Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n christian_a church_n profess_v 3,448 5 8.0722 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59893 Sermons preach'd upon several occasions some of which were never before printed / by W. Sherlock. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1700 (1700) Wing S3364; ESTC R29357 211,709 562

There are 17 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a for_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la to_o unite_v in_o the_o only_a way_n to_o peace_n be_v to_o silence_v all_o these_o dispute_n as_o matter_n which_o mankind_n will_v never_o agree_v about_o and_o wherein_o religion_n be_v no_o more_o concern_v than_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n or_o state_n and_o on_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n no_o more_o depend_v than_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o secular_a affair_n or_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n for_o the_o dispute_n about_o decree_n predestination_n god_n power_n over_o our_o will_n how_o god_n and_o creature_n produce_v the_o same_o effect_n what_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o creature_n in_o every_o action_n since_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v concern_v every_o thing_n else_o as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o other_o case_n man_n let_v philosopher_n dispute_v these_o point_n and_o quiet_o go_v about_o their_o business_n and_o do_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o these_o matter_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o in_o religion_n too_o believe_v what_o be_v plain_o teach_v and_o do_v what_o be_v command_v use_v the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o our_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o do_v good_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o succour_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o leave_v these_o dispute_n to_o be_v decide_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o will_v decide_v they_o all_o by_o this_o mean_n i_o be_o sure_a most_o of_o the_o dispute_n among_o protestant_n which_o have_v give_v the_o great_a disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n will_v be_v for_o ever_o silence_v and_o christian_a religion_n will_v not_o be_v clog_v nor_o reproach_v with_o such_o philosophical_a controversy_n 2_o the_o unity_n of_o communion_n and_o that_o consist_v in_o our_o worship_a god_n together_o when_o we_o resort_v to_o the_o same_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o our_o unite_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o that_o holy_a supper_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o indeed_o be_v true_a church-unity_n and_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n who_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o worship_n shall_v divide_v communion_n and_o refuse_v to_o pray_v together_o and_o to_o feast_n at_o the_o same_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o can_v indeed_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o they_o have_v corrupt_v the_o very_a essential_o of_o christian_a worship_n most_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v their_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o can_v join_v in_o prayer_n with_o they_o they_o worship_v image_n and_o picture_n which_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n instead_o of_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n jesus_n christ_n they_o have_v join_v other_o intercessor_n with_o he_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o help_v they_o they_o worship_v the_o host_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bread_n and_o wine_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o therefore_o no_o object_n of_o worship_n and_o turn_v the_o sacramental_a feast_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n into_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a such_o a_o worship_n as_o this_o we_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o because_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o idolatrous_a but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a among_o protestant_n they_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o god_n in_o the_o only_a name_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n put_v up_o the_o same_o petition_n offer_v the_o same_o thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n observe_v the_o same_o divine_a institution_n without_o any_o essential_a change_n and_o alteration_n and_o yet_o can_v worship_v god_n together_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o impious_a thing_n to_o put_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o to_o offer_v the_o same_o praise_n to_o god_n in_o a_o pious_a and_o grave_n and_o well-composed_a form_n of_o word_n which_o other_o do_v it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o well_o and_o decent_o in_o their_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o if_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o communicant_a in_o receive_v so_o inestimable_a a_o blessing_n as_o the_o sacramental_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o his_o knee_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n as_o if_o a_o white_a linnen-garment_n which_o never_o undergo_v any_o religious_a conjuration_n and_o be_v use_v only_o as_o a_o decent_a habit_n without_o any_o opinion_n of_o its_o virtue_n or_o sanctity_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o drive_v man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o christian_a communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n these_o will_v be_v surprise_v story_n to_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v never_o hear_v before_o of_o such_o dispute_n among_o we_o pray_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v my_o mind_n free_o upon_o this_o occasion_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o most_o impartial_a inquiry_n and_o observation_n i_o can_v make_v i_o do_v in_o my_o conscience_n believe_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o most_o apostolical_a and_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v any_o material_a alteration_n in_o her_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n and_o therefore_o i_o confess_v it_o have_v give_v i_o very_o just_a resentment_n to_o hear_v our_o church_n charge_v with_o such_o unjust_a imputation_n of_o popery_n superstition_n idolatry_n will-worship_n and_o what_o not_o and_o to_o see_v a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n ready_a to_o raze_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v often_o grieve_v i_o to_o see_v such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o rent_n and_o tear_v by_o schism_n which_o a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a prudence_n may_v easy_o foresee_v will_v give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o the_o protestant_n faith_n this_o and_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o of_o their_o temporal_a fortune_n too_o move_v several_a divine_n of_o this_o church_n when_o the_o government_n think_v fit_a to_o reinforce_v the_o law_n of_o uniformity_n to_o examine_v and_o answer_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o they_o perform_v with_o that_o good_a temper_n with_o that_o perswasiveness_n and_o strength_n of_o argument_n as_o will_v be_v a_o vindication_n of_o our_o church_n to_o future_a age_n and_o i_o wish_v it_o may_v upon_o second_o thought_n have_v yet_o a_o better_a effect_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v not_o then_o persuade_v and_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v call_v persecution_n much_o less_o can_v the_o many_o kind_a office_n they_o do_v in_o keep_v off_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v call_v a_o persecution_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_a that_o prejudices_fw-la be_v grow_v as_o obstinate_a as_o they_o be_v unreasonable_a when_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o ill_a design_n of_o other_o require_v some_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n take_v such_o prudent_a be_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o papist_n by_o go_v far_o from_o they_o than_o be_v necessary_a will_v whenever_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v good_a condescend_v a_o great_a deal_n far_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o reform_v to_o meet_v the_o dissenter_n for_o while_o the_o external_a decency_n gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v secure_v no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v think_v much_o to_o change_v a_o changeable_a ceremony_n when_o it_o will_v heal_v the_o breach_n and_o division_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v we_o all_o hearty_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o there_o may_v be_v this_o good_a and_o peaceable_a disposition_n of_o mind_n in_o all_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n towards_o a_o happy_a reunion_n and_o all_o consider_v man_n will_v think_v it_o time_n to_o lay_v aside_o such_o little_a dispute_n when_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o any_o particular_a sect_n of_o protestant_n who_o ruin_n be_v aim_v at_o but_o the_o whole_a protestant_a faith_n 3_o another_o kind_n of_o unity_n be_v love_n and_o charity_n and_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n when_o the_o dispute_n run_v so_o high_a as_o to_o divide_v christian_a communion_n for_o it_o seem_v in_o effect_n to_o declare_v man_n to_o be_v heathen_n and_o publican_n when_o we_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o they_o and_o few_o man_n can_v
great_a reproach_n to_o a_o christian_a nation_n where_o such_o doctrine_n be_v public_o own_v and_o profess_v and_o such_o person_n court_v and_o flatter_v as_o ●…he_v most_o refine_a philosophical_a wit_n i_o pray_v god_n this_o nation_n do_v not_o find_v the_o ●…ischievous_a effect_n of_o it_o both_o in_o church_n ●…nd_n state_n government_n can_v never_o be_v long_o secure_a without_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o religion_n and_o destroy_v reveal_v religion_n and_o we_o shall_v quick_o have_v none_o as_o be_v too_o visible_a in_o the_o live_v of_o deist_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o reformation_n of_o manner_n while_o such_o man_n be_v suffer_v to_o poison_v the_o very_a fountain_n to_o undermine_v all_o religion_n and_o to_o root_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o prophesy_v ill_a thing_n but_o that_o nation_n can_v reasonable_o expect_v to_o receive_v good_a from_o god_n which_o be_v so_o unconcern_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o worship_n it_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o his_o government_n he_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v but_o those_o which_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n sermon_n xii_o preach_v on_o september_n 2._o 1699._o be_v the_o fast_a for_o the_o fire_n of_o london_n at_o the_o cathedeal_o church_n of_o st._n paul_n before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord-mayor_n alderman_n and_o citizen_n of_o london_n micah_n vi_fw-la 9_o the_o lord_n voice_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n and_o the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n shall_v see_v thy_o name_n hear_v you_o the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o when_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n be_v happy_a and_o prosperous_a it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v man_n indulge_v themselves_o in_o ease_n and_o luxury_n forget_v god_n or_o grow_v careless_a and_o formal_a in_o religion_n for_o though_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v that_o happy_a creature_n who_o rejoice_v in_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v very_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n they_o receive_v all_o yet_o humane_a nature_n in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v very_o fond_a of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o when_o a_o easy_a and_o plentiful_a fortune_n put_v it_o into_o man_n power_n to_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o this_o world_n as_o they_o will_v there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o who_o can_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o enjoyment_n and_o taste_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n without_o take_v large_a and_o intoxicate_a draught_n of_o it_o and_o this_o sensualize_v man_n mind_n and_o a_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n say_v unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n never_o any_o people_n have_v more_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n among_o they_o and_o his_o particular_a care_n of_o they_o than_o the_o israelite_n have_v and_o yet_o moses_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o prophetic_a hymn_n jesurun_n wax_v fat_a and_o kick_v thou_o be_v waxen_a fat_a thou_o be_v grow_v thick_a thou_o be_v cover_v with_o fatness_n then_o he_o forsake_v god_n which_o make_v he_o and_o light_o esteem_v the_o rock_n of_o his_o salvation_n deut._n 32._o 15._o and_o thus_o god_n complain_v isa._n 1._o 2_o 3._o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n but_o israel_n do_v not_o know_v my_o people_n do_v not_o consider_v and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o may_v despise_v and_o abhor_v the_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v the_o general_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o may_v find_v too_o many_o example_n of_o it_o in_o all_o time_n and_o nation_n but_o it_o seem_v much_o more_o unaccountable_a when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o shall_v not_o learn_v righteousness_n because_o judgement_n be_v apt_a to_o awaken_v man_n and_o make_v they_o consider_v when_o god_n speak_v in_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n those_o must_v be_v deaf_a indeed_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v this_o be_v the_o merciful_a design_n of_o providence_n in_o send_v such_o terrible_a judgement_n on_o the_o world_n to_o make_v man_n consider_v their_o way_n and_o their_o do_n and_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n for_o judgement_n have_v a_o voice_n have_v we_o but_o ear_n to_o hear_v they_o proclaim_v the_o power_n and_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n a_o terrible_a majesty_n and_o irresistible_a power_n the●…_n scourge_n and_o they_o threaten_v sinner_n an●…_n call_v for_o weep_v and_o mourn_v an●…_n fast_v and_o how_o unthankful_a soever_o th●…_n jew_n be_v to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a mercie●…_n and_o deliverance_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o insensible_a of_o his_o judgement_n when_o he_o sle●…_n they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o th●…_n high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n psalm_n 78●…_n 34_o 35._o this_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o in_o my_o text_n to_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o to_o consider_v for_o what_o reason_n those_o evil_n which_o we_o at_o any_o time_n suffer_v be_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o what_o god_n intend_v by_o the_o rod_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o grow_v better_o by_o our_o affliction_n and_o to_o prevail_v with_o god_n in_o great_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o remove_v they_o but_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n who_o shall_v reveal_v this_o secret_a to_o we_o how_o shall_v we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o correction_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n how_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o to_o who_o it_o speak_v for_o what_o sin_v it_o strike_v and_o who_o be_v those_o achan_n that_o be_v the_o troubler_n of_o our_o israel_n and_o what_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o in_o such_o case_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o present_a occasion_n but_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o i_o only_o address_v myself_o now_o to_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o for_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n who_o have_v neither_o eye_n nor_o ear_n they_o can_v only_o feel_v the_o rod_n like_o bruit_n not_o hear_v its_o voice_n like_o man_n though_o the_o lord_n voice_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n it_o be_v only_o the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n that_o see_v his_o name_n now_o as_o for_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v two_o very_a plain_a interpreter_n of_o god_n judgement_n natural_a conscience_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n have_v not_o a_o articulate_v voice_n to_o acquaint_v we_o in_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n upon_o what_o errand_n they_o come_v but_o they_o be_v sign_n which_o speak_v by_o a_o interpreter_n and_o if_o we_o careful_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a conscience_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v mistake_v their_o meaning_n 1._o as_o first_o no_o man_n who_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a conscience_n or_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v doubt_v who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v appoint_v the_o rod_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o natura●…_n question_v of_o all_o and_o yet_o a_o great_a many_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n seem_v not_o well_o satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n they_o allow_v that_o some_o judgement_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o grant_v this_o of_o all_o especial_o when_o they_o see_v what_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n of_o such_o suffering_n be_v some_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n which_o either_o private_a man_n or_o public_a society_n suffer_v be_v manifest_o owe_v to_o the_o injustice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o they_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v such_o evil_n than_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o other_o shall_v do_v they_o and_o all_o such_o rod_n as_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o god_n can_v teach_v we_o nothing_o but_o the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o by_o who_o
