the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n of_o the_o first_o and_o last_o of_o these_o degree_n of_o excommunication_n our_o saviour_n seem_v here_o to_o speak_v but_o whether_o in_o both_o instance_n in_o the_o text_n he_o allude_v in_o the_o one_o to_o the_o low_a and_o in_o the_o other_o to_o the_o high_v degree_n of_o excommunication_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a to_o the_o first_o he_o plain_o do_v when_o he_o say_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o then_o he_o add_v that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v much_o high_a against_o they_o even_o to_o put_v they_o to_o death_n the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n that_o be_v they_o shall_v not_o only_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o kill_v they_o but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o duty_n as_o a_o high_a act_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o acceptable_a piece_n of_o worship_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n well-pleasing_a to_o god_n for_o so_o indeed_o the_o word_n do_v not_o only_o import_v but_o most_o proper_o signify_v whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o sacrifice_n but_o be_v join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seem_v necessary_o to_o be_v determine_v to_o that_o sense_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v make_v these_o follow_a observation_n very_o proper_a for_o our_o consideration_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n 1._o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v be_v separate_v and_o exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n yea_o and_o suffer_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o very_a bad_a and_o criminal_a person_n this_o our_o saviour_n here_o foretell_v of_o his_o apostle_n some_o of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n 2._o that_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o pretend_a true_a church_n may_v nevertheless_o be_v real_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o deal_v withal_o by_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o do_v not_o cease_v for_o all_o that_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o from_o uncharitable_a censure_n man_n do_v easy_o and_o almost_o natural_o proceed_v to_o cruel_a action_n after_o they_o have_v put_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n out_o of_o their_o synagoguse_n and_o thereby_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v heretic_n and_o reprobate_n they_o present_o proceed_v to_o kill_v they_o as_o not_o worthy_a to_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v that_o they_o will_v soon_o after_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o fit_a but_o pious_a and_o meritorious_a to_o put_v you_o to_o death_n the_o time_n will_v come_v that_o they_o will_v think_v it_o a_o good_a service_n to_o god_n to_o kill_v you_o 4._o that_o man_n may_v do_v the_o vile_a thing_n and_o the_o most_o wicked_a not_o only_o under_o a_o grave_a pretence_n of_o religion_n but_o out_o of_o a_o real_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n that_o they_o do_v religious_o murder_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o cry_a sin_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v that_o the_o jew_n shall_v put_v his_o disciple_n to_o death_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o offer_v a_o most_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n yea_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o shall_v think_v that_o he_o offer_v a_o sacrisice_n to_o god_n 5._o that_o such_o action_n be_v never_o the_o less_o horrible_o impious_a and_o wicked_a notwithstanding_o the_o good_a mind_n with_o which_o and_o the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v do_v the_o jew_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o persecution_n and_o murder_n for_o all_o they_o think_v they_o do_v well_o in_o kill_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n 6._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a tiling_n be_v the_o worst_a religion_n be_v the_o high_a accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n a_o excellent_a quality_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o barbarous_a and_o spur_n man_n on_o to_o more_o horrible_a impiety_n than_o a_o blind_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o instance_n here_o before_o we_o in_o the_o text._n i_o shall_v speak_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o these_o observation_n 1._o that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v be_v separate_v and_o exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o may_v assume_v to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_o true_a church_n and_o that_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o very_a bad_a and_o criminal_a person_n this_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v in_o the_o text_n shall_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o apostle_n some_o of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a person_n that_o ever_o live_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o what_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v be_v too_o frequent_o practise_v since_o by_o some_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o very_o good_a man_n have_v in_o several_a age_n fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n and_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o external_n communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n and_o apostate_n by_o those_o who_o have_v arrogate_a to_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a orthodox_n and_o true_a church_n and_o have_v get_v the_o external_a power_n