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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our_o salvation_n than_o to_o send_v his_o own_o son_n his_o only_a son_n to_o seek_v and_o save_v we_o and_o what_o great_a demonstration_n can_v he_o give_v of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o than_o to_o give_v the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n to_o die_v for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o last_o effort_n that_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n will_v make_v upon_o mankind_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n chap._n 1.1_o that_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v unto_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 will_v not_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 he_o shall_v make_v any_o far_a attempt_n for_o our_o recovery_n he_o can_v send_v no_o great_a and_o dear_a person_n to_o we_o than_o his_o own_o son_n if_o we_o despise_v he_o who_o will_v we_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 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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 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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
temple_n because_o it_o be_v his_o presence_n that_o shall_v fill_v that_o house_n with_o glory_n and_o it_o be_v in_o that_o place_n that_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v call_v the_o peace_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v give_v and_o in_o this_o place_n will_v i_o give_v peace_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o this_o be_v likewise_o most_o express_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n chap._n 3.1_o behold_v i_o will_v send_v my_o messenger_n and_o he_o shall_v prepare_v the_o way_n before_o i_o and_o the_o lord_n who_o you_o look_v for_o shall_v sudden_o come_v into_o his_o temple_n even_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o you_o delight_v in_o behold_v he_o shall_v come_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o according_o jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v during_o the_o second_o temple_n he_o be_v present_v there_o by_o his_o parent_n and_o own_a by_o simeon_n for_o the_o messiah_n he_o dispute_v there_o and_o teach_v frequent_o there_o and_o by_o his_o presence_n fill_v that_o house_n with_o glory_n for_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n teach_v public_o there_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o it_o than_o all_o the_o silver_n and_o gold_n of_o solomon_n temple_n and_o not_o long_o after_o his_o death_n according_a to_o his_o express_a prediction_n this_o second_o temple_n be_v destroy_v to_o the_o ground_n so_o that_o not_o one_o stone_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v upon_o another_o and_o when_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o it_o be_v attempt_v to_o be_v rebuilt_a three_o several_a time_n the_o last_o whereof_o be_v by_o julian_n the_o apostate_n in_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n fire_n come_v out_o of_o the_o foundation_n and_o destroy_v the_o workman_n so_o that_o they_o desist_v in_o great_a terror_n and_o dare_v never_o attempt_v it_o afterward_o and_o this_o not_o only_o the_o christian_a writer_n of_o that_o age_n in_o great_a number_n do_v testify_v but_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n a_o heathen_a historian_n who_o live_v in_o that_o time_n do_v also_o give_v we_o a_o very_a particular_a account_n of_o this_o memorable_a matter_n so_o that_o if_o by_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v here_o mean_v the_o messiah_n as_o i_o have_v plain_o show_v than_o he_o be_v long_o since_o come_v and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o according_a to_o this_o prophecy_n be_v to_o fill_v the_o second_o temple_n with_o glory_n which_o have_v now_o be_v demolish_v above_o one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o year_n ago_o and_o the_o rebuilding_n whereof_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o remarkable_o hinder_v from_o heaven_n the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o their_o vain_a expectation_n of_o a_o messiah_n yet_o to_o come_v be_v they_o not_o so_o obstinate_o root_v and_o fix_v in_o their_o infidelity_n there_o remain_v now_o the_o iv_o and_o last_o circumstance_n of_o this_o prophecy_n viz._n that_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v the_o last_o dispensation_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o unchangeable_a yet_o once_o more_o and_o i_o will_v shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o dry_a land_n and_o i_o will_v shake_v all_o nation_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o all_o nation_n shall_v come_v yet_o once_o more_o from_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n argue_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o dispensation_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v change_v heb._n 12.27_o and_o this_o word_n yet_o once_o more_o signify_v the_o remove_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v