co●…_n cern_v the_o christian_a church_n we_o ma●…_n learn_v from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o seu●…_n church_n of_o asia_n what_o it_o be_v provok●…_n our_o lord_n either_o severe_o to_o punish_v we_o to_o remove_v the_o gospel_n from_o we_o t●…_n church_n of_o ephesus_n though_o she_o have_v a●…_n quit_v herself_o well_o in_o many_o thing_n yet_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n have_v abate_v very_o much_o of_o her_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n for_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ._n the_o church_n of_o pergam●…s_n be_v threaten_v for_o suffer_v those_o among_o she_o who_o teach_v idolatrous_a worship_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n likewise_o for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jeza●…el_v to_o commit_v fornicat●…on_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n make_v a_o glorious_a and_o pompous_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o without_o the_o true_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o ●…e_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n grow_v very_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a even_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o she_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a 〈◊〉_d lukewarm_a all_o these_o our_o saviour_n summons_n to_o repentance_n and_o threaten_v to_o punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o chap._n 2_o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n the_o application_n of_o all_o this_o to_o ourselves_o be_v so_o obvious_a that_o i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n about_o it_o we_o be_v that_o very_a nation_n wherein_o all_o these_o evil_n meet_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o name_v any_o vice_n which_o be_v not_o open_o commit_v among_o we_o without_o fear_n or_o shame_n nay_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o to_o be_v a_o modest_a sinner_n to_o boggle_v at_o any_o wickedness_n o●…_n to_o blush_v at_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o reproach_n as_o to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o though_o som●…_n man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o themselve●…_n atheist_n yet_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o own_o any_o reveal_v religion_n or_o t●…_n talk_v serious_o of_o providence_n of_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o punishin●…_n city_n and_o nation_n for_o their_o wicke●…_n ness_n be_v think_v a_o jest_n and_o i_o wi●…_n it_o be_v a_o jest_n only_o among_o vile_a an●…_n mean_v people_n of_o no_o fortune_n or_o education_n whereas_o we_o often_o see_v that_o the●…_n condition_n make_v they_o modest_a and_o u●…_n teach_v nature_n teach_v they_o better_o t●…_n they_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o example_n 〈◊〉_d man_n of_o wit_n and_o figure_n in_o the_o worl●…_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o rel●…_n gion_n it_o be_v a_o very_a melancholy_a prospec●…_n to_o observe_v how_o little_a of_o the_o true_a li●…_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d among_o they_o there_o be_v indeed_o noi●…_n and_o zeal_n and_o faction_n enough_o amon●…_n some_o people_n and_o that_o make_v other_o 〈◊〉_d cold_a and_o indifferent_a the_o temper_n of_o th●…_n church_n of_o sardis_n and_o laodicea_n th●…_n one_o that_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o wa●…_n dead_a the_o other_o that_o be_v lukewarm●…_n make_v much_o the_o great_a party_n amon●…_n we_o and_o the_o very_o best_a man_n i_o fear_v be_v too_o much_o incline_v to_o the_o state_n of_o ephesus_n which_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n those_o great_a passion_n and_o ardour_n of_o devotion_n which_o ought_v to_o inspire_v the_o mind_n of_o christian_n let_v we_o then_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o tremble_v see_v how_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o these_o sin_n see_v what_o our_o lord_n have_v do_v to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o though_o we_o can_v say_v what_o god_n will_v do_v to_o we_o because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o wonderful_a design_n be_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o providence_n yet_o we_o know_v what_o we_o do_v and_o how_o god_n have_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o have_v do_v as_o we_o do_v which_o be_v too_o just_a reason_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v deal_v so_o by_o we_o too_o unless_o we_o repent_v and_o reform_v which_o they_o do_v not_o for_o two_o when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o the_o reformation_n must_v be_v universal_a too_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o reform_v himself_o for_o a_o nation_n can_v never_o be_v reform_v but_o by_o the_o reformation_n of_o particular_a man_n who_o make_v up_o the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v summon_v to_o repentance_n as_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n summon_v we_o all_o every_o man_n must_v examine_v himself_o what_o he_o have_v to_o repent_v of_o and_o reform_v himself_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o national_a and_o personal_n repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o they_o serve_v very_o different_a ends._n a_o nation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o god_n may_v in_o great_a mercy_n remove_v his_o judgement_n though_o what_o be_v never_o to_o be_v expect_v every_o particular_a man_n do_v not_o repent_v and_o reform_v himself_o but_o then_o such_o a_o national_a reformation_n require_v the_o execution_n of_o public_a justice_n against_o public_a wickedness_n to_o make_v sin_n public_o infamous_a and_o to_o teach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o powerfu●…_n sinner_n modesty_n to_o banish_v if_o no●…_n sinner_n yet_o sin_n out_o of_o our_o court_n and_o out_o of_o our_o street_n and_o to_o make_v it_o once_o more_o seek_v for_o night_n and_o darkness_n fo●…_n a_o cover_v that_o virtue_n may_v no_o long_o blush_v in_o company_n or_o need_v apology_n nor_o vice_n dare_v to_o brave_v it_o at_o noonday_n there_o have_v indeed_o of_o late_o be_v some_o care_n take_v by_o public_a law_n and_o royal_a proclamation_n to_o punish_v the_o profanation_n of_o god_n name_n by_o accurse_a oath_n but_o yet_o in_o most_o case_n man_n may_v be_v as_o vile_a as_o they_o please_v and_o as_o public_o so_o as_o they_o please_v and_o little_a or_o no_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o nay_o they_o may_v talk_v and_o write_v what_o they_o please_v against_o god_n and_o religion_n ridicule_fw-la the_o history_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o gain_v credit_n and_o reputation_n by_o it_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o many_o christian_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n which_o in_o so_o public_a a_o manner_n permit_v these_o thing_n we_o have_v talk_v of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o reformation_n to_o good_a purpose_n if_o the_o only_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v a_o liberty_n of_o ridicul_v the_o christian_a faith_n which_o may_v make_v one_o suspect_v that_o all_o the_o zeal_n some_o man_n have_v express_v against_o popery_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o a_o zeal_n for_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n which_o the_o discipline_n of_o popery_n as_o bad_a a_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v will_v not_o endure_v it_o be_v indeed_o well_o fit_v to_o make_v atheist_n and_o infidel_n but_o will_v make_v man_n have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o profess_v it_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o this_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n will_v prove_v a_o backdoor_n to_o let_v in_o popery_n again_o upon_o we_o but_o to_o leave_v these_o thought_n with_o those_o who_o proper_a care_n and_o business_n it_o be_v whether_o a_o nation_n will_v be_v reform_v or_o not_o it_o concern_v every_o particular_a man_n to_o hear_v the_o rod_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n warn_v we_o of_o his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n nor_o improve_v judgement_n to_o their_o true_a end_n if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o repent_v and_o reform_v as_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o this_o to_o be_v sure_o must_v be_v a_o personal_n and_o a_o universal_a reformation_n and_o yet_o even_o with_o respect_n to_o present_a judgement_n a_o personal_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o when_o the_o judgement_n be_v public_a and_o national_a god_n many_o time_n make_v a_o remarkable_a distinction_n between_o person_n say_v you_o to_o the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o for_o they_o shall_v reap_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 to_o he_o which_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o public_a judgement_n isa._n 3._o 10_o 11._o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n for_o particular_a man_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o life_n whatever_o other_o do_v but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v to_o the_o
calamity_n upon_o nation_n but_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o some_o publlick_n and_o national_a sin_n and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a nation_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n preserve_v the_o reverence_n of_o religion_n correct_v and_o suppress_v vice_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v bless_v with_o all_o external_a prosperity_n for_o righteousness_n ex●…alteth_v a_o nation_n it_o do_v so_o in_o its_o natural_a tendency_n and_o effect_n and_o it_o do_v so_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n bring_v any_o public_a judgement_n upon_o a_o nation_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n to_o inquire_v what_o be_v amiss_o among_o we_o what_o that_o accurse_a thing_n be_v which_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o jealousy_n and_o make_v he_o take_v the_o rod_n into_o his_o hand_n we_o have_v then_o reason_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n to_o turn_v from_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n that_o hem_n ay_o return_n and_o be_v merciful_a to_o we_o but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n worth_n observe_v which_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o at_o this_o time_n that_o god_n never_o deliver_v the_o jewish_a church_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o oppress_v they_o never_o carry_v they_o away_o into_o captivity_n except_v the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o crucify_a their_o messiah_n but_o only_o when_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n a_o corruption_n of_o manner_n may_v bring_v other_o judgement_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v general_o and_o i_o think_v always_o for_o their_o idolatry_n that_o god_n make_v their_o enemy_n rule_n over_o they_o and_o carry_v they_o captive_a into_o a_o strange_a land_n this_o we_o have_v a_o summary_n account_v of_o judge_n 2._o how_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n and_o those_o elder_n who_o have_v see_v all_o that_o god_n do_v for_o they_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v baal_n and_o ashtaroth_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o they_o and_o god_n deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o spoiler_n who_o spoil_v they_o v._o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n for_o this_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v carry_v away_o into_o a_o perpetual_a captivity_n and_o judah_n carry_v captive_a to_o babylon_n which_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o by_o the_o prophet_n for_o their_o whoredom_n that_o be_v their_o idolatry_n 2_o 4_o 5._o ch_z of_o hosea_n and_o this_o be_v the_o account_n the_o prophet_n jeremy_n give_v of_o it_o like_a as_o you_o have_v forsake_v i_o and_o serve_v strange_a god_n in_o your_o land_n so_o shall_v you_o serve_v stranger_n in_o a_o land_n which_o be_v not_o you_o 5._o jer._n 19_o now_o in_o proportion_n to_o god_n deal●…g_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n we_o have_v ●…ason_n to_o hope_n that_o though_o a_o church_n ●…nd_v nation_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a ●…aith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v ●…everely_o punish_v for_o their_o other_o sin_n ●…et_o while_o they_o preserve_v themselves_o ●…lean_a from_o spiritual_a fornication_n from_o all_o antichristian_a idolatry_n god_n will_v not_o un-church_n they_o nor_o deliver_v they_o final_o up_o into_o the_o power_n of_o idolatrous_a oppressor_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o of_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o though_o god_n have_v make_v we_o smart_v severe_o for_o our_o other_o sin_n have_v yet_o always_o find_v a_o watchful_a providence_n defend_v we_o from_o all_o attempt_n though_o contrive_v with_o art_n and_o skill_n and_o back_v with_o power_n to_o reduce_v we_o again_o under_o the_o roman_a yoke_n may_v the_o same_o good_a providence_n still_o watch_v over_o we_o and_o defend_v we_o and_o neither_o suffer_v our_o popish_a enemy_n to_o rejoice_v over_o we_o nor_o delude_a protestant_n to_o make_v dangerous_a and_o fatal_a experiment_n 3_o when_o god_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o correct_v his_o people_n he_o always_o keep_v the_o rod_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o prescribe_v the_o measure_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o suffering_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a from_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o israel_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o multiply_v particular_a instance_n there_o be_v no_o good_a not_o evil_a befall_v israel_n but_o by_o a_o particular_a providence_n god_n inflict_v judgement_n on_o they_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o he_o remove_v they_o again_o he_o give_v the_o commission_n to_o plague_n and_o sword_n and_o famine_n which_o they_o can_v not_o exceed_v in_o the_o 26._o levit._n we_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n proportion_v his_o judgement_n to_o their_o sin_n when_o their_o sin_n be_v grow_v so_o public_a and_o national_a as_o to_o deserve_v some_o public_a judgement_n yet_o at_o first_o god_n threaten_v they_o with_o some_o more_o light_a and_o gentle_a punishment_n but_o if_o they_o continue_v incorrigible_a he_o tell_v they_o he_o have_v more_o terrible_a judgement_n in_o reserve_n for_o they_o which_o prove_v that_o god_n determine_v the_o kind_n degree_n and_o continuance_n of_o his_o judgement_n when_o david_n for_o his_o sin_n in_o number_v the_o people_n have_v that_o hard_a choice_n give_v he_o of_o seven_o year_n famine_n or_o to_o flee_v three_o month_n before_o his_o enemy_n or_o three_o day_n pestilence_n he_o answer_v let_v i_o fall_v now_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a and_o let_v i_o not_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d sam._n 24._o 14._o that_o be_v he_o choose_v pe●…ilence_n before_o the_o sword_n for_o pesti●…ence_n be_v god_n immediate_a hand_n and_o ●…ho_o the_o sword_n be_v god_n judgement_n too_o ●…et_v it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o gratify_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o rage_n and_o revenge_n with_o it_o and_o yet_o though_o god_n leave_v more_o to_o man_n in_o this_o than_o ●…n_o any_o other_o judgement_n he_o do_v not_o ●…ut_o the_o sword_n whole_o out_o of_o his_o own_o hand_n when_o he_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n but_o give_v law_n to_o it_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n who_o god_n send_v against_o jerusalem_n to_o take_v the_o spoil_n and_o to_o take_v the_o prey_n and_o to_o tread_v they_o down_o like_o the_o mire_n in_o the_o street_n howbeit_o he_o mean_v not_o so_o neither_o do_v his_o heart_n think_v so_o but_o it_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o destroy_v and_o cut_v off_o nation_n not_o a_o few_o wherefore_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v perform_v his_o whole_a work_n upon_o mount_n zion_n what_o he_o himself_o not_o what_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n intend_v to_o do_v i_o will_v punish_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o stout_a heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o high_a look_n 10._o isa._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 12._o now_o god_n have_v the_o same_o tender_a care_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n that_o he_o have_v of_o israel_n he_o mingle_v our_o cup_n for_o we_o he_o prescribe_v what_o we_o shall_v suffer_v and_o how_o long_o and_o he_o correct_v as_o a_o father_n not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o reform_v and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a comfort_n that_o whatever_o man_n threaten_v we_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n a●…_n his_o command_n who_o give_v salvation_n 〈◊〉_d king_n who_o deliver_v david_n his_o serva●…_n from_o the_o hurtful_a sword_n psal._n 144._o 10._o the_o most_o powerful_a oppressor_n be_v but_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n anger_n the_o more_o fierce_a and_o savage_a instrument_n god_n employ_v to_o correct_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o more_o angry_a god_n be_v but_o whatever_o the_o rod_n be_v it_o be_v god_n that_o strike_v wh●…_n know_v when_o to_o strike_v and_o when_o to_o spare_v we_o never_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o man_n whatever_o their_o power_n how_o great_a soever_o their_o rage_n and_o vengeance_n be_v but_o aught_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n do_v o_o lord_n correct_v i_o but_o with_o judgement_n not_o in_o thy_o anger_n lest_o thou_o bring_v i_o to_o nothing_o jer._n 10._o 24._o o_o lord_n rebuke_v i_o not_o in_o thy_o anger_n neither_o chasten_v i_o in_o thy_o sore_a displeasure_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o weak_a o_o lord_n heal_v i_o for_o my_o bone_n be_v vex_v psal._n 6._o 1_o 2._o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o psal._n 56._o 1_o 2_o 3._o be_v merciful_a to_o i_o o_o
