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world_n jesus_n light_n light_v 2,353 5 9.9954 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62635 Several discourses by the Most Reverend Dr. John Tillotson ... , being the fifth volume published from the originals by Ralph Barker ... Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708. 1700 (1700) Wing T1263; ESTC R31970 188,402 488

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at_o last_o he_o resolve_v upon_o this_o that_o he_o will_v go_v to_o his_o lord_n debtor_n and_o take_v a_o favourable_a account_n of_o they_o and_o instead_o of_o a_o hundred_o measure_n of_o oil_n write_v down_o fifty_o and_o instead_o of_o a_o hundred_o measure_n of_o wheat_n write_v down_o fourscore_o v._n vol._n v._n that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v oblige_v they_o to_o be_v kind_a to_o he_o in_o his_o necessity_n the_o lord_n hear_v of_o this_o commend_v the_o unjust_a steward_n because_o he_o have_v do_v wise_o that_o be_v he_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o dishonesty_n but_o praise_v his_o shrewdness_n and_o sagacity_n as_o have_v do_v prudent_o for_o himself_o though_o he_o do_v not_o deal_v just_o with_o he_o and_o this_o be_v usual_a among_o men._n when_o we_o see_v a_o man_n ingenious_o bad_a to_o commend_v his_o wit_n and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v great_a pity_n he_o do_v not_o use_v it_o better_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o good_a purpose_n upon_o the_o whole_a our_o saviour_n make_v this_o observation_n that_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thus_o do_v this_o worldly_a wiseman_n thus_o provident_a be_v he_o for_o his_o future_a security_n and_o subsistence_n he_o no_o soon_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o his_o office_n but_o he_o consider_v what_o provision_n to_o make_v for_o himself_o against_o that_o time_n and_o be_v it_o not_o pity_n that_o good_a man_n do_v not_o apply_v this_o wisdom_n to_o better_a and_o great_a purpose_n for_o be_v not_o every_o man_n such_o a_o steward_n entrust_v by_o god_n with_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n 13._o ser._n 13._o and_o many_o opportunity_n of_o
several_a discourse_n viz._n prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o jesus_n and_o his_o religion_n consider_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n prove_v by_o his_o resurrection_n the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n christ_n the_o author_n obedience_n the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n the_o possibility_n and_o necessity_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o its_o consistence_n with_o free_a grace_n the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o commission_n and_o promise_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o apostle_n the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n consider_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n child_n of_o this_o world_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o five_o volume_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o ralph_n barker_n d._n d._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n the_o second_o edition_n correct_v london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o the_o content_n of_o the_o five_o volume_n serm._n i._n prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n matth_n xi_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o now_o when_o john_n have_v hear_v in_o prison_n the_o work_n of_o christ_n he_o send_v two_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o be_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o do_v we_o look_v for_o another_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o go_v and_o show_v john_n again_o these_o thing_n which_o you_o do_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n and_o the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v and_o the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v up_o and_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o page_n 1._o serm._n two_o iii_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n consider_v matth_n xi_o 6_o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o p._n 47_o 91._o serm._n iu._n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n prove_v by_o his_o resurrection_n rom_n i._o 4_o and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a p._n 127._o serm._n v._o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n heb._n vi_o 4_o 5_o 6._o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n p._n 155._o serm._n vi_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o obedience_n the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o p._n 197._o serm._n vii_o the_o possibility_n and_o necessity_n of_o gospel-obedience_n and_o its_o consistence_n with_o free_a grace_n heb._n v._n 9_o and_o be_v make_v perfect_a he_o become_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o p._n 231._o serm._n viii_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o commission_n and_o promise_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o apostle_n mat._n xxviii_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o jesus_n come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 265._o serm._n ix_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n consider_v luke_n xiii_o 24_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a p._n 301._o serm._n x_o xi_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luke_n xvi_o 19_o 20._o there_o be_v a_o certain_a rich_a man_n which_o be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o fine_a linen_n and_o fare_v sumptuous_o every_o day_n and_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a beggar_n name_v lazarus_n which_o be_v lay_v at_o his_o gate_n full_a of_o sore_n p._n 343_o 379._o serm._n xii_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luke_n xvi_o 31_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a p._n 417._o serm._n xiii_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n luke_n xvi_o 8_o for_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n p._n 447._o sermon_n i._o prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n matth_n xi_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o now_o when_o john_n have_v hear_v in_o prison_n the_o work_n of_o christ_n he_o send_v two_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o be_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o do_v we_o look_v