we_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v have_v so_o eminent_a a_o confirmation_n give_v to_o it_o from_o heaven_n and_o do_v at_o its_o first_o set_v out_o so_o strange_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n against_o all_o humane_a probability_n not_o by_o might_n nor_o by_o power_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n no_o man_n can_v well_o suppose_v a_o religion_n in_o circumstance_n of_o great_a disadvantage_n and_o upon_o all_o humane_a account_n more_o unlikely_a to_o sustain_v and_o bear_v up_o itself_o than_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o first_o appearance_n of_o it_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o its_o beginning_n so_o small_a that_o no_o man_n but_o will_v have_v think_v it_o will_v present_o have_v come_v to_o nothing_o and_o no_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o strange_a success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v overthrow_v ii_o this_o discourse_n may_v likewise_o satisfy_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o be_v now_o cease_v because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o necessity_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v at_o first_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a then_o to_o introduce_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v a_o sensible_a evidence_n to_o man_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o that_o new_a doctrine_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o but_o now_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_o entertain_v there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n why_o this_o miraculous_a power_n shall_v still_o be_v continue_v acquisito_fw-la sine_fw-la cessant_fw-la media_fw-la ad_fw-la finem_fw-la when_o the_o end_n be_v once_o obtain_v the_o mean_n cease_v and_o the_o wise_a god_n who_o be_v never_o want_v in_o what_o be_v necessary_a do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v lavish_a in_o that_o which_o be_v superfluous_a now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v get_v firm_a foot_n in_o the_o world_n god_n leave_v it_o to_o be_v propagate_v and_o advance_v by_o its_o own_o rational_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n now_o that_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n be_v remove_v and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n be_v reconcile_v to_o christianity_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o violent_a and_o extraordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o now_o that_o it_o stand_v upon_o equal_a advantage_n with_o other_o religion_n god_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o more_o humane_a and_o ordinary_a way_n and_o such_o as_o be_v more_o level_a and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n that_o miracle_n be_v long_o since_o cease_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o father_n who_o live_v a_o age_n or_o two_o after_o the_o cease_n of_o they_o particular_o by_o st._n chrysostome_n who_o give_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o which_o i_o have_v just_a now_o assign_v but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v still_o bear_v we_o in_o hand_n that_o this_o miraculous_a power_n do_v still_o continue_v in_o their_o church_n and_o according_a to_o bellarmine_n must_v always_o continue_v because_o he_o make_v it_o a_o inseparable_a property_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o we_o pretend_v to_o no_o such_o power_n nor_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v because_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o these_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v great_a occasion_n and_o need_n of_o new_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o new_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o have_v reason_n they_o usual_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o new_a doctrine_n some_o to_o confirm_v purgatory_n and_o to_o give_v countenance_n to_o indulgence_n other_o to_o encourage_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n other_o to_o confirm_v that_o which_o all_o the_o miracle_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o confirm_v i_o mean_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n which_o because_o it_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o peculiar_o incapable_a of_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o miracle_n iii_o and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v do_v just_o upbraid_v we_o that_o this_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o powerful_a at_o first_o and_o have_v such_o character_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o come_v down_o to_o we_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n shall_v yet_o have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o most_o of_o we_o who_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n we_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v educate_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v less_o effect_n upon_o we_o than_o it_o have_v upon_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v prejudice_v and_o who_o manner_n be_v deprave_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v reduce_v from_o paganism_n to_o christianity_n do_v on_o the_o sudden_a become_v better_a man_n and_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a in_o their_o life_n than_o the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o who_o have_v be_v instruct_v and_o train_v up_o all_o our_o life_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o true_a reason_n of_o which_o be_v that_o many_o of_o we_o be_v christian_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o they_o be_v at_o first_o heathen_n because_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v up_o in_o it_o but_o christianity_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o choice_n and_o there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v as_o powerful_a to_o oblige_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o let_v we_o also_o be_v christian_n not_o only_o by_o custom_n but_o by_o choice_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v live_v according_a to_o our_o religion_n he_o that_o take_v up_o a_o religion_n for_o any_o other_o reason_n than_o to_o obey_v and_o practise_v it_o do_v not_o choose_v a_o religion_n but_o only_o counterfeit_v the_o choice_n of_o it_o we_o have_v beyond_o comparison_n the_o best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n a_o religion_n that_o have_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n that_o contain_v the_o best_a precept_n and_o give_v man_n the_o great_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o sure_a way_n of_o attain_v it_o now_o the_o better_a our_o religion_n be_v the_o worse_a be_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o make_v good_a by_o it_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_a make_v some_o virtuous_a and_o there_o be_v many_o eminent_a saint_n under_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o jewish_a institution_n what_o degree_n then_o of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v expect_v from_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v so_o bright_o i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n sermon_n vi_o the_o nature_n office_n and_o employment_n of_o good_a angel_n preach_v on_o the_o feast_n of_o st._n michael_n heb._n 1.14_o be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v speak_v of_o good_a angel_n who_o existence_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o evil_a spirit_n the_o scripture_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v every_o where_o take_v for_o grant_v no_o less_o than_o they_o do_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o well_o they_o may_v since_o they_o be_v all_o found_v upon_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o age_n ii_o vol._n ii_o derive_v down_o to_o
john_n 3.8_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o may_v dissolve_v or_o demolish_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o st._n john_n do_v more_o especial_o mean_v the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o god_n and_o the_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n and_o sacrifice_n whereby_o they_o worship_v they_o and_o likewise_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o mediator_n between_o the_o god_n and_o man_n who_o be_v also_o esteem_v by_o they_o a_o inferior_a sort_n of_o deity_n both_o these_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n have_v strange_o prevail_v and_o overrun_v the_o world_n before_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o deliver_v mankind_n from_o the_o horrible_a superstition_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n to_o pull_v down_o this_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o demolish_v that_o fabric_n which_o he_o have_v be_v so_o long_o a_o rear_n and_o to_o beat_v he_o out_o of_o those_o strong_a hold_n which_o he_o think_v have_v be_v impregnable_a god_n indeed_o give_v some_o check_n to_o these_o many_o age_n before_o and_o not_o long_o after_o their_o first_o appearance_n by_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v on_o purpose_n introduce_v and_o confirm_v and_o establish_v by_o so_o many_o and_o such_o mighty_a miracle_n to_o preserve_v and_o keep_v alive_a in_o the_o world_n the_o primitive_a tradition_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o likewise_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v some_o shadow_n and_o rude_a draught_n of_o that_o more_o perfect_a