to_o saint_n and_o angel_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o sacrilegious_a deprive_v of_o the_o people_n of_o half_a the_o sacrament_n contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n plain_a institution_n and_o the_o acknowledge_a practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n a_o zeal_n for_o that_o most_o absurd_a of_o all_o doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v teach_v in_o any_o religion_n i_o mean_v the_o dostrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n not_o only_o without_o any_o sufficient_a authority_n from_o scripture_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n a_o zeal_n for_o these_o and_o many_o more_o like_a gross_a error_n and_o practice_n can_v possible_o be_v a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n the_o degree_n whereof_o be_v manifest_o disproportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a when_o there_o be_v in_o man_n a_o great_a and_o fierce_a zeal_n for_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n than_o for_o the_o vital_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n than_o for_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o bodily_a severity_n than_o for_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o lust_n for_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n than_o for_o the_o end_n of_o it_o a_o great_a zeal_n against_o the_o omission_n and_o neglect_v of_o some_o senseless_a and_o superstitious_a practice_n than_o against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o gross_a immorality_n and_o against_o the_o denyer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n a_o equal_a if_o not_o a_o great_a zeal_n i_o be_o sure_a a_o more_o severe_a prosecution_n than_o against_o those_o who_o deny_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o certain_o be_v not_o a_o zeal_n according_a te_fw-la knowledge_n nor_o 3._o that_o which_o be_v prosecute_v by_o unlawful_a and_o unwarrantable_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n according_a to_o knowledge_n which_o warrant_v the_o do_v of_o evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v the_o violate_v of_o truth_n and_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o humane_a society_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o break_v the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o his_o glory_n nor_o 4._o a_o uncharitable_a zeal_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o think_v itself_o sufficient_o warrant_v to_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o every_o scruple_n and_o upon_o every_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n of_o unlawful_a imposition_n though_o in_o the_o most_o indifferent_a thing_n nay_o upon_o this_o single_a point_n because_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v lawful_a and_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n the_o most_o unreasonable_a principle_n that_o i_o think_v ever_o be_v avow_v among_o christian_n not_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v do_v only_o because_o it_o be_v enjoin_v and_o to_o fancy_v that_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n become_v comes_z present_o unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v command_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v do_v it_o or_o not_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n but_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n nor_o 5._o a_o furious_a and_o cruel_a zeal_n which_o st._n james_n call_v a_o bitter_a or_o a_o wrathful_a zeal_n and_o which_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n which_o be_v blind_a with_o its_o own_o rage_n and_o make_v man_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n exceed_o mad_a against_o all_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o fierce_a and_o outrageous_a zeal_n 6._o and_o last_o a_o zeal_n for_o ignorance_n be_v most_o certain_o not_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v a_o zeal_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o such_o strict_a law_n to_o forbid_v people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o require_v they_o to_o be_v present_a at_o their_o public_a prayer_n and_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o they_o without_o let_v they_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o to_o pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o by_o read_v lesson_n to_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o all_o this_o under_o pretence_n of_o increase_v their_o devotion_n as_o if_o the_o less_o man_n understand_v of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o more_o they_o will_v be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o edify_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v more_o zealous_o concern_v than_o to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n nothing_o they_o hive_n oppose_v with_o more_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o repeat_v application_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n than_o to_o allow_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o public_a prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o without_o reason_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o if_o the_o people_n be_v once_o bring_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n they_o will_v soon_o quit_v their_o religion_n which_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o iii_o and_o last_o thing_n remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n how_o far_o the_o do_v of_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n do_v mitigate_v and_o extenuate_v the_o evil_a of_o they_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n here_o testify_v concern_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n he_o speak_v this_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n i_o bear_v they_o record_v i_o who_o be_v once_o act_v by_o this_o ignorant_a and_o furious_a zeal_n which_o now_o possess_v they_o and_o persecute_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o outrageous_a manner_n as_o they_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v and_o all_o this_o with_o a_o very_a good_a conscience_n as_o i_o think_v and_o out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o act_v 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n so_o that_o his_o zeal_n be_v sincere_a and_o with_o a_o real_a intention_n to_o do_v service_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v very_o faulty_a and_o sinful_a and_o if_o he_o have_v persist_v in_o it_o damnable_a so_o that_o his_o confidence_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n in_o act_v according_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n he_o do_v out_o of_o this_o zeal_n and_o make_v they_o less_o wicked_a in_o themselves_o though_o it_o be_v some_o