for_o another_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o go_v and_o show_v john_n again_o those_o thing_n which_o you_o do_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n and_o the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v and_o the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v up_o and_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v a_o general_a expectation_n of_o a_o great_a prince_n that_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o judea_n and_o govern_v all_o nation_n this_o the_o gentile_n have_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o sibyl_n v._n vol._n v._n which_o speak_v of_o a_o great_a king_n that_o be_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n about_o that_o time_n so_o virgil_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o time_n of_o augustus_n be_v the_o utmost_a date_n of_o that_o prophecy_n vltima_fw-la cumaei_n venit_fw-la jam_fw-la carminis_fw-la aetas_fw-la and_o suetonius_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o over_o the_o eastern_a country_n there_o be_v a_o ancient_a and_o constant_a tradition_n that_o such_o a_o prince_n shall_v spring_v out_o of_o judea_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v call_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o expectation_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o more_o especial_o among_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o more_o lively_a and_o particular_a expectation_n ground_v upon_o the_o prediction_n of_o their_o prophet_n of_o a_o prince_n who_o they_o call_v the_o messiah_n or_o the_o anoint_v and_o those_o who_o be_v more_o devout_a among_o they_o do_v at_o that_o time_n wait_v for_o his_o appearance_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o simeon_n that_o he_o wait_v for_o the_o consolation_n of_o israel_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o john_n the_o baptist_n appear_v in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n they_o send_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o inquire_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n john_n 1.19_o the_o jew_n send_v priest_n and_o levite_n from_o jerusalem_n to_o ask_v he_o 1._o ser._n 1._o who_o be_v thou_o and_o he_o confess_v and_o deny_v not_o but_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o the_o christ_n the_o sanhedrim_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o judge_v who_o be_v true_a prophet_n send_v to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o not_o he_o will_v not_o take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o but_o tell_v they_o the_o messiah_n be_v just_a at_o hand_n and_o the_o next_o day_n when_o jesus_n come_v to_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o he_o bare_a record_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o abide_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o know_v he_o and_o bare_a witness_n of_o he_o which_o make_v it_o the_o more_o strange_a that_o here_o in_o the_o text_n he_o shall_v send_v two_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o inquire_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o not_o be_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o do_v we_o look_v for_o another_o that_o be_v be_v thou_o the_o messiah_n or_o not_o for_o so_o he_o be_v call_v in_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o shall_v come_v gen._n 49.10_o
will_v draw_v all_o man_n after_o he_o what_o do_v we_o say_v they_o for_o this_o man_n do_v many_o miracle_n if_o we_o let_v he_o thus_o alone_o all_o man_n will_v believe_v on_o he_o this_o they_o say_v upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o great_a miracle_n of_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o in_o reason_n miracle_n be_v the_o high_a attestation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o any_o doctrine_n and_o suppose_v a_o doctrine_n not_o to_o be_v plain_o unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o miracle_n they_o be_v such_o a_o argument_n as_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v apt_a to_o persuade_v and_o induce_v belief_n all_o truth_n do_v not_o need_v miracle_n some_o be_v of_o easy_a belief_n and_o be_v so_o clear_a by_o their_o own_o light_n that_o they_o need_v neither_o miracle_n nor_o demonstration_n to_o prove_v they_o such_o be_v those_o self-evident_a principle_n which_o mankind_n do_v general_o agree_v in_o other_o which_z be_v not_o so_o evident_a by_o their_o own_o light_n we_o be_v content_a to_o receive_v upon_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o they_o or_o very_o probable_a argument_n for_o they_o without_o a_o miracle_n and_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n which_o however_o they_o may_v be_v sufficient_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a to_o most_o man_n yet_o be_v they_o so_o inconsiderable_a and_o of_o so_o small_a consequence_n as_o not_o to_o deserve_v the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v interpose_v by_o a_o miracle_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o they_o nec_fw-la deus_fw-la intersit_fw-la nisi_fw-la dignus_fw-la vindice_fw-la nodus_fw-la inciderit_fw-la but_o for_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o but_o be_v not_o sufficient_o evident_a of_o themselves_o nor_o capable_a of_o cogent_a evidence_n especial_o to_o prejudice_v and_o interest_v person_n god_n be_v please_v in_o this_o case_n many_o time_n to_o work_v miracle_n for_o our_o conviction_n and_o they_o be_v a_o proper_a argument_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o in_o itself_o obscure_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o which_o we_o be_v prejudice_v against_o and_o hardly_o bring_v to_o believe_v for_o they_o be_v a_o argument_n à_fw-fr majori_fw-la ad_fw-la minus_n they_o prove_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v obscure_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o something_o that_o be_v more_o incredible_a which_o yet_o they_o can_v deny_v because_o they_o see_v it_o do_v thus_o our_o saviour_n prove_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o never_o man_n do_v he_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v because_o they_o see_v he_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o one_o have_v not_o see_v they_o than_o what_o he_o say_v miracle_n be_v indeed_o the_o great_a external_a confirmation_n and_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n and_o where_o they_o