dispensation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o by_o one_o sacrifice_n once_o offer_v and_o by_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o infinite_a superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o all_o the_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n of_o it_o and_o likewise_o to_o the_o idolatry_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o inferior_a deity_n who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o middle_a sort_n of_o power_n between_o the_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o address_v themselves_o to_o they_o as_o mediator_n between_o the_o superior_a and_o heavenly_a god_n and_o man_n here_o on_o earth_n this_o be_v plain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v christian_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o any_o specious_a pretence_n whatsoever_o to_o bring_v these_o thing_n back_o again_o into_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o ruin_n and_o extirpation_n whereof_o it_o be_v purposely_o design_v and_o intend_v and_o this_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o caution_n wherewith_o st._n john_n conclude_v his_o catholic_n or_o general_a epistle_n namely_o that_o christian_n shall_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o be_v not_o carry_v back_o again_o into_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n by_o the_o confident_a pretence_n of_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n to_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and._n illumination_n than_o other_o christian_n have_v that_o be_v by_o their_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o infallible_a church_n and_o the_o only_a true_a and_o genuine_a christian_n for_o it_o be_v against_o this_o sect_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v plain_a design_v which_o st._n john_n thus_o conclude_v chap._n 5._o from_o ver._n 18._o to_o the_o end_n we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o mean_v that_o he_o do_v not_o commit_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o just_a before_o viz._n apostasy_n from_o christianity_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n or_o that_o which_o be_v very_o like_o it_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v this_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o preserve_v himself_o from_o the_o contagion_n of_o idolatry_n into_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o busy_a to_o seduce_v mankind_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n that_o be_v do_v belong_v to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o be_v worshipper_n of_o he_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o the_o power_n or_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v sink_v into_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a we_o know_v that_o be_v we_o christian_n be_v better_o teach_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a in_o or_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v we_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n intimate_v hereby_o that_o the_o worship_v of_o any_o other_o beside_o this_o only_a true_a god_n and_o by_o any_o other_o mediator_n than_o jesus_n christ_n be_v idolatry_n there_o be_v indeed_o two_o very_o ancient_a and_o common_a notion_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o the_o original_a whereof_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o give_v any_o certain_a account_n only_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o do_v prevail_v very_o early_o and_o do_v very_o general_o possess_v mankind_n and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appease_v towards_o sinner_n mere_o upon_o their_o repentance_n without_o the_o death_n and_o suffer_v of_o some_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n and_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o this_o vicarious_a punishment_n and_o suffer_v instead_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o sinner_n himself_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v give_v the_o original_a to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o live_a creature_n to_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n which_o in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n do_v proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o superstition_n and_o barbarous_a inhumanity_n that_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o devil_n man_n offer_v up_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o child_n and_o sacrifice_v their_o son_n and_o daughter_n to_o their_o idol_n and_o false_a go_n second_o another_o common_a notion_n which_o have_v likewise_o possess_v mankind_n be_v that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v immediate_o approach_v by_o sinful_a man_n but_o that_o their_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o the_o deity_n by_o certain_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n that_o be_v to_o procure_v for_o they_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o god_n and_o the_o gracious_a answer_n and_o acceptance_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o that_o other_o sort_n of_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o demon_n and_o hero_n that_o be_v of_o angel_n and_o soul_n depart_v viz._n of_o such_o eminent_a person_n as_o have_v be_v great_a benefactor_n to_o mankind_n and_o for_o their_o worthy_a deed_n upon_o earth_n be_v canonize_v and_o translate_v into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o inferior_a go_n by_o these_o as_o the_o chief_a courtier_n and_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n they_o address_v their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o the_o superior_a go_n now_o with_o these_o notion_n which_o have_v general_o possess_v mankind_n how_o imperfect_a soever_o god_n be_v please_v to_o comply_v so_o far_o as_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v design_v for_o a_o type_n of_o the_o more_o perfect_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o preparation_n for_o it_o i_o say_v god_n be_v please_v to_o comply_v so_o far_o with_o these_o notion_n as_o to_o appoint_v sacrifice_n to_o be_v slay_v and_o offer_v up_o for_o the_o sinner_n and_o likewise_o a_o high_a priest_n that_o once_o a_o year_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o the_o people_n to_o make_v expiation_n for_o they_o and_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o blood_n shall_v intercede_v for_o the_o people_n as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v declare_v at_o large_a and_o when_o god_n send_v his_o son_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n he_o be_v please_v likewise_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o perfect_a institution_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v alter_v to_o have_v so_o much_o regard_n to_o these_o common_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o
heresy_n of_o the_o collyridians_n which_o he_o call_v the_o heresy_n of_o the_o woman_n because_o they_o first_o begin_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n declare_v most_o express_o against_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o for_o neither_o say_v he_o be_v elias_n to_o be_v worship_v though_o he_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o live_n meaning_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n body_n and_o soul_n nor_o john_n nor_o any_o other_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o as_o for_o the_o virgin_n mary_n he_o particular_o add_v that_o if_o god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o to_o worship_v the_o angel_n how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o not_o have_v we_o to_o worship_v she_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o anna_n and_o conclude_v let_v mary_n be_v have_v in_o honour_n but_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v worship_v st._n chrysostom_n in_o a_o long_a discourse_n persuade_v man_n to_o address_v their_o prayer_n immediate_o to_o god_n and_o not_o as_o we_o address_v ourselves_o to_o great_a man_n by_o their_o officer_n and_o favourite_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o intercessor_n with_o god_n who_o be_v not_o so_o ready_a to_o grant_v our_o petition_n when_o we_o entreat_v he_o by_o other_o as_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o he_o ourselves_o last_o st._n augustine_n because_o the_o scripture_n pronounce_v he_o accurse_v that_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o man_n from_o thence_o he_o argue_v that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o ask_v of_o any_o other_o but_o of_o our_o lord_n god_n either_o the_o grace_n to_o do_v well_o or_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o the_o contrary_a to_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v do_v in_o several_a of_o the_o public_a prayer_n use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o l._n 12._o de_fw-la civ_o dei_fw-la he_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v recite_v in_o their_o prayer_n at_o the_o altar_n but_o they_o be_v not_o invocate_v by_o the_o priest_n who_o do_v celebrate_v divine_a service_n and_o in_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o be_v in_o st._n augustin_n time_n it_o be_v enjoin_v can._n 33._o that_o all_o prayer_n that_o be_v make_v at_o the_o altar_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o father_n which_o how_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o all_o know_v to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o prayer_n to_o saint_n in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n