shake_v as_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v may_v remain_v and_o then_o it_o follow_v wherefore_o we_o receive_v a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v move_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o jew_n to_o describe_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v he_o move_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n which_o be_v a_o imperfect_a and_o alterable_a dispensation_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v namely_o to_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v now_o under_o a_o more_o gracious_a and_o perfect_a dispensation_n than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n ver_fw-la 18._o you_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o the_o mount_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v and_o that_o burn_v with_o fire_n meaning_n mount_v sinai_n which_o be_v a_o sensible_a literal_a mountain_n a_o mountain_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a mount_n zion_n by_o which_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v describe_v which_o by_o the_o way_n prevent_v the_o objection_n of_o its_o be_v call_v the_o mountain_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v when_o it_o be_v forbid_v to_o be_v touch_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n you_o be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o mount_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v that_o be_v i_o be_o not_o now_o speak_v of_o a_o literal_a and_o sensible_a mountain_n such_o as_o be_v mount_n sinai_n from_o whence_o the_o law_n be_v give_v but_o of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v typify_v by_o mount_n zion_n and_o by_o jerusalem_n but_o you_o be_v come_v to_o mount_v zion_n and_o unto_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o then_o he_o caution_n they_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o reject_v he_o that_o come_v from_o heaven_n to_o make_v this_o last_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n which_o because_o of_o the_o clearness_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o shall_v never_o need_v to_o receive_v any_o change_n ver_fw-la 25._o see_v that_o you_o refuse_v not_o he_o that_o speak_v for_o if_o they_o escape_v not_o who_o refuse_v he_o that_o speak_v on_o earth_n viz._n moses_n who_o deliver_v the_o law_n from_o mount_n sinai_n much_o more_o shall_v not_o we_o escape_v if_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o he_o that_o speak_v from_o heaven_n who_o voice_n then_o shake_v the_o earth_n allude_v to_o the_o earthquake_n at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n but_o now_o he_o have_v promise_v say_v yet_o once_o more_o i_o shake_v not_o the_o earth_n only_o but_o also_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o word_n once_o more_o that_o the_o former_a dispensation_n shall_v be_v remove_v to_o make_v way_n for_o that_o which_o shall_v perpetual_o remain_v and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o far_o revelation_n after_o this_o nor_o of_o any_o change_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v bring_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o its_o fitness_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o to_o recover_v mankind_n out_o of_o their_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_a condition_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n both_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o mighty_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n and_o now_o the_o proper_a inference_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n see_v that_o you_o refuse_v not_o he_o that_o speak_v for_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o he_o that_o speak_v from_o heaven_n and_o at_o the_o 28_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n wherefore_o we_o receive_v a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v move_v let_v we_o have_v grace_n whereby_o we_o may_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n that_o be_v let_v we_o live_v as_o become_v those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v make_v so_o clear_a and_o perfect_a a_o revelation_n of_o his_o will._n we_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n which_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v and_o the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a that_o the_o world_n ever_o shall_v have_v we_o have_v not_o only_a moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o that_o doctrine_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o we_o that_o clear_a and_o complete_a revelation_n of_o