be_v wrought_v with_o all_o the_o advantage_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o such_o be_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n here_o be_v miracle_n of_o all_o kind_n the_o blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n and_o the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v and_o the_o deaf_a hear_v and_o the_o dead_a be_v raise_v up_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v divine_a and_o to_o come_v from_o god_n for_o they_o be_v heal_v and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n our_o saviour_n here_o instance_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n and_o which_o free_a man_n from_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o inconvenience_n the_o restore_n of_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a soundness_n and_o health_n to_o the_o lame_a and_o the_o leprous_a and_o life_n to_o the_o dead_a and_o then_o for_o the_o number_n of_o they_o they_o be_v many_o not_o one_o instance_n of_o a_o kind_n but_o several_a of_o every_o kind_n and_o great_a multitude_n of_o most_o of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n they_o be_v public_a in_o the_o sight_n and_o view_v of_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n to_o free_v they_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n they_o be_v not_o wrought_v private_o and_o in_o corner_n and_o give_v out_o and_o noise_v abroad_o but_o before_o all_o the_o people_n so_o that_o every_o one_o may_v see_v they_o and_o judge_v of_o they_o not_o only_o among_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o follower_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o work_v they_o but_o among_o his_o enemy_n to_o convince_v those_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o this_o not_o do_v once_o and_o in_o one_o place_n but_o at_o several_a time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n where_o he_o come_v and_o for_o a_o long_a time_n for_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a and_o after_o his_o death_n he_o endow_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n with_o the_o same_o power_n which_o last_v for_o some_o age_n and_o then_o for_o the_o quality_n of_o they_o they_o be_v miracle_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n those_o of_o they_o which_o in_o themselves_o may_v have_v be_v perform_v by_o natural_a mean_n as_o heal_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o leprous_a and_o the_o deaf_a he_o do_v in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n by_o a_o word_n or_o a_o touch_n yea_o and_o many_o time_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n but_o other_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n unquestionable_o miraculous_a as_o give_v of_o sight_n to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v bear_v blind_a and_o raise_v up_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n as_o lazarus_n after_o he_o have_v lie_v in_o the_o grave_n four_o day_n and_o himself_o afterward_o the_o three_o day_n after_o he_o have_v be_v bury_v which_o if_o there_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o unquestionable_a miracle_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v repute_v such_o so_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v all_o the_o attestation_n that_o miracle_n can_v give_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o evidence_n of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o jew_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o messiah_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v work_v great_a miracle_n and_o their_o own_o talmud_n confess_v that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o joseph_n and_o mary_n do_v work_v great_a miracle_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v particular_o relate_v more_o and_o great_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o than_o by_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n that_o have_v be_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v so_o that_o we_o may_v still_o put_v the_o same_o question_n to_o the_o jew_n which_o they_o do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n to_o one_o another_o when_o christ_n come_v when_o the_o messiah_n who_o you_o expect_v come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v but_o second_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o clear_o appear_v by_o the_o correspondency_n of_o the_o thing_n here_o mention_v with_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n not_o to_o mention_v innumerable_a circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n together_o with_o the_o success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n all_o which_o be_v punctual_o foretell_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o particular_n here_o in_o the_o text._n first_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o shall_v work_v miraculous_a cure_n isa_n 35.4_o 5_o 6._o speak_v of_o the_o messiah_n he_o will_v come_v and_o save_v you_o then_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o deaf_a shall_v be_v unstop_v then_o shall_v the_o lame_a man_n leap_v as_o a_o hart_n and_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o dumb_a sing_v this_o you_o see_v be_v fulfil_v here_o in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o text_n mention_n another_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o prophet_n that_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a but_o if_o god_n do_v more_o than_o he_o promise_v and_o foretell_v this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o argument_n if_o all_o that_o he_o foretell_v be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o beside_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o proverb_n that_o god_n be_v not_o content_a to_o perform_v
