suffer_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o reason_n to_o weigh_v with_o they_o we_o general_o pretend_v to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v all_o travel_n towards_o heaven_n but_o few_o of_o we_o have_v the_o indifferency_n of_o traveller_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o find_v out_o the_o fair_a and_o the_o easy_a way_n but_o to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_a way_n and_o to_o go_v in_o it_o thus_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o we_o our_o end_n shall_v always_o be_v in_o our_o eye_n and_o we_o shall_v choose_v our_o way_n only_o with_o respect_n to_o that_o not_o consider_v our_o inclination_n so_o much_o as_o our_o design_n nor_o choose_v those_o principle_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o present_a desire_n but_o those_o which_o will_v most_o certain_o bring_v we_o to_o happiness_n at_o the_o last_o and_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n firm_o believe_v and_o practise_v by_o we_o will_v do_v let_v we_o then_o be_v persuade_v by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n i_o hope_v you_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n satisfy_v that_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v not_o such_o as_o aught_o much_o to_o move_v a_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man._n if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o make_v any_o certain_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o they_o and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n let_v we_o next_o consider_v whether_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o christian_a and_o with_o half_a that_o reason_n pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n that_o christianity_n be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o itself_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o the_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v or_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n or_o the_o divine_a confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o if_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v concern_v it_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n our_o belief_n of_o it_o signify_v nothing_o without_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o if_o this_o be_v once_o resolve_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v will_v cease_v for_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v because_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n the_o true_a ground_n of_o most_o man_n prejudice_n against_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o obey_v it_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o great_a objection_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o man_n mind_n against_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o they_o can_v profess_v to_o believe_v it_o without_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n sermon_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 st_n paul_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n according_a to_o his_o custom_n in_o the_o rest_n style_v himself_o a_o apostle_n particular_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o by_o god_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o main_a subject_n whereof_o be_v jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n who_o as_o he_o be_v according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n v._n vol._n v._n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n so_o according_a to_o his_o human_a nature_n he_o be_v not_o only_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o also_o the_o son_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v the_o weakness_n and_o frailty_n and_o mortality_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o david_n that_o be_v of_o his_o posterity_n by_o his_o mother_n who_o be_v of_o that_o house_n and_o line_n make_a of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n v._o 3._o but_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v manifest_v in_o he_o especial_o in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o according_a to_o his_o human_a nature_n 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 all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n be_v concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o phrase_n of_o christ_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o most_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n do_v signify_v predestinate_v decree_v determine_v but_o it_o likewise_o signify_v that_o which_o be_v define_v declare_v demonstrate_v 4._o ser._n 4._o put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n our_o translation_n render_v it_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o according_a to_o the_o frailty_n and_o weakness_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n he_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o manifest_v itself_o in_o he_o especial_o in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n that_o be_v mighty_o powerful_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v so_o so_o as_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n and_o therefore_o follow_v our_o own_o translation_n i_o shall_v handle_v the_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o contain_v this_o proposition_n in_o they_o that_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o powerful_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o will_v conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o proposition_n to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o upon_o what_o account_n christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n second_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n will_n full_o clear_v this_o proposition_n and_o the_o apostle_n mean_v in_o it_o first_o upon_o what_o account_n christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o our_o right_a apprehension_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v very_o well_o worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o way_n or_o other_o eminent_o manifest_v in_o he_o i_o say_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o lord_n and_o giver_n of_o life_n as_o he_o be_v call_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o as_o man_n be_v natural_o say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o those_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o life_n and_o be_v so_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o have_v life_n communicate_v to_o he_o from_o the_o father_n by_o a_o immediate_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n first_o at_o his_o conception_n which_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o conception_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v a_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n overshadow_v as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o then_o at_o his_o resurrection_n when_o after_o his_o death_n he_o be_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n raise_v to_o life_n again_o now_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n only_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v real_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o conception_n but_o this_o be_v secret_a and_o invisible_a but_o most_o eminent_o and_o remarkable_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o resurrection_n which_o be_v open_a and_o visible_a to_o all_o 1._o upon_o account_n of_o his_o conception_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n st._n luke_n most_o express_o tell_v we_o luke_n 1.35_o where_o the_o