and_o management_n of_o religion_n into_o their_o hand_n witness_v the_o case_n of_o athanasius_n and_o other_o in_o the_o reign_n and_o prevalency_n of_o arianism_n and_o the_o ill_a treatment_n that_o not_o only_o particular_a person_n eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n and_o piety_n but_o whole_a church_n have_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o kind_n from_o that_o haughty_a and_o uncharitable_a church_n which_o make_v nothing_o of_o thunder_v out_o this_o most_o fearful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o person_n and_o church_n much_o better_o and_o more_o christian_n than_o herself_o and_o against_o all_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o her_o pretend_a infallibility_n and_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n but_o it_o be_v our_o great_a comfort_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v thus_o use_v by_o a_o church_n that_o make_v the_o same_o pretence_n that_o they_o do_v and_o upon_o ground_n every_o whit_n as_o plausible_a as_o i_o can_v clear_o show_v if_o i_o be_v mind_v to_o pursue_v and_o make_v out_o this_o comparison_n 2._o they_o who_o be_v thus_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o pretend_a only_o true_a church_n may_v nevertheless_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o deal_v withal_o by_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o do_v not_o cease_v for_o all_o this_o to_o be_v real_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o call_v heretic_n first_o that_o prove_v they_o that_o do_v so_o to_o be_v no_o heretic_n or_o acquit_v they_o from_o the_o same_o or_o great_a crime_n than_o those_o which_o they_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o charge_v upon_o other_o man_n nor_o will_v god_n condemn_v all_o those_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o man_n and_o deny_v salvation_n to_o every_o one_o who_o they_o shall_v please_v to_o separate_v from_o their_o society_n and_o to_o call_v by_o some_o odious_a name_n man_n may_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o yet_o receive_v into_o heaven_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o man_n but_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o right_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v certain_o very_o dreadful_a where_o it_o be_v due_o inflict_v and_o next_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o just_o incur_v the_o danger_n of_o this_o censure_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v upon_o very_o plain_a and_o evident_a ground_n that_o man_n either_o separate_v themselves_o or_o endanger_v their_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o but_o when_o it_o once_o come_v to_o this_o that_o a_o church_n be_v infect_v with_o gross_a error_n and_o corruption_n plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n especial_o if_o
temple_n because_o it_o be_v his_o presence_n that_o shall_v fill_v that_o house_n with_o glory_n and_o it_o be_v in_o that_o place_n that_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v call_v the_o peace_n be_v promise_v to_o be_v give_v and_o in_o this_o place_n will_v i_o give_v peace_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o this_o be_v likewise_o most_o express_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n chap._n 3.1_o behold_v i_o will_v send_v my_o messenger_n and_o he_o shall_v prepare_v the_o way_n before_o i_o and_o the_o lord_n who_o you_o look_v for_o shall_v sudden_o come_v into_o his_o temple_n even_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o you_o delight_v in_o behold_v he_o shall_v come_v say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o according_o jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v during_o the_o second_o temple_n he_o be_v present_v there_o by_o his_o parent_n and_o own_a by_o simeon_n for_o the_o messiah_n he_o dispute_v there_o and_o teach_v frequent_o there_o and_o by_o his_o presence_n fill_v that_o house_n with_o glory_n for_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n teach_v public_o there_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o it_o than_o all_o the_o silver_n and_o gold_n of_o solomon_n temple_n and_o not_o long_o after_o his_o death_n according_a to_o his_o express_a prediction_n this_o second_o temple_n be_v destroy_v to_o the_o ground_n so_o that_o not_o one_o stone_n of_o it_o be_v leave_v upon_o another_o and_o when_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o it_o be_v attempt_v to_o be_v rebuilt_a three_o several_a time_n the_o last_o whereof_o be_v by_o julian_n the_o apostate_n in_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n fire_n come_v out_o of_o the_o foundation_n and_o destroy_v the_o workman_n so_o that_o they_o desist_v in_o great_a terror_n and_o dare_v never_o attempt_v it_o afterward_o and_o this_o not_o only_o the_o christian_a writer_n of_o that_o age_n in_o great_a number_n do_v testify_v but_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n a_o heathen_a historian_n who_o live_v in_o that_o time_n do_v also_o give_v we_o a_o very_a particular_a account_n of_o this_o memorable_a matter_n so_o that_o if_o by_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v here_o mean_v the_o messiah_n as_o i_o have_v plain_o show_v than_o he_o be_v long_o since_o come_v and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o according_a to_o this_o prophecy_n be_v to_o fill_v the_o second_o temple_n with_o glory_n which_o have_v now_o be_v demolish_v above_o one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o year_n ago_o and_o the_o rebuilding_n whereof_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o remarkable_o hinder_v from_o heaven_n the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o