and_o what_o a_o advantageous_a exchange_n than_o be_v it_o for_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o jesus_n to_o be_v remove_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o the_o state_n of_o christ_n minister_n be_v in_o this_o world_n what_o it_o be_v in_o st._n paul_n day_n he_o tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 4_o 10._o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v ourselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o much_o patience_n in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n in_o distress_n in_o stripe_n in_o imprisonment_n in_o tumult_n in_o labour_n in_o watch_n in_o fast_v by_o pureness_n by_o knowledge_n by_o long-suffering_a by_o kindness_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o love_n unfeigned_a by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o the_o armour_n of_o righteousness_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a by_o honour_n and_o dishonour_n by_o evil_a report_n and_o good_a report_n as_o deceiver_n and_o yet_o true_a as_o unknown_a and_o yet_o well_o know_v as_o die_v and_o behold_v we_o live_v as_o chastened_a and_o not_o kill_v as_o sorrowful_a yet_o always_o rejoice_v as_o poor_a yet_o make_v many_o rich_a as_o have_v nothing_o and_o yet_o possess_v all_o thing_n which_o describe_v a_o most_o laborious_a life_n a_o scene_n of_o want_n of_o difficulty_n of_o suffering_n a_o perpetual_a exercise_n of_o passive_a virtue_n to_o reconcile_v the_o most_o appear_a contradiction_n to_o live_v and_o struggle_v and_o contend_v in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o fetch_v their_o comfort_n and_o support_v from_o heaven_n this_o indeed_o be_v not_o always_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n nor_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o great_a external_a prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o religion_n who_o discharge_v their_o trust_n with_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n find_v many_o difficulty_n to_o encounter_v the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v itself_o a_o mighty_a trust_n and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n consider_v but_o the_o charge_n st._n paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n 1_o epistle_n 4._o 11_o &_o c._n let_v no_o man_n despise_v thy_o youth_n but_o be_v thou_o a_o example_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n to_o doctrine_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n meditate_v upon_o these_o thing_n give_v thyself_o whole_o to_o they_o that_o thy_o profit_v may_v appear_v to_o all_o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o thy_o doctrine_n continue_v in_o they_o for_o in_o do_v this_o thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v thou_o here_o be_v work_n enough_o to_o employ_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n and_o prudence_n work_v for_o the_o study_n for_o the_o closet_n for_o the_o pulpit_n as_o the_o same_o apostle_n exhort_v and_o charge_v timothy_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n to_o reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o but_o yet_o though_o there_o be_v labour_n and_o diligence_n in_o this_o it_o will_v be_v a_o delightful_a work_n be_v our_o labour_n always_o bless_v with_o success_n can_v we_o rescue_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n can_v we_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n but_o we_o must_v often_o expect_v to_o labour_v all_o night_n and_o catch_v nothing_o we_o must_v contend_v with_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n must_v bear_v their_o folly_n their_o frowardness_n their_o reproach_n and_o censure_n and_o injury_n be_v thought_n troublesome_n pragmatical_a and_o busy-body_n for_o our_o charitable_a exhortation_n and_o reproof_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o their_o soul_n and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v at_o ease_n and_o rest_n from_o without_o how_o often_o be_v it_o rend_v and_o tear_v in_o piece_n with_o schism_n and_o heresy_n as_o st._n paul_n forewarn_v timothy_n the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n and_o they_o shall_v turn_v away_o their_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v turn_v unto_o fable_n 3_o 4._o ver_fw-la and_o what_o infinite_a labour_n and_o difficulty_n do_v this_o create_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o heal_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n to_o confute_v heresy_n atheism_n infidelity_n and_o to_o be_v scorn_v and_o persecute_v for_o it_o with_o a_o bitter_a rage_n and_o zeal_n that_o st._n paul_n may_v well_o add_v but_o watch_v thou_o in_o all_o thing_n endure_v affliction_n do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelist_n make_v full_a proof_n of_o thy_o ministry_n 5_o verse_n we_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v discourage_v by_o such_o difficulty_n as_o these_o because_o our_o reward_n will_v be_v great_a in_o heaven_n but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o happy_a day_n when_o our_o warfare_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v when_o we_o shall_v cease_v from_o our_o labour_n and_o our_o work_n shall_v follow_v we_o when_o we_o can_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 2._o thus_o to_o die_v be_v their_o gain_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v more_o needful_a for_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o great_a loss_n it_o be_v to_o the_o church_n when_o they_o die_v i_o need_v not_o use_v many_o word_n about_o this_o for_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a the_o death_n of_o every_o good_a man_n who_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o he_o be_v useful_a be_v a_o very_a great_a loss_n for_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o do_v any_o more_o good_a in_o this_o world_n but_o as_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v to_o do_v the_o great_a good_a to_o mankind_n because_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o so_o to_o lose_v a_o faithful_a and_o a_o prudent_a guide_n must_v be_v the_o great_a loss_n we_o indeed_o of_o this_o church_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v send_v forth_o so_o many_o able_a and_o painful_a labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o loss_n of_o every_o good_a man_n that_o can_v much_o affect_v we_o at_o ordinary_a time_n for_o there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o perpetuate_v a_o succession_n of_o able_a and_o faithful_a guide_n but_o a_o st._n paul_n be_v at_o any_o time_n and_o in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n a_o great_a loss_n nay_o man_n who_o be_v much_o inferior_a to_o st._n paul_n but_o yet_o fit_v with_o peculiar_a ability_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n at_o some_o certain_a season_n and_o in_o some_o difficult_a circumstance_n be_v a_o very_a sensible_a loss_n at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o their_o service_n be_v most_o needful_a a_o man_n of_o counsel_n and_o conduct_v who_o be_v fit_a to_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n and_o know_v how_o to_o steer_v in_o a_o storm_n be_v a_o great_a loss_n in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_v when_o the_o church_n be_v assault_v on_o all_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o avoid_v one_o mischief_n or_o inconvenience_n without_o runinto_o another_o a_o man_n of_o goodness_n and_o temper_n who_o know_v how_o to_o govern_v his_o own_o passion_n and_o how_o to_o soften_v and_o manage_v the_o passion_n of_o other_o man_n be_v a_o very_a sensible_a loss_n when_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v break_v loose_a and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o even_o threaten_v the_o ruin_n of_o it_o a_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o sound_a judgement_n who_o can_v distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n in_o all_o its_o most_o artificial_a and_o flatter_a disguise_n be_v a_o great_a loss_n when_o old_a error_n be_v revive_v and_o new_a one_o broach_v when_o we_o must_v dispute_v over_o again_o the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n a_o man_n of_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n courage_n and_o resolution_n to_o defend_v the_o truth_n to_o oppose_v heresy_n and_o schism_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o very_a
6._o matth._n 26_o 30._o where_o from_o god_n care_n of_o mean_a inferior_a creature_n the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n he_o more_o strong_o conclude_v his_o care_n of_o man_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o his_o care_n of_o particular_a man_n we_o may_v more_o strong_o conclude_v his_o care_n of_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n and_o therefore_o of_o the_o life_n of_o prince_n who_o be_v the_o great_a minister_n of_o his_o government_n and_o providence_n and_o who_o life_n or_o death_n make_v such_o a_o mighty_a change_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o when_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o prince_n die_v this_o be_v god_n do_n and_o how_o severe_a soever_o we_o may_v feel_v it_o we_o must_v be_v dumb_a and_o not_o open_v our_o mouth_n because_o he_o have_v do_v it_o which_o be_v the_o 2._o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o be_v dumb_a and_o not_o open_v our_o mouth_n for_o this_o seem_v a_o very_a hard_a say_n in_o the_o strict_a literal_a sense_n that_o we_o must_v not_o complain_v of_o our_o suffering_n when_o we_o feel_v they_o smart_v humane_a nature_n can_v bear_v this_o we_o must_v feel_v our_o suffering_n and_o when_o we_o feel_v they_o we_o must_v complain_v to_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o suffer_v be_v stupidity_n not_o submission_n it_o be_v irreverence_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o in_o some_o case_n the_o most_o unpardonable_a baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n to_o men._n to_o be_v unconcern_v for_o the_o death_n of_o our_o dear_a friend_n or_o great_a patron_n and_o benefactor_n not_o to_o pay_v nature_n tribute_n to_o their_o memory_n in_o a_o sigh_n and_o a_o tear_n not_o to_o long_o after_o they_o and_o send_v some_o vain_a wish_n to_o call_v they_o back_o not_o to_o preserve_v their_o idea_n fresh_a in_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o think_v with_o some_o uneasiness_n of_o those_o happy_a hour_n which_o their_o conversation_n sweetn_n d_o to_o part_v with_o our_o friend_n as_o if_o we_o suffer_v nothing_o by_o their_o loss_n and_o be_v as_o well_o without_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o such_o a_o man_n be_v uncapable_a of_o ever_o be_v a_o friend_n and_o never_o deserve_v to_o have_v any_o much_o more_o then_o when_o we_o lose_v a_o public_a friend_n and_o benefactor_n the_o great_a of_o friend_n and_o benefactor_n which_o be_v a_o good_a prince_n let_v we_o brief_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v lose_v in_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o gracious_a queen_n and_o try_v if_o we_o can_v bear_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o without_o complain_v she_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o her_o sex_n and_o a_o ornament_n to_o the_o crown_n she_o wear_v make_v true_o great_a by_o nature_n birth_n and_o education_n she_o have_v a_o large_a and_o capacious_a mind_n a_o quick_a and_o lively_a apprehension_n and_o a_o pierce_a and_o solid_a judgement_n she_o have_v a_o strength_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n beyond_o her_o sex_n and_o such_o a_o dexterity_n in_o manage_v the_o great_a affair_n as_o will_v have_v become_v the_o great_a and_o most_o experience_a minister_n never_o be_v there_o great_a skill_n in_o government_n with_o less_o fondness_n for_o it_o which_o she_o can_v take_v up_o and_o lay_v down_o with_o the_o same_o equality_n and_o indifferency_n of_o mind_n though_o i_o doubt_v i_o must_v unsay_v that_o for_o she_o be_v always_o grieve_v at_o the_o occasion_n of_o take_v the_o government_n and_o as_o glad_a to_o resign_v it_o never_o be_v majesty_n better_o temper_v with_o easiness_n and_o sweetness_n she_o know_v how_o to_o be_v familiar_a without_o make_v herself_o cheap_a and_o to_o condescend_v without_o meanness_n she_o have_v all_o the_o greatness_n of_o majesty_n with_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o conversation_n and_o know_v very_o well_o what_o become_v her_o table_n and_o what_o become_v the_o council-board_n she_o understand_v her_o religion_n and_o love_v it_o and_o practise_v it_o and_o be_v the_o great_a example_n of_o the_o age_n of_o a_o constant_a regular_a unaffected_a devotion_n and_o of_o all_o the_o eminent_a virtue_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o state_n she_o will_v rather_o spare_v time_n from_o her_o sleep_n than_o from_o her_o prayer_n where_o she_o always_o appear_v with_o that_o great_a composure_n and_o seriousness_n of_o mind_n as_o if_o her_o court_n have_v be_v a_o nunnery_n and_o she_o have_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n in_o all_o the_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n of_o fortune_n she_o have_v that_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n for_o those_o who_o suffer_v which_o suffering_n themselves_o can_v teach_v mean_a person_n she_o be_v charitable_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o her_o power_n amid_o all_o the_o expense_n of_o war_n and_o government_n and_o when_o a_o proper_a object_n be_v present_v to_o she_o be_v always_o please_v when_o she_o can_v grant_v their_o request_n and_o very_o uneasy_a to_o deny_v in_o short_a her_o great_a and_o most_o ●…placable_a enemy_n for_o virtue_n self_n will_v meet_v with_o enemy_n in_o this_o ●…orld_n have_v no_o other_o fault_n to_o ●…arge_v she_o with_o but_o her_o throne_n ●…hich_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n for_o which_o ●…ost_v other_o prince_n be_v valuable_a ●…he_o ascend_v the_o throne_n indeed_o ●…efore_o she_o desire_v it_o but_o be_v ●…rust_v into_o it_o not_o by_o a_o hasty_a ●…mbition_n but_o to_o save_v a_o sink_a church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o i_o hope_v england_n will_v always_o have_v reason_n to_o ●…ay_v that_o a_o empty_a throne_n can_v ●…ever_o have_v be_v fill_v with_o a_o noble_a pair_n but_o though_o the_o necessary_a absence_n of_o the_o king_n to_o give_v check_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o a_o powerful_a and_o insult_a monarch_n engage_v she_o more_o than_o she_o desire_v in_o state_n affair_n yet_o the_o promote_a of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o great_a and_o best_a nursery_n of_o it_o since_o the_o apostolic_a age_n be_v her_o constant_a and_o natural_a care_n this_o her_o thought_n be_v full_a of_o and_o she_o have_v form_v great_a and_o noble_a design_n have_v she_o outlive_v the_o difficulty_n and_o expense_n of_o war_n and_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o attend_v the_o peaceful_a art_n of_o government_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o say_v this_o from_o those_o frequent_a intimation_n i_o have_v have_v from_o our_o late_a admirable_a primate_n who_o have_v great_a design_n himself_o to_o serve_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o true_a interest_n and_o have_v inspire_v their_o majesty_n and_o particular_o the_o queen_n who_o have_v more_o leisure_n for_o such_o thought_n with_o the_o same_o great_a and_o pious_a design_n it_o may_v be_v no_o churchman_n ever_o have_v i_o be_o sure_a not_o more_o deserve_o a_o great_a interest_n in_o his_o prince_n favour_n and_o the_o great_a use_v he_o make_v of_o it_o be_v to_o do_v public_a service_n to_o religion_n and_o what_o ever_o some_o man_n may_v suspect_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o perfect_o in_o their_o way_n and_o the_o great_a fault_n i_o know_v he_o have_v be_v that_o some_o envious_a and_o ambitious_a man_n can_v not_o bear_v his_o greatness_n which_o he_o himself_o never_o court_v nay_o which_o he_o industrious_o avoid_v before_o this_o all_o england_n know_v and_o own_v his_o worth_n and_o have_v it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o poll_n there_o have_v ●…en_o vast_a odds_o on_o his_o side_n that_o 〈◊〉_d will_v have_v be_v vote_v into_o the_o ●…e_n of_o canterbury_n for_o no_o man_n have_v ●…er_o a_o clear_a and_o bright_a reaso●…_n true_a judgement_n a_o more_o easy_a and_o ●…ppy_a expression_n nor_o a_o more_o 〈◊〉_d fearless_a honesty_n he_o be_v a_o ●…e_n and_o hearty_a friend_n and_o be_v a_o ●…e_a friend_n wherever_o he_o prof●…●…d_v to_o be_v so_o though_o he_o have_v ma●…_n enemy_n at_o last_o he_o take_v care_n 〈◊〉_d make_v none_o he_o be_v oblige_v 〈◊〉_d all_o man_n and_o though_o he_o can_v ●…t_v easy_o part_v with_o a_o friend_n he_o ●…uld_v easy_o forgive_v a_o enemy_n 〈◊〉_d that_o bundle_n of_o libel_n witness_n ●…hich_v be_v find_v among_o his_o other_o ●…pers_n with_o this_o inscription_n these_o ●…e_a libel_n i_o pray_v god_n forgive_v they_o do_v but_o i_o can_v give_v you_o the_o just_a character_n of_o this_o great_a man_n now_o ●…hat_o i_o have_v already_o say_v i_o con●…ss_v be_v a_o excursion_n which_o i_o hope_v ●…ou_fw-fr will_v pardon_v to_o the_o passion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d old_a friend_n and_o learn_v from_o two_o great_a example_n that_o neither_o ●…e_o great_a innocence_n virtue_n or_o merit_n can_v defend_v either_o crown_v or_o mitre_a head_n from_o the_o