till_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o eight_o century_n for_o in_o the_o year_n 754._o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n be_v condemn_v by_o a_o council_n of_o 338_o bishop_n at_o constantinople_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o second_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o first_o establish_v this_o superstition_n in_o the_o year_n 787_o and_o this_o very_a council_n be_v condemn_v seven_o year_n after_o in_o a_o council_n at_o frankfort_n and_o declare_v void_a and_o to_o be_v no_o otherwise_o esteem_v of_o than_o the_o council_n of_o ariminum_n thus_o you_o see_v when_o this_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v first_o establish_v namely_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o when_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v lay_v which_o as_o they_o begin_v at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o they_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o go_v together_o i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v namely_o to_o answer_v the_o chief_a pretence_n which_o be_v make_v for_o this_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n but_o of_o that_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n sermon_n iu._n christ_n jesus_n the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n the_o three_o sermon_n on_o 1_o tim._n ii_o 5_o 6._o for_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o in_o the_o two_o former_a discourse_n upon_o this_o text_n i_o have_v treat_v on_o the_o second_o proposition_n i_o lay_v down_o from_o the_o word_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n in_o treat_v on_o this_o proposition_n i_o show_v first_o that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n second_o ii_o vol._n ii_o that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o one_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v idolatry_n out_o of_o it_o three_o that_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n with_o god_n for_o sinner_n and_o that_o he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n christ_n four_o i_o show_v how_o contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o their_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n with_o god_n for_o sinner_n this_o i_o endeavour_v to_o do_v by_o show_v one_a how_o contrary_a this_o be_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2_o how_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o several_a of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o 3d._a place_n to_o answer_v the_o chief_a pretence_n and_o excuse_n which_o be_v make_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n iu._n serm._n iu._n for_o this_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o 1._o that_o they_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v to_o angel_n and_o saint_n but_o do_v not_o enjoin_v and_o require_v it_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o in_o say_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n if_o they_o go_v no_o far_a they_o say_v that_o which_o they_o can_v never_o make_v good_a because_o prayer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v give_v to_o any_o creature_n angel_n or_o saint_n this_o i_o have_v prove_v from_o scripture_n where_o our_o saviour_n command_v we_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n that_o be_v to_o direct_v and_o address_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n only_o and_o st._n paul_n likewise_o forbid_v the_o worship_a angel_n by_o invocate_a of_o they_o and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o we_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n which_o theodoret_n express_o interpret_v concern_v the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o they_o as_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n declare_v this_o practice_n to_o be_v idolatry_n beside_o that_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o above_o three_o hundred_o year_n never_o speak_v of_o pray_v to_o any_o but_o god_n only_o and_o do_v express_o condemn_v the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n much_o more_o of_o the_o saint_n who_o be_v inferior_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o always_o define_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o address_n to_o god_n a_o converse_v and_o discourse_v with_o god_n which_o will_v be_v a_o false_a definition_n of_o prayer_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v to_o any_o but_o to_o god_n only_o all_o which_o consider_v one_o may_v just_o wonder_v at_o the_o confidence_n of_o some_o man_n who_o will_v have_v it_o take_v for_o grant_v without_o any_o proof_n that_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n be_v lawful_a 2._o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v to_o angel_n and_o saint_n it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v only_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a but_o do_v not_o require_v and_o enjoin_v it_o as_o some_o of_o their_o late_a writer_n pretend_v with_o what_o face_n can_v this_o be_v say_v when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o prayer_n to_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o especial_o to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o their_o church_n in_o which_o all_o be_v suppose_v to_o join_v as_o much_o as_o in_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n by_o the_o priest_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o people_n understand_v neither_o but_o they_o be_v present_a at_o both_o and_o join_v in_o both_o alike_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o join_v in_o that_o which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v as_o that_o church_n suppose_v people_n may_v do_v and_o receive_v great_a edification_n
salvation_n of_o mankind_n i_o judge_v nothing_o more_o needful_a to_o be_v add_v to_o what_o have_v fall_v in_o concern_v that_o subject_a in_o my_o handle_n the_o second_o proposition_n in_o this_o and_o the_o two_o former_a sermon_n sermon_n v._o the_o general_a and_o effectual_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v on_o ascension-day_n 1688._o mark_v xvi_o 19_o 20._o so_o then_o after_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v unto_o they_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v in_o these_o word_n you_o have_v these_o two_o great_a point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n i._o our_o saviour_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ii_o vol._n ii_o he_o be_v receive_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n ii_o the_o effect_n or_o consequence_n of_o his_o ascension_n and_o exaltation_n which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o effectual_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v and_o both_o these_o be_v very_o proper_a for_o this_o day_n but_o i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n handle_v the_o latter_a point_n namely_o the_o effect_n open_fw-mi consequence_n of_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o exaltation_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v and_o these_o word_n contain_v two_o thing_n in_o they_o i._o the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_n ii_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a efficacy_n and_o success_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_v of_o it_o v._n serm._n v._n the_o lord_n wrought_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v i._o the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_n and_o indeed_o the_o industry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o disciple_n in_o publish_v the_o gospel_n be_v almost_o incredible_a what_o pain_n do_v they_o take_v what_o hazard_n do_v they_o run_v what_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n do_v they_o contend_v withal_o in_o this_o work_n and_o yet_o their_o success_n be_v great_a than_o their_o industry_n and_o beyond_o all_o humane_a expectation_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o five_o thing_n 1._o the_o vast_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n 2._o the_o wonderful_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n 3._o the_o weakness_n and_o meanness_n of_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o great_a work_n 4._o the_o powerful_a opposition_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o 5._o the_o great_a discouragement_n to_o the_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o each_o of_o these_o 1._o the_o vast_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n this_o be_v represent_v rev._n 14.6_o by_o a_o angel_n fly_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n and_o preach_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n to_o every_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o people_n no_o soon_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v ready_o embrace_v by_o great_a number_n almost_o in_o all_o place_n where_o it_o come_v and_o indeed_o so_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n gen._n 49.10_o that_o when_o shiloh_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v to_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v and_o isa_n 2.2_o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n the_o mountain_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o hill_n and_o that_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v unto_o it_o isa_n 60.8_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o man_n ready_a submission_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v come_v in_o upon_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o they_o be_v say_v to_o fly_v as_o