jew_n of_o their_o vain_a expectation_n of_o a_o messiah_n yet_o to_o come_v be_v they_o not_o so_o obstinate_o root_v and_o fix_v in_o their_o infidelity_n there_o remain_v now_o the_o iv_o and_o last_o circumstance_n of_o this_o prophecy_n viz._n that_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v the_o last_o dispensation_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o unchangeable_a yet_o once_o more_o and_o i_o will_v shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o dry_a land_n and_o i_o will_v shake_v all_o nation_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o all_o nation_n shall_v come_v yet_o once_o more_o from_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n argue_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o dispensation_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v change_v heb._n 12.27_o and_o this_o word_n yet_o once_o more_o signify_v the_o remove_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v shake_v as_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v shake_v may_v remain_v and_o then_o it_o follow_v wherefore_o we_o receive_v a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v move_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o jew_n to_o describe_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v he_o move_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n which_o be_v a_o imperfect_a and_o alterable_a dispensation_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n reason_v namely_o to_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v now_o under_o a_o more_o gracious_a and_o perfect_a dispensation_n than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n ver_fw-la 18._o you_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o the_o mount_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v and_o that_o burn_v with_o fire_n meaning_n mount_v sinai_n which_o be_v a_o sensible_a literal_a mountain_n a_o mountain_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a mount_n zion_n by_o which_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v describe_v which_o by_o the_o way_n prevent_v the_o objection_n of_o its_o be_v call_v the_o mountain_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v when_o it_o be_v forbid_v to_o be_v touch_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n you_o be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o mount_n that_o may_v be_v touch_v that_o be_v i_o be_o not_o now_o speak_v of_o a_o literal_a and_o sensible_a mountain_n such_o as_o be_v mount_n sinai_n from_o whence_o the_o law_n be_v give_v but_o of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v typify_v by_o mount_n zion_n and_o by_o jerusalem_n but_o you_o be_v come_v to_o mount_v zion_n and_o unto_o the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o to_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o then_o he_o caution_n they_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o they_o reject_v he_o that_o come_v from_o heaven_n to_o make_v this_o last_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n which_o because_o of_o the_o clearness_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o shall_v never_o need_v to_o receive_v any_o change_n ver_fw-la 25._o see_v that_o you_o refuse_v not_o he_o that_o speak_v for_o if_o they_o escape_v not_o who_o refuse_v he_o that_o speak_v on_o earth_n viz._n moses_n who_o deliver_v the_o law_n from_o mount_n sinai_n much_o more_o shall_v not_o we_o escape_v if_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o he_o that_o speak_v from_o heaven_n who_o voice_n then_o shake_v the_o earth_n allude_v to_o the_o earthquake_n at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n but_o now_o he_o have_v promise_v say_v yet_o once_o more_o i_o shake_v not_o the_o earth_n only_o but_o also_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o word_n once_o more_o that_o the_o former_a dispensation_n shall_v be_v remove_v to_o make_v way_n for_o that_o which_o shall_v perpetual_o remain_v and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o far_o revelation_n after_o this_o nor_o of_o any_o change_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v bring_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o its_o fitness_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o to_o recover_v mankind_n out_o of_o their_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_a condition_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n both_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o mighty_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n and_o now_o the_o proper_a inference_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n see_v that_o you_o refuse_v not_o he_o that_o speak_v for_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o he_o that_o speak_v from_o heaven_n and_o at_o the_o 28_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n wherefore_o we_o receive_v a_o kingdom_n which_o can_v be_v move_v let_v we_o have_v grace_n whereby_o we_o may_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n that_o be_v let_v we_o live_v as_o become_v those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v make_v so_o clear_a and_o perfect_a a_o revelation_n of_o his_o will._n we_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n which_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v and_o the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a that_o the_o world_n ever_o shall_v have_v we_o have_v not_o only_a moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o that_o doctrine_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o we_o that_o clear_a and_o complete_a revelation_n of_o