mitigation_n of_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n and_o render_v he_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n by_o repentance_n than_o if_o he_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o wickedness_n of_o this_o furious_a and_o blind_a zeal_n will_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o account_n which_o st._n paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n give_v of_o his_o own_o do_n and_o what_o load_n he_o lay_v upon_o himself_o notwithstanding_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o zeal_n and_o that_o he_o act_v according_a to_o his_o conscience_n act_n viij_o and_o ix_o you_o have_v the_o history_n at_o large_a of_o his_o outrageous_a do_n how_o he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o hale_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o prison_n how_o he_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n act_v 22.4_o i_o persecute_v say_v he_o this_o way_n unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o ch._n 26.10_o 11._o many_o of_o the_o saint_n do_v i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o give_v my_o voice_n
that_o i_o be_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n you_o shall_v put_v up_o all_o your_o prayer_n and_o request_n to_o god_n in_o my_o name_n and_o i_o say_v not_o unto_o you_o that_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n for_o you_o for_o the_o father_n himself_o love_v you_o that_o be_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o though_o i_o shall_v certain_o do_v it_o that_o i_o will_v intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o you_o for_o he_o of_o himself_o be_v kind_o dispose_v and_o affect_v towards_o you_o for_o my_o sake_n the_o father_n himself_o love_v you_o because_o you_o have_v love_v we_o st._n paul_n likewise_o command_v christian_n to_o perform_v all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n col._n 3.16_o 17._o sing_v with_o grace_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o and_o this_o precept_n of_o address_v all_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a because_o it_o be_v give_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o any_o other_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o to_o that_o superstition_n which_o have_v begin_v so_o early_o to_o prevail_v among_o some_o christian_n at_o calosse_n and_o laodicea_n of_o worship_v god_n by_o the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o angel_n against_o which_o he_o have_v caution_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n ver._n 18_o 19_o let_v no_o man_n beguile_v you_o of_o your_o reward_n in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n intimate_v that_o for_o christian_n to_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o any_o other_o mediator_n but_o jesus_n christ_n only_o be_v a_o defection_n from_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n theodoret_n assure_v we_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o this_o place_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o who_o maintain_v a_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n assert_v also_o that_o angel_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v say_v that_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o they_o and_o this_o custom_n he_o tell_v we_o remain_v a_o long_a time_n in_o phrygia_n and_o pisidia_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o synod_n of_o laodicea_n in_o phrygia_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o four_o century_n forbid_v christian_n by_o a_o law_n to_o pray_v to_o angel_n and_o yet_o more_o express_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o those_o word_n chap._n 3._o ver._n 17._o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o for_o because_o say_v he_o they_o mean_v those_o of_o who_o st._n paul_n warn_v the_o colossian_n to_o beware_v because_o they_o do_v command_v man_n to_o worship_n angel_n he_o enjoin_v the_o contrary_a that_o they_o shall_v adorn_v both_o their_o word_n and_o action_n with_o the_o memory_n or_o mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o send_v you_o up_o say_v he_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o and_o not_o by_o the_o angel_n and_o then_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o laodicea_n which_o say_v he_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o cure_v that_o old_a disease_n make_v it_o a_o law_n that_o none_o shall_v pray_v unto_o angel_n nor_o forsake_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o some_o relic_n of_o that_o impious_a custom_n of_o pray_v to_o angel_n which_o theodoret_n here_o call_v that_o old_a disease_n have_v continue_v from_o st._n paul_n time_n to_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o severe_a canon_n then_o make_v about_o that_o matter_n the_o very_a word_n whereof_o i_o will_v set_v down_o because_o they_o be_v remarkable_a viz._n that_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o go_v away_o from_o it_o and_o to_o invocate_v angel_n and_o to_o make_v conventicle_n all_o which_o be_v forbid_v if_o any_o therefore_o be_v find_v give_v himself_o to_o this_o secret_a idolatry_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n because_o he_o have_v forsake_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v go_v over_o to_o idolatry_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o secret_o and_o in_o their_o private_a devotion_n but_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o the_o most_o public_a office_n of_o their_o church_n invocate_v angel_n and_o pray_v to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v pray_v to_o angel_n or_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o which_o st_n paul_n here_o reprove_v so_o severe_o in_o the_o colossian_n as_o a_o defection_n from_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o consider_v how_o frequent_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o our_o only_a way_n to_o god_n and_o by_o who_o alone_o we_o have_v access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o god_n have_v constitute_v he_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n by_o who_o we_o be_v to_o address_v all_o our_o request_n to_o god_n john_n 14.6_o jesus_n there_o say_v unto_o thomas_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n to_o the_o father_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n heb._n 10.19_o 20._o have_v therefore_o boldnenss_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holieft_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o that_o be_v we_o can_v have_v no_o access_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n or_o by_o any_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o by_o he_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o eph._n 2.18_o for_o through_o he_o speak_v of_o christ_n we_o