obedience_n and_o good_a work_n chap._n 3.8_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o who_o have_v belieed_o in_o god_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n first_o of_o all_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o a_o empty_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n how_o specious_a and_o glorious_a soever_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n avail_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n no_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n no_o subjection_n to_o he_o though_o we_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n and_o listen_v ourselves_o in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n though_o we_o have_v make_v a_o constant_a profession_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o have_v perform_v all_o the_o external_a part_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n have_v go_v constant_o to_o church_n and_o frequent_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o have_v join_v in_o public_a prayer_n to_o god_n with_o great_a appearance_n of_o devotion_n and_o have_v hear_v his_o word_n with_o great_a reverence_n and_o attention_n and_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n with_o all_o imaginable_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o our_o belessed_a redeemer_n nay_o though_o we_o have_v hear_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o teach_v in_o our_o street_n and_o have_v eat_v and_o drunken_a in_o his_o presence_n yet_o if_o all_o this_o while_n we_o have_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o obey_v his_o law_n none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n will_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o that_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o mankind_n but_o we_o can_v plead_v so_o much_o for_o ourselves_o as_o those_o do_v of_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v none_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o allege_v for_o ourselves_o at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o we_o have_v prophesy_v in_o his_o name_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o his_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o can_v allege_v all_o this_o it_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a all_o that_o such_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o be_v that_o they_o have_v call_v he_o lord_n lord_n that_o be_v they_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n that_o they_o have_v pay_v a_o outward_a honour_n and_o respect_n to_o he_o and_o declare_v a_o mighty_a love_n and_o affection_n for_o he_o but_o they_o have_v not_o do_v his_o will_n but_o have_v hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o have_v cast_v his_o commandment_n behind_o their_o back_n they_o have_v only_o bear_v the_o leave_n of_o a_o outward_a profession_n but_o have_v bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o reasonable_a expectation_n that_o their_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n so_o that_o when_o these_o man_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o those_o vain_a word_n lord_n lord_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n will_v answer_v in_o that_o day_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n when_o you_o will_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o all_o your_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o and_o subjection_n to_o i_o you_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n therefore_o depart_v from_o i_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v stir_v as_o up_o to_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o what_o the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o thankfulness_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o or_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o it_o be_v purchase_v or_o the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v 1_o st_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o be_v salvation_n eternal_a salvation_n which_o comprehend_v in_o it_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n our_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o by_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o by_o our_o justification_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o they_o by_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o comprehend_v the_o end_n our_o deliverance_n from_o hell_n and_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o the_o bestow_n of_o happiness_n upon_o we_o a_o great_a and_o last_a happiness_n great_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o immortal_a as_o our_o soul_n all_o this_o be_v comprehend_v in_o eternal_a salvation_n 2_o dly_z if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o this_o great_a benefit_n be_v purchase_v and_o procure_v for_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o infinite_a kindness_n and_o condescension_n in_o the_o low_a humiliation_n and_o the_o unparalleled_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o never_o be_v there_o any_o sorrow_n like_a unto_o his_o sorrow_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n afflict_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o fierce_a anger_n in_o his_o take_n upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o the_o person_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o his_o become_a obedient_a to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o vile_a slave_n and_o the_o most_o heinous_a malefactor_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n from_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n into_o this_o low_a world_n this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o sink_v of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n and_o be_v content_v himself_o to_o suffer_v to_o save_v we_o from_o eternal_a ruin_n to_o be_v the_o most_o despicable_a and_o the_o most_o miserable_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v that_o he_o may_v raise_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o advance_v we_o to_o a_o state_n of_o the_o great_a happiness_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o 3_o dly_z if_o we_o consider_v the_o easy_a and_o reasonable_a term_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o unspeakable_a benefit_n and_o that_o be_v by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o suppose_v repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o be_v by_o do_v that_o which_o best_o become_v we_o and_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o original_a frame_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n and_o which_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v real_o best_a for_o our_o present_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n our_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n