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 essential_a part_n of_o their_o worship_n to_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o a_o solemn_a sacrament_n against_o murder_n and_o theft_n and_o adultery_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n no_o christian_a historian_n can_v have_v give_v a_o better_a character_n of_o they_o than_o this_o heathen_a writer_n do_v but_o 3._o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v yet_o more_o strange_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o meanness_n of_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o great_a work_n a_o company_n of_o plain_a and_o illiterate_a man_n most_o of_o they_o destitute_a of_o the_o advantage_n of_o education_n go_v forth_o upon_o this_o great_a design_n weak_a and_o unarmed_a unassisted_a by_o any_o worldy_a interest_n have_v no_o secular_a force_n and_o power_n on_o their_o side_n to_o give_v countenance_n and_o authority_n to_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o at_o their_o first_o set_v out_o but_o they_o remain_v under_o these_o disadvantage_n for_o three_o age_n together_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v violence_n to_o no_o man_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o compel_v any_o by_o force_n to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v and_o to_o listen_v themselves_o of_o their_o number_n they_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o legion_n of_o arm_a man_n to_o dispose_v man_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o their_o doctrine_n by_o plunder_n and_o freequarter_n by_o violence_n and_o torture_n this_o modern_a method_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o then_o think_v of_o nor_o do_v they_o go_v about_o to_o tempt_v and_o allure_v man_n to_o their_o way_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o temporal_a reward_n and_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o riches_n and_o honour_n nor_o do_v they_o use_v any_o artificial_a insinuation_n of_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o gain_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o steal_v their_o doctrine_n into_o they_o but_o deliver_v themselves_o with_o the_o great_a 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 superstition_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o be_v inquire_v after_o a_o better_a way_n of_o religion_n then_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v appear_v with_o great_a advantage_n and_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v entertain_v with_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n proportionable_a to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o publish_v in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v violent_o prejudice_v against_o it_o and_o fix_v in_o their_o several_a religion_n the_o jew_n indeed_o in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v very_o prone_a to_o relinquish_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o after_o god_n have_v punish_v they_o severe_o for_o that_o sin_n by_o a_o long_a captivity_n they_o continue_v ever_o after_o very_o strict_a and_o firm_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a 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
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
of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o let_v we_o not_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 now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n who_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n sermon_n xi_o the_o blessedness_n of_o good_a man_n after_o death_n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o 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 in_o my_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o general_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o they_o a_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o the_o bless_a estate_n of_o good_a man_n after_o this_o life_n but_o deliver_v upon_o a_o special_a occasion_n as_o be_v signify_v by_o that_o expression_n ii_o vol._n ii_o from_o henceforth_o that_o be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o that_o vision_n in_o which_o be_v represent_v to_o st._n john_n the_o last_o and_o extreme_a persecution_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n and_o which_o shall_v precede_v the_o fatal_a downfall_n of_o babylon_n from_o that_o time_n bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v consider_v the_o extremity_n and_o the_o cruel_a circumstance_n of_o this_o last_o and_o severe_a persecution_n we_o may_v from_o that_o time_n forward_o reckon_v those_o who_o be_v already_o dead_a suppose_v that_o they_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v very_o happy_a in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o live_v to_o see_v and_o suffer_v those_o grievous_a thing_n which_o then_o will_v befall_v the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n i_o consider_v the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o general_a intention_n of_o they_o abstract_v from_o the_o particular_a occasion_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v speak_v endeavour_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o happy_a estate_n of_o good_a man_n after_o this_o life_n from_o the_o two_o reason_n and_o ground_n mention_v in_o the_o text_n namely_o because_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o because_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v or_o accompany_v and_o go_v along_o with_o they_o which_o two_o particular_n constitute_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o future_a state_n