a_o cloud_n and_o as_o the_o dove_n to_o the_o window_n so_o quick_a and_o strange_a a_o progress_n do_v this_o new_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n make_v in_o the_o world_n that_o in_o the_o space_n of_o about_o 30_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n it_o be_v not_o only_o diffuse_v through_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o have_v reach_v as_o far_o as_o parthia_n and_o india_n in_o which_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n full_o verify_v that_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n math._n 24.14_o this_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o end_n come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o man_n be_v not_o only_o bring_v in_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o 2._o this_o doctrine_n have_v likewise_o a_o wonderful_a power_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o men._n the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o entertain_v the_o gospel_n be_v obedient_a to_o it_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o concern_v the_o gentile_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n rom._n 15.18_o upon_o the_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n follow_v also_o the_o change_n of_o their_o manner_n and_o of_o their_o former_a course_n of_o life_n they_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v thenceforth_o not_o walk_v as_o other_o gentile_n do_v in_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o according_a to_o the_o vicious_a course_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v put_v off_o concern_v their_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_v according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o do_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o strange_a a_o effect_n have_v the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o that_o i_o remember_v tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o senate_n challenge_v they_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o that_o bear_v the_o title_n of_o christian_a that_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o thief_n or_o a_o murderer_n or_o a_o sacrilegious_a person_n or_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o of_o those_o gross_a enormity_n for_o which_o so_o many_o pagan_n be_v every_o day_n make_v example_n of_o public_a justice_n and_o punish_v and_o execute_v among_o they_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o very_a admirable_a and_o happy_a effect_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o work_v so_o great_a and_o sudden_a a_o change_n in_o the_o live_v of_o those_o who_o entertain_v this_o doctrine_n to_o take_v they_o quite_o off_o from_o those_o vicious_a practice_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o accustom_a to_o to_o change_v their_o spirit_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o of_o lewd_a and_o dishonest_a to_o make_v they_o sober_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n of_o proud_a and_o fierce_a contentious_a and_o passionate_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a to_o make_v they_o humble_a and_o meek_a kind_a and_o tender-hearted_a peaceable_a and_o charitable_a and_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v general_o good_a man_n and_o of_o virtuous_a life_n be_v credible_a because_o their_o religion_n do_v teach_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v such_o which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a now_o to_o make_v all_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o such_o as_o it_o require_v they_o shall_v be_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a forcible_a argument_n then_o in_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v for_o christianity_n be_v a_o hate_a and_o persecute_a profession_n no_o man_n can_v then_o have_v any_o inducement_n to_o embrace_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o practice_v it_o and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o for_o it_o offer_v man_n no_o reward_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a threaten_a man_n with_o the_o great_a temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n and_o it_o promise_v no_o happiness_n to_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n upon_o any_o
other_o term_n than_o of_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o of_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o beside_o this_o consideration_n we_o have_v the_o best_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n of_o their_o unblameable_a life_n viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o their_o profess_a enemy_n who_o do_v not_o persecute_v they_o for_o any_o personal_a crime_n which_o they_o charge_v particular_a person_n withal_o but_o only_o for_o their_o religion_n acknowledge_v they_o otherwise_o to_o be_v very_o innocent_a and_o good_a people_n particulary_a pliny_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n who_o have_v give_v he_o in_o charge_n to_o make_v particular_a enquiry_n concern_v the_o christian_n give_v this_o honourable_a report_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o beside_o their_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n that_o at_o their_o religious_a meeting_n it_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o worship_n to_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o a_o solemn_a sacrament_n against_o murder_n and_o theft_n and_o adultery_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n no_o christian_a historian_n can_v have_v give_v a_o better_a character_n of_o they_o than_o this_o heathen_a writer_n do_v but_o 3._o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v yet_o more_o strange_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o meanness_n of_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o this_o great_a work_n a_o company_n of_o plain_a and_o illiterate_a man_n most_o of_o they_o destitute_a of_o the_o advantage_n of_o education_n go_v forth_o upon_o this_o great_a design_n weak_a and_o unarmed_a unassisted_a by_o any_o worldy_a interest_n have_v no_o secular_a force_n and_o power_n on_o their_o side_n to_o give_v countenance_n and_o authority_n to_o they_o and_o this_o not_o only_o at_o their_o first_o set_v out_o but_o they_o remain_v under_o these_o disadvantage_n for_o three_o age_n together_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v violence_n to_o no_o man_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o compel_v any_o by_o force_n to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v and_o to_o listen_v themselves_o of_o their_o number_n they_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o legion_n of_o arm_a man_n to_o dispose_v man_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o their_o doctrine_n by_o plunder_n and_o freequarter_n by_o violence_n and_o torture_n this_o modern_a method_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o then_o think_v of_o nor_o do_v they_o go_v about_o to_o tempt_v and_o allure_v man_n to_o their_o way_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o temporal_a reward_n and_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o riches_n and_o honour_n nor_o do_v they_o use_v any_o artificial_a insinuation_n of_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o gain_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o steal_v their_o doctrine_n into_o they_o but_o deliver_v themselves_o with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o without_o any_o study_a ornament_n of_o speech_n or_o fine_a art_n of_o persuasion_n declare_v plain_o to_o they_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n promise_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o obey_v his_o doctrine_n and_o threaten_v eternal_a woe_n and_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n to_o the_o despiser_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o these_o contemptible_a instrument_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n do_v their_o work_n effectual_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n go_v along_o with_o they_o gainded_z numbers_z every_o day_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o in_o a_o short_a space_n draw_v the_o world_n after_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o only_o win_v over_o the_o common_a people_n but_o also_o several_a person_n considerable_a for_o their_o dignity_n and_o eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n who_o afterward_o become_v zealous_a assertor_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o save_v knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o such_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v for_o they_o see_v something_o in_o they_o more_o divine_a and_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o great_a power_n and_o persuasion_n than_o humane_a learning_n and_o eloquence_n 4._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o mighty_a opposition_n that_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o gospel_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o it_o must_v meet_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n from_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n which_o it_o do_v so_o plain_o and_o so_o severe_o declare_v against_o and_o likewise_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n no_o prejudice_n be_v so_o strong_a as_o that_o which_o be_v found_v in_o education_n and_o of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n none_o so_o obstinate_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o those_o about_o religion_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o