for_o god_n in_o give_v law_n to_o we_o have_v impose_v nothing_o upon_o we_o but_o what_o in_o all_o reason_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v our_o choice_n if_o he_o have_v not_o impose_v it_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o we_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o gracious_a than_o to_o make_v one_o benefit_n the_o condition_n of_o a_o great_a than_o to_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o will_v but_o do_v that_o which_o upon_o all_o account_n be_v real_o best_o and_o most_o for_o our_o advantage_n in_o this_o present_a life_n three_o here_o be_v abundant_a encouragement_n give_v to_o our_o obedience_n we_o have_v the_o divine_a assistance_n promise_v to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o most_o difficult_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o help_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o for_o our_o further_a encouragement_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o divine_a acceptance_n in_o case_n of_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n notwithstanding_o the_o manifold_a fail_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o meritorious_a suffering_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o though_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v
meekness_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n sermon_n ii_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 i_o have_v from_o these_o word_n propound_v to_o consider_v two_o thing_n i._o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o to_o inquire_v into_o those_o which_o man_n at_o this_o day_n do_v more_o especial_o insist_v upon_o against_o the_o christian_a religion_n v._n vol._n v._n and_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o ii_o how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o religion_n i_o have_v enter_v upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n when_o this_o great_a teacher_n of_o mankind_n come_v from_o god_n though_o he_o give_v all_o imaginable_a testimony_n and_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v mighty_o offend_v at_o he_o and_o deep_o prejudice_v against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o chief_a exception_n which_o the_o jew_n make_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o have_v show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o principal_a of_o those_o exception_n which_o the_o gentile_n and_o heathen_a philosopher_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n 2._o ser._n 2._o i_o shall_v mention_v these_o four_o first_o that_o christianity_n be_v a_o great_a innovation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a institution_n of_o the_o world_n second_o they_o object_v against_o the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n three_o that_o it_o want_v demonstration_n four_o that_o the_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o a_o teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a exception_n which_o the_o heathen_a and_o especial_o their_o philosopher_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n first_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a innovation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a institution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o do_v condemn_v the_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v so_o universal_o receive_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n of_o time_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o this_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o and_o raise_v a_o mighty_a prejudice_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n no_o prejudices_fw-la be_v so_o strong_a as_o those_o that_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o education_n and_o of_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n none_o so_o violent_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 groundless_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 intimate_v to_o we_o that_o man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v off_o from_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o how_o absurd_a soever_o it_o be_v when_o christianity_n be_v first_o propound_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v man_n be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a and_o not_o prepossess_v with_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o may_v then_o have_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v entertain_v it_o with_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n proportionable_a to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o the_o world_n have_v for_o many_o age_n be_v bring_v up_o to_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o inure_v to_o rite_n and_o superstition_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o this_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o man_n sequimur_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la qui_fw-la feliciter_fw-la secuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la suos_fw-la as_o one_o of_o the_o heathen_n say_v in_o those_o day_n we_o follow_v our_o ancestor_n who_o happy_o follow_v they_o man_n be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o condemn_v those_o opinion_n and_o custom_n in_o religion_n which_o themselves_o and_o their_o forefather_n have_v always_o embrace_v and_o follow_v and_o wise_a man_n especial_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n as_o religion_n be_v so_o that_o this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v a_o considerable_a prejudice_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n but_o yet_o upon_o a_o through_o examination_n this_o will_v not_o be_v find_v sufficient_a in_o reason_n to_o withhold_v man_n from_o embrace_v christianity_n if_o we_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o no_o prudent_a person_n think_v that_o the_o example_n and_o custom_n of_o his_o forefather_n oblige_v he_o to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o and_o pernicious_a to_o he_o that_o do_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a no_o danger_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o their_o undo_n for_o ever_o a_o man_n may_v better_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o his_o forefather_n to_o justify_v his_o error_n and_o folly_n in_o any_o other_o kind_n than_o in_o this_o which_o be_v so_o infinite_o pernicious_a in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o a_o great_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o a_o reformation_n that_o it_o make_v a_o change_n when_o thing_n be_v amiss_o it_o be_v always_o fit_a to_o amend_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o change_n the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_a do_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v mix_v with_o very_o great_a folly_n and_o superstition_n and_o that_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v extreme_o corrupt_v and_o degenerate_a and_o they_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o dare_v to_o reform_v these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o oppose_v a_o effectual_a reformation_n for_o fear_v of_o a_o change_n a_o