both_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n we_o both_o that_o be_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n under_o the_o law_n the_o jew_n have_v access_n to_o god_n by_o their_o high_a priest_n who_o intercee_v with_o god_n and_o offer_v up_o prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n the_o gentile_n they_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o innumerable_a mediator_n by_o angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o depart_a hero_n which_o be_v the_o pagan_a saint_n instead_o of_o all_o these_o god_n have_v appoint_v one_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o by_o he_o all_o mankind_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n reason_n chap._n 7.24_o 25._o but_o this_o person_n speak_v of_o christ_n because_o he_o continue_v for_o ever_o have_v a_o unchangeable_a priesthood_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o priesthood_n which_o do_v not_o pass_v from_o one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o priesthood_n under_o the_o law_n do_v when_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o one_o high_a priest_n another_o succeed_v in_o his_o place_n but_o our_o high_a priest_n under_o the_o gospel_n since_o he_o abide_v for_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o so_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o all-sufficient_a mediator_n and_o able_a to_o carry_v on_o and_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o as_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v any_o other_o so_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o there_o need_v no_o other_o since_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o second_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n or_o principle_n of_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o one_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o st._n john_n call_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o
other_o term_n than_o of_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o of_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o beside_o this_o consideration_n we_o have_v the_o best_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n of_o their_o unblameable_a life_n viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o their_o profess_a enemy_n who_o do_v not_o persecute_v they_o for_o any_o personal_a crime_n which_o they_o charge_v particular_a person_n withal_o but_o only_o for_o their_o religion_n acknowledge_v they_o otherwise_o to_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o good_a people_n particulary_a pliny_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n who_o have_v give_v he_o in_o charge_n to_o make_v particular_a enquiry_n concern_v the_o christian_n give_v this_o honourable_a report_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o beside_o their_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n that_o at_o their_o religious_a meeting_n it_o be_v a_o 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christianity_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o save_v knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o such_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v for_o they_o see_v something_o in_o they_o more_o divine_a and_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o great_a power_n and_o persuasion_n than_o humane_a learning_n and_o eloquence_n 4._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o mighty_a opposition_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o gospel_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o it_o must_v meet_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n from_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n which_o it_o do_v so_o plain_o and_o so_o severe_o declare_v against_o and_o likewise_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n no_o prejudice_n be_v so_o strong_a as_o that_o which_o be_v found_v in_o education_n and_o of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n none_o so_o obstinate_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o those_o about_o religion_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o god_n man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v off_o from_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o how_o little_a ground_n and_o reason_n soever_o there_o be_v for_o it_o the_o be_v train_v up_o in_o it_o and_o have_v a_o reverence_n for_o it_o implant_v in_o they_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n supply_v all_o other_o defect_n have_v man_n be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a in_o religion_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v they_o not_o have_v their_o mind_n prepossess_v with_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v enure_v to_o rite_n and_o superstition_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v they_o at_o that_o time_n be_v weary_a of_o the_o superstition_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o be_v inquire_v after_o a_o better_a way_n of_o religion_n then_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v appear_v with_o great_a advantage_n and_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v entertain_v with_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n proportionable_a to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o publish_v in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v violent_o prejudice_v against_o it_o and_o fix_v in_o their_o several_a religion_n the_o jew_n indeed_o in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v very_o prone_a to_o relinquish_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o after_o god_n have_v punish_v they_o severe_o for_o that_o sin_n by_o a_o long_a captivity_n they_o continue_v ever_o after_o very_o strict_a and_o firm_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o never_o be_v they_o more_o tenacious_a of_o their_o religion_n and_o law_n than_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o he_o be_v foretell_v in_o their_o law_n and_o most_o particular_o describe_v in_o the_o authentic_a book_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o certain_a groundless_a tradition_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o interpreter_n of_o their_o law_n that_o their_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n they_o conceive_v a_o invincible_a prejudice_n against_o our_o saviour_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o mean_a circumstance_n in_o which_o he_o appear_v and_o upon_o this_o prejudice_n they_o reject_v he_o and_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o persecute_v his_o follower_n and_o though_o their_o religion_n be_v much_o near_o to_o the_o christian_a than_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n yet_o upon_o this_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n mean_a appearance_n they_o be_v much_o more_o averse_a to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o than_o the_o gross_a idolater_n among_o the_o nation_n not_o but_o that_o their_o prejudice_n also_o be_v very_o great_a the_o common_a people_n be_v strong_o addict_v to_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o their_o several_a country_n and_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o learned_a who_o they_o call_v their_o philosopher_n be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o eloquence_n that_o they_o despise_v the_o rudeness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n as_o ridiculous_a and_o the_o story_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o beside_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o gospel_n meet_v withal_o from_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n