of_o earthly_a rival_n yet_o it_o fire_v at_o great_a example_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v outdo_v by_o equal_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o man_n especial_o when_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n and_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v concern_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o many_o pious_a and_o charitable_a foundation_n be_v owe_v to_o popish_a superstition_n they_o hope_v to_o expiate_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o their_o good_a work_n and_o in_o this_o hope_n and_o this_o persuasion_n they_o do_v a_o very_a great_a many_o we_o understand_v better_a than_o to_o think_v of_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n much_o less_o of_o purchase_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v by_o act_n of_o charity_n but_o if_o those_o great_a reward_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o charity_n and_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o make_v we_o charitable_a without_o the_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n charity_n be_v so_o great_a and_o excellent_a a_o virtue_n and_o so_o very_o useful_a to_o mankind_n that_o at_o least_o thus_o far_o popery_n will_v be_v think_v the_o better_a religion_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o diligence_n and_o in_o your_o love_n to_o we_o see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o as_o we_o have_v a_o more_o orthodox_n faith_n a_o clear_a and_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o a_o pure_a worship_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n let_v we_o excel_v in_o charity_n too_o and_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o to_o renounce_v popery_n be_v not_o to_o renounce_v good_a work_n sermon_n x._o preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord-mayor_n and_o court_n of_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n on_o sunday_n april_n 25._o 1697._o coloss._n ii_o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n have_v st._n paul_n live_v in_o our_o age_n it_o will_v have_v require_v little_o less_o than_o the_o courage_n and_o bravery_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o martyrdom_n to_o have_v say_v this_o and_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n which_o though_o some_o man_n do_v not_o much_o value_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o despise_v can_v screen_n those_o who_o venture_v to_o say_v i●…_n after_o he_o what_o some_o man_n call_v philosophy_n and_o reason_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a which_o some_o man_n will_v not_o call_v so_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o those_o man_n adore_v who_o will_v either_o have_v no_o god_n or_o a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o what_o attempt_v some_o have_v make_v to_o undermine_v all_o religion_n and_o other_o to_o corrupt_v and_o transform_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o contradict_a natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o need_v a_o proof_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o his_o day_n and_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o future_a age_n st._n paul_n be_v very_o sensible_a when_o he_o give_v this_o caution_n to_o his_o colossian_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v as_o proper_a a_o caution_n for_o we_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o any_o age_n since_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o this_o vain_a pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n never_o more_o prevail_v and_o never_o do_v more_o mischief_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o fruitless_a task_n to_o go_v about_o to_o confute_v all_o the_o absurd_a hypothesis_n and_o wild_a inconsistent_a reason_n wherewith_o man_n abuse_v themselves_o and_o other_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o ●…ny_a age_n wherein_o philosophy_n be_v in_o all_o 〈◊〉_d glory_n and_o the_o several_a sect_n dispute_v ●…d_v wrangle_v eternal_o without_o end_v ●…y_o one_o controversy_n give_v no_o great_a en●…uragement_n to_o hope_v for_o much_o this_o way_n 〈◊〉_d lest_o it_o can_v never_o be_v expect_v that_o ●…dinary_a christian_n shall_v be_v better_o ●…structed_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n by_o ●…hilosophical_a dispute_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o ●…e_n very_o begin_v be_v corrupt_v by_o 〈◊〉_d mixture_n of_o philosophy_n thus_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n day_n and_o thus_o it_o have_v ●…een_v more_o or_o less_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n and_o the_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o to_o dispute_v such_o matter_n but_o to_o distinguish_v between_o philosophical_a dispute_n and_o matter_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n when_o it_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o will_v make_v any_o corrupt_a addition_n to_o it_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o prey_n or_o to_o carry_v away_o as_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o from_o the_o p●…rity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v through_o the_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n which_o cheat_v man_n with_o a_o flatter_a but_o empty_a appearance_n may_v unsettle_v weak_a mind_n but_o can_v lay_v a_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n of_o faith_n may_v cheat_v man_n out_o of_o their_o faith_n but_o when_o that_o be_v do_v can_v give_v they_o nothing_o certain_a in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n some_o of_o these_o doctrine_n may_v possible_o plead_v prescription_n as_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v that_o no_o man_n know_v their_o original_a or_o if_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o great_a name_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o human_a authority_n and_o they_o be_v but_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o of_o man_n who_o at_o best_o have_v no_o better_a information_n than_o from_o the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o imperfect_a observation_n and_o corrupt_v or_o defective_a reason_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v this_o a_o authority_n to_o oppose_v against_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o both_o want_v that_o divine_a confirmation_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o contradict_v they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o after_o christ_n neither_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o consonant_n to_o what_o he_o teach_v these_o word_n may_v afford_v great_a variety_n of_o discourse_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o what_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o reduce_v that_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v by_o show_v i._n what_o great_a need_n there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v we_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n ii_o what_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o rejectall_v these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whoever_o consider_v what_o a_o enemy_n these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n have_v always_o be_v to_o religion_n will_v see_v need_n enough_o for_o this_o caution_n true_a reason_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v true_a philosophy_n will_v certain_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o supreme_a be_v who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o pretence_n to_o philosophy_n and_o general_o such_o loud_a noisy_a pretence_n too_o as_o make_v ignorant_a people_n think_v they_o very_o notable_a philosopher_n and_o that_o tempt_v some_o vain_a empty_a person_n to_o affect_v atheism_n that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v philosopher_n that_o this_o be_v vain_a deceit_n all_o man_n must_v own_v who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o pretend_v philosophy_n for_o atheism_n itself_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n if_o it_o be_v make_v to_o patronize_v infidelity_n and_o heresy_n but_o this_o plain_o show_v of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v philosophical_a dispute_n into_o religion_n which_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o may_v do_v any_o service_n to_o religion_n much_o often_o great_o corrupt_v it_o and_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o show_v you_o how_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v that_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n in_o religion_n
aside_o the_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o profess_v enemy_n of_o cathedral-worship_n allow_v we_o as_o great_a and_o early_a authority_n as_o we_o desire_v st._n basil_n st._n ambrose_n and_o st._n chrysostom_n always_o will_v be_v venerable_a name_n the_o church_n be_v restore_v to_o peace_n but_o in_o the_o four_o century_n and_o then_o this_o worship_n revive_v and_o that_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o example_n of_o as_o great_a and_o good_a man_n as_o any_o the_o church_n have_v that_o erasmus_n himself_o and_o many_o reformer_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o this_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v then_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o great_a wonder_n when_o their_o hymn_n as_o well_o as_o their_o prayer_n be_v perform_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n all_o their_o sing_v be_v mere_a noise_n which_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o devotion_n but_o this_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n against_o our_o english_a hymn_n and_o anthem_n than_o against_o our_o english_a prayer_n if_o they_o mean_v any_o thing_n more_o we_o must_v demand_v their_o reason_n for_o as_o for_o authority_n our_o own_o reformer_n and_o reformation_n have_v an●…_n that_o deserve_o a_o much_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o must_v hasten_v to_o a_o conclusion_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v how_o music_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v improve_v to_o the_o purpose_n of_o devotion_n and_o here_o i_o must_v beg_v leave_n to_o speak_v something_o brief_o to_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n composer_n singer_n and_o hearer_n which_o will_v serve_v for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a first_o as_o for_o composer_n those_o who_o set_v our_o hymn_n and_o anthem_n to_o musical_a note_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o skill_n in_o music_n much_o less_o to_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v such_o great_a master_n as_o this_o age_n have_v breed_v but_o i_o hope_v in_o some_o measure_n i_o do_v and_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o understand_v and_o teach_v devotion_n which_o be_v all_o i_o intend_v in_o this_o for_o that_o which_o according_a to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n must_v be_v allow_v for_o excellent_a music_n may_v not_o always_o be_v proper_a for_o devotion_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n in_o compose_v hymn_n and_o anthem_n to_o consider_v only_o what_o note_n be_v musical_a and_o will_v delight_n and_o entertain_v the_o hearer_n the_o true_a rule_n be_v what_o note_n be_v most_o proper_a to_o excite_v or_o quicken_v such_o passion_n of_o devotion_n as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o hymn_n or_o anthem_n express_v this_o indeed_o can_v be_v do_v without_o skill_n in_o music_n but_o true_a devotion_n be_v the_o best_a director_n of_o that_o skill_n for_o a_o devout_a mind_n will_v judge_v of_o the_o devotion_n as_o a_o skilful_a ear_n do_v of_o the_o music_n of_o sound_n that_o the_o most_o certain_a way_n for_o the_o great_a master_n to_o compose_v such_o hymn_n and_o anthem_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o devotion_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o work_v their_o own_o mind_n first_o into_o all_o those_o height_n and_o flame_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o be_v to_o express_v in_o sound_n which_o they_o will_v find_v a_o double_a advantage_n in_o it_o will_v make_v they_o good_a christian_n and_o admirable_a composer_n of_o church-music_n a_o devout_a ear_n without_o any_o great_a skill_n in_o music_n soon_o find_v the_o want_n of_o this_o a_o grave_a serious_a mind_n which_o be_v the_o true_a temper_n of_o devotion_n be_v disturb_v by_o light_n and_o airy_a composition_n which_o disperse_v the_o thought_n and_o give_v a_o gay_a and_o frisk_v motion_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o call_v the_o mind_n off_o from_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n to_o attend_v mere_o to_o the_o agreeable_a variety_n of_o sound_n which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o such_o sound_v as_o have_v nothing_o of_o devotion_n in_o they_o which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o still_o when_o as_o be_v now_o grow_v very_o common_a in_o such_o composition_n they_o be_v elog_v with_o needless_a and_o endless_a repetition_n a_o repetition_n serve_v only_o to_o give_v a_o emphasis_n and_o it_o require_v a_o great_a judgement_n to_o place_v it_o right_o and_o be_v very_o absurd_a when_o it_o be_v place_v wrong_v but_o we_o often_o see_v that_o there_o be_v too_o little_a regard_n have_v to_o this_o the_o skill_n of_o alter_a note_n be_v the_o whole_a design_n which_o when_o there_o be_v not_o very_o great_a occasion_n for_o it_o be_v like_a schoolboy_n vary_v phrase_n or_o like_o ring_v the_o change_n which_o how_o entertain_v soever_o it_o be_v when_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o attend_v to_o sound_n be_v yet_o very_o nauseous_a and_o offensive_a to_o devout_a mind_n in_o religious_a worship_n i_o thank_v god_n the_o ordinary_a service_n of_o our_o church_n be_v very_o grave_a and_o solemn_a and_o well_o fit_v to_o devotion_n and_o as_o for_o more_o modern_a composition_n the_o governor_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o take_v care_n to_o receive_v nothing_o into_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v fit_v to_o serve_v devotion_n and_o this_o will_v effectual_o answer_v the_o great_a objection_n against_o church-music_n second_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v employ_v in_o sing_v the_o church-service_n and_o anthem_n to_o assist_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o congregation_n it_o certain_o become_v they_o to_o behave_v themselves_o very_o devout_o in_o it_o musical_a instrument_n which_o have_v no_o life_n and_o sense_n may_v minister_v to_o our_o devotion_n though_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o none_o themselves_o but_o it_o give_v great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o see_v those_o who_o be_v daily_o employ_v in_o sing_v praise_n to_o god_n to_o show_v no_o sign_n of_o devotion_n in_o themselves_o much_o more_o by_o a_o irreverent_a behaviour_n to_o betray_v great_a symptom_n of_o want_n of_o devotion_n i_o thank_v god_n we_o have_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o make_v this_o complaint_n in_o this_o church_n and_o i_o hope_v shall_v every_o day_n have_v less_o but_o this_o be_v a_o good_a occasion_n to_o mind_v all_o such_o person_n how_o devout_a they_o ought_v to_o be_v if_o music_n be_v a_o help_n to_o devotion_n who_o have_v this_o advantage_n from_o art_n and_o nature_n first_o to_o excite_v their_o own_o devotion_n and_o then_o to_o assist_v the_o devotion_n of_o other_o which_o last_o must_v be_v a_o very_a tasteless_a uneasy_a employment_n if_o they_o have_v no_o devotion_n of_o their_o own_o and_o a_o great_a reproach_n also_o to_o their_o art_n when_o they_o themselves_o be_v witness_n how_o little_a devotion_n it_o teach_v but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v be_v not_o so_o well_o consider_v which_o yet_o be_v just_a matter_n of_o scandal_n for_o those_o who_o sing_v divine_a hymn_n and_o anthem_n at_o church_n and_o who_o procession_n it_o be_v to_o do_v so_o to_o sing_v wanton_a and_o amorous_a lewd_a atheistical_a song_n out_o of_o it_o man_n who_o have_v enter_v themselves_o into_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n have_v consecrate_a their_o voice_n to_o god_n not_o so_o as_o never_o to_o sing_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o hymn_n and_o anthem_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o never_o to_o sing_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o reproach_n of_o god_n religion_n or_o virtue_n this_o unbecome_v any_o man_n who_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n much_o more_o those_o who_o peculiar_a employment_n it_o be_v to_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n three_o as_o for_o hearer_n they_o ought_v also_o to_o consider_v that_o their_o business_n at_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o be_v entertain_v with_o music_n but_o to_o exercise_n their_o devotion_n which_o be_v the_o true_a end_n of_o church-music_n to_o praise_n god_n with_o the_o more_o servant_n passion_n it_o be_v a_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o come_v only_o to_o please_v our_o ear_n to_o hear_v better_a voice_n and_o more_o curious_a composition_n and_o more_o artful_a sing_v than_o we_o can_v meet_v with_o in_o other_o place_n this_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_n be_v the_o case_n of_o very_a many_o who_o resort_n hither_o who_o especial_o on_o the_o lord's-day_n crowd_v into_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o anthem_n and_o when_o that_o be_v over_o to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scandal_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n crowd_v as_o fast_o out_o again_o though_o there_o be_v this_o good_a in_o it_o that_o they_o make_v room_n for_o devout_a people_n who_o immediate_o fill_v up_o their_o place_n to_o attend_v the_o instruction_n of_o god_n word_n but_o i_o hope_v this_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o service_n
profligate_v sinner_n can_v shelter_v themselves_o in_o a_o schism_n and_o palliate_v or_o expiate_v their_o other_o crime_n by_o a_o factious_a zeal_n and_o therefore_o if_o ever_o we_o desire_v to_o see_v christianity_n flourish_v we_o must_v pray_v hearty_o for_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o let_v we_o brief_o inquire_v wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n the_o unity_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n one_a unity_n of_o faith_n whereby_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o all_o christian_n must_v agree_v in_o all_o the_o opinion_n and_o speculation_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o it_o can_v be_v so_o but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v while_o man_n have_v such_o different_a understanding_n and_o ability_n such_o different_a skill_n and_o opportunity_n of_o enquiry_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v secure_v by_o a_o agreement_n in_o all_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o religion_n though_o a_o little_a vary_a in_o some_o nice_a speculation_n which_o be_v like_o the_o different_a feature_n in_o man_n face_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o but_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o human_a shape_n and_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o dispute_n which_o divide_v papist_n and_o protestant_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o protestant_n among_o themselves_o the_o first_o subvert_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o therefore_o these_o difference_n can_v never_o be_v accommodate_v and_o reconcile_v they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o error_n and_o we_o must_v not_o embrace_v they_o if_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n for_o as_o dear_a a_o thing_n as_o peace_n be_v we_o must_v not_o part_v with_o truth_n for_o peace_n but_o now_o the_o dispute_n among_o all_o that_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v protestant_n whatever_o mistake_v there_o may_v be_v on_o any_o side_n do_v not_o overthrow_v any_o necessary_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v secure_v amid_o all_o these_o dispute_n some_o of_o these_o dispute_n be_v only_o inconvenient_a modes_n of_o speak_v and_o the_o difference_n be_v only_o in_o word_n when_o both_o party_n real_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v if_o all_o heat_n and_o passion_n be_v lay_v aside_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o that_o protestant_a controversy_n about_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o other_o be_v mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o peculiar_o concern_v for_o they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v dispute_v in_o all_o religion_n such_o as_o the_o controversy_n about_o god_n eternal_a decree_n and_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v only_o a_o revive_n of_o that_o old_a philosophical_a dispute_n about_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o god_n concourse_n with_o second_o cause_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o some_o other_o case_n now_o methinks_v such_o dispute_n as_o these_o