xi_o serm._n xi_o that_o which_o far_o remain_v and_o to_o which_o i_o now_o proceed_v be_v to_o make_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_a and_o in_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o eye_n on_o the_o special_a occasion_n of_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o on_o their_o general_a intention_n and_o the_o inference_n shall_v be_v these_o follow_v first_o if_o those_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o rest_n from_o their_o labour_n and_o pain_n then_o this_o text_n conclude_v direct_o against_o the_o feign_a purgatory_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o suppose_v a_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n by_o he_o from_o hell_n not_o to_o pass_v immediate_o into_o happiness_n but_o to_o be_v detain_v in_o the_o suburb_n of_o hell_n in_o great_a pain_n and_o torment_n till_o their_o soul_n be_v purge_v and_o the_o debt_n of_o temporary_a punishment_n to_o which_o they_o be_v liable_a be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o pay_v off_o and_o dischargee_v second_o here_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v in_o this_o world_n will_v accompany_v we_o into_o the_o other_o three_o it_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o patience_n under_o the_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o attend_v good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n that_o how_o heavy_a and_o grievous_a soever_o they_o be_v at_o present_a they_o will_v end_v with_o this_o life_n and_o we_o shall_v then_o rest_v from_o all_o our_o labour_n four_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o extreme_a suffering_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o last_o time_n and_o which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o far_o from_o we_o shall_v render_v we_o very_o indifferent_a to_o life_n and_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o so_o as_o even_o to_o esteem_v it_o a_o particular_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v and_o by_o death_n to_o prevent_v if_o he_o see_v it_o good_a those_o extremity_n of_o suffering_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v hasten_v upon_o the_o world_n i._o if_o those_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o rest_n from_o all_o their_o labour_n and_o pain_n then_o this_o text_n conclude_v direct_o against_o the_o feign_a purgatory_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o suppose_v a_o great_a number_n yea_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o those_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n by_o he_o from_o hell_n not_o to_o pass_v immediate_o into_o happiness_n but_o to_o be_v detain_v somewhere_o they_o be_v not_o certain_a where_o but_o most_o probable_o in_o the_o suburb_n of_o hell_n in_o great_a pain_n and_o torment_n equal_a in_o degree_n to_o that_o of_o hell_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o duration_n i_o say_v to_o be_v detain_v there_o till_o their_o soul_n be_v purge_v from_o the_o defilement_n they_o have_v contract_v in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o debt_n of_o temporary_a punishment_n to_o which_o they_o be_v liable_a be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o pay_v off_o and_o discharge_v they_o suppose_v indeed_o some_o very_a few_o holy_a man_n to_o be_v so_o perfect_a at_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n that_o they_o do_v immediate_o and_o without_o any_o stop_n pass_v into_o heaven_n because_o they_o need_v no_o purgation_n and_o those_o likewise_o who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n because_o they_o discharge_v their_o debt_n of_o temporary_a punishment_n here_o but_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n who_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n they_o suppose_v so_o imperfect_a as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o be_v purge_v by_o fire_n and_o according_o that_o they_o be_v detain_v a_o long_a or_o short_a time_n as_o their_o debt_n of_o temporary_a punishment_n be_v great_a or_o less_o and_o indeed_o they_o have_v a_o very_a considerable_a and_o substantial_a reason_n to_o exempt_a as_o few_o as_o possible_o they_o can_v from_o go_v to_o purgatory_n because_o the_o more_o they_o put_v in_o fear_n of_o go_v thither_o the_o market_n of_o indulgence_n rise_v the_o high_a and_o the_o profit_n thence_o accrue_v to_o the_o pope_n coffer_n and_o the_o more_o and_o great_a legacy_n will_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o priest_n to_o hire_v their_o say_n of_o mass_n for_o the_o delivery_n of_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n for_o though_o the_o prayer_n of_o friend_n and_o relation_n will_v contribute_v something_o to_o this_o yet_o nothing_o do_v the_o business_n so_o effectual_o as_o the_o mass_n and_o prayer_n of_o priest_n to_o that_o end_n but_o how_o be_v it_o then_o that_o st._n john_n say_v that_o those_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v happy_a because_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n if_o so_o be_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o far_o