change_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o better_a though_o it_o be_v usual_o hard_a to_o be_v effect_v be_v always_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v desire_v and_o wish_v for_o 3._o the_o change_n which_o christianity_n design_v be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o exception_n that_o can_v be_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o main_a of_o it_o but_o the_o reduce_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o bring_n of_o man_n back_o to_o such_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o way_n of_o worship_v he_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o man_n mind_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o design_n to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n maker_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o then_o for_o matter_n of_o practice_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o precept_n of_o temperance_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n which_o have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v even_o by_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o to_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n which_o man_n owe_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o most_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n and_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o all_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n add_v beyond_o this_o be_v mean_n and_o help_v for_o our_o direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n for_o our_o direction_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n for_o our_o assistance_n he_o have_v promise_v the_o aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o for_o our_o encouragement_n he_o offer_v to_o we_o pardon_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n this_o be_v a_o short_a
that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v all_o slave_n to_o a_o few_o and_o be_v perpetual_o chain_v to_o the_o oar_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n there_o be_v many_o time_n as_o bad_a consequence_n of_o good_a thing_n as_o of_o bad_a but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a for_o all_o that_o as_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n so_o likewise_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n though_o some_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o not_o because_o religion_n be_v bad_a but_o because_o they_o be_v so_o 4._o if_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o man_n free_a choice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v necessary_o and_o constant_o have_v its_o effect_n upon_o man_n for_o it_o work_v upon_o we_o not_o by_o way_n of_o force_n or_o natural_a necessity_n but_o of_o moral_a persuasion_n if_o religion_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o go_v along_o with_o it_o do_v force_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o unless_o he_o be_v thus_o violent_o force_v than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n to_o be_v good_a nor_o any_o crime_n and_o fault_n to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o then_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o man_n be_v good_a will_v be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o help_v it_o and_o other_o bad_a because_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v they_o so_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o but_o religion_n do_v not_o thus_o work_v upon_o men._n it_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o short_a and_o plain_a precept_n of_o a_o good_a life_n it_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o precept_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a disobedience_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v our_o weakness_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o that_o for_o which_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o violence_n or_o necessity_n in_o all_o this_o after_o all_o man_n may_v disobey_v these_o precept_n and_o not_o be_v persuade_v by_o these_o argument_n may_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o grace_n which_o god_n offer_v may_v quench_v and_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n prevail_v upon_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n against_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o consequent_o if_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v not_o a_o constant_a and_o certain_a effect_n upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n not_o but_o that_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n but_o some_o be_v so_o obstinate_o bad_a as_o not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a consideration_n it_o can_v offer_v to_o they_o 5._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n be_v as_o well_o frame_v to_o make_v man_n good_a as_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o fault_n be_v it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o we_o be_v not_o good_a so_o that_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o sufficient_a objection_n either_o against_o the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n beside_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o miracle_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o its_o proper_a tendency_n to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o virtuous_a be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a original_a and_o sure_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o force_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o suitableness_n of_o its_o aid_n and_o help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v and_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o all_o those_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o any_o religion_n or_o institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o reasonable_a and_o plain_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o where_o so_o perfect_o collect_v as_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o religion_n ever_o give_v man_n so_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o mighty_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n nor_o such_o gracious_a promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o such_o evidence_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n have_v do_v which_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 6._o and_o last_o after_o all_o that_o have_v or_o can_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o ought_v sad_o to_o be_v lament_v by_o we_o that_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o christian_n be_v a_o marvellous_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n to_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o real_a objection_n against_o it_o to_o prejudice_v person_n with_o who_o it_o do_v just_o bring_v into_o doubt_n the_o goodness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o institution_n itself_o to_o see_v how_o little_o effect_v it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o maintain_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o excellent_a master_n in_o any_o kind_n when_o all_o the_o world_n see_v that_o most_o of_o his_o scholar_n