the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n do_v likewise_o strong_o combine_v against_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n do_v with_o all_o their_o force_n and_o malice_n endeavour_v to_o stifle_v it_o in_o the_o birth_n and_o to_o suppress_v it_o in_o its_o first_o rise_n and_o several_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o be_v then_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n engage_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o their_o whole_a strength_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o and_o raise_v such_o a_o storm_n of_o persecution_n against_o it_o as_o sweep_v away_o great_a number_n of_o mankind_n than_o any_o famine_n or_o plague_n or_o war_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o yet_o this_o religion_n bear_v up_o against_o all_o this_o opposition_n and_o make_v its_o way_n through_o all_o the_o resistance_n that_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n arm_v with_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o consideration_n i_o mention_v the_o great_a discouragement_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o invite_v and_o engage_v man_n to_o it_o but_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n threaten_v every_o one_o that_o take_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n upon_o he_o whoever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v liable_a to_o reproach_n and_o ruin_n to_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n to_o banishment_n or_o imprisonment_n and_o confiscation_n of_o estate_n but_o these_o be_v slight_a and_o tolerable_a evil_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o that_o be_v common_o inflict_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n and_o to_o the_o lion_n and_o all_o imaginable_a cruelty_n be_v exercise_v upon_o they_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v and_o death_n in_o all_o its_o fearful_a shape_n be_v present_v to_o they_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o embrace_v this_o religion_n and_o to_o tempt_v they_o to_o quit_v it_o and_o yet_o they_o persist_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n but_o the_o most_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o their_o person_n and_o demean_v themselves_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n and_o courage_n but_o with_o exultation_n and_o triumph_n under_o those_o torture_n which_o no_o man_n can_v hear_v or_o read_v of_o without_o horror_n and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o bear_v up_o thus_o manful_o for_o one_o brunt_n but_o when_o these_o violent_a persecution_n be_v renew_v and_o repeat_v upon_o they_o christianity_n support_v itself_o under_o all_o these_o daunt_a discouragement_n for_o almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o hold_v out_o till_o the_o very_a malice_n of_o their_o persecutor_n be_v out_o of_o breath_n and_o their_o cruelty_n have_v tire_v itself_o nay_o it_o do_v not_o only_o support_v itself_o under_o all_o these_o opposition_n but_o grow_v and_o prosper_v and_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n become_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n spring_v up_o fast_o than_o any_o persecution_n can_v mow_v they_o down_o for_o man_n by_o degree_n become_v curious_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o suffering_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o much_o constancy_n and_o patience_n under_o they_o and_o upon_o enquiry_n be_v satisfy_v and_o become_v christian_n themselves_o and_o many_o time_n their_o very_a persecutor_n be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n the_o next_o day_n for_o that_o very_a cause_n for_o which_o but_o the_o day_n before_o they_o have_v put_v other_o to_o death_n and_o it_o can_v here_o be_v reasonable_o object_v that_o christian_n yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o all_o these_o suffering_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o some_o brave_a spirit_n among_o the_o heathen_a lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o their_o country_n namely_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o fame_n and_o to_o perpetuate_v their_o name_n in_o after-age_n this_o i_o say_v can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n because_o these_o sufferer_n be_v not_o the_o great_a and_o ambitious_a spirit_n the_o flower_n and_o select_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o common_a people_n and_o many_o of_o they_o of_o the_o tender_a sex_n and_o age_n who_o have_v usual_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o pain_n than_o of_o glory_n and_o yet_o so_o be_v they_o animate_v by_o their_o religion_n and_o transport_v beyond_o themselves_o as_o not_o only_o to_o submit_v but_o many_o time_n to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o those_o suffering_n by_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n when_o no_o man_n accuse_v they_o and_o when_o they_o know_v they_o shall_v die_v for_o make_v that_o profession_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o justify_v their_o forwardness_n to_o suffer_v than_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o suffering_n beside_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a than_o for_o man_n to_o hope_n to_o get_v a_o name_n by_o suffer_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o to_o be_v particular_o remember_v to_o posterity_n when_o they_o die_v in_o such_o multitude_n that_o no_o man_n know_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sufferer_n you_o see_v then_o how_o strong_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v how_o soon_o this_o new_a religion_n overran_a the_o world_n how_o sudden_o it_o subdue_v the_o spirit_n and_o change_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o by_o what_o mean_a and_o despicable_a instrument_n to_o all_o humane_a appearance_n this_o great_a work_n be_v do_v and_o how_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n and_o discouragement_n