from_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n that_o they_o enter_v into_o far_o great_a pain_n and_o torment_n than_o ever_o they_o endure_v in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o bellarmine_n that_o their_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n may_v receve_v no_o prejudice_n from_o this_o text_n will_v have_v from_o henceforth_o in_o the_o text_n to_o be_v date_v from_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o he_o suppose_v the_o pain_n of_o purgatory_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o why_o from_o henceforth_o shall_v take_v date_n from_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n he_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n but_o only_o to_o save_v purgatory_n from_o be_v condemn_v by_o this_o text._n for_o st._n john_n plain_o speak_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v die_v after_o that_o time_n whatever_o it_o be_v which_o he_o there_o describe_v but_o that_o time_n can_v be_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n because_o none_o shall_v die_v after_o that_o time_n just_o thus_o estius_n one_o of_o their_o most_o learned_a commentator_n deal_v with_o another_o text_n which_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o writer_n be_v urge_v as_o a_o plain_a proof_n of_o purgatory_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o so_o as_o by_o fire_n upon_o which_o he_o say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o
text_n against_o purgatory_n sufficient_a for_o what_o not_o to_o prove_v purgatory_n as_o they_o general_o pretend_v from_o this_o text_n but_o to_o save_v it_o harmless_a from_o it_o as_o if_o we_o have_v pretend_v that_o this_o text_n make_v against_o it_o but_o there_o be_v other_o that_o make_v against_o it_o with_o a_o witness_n not_o only_o the_o perpetual_a silence_n of_o scripture_n about_o it_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o far_a occasion_n of_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n where_o the_o future_a state_n be_v so_o particular_o describe_v and_o yet_o no_o mention_n make_v nor_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v of_o this_o three_o state_n but_o beside_o the_o silence_n of_o scripture_n about_o it_o there_o be_v several_a passage_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o as_o namely_o st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n where_o he_o plain_o declare_v the_o assurance_n he_o have_v that_o all_o sincere_a christian_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o quit_v the_o body_n do_v pass_v into_o happiness_n for_o we_o know_v say_v he_o 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 build_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 the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o quit_v the_o one_o we_o shall_v pass_v into_o the_o other_o and_o this_o consideration_n he_o tell_v we_o make_v christian_n weary_a of_o this_o world_n and_o willing_a to_o die_v ver._n 2._o for_o in_o this_o we_o groan_v earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v clothe_v upon_o with_o our_o house_n which_o be_v from_o heaven_n and_o ver._n 4._o for_o we_o that_o be_v in_o this_o tabernacle_n do_v groan_n be_v burden_v but_o have_v christian_n believe_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o when_o they_o leave_v the_o body_n be_v to_o go_v into_o purgatory_n to_o be_v terrible_o torment_v there_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v in_o such_o haste_n to_o die_v but_o will_v have_v protract_v the_o time_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v and_o have_v content_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n rather_o than_o to_o quit_v it_o for_o a_o condition_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o intolerable_a but_o st._n paul_n express_o say_v that_o christian_n know_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o go_v out_o of_o the_o body_n they_o shall_v be_v happy_a and_o with_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o this_o give_v they_o courage_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n ver._n 6._o therefore_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bono_fw-mi igitur_fw-la animo_fw-la sumus_fw-la therefore_o we_o be_v always_o of_o good_a courage_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 and_o ver._n 8._o we_o be_v of_o good_a courage_n i_o say_v and_o willing_a rather_o to_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o body_n and_o present_a with_o the_o lord_n the_o plain_a sense_n of_o which_o be_v that_o christian_n be_v willing_a rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v because_o they_o know_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o leave_v the_o body_n and_o depart_v this_o life_n they_o shall_v be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n but_o now_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n be_v true_a this_o whole_a reason_v of_o st._n paul_n proceed_v upon_o a_o gross_a mistake_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o certain_a it_o be_v not_o true_a and_o so_o do_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n here_o