be_v the_o very_a same_o in_o sense_n if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o that_o be_v if_o we_o lie_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o he_o do_v we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o that_o be_v we_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o immortality_n as_o he_o be_v if_o we_o suffer_v or_o endure_v as_o he_o do_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n the_o other_o sentence_n be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o those_o who_o deny_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o also_o will_v deny_v we_o to_o which_o be_v subjoin_v another_o say_v much_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n if_o we_o believe_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o we_o be_v unfaithful_a yet_o he_o remain_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o that_o be_v he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n and_o make_v good_a that_o solemn_a threaten_v which_o he_o have_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o shall_v for_o fear_n of_o suffer_v deny_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n the_o word_n be_v thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o remarkable_a say_v if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o this_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o note_a say_v among_o christian_n and_o whether_o they_o have_v it_o by_o tradition_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o familiar_a use_n among_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o very_a proper_a and_o powerful_a argument_n to_o keep_v christian_n steadfast_a to_o their_o religion_n i_o can_v determine_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o say_n to_o this_o sense_n be_v very_o frequent_a especial_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n rom._n 6.5_o for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o verse_n 8._o now_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n we_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o 2_o cor._n 4.10_o always_o bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n and_o verse_n 18._o for_o we_o which_o live_v be_v always_o deliver_v unto_o death_n for_o jesus_n sake_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o our_o mortal_a flesh_n and_o rom._n 8.17_o if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o that_o we_o may_v be_v also_o glorify_v together_o phil._n 3.10_o 11._o that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v comfortable_a unto_o his_o death_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n i_o may_v attain_v unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a 1._o pet._n 4.12_o 13._o belove_a think_v it_o not_o strange_a concern_v the_o fiery_a trial_n which_o be_v to_o try_v you_o as_o though_o some_o strange_a thing_n happen_v unto_o you_o but_o rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v you_o may_v be_v glad_a also_o with_o exceed_a joy_n you_o see_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o say_v be_v in_o frequent_a use_n among_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o powerful_a argument_n to_o encourage_v christian_n to_o constancy_n in_o their_o religion_n notwithstanding_o the_o danger_n and_o suffering_n which_o attend_v it_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o and_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n will_v best_o appear_v by_o take_v into_o consideration_n these_o two_o thing_n i._n what_o virtue_n there_o be_v in_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n to_o support_v and_o bear_v up_o man_n spirit_n under_o the_o great_a suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o even_o to_o animate_v they_o if_o god_n shall_v call_v they_o to_o it_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o their_o religion_n ii_o how_o it_o may_v be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v reasonable_a for_o man_n to_o embrace_v and_o voluntary_o to_o submit_v to_o present_v and_o grievous_a suffering_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o reward_n concern_v which_o we_o have_v not_o nor_o perhaps_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a life_n i._o what_o virtue_n there_o be_v in_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n to_o support_v and_o bear_v up_o man_n spirit_n under_o the_o great_a suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o even_o to_o animate_v they_o if_o god_n shall_v call_v they_o to_o it_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o their_o religion_n if_o man_n do_v firm_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v change_v this_o temporal_a and_o miserable_a life_n for_o a_o endless_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o glory_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o suffering_n infinite_o beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o they_o both_o in_o the_o weight_n and_o duration_n of_o it_o this_o must_v needs_o turn_v the_o scale_n on_o that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o be_v the_o great_a weight_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o for_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v certain_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n this_o may_v that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v happy_a one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o because_o they_o be_v very_o often_o great_a sufferer_n in_o this_o life_n that_o there_o be_v another_o state_n remain_v for_o they_o after_o this_o life_n wherein_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o a_o full_a reward_n of_o all_o their_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n but_o beside_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n providence_n we_o have_v now_o a_o clear_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o