it_o be_v carry_v on_o can_v any_o one_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v propagate_v and_o establish_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n mere_o by_o their_o own_o force_n and_o the_o evidence_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o have_v bear_v up_o and_o sustain_v themselves_o so_o long_o under_o such_o fierce_a assault_n as_o christanity_n have_v do_v as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n it_o be_v famous_o know_v to_o have_v be_v plant_v by_o force_n at_o first_o and_o to_o hauâ—_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o same_o violent_a mean_n so_o that_o great_a impostor_n open_o declare_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o plant_v his_o religion_n by_o miracle_n but_o the_o sword_n and_o as_o for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a they_o come_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n by_o insensible_a degree_n and_o do_v not_o oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n but_o grow_v out_o of_o they_o and_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o vicious_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mankind_n they_o easy_o gain_v upon_o their_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n by_o custom_n and_o example_n they_o be_v just_o such_o a_o corruption_n of_o 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we_o from_o the_o first_o spring_n and_o original_a of_o mankind_n of_o which_o general_a consent_n and_o tradition_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o assign_v any_o good_a reason_n if_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o true_a therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o force_v my_o way_n into_o this_o argument_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o spirit_n and_o being_n distinct_a from_o matter_n by_o dint_n of_o dispute_n which_o perhaps_o will_v neither_o be_v so_o proper_a nor_o so_o profitable_a for_o this_o assembly_n but_o shall_v take_v the_o thing_n as_o i_o find_v it_o receive_v by_o a_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o the_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v nor_o be_v there_o reason_n to_o proceed_v in_o any_o other_o method_n than_o to_o suppose_v these_o thing_n and_o take_v they_o for_o grant_v as_o general_o assent_v to_o by_o mankind_n without_o either_o assert_v they_o for_o new_a discovery_n or_o attempt_v to_o 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but_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o concern_v we_o more_o to_o know_v namely_o what_o their_o office_n and_o employment_n be_v in_o regard_n to_o we_o concern_v their_o nature_n he_o only_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v spirit_n as_o to_o their_o office_n and_o employment_n he_o say_v in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n that_o be_v that_o they_o stand_v before_o god_n to_o attend_v upon_o he_o ready_a to_o receive_v his_o command_n and_o to_o execute_v his_o pleasure_n more_o particular_o that_o they_o be_v upon_o occasion_n appoint_v and_o send_v forth_o by_o god_n to_o minister_v on_o the_o behalf_n and_o to_o do_v good_a office_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n which_o last_o word_n be_v a_o description_n of_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n such_o as_o have_v sincere_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v thereby_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n so_o that_o these_o word_n be_v a_o brief_a 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head_n and_o then_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a first_o for_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v spirit_n this_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o all_o that_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o order_n of_o being_n that_o they_o be_v spirit_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v pure_a spirit_n devest_v of_o matter_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o corporeal_a vehicle_n as_o the_o philosopher_n term_v it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a controversy_n but_o i_o think_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n not_o only_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n but_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a father_n do_v believe_v angel_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o body_n consist_v of_o the_o pure_a and_o fine_a matter_n which_o they_o call_v aetherial_a and_o this_o opinion_n seem_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o pious_a belief_n that_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o simple_a spirit_n whole_o separate_v from_o matter_n but_o the_o more_o current_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n especial_o of_o late_a time_n have_v be_v that_o angel_n be_v mere_a and_o pure_a spirit_n without_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v material_a and_o corporeal_a belong_v to_o they_o but_o yet_o so_o that_o they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o assume_v thin_a and_o airy_a body_n and_o can_v when_o they_o please_v appear_v in_o humane_a shape_n as_o they_o be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o have_v do_v and_o this_o seem_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n account_v of_o they_o though_o i_o think_v it_o be_v no_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n either_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o body_n or_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o devest_v of_o matter_n but_o however_o this_o be_v they_o be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v endow_v with_o great_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n they_o be_v say_v to_o excel_v in_o strength_n psal_n 103.20_o and_o in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n hence_o be_v those_o expression_n of_o be_v as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n to_o discern_v good_a and_o bad_a 2_o sam._n 14.17_o wise_a according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o angel_n v._o 20._o to_o be_v of_o great_a activity_n and_o swiftness_n in_o their_o motion_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o full_a of_o wing_n and_o to_o excel_v in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n hence_o be_v that_o title_n give_v they_o in_o scripture_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o several_a place_n deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o good_a angel_n and_o beyond_o this_o all_o our_o kowledge_v of_o they_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o the_o nice_a speculation_n concern_v they_o idle_a and_o wanton_a curiosity_n indeed_o the_o scripture_n give_v sufficient_a intimation_n of_o several_a rank_n and_o order_n among_o they_o by_z calling_z