god_n man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v off_o from_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o how_o little_a ground_n and_o reason_n soever_o there_o be_v for_o it_o the_o be_v train_v up_o in_o it_o and_o have_v a_o reverence_n for_o it_o implant_v in_o they_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n supply_v all_o other_o defect_n have_v man_n be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a in_o religion_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v they_o not_o have_v their_o mind_n prepossess_v with_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o be_v enure_v to_o rite_n and_o superstition_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v they_o at_o that_o time_n be_v weary_a of_o the_o superstition_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o be_v inquire_v after_o a_o better_a way_n of_o religion_n then_o indeed_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v appear_v with_o great_a advantage_n and_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n have_v be_v entertain_v with_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n proportionable_a to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o publish_v in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v violent_o prejudice_v against_o it_o and_o fix_v in_o their_o several_a religion_n the_o jew_n indeed_o in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v very_o prone_a to_o relinquish_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o after_o god_n have_v punish_v they_o severe_o for_o that_o sin_n by_o a_o long_a captivity_n they_o continue_v ever_o after_o very_o strict_a and_o firm_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o never_o be_v they_o more_o tenacious_a of_o their_o religion_n and_o law_n than_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o he_o be_v foretell_v in_o their_o law_n and_o most_o particular_o describe_v in_o the_o authentic_a book_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o certain_a groundless_a tradition_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o interpreter_n of_o their_o law_n that_o their_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n they_o conceive_v a_o invincible_a prejudice_n against_o our_o saviour_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o mean_a circumstance_n in_o which_o he_o appear_v and_o upon_o this_o prejudice_n they_o reject_v he_o and_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o persecute_v his_o follower_n and_o though_o their_o religion_n be_v much_o near_o to_o the_o christian_a than_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n yet_o upon_o this_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n mean_a appearance_n they_o be_v much_o more_o averse_a to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o than_o the_o gross_a idolater_n among_o the_o nation_n not_o but_o that_o their_o prejudice_n also_o be_v very_o great_a the_o common_a people_n be_v strong_o addict_v to_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o their_o several_a country_n and_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o learned_a who_o they_o call_v their_o philosopher_n be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o eloquence_n that_o they_o despise_v the_o rudeness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n as_o ridiculous_a and_o the_o story_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o beside_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o gospel_n meet_v withal_o from_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n
the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n do_v likewise_o strong_o combine_v against_o it_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n do_v with_o all_o their_o force_n and_o malice_n endeavour_v to_o stifle_v it_o in_o the_o birth_n and_o to_o suppress_v it_o in_o its_o first_o rise_n and_o several_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o be_v then_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n engage_v all_o their_o authority_n and_o their_o whole_a strength_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o and_o raise_v such_o a_o storm_n of_o persecution_n against_o it_o as_o sweep_v away_o great_a number_n of_o mankind_n than_o any_o famine_n or_o plague_n or_o war_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o yet_o this_o religion_n bear_v up_o against_o all_o this_o opposition_n and_o make_v its_o way_n through_o all_o the_o resistance_n that_o the_o lust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o man_n arm_v with_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o consideration_n i_o mention_v the_o great_a discouragement_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o invite_v and_o engage_v man_n to_o it_o but_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n threaten_v every_o one_o that_o take_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n upon_o he_o whoever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v liable_a to_o reproach_n and_o ruin_n to_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n to_o banishment_n or_o imprisonment_n and_o confiscation_n of_o estate_n but_o these_o be_v slight_a and_o tolerable_a evil_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o that_o be_v common_o inflict_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n and_o to_o the_o lion_n and_o all_o imaginable_a cruelty_n be_v exercise_v upon_o they_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v and_o death_n in_o all_o its_o fearful_a shape_n be_v present_v to_o they_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o embrace_v this_o religion_n and_o to_o tempt_v they_o to_o quit_v it_o and_o yet_o they_o persist_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o do_v not_o only_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n but_o the_o most_o barbarous_a usage_n of_o their_o person_n and_o demean_v themselves_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n and_o courage_n but_o with_o exultation_n and_o triumph_n under_o those_o torture_n which_o no_o man_n can_v hear_v or_o read_v of_o without_o horror_n and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o bear_v up_o thus_o manful_o for_o one_o brunt_n but_o when_o these_o violent_a persecution_n be_v renew_v and_o repeat_v upon_o they_o christianity_n support_v itself_o under_o all_o these_o daunt_a discouragement_n for_o almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n and_o hold_v out_o till_o the_o very_a malice_n of_o their_o persecutor_n be_v out_o of_o breath_n and_o their_o cruelty_n have_v tire_v itself_o nay_o it_o do_v not_o only_o support_v itself_o under_o all_o these_o opposition_n but_o grow_v and_o prosper_v and_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n become_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_n spring_v up_o fast_o than_o any_o persecution_n can_v mow_v they_o down_o for_o man_n by_o degree_n become_v curious_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o suffering_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o much_o constancy_n and_o patience_n under_o they_o and_o upon_o enquiry_n be_v satisfy_v and_o become_v christian_n themselves_o and_o many_o time_n their_o very_a persecutor_n be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n the_o next_o day_n for_o that_o very_a cause_n for_o which_o but_o the_o day_n before_o they_o have_v put_v other_o to_o death_n and_o it_o can_v here_o be_v reasonable_o object_v that_o christian_n yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o all_o these_o suffering_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n that_o some_o brave_a spirit_n among_o the_o heathen_a lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o their_o country_n namely_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o fame_n and_o to_o perpetuate_v their_o name_n in_o after-age_n this_o i_o say_v can_v reasonable_o be_v say_v in_o this_o case_n because_o these_o sufferer_n be_v not_o the_o great_a and_o ambitious_a spirit_n the_o flower_n and_o select_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o common_a people_n and_o many_o of_o they_o of_o the_o tender_a sex_n and_o age_n who_o have_v usual_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o pain_n than_o of_o glory_n and_o yet_o so_o be_v they_o animate_v by_o their_o religion_n and_o transport_v beyond_o themselves_o as_o not_o only_o to_o submit_v but_o many_o time_n to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o those_o suffering_n by_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n when_o no_o man_n accuse_v they_o and_o when_o they_o know_v they_o shall_v die_v for_o make_v that_o profession_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o justify_v their_o forwardness_n to_o suffer_v than_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o suffering_n beside_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a than_o for_o man_n to_o hope_n to_o get_v a_o name_n by_o suffer_v in_o a_o crowd_n and_o to_o be_v particular_o remember_v to_o posterity_n when_o they_o die_v in_o such_o multitude_n that_o no_o man_n know_v the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sufferer_n you_o see_v then_o how_o strong_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v how_o soon_o this_o new_a religion_n overran_a the_o world_n how_o sudden_o it_o subdue_v the_o spirit_n and_o change_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o by_o what_o mean_a and_o despicable_a instrument_n to_o all_o humane_a appearance_n this_o great_a work_n be_v do_v and_o how_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n and_o discouragement_n it_o be_v carry_v on_o can_v