it_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n this_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o john_n 2.25_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o promise_n our_o saviour_n most_o express_o make_v to_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o he_o mat._n 5.10_o 11_o 12._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o falsl_o for_o my_o sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n mark_v 10.29_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o have_v leave_v house_n or_o brethren_n or_o sister_n or_o father_n or_o mother_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n or_o land_n for_o my_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o shall_v receive_v a_o hundred-fold_n now_o in_o this_o time_n with_o persecution_n that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n will_v admit_v and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v eternal_a life_n and_o if_o such_o a_o persuasion_n be_v firm_o fix_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o faith_n of_o another_o world_n and_o the_o assure_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o mighty_a force_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n because_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o suffer_v for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o be_v unspeakable_o and_o etternal_o happy_a so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o he_o calculate_v the_o matter_n rom._n 8.18_o i_o reckon_v say_v he_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o the_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o few_o day_n and_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o eternity_n when_o it_o be_v once_o firm_o believe_v by_o we_o will_v weigh_v down_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o give_v we_o courage_n and_o constancy_n under_o they_o for_o why_o shall_v we_o faint_v if_o we_o believe_v that_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n will_v work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n as_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o if_o our_o mind_n be_v but_o thorough_o possess_v with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o resurrection_n to_o a_o better_a and_o
prophet_n which_o be_v shed_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v require_v of_o this_o generation_n from_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o zacharias_n which_o perish_v between_o the_o altar_n and_o the_o temple_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v require_v of_o this_o generation_n there_o be_v three_o considerable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o i._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n ii_o who_o this_o zacharias_n be_v here_o mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n unto_o the_o blood_n of_o zacharias_n who_o perish_v between_o the_o altar_n and_o the_o temple_n iii_o in_o what_o sense_n and_o with_o what_o reason_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v here_o threaten_a that_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n shed_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v require_v of_o that_o generation_n i._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therefore_o also_o say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n i_o will_v send_v they_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n in_o st._n matthew_n our_o saviour_n speak_v this_o in_o his_o own_o name_n wherefore_o behold_v i_o send_v unto_o you_o prophet_n for_o which_o reason_n some_o think_v that_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n here_o design_v himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v therefore_o i_o who_o be_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n declare_v unto_o you_o but_o this_o be_v not_o very_o probable_a our_o saviour_n no_o where_o else_o in_o the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o himself_o in_o any_o such_o style_n though_o st._n paul_n call_v he_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n other_o think_v that_o our_o saviour_n here_o refer_v to_o some_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o this_o purpose_n therefore_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v say_v that_o be_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o wisdom_n which_o inspire_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o this_o conceit_n be_v utter_o without_o ground_n for_o we_o find_v no_o such_o passage_n nor_o any_o thing_n to_o that_o sense_n in_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o simple_a interpretation_n be_v this_o therefore_o have_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n say_v that_o be_v the_o most_o wise_a god_n have_v determine_v to_o send_v among_o you_o such_o messenger_n and_o holy_a man_n and_o i_o foresee_v that_o you_o will_v thus_o abuse_v they_o and_o thereby_o bring_v wrath_n and_o destruction_n upon_o yourselves_o and_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o st._n matthew_n behold_v i_o send_v unto_o you_o prophet_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a he_o speak_v in_o god_n name_n and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v behold_v say_v god_n i_o send_v unto_o you_o and_o this_o phrase_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o other_o form_n of_o speech_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o jewish_a writer_n as_o dicit_fw-la norma_fw-la judicii_fw-la the_o rule_n of_o judgement_n say_v that_o be_v the_o most_o just_a and_o righteous_a god_n which_o serve_v very_o well_o to_o explain_v the_o phrase_n in_o the_o text_n therefore_o say_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n i_o will_v send_v