in_o the_o text_n bless_v be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o restrain_v this_o general_a expression_n that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n only_o to_o the_o martyr_n for_o though_o they_o be_v certain_o include_v and_o prehaps_o primary_o intend_v in_o it_o yet_o this_o phrase_n comprehend_v all_o those_o who_o die_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v most_o frequent_o so_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o this_o matter_n especial_o since_o bishop_n fisher_n and_o several_a of_o their_o own_o learned_a writer_n do_v so_o frank_o acknowledge_v that_o their_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n other_o reason_n i_o grant_v they_o have_v for_o it_o which_o make_v they_o very_o loath_a to_o quit_v it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a profitable_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v take_v care_n to_o have_v it_o more_o abundant_o confirm_v by_o apparition_n of_o soul_n from_o the_o dead_a than_o any_o other_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o in_o short_a how_o little_a soever_o they_o can_v say_v for_o it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o part_v with_o it_o demetrius_z the_o silver_n smith_n argue_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v for_o his_o goddess_n diana_n from_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o she_o the_o great_a goddess_n diana_n who_o all_o asia_n and_o the_o world_n worship_v but_o his_o trusty_a argument_n to_o his_o workman_n be_v sir_n you_o know_v that_o by_o this_o craft_n we_o have_v our_o wealth_n and_o this_o our_o craft_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o ii_o here_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v in_o this_o world_n will_v accompany_v we_o into_o the_o other_o bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o their_o work_n accompany_v they_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v we_o can_v call_v nothing_o our_o own_o but_o the_o good_a work_n which_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o have_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v in_o this_o life_n these_o will_v stick_v by_o we_o and_o bear_v we_o company_n into_o the_o other_o world_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v strip_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o force_v to_o part_v from_o they_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o no._n our_o riches_n and_o our_o honour_n our_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n will_v all_o take_v their_o leave_n of_o we_o when_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n nay_o many_o time_n they_o do_v not_o accompany_v we_o so_o far_o as_o the_o grave_a but_o leave_v we_o very_o unkind_o and_o unreasonable_o when_o we_o have_v the_o great_a need_n and_o use_v of_o they_o there_o be_v one_o way_n indeed_o whereby_o we_o may_v secure_v our_o riches_n and_o make_v sure_a friend_n to_o ourselves_o of_o they_o by_o lay_v they_o out_o in_o charity_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o may_v send_v they_o before_o we_o and_o consign_v they_o over_o to_o another_o world_n to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o reception_n there_o so_o our_o lord_n assure_v we_o luke_n 12.33_o that_o by_o give_v alm_n we_o provide_v ourselves_o bag_n which_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n which_o fail_v not_o and_o luke_n 16.9_o that_o by_o this_o way_n we_o may_v make_v to_o ourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o we_o fail_v they_o may_v receive_v we_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n what_o be_v that_o it_o be_v what_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o call_v deceitful_a riches_n because_o in_o other_o way_n in_o which_o man_n common_o lie_v they_o out_o they_o turn_v to_o no_o certain_a account_n but_o one_o way_n or_o other_o do_v deceive_v and_o frustrate_v our_o expectation_n but_o by_o dispose_v of_o they_o in_o charity_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o persecute_v we_o make_v sure_a friend_n of_o they_o and_o consign_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o to_o our_o certain_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n in_o another_o world_n and_o as_o charity_n so_o likewise_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o good_a part_n which_o can_v be_v take_v away_o from_o we_o all_o the_o good_a action_n that_o we_o do_v in_o this_o life_n will_v go_v with_o we_o to_o the_o grave_a and_o bear_v we_o company_n into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o will_v stand_v by_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o our_o judge_n and_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n will_v procure_v for_o we_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n a_o most_o ample_a and_o eternal_a reward_n and_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v this_o to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v be_v all_o our_o own_o another_o day_n and_o turn_v to_o our_o unspeakable_a advantage_n at_o our_o great_a account_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o whoever_o serve_v god_n faithful_o lay_v up_o so_o much_o treasure_n for_o himself_o which_o he_o may_v take_v along_o with_o he_o into_o the_o other_o