which_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v not_o divide_v the_o christian_a church_n let_v man_n dispute_v about_o they_o as_o philosopher_n but_o as_o christian_n let_v it_o suffice_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v plain_o teach_v we_o to_o at_o be_v enough_o to_o carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o agree_v in_o the_o way_n thither_o as_o to_o explain_v this_o more_o particular_o but_o very_o brief_o there_o be_v no_o good_a protestant_n but_o will_v confess_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v only_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o the_o only_a expiation_n and_o atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o no_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o can_v do_v can_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n nor_o merit_v eternal_a life_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a saviour_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n only_o of_o his_o body_n or_o church_n that_o we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n that_o no_o impenitent_a unreformed_a sinner_n though_o he_o do_v profess_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o though_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n do_v not_o merit_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n nor_o eternal_a reward_n yet_o they_o be_v necessary_o require_v in_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o save_v by_o christ._n this_o i_o say_v all_o good_a protestant_n agree_v in_o and_o all_o this_o be_v plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o whoever_o believe_v this_o and_o practice_n according_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o of_o reduce_v all_o this_o into_o artificial_a scheme_n wherein_o man_n fancy_n and_o conceit_n differ_v what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o dispute_v what_o the_o office_n of_o faith_n or_o what_o the_o efficacy_n of_o work_n be_v in_o our_o justification_n when_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o we_o be_v save_v only_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n conduce_v much_o to_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n but_o man_n may_v be_v save_v and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n better_o secure_v without_o such_o particular_a determination_n thus_o all_o good_a protestant_n agree_v that_o all_o god_n work_n be_v know_v to_o he_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n know_v who_o be_v his_o and_o always_o do_v so_o that_o we_o be_v predestinate_v to_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n wherein_o he_o have_v make_v we_o accept_v in_o the_o belove_a that_o we_o be_v predestinate_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n 1._o ephes._n 5_o 6_o 11._o that_o when_o god_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v appear_v infinite_o just_a and_o good_a and_o merciful_a that_o bad_a man_n shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o god_n and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o this_o secure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n of_o his_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n power_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o inquire_v any_o far_a into_o the_o divine_a decree_n than_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o particular_a explication_n of_o which_o when_o man_n follow_v their_o own_o fancy_n they_o vast_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o god_n desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v return_v and_o live_v that_o our_o destruction_n be_v of_o ourselves_o that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n that_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o do_v be_v owe_v to_o ourselves_o that_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n this_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o and_o this_o attributt_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o god_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o do_v to_o ourselves_o this_o encourage_v we_o to_o do_v good_a in_o a_o confident_a assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o teach_v bad_a man_n that_o they_o must_v not_o think_v to_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n by_o charge_v it_o on_o god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v because_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o when_o man_n frame_v this_o into_o philosophical_a hypothesis_n they_o then_o divide_v as_o far_o from_o each_o other_o as_o east_n and_o west_n and_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o reconcile_a they_o
i_o shall_v observe_v this_o follow_a method_n i._o consider_v the_o duty_n of_o gospel-bishop_n and_o pastor_n which_o be_v to_o feed_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o household_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o qualification_n of_o gospel-minister_n which_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o prudence_n a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n iii_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o such_o man_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o gospel_n minister_n whether_o bishop_n or_o other_o and_o that_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o to_o feed_v 2._o to_o govern_v the_o household_n or_o church_n of_o christ._n they_o be_v appoint_v ruler_n of_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n 1._o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ._n this_o command_n christ_n give_v to_o peter_n 28._o 20._o ac●…s_fw-la 28._o and_o repeat_v it_o three_o time_n simon_n son_n of_o jonas_n love_v thou_o i_o more_o than_o 17._o 21._o john_n 15_o 16_o 17._o these_o then_o feed_v my_o lamb_n feed_v my_o sheep_n now_o to_o feed_v signify_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n for_o knowledge_n be_v the_o proper_a food_n and_o nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o grow_v in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o 2._o 1_o pet_n 2._o 2._o our_o spiritual_a life_n as_o natural_a food_n be_v to_o the_o life_n of_o our_o body_n this_o be_v life_n 3._o 17._o john_n 3._o eternal_a say_v our_o saviour_n to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v for_o this_o reason_n our_o saviour_n appoint_v steward_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o whole_a business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o study_v the_o divine_a will_n themselves_o and_o to_o instruct_v other_o for_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o must_v be_v teach_v nature_n may_v instruct_v we_o in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o morality_n but_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v this_o to_o we_o and_o he_o instruct_v his_o apostle_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n instruct_v the_o church_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o man_n peculiar_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v those_o who_o have_v neither_o leisure_n not_o opportunity_n for_o enquiry_n nor_o capacity_n to_o learn_v without_o a_o guide_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n especial_o since_o religion_n have_v be_v clog_v with_o such_o infinite_a dispute_n and_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o be_v use_v to_o make_v the_o plain_a truth_n difficult_a obscure_a and_o uncertain_a to_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o make_v it_o comply_v with_o man_n sensual_a lust_n or_o secular_a interest_n a_o guide_n and_o instructor_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o turn_n and_o labyrinth_n wherein_o man_n may_v lose_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o religion_n no_o difficulty_n in_o understand_v it_o though_o all_o man_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n though_o the_o mean_a christian_n understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a divine_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v constant_a need_n of_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n while_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v unmindful_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o careless_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelical_n pastor_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a but_o to_o exhort_v to_o reprove_v to_o admonish_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n to_o make_v seasonable_a application_n to_o their_o conscience_n to_o administer_v comfort_n to_o afflict_a spirit_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v the_o slothful_a and_o to_o encourage_v the_o fearful_a and_o timorous_a and_o to_o assist_v and_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o spiritual_a warfare_n how_o to_o obtain_v a_o glorious_a victory_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh._n this_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o already_o know_v that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n and_o this_o heavenly_a food_n may_v be_v digest_v into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n 2._o another_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n consist_v in_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v make_v these_o minister_n and_o servant_n ruler_n over_o his_o household_n no_o society_n can_v be_v preserve_v 14._o 5._o eph._n 23._o 10._o john_n 14._o without_o order_n and_o government_n which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o state_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o husband_n the_o shepherd_n the_o lord_n which_o be_v all_o name_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n his_o spouse_n his_o flock_n his_o household_n and_o family_n which_o be_v name_n of_o subjection_n and_o denote_v a_o regular_a and_o orderly_a society_n but_o christ_n have_v now_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o do_v not_o visible_o appear_v among_o we_o to_o direct_v and_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v a_o invisible_a power_n and_o providence_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n he_o govern_v we_o by_o his_o law_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o his_o minister_n for_o when_o he_o 13._o 4._o eph._n 8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o ascend_v on_o high_a he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o 20._o 28._o mat._n 18_o 19_o 20._o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v their_o commission_n to_o p●…ach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o govern_v his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o personal_a commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o extend_v to_o all_o their_o successor_n as_o appear_v from_o christ_n promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o st._n john_n acquaint_v we_o that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o his_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v 23._o 20._o john_n 21_o 22_o 23._o i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o as_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v this_o invest_v they_o with_o authority_n but_o then_o the_o actual_a communication_n of_o power_n which_o especial_o at_o that_o time_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o say_v
instruct_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v like_a 52._o 13._o mat._n 52._o unto_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o householder_n which_o bring_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o treasure_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a the_o priest_n lip_n must_v preserve_v knowledge_n but_o we_o must_v first_o have_v it_o before_o we_o can_v teach_v it_o other_o and_o since_o none_o of_o we_o now_o pretend_v to_o immediate_a inspiration_n this_o be_v a_o work_n 〈◊〉_d difficulty_n and_o labour_n and_o require_v as_o much_o faithfulness_n in_o our_o study_n as_o in_o the_o pulpit_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o faithfulness_n whatever_o it_o may_v be_v of_o diligence_n to_o run_v like_o ahimaaz_n without_o 22._o 2_o sam._n 18._o 22._o tiding_n to_o vent_v some_o crude_a and_o indigested_a thought_n for_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 2._o faithfulness_n require_v we_o to_o preach_v nothing_o for_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o what_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v so_o to_o deliver_v no_o message_n but_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v in_o commission_n not_o to_o indulge_v our_o own_o private_a conjecture_n and_o fancy_n nor_o think_v to_o mend_v and_o sublimate_v religion_n by_o philosophical_a speculation_n but_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o preach_v christ_n jesus_n and_o he_o crucify_v nothing_o have_v do_v great_a mischief_n to_o religion_n than_o when_o the_o very_a teacher_n of_o it_o have_v be_v ambitious_a to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n about_o they_o any_o far_a than_o to_o know_v what_o be_v reveal_v and_o what_o be_v not_o reveal_v for_o whatever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o be_v so_o uncertain_a and_o so_o useless_a that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o know_n since_o we_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o instruct_v our_o people_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o have_v his_o authority_n for_o for_o this_o be_v to_o exceed_v our_o commission_n other_o nice_a speculation_n may_v entertain_v we_o in_o private_a conversation_n but_o when_o we_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o only_o preach_v his_o gospel_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v we_o 3._o faithfulness_n require_v that_o we_o preach_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o instruct_v man_n in_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v any_o apparent_a and_o present_a danger_n of_o a_o mistake_n and_o that_o we_o teach_v they_o every_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n especial_o such_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o learn_v and_o most_o averse_a to_o practice_n this_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o faithfulness_n and_o require_v no_o small_a courage_n too_o there_o be_v no_o time_n so_o bad_a no_o hearer_n so_o captious_a but_o they_o will_v very_o well_o bear_v some_o general_a commendation_n of_o religion_n or_o some_o common_a topic_n about_o virtue_n or_o vice_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n too_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o scep●…cal_n and_o unbelieving_a age_n as_o this_o but_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o ministry_n require_v somewhat_o more_o a_o particular_a application_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n according_a to_o their_o want_n and_o necessity_n not_o so_o much_o to_o consult_v what_o will_v please_v they_o as_o what_o will_v do_v they_o good_a it_o mighty_o concern_v a_o gospel-minister_n as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v to_o maintain_v a_o fair_a reputation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o a_o good_a name_n be_v nothing_o worth_a when_o we_o can_v do_v no_o good_a by_o it_o when_o we_o can_v get_v or_o maintain_v a_o good_a name_n without_o neglect_v our_o duty_n or_o betray_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o have_v a_o thousand_o time_n rather_o that_o man_n shall_v reproach_v and_o revile_v i_o for_o instruct_v they_o in_o such_o duty_n as_o they_o can_v with_o patience_n hear_v of_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v commend_v i_o for_o my_o silence_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o live_v in_o any_o age_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o some_o popular_a error_n or_o some_o popular_a vice_n to_o be_v correct_v and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n to_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v popular_a but_o what_o be_v danger_n to_o that_o man_n who_o be_v in_o a_o great_a danger_n by_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o duty_n shall_v any_o man_n call_v himself_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o we_o now_o live_v in_o be_v ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o censure_v or_o confute_v the_o error_n of_o popery_n or_o fanaticism_n or_o to_o reprove_v schism_n and_o faction_n because_o they_o be_v very_o popular_a vice_n let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v 3._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o of_o we_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n moreover_o it_o be_v require_v in_o steward_n that_o a_o man_n be_v find_v faithful_a but_o with_o i_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v when_o we_o leave_v out_o several_a flock_n it_o will_v be_v infinite_a satisfaction_n to_o we_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v to_o the_o asian_a bishop_n i_o 27._o 20._o act_n 26_o 27._o take_v you_o to_o record_v this_o day_n that_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o man_n for_o i_o have_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v to_o you_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n second_o prudence_n be_v as_o necessary_a in_o a_o gospel-minister_n as_o faithfulness_n be_v by_o prudence_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v cunning_a and_o subtilty_n artificial_a insinuation_n and_o address_n which_o be_v more_o like_o the_o art_n of_o seducer_n than_o of_o gospel-minister_n who_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fai●…_n 18._o 16._o rom._n 18._o speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a prudence_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n whate●…er_v the_o event_n be_v but_o we_o must_v renounce_v 2._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 2._o ●…he_a hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n not_o walk●…ng_v in_o craftiness_n nor_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o ●…he_a truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o eve●…y_a man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n as_o it_o be_v con●…istent_a with_o faithfulness_n and_o honesty_n ●…n_v the_o discharge_v of_o our_o trust_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o this_o to_o instruct_v exhort_v persuade_v and_o perform_v all_o the_o part_n and_o office_n of_o a_o gospel-minister_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v render_v our_o ●…nstructions_n and_o persuasion_n most_o effectual_a to_o take_v the_o most_o convenient_a season_n when_o man_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v wrought_v on_o to_o teach_v they_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o most_o present_a use_n to_o they_o to_o use_v such_o argument_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v to_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a provocation_n when_o the_o duty_n itself_o which_o we_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o provocation_n for_o if_o man_n will_v be_v provoke_v with_o hear_v of_o their_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o that_o prudence_n never_o dispense_v with_o any_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o direct_v to_o the_o best_a way_n of_o do_v it_o a_o faithful_a servant_n do_v what_o he_o be_v command_v and_o a_o wise_a servant_n do_v it_o in_o the_o most_o effectual_a manner_n iii_o the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o text_n concern_v the_o great_a reward_n of_o such_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n blessed_n be_v that_o servant_n what_o this_o reward_n be_v we_o be_v not_o here_o particular_o tell_v all_o good_a man_n we_o know_v shall_v be_v very_o bless_v and_o happy_a in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n have_v reserve_v some_o peculiar_a mark_n of_o honour_n for_o his_o immediate_a servant_n this_o he_o plain_o intimate_v to_o we_o in_o that_o distinction_n he_o make_v between_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o of_o a_o righteous_a man_n he_o that_o receive_v a_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n shall_v receive_v a_o 41._o 10._o mat._n 41._o prophet_n reward_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o righteous_a man_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n shall_v receive_v a_o righteous_a man_n reward_n our_o reward_n in_o