they_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n by_o apostles_n be_v here_o mean_v all_o sort_n of_o divine_a messenger_n for_o so_o st._n matthew_n express_v it_o i_o send_v unto_o you_o prophet_n and_o wise_a man_n and_o scribe_n that_o be_v several_a holy_a and_o excellent_a man_n endow_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o divine_a gift_n prophet_n and_o wise_a man_n and_o scribe_n which_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a and_o admire_a title_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o some_o of_o they_o they_o shall_v slay_v and_o persecute_v st._n matthew_n express_v it_o more_o particular_o some_o of_o they_o you_o shall_v kill_v and_o crucify_v as_o it_o be_v afterward_o fulfil_v in_o the_o two_o james_n and_o stephen_n who_o be_v slay_v by_o they_o and_o in_o simon_n the_o son_n of_o cleophas_n and_o before_o he_o in_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v crucify_a and_o some_o of_o they_o you_o shall_v scourge_v in_o your_o synagogue_n as_o we_o read_v they_o do_v to_o peter_n and_o john_n and_o persecute_v they_o from_o city_n to_o city_n as_o they_o do_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n the_o send_n of_o these_o messenger_n of_o god_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o ill_a usage_n of_o they_o the_o alwise_a and_o all-knowing_a god_n have_v determine_v and_o foresee_v ii_o who_o this_o zacharias_n be_v here_o mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o they_o no_o less_o than_o four_o of_o this_o name_n to_o who_o it_o may_v with_o some_o probability_n be_v apply_v but_o especial_o to_o two_o of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o determine_v which_o of_o they_o our_o saviour_n mean_v three_o zacharias_n be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o one_o more_o in_o the_o history_n of_o josephus_n there_o be_v zacharias_n the_o father_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n but_o who_o son_n he_o be_v we_o do_v not_o read_v and_o though_o of_o his_o death_n the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a yet_o there_o be_v two_o tradition_n about_o it_o one_o that_o he_o be_v slay_v by_o herod_n officer_n because_o he_o will_v not_o tell_v where_o his_o son_n john_n the_o baptist_n be_v when_o herod_n send_v for_o he_o but_o the_o credit_n of_o this_o rely_v upon_o very_o doubtful_a author_n the_o other_o be_v mention_v by_o several_a of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v brief_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o place_n in_o the_o temple_n where_o the_o virgin_n by_o themselves_o use_v to_o pray_v the_o virgin_n mary_n come_v to_o that_o place_n to_o pray_v among_o the_o virgin_n be_v forbid_v because_o she_o have_v have_v a_o child_n and_o that_o zacharias_n for_o maintain_v her_o virginity_n be_v set_v upon_o and_o kill_v between_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o altar_n but_o this_o tradition_n be_v reject_v by_o st._n jerome_n and_o i_o doubt_v there_o be_v little_a ground_n for_o it_o zacharias_n one_o of_o the_o lesser_a prophet_n be_v the_o son_n of_o barachias_n which_o agree_v so_o far_o with_o st._n matthew_n description_n of_o he_o but_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o scripture_n that_o he_o be_v slay_v nor_o can_v he_o well_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v but_o building_n in_o his_o time_n though_o the_o author_n of_o the_o targum_fw-la say_v that_o zacharias_n the_o son_n of_o ido_n be_v slay_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n sanctuary_n on_o the_o day_n of_o the_o propitiation_n because_o he_o admonish_v they_o not_o to_o do_v evil_a before_o the_o lord_n now_o zacharias_n the_o son_n of_o barachias_n be_v the_o grandson_n of_o ido_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v this_o be_v only_o lapse_v of_o memory_n and_o that_o he_o mean_v zachary_n in_o the_o chronicle_n who_o be_v slay_v by_o joash_n and_o he_o be_v the_o three_o zacharias_n i_o mention_v 2_o chron._n 24.21_o who_o as_o he_o be_v reprove_v the_o people_n for_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v stone_v with_o stone_n at_o the_o comandment_n of_o the_o king_n in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n seem_v more_o particular_o to_o reflect_v upon_o immediate_o after_o the_o text_n o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o stone_v the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n now_o this_o one_o will_v think_v be_v certain_o the_o person_n intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v mention_v with_o abel_n who_o blood_n be_v say_v to_o have_v cry_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o of_o zacharias_n it_o be_v likewise_o say_v that_o when_o he_o die_v he_o say_v the_o lord_n look_v upon_o it_o and_o require_v it_o and_o derusius_n cite_v a_o jewish_a writer_n speak_v thus_o by_o way_n of_o complaint_n against_o the_o jewish_a nation_n because_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o fall_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o prophet_n and_o because_o before_o the_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o be_v slay_v the_o godly_a and_o righteous_a prophet_n zacharias_n who_o lie_v unbury_v nor_o do_v the_o earth_n cover_v his_o blood_n but_o to_o this_o day_n it_o go_v up_o and_o speak_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o so_o that_o none_o can_v have_v be_v more_o fit_a to_o have_v be_v join_v with_o abel_n in_o this_o respect_n but_o as_o probable_a as_o this_o look_n there_o be_v two_o very_a great_a objection_n against_o it_o one_o be_v that_o st._n matthew_n call_v the_o zacharias_n speak_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n the_o son_n of_o barachias_n whereas_o this_o zacharias_n slay_v by_o