michael_z a_o archangel_n and_o chief_a prince_n and_o by_o distingush_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o throne_n and_o dominion_n but_o what_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o name_n import_v though_o some_o have_v attempt_v to_o explain_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o have_v discover_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o beside_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o arrogance_n in_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v intrude_a into_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o see_v be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n censure_v some_o in_o his_o time_n second_o we_o have_v here_o their_o general_a office_n and_o employment_n they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n they_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v domestic_a servant_n and_o constant_a attendant_n upon_o that_o great_a and_o glorious_a king_n who_o throne_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o who_o kingdom_n rule_v over_o all_o they_o stand_v continual_o before_o he_o to_o behold_v his_o face_n expect_v his_o command_n and_o in_o a_o constant_a readiness_n to_o do_v his_o will._n for_o though_o the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o perfect_a power_n of_o act_v be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n immediate_o by_o himself_o whatever_o he_o please_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n can_v govern_v the_o world_n and_o steer_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o turn_v they_o which_o way_n he_o think_v best_o by_o the_o least_o nod_n and_o beck_n of_o his_o will_n without_o any_o instrument_n or_o minister_n of_o his_o pleasure_n yet_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o honour_v his_o creature_n especial_o this_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a rank_n of_o being_n with_o his_o command_n and_o to_o make_v they_o according_a to_o their_o several_a degree_n and_o capacity_n the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o his_o affair_n in_o the_o
a_o rack_n which_o yet_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o have_v they_o believe_v themselves_o and_o real_o esteem_v that_o which_o other_o account_v pain_n to_o be_v as_o happy_a a_o condition_n as_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v ease_n but_o we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o confute_v so_o stupid_a a_o principle_n which_o be_v confute_v by_o nature_n and_o by_o every_o man_n sense_n and_o experience_n i_o think_v we_o may_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o freedom_n from_o misery_n be_v a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o happiness_n otherwise_o heaven_n and_o hell_n if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o torment_n of_o it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o but_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o small_a endearment_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o next_o life_n a_o freedom_n from_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o trouble_n of_o this_o and_o by_o this_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v frequent_o describe_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n esai_n 57.2_o speak_v of_o the_o righteous_a man_n he_o shall_v enter_v into_o peace_n they_o shall_v rest_v in_o their_o bed_n 2_o thess_n 1.7_o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o reward_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n say_v he_o to_o recompense_v to_o you_o who_o be_v trouble_v rest_v with_o we_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n frequent_o describe_v the_o happiness_n of_o christian_n by_o enter_v into_o rest_n and_o rev._n 21.4_o the_o state_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o deliverance_n from_o those_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n which_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o in_o this_o world_n and_o god_n shall_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o their_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o death_n neither_o sorrow_n nor_o cry_v neither_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o more_o pain_n for_o the_o former_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o sorrow_n and_o pain_n and_o death_n but_o when_o we_o be_v once_o get_v to_o heaven_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v approach_v we_o the_o former_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o that_o be_v the_o evil_n we_o former_o endure_v be_v past_a and_o over_o and_o shall_v never_o return_v to_o afflict_v we_o any_o more_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o great_a comfort_n when_o we_o be_v labour_v under_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n and_o conflict_a sore_o with_o the_o misery_n of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v past_o all_o these_o and_o find_v a_o safe_a refuge_n and_o retreat_n from_o all_o these_o storm_n and_o tempest_n when_o we_o be_v load_v with_o affliction_n and_o even_o tire_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o and_o ready_a to_o faint_v and_o sink_v under_o it_o to_o think_v that_o there_o remain_v a_o rest_n for_o we_o into_o which_o we_o shall_v short_o enter_v how_o can_v it_o choose_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a consolation_n to_o we_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o trouble_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o god_n shall_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o our_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o sorrow_n nor_o cry_v there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o but_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o any_o of_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n we_o feel_v some_o of_o they_o and_o we_o fear_v more_o our_o outward_a condition_n it_o may_v be_v be_v uncomfortable_a we_o be_v poor_a and_o persecute_v we_o be_v destitute_a of_o friend_n or_o have_v many_o enemy_n we_o be_v despoil_v of_o many_o of_o those_o comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o we_o once_o have_v our_o body_n perhaps_o be_v in_o pain_n or_o our_o spirit_n trouble_v or_o though_o we_o have_v no_o real_a cause_n of_o outward_a trouble_n yet_o our_o soul_n be_v ill_o lodge_v in_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n of_o a_o body_n overpower_a with_o a_o melancholy_a humour_n which_o keep_v out_o all_o light_n and_o comfort_n from_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v it_o no_o revive_n to_o we_o to_o think_v of_o that_o happy_a hour_n when_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o remedy_n and_o redress_n of_o all_o these_o evil_n at_o once_a of_o that_o bless_a place_n where_o we_o shall_v take_v sanctuary_n from_o all_o