prove_v dunce_n whatever_o commendation_n may_v be_v give_v to_o any_o art_n or_o science_n man_n will_v question_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n answerable_a to_o it_o the_o christian_a religion_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o serve_a god_n more_o decent_o and_o devout_o and_o of_o live_v better_a than_o other_o man_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o why_o do_v not_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n show_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n and_o though_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v that_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n and_o disparage_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o it_o will_v certain_o go_v a_o great_a way_n with_o prejudice_v person_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v otherwise_o so_o that_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a that_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contrariety_n between_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n so_o notorious_a and_o palpable_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o read_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o men._n who_o that_o look_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o present_a age_n can_v believe_v if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o that_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hear_v much_o less_o pretend_a to_o be_v entertain_v and_o believe_v among_o we_o nay_o among_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o make_v a_o more_o serious_a profession_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o strange_o they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o malice_n and_o envy_n in_o passion_n and_o anger_n and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o evil_a speak_v in_o fierce_a contention_n and_o animosity_n who_o will_v believe_v that_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o these_o man_n religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a bible_n by_o which_o they_o profess_v to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v their_o life_n be_v full_a of_o plain_a and_o strict_a precept_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o do_v a_o hundred_o time_n with_o all_o imaginable_a severity_n and_o under_o pain_n of_o forfeit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n forbid_v malice_n and_o envy_n and_o revenge_n and_o evil_a speak_n and_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o tell_v we_o so_o plain_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n oblige_v man_n to_o put_v off_o all_o these_o and_o that_o if_o any_o
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abate_v that_o one_o thing_n which_o he_o come_v to_o destroy_v and_o abolish_v and_o which_o will_v have_v destroy_v the_o very_a end_n of_o his_o come_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v without_o sin_n he_o can_v neither_o have_v make_v a_o expiation_n for_o sin_n nor_o have_v be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n and_o as_o the_o life_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o absolute_a pattern_n so_o that_o by_o consider_v his_o temper_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n we_o may_v reform_v all_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o exorbitance_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o error_n and_o irregularity_n of_o our_o life_n so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a powerful_a example_n and_o of_o great_a force_n to_o oblige_v and_o provoke_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o one_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o reverence_n and_o have_v 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we_o than_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v for_o his_o friend_n and_o sure_o these_o consideration_n can_v but_o mighty_o recommend_v and_o endear_v to_o we_o this_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n we_o be_v ambitious_a to_o imitate_v those_o who_o we_o high_o esteem_v and_o reverence_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v their_o example_n in_o great_a veneration_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a kindness_n and_o benefit_n and_o be_v always_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o those_o who_o we_o love_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o those_o from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a favour_n and_o who_o be_v continual_o heap_v great_a obligation_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o our_o pattern_n or_o the_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o it_o to_o we_o by_o that_o infinite_a love_n and_o kindness_n which_o he_o have_v express_v towards_o we_o we_o have_v all_o the_o temptation_n and_o all_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o for_o who_o will_v not_o glad_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o best_a friend_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n ever_o have_v who_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o example_n to_o which_o we_o stand_v indebt_v for_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o benefit_n that_o ever_o be_v procure_v for_o mankind_n thus_o you_o see_v of_o what_o force_n and_o advantage_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v towards_o the_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n 3_o dly_z he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o he_o have_v purchase_v it_o for_o we_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n by_o which_o he_o have_v obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o not_o only_a deliverance_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v but_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n when_o by_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v just_o incur_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n he_o be_v content_v to_o be_v substitute_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o to_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n and_o to_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o our_o offence_n by_o his_o own_o suffering_n he_o die_v for_o we_o that_o be_v not_o only_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n but_o in_o our_o place_n and_o stead_n so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o die_v we_o have_v eternal_o perish_v and_o because_o he_o die_v we_o be_v save_v from_o that_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a to_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n call_v by_o the_o name_n or_o term_n of_o satisfaction_n yet_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n it_o be_v call_v the_o prize_n of_o our_o redemption_n for_o as_o we_o be_v sinner_n we_o be_v liable_a and_o indebt_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n have_v discharge_v this_o obligation_n which_o discharge_v since_o it_o be_v obtain_v for_o we_o by_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o precious_a blood_n without_o which_o the_o scripture_n express_o say_v there_o have_v be_v no_o remission_n of_o sin_n why_o it_o may_v not_o proper_o enough_o be_v call_v payment_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v not_o that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o his_o son_n for_o he_o be_v always_o well_o please_v with_o he_o or_o that_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v the_o very_a same_o which_o the_o sinner_n shall_v have_v do_v in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o proper_a pain_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o that_o his_o perfect_a