any_o one_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v propagate_v and_o establish_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n mere_o by_o their_o own_o force_n and_o the_o evidence_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o have_v bear_v up_o and_o sustain_v themselves_o so_o long_o under_o such_o fierce_a assault_n as_o christanity_n have_v do_v as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n it_o be_v famous_o know_v to_o have_v be_v plant_v by_o force_n at_o first_o and_o to_o hauâ—_n be_v maintain_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o same_o violent_a mean_n so_o that_o great_a impostor_n open_o declare_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o plant_v his_o religion_n by_o miracle_n but_o the_o sword_n and_o as_o for_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a they_o come_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n by_o insensible_a degree_n and_o do_v not_o oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o man_n but_o grow_v out_o of_o they_o and_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o vicious_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mankind_n they_o easy_o gain_v upon_o their_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n by_o custom_n and_o example_n they_o be_v just_o such_o a_o corruption_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o such_o time_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o such_o insensible_a step_n as_o there_o have_v be_v since_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o all_o know_v but_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v out_o upon_o the_o world_n but_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a fall_v before_o it_o like_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n and_o though_o it_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o countenance_n of_o authority_n on_o its_o side_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v its_o ground_n and_o no_o soon_o be_v that_o prop_n take_v away_o which_o be_v the_o only_a support_n of_o it_o but_o it_o present_o sink_v and_o vanish_v it_o be_v not_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o violence_n and_o persecution_n but_o upon_o the_o break_n in_o of_o so_o great_a a_o light_n it_o silent_o withdraw_v as_o be_v ashamed_a of_o itself_o and_o when_o afterward_o the_o emperor_n julian_n endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v it_o by_o his_o wit_n and_o authority_n and_o use_v all_o imaginable_a art_n and_o stratagem_n to_o suppress_v and_o extinguish_v christianity_n he_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v neither_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n keep_v its_o ground_n and_o paganism_n after_o it_o have_v make_v a_o little_a blaze_n die_v with_o he_o now_o to_o what_o cause_n shall_v we_o ascribe_v this_o wonderful_a success_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n there_o can_v but_o these_o two_o be_v imagine_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n accompany_v it_o 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o its_o reward_n have_v plain_o the_o advantage_n
by_o what_o mark_v and_o character_n we_o may_v know_v that_o zeal_n which_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n be_v condemn_v as_o not_o be_v according_o to_o knowledge_n iii_o how_o far_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n do_v mitigate_v and_o extenuate_v the_o evil_a of_o it_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n here_o testify_v concern_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n he_o speak_v this_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o and_o by_o way_n of_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n when_o i_o have_v handle_v these_o three_o particular_n i_o shall_v apply_v my_o discourse_n to_o the_o present_a occasion_n of_o this_o day_n i._o what_o be_v the_o qualification_n and_o property_n of_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n i_o shall_v mention_v these_o three_o 1._o that_o our_o zeal_n be_v right_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n 2._o that_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a 3._o that_o we_o pursue_v it_o by_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n 1._o that_o our_o zeal_n be_v right_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n i_o mean_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v zealous_a for_o be_v certain_o and_o considerable_o good_a and_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v zealous_a against_o be_v certain_o and_o considerable_o evil._n a_o mistake_n in_o any_o of_o these_o quite_o mar_v our_o zeal_n and_o spoil_v the_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o intend_v for_o god_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o because_o it_o be_v a_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a and_o mistake_a zeal_n and_o the_o hot_a the_o worse_a it_o be_v not_o a_o heavenly_a fire_n that_o come_v down_o from_o above_o but_o it_o be_v like_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n heat_v without_o light_n if_o we_o mistake_v good_a and_o evil_a and_o be_v zealous_o concern_v against_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o for_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a the_o great_a our_o zeal_n be_v the_o great_a be_v our_o fault_n and_o instead_o of_o do_v god_n and_o religion_n service_n and_o credit_n we_o do_v the_o great_a mischief_n and_o dishonour_v we_o can_v to_o they_o both_o or_o if_o the_o thing_n about_o which_o our_o zeal_n be_v conversant_a be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a nature_n this_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o object_n of_o zeal_n man_n shall_v never_o be_v earnest_a for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n but_o upon_o clear_a and_o certain_a ground_n that_o what_o we_o contend_v so_o earnest_o for_o be_v undoubted_o good_a and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v so_o violent_a against_o be_v undoubted_o evil_a if_o it_o be_v not_o we_o be_v zealous_a for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o and_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v a_o zeal_n not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v certain_o good_a or_o evil_a which_o we_o be_v so_o concern_v about_o it_o must_v also_o be_v considerable_o so_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o warrant_v our_o be_v zealous_a about_o it_o all_o truth_n be_v good_a and_o all_o error_n bad_a but_o there_o be_v many_o truth_n so_o inconsiderable_a and_o which_o have_v so_o small_a a_o influence_n upon_o practice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o deserve_v our_o zeal_n and_o earnest_a contention_n about_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o be_v there_o many_o error_n and_o mistake_v of_o so_o slight_a and_o inconsiderarable_a a_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v better_a man_n shall_v be_v let_v alone_o in_o they_o than_o provoke_v to_o quarrel_v and_o contend_v about_o they_o thus_o that_o great_a heat_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n about_o the_o time_n of_o observe_v easter_n be_v in_o my_o opinion_n a_o zeal_n not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n they_o be_v on_o both_o side_n agree_v in_o the_o main_a which_o be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n but_o there_o be_v different_a custom_n about_o the_o time_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o such_o consideration_n as_o to_o deserve_v so_o much_o heat_n and_o zeal_n about_o it_o especial_o consider_v the_o uncharitable_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o that_o difference_n 2._o that_o our_o zeal_n may_v be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a that_o be_v a_o ignorant_a zeal_n which_o be_v conversant_a about_o lesser_a thing_n and_o unconcern_v for_o great_a such_o be_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharise_n who_o be_v mighty_o concern_v about_o external_a and_o lesser_a matter_n but_o take_v little_a or_o no_o care_n of_o inward_a purity_n and_o real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n they_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o eat_v with_o unwashed_a hand_n and_o to_o make_v clean_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o cup_n and_o platter_n but_o then_o they_o be_v full_a of_o extortion_n and_o all_o unrighteousness_n they_o pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n and_o anise_v and_o cumin_fw-la but_o omit_v the_o weighty_a thing_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o fidelity_n or_o as_o st._n luke_n express_v it_o they_o pass_v over_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n a_o zealous_a strictness_n about_o external_a rite_n and_o matter_n of_o difference_n where_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a neglect_n of_o the_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v either_o a_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o fulsome_a hypocrisy_n and_o so_o likewise_o be_v a_o loud_a and_o zealous_a outcry_n against_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n when_o man_n can_v release_v themselves_o from_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n and_o pass_v over_o mercy_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n 3._o a_o zeal_n that_o be_v be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n must_v be_v pursue_v and_o prosecute_v by_o lawful_a and_o warantable_a mean_n no_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o glory_n for_o his_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n will_v