world_n and_o do_v provide_v for_o himself_o last_v comfort_n and_o faithful_a companion_n which_o will_v never_o leave_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o a_o happiness_n large_a as_o his_o desire_n and_o durable_a and_o immortal_a as_o his_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o do_v all_o the_o good_a that_o possible_o we_o can_v whilst_o we_o have_v opportunity_n let_v we_o serve_v god_n industrious_o and_o with_o all_o our_o may_v know_v that_o no_o good_a action_n that_o we_o do_v shall_v be_v lose_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n that_o no_o grace_n and_o virtue_n that_o we_o practice_v in_o this_o life_n nor_o any_o degree_n of_o they_o shall_v lose_v their_o reward_n if_o we_o faithful_o improve_v the_o talent_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o we_o to_o our_o master_n advantage_n when_o he_o come_v to_o call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n and_o find_v that_o we_o have_v do_v so_o we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o receive_v both_o his_o approbation_n and_o reward_n and_o what_o a_o comfort_n will_v it_o be_v to_o any_o one_o of_o we_o to_o hear_v those_o bless_a word_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o lord_n well_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o a_o little_a i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o much_o enter_v thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o plead_v our_o service_n to_o he_o and_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o they_o our_o judge_n himself_o will_v celebrate_v our_o good_a deed_n upon_o the_o theatre_n of_o the_o world_n and_o commemorate_v they_o to_o our_o advantage_n and_o interpret_v every_o good_a office_n we_o have_v do_v to_o any_o of_o his_o poor_a and_o afflict_a member_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o kindness_n immediate_o do_v to_o himself_o so_o our_o lord_n represent_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o great_a judge_n and_o king_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o recompense_n mat._n 25.34_o then_o shall_v the_o king_n say_v unto_o they_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o i_o be_v a_o hunger_a and_o you_o give_v i_o meat_n i_o be_v thirsty_a and_o you_o give_v i_o drink_v i_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o you_o take_v i_o in_o naked_a and_o you_o clothe_v i_o i_o be_v sick_a and_o you_o visit_v i_o i_o be_v in_o prison_n and_o you_o come_v unto_o i_o then_o shall_v the_o righteous_a answer_v he_o say_v lord_n when_o see_v we_o thou_o in_o any_o of_o these_o circumstance_n hungry_a or_o thirsty_a or_o a_o stranger_n or_o naked_a or_o sick_a or_o in_o prison_n and_o minister_v unto_o thou_o and_o the_o king_n shall_v answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o have_v do_v it_o unto_o one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o these_o my_o brethren_n you_o have_v do_v it_o unto_o i_o who_o will_v not_o be_v ambitious_a and_o glad_a to_o serve_v such_o a_o prince_n who_o will_v so_o benign_o intepret_v and_o so_o bountiful_o reward_v the_o least_o service_n we_o do_v to_o he_o iii_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o shall_v likewise_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n and_o support_v to_o our_o patience_n under_o all_o those_o evil_n and_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n which_o many_o time_n attend_v good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n they_o be_v for_o the_o present_a perhaps_o very_o heavy_a and_o grievous_a but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n short_o come_v when_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o ease_n and_o perfect_o free_v from_o they_o when_o we_o shall_v find_v rest_n from_o our_o labour_n and_o suffering_n when_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o peace_n and_o rest_n in_o our_o bed_n every_o one_o walk_v in_o his_o uprightness_n that_o be_v reap_v the_o comfort_n and_o enjoy_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n and_o constant_a suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o say_v of_o a_o good_a man_n bless_a be_v god_n that_o we_o be_v to_o die_v because_o to_o good_a man_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a remedy_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n and_o will_v unquestionable_o put_v a_o end_n to_o they_o the_o grave_n be_v a_o place_n of_o rest_n and_o discharge_v from_o all_o trouble_v as_o job_n elegant_o describe_v it_o chap._n 3.17_o 18_o 19_o there_o the_o wicked_a cease_v from_o trouble_v there_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n there_o the_o prisoner_n rest_v together_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o oppressor_n the_o small_a and_o the_o great_a be_v there_o and_o the_o servant_n be_v free_a from_o his_o master_n so_o soon_o as_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o other_o world_n we_o be_v secure_a against_o