those_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n which_o pursue_v we_o in_o this_o world_n where_o sorrow_n and_o misery_n and_o death_n be_v perfect_a stranger_n and_o into_o which_o nothing_o that_o can_v render_v man_n in_o the_o least_o unhappy_a can_v ever_o enter_v where_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v in_o perfect_a rest_n and_o contentment_n and_o our_o body_n after_o a_o while_n shall_v be_v restore_v and_o reunite_v to_o our_o soul_n not_o to_o cloud_n and_o clog_n they_o as_o they_o do_v here_o but_o so_o happy_o change_v and_o refine_v to_o such_o a_o perfection_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v any_o disturbance_n to_o our_o mind_n that_o they_o shall_v mighty_o add_v to_o their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n and_o when_o we_o be_v once_o land_a in_o those_o bless_a region_n what_o a_o comfort_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o stand_v on_o the_o shore_n and_o look_v back_o upon_o those_o rough_a and_o dangerous_a sea_n which_o we_o have_v escape_v how_o pleasant_a to_o consider_v the_o manifold_a evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o be_v free_v from_o and_o for_o ever_o secure_v against_o to_o remember_v our_o past_a labour_n and_o suffering_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o defy_v all_o those_o temptation_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o assault_v we_o in_o this_o world_n with_o so_o much_o violence_n and_o with_o too_o much_o success_n and_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o they_o find_v a_o perfect_a cessation_n of_o all_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for._n 2._o they_o be_v not_o only_o free_v from_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n they_o be_v exercise_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n but_o they_o shall_v receive_v a_o plentiful_a reward_n of_o all_o the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v in_o it_o their_o work_n do_v accompany_v they_o when_o pious_a soul_n go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n they_o do_v not_o only_o leave_v all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o world_n behind_o they_o but_o they_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o all_o the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v to_o reap_v there_o the_o comfort_n and_o reward_n of_o it_o just_o as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n wicked_a man_n when_o they_o die_v leave_v all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n behind_o they_o but_o the_o gild_n and_o remorse_n of_o their_o wicked_a life_n accompany_v they_o and_o stick_v close_o to_o they_o to_o torment_v they_o there_o and_o that_o there_o they_o may_v be_v torment_v for_o they_o thus_o the_o scripture_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o different_a condition_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n esai_n 3.10_o 11._o say_v you_o to_o the_o righteous_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o for_o they_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o do_n wo_n unto_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o hand_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o which_o be_v many_o time_n true_a in_o this_o world_n but_o however_o that_o happen_v will_v most_o certain_o and_o remarkable_o be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v most_o emphatical_o express_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luke_n 16.25_o where_o the_o rich_a man_n petition_n abraham_n for_o some_o ease_n and_o abraham_n return_v he_o this_o answer_n son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o likewise_o lazarus_n evil_a thing_n but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v what_o a_o change_n be_v here_o how_o comfortable_a to_o the_o one_o and_o how_o dismal_a to_o the_o other_o lazarus_n find_v rest_n from_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o suffering_n and_o his_o piety_n and_o patience_n accompany_v he_o into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o convey_v he_o into_o abraham_n bosom_n whereas_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v part_v from_o all_o his_o good_a thing_n and_o the_o gild_n of_o his_o sin_n go_v along_o with_o he_o and_o lodge_v he_o in_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n but_o my_o text_n confine_v i_o to_o the_o bright_a side_n of_o this_o prospect_n the_o consideration_n of_o that_o glorious_a recompense_n which_o good_a man_n shall_v receive_v for_o the_o good_a work_n which_o they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o world_n indeed_o the_o text_n do_v not_o express_o say_v
we_o may_v sit_v down_o every_o man_n under_o his_o own_o vine_n and_o under_o his_o own_o figtree_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o to_o make_v we_o afraid_a so_o that_o if_o security_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n then_o government_n be_v so_o too_o for_o without_o this_o the_o society_n of_o man_n will_v present_o dissolve_v and_o fall_v in_o piece_n and_o all_o thing_n will_v run_v into_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n 2._o another_o great_a benefit_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v from_o government_n though_o it_o do_v always_o so_o happen_v be_v that_o man_n be_v protect_v by_o it_o in_o the_o free_a exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o we_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n that_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n towards_o god_n of_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n in_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o men._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n find_v it_o by_o experience_n that_o the_o edge_n and_o authority_n of_o law_n may_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v turn_v upon_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o but_o even_o then_o though_o good_a man_n may_v receive_v great_a harm_n and_o injury_n from_o persecute_v prince_n and_o governor_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v from_o several_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n yet_o than_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o good_a man_n have_v some_o considerable_a benefit_n and_o protection_n from_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o law_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n preserve_v from_o the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o multitude_n so_o that_o though_o particular_a person_n undergo_v the_o trial_n of_o cruel_a suffering_n yet_o much_o great_a number_n do_v escape_v and_o be_v preserve_v and_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o this_o matter_n against_o several_a of_o the_o main_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n there_o never_o be_v