and_o give_v testimony_n to_o themselves_o by_o miracle_n yet_o at_o present_a i_o desire_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o know_v and_o honest_a relator_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v and_o that_o the_o same_o credit_n be_v give_v to_o they_o which_o we_o give_v to_o livy_n and_o arian_n and_o q._n curtius_n for_o plain_a event_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o yet_o i_o must_v add_v withal_o that_o beside_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v they_o give_v great_a testimony_n of_o their_o integrity_n than_o any_o historian_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v for_o they_o willing_o suffer_v the_o great_a persecution_n and_o torment_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n through_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o effect_n beyond_o all_o denial_n so_o that_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o 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of_o it_o full_o accomplish_v notwithstanding_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n and_o resistance_n that_o be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o world_n we_o see_v the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o contempt_n which_o they_o every_o where_n suffer_v and_o that_o now_o for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n they_o have_v continue_v a_o distinct_a people_n and_o a_o spectacle_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o severity_n for_o reject_v and_o crucify_a the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o a_o last_a and_o stand_v testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o though_o we_o live_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o rise_v and_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n yet_o we_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o give_v confirmation_n to_o it_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o as_o credible_a a_o manner_n as_o any_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o thing_n remain_v to_o this_o day_n do_v give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o four_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o term_n of_o christianity_n seem_v very_o hard_a and_o to_o lay_v too_o great_a restraint_n upon_o human_a nature_n it_o command_v we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o whatever_o thing_n be_v honest_a and_o true_a and_o just_a and_o virtuous_a and_o of_o good_a report_n and_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o part_v with_o the_o dear_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n yea_o and_o with_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n now_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o hard_a term_n to_o forego_v all_o the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n which_o we_o be_v less_o assure_v of_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o religion_n in_o general_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o natural_a religion_n require_v of_o we_o all_o the_o main_a duty_n that_o christianity_n do_v and_o give_v we_o far_o less_o assurance_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n natural_a religion_n require_v piety_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n the_o due_a government_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n do_v but_o do_v not_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n by_o many_o degree_n so_o clear_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n have_v give_v we_o full_a assurance_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n so_o that_o though_o we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o a_o future_a state_n yet_o we_o have_v all_o the_o rational_a evidence_n for_o it_o that_o can_v be_v wish_v or_o expect_v and_o much_o more_o than_o man_n have_v for_o those_o adventure_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n which_o they_o frequent_o make_v in_o this_o world_n and_o think_v themselves_o reasonable_a in_o so_o do_v 2._o the_o restraint_n which_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o they_o be_v high_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v against_o our_o religion_n if_o it_o do_v set_v we_o at_o liberty_n from_o those_o restraint_n what_o can_v be_v more_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o religion_n than_o to_o command_v man_n to_o be_v just_a and_o charitable_a and_o peaceable_a and_o what_o more_o 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end_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o holy_a and_o good_a unto_o salvation_n both_o by_o instruct_v they_o perfect_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o urge_v they_o powerful_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 2_o dly_z the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n be_v likewise_o another_o excellent_a mean_n to_o this_o end_n the_o law_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o but_o a_o pattern_n give_v life_n and_o encouragement_n and_o render_v our_o duty_n more_o easy_a and_o practicable_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o for_o here_o we_o see_v obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n practise_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o perform_v by_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o this_o exception_n make_v a_o great_a difference_n and_o seem_v to_o take_v off_o very_o much_o from_o the_o encourage_v force_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o example_n no_o wonder_n if_o he_o that_o be_v 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father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v mean_v the_o initiate_a of_o man_n by_o this_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o solemn_a stipulation_n and_o engagement_n to_o live_v according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n which_o promise_n of_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o practice_n be_v likewise_o make_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v testify_v but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o head_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o take_v particular_a notice_n what_o use_v the_o anabaptist_n make_v of_o this_o text_n so_o as_o in_o effect_n to_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o cause_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o manner_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v all_o infant_n even_o those_o of_o christian_a parent_n who_o 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precept_n and_o institution_n admit_v infant_n into_o that_o church_n and_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o covenant_n by_o the_o rite_n of_o circumcision_n and_o likewise_o the_o infant_n of_o proselyte_n