the_o pursuit_n and_o danger_n of_o all_o those_o evil_n which_o afflict_a we_o in_o this_o world_n and_o nothing_o will_v remain_v but_o the_o joyful_a remembrance_n of_o our_o suffering_n and_o the_o plentiful_a reward_n of_o our_o constancy_n and_o patience_n under_o they_o and_o the_o more_o our_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n have_v abound_v the_o great_a will_v our_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n then_o be_v which_o say_v st._n paul_n be_v a_o manifest_a token_n a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v be_v account_v worthy_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o which_o you_o also_o suffer_v see_v it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n to_o recompense_v to_o you_o who_o be_v trouble_v rest_v with_o we_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n 2_o thess_n 1.5_o 6_o 7._o iv_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o extreme_a suffering_n which_o be_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o last_o time_n and_o which_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v begin_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v make_v we_o very_o content_v to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o glad_a of_o any_o fair_a opportunity_n and_o excuse_n to_o take_v our_o leave_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n and_o danger_n of_o those_o violent_a and_o more_o than_o humane_a temptation_n with_o which_o our_o faith_n and_o constancy_n may_v be_v assail_v nay_o to_o esteem_v it_o a_o particular_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o we_o to_o be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v and_o to_o prevent_v if_o god_n see_v it_o good_a those_o extremity_n of_o suffering_n which_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o world_n these_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v begin_v in_o some_o part_n of_o it_o they_o in_o our_o neighbour_n nation_n have_v a_o bitter_a cup_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n a_o cup_n of_o astonishment_n to_o all_o those_o that_o hear_v of_o it_o whether_o this_o be_v that_o last_o and_o extreme_a persecution_n speak_v of_o here_o by_o st._n john_n i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v positive_o to_o determine_v it_o be_v plain_o distinguish_v in_o the_o vision_n froth_n that_o under_o the_o first_o beast_n describe_v rev._n 13._o from_o verse_n the_o first_o to_o verse_n 11._o and_o chap._n 17._o there_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o beast_n upon_o which_o the_o woman_n sit_v on_o who_o forehead_n be_v a_o name_n write_v mystery_n babylon_n the_o great_a and_o this_o beast_n be_v there_o say_v to_o have_v seven_o head_n and_o ten_o horn_n which_o be_v thus_o explain_v by_o st._n john_n chap._n 17.9_o 10._o and_o here_o be_v the_o mind_n which_o have_v wisdom_n the_o seven_o head_n be_v seven_o mountain_n upon_o which_o the_o woman_n sit_v and_o there_o be_v seven_o king_n that_o be_v as_o be_v general_o agree_v by_o interpreter_n a_o succession_n of_o seven_o government_n and_o verse_n 12_o 13_o 14._o and_o the_o ten_o horn_n which_o thou_o see_v be_v ten_o king_n which_o have_v receive_v no_o kingdom_n as_o yet_o but_o receive_v power_n as_o king_n one_o hour_n with_o the_o beast_n these_o have_v one_o mind_n and_o shall_v give_v their_o power_n and_o strength_n unto_o the_o beast_n and_o shall_v make_v war_n with_o the_o lamb._n and_o verse_n 18._o and_o the_o woman_n which_o thou_o see_v be_v that_o great_a city_n which_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o this_o beast_n be_v plain_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o the_o woman_n that_o sit_v upon_o she_o be_v the_o great_a city_n stand_v upon_o seven_o mountain_n which_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o rome_n as_o be_v agree_v by_o interpreter_n on_o all_o side_n bellarmine_n l._n 2._o c._n 2._o de_fw-fr rom._n pontif._n confess_v that_o st._n john_n in_o the_o revelation_n every_o where_o call_v rome_n babylon_n as_o tertullian_n say_v he_o have_v note_v and_o as_o be_v plain_a from_o chap._n 17._o where_o babylon_n be_v say_v to_o
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 divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_v of_o it_o v._n serm._n v._n the_o lord_n wrought_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v 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 and_o indeed_o the_o industry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o disciple_n in_o publish_v the_o gospel_n be_v almost_o incredible_a what_o pain_n do_v they_o take_v what_o hazard_n do_v they_o run_v what_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n do_v they_o contend_v withal_o in_o this_o work_n and_o yet_o their_o success_n be_v great_a than_o their_o industry_n and_o beyond_o all_o humane_a expectation_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o five_o thing_n 1._o the_o vast_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n 2._o the_o wonderful_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n 3._o the_o weakness_n 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