god_n for_o man_n will_v swallow_v i_o up_o he_o ●…ting_v daily_o oppress_v i_o my_o ene●…es_n will_v daily_o swallow_v i_o up_o for_o they_o 〈◊〉_d many_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o i_o o_o thou_o most_o ●…igh_a what_o time_n i_o be_o afraid_a i_o will_v ●…ust_v in_o thou_o in_o god_n i_o will_v praise_v his_o ●…rd_n in_o god_n i_o have_v put_v my_o trust_n i_o will_v ●…t_o fear_v what_o flesh_n can_v do_v unto_o i_o four_o when_o god_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o ●…rrect_v his_o people_n yet_o he_o always_o re●…oves_v his_o judgement_n upon_o their_o sincere_a ●…epentance_n this_o be_v god_n express_a ●…ovenant_n with_o israel_n 26._o levit._fw-la 40_o ●…1_n 42._o if_o they_o shall_v confess_v their_o iniqui●…_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n with_o the_o trespass_n which_o they_o trespass_v against_o i_o and_o also_o that_o they_o have_v walk●…d_v contrary_a to_o i_o and_o that_o i_o also_o have_v ●…alked_v contrary_a to_o they_o and_o have_v bring_v ●…hem_n into_o the_o land_n of_o their_o enemy_n 〈◊〉_d then_o their_o uncircumcised_a heart_n be_v hum●…led_v and_o they_o then_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o iniquity_n then_o will_v i_o remember_v my_o covenant_n with_o jacob_n and_o also_o my_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n and_o also_o my_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n will_v i_o remember_v and_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o land_n thus_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n when_o they_o cry_v to_o god_n he_o raise_v up_o saviour_n for_o they_o nay_o many_o time_n when_o their_o repentance_n be_v not_o very_o sincere_a nor_o last_a yet_o in_o great_a goodness_n and_o compassion_n he_o spare_v they_o when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o they_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n neuèrtheless_o they_o do_v flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o they_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n but_o he_o be_v full_a of_o compassion_n forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o destroy_v they_o not_o yea_o many_o a_o time_n turn_v he_o his_o anger_n away_o and_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o all_o his_o wrath_n for_o he_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o flesh_n a_o wind_n that_o pass_v away_o and_o come_v not_o again_o 78._o psalm_n 34_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o how_o angry_a soever_o god_n be_v we_o have_v a_o certain_a way_n of_o appease_v his_o anger_n nothing_o but_o sin_n can_v provoke_v a_o merciful_a god_n and_o a_o compassionate_a father_n to_o punish_v he_o have_v a_o great_a tenderness_n for_o all_o his_o creature_n he_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v more_o easy_o appease_v than_o he_o be_v provoke_v judgement_n be_v his_o strange_a work_n but_o he_o ●…ights_v in_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o seem_v ●…ased_v with_o a_o honourable_a occasion_n 〈◊〉_d show_v mercy_n without_o expose_v his_o ●…ws_n and_o government_n to_o contempt_n ●…d_v therefore_o repentance_n and_o refor●…tion_n will_v always_o appease_v he_o nay_o ●…metimes_o we_o see_v that_o the_o very_a show_v ●…d_v appearance_n of_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a ●…pentance_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o sin●…re_a and_o hearty_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v ●…akes_v he_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o expect_v ●…r_a return_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a encou●…gement_n and_o a_o powerful_a obligation_n on_o 〈◊〉_d to_o return_v to_o god_n when_o he_o strike_v 〈◊〉_d humble_a ourselves_o under_o his_o mighty_a ●…nd_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o re●…ove_v his_o judgement_n and_o this_o will_v do_v 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o trust_v in_o army_n ●…d_a navy_n in_o the_o courage_n and_o con●…ct_n of_o prince_n and_o general_n when_o ●…ur_n sin_v fight_v against_o we_o when_o god_n ●…efuses_v to_o go_v forth_o with_o our_o army_n ●…r_v no_o king_n be_v save_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o ●…n_a host_n a_o horse_n be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o safe●…y_n neither_o shall_v he_o deliver_v any_o by_o his_o ●…reat_a strength_n but_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o upon_o they_o that_o ●…ope_v in_o his_o mercy_n 33._o psal._n 16_o 17_o 18._o nay_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o our_o cause_n will_v not_o always_o secure_a 〈◊〉_d of_o success_n for_o those_o who_o have_v a_o very_a just_a cause_n may_v deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o then_o god_n may_v just_o punish_v they_o and_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d their_o enemy_n god_n do_v not_o always_o determine_v what_o be_v right_o and_o wrong_n by_o the_o event_n of_o war_n for_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o may_v punish_v a_o wicked_a nation_n by_o unjust_a oppressor_n as_o he_o often_o do_v the_o israelite_n the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n will_v not_o always_o secure_v we_o when_o ou●…_n sin_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n when_o the_o jew_n cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o prophet_n tell_v they_o they_o trust_v in_o lie_a word_n for_o will_v you_o steal_v and_o murder_n and_o commit_v adultery_n and_o swear_v false_o and_o burn_v incense_n to_o baal_n and_o come_v and_o stand_v before_o i_o in_o this_o house_n which_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n and_o say_v we_o be_v deliver_v to_o do_v all_o these_o abomination_n 7_o jer._n 4_o 10._o to_o glory_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n or_o in_o a_o vigorous_a opposition_n to_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o be_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n in_o our_o life_n may_v make_v god_n punish_v we_o but_o be_v no_o reason_n on_o our_o part_n why_o he_o shall_v save_v we_o but_o true_a and_o sincere_a repen●…ance_n will_v save_v we_o we_o profess_v the_o sin●…ere_a faith_n of_o christ_n we_o fight_v in_o a_o just_a cause_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o defend_v our_o ●…elves_n against_o the_o powerful_a oppressor_n ●…f_o the_o protestant_n that_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o europe_n and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v ●…ny_n thing_n but_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o but_o re●…orm_v our_o life_n and_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a ●…f_n our_o do_n and_o our_o arm_n will_v be_v as_o prosperous_a as_o our_o cause_n be_v just_a god_n will_v then_o gird_v our_o prince_n and_o soldier_n ●…ith_o strength_n to_o the_o battle_n will_v teach_v ●…heir_a hand_n to_o war_n and_o their_o finger_n to_o ●…ght_n 5thly_a faith_n and_o prayer_n be_v more_o ●…owerful_a than_o arm_n as_o it_o must_v neces●…arily_o be_v if_o god_n only_o give_v victory_n ●…nd_v success_n this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o ●…hole_a history_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o apo●…le_n to_o the_o hebrew_n give_v we_o a_o particular_a ●…ccount_n of_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n ii_o heb._n ●…2_n 33_o 34._o of_o gideon_n and_o barach_n and_o samson_n and_o jeptha_n and_o david_n who_o ●…hrough_a faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v ●…ighteousness_n obtain_v promise_n stop_v ●…he_a mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n ●…f_a fire_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n out_o of_o weakness_n be_v make_v strong_a wax_v valivaliant_a in_o fight_n turn_v to_o flight_n the_o army_n of_o the_o alien_n moses_n his_o prayer_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o ioshua_n arm_n for_o when_o moses_n hold_v up_o his_o hand_n israel_n prevail_v when_o he_o let_v down_o his_o hand_n amalek_n prevail_v 17._o exo._n ii_o hezekiah_n prayer_n overthrow_v the_o assyrian_a army_n when_o rabshekah_n come_v against_o jerusalem_n and_o reproach_v they_o with_o their_o trust_n in_o god_n we_o must_v not_o indeed_o expect_v such_o miraculous_a victory_n as_o god_n give_v to_o israel_n but_o this_o make_v no_o difference_n for_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n and_o prayer_n be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o all_o victory_n be_v god_n still_o who_o give_v success_n as_o well_o by_o invisible_a mean_n and_o seem_a accident_n as_o by_o the_o most_o visible_a interposal_n of_o a_o miraculous_a power_n for_o god_n give_v israel_n miraculous_a deliverance_n not_o because_o he_o can_v not_o save_v they_o without_o a_o miracle_n but_o because_o he_o will_v make_v it_o visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v their_o saviour_n but_o still_o god_n hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o answer_v they_o he_o be_v still_o the_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n of_o all_o those_o who_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o conquer_v our_o enemy_n be_v to_o prevail_v with_o god_n by_o
great_a loss_n when_o the_o church_n be_v encompass_v and_o assault_v with_o busy_a and_o restless_a enemy_n a_o man_n of_o a_o exemplary_a life_n and_o untainted_a virtue_n who_o shine_v like_o a_o light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n who_o maintain_v the_o decline_a honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o religion_n and_o true_a virtue_n be_v a_o mighty_a loss_n in_o a_o profligate_v age_n when_o man_n be_v grow_v such_o stranger_n to_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n that_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o i_o can_v go_v on_o no_o far_a the_o very_a mention_v of_o these_o thing_n bring_v the_o fresh_a idea_n of_o our_o decease_a brother_n to_o mind_n and_o the_o afflict_a sense_n of_o that_o great_a loss_n which_o we_o suffer_v by_o his_o death_n it_o become_v we_o to_o reverence_n and_o adore_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n even_o when_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o we_o be_v certain_a god_n be_v never_o want_v in_o his_o care_n of_o his_o church_n and_o yet_o have_v we_o be_v make_v judge_n of_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v have_v think_v it_o a_o very_a ill_a time_n to_o have_v spare_v he_o he_o be_v abundant_o furnish_v with_o all_o good_a learning_n both_o for_o use_v and_o ornament_n he_o be_v a_o accomplish_a scholar_n and_o a_o well-studied_n divine_a he_o know_v book_n and_o read_v they_o and_o judge_v of_o they_o he_o be_v a_o scribe_n instruct_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ●…ho_n like_o a_o housholder_n can_v bring_v forth_o ●…ut_o of_o his_o treasure_n thing_n new_a and_o ●…ld_a 13._o matth._n 52._o he_o have_v careful●…y_o peruse_v the_o ancient_a philosopher_n ●…rators_n and_o poet_n to_o discover_v what_o nature_n teach_v which_o give_v he_o a_o true_a knowledge_n and_o great_a value_n for_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel-revelation_n he_o have_v true_a and_o clear_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o he_o be_v master_n of_o they_o he_o know_v why_o he_o believe_v any_o thing_n and_o be_v neither_o prejudice_v nor_o impose_v on_o by_o popular_a opinion_n he_o be_v a_o hearty_a and_o zealous_a assertor_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n he_o see_v nothing_o material_a which_o can_v be_v change_v for_o the_o better_a which_o make_v he_o jealous_a of_o innovation_n as_o not_o know_v where_o they_o will_v end_v he_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n pity_v their_o mistake_v and_o bear_v with_o their_o frowardness_n but_o do_v not_o think_v that_o christian_a charity_n require_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v truth_n or_o good_a order_n and_o government_n to_o the_o pretence_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n he_o be_v for_o several_a year_n a_o very_a diligent_a and_o constant_a preacher_n to_o a_o numerous_a auditory_a till_o his_o own_o diocesan_n who_o know_v his_o worth_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o constitution_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o preserve_v he_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n provide_v this_o place_n where_o we_o now_o be_v for_o his_o ease_n and_o health_n and_o retirement_n where_o he_o live_v many_o year_n a_o constant_a preacher_n though_o his_o labour_n be_v then_o divive_v between_o his_o two_o cure_n which_o do_v not_o lessen_v his_o preach_a but_o make_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o the_o more_o diffusive_a for_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o admirable_a preacher_n not_o for_o noise_n and_o lung_n but_o for_o well-digested_a useful_a pious_a discourse_n deliver_v with_o all_o that_o become_a gravity_n seriousness_n and_o a_o command_a elocution_n as_o make_v they_o sink_v deep_a into_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o hearer_n and_o make_v they_o hear_v this_o i_o speak_v with_o assurance_n and_o confidence_n in_o this_o place_n which_o be_v so_o long_o bless_v with_o his_o labour_n with_o what_o fineness_n of_o thought_n pe●…spicuity_n and_o easiness_n of_o expression_n instruct_v and_o entertain_v image_n of_o thing_n he_o expound_v the_o doctrine_n and_o inculcate_v the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n how_o plain_o he_o teach_v with_o what_o vehemence_n and_o passion_n he_o exhort●…d_v with_o what_o tender_a sharpness_n he_o re●…roved_v remember_v how_o he_o use_v both_o to_o please_v and_o instruct_v to_o chide_v and_o shame_v you_o without_o make_v you_o angry_a ●…ow_o he_o have_v warm_v and_o chafe_v your_o mind_n into_o the_o most_o pious_a and_o serious_a resolution_n and_o send_v you_o home_o from_o this_o place_n wise_a and_o better_a than_o you_o come_v and_o if_o you_o grow_v cold_a and_o suffer_v your_o good_a resolution_n to_o die_v again_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o account_v you_o have_v to_o give_v as_o he_o grow_v in_o year_n it_o be_v necessary_a by_o degree_n to_o ease_v his_o labour_n he_o can_v not_o preach_v so_o often_o but_o yet_o continue_v to_o preach_v and_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o preach_v at_o all_o or_o much_o less_o than_o he_o do_v he_o have_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a pastor_n to_o the_o church_n for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a experience_n and_o great_a prudence_n and_o foresight_n fit_a for_o government_n and_o counsel_n who_o know_v man_n and_o thing_n be_v dexterous_a in_o his_o application_n zealous_a without_o passion_n or_o peevishness_n steady_a and_o resolve_v without_o violent_a opposition_n and_o needless_a provocation_n who_o serve_v the_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n with_o little_a noise_n and_o without_o make_v many_o enemy_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o such_o man_n and_o a_o much_o great_a scarcity_n of_o they_o than_o of_o good_a preacher_n but_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o good_a preacher_n and_o a_o prudent_a guide_n but_o a_o very_a good_a man_n he_o preach_v continual_o by_o his_o life_n and_o example_n his_o conversation_n be_v innocent_a entertain_v and_o useful_a he_o be_v a_o true_a sincere_a friend_n very_o courteous_a affable_a civil_a to_o all_o man_n but_o never_o pretend_v friendship_n where_o he_o have_v none_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o good_a office_n be_v liberal_a generous_n and_o charitable_a a_o man_n of_o a_o true_a public_a spirit_n who_o scorn_v to_o serve_v himself_o to_o the_o injury_n of_o other_o who_o hate_v little_a art_n and_o trick_n mean_v and_o servile_a compliance_n he_o be_v a_o open_a and_o generous_a enemy_n if_o we_o may_v ever_o call_v he_o a_o enemy_n who_o never_o wish_v never_o intend_v any_o hurt_n to_o any_o man_n but_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o when_o any_o dispute_n and_o quarrel_v happen_v as_o such_o thing_n will_v sometime_o happen_v he_o be_v open_a and_o undisguised_a any_o man_n may_v know_v what_o he_o dislike_v and_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v any_o thing_n worse_o from_o he_o than_o what_o he_o will_v ●…ell_v they_o in_o a_o word_n he_o be_v a_o very_a ●…ood_n christian_n and_o that_o make_v he_o ●…ood_a in_o all_o relation_n and_o that_o crown_v all_o his_o other_o labour_n he_o take_v care_n ●…s_v st._n paul_n do_v lest_o while_o he_o preach_v to_o ●…thers_n he_o himself_o shall_v become_v a_o castaway_n and_o now_o he_o be_v go_v to_o rest_n and_o we_o ●…ust_v all_o short_o follow_v he_o god_n grant_v ●…hat_o we_o may_v all_o so_o run_v our_o race_n and_o ●…inish_v our_o course_n that_o when_o we_o depart_v ●…his_fw-la life_n we_o may_v rest_v in_o he_o as_o our_o ●…ope_n be_v this_o our_o brother_n do_v and_o may_v ●…eceive_v that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v ●…t_v that_o day_n bestow_v on_o all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o on_o all_o those_o who_o love_v his_o appear_v sermon_n viii_o ●…eached_v at_o the_o temple-church_n december_n 30._o 1694._o upon_o the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o the_o death_n of_o our_o gracious_a queen_n and_o publish_v at_o the_o earnest_a request_n of_o several_a master_n of_o the_o bench_n of_o both_o society_n thirty-nine_o psalm_n 9_o ●…as_o dumb_a and_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o do_v it_o this_o may_v be_v think_v a_o very_a improper_a text_n for_o the_o feast_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n when_o our_o ●…ouths_n ought_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o prai●…_n of_o god_n and_o sing_v with_o the_o whole_a ●…ire_n of_o angel_n glory_n be_v to_o god_n in_o the_o ●…hest_a on_o earth_n peace_n good_a will_n towards_o ●…n_n this_o indeed_o be_v that_o peace_n which_o ●…e_a world_n can_v give_v and_o which_o the_o world_n can_v take_v away_o whateve●…_n the_o external_n appearance_n of_o providence_n be_v here_o we_o find_v a_o safe_a retre●…_n and_o a_o never-failing_a spring_n of_o joy_n f●…_n he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o 〈◊〉_d liver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d not_o with_o
visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o a_o will_v to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o only_a thing_n we_o want_v but_o such_o a_o readiness_n and_o wil●…ingness_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a as_o contrive_v and_o lay_v design_n of_o charity_n or_o embrace_v such_o as_o be_v offer_v and_o take_v all_o wise_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a this_o be_v very_o accepta●…le_a to_o god_n as_o be_v the_o most_o divine_a and_o godlike_a temper_n the_o image_n of_o ●…is_n own_o goodness_n and_o the_o noble_a exercise_n of_o our_o love_n to_o man_n inspire_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n now_o in_o mo●…al_a action_n it_o be_v the_o principle_n that_o give_v the_o value_n not_o so_o much_o the_o gift_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o giver_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o we_o give_v all_o our_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o have_v not_o charity_n we_o be_v nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 3._o god_n can_v feed_v the_o poor_a without_o we_o if_o he_o so_o please_v but_o as_o for_o several_a other_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n so_o he_o have_v order_v that_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v always_o with_o we_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o virtue_n but_o the_o virtue_n be_v not_o the_o gift_n but_o the_o charity_n and_o can_v we_o perform_v all_o the_o act_n of_o charity_n without_o a_o charitable_a mind_n the_o world_n may_v be_v better_o for_o it_o but_o not_o we_o ourselves_o 2_o this_o readiness_n and_o forwardness_n of_o mind_n to_o do_v good_a will_v observe_v the_o just_a proportion_n of_o charity_n will_v give_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v i_o observe_v before_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o gospel_n have_v prescribe_v no_o fix_a measure_n nor_o proportion_n of_o charity_n nor_o can_v he_o reasonable_o do_v this_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o charity_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o free_a that_o we_o may_v choose_v whether_o we_o will_v be_v charitable_a or_o no_o for_o charitable_a we_o must_v be_v at_o the_o peril_n of_o our_o soul_n yet_o the_o proportion_n must_v be_v free_a or_o it_o be_v not_o charity_n but_o a_o poor_n rate_n as_o all_o the_o positive_a law_n which_o god_n give_v the_o jew_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v no_o better_o and_o therefore_o by_o the_o wise_a jew_n be_v never_o place_v to_o the_o account_n of_o charity_n but_o of_o justice_n and_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o very_a distinction_n st._n paul_n make_v between_o a_o righteous_a and_o a_o good_a man_n rom._n 5._o 7._o but_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n wi●…_n one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v a_o righteous_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v legal_o righteous_a and_o observe_v what_o the_o law_n require_v but_o a_o good_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v act_v by_o a_o free_a unconfined_a and_o generous_a goodness_n now_o upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o there_o 〈◊〉_d no_o proportion_n assign_v to_o charity_n ●…ere_o be_v too_o many_o who_o content_a them●…lves_n with_o very_o little_a indeed_o with_o no●…ing_v which_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v cha●…ty_n but_o i_o wonder_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n ●…hat_o these_o man_n make_v of_o all_o those_o com●…ands_n and_o exhortation_n which_o we_o find_v 〈◊〉_d the_o gospel_n to_o charity_n which_o be_v so_o ●…any_o so_o press_v and_o importunate_a and_o ●…und_v on_o we_o by_o so_o many_o promise_n of_o ●…esent_a and_o future_a reward_n and_o with_o 〈◊〉_d many_o terrible_a threaten_n denoun●…d_v against_o the_o uncharitable_a that_o sure●…_n they_o must_v mean_v something_o and_o as_o ●…illing_a as_o man_n be_v in_o these_o case_n to_o ●…etend_v ignorance_n i_o believe_v there_o be_v ●…w_a man_n live_v but_o know_v in_o some_o mea●…re_n what_o charity_n mean_v and_o though_o ●…ey_n may_v dispute_v how_o much_o they_o ought_v ●…o_o give_v yet_o certain_o know_v that_o they_o ●…ught_v to_o give_v and_o that_o to_o give_v no●…hing_n or_o what_o be_v next_o to_o nothing_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v not_o cha●…ity_n a_o charitable_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n and_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o our_o saviour_n command_v and_o he_o need_v command_v no_o more_o for_o charity_n be_v and_o will_v be_v a_o rule_n and_o measure_n to_o itself_o where_o this_o divine_a principle_n be_v it_o will_v teach_v we_o when_o and_o how_o and_o in_o what_o proportion_n to_o give_v the_o sun_n need_v no_o rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o communicate_v its_o light_n and_o heat_n nature_n be_v the_o sure_a and_o most_o infallible_a rule_n and_o law_n to_o itself_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v proportionable_o in_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o in_o natural_a agent_n for_o what_o be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o nature_n and_o life_n can_v never_o be_v teach_v without_o its_o principle_n can_v exceed_v its_o principle_n and_o can_v fall_v below_o it_o all_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o teach_v that_o man_n charity_n who_o want_v the_o principle_n a_o charitable_a mind_n need_v no_o rule_n but_o turn_v natural_o on_o its_o own_o bias_n which_o will_v direct_v its_o motion_n right_a there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n indeed_o between_o natural_a and_o moral_a agent_n natural_a agent_n be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o some_o one_o end_n and_o therefore_o have_v but_o one_o principle_n which_o uniform_o and_o steady_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o nature_n but_o moral_a agent_n as_o they_o act_v free_o so_o they_o have_v many_o different_a principle_n inclination_n and_o passion_n which_o stint_n and_o limit_v each_o other_o that_o none_o of_o they_o can_v act_v to_o their_o utmost_a vigour_n but_o as_o they_o be_v mutual_o poi●…ed_v and_o balance_v and_o this_o be_v the_o ●…ork_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n to_o put_v ●…em_n into_o their_o natural_a order_n and_o to_o ●…t_v just_a bound_n to_o they_o and_o that_o pro●…ortions_v the_o degree_n of_o their_o activity_n ●…d_v strength_n but_o yet_o every_o principle_n ●…nless_a violent_o oppress_v will_v act_v ac●…ording_v to_o its_o nature_n as_o it_o more_o or_o ●…ess_o prevail_v and_o this_o give_v mea●…res_n and_o proportion_n to_o all_o our_o acti●…ns_n as_o to_o show_v you_o this_o in_o our_o pre●…ent_a case_n charity_n be_v that_o love_n to_o mankind_n ●…hich_v make_v we_o pity_v all_o their_o want_n ●…nd_v suffering_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o a_o ●…reat_a zeal_n and_o concernment_n to_o help_v ●…nd_v relieve_v they_o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o the_o natural_a measure_n of_o this_o charity_n be_v i_o know_v no_o other_o natural_a measure_n but_o its_o natural_a end_n that_o be_v to_o relieve_v all_o that_o suffer_v and_o be_v in_o want_n for_o that_o be_v what_o charity_n will_v do_v and_o what_o all_o charitable_a man_n hearty_o wish_v that_o they_o can_v do_v well!_o but_o this_o be_v impossible_a for_o there_o be_v too_o many_o miserable_a people_n for_o any_o man_n to_o relieve_v they_o all_o this_o be_v true_a and_o want_v of_o power_n must_v of_o necessity_n set_v bound_n to_o our_o charity_n but_o since_o we_o can_v relieve_v all_o we_o must_v relieve_v such_o as_o we_o can_v and_o wise_o consider_v where_o the_o great_a necessity_n and_o great_a obligation_n be_v which_o will_v give_v the_o preference_n to_o christian_n before_o infidel_n to_o good_a man_n before_o the_o wicked_a to_o god_n poor_a who_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v make_v poor_a to_o the_o poor_a of_o their_o own_o make_v who_o idleness_n luxury_n and_o vice_n have_v make_v poor_a and_o miserable_a well!_o but_o how_o far_o must_v we_o relieve_v these_o poor_a must_v we_o give_v as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v and_o make_v ourselves_o the_o object_n of_o charity_n by_o no_o mean_n there_o be_v other_o as_o natural_a principle_n as_o charity_n which_o must_v set_v bound_n to_o it_o self-love_n be_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a principle_n no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o love_v any_o man_n better_o than_o himself_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o be_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n itself_o make_v our_o necessary_a duty_n though_o some_o great_a and_o generous_a friendship_n and_o divine_a charity_n may_v go_v further_o as_o far_o as_o concern_v this_o life_n next_o to_o self-love_n our_o natural_a affection_n for_o our_o wife_n and_o child_n must_v take_v place_n as_o ingraft_v in_o it_o and_o think_v the_o best_a and_o the_o dear_a part_n of_o it_o as_o be_v near_o to_o ourselves_o and_o what_o the_o best_a ●…en_n be_v the_o most_o tender_o concern_v ●…or_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n which_o ●…mong_a man_n of_o any_o principle_n dispute_v ●…he_a bound_n of_o charity_n for_o as_o for_o ●…hose_v stupid_a
the_o thing_n and_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v about_o matter_n of_o fact_n whether_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o inspire_a man_n send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v or_o any_o certain_a prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o when_o man_n be_v satisfy_v that_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v as_o they_o certain_o may_v be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o will_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o more_o modest_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o such_o matter_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o despise_v reveal_v religion_n at_o all_o adventure_n for_o in_o matter_n especial_o of_o such_o vast_a moment_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v reject_v and_o scorn_v what_o may_v be_v true_a till_o he_o can_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v false_a 2._o since_o than_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n let_v we_o consider_v which_o be_v most_o probable_a which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o those_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o make_v such_o a_o revelation_n of_o his_o will._n now_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o this_o by_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o former_a age_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n but_o do_v believe_v also_o some_o kind_n of_o commerce_n and_o communication_n between_o god_n and_o men._n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o every_o nation_n pretend_v to_o receive_v from_o their_o go_n this_o give_v birth_n to_o all_o their_o superstitious_a art_n of_o divination_n that_o they_o believe_v their_o god_n have_v a_o perpetual_a intercourse_n with_o man_n and_o by_o various_a mean_n give_v they_o notice_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v ●…nd_v the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n think_v that_o ●…e_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o god_n do_v as_o ●…ecessarily_o infer_v divination_n as_o divina●…on_n do_v prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n ego_fw-la ●…im_fw-la sic_fw-la existimo_fw-la si_fw-la sint_fw-la ea_fw-la genera_fw-la divi●…andi_fw-la vera_fw-la de_fw-la quibus_fw-la accepimus_fw-la quoeque_fw-la co●…imus_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la vicissimque_fw-la si_fw-la dii_fw-la sint_fw-la esse_fw-la ●…ui_fw-la divinent_fw-la be_v it_o possible_a as_o i_o observe_v before_o to_o ●…magine_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v reaso●…able_a creature_n who_o be_v make_v to_o know_v ●…im_a and_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o he_o and_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o they_o without_o give_v they_o any_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o presence_n or_o any_o other_o view_n of_o his_o glory_n then_o in_o the_o weak_a and_o glimmer_a reflection_n of_o his_o work_n have_v man_n preserve_v the_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o whether_o we_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o moses_n or_o not_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v man_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o make_v he_o holy_a he_o have_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o presence_n and_o conversation_n of_o god_n as_o angel_n and_o holy_a and_o pure_a spirit_n be_v and_o in_o this_o state_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n will_v have_v show_v himself_o and_o his_o glory_n to_o man_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o proportion_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n as_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n do_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n so_o that_o man_n be_v make_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o reverence_n for_o the_o conversation_n of_o god_n which_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n recover_v in_o some_o measure_n on_o earth_n and_o which_o we_o all_o hope_v perfect_o to_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n sin_n indeed_o as_o necessary_o it_o must_v have_v make_v a_o great_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o man_n but_o if_o we_o must_v live_v in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a there_o as_o the_o deist_n profess_v to_o believe_v if_o god_n still_o exercise_v any_o care_n and_o providence_n over_o mankind_n it_o seem_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v give_v some_o sensible_a token_n of_o his_o own_o be_v and_o presence_n and_o instruct_v they_o more_o perfect_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will_n than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v for_o how_o much_o soever_o man_n may_v magnify_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a and_o mankind_n know_v little_a of_o god_n beyond_o a_o general_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v and_o therefore_o worship_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o god_n and_o any_o thing_n for_o god_n and_o that_o with_o such_o ridiculous_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n as_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o na●…e_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man._n and_o can_v ●…y_v man_n who_o believe_v a_o divine_a provi●…nce_n think_v that_o god_n take_v no_o care_n of_o ●…s_n own_o glory_n and_o worship_n nor_o of_o the_o ●…uls_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o have_v ●…ken_v none_o if_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v ●…mself_n and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o in_o ●…ose_n dark_a time_n of_o paganism_n the_o de●…l_n and_o evil_a spirit_n have_v every_o where_o ●…eir_n temple_n and_o altar_n and_o priest_n ●…d_a sacrifice_n frequent_o appear_v to_o ●…eir_n votary_n in_o visible_a shape_v and_o in●…ituted_v their_o own_o rite_n of_o worship_n and_o ●…ave_v forth_o their_o oracle_n and_o response_n ●…nd_v by_o their_o various_a art_n of_o divinati●…n_n give_v they_o notice_n of_o many_o event_n ●…or_n though_o these_o be_v cheat_n and_o im●…ostures_n they_o be_v not_o all_o the_o cheat_n ●…f_a priest_n but_o of_o evil_a spirit_n who_o im●…osed_v both_o upon_o priest_n and_o people_n and_o ●…y_v these_o art_n beget_v in_o they_o a_o great_a o●…inion_n of_o their_o own_o divinity_n as_o we_o must_v confess_v unless_o we_o will_v deny_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o history_n and_o when_o this_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o hide_a counsel_n of_o god_n be_v the_o miserable_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n can_v we_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v himself_o without_o any_o other_o witness_v than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shall_v give_v no_o demonstration_n of_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o all_o these_o vulgar_a deity_n nor_o give_v man_n any_o certain_a notice_n of_o his_o will_n no_o rule_n of_o conversation_n or_o worship_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o all_o the_o reformation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o man_n faith_n and_o worship_n and_o manner_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n this_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o absurd_a idolatry_n and_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o wonderful_a a_o change_n as_o can_v not_o have_v be_v wrought_v without_o some_o visible_a and_o irresistible_a proof_n of_o divinity_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v in_o those_o man_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n to_o deny_v all_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n if_o he_o please_v and_o that_o the_o nature_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o think_v he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n for_o be_v this_o effectual_o do_v they_o will_v soon_o discover_v the_o most_o unquestionable_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o we_o do_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o another_o world_n nothing_o can_v be_v so_o desirable_a as_o a_o more_o explicit_a and_o perfect_a account_n of_o ●…he_n will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n than_o mere_a nature_n can_v give_v we_o what_o impression_n this_o may_v make_v upon_o profess_a deist_n i_o can_v tell_v they_o ●…ave_v so_o use_v themselves_o to_o laugh_v at_o eve●…y_a thing_n that_o be_v serious_a and_o to_o confute_v ●…he_v wise_a argument_n with_o bold_a and_o profane_a jest_n that_o little_a good_a can_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o but_o i_o hope_v this_o may_v caution_n those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o ●…nfected_v and_o make_v the_o name_n of_o a_o deist●…n_n ●…n_z a_o christian_a nation_n as_o contemptible_a ●…s_v the_o name_n of_o a_o atheist_n they_o be_v both_o ●…wing_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n they_o live_v much_o alike_o they_o be_v equal_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o equal_o dangerous_a to_o any_o government_n where_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o ●…ppermost_a it_o be_v a_o