in_o all_o age_n and_o sex_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n than_o in_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n be_v any_o of_o the_o heathen_a soldier_n comparable_a to_o the_o christian_a legion_n for_o resolution_n and_o courage_n even_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v judges_n the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n seem_v to_o be_v contrive_v to_o inspire_v man_n with_o fierceness_n and_o desperateness_n of_o resolution_n and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v but_o that_o general_o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o equality_n for_o number_n the_o christian_n have_v be_v superior_a to_o they_o in_o valour_n and_o have_v give_v great_a instance_n of_o resolution_n and_o courage_n than_o the_o turk_n have_v do_v so_o that_o i_o wonder_v upon_o what_o ground_n this_o objection_n have_v be_v take_v up_o against_o christianity_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o religion_n or_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a countenance_n to_o it_o 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make_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o innocent_a of_o all_o that_o mischief_n no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n do_v strict_o enjoin_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o so_o far_o as_o christian_n be_v factious_a and_o unpeaceable_a so_o far_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o except_o against_o philosophy_n because_o of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n among_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o question_n for_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n nay_o a_o man_n may_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o except_o against_o law_n and_o government_n because_o notwithstanding_o they_o there_o be_v frequent_a sedition_n and_o rebellion_n infinite_a suit_n and_o controversy_n occasion_v even_o by_o the_o very_a law_n but_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o think_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n against_o law_n and_o government_n 3._o the_o division_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n shall_v embrace_v christianity_n more_o hearty_o and_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o do_v this_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o contention_n and_o uncharitable_a animosity_n which_o be_v among_o they_o will_v present_o cease_v if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_o entertain_v and_o man_n do_v serious_o mind_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o its_o law_n difference_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o commence_v nor_o so_o vehement_o prosecute_v nor_o so_o pertinacious_o continue_v in_o as_o they_o be_v man_n will_v not_o upon_o every_o slight_a reason_n and_o little_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n rend_v and_o tear_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o piece_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v their_o christianity_n if_o man_n serious_o consider_v and_o true_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o little_a scruple_n and_o pretence_n they_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o think_v themselves_o christian_n whilst_o they_o continue_v in_o these_o unchristian_a and_o uncharitable_a practice_n if_o man_n will_v but_o be_v or_o do_v what_o christianity_n require_v there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o this_o objection_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o those_o that_o act_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o objection_n the_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v a_o heavy_a objection_n indeed_o and_o such_o a_o one_o that_o though_o we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v it_o it_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o confound_v we_o and_o to_o fill_v all_o our_o face_n with_o shame_n and_o blush_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o objection_n not_o so_o strong_a against_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v shameful_a to_o christian_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a force_n of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o for_o whatever_o we_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o it_o be_v to_o reform_v and_o save_v man_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v therein_o reveal_v against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o vnrighteousness_n of_o man_n however_o they_o may_v detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o vnrighteousness_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v their_o due_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o particular_a answer_n to_o it_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o attend_v to_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n have_v have_v once_o very_o great_a and_o marvellous_a effect_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o which_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o book_n and_o writer_n but_o even_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o reformation_n christianity_n at_o first_o
so_o afraid_a of_o the_o merit_n of_o obedience_n and_o good_a work_n that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o assert_v the_o neeessity_n of_o they_o and_o do_v it_o with_o so_o much_o caution_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o it_o or_o do_v apprehend_v some_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o it_o but_o this_o fear_n be_v perfect_o groundless_a as_o if_o merit_n can_v not_o be_v exclude_v without_o cast_v off_o our_o duty_n and_o release_n ourselves_o from_o any_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o be_v good_a for_o any_o man_n sure_o may_v easy_o discern_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o a_o worthiness_n of_o desert_n and_o a_o fitness_n of_o receive_v a_o rebel_n be_v penitent_a and_o sorry_a for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v though_o he_o can_v deserve_v a_o pardon_n yet_o he_o may_v thereby_o be_v qualify_v and_o make_v meet_v to_o receive_v it_o though_o repentance_n do_v not_o make_v he_o worthy_a yet_o it_o may_v make_v he_o capable_a of_o it_o which_o a_o obstinate_a rebel_n and_o one_o that_o persist_v in_o his_o disloyalty_n be_v not_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o plain_a of_o itself_o that_o it_o will_v be_v waste_n of_o time_n and_o word_n to_o insist_v long_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o now_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n rely_v upon_o these_o three_o ground_n 1_o st_o upon_o the_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n 2_o dly_z the_o general_a reason_n of_o reward_n 3_o dly_z upon_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o that_o reward_n which_o god_n will_v confer_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o obedience_n 1_o st_o the_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o he_o may_v dispense_v his_o gift_n and_o favour_n upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n he_o please_v and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v plain_o declare_v that_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n he_o will_v give_v eternal_a life_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n who_o shall_v resist_v his_o will_n or_o dispute_v his_o pleasure_n the_o right_a and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v so_o unquestionable_a that_o it_o admit_v of_o no_o contest_v and_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n propose_v be_v so_o infinite_o great_a and_o unvaluable_a that_o no_o condition_n of_o obtain_v they_o which_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o can_v be_v think_v hard_a and_o unequal_a so_o that_o we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n let_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o be_v what_o they_o will_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o the_o impose_v of_o these_o condition_n upon_o we_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n but_o mere_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o silence_v all_o objection_n against_o it_o but_o 2_o dly_a the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v likewise_o found_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o reward_n in_o general_n for_o though_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o our_o reward_n so_o infinite_o beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o best_a duty_n and_o service_n as_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n be_v i_o say_v though_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o this_o reward_n be_v found_v in_o the_o immense_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o reason_n of_o reward_n in_o general_n be_v necessary_o found_v in_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n law_n for_o according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n nothing_o but_o obedience_n be_v capable_a of_o reward_n for_o though_o authority_n may_v pardon_v the_o breach_n and_o transgression_n of_o law_n and_o remit_v the_o punishment_n due_a thereto_o yet_o to_o reward_v the_o contempt_n of_o law_n and_o wilful_a disobedience_n to_o they_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o government_n and_o do_v plain_o overthrow_v the_o very_a reason_n and_o end_v of_o all_o law_n and_o make_v obedience_n and_o disobedience_n to_o be_v all_o one_o if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v equal_o capable_a of_o reward_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a than_o for_o any_o man_n to_o hope_v to_o be_v reward_v by_o god_n who_o do_v not_o live_v in_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a that_o be_v endeavour_n to_o be_v like_o he_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o obedience_n of_o his_o life_n and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v reward_v by_o the_o great_a governor_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o be_v disobedient_a to_o his_o law_n for_o where_o obedience_n to_o law_n be_v refuse_v there_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n of_o reward_n cease_v no_o wise_a prince_n can_v think_v fit_a to_o reward_n disloyalty_n and_o contempt_n of_o his_o law_n because_o to_o reward_v it_o will_v be_v to_o encourage_v it_o much_o less_o will_v god_n the_o great_a and_o infinite_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n 3_o dly_z the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o that_o reward_n which_o god_n will_v confer_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o obedience_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o reward_n promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o the_o sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n now_o to_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o this_o bless_a reward_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o be_v like_o god_n but_o nothing_o but_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n and_o be_v renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o who_o create_v we_o in_o righteousness_n can_v make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v like_o god_n must_v be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a and_o patient_a and_o merciful_a as_o god_n be_v and_o this_o alone_a can_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v like_o he_o we_o can_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n we_o can_v not_o find_v any_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n without_o holiness_n say_v the_o apostle_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n impossible_a that_o a_o wicked_a man_n whilst_o he_o remain_v so_o shall_v ever_o be_v happy_a because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o agreeable_a and_o delightful_a society_n between_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o one_o another_o between_o he_o who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n and_o a_o sinful_a and_o impure_a creature_n for_o what_o fellowship_n say_v the_o apostle_n can_v righteousness_n have_v with_o unrighteousness_n what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n or_o god_n with_o belial_n that_o be_v with_o the_o wicked_a and_o disobedient_a till_o we_o become_v like_a to_o god_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n there_o can_v be_v no_o happy_a society_n between_o he_o and_o we_o we_o can_v neither_o delight_v ourselves_o in_o god_n nor_o he_o take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o we_o for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o he_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o eternal_a jar_a and_o discord_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o holy_a god_n and_o wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a men._n i_o will_v behold_v thy_o face_n say_v david_n in_o righteousness_n there_o be_v no_o look_v god_n in_o the_o face_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n if_o we_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n god_n will_v cast_v we_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n and_o in_o great_a anger_n bid_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o we_o also_o shall_v desire_v he_o to_o depart_v from_o we_o as_o be_v unable_a to_o bear_v the_o sight_n of_o he_o so_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n since_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o qualification_n for_o the_o bless_a