by_o baptism_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v understand_v our_o saviour_n as_o intend_v by_o any_o consequence_n from_o this_o text_n to_o exclude_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n out_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o to_o debar_v they_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o child_n of_o christian_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o capable_a of_o be_v take_v into_o this_o new_a covenant_n and_o of_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o as_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o old_a unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v which_o at_o first_o sight_n seem_v very_o harsh_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n child_n be_v in_o a_o much_o worse_a condition_n than_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o law_n so_o that_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v so_o plain_a nothing_o less_o than_o a_o express_a prohibition_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o a_o exception_n of_o child_n from_o baptism_n can_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o deprive_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n of_o any_o privilege_n of_o which_o the_o jewish_a be_v capable_a for_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o go_v and_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o solemn_o into_o it_o by_o baptism_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_v to_o proselyte_n man_n to_o their_o religion_n by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n by_o which_o rite_n also_o they_o take_v in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o proselyte_n upon_o promise_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o 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of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o precept_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o you_o see_v how_o their_o commission_n bound_n and_o limit_n they_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o those_o precept_n which_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o they_o have_v no_o power_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o make_v new_a law_n which_o shall_v be_v of_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o consequent_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v the_o publisher_n but_o not_o the_o author_n of_o this_o new_a religion_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n when_o the_o corinthian_n consult_v he_o about_o several_a thing_n relate_v to_o marriage_n and_o virginity_n he_o only_o give_v his_o advice_n but_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v a_o law_n in_o those_o case_n that_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n christian_n do_v general_o at_o this_o day_n think_v themselves_o absolve_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o canon_n which_o be_v make_v even_o in_o a_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o all_o those_o branch_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v now_o câ—ased_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n confer_v upon_o his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n do_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o necessary_o imply_v a_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n under_o such_o officer_n and_o by_o such_o rule_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o most_o fit_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o without_o this_o power_n of_o govern_v they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o teach_v and_o therefore_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o commission_n we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n by_o such_o rule_n and_o constitution_n as_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o then_o present_a circumstance_n of_o christianity_n and_o as_o they_o do_v appoint_v temporary_a officer_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n so_o they_o constitute_v other_o that_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o instruct_n and_o govern_v of_o christian_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o as_o will_v be_v most_o effectual_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n of_o government_n which_o subordination_n of_o governor_n have_v not_o only_o be_v use_v in_o all_o religion_n but_o in_o all_o the_o well_o regulate_v civil_a society_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n be_v the_o promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o make_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o work_n 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 that_o be_v though_o i_o be_v go_v from_o you_o in_o person_n yet_o i_o will_v still_o be_v present_a with_o you_o by_o my_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o sure_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o have_v he_o engage_v for_o their_o assistance_n who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o 18_o the_o verse_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v therefore_o as_o far_o as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v primary_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o immediate_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o regard_n to_o they_o the_o
duty_n enjoin_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n which_o word_n be_v metaphorical_a i_o shall_v strip_v they_o of_o the_o metaphor_n that_o so_o we_o may_v see_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o they_o now_o by_o this_o metaphor_n or_o rather_o allegory_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v plain_o intend_v 1_o st_o the_o course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a life_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v here_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o a_o way_n which_o every_o man_n that_o will_v come_v to_o heaven_n must_v walk_v in_o for_o so_o st._n matth._n who_o express_v this_o more_o full_o make_v mention_n of_o a_o way_n as_o well_o as_o a_o gate_n by_o which_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o it_o strait_n be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o this_o though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v by_o st._n luke_n be_v necessary_o understand_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o by_o the_o strait_a gate_n that_o be_v into_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n 2_o dly_z the_o first_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v here_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o a_o strait_a gate_n for_o the_o gate_n at_o which_o we_o enter_v and_o the_o way_n in_o which_o we_o walk_v can_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a course_n 3_o dly_z our_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n in_o this_o course_n be_v represent_v by_o strive_v a_o word_n which_o have_v a_o great_a force_n and_o emphasis_n in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o earnest_a contention_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o olympic_a game_n by_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o run_v or_o wrestle_v or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o