any_o humane_a law_n make_v as_o against_o the_o inward_a love_n honour_n and_o reverence_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o worship_v he_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o secret_a of_o this_o part_n of_o religion_n humane_a law_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n nay_o far_a yet_o against_o humility_n and_o meekness_n against_o modesty_n and_o patience_n against_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n against_o peaceableness_n and_o obedience_n to_o government_n against_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n against_o charity_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n against_o these_o and_o such_o like_a virtue_n the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o law_n against_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o without_o some_o of_o which_o government_n can_v not_o possible_o subsist_v no_o perfection_n be_v ever_o raise_v no_o not_o by_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n good_a man_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o time_n protect_v by_o law_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o good_a man_n have_v many_o time_n be_v grievous_o perfect_v by_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o under_o their_o protection_n they_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n st._n paul_n know_v very_o well_o when_o he_o give_v this_o injunction_n to_o they_o that_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n be_v make_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n favour_n christianity_n but_o he_o know_v likewise_o that_o government_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o christian_n even_o in_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n do_v enjoy_v many_o considerable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o perpetual_o expose_v to_o popular_a rage_n and_o cruelty_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n which_o will_v not_o only_o have_v hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n but_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n have_v endanger_v the_o extinguish_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o by_o the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o government_n the_o christian_n have_v many_o considerable_a interval_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n which_o give_v christianity_n a_o breathe_a time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o recover_v itself_o and_o though_o the_o secular_a authority_n do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n discountenance_n christianity_n and_o keep_v it_o under_o hatch_n that_o be_v but_o a_o accidental_a effect_n and_o abuse_v of_o government_n and_o obedience_n be_v still_o due_a and_o prayer_n for_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a yea_o and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o it_o very_o reasonable_a upon_o account_n of_o the_o common_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o to_o humane_a society_n beside_o that_o christian_n do_v hope_n and_o believe_v that_o the_o civil_a government_n may_v in_o time_n be_v gain_v to_o give_v its_o countenance_n and_o assistance_n to_o christianity_n and_o that_o king_n and_o prince_n may_v become_v nurse_v father_n to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v express_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o afterward_o in_o god_n due_a time_n be_v remarkable_o accomplish_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n christian_n be_v patient_o to_o obey_v and_o suffer_v in_o expectation_n of_o those_o glorious_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o power_n that_o persecute_v they_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o may_v use_v that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o they_o for_o the_o protection_n of_o truth_n and_o innocency_n and_o for_o the_o continuance_n and_o support_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v afterward_o the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o several_a age_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mighty_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o government_n lay_v upon_o we_o both_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o prince_n and_o governor_n and_o likewise_o to_o praise_v god_n for_o they_o because_o in_o their_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n the_o public_a peace_n and_o happiness_n do_v chief_o consist_v and_o in_o the_o public_a good_a consist_v the_o good_a of_o particular_a person_n and_o above_o all_o the_o piety_n and_o goodness_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v in_o high_a place_n of_o authority_n have_v a_o general_a good_a influence_n upon_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n both_o for_o the_o discountenance_v of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o main_a pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n a_o king_n sit_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o judgement_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 20.8_o scatter_v away_o all_o evil_n with_o his_o eye_n the_o pattern_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o good_a prince_n be_v a_o live_a law_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o more_o than_o the_o example_n of_o ten_o thousand_o other_o to_o mould_n and_o fashion_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n to_o a_o conformity_n to_o it_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v as_o one_o express_v a_o kind_a of_o moral_a connexion_n and_o communication_n of_o evil_a and_o of_o gild_n betwixt_o prince_n and_o people_n so_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n mutual_o reward_v for_o the_o virtue_n and_o good_a action_n and_o punish_v for_o the_o sin_n and_o fault_n of_o one_o another_o of_o which_o proceed_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v many_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o scripture_n where_o god_n reward_v the_o piety_n of_o good_a prince_n with_o great_a blessing_n upon_o their_o people_n and_o punish_v the_o personal_a fault_n of_o their_o king_n with_o public_a judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a nation_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o ourselves_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o prince_n and_o governor_n because_o our_o welfare_n be_v involve_v in_o they_o and_o we_o suffer_v not_o only_o in_o all_o the_o misfortune_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v they_o but_o many_o time_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o personal_a fault_n and_o miscarriage_n quicquid_fw-la delirant_fw-la reges_fw-la plectuntur_fw-la achivi_fw-la the_o extravagance_n of_o prince_n be_v punish_v in_o the_o misfortune_n of_o their_o subject_n thus_o david_n