justify_v the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o and_o in_o itself_o evil_a will_v you_o speak_v wicked_o for_o god_n and_o talk_v deceitful_o for_o he_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o we_o think_v to_o promote_v his_o glory_n by_o mean_n so_o dishonourable_a and_o offensive_a to_o he_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v it_o a_o damnable_a sin_n for_o any_o to_o charge_v this_o doctrine_n upon_o christianity_n that_o evil_a may_v be_v do_v for_o a_o good_a end_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n rom._n 3.8_o as_o we_o he_o slanderous_o report_v and_o as_o some_o affirm_v that_o we_o say_v let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v who_o damnation_n be_v just_a and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o for_o a_o man_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n to_o overlook_a the_o evil_n and_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o mean_v they_o use_v for_o the_o advance_v so_o good_a a_o end_n this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v sanctify_v those_o refine_a art_n of_o lie_v and_o perjury_n by_o equivocation_n and_o mental_a reservation_n those_o seditious_a way_n of_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n by_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n by_o the_o excommunicate_a and_o dispose_v of_o prince_n upon_o pray_fw-mi tense_n of_o heresy_n of_o extirpate_v those_o who_o they_o please_v to_o call_v heretic_n by_o inquisition_n and_o croisado_n and_o massacre_n and_o this_o not_o only_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o private_a person_n but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o pope_n and_o of_o general_a council_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n to_o show_v by_o what_o mark_n and_o character_n we_o may_v know_v the_o contrary_a zeal_n that_o which_o be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n which_o be_v condemn_v here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o very_o frequent_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o though_o this_o may_v be_v sufficient_o know_v by_o the_o contrary_a mark_n and_o property_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o mention_v yet_o to_o discover_v it_o more_o full_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o or_o two_o more_o very_a gross_a and_o sensible_a sign_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n that_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o that_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a a_o zeal_n for_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n plain_o contrary_a either_o to_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n word_n or_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o to_o common_a sense_n any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o can_v be_v a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n a_o zeal_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n for_o pray_v
nation_n and_o his_o sell_v it_o to_o enrich_v his_o family_n quod_fw-la non_fw-la fecerant_fw-la barbari_fw-la fecerunt_fw-la barberini_n may_n with_o change_v the_o name_n and_o occasion_n be_v apply_v to_o a_o great_a many_o other_o that_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o those_o cruelty_n against_o christian_n upon_o account_n of_o difference_n in_o religion_n which_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n never_o exorcise_v upon_o one_o another_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o observation_n and_o the_o text_n and_o shall_v i_o now_o need_v to_o make_v any_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n the_o thing_n apply_v itself_o since_o the_o horrid_a design_n of_o this_o day_n be_v undertake_v and_o carry_v on_o upon_o the_o same_o pretence_n and_o principle_n upon_o which_o the_o jew_n persecute_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o much_o in_o the_o same_o method_n for_o they_o first_o thunder_v out_o a_o excommunication_n against_o they_o and_o then_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n to_o destroy_v they_o i_o will_v not_o go_v about_o to_o aggravate_v the_o comspiracy_n of_o this_o day_n it_o be_v pass_v my_o skill_n nor_o will_v i_o extend_v the_o blame_n and_o guilt_n of_o it_o any_o far_a than_o the_o plain_a evidence_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v enforce_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o scandalous_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o so_o great_a a_o reflection_n upon_o any_o church_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v accessary_a to_o the_o contrive_n or_o countenance_v of_o any_o such_o design_n that_o i_o be_o very_a well_o content_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v confine_v to_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o may_v be_v and_o none_o esteem_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o those_o that_o be_v open_o in_o it_o or_o have_v since_o endeavour_v to_o excuse_v it_o all_o that_o we_o desire_v of_o other_o be_v that_o they_o will_v declare_v their_o hearty_a detestation_n of_o such_o abominable_a practice_n and_o be_v as_o good_a as_o their_o word_n and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o account_v it_o a_o service_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n to_o destroy_v all_o that_o can_v be_v of_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o the_o inference_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n in_o short_a shall_v be_v this_o that_o man_n shall_v take_v great_a care_n to_o inform_v their_o conscience_n aright_o and_o to_o govern_v they_o by_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n which_o forbid_v such_o practice_n as_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o as_o clear_o as_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noonday_n and_o that_o we_o will_v always_o be_v afraid_a to_o do_v a_o bad_a thing_n though_o gild_v over_o with_o never_o so_o glorious_a colour_n and_o specious_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n for_o a_o man_n may_v do_v a_o thing_n with_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o for_o a_o religious_a end_n and_o be_v commissioned_n and_o countenance_v as_o st._n paul_n be_v by_o they_o who_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o at_o last_o prove_v to_o have_v be_v all_o the_o while_n a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o murderer_n and_o the_o great_a of_o sinner_n for_o none_o of_o these_o pretence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v and_o sanctify_v a_o wicked_a action_n before_o this_o can_v be_v do_v the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a must_v be_v change_v i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o that_o gentle_a reproof_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n when_o their_o zeal_n for_o he_o have_v transport_v they_o to_o make_v that_o cruel_a request_n to_o he_o that_o he_o will_v as_o elias_n have_v do_v upon_o a_o like_a occasion_n call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o destroy_v the_o samaritan_n you_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o hereby_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o â—â—â—per_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o they_o 〈◊〉_d contrary_a to_o it_o be_v ignorant_a 〈…〉_o â—ature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n you_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n you_o be_v of_o for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o sermon_n xv._o the_o duty_n and_o reason_n of_o pray_v for_o governor_n preach_v on_o the_o 29_o of_o may._n 1693._o 1_o tim_n ii_o 1_o 2._o i_o exhort_v therefore_o that_o first_o of_o all_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o we_o way_n lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v any_o here_o that_o this_o day_n be_v appoint_v by_o authority_n for_o a_o anniversary_n solemnity_n in_o a_o grateful_a commemoration_n of_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o these_o nation_n ii_o vol._n ii_o in_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o intestine_a war_n and_o confusion_n of_o many_o year_n in_o restore_v to_o we_o our_o own_o ancient_a government_n and_o law_n and_o in_o bring_v home_o as_o upon_o this_o day_n the_o rightful_a heir_n of_o these_o kingdom_n to_o the_o crown_n and_o throne_n of_o his_o father_n and_o though_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o day_n have_v be_v not_o a_o little_a sully_v and_o obscure_v by_o many_o thing_n which_o have_v happen_v since_o that_o time_n fit_a now_o to_o be_v bury_v in_o silence_n and_o oblivion_n than_o to_o be_v mention_v and_o rake_v up_o yet_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o scatter_v those_o black_a cloud_n which_o not_o long_o since_o hang_v over_o we_o to_o restore_v this_o day_n to_o its_o first_o lustre_n and_o brightness_n so_o that_o we_o may_v now_o with_o great_a joy_n look_v back_o upon_o it_o as_o design_v by_o the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o happiness_n which_o we_o now_o enjoy_v under_o their_o present_a majesty_n by_o who_o under_o god_n we_o have_v be_v deliver_v from_o that_o terrible_a and_o imminent_a danger_n which_o threaten_v our_o religion_n and_o law_n and_o the_o very_a constitution_n itself_o of_o our_o ancient_a government_n and_o to_o this_o occasion_n no_o kind_n of_o argument_n can_v be_v more_o proper_a and_o suitable_a xv._o serm._n xv._o than_o that_o which_o the_o text_n afford_v to_o our_o consideration_n in_o this_o injunction_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n to_o take_v care_n