exercise_n which_o be_v there_o use_v second_o here_o be_v a_o reason_n add_v to_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n or_o duty_n for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a that_o be_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o that_o will_v do_v something_o in_o christianity_n and_o make_v some_o faint_a attempt_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n who_o yet_o shall_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o firm_a resolution_n and_o earnestness_n of_o endeavour_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o first_o part_n of_o they_o namely_o the_o duty_n or_o exhortation_n to_o handle_v these_o three_o point_n very_o useful_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o be_v well_o instruct_v in_o 1_o st_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a course_n 2_o dly_z the_o firm_a resolution_n and_o earnest_a endeavour_n that_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o conquer_a of_o these_o difficulty_n 3_o dly_z that_o these_o difficulty_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o insuperable_a as_o to_o be_v a_o just_a discouragement_n to_o our_o endeavour_n if_o we_o will_v strive_v we_o may_v master_v they_o first_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_a course_n and_o these_o be_v either_o from_o ourselves_o or_o from_o something_o without_o we_o 1._o from_o ourselves_o from_o the_o original_a corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n and_o custom_n contract_v by_o vicious_a practice_n our_o nature_n be_v vitiate_a and_o deprave_a incline_v to_o evil_a and_o impotent_a to_o good_a beside_o that_o be_v habituate_v to_o sin_n and_o vice_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o infinite_a difficulty_n to_o break_v off_o a_o custom_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n another_o way_n now_o because_o this_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o religion_n it_o be_v represent_v by_o a_o strait_a gate_n which_o be_v hard_o to_o get_v through_o 2._o there_o be_v likewise_o other_o difficulty_n from_o without_o as_o namely_o the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v very_o rage_v and_o violent_a in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n represent_v by_o the_o ruggedness_n and_o roughness_n of_o the_o way_n as_o st._n matth._n express_v it_o chap._n 7.14_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d confragosa_fw-la est_fw-la via_fw-la so_o grotius_n render_v it_o the_o way_n be_v craggy_a full_a of_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n so_o that_o these_o be_v the_o two_o great_a difficulty_n in_o a_o christian_a course_n indisposition_n from_o within_o and_o opposition_n from_o without_o 1._o indisposition_n from_o within_o and_o this_o make_v religion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o difficult_a because_o it_o check_v we_o at_o our_o very_a first_o entrance_n upon_o our_o christian_a course_n and_o make_v we_o unwilling_a to_o set_v out_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o those_o vicious_a habit_n which_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_n we_o have_v contract_v do_v strong_o incline_v we_o the_o contrary_a way_n so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v offer_v great_a force_n and_o violence_n to_o himself_o that_o will_v conquer_v this_o difficulty_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o break_v off_o a_o vicious_a habit_n and_o to_o get_v loose_a from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o next_o to_o a_o natural_a impossibility_n chap._n 13.23_o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a this_o require_v great_a strive_v indeed_o nothing_o show_v the_o spirit_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o man_n more_o than_o to_o contend_v with_o a_o inveterate_a habit_n for_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n strive_v against_o the_o very_a bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o set_v a_o man_n against_o all_o the_o world_n than_o to_o make_v he_o fight_v with_o himself_o and_o yet_o this_o every_o man_n must_v do_v who_o from_o any_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n betake_v himself_o serious_o to_o religion_n he_o must_v as_o it_o be_v lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o and_o fight_v with_o the_o man_n he_o be_v before_o and_o this_o in_o scripture_n be_v emphatical_o express_v to_o we_o by_o crucify_a the_o old_a man_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n thereof_o a_o christian_a when_o he_o first_o enter_v upon_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a course_n of_o life_n be_v represent_v as_o two_o person_n or_o party_n at_o civil_a war_n one_o with_o another_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a man_n so_o that_o whoever_o will_v be_v a_o christian_n must_v put_v off_o himself_o and_o become_v another_o man_n and_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o quit_v himself_o 2._o in_o our_o christian_a course_n we_o must_v likewise_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o great_a opposition_n from_o without_o bless_a be_v god_n christianity_n have_v general_o be_v for_o many_o age_n free_a from_o this_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v the_o first_o profession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o indeed_o a_o very_a steep_a and_o craggy_a way_n very_o rough_a and_o thorny_a not_o to_o be_v travel_v in_o without_o sweat_n and_o blood_n then_o the_o danger_n and_o hazard_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v encounter_v by_o a_o mere_a moral_a resolution_n and_o the_o natural_a strength_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o persecution_n that_o attend_v it_o be_v so_o hot_a and_o the_o torment_n which_o threaten_v it_o so_o terrible_a that_o the_o sensual_a and_o inconsiderate_a part_n of_o mankind_n will_v rather_o venture_v hell_n at_o a_o distance_n than_o run_v themselves_o upon_o so_o present_a and_o evident_a a_o danger_n but_o since_o these_o age_n of_o persecution_n this_o difficulty_n have_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n remove_v not_o but_o that_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v still_o its_o enemy_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v not_o let_v loose_a as_o they_o be_v in_o those_o time_n it_o be_v still_o persecute_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o malice_n and_o reproach_n but_o not_o to_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o unreasonable_a men._n in_o the_o calm_a time_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o man_n can_v be_v a_o strict_a and_o sincere_a christian_a without_o be_v liable_a to_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n without_o deny_v himself_o many_o of_o those_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o those_o who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o strict_a law_n of_o christianity_n may_v make_v to_o themselves_o so_o that_o at_o all_o time_n it_o require_v a_o good_a degree_n of_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n to_o persevere_v in_o a_o holy_a course_n and_o to_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o