prevail_v and_o like_o a_o irresistible_a torrent_n bear_v all_o before_o he_o as_o some_o kind_a friend_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o europe_n and_o the_o protestant_a name_n and_o interest_n wish_v and_o pray_v he_o may_v it_o require_v not_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o foretell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o protestant_n but_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_n be_v in_o god_n that_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n shall_v never_o be_v root_v out_o and_o i_o be_o as_o certain_o persuade_v that_o the_o protestant_a faith_n and_o worship_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o and_o ●…s_v oppose_v to_o popery_n be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n as_o i_o be_o ●…f_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o christia●…ity_n itself_o and_o when_o i_o remember_v ●…y_n what_o little_a beginning_n and_o weak_a ●…nd_n contemptible_a mean_n god_n spread_v ●…he_v true_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n over_o great_a part_n of_o the_o european_a world_n when_o it_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o egyptian_a darkness_n and_o oppress_v by_o the_o unsupportable_a tyranny_n of_o popery_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o folly_n division_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o protestant_n i_o can_v fear_v that_o god_n will_v cause_v our_o sun_n to_o set_v again_o and_o that_o he_o will_v final_o remove_v his_o gospel_n from_o we_o and_o that_o give_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v ●…heck_v the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o ●…t_o a_o stop_v to_o the_o success_n of_o a_o prince_n who_o glory_v in_o the_o extirpation_n of_o his_o ●…rotestant_n subject_n and_o at_o once_o en●…aves_v both_o the_o body_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o challenge_v as_o absolute_a a_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n as_o over_o the_o estate_n of_o his_o vassal_n to_o fill_v his_o exchequer_n and_o purgatory_n together_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o ought_v hearty_o to_o ●…eg_v of_o god_n in_o our_o most_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o fast_n and_o those_o who_o scruple_n this_o if_o they_o understand_v themselves_o must_v never_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n more_o wherein_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v which_o those_o who_o wish_v success_n to_o persecute_v and_o antichristian_a power_n do_v not_o and_o can_v pray_v ii_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o as_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n be_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a that_o no_o provocation_n can_v ever_o tempt_v he_o utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o so_o he_o never_o inflict_v any_o public_a judgement_n and_o calamity_n on_o they_o but_o when_o he_o be_v great_o provoke_v by_o their_o sin_n this_o be_v god_n express_a covenant_n with_o they_o 26._o levit._n that_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n than_o he_o will_v bestow_v all_o temporal_a blessing_n on_o they_o rain_v in_o its_o season_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o land_n in_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n peace_n at_o home_n and_o victory_n abroad_o and_o his_o special_a presence_n and_o favour_n i_o will_v set_v my_o tabernacle_n among_o you_o and_o my_o soul_n shall_v not_o abhor_v you_o and_o i_o will_v walk_v among_o you_o and_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o he_o and_o will_v not_o do_v all_o his_o commandment_n ●…hen_o he_o threaten_v all_o sort_n of_o evil_n ●…hould_v befall_v they_o sickness_n of_o body_n ●…o_o fly_v before_o their_o enemy_n the_o un●…ruitfulness_n and_o barrenness_n of_o their_o land_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o prey_n to_o wild_a beast_n that_o the_o sword_n shall_v devour_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v enslave_v to_o their_o enemy_n and_o buy_v their_o own_o bread_n of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v famine_n to_o such_o extremity_n as_o to_o eat_v their_o own_o son_n and_o daughter_n that_o he_o will_v lay_v waste_v their_o city_n and_o make_v their_o country_n desolate_a and_o carry_v they_o away_o captive_a into_o foreign_a country_n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o that_o chap●…er_n this_o be_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o this_o he_o punctual_o observe_v whenever_o they_o do_v obey_v he_o they_o be_v a_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a people_n their_o enemy_n crouch_v before_o they_o they_o enjoy_v plenty_n and_o peace_n ●…nlarged_v their_o border_n and_o make_v their_o neighbour_n subject_n and_o tributari●…s_n ●…o_v they_o and_o though_o god_n do_v not_o always_o punish_v they_o according_a to_o their_o ●…leserts_n yet_o he_o never_o do_v inflict_v any_o public_a or_o national_a judgement_n on_o they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v very_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a in_o their_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v from_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n and_o all_o the_o remarkable_a judgement_n god_n inflict_v on_o they_o now_o i_o must_v confess_v when_o we_o apply_v the_o be_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o case_n be_v very_o different_a for_o god_n have_v not_o so_o express_o covenant_v with_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o external_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n heir_n of_o a_o earthly_a canaan_n and_o external_a prosperity_n but_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v heir_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n which_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o carnal_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o christian_a faith_n be_v at_o first_o propagate_v by_o the_o courage_n patience_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o term_n ou●…_n saviour_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v if_o any_o m●…_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himsel_n and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o h●…_n that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o but_o 〈◊〉_d that_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o sincere_a believer_n and_o most_o exemplary_a christian_n may_v suffer_v very_o severe_o in_o this_o worl●…_n and_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n be_v that_o ●…hey_n shall_v be_v proportionable_o reward_v ●…n_o the_o next_o this_o be_v the_o great_a obje●…ction_n the_o jew_n make_v against_o christian_n be_v the_o son_n and_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o god_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v so_o whereas_o he_o have_v promise_v all_o temporal_a prosperity_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o law_n and_o sta●…utes_n and_o if_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v be_v the_o will_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o law_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n a_o objection_n which_o very_o much_o trouble_v many_o believe_a jew_n themselves_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a dispensation_n between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v particular_o answer_v by_o st._n paul_n 8._o rom._n and_o in_o the_o 7._o heb._n but_o this_o show_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o always_o reward_v with_o external_a prosperity_n and_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v and_o consequent_o that_o very_o severe_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n may_v befall_v christian_n not_o always_o for_o the_o correction_n and_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o make_v they_o conform_v to_o their_o suffer_a head_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o rich_a and_o bright_a crown_n to_o convince_v and_o convert_v their_o persecutor_n and_o to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o particular_o by_o st._n cyprian_n that_o god_n never_o send_v a_o general_a persecution_n upon_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o when_o their_o sin_n the_o general_a declension_n of_o piety_n and_o discipline_n their_o worldly-mindedness_a the_o formality_n and_o coldness_n of_o their_o devotion_n call_v for_o a_o scourge_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n while_o it_o sojourn_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n have_v no_o place_n of_o its_o own_o no_o earthly_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o support_v it_o but_o live_v under_o pagan_a power_n be_v intermix_v with_o they_o and_o oppress_v by_o they_o when_o they_o please_v but_o the_o case_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n where_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v christian_n seem_v very_o different_a and_o to_o come_v near_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o inflict_v public_a judgement_n and_o
vocal_a and_o instrumental_a music_n be_v not_o only_o use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a if_o not_o the_o only_o use_v of_o it_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o but_o some_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o christian_a worship_n they_o reckon_v music_n among_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n fit_v to_o the_o carnal_a state_n of_o that_o people_n and_o abrogate_a with_o the_o other_o legal_a ceremony_n by_o the_o more_o perfect_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o require_v a_o more_o spiritual_a worship_n but_o a_o few_o word_n will_v show_v how_o unreasonable_a this_o pretence_n be_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o miriam_n be_v before_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o no_o part_n of_o it_o and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n we_o read_v of_o sing_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o it_o we_o read_v of_o no_o institution_n of_o sing_v though_o we_o do_v of_o singer_n that_o sing_v seem_v as_o ancient_a and_o natural_a as_o public_a worship_n but_o suppose_v sing_v have_v be_v part_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n the_o gospel_n of_o o●…r_n saviour_n abrogate_v nothing_o of_o that_o law_n but_o such_o type_n as_o receive_v their_o accomplishment_n in_o christ_n or_o such_o appendant_a ceremony_n as_o be_v mere_a sign_n and_o figure_n of_o a_o evangelical_n righteousness_n but_o what_o be_v sing_v a_o type_n of_o any_o more_o than_o speak_v for_o it_o be_v only_o a_o more_o harmonious_a and_o emphatical_a way_n of_o speak_v and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o man_n may_v not_o reject_v vocal_a prayer_n as_o well_o as_o vocal_a music_n because_o they_o be_v both_o use_v by_o the_o jew_n whatever_o objection_n be_v now_o make_v against_o church-music_n which_o i_o have_v not_o now_o time_n particular_o to_o examine_v be_v as_o good_a objection_n in_o david_n time_n as_o they_o be_v now_o and_o yet_o then_o prophet_n compose_v hymn_n and_o prophet_n set_v the_o tune_n for_o so_o the_o chief_a musician_n to_o who_o david_n direct_v his_o psalm_n as_o the_o title_n of_o some_o of_o they_o express_v be_v prophet_n as_o well_o as_o musician_n and_o methinks_v man_n shall_v speak_v more_o favourable_o of_o such_o practice_n as_o be_v under_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o inspire_a men._n in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 6_o ch._n 1_o 2_o 3._o v._o the_o seraphim_n be_v represent_v cry_v one_o to_o another_o holy_a holy_a holy_a be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o great_a example_n o●…_n antiphonal_n sing_v in_o which_o one_o answer_n another_o but_o then_o they_o say_v this_o plain_o refer_v to_o the_o ancient_a temple-worship_n and_o must_v not_o be_v admit_v a_o precedent_n for_o christian_a practice_n but_o if_o the_o temple-worship_n be_v a_o fit_a precedent_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v a_o precedent_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o christian_n who_o worship_n as_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a as_o it_o be_v fall_v vast_o short_a of_o angelical_a worship_n but_o do_v not_o the_o angel_n then_o thus_o worship_n god_n in_o heaven_n this_o will_v be_v a_o new_a objection_n against_o our_o liturgy_n never_o think_v of_o before_o which_o in_o the_o te_fw-la deum_fw-la teach_v we_o to_o sing_v to_z they_z all_o angel_n cry_v aloud_o the_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o power_n therein_o to_o thou_o cherubin_n and_o seraphin_n continual_o do_v cry_v holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n of_o sabboath_n heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o the_o majesty_n of_o thy_o glory_n and_o if_o the_o angel_n thus_o sing_v in_o heaven_n sure_o the_o precedent_n be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o the_o christian_a church_n on_o earth_n the_o like_a representation_n we_o meet_v with_o of_o the_o four_o beast_n and_o twenty_o four_o elder_n rev._n 4._o and_o the_o same_o answer_n be_v give_v to_o it_o that_o the_o image_n in_o the_o apo●…lyptick_a vision_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o law_n ●…d_v not_o from_o the_o gospel_n but_o whensoever_o these_o image_n be_v original_o take_v this_o book_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o rule_n and_o precedent_n for_o they_o it_o all_o along_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a not_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o therefore_o their_o worship_n too_o and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o five_o chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v these_o four_o beast_n and_o twenty_o four_o elder_n be_v christian_n who_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o sing_v the_o song_n of_o the_o lamb_n thou_o be_v worthy_a to_o take_v the_o book_n and_o to_o open_v the_o seal_n thereof_o for_o thou_o be_v slay_v and_o have_v redeem_a we_o to_o god_n out_o of_o every_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n and_o nation_n and_o have_v make_v we_o into_o our_o god_n king_n and_o priest_n and_o we_o shall_v reign_v upon_o the_o earth_n ver._n 9_o 10._o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a hymn_n and_o therefore_o a_o pattern_n for_o christian_a worship_n and_o as_o much_o as_o some_o smile_n at_o the_o conceit_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o the_o general_a exhortation_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o sing_v to_o god_n to_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n sing_v and_o make_v melody_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n though_o the●…_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a institution_n of_o choir_n nor_o do_v prescribe_v the_o particula●…_n form_n of_o cathedral_n worship_n yet_o the●…_n justify_v it_o all_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v fit_v to_o th●…_n true_a end_n of_o devotion_n for_o the_o apostle●…_n know_v after_o what_o manner_n they_o sing_v i●…_n the_o jewish_a church_n and_o have_v this_o bee●…_n so_o unfit_a as_o be_v pretend_v for_o christian_a worship_n they_o will_v not_o have_v exhort_v christian_n to_o sing_v without_o give_v they_o a_o caution_n against_o jewish_a singing_n and_o now_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o much_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o inquire_v whether_o this_o practice_n be_v for_o any_o time_n intermit_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o when_o and_o upon_o what_o occasion_n i●…_n be_v restore_v for_o if_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v hold_v good_a it_o justify_v the_o use_n of_o music_n in_o religious_a worship_n whenever_o it_o can_v be_v have_v though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o time_n and_o circumstance_n which_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o though_o it_o can_v be_v certain_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v disuse_v for_o the_o first_o three_o century_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n while_o they_o be_v under_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n this_o will_v be_v no_o great_a argument_n to_o i_o against_o cathedral-worship_n than_o it_o be_v against_o cathedral_n church_n the_o poverty_n and_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n will_v allow_v neither_o but_o prosperity_n by_o degree_n restore_v they_o to_o both_o we_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v against_o the_o use_n of_o music_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n because_o under_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n they_o hang_v their_o harp_n upon_o the_o willow_n and_o refuse_v to_o sing_v the_o song_n of_o zion_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n to_o those_o who_o carry_v they_o away_o captive_n the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o those_o day_n never_o declare_v their_o dislike_n of_o this_o way_n of_o worship_n but_o their_o condition_n will_v not_o bear_v it_o no_o christian_a will_v deny_v that_o sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o their_o saviour_n be_v always_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n unless_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o worship_n so_o that_o the_o only_a dispute_n can_v be_v about_o the_o manner_n of_o sing_v and_o the_o chief_a thing_n object_v be_v the_o antiphonal_a way_n of_o sing_v which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v use_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o therefore_o have_v the_o same_o authority_n that_o sing_v have_v but_o yet_o i_o will_v yield_v the_o cause_n if_o any_o man_n can_v give_v i_o a_o good_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v very_o lawful_a and_o a_o excellent_a part_n of_o religion_n for_o a_o hundred_o man_n suppose_v to_o sing_v a_o whole_a psalm_n together_o but_o very_o unlawful_a and_o a_o corruption_n of_o religion_n to_o sing_v it_o alternate_o fifty_o to_o sing_v one_o verse_n and_o fifty_o the_o next_o when_o by_o their_o answer_v each_o other_o they_o mutual_o excite_v each_o other_o devotion_n and_o signify_v the_o consent_n and_o union_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o praise_n in_o the_o whole_a but_o set_v