o dark_a and_o ignorant_a and_o weak_a mind_n and_o offer_v itself_o a_o guide_n to_o those_o who_o have_v lose_v their_o way_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ungovernable_a passion_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o therefore_o require_v great_a knowledge_n and_o judgement_n to_o manage_v
salvation_n of_o mankind_n i_o judge_v nothing_o more_o needful_a to_o be_v add_v to_o what_o have_v fall_v in_o concern_v that_o subject_a in_o my_o handle_n the_o second_o proposition_n in_o this_o and_o the_o two_o former_a sermon_n sermon_n v._o the_o general_a and_o effectual_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v on_o ascension-day_n 1688._o mark_v xvi_o 19_o 20._o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v in_o these_o word_n you_o have_v these_o two_o great_a point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n i._o our_o saviour_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ii_o vol._n ii_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ii_o the_o effect_n or_o consequence_n of_o his_o ascension_n and_o exaltation_n which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o effectual_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v and_o both_o these_o be_v very_o proper_a for_o this_o day_n but_o i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n handle_v the_o latter_a point_n namely_o the_o effect_n open_fw-mi consequence_n of_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v and_o these_o word_n contain_v two_o thing_n in_o they_o i._o the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_n ii_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a efficacy_n and_o success_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o 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and_o meanness_n of_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o great_a work_n 4._o the_o powerful_a opposition_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o 5._o the_o great_a discouragement_n to_o the_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o each_o of_o these_o 1._o the_o vast_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n this_o be_v represent_v rev._n 14.6_o by_o a_o angel_n fly_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n and_o preach_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o every_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n no_o soon_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v ready_o embrace_v by_o great_a number_n almost_o in_o all_o place_n where_o it_o come_v and_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n gen._n 49.10_o that_o when_o shiloh_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v to_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v and_o isa_n 2.2_o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n the_o mountain_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o hill_n and_o that_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v unto_o it_o isa_n 60.8_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o man_n ready_a submission_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v come_v in_o upon_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o they_o be_v say_v to_o fly_v as_o a_o cloud_n and_o as_o the_o dove_n to_o the_o window_n so_o quick_a and_o strange_a a_o progress_n do_v this_o new_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n make_v in_o the_o world_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o about_o 30_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n it_o be_v not_o only_o diffuse_v through_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o have_v reach_v as_o far_o as_o parthia_n and_o india_n in_o which_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n full_o verify_v that_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n math._n 24.14_o this_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o end_n come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o man_n be_v not_o only_o bring_v in_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o 2._o this_o doctrine_n have_v likewise_o a_o wonderful_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o entertain_v the_o gospel_n be_v obedient_a to_o it_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o concern_v the_o gentile_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n rom._n 15.18_o upon_o the_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n follow_v also_o the_o change_n of_o their_o manner_n and_o of_o their_o former_a course_n of_o life_n they_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v thenceforth_o not_o walk_v as_o other_o gentile_n do_v in_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o according_a to_o the_o vicious_a course_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v put_v off_o concern_v their_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_v according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o do_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o strange_a a_o effect_n have_v the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o that_o i_o remember_v tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o senate_n challenge_v they_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o that_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o christian_a that_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o thief_n or_o a_o murderer_n or_o a_o sacrilegious_a person_n or_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o of_o those_o gross_a enormity_n for_o which_o so_o many_o pagan_n be_v every_o day_n make_v example_n of_o public_a justice_n and_o punish_v and_o execute_v among_o they_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o very_a admirable_a and_o happy_a effect_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o work_v so_o great_a and_o sudden_a a_o change_n in_o the_o live_v of_o those_o who_o entertain_v this_o doctrine_n to_o take_v they_o quite_o off_o from_o those_o vicious_a practice_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o accustom_a to_o to_o change_v their_o spirit_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o of_o lewd_a and_o dishonest_a to_o make_v they_o sober_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n of_o proud_a and_o fierce_a contentious_a and_o passionate_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a to_o make_v they_o humble_a and_o meek_a kind_a and_o tender-hearted_a peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v general_o good_a man_n and_o of_o virtuous_a life_n be_v credible_a because_o their_o religion_n do_v teach_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v such_o which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a now_o to_o make_v all_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o such_o as_o it_o require_v they_o shall_v be_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a forcible_a argument_n then_o in_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v for_o christianity_n be_v a_o hate_a and_o persecute_a profession_n no_o man_n can_v then_o have_v any_o inducement_n to_o embrace_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o practice_v it_o and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o for_o it_o offer_v man_n no_o reward_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a threaten_a man_n with_o the_o great_a temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n and_o it_o promise_v no_o happiness_n to_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n upon_o any_o