that_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n supplication_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n for_o king_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n i_o exhort_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n considerable_a first_o the_o duty_n here_o enjoin_v which_o be_v prayer_n express_v to_o we_o in_o several_a word_n which_o seem_v to_o denote_v the_o several_a kind_n or_o part_n of_o prayer_n i_o exhort_v therefore_o that_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n etc._n etc._n some_o of_o these_o word_n be_v of_o a_o very_a near_o signification_n and_o yet_o there_o seem_v some_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o most_o probable_o this_o 1._o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v supplication_n be_v probable_o mean_v that_o part_n or_o kind_n of_o prayer_n wherein_o we_o supplicate_v god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o avert_n and_o remove_v of_o evil_n whether_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a from_o ourselves_o or_o other_o 2._o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v prayer_n seem_v to_o be_v mean_v petition_n for_o blessing_n and_o good_a thing_n from_o god_n and_o these_o be_v most_o proper_o call_v prayer_n 3._o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seem_v to_o be_v particular_o mean_v plead_n and_o intercession_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o 4._o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v certain_o intend_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n and_o goodness_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o which_o whether_o it_o be_v exact_o so_o or_o not_o be_v not_o very_o material_a since_o these_o be_v unquestionable_o the_o several_a kind_n or_o part_n of_o prayer_n and_o these_o several_a sort_n of_o prayer_n st._n chrysostom_n in_o his_o comment_n upon_o this_o text_n tell_v we_o be_v public_o use_v in_o his_o time_n in_o the_o daily_a service_n of_o the_o church_n this_o say_v he_o all_o communicant_n do_v know_v be_v do_v every_o day_n morning_n and_o
his_o will_n which_o he_o deny_v to_o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n who_o desire_v to_o see_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v but_o can_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o hear_v but_o can_v not_o hear_v they_o there_o be_v good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n under_o those_o imperfect_a revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o they_o but_o we_o have_v far_o great_a advantage_n and_o more_o powerful_a argument_n to_o be_v good_a than_o ever_o they_o have_v and_o as_o we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o acknowledge_v these_o bless_a advantage_n so_o ought_v we_o likewise_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o improve_v they_o and_o now_o how_o do_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o condemn_v all_o impenitent_a sinner_n under_o the_o gospel_n who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o persuade_v to_o goodness_n by_o all_o that_o god_n can_v do_v by_o the_o most_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o most_o perfect_a precept_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n by_o the_o most_o encourage_v promise_n to_o obedience_n and_o by_o the_o most_o severe_a threaten_n of_o a_o eternal_a and_o unutterable_a ruin_n in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n by_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n by_o the_o wonderful_a and_o amaze_a condescension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o our_o nature_n by_o his_o merciful_a undertake_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a and_o sinful_a man_n by_o his_o cruel_a suffering_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o kind_a offer_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o by_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n what_o can_v god_n have_v do_v more_o for_o we_o than_o he_o have_v do_v what_o great_a concernment_n can_v he_o show_v for_o our_o salvation_n than_o to_o send_v his_o own_o son_n his_o only_a son_n to_o seek_v and_o save_v we_o and_o what_o great_a demonstration_n can_v he_o give_v of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o than_o to_o give_v the_o son_n of_o his_o love_n to_o die_v for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o last_o effort_n that_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n will_v make_v upon_o mankind_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n chap._n 1.1_o that_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v unto_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o he_o will_v speak_v no_o more_o after_o this_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v any_o far_a attempt_n for_o our_o recovery_n he_o can_v send_v no_o great_a and_o dear_a person_n to_o we_o than_o his_o own_o son_n if_o we_o despise_v he_o who_o will_v we_o reverence_n if_o we_o reject_v he_o and_o the_o great_a salvation_n which_o he_o bring_v and_o offer_v to_o we_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o our_o case_n be_v desperate_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v die_v in_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o if_o we_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n be_v find_v disobedient_a to_o it_o in_o our_o life_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o our_o condemnation_n shall_v be_v far_o heavy_a than_o they_o for_o since_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n especial_o against_o those_o who_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o be_v against_o those_o who_o entertain_v the_o light_n of_o god_n truth_n in_o their_o mind_n but_o do_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v its_o proper_a effect_n and_o influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o make_v that_o a_o prisoner_n which_o will_v make_v they_o free_a so_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v we_o free_a but_o if_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v still_o the_o servant_n of_o sin_n our_o condemnation_n be_v much_o worse_o than_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v never_o come_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v do_v nothing_o if_o it_o do_v not_o take_v man_n off_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o live_v well_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n when_o we_o be_v celebrate_v the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o shall_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o find_v guilty_a of_o any_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n because_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n and_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n and_o the_o appearance_n whereof_o we_o do_v at_o this_o time_n commemorate_v for_o that_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o we_o can_v gratify_v the_o devil_n more_o than_o by_o show_v ourselves_o more_o diligent_a than_o ordinary_a to_o uphold_v his_o work_n at_o this_o very_a time_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v on_o purpose_n to_o dissolve_v they_o we_o can_v possible_o choose_v a_o worse_a a_o more_o improper_a season_n to_o sin_n in_o than_o when_o we_o be_v celebrate_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o come_v to_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o sick_a man_n for_o joy_n that_o a_o famous_a physician_n be_v come_v to_o his_o house_n shall_v run_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o excess_n and_o so_o do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o inflame_v his_o disease_n and_o make_v his_o case_n desperate_a not_o but_o that_o our_o inward_a joy_n may_v lawful_o be_v accompany_v with_o all_o outward_a innocent_a expression_n of_o it_o but_o we_o can_v be_v true_o thankful_a if_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o at_o this_o time_n in_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o just_a and_o sad_a complaint_n be_v of_o great_a scandal_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a religion_n that_o such_o irregular_a and_o extravagant_a thing_n be_v at_o this_o time_n common_o cone_n by_o many_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o do_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o do_v honour_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o christ_n birth_n as_o if_o because_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v at_o this_o time_n make_v man_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o man_n to_o make_v themselves_o beast_n if_o we_o will_v honour_v he_o indeed_o we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o our_o joy_n do_v not_o degenerate_a into_o sin_n and_o sensuality_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o express_v it_o by_o lewdness_n and_o luxury_n by_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n by_o prodigal_a game_n and_o profuse_a waste_n of_o our_o estate_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v as_o if_o we_o intend_v literal_o to_o requite_v our_o saviour_n who_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a this_o be_v a_o way_n of_o part_v with_o house_n and_o land_n and_o become_v poor_a for_o his_o sake_n for_o which_o he_o will_v never_o thank_v nor_o reward_v we_o this_o be_v not_o to_o commemorate_v the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n but_o to_o contradict_v it_o and_o open_o to_o declare_v that_o we_o will_v uphold_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v to_o destroy_v they_o it_o be_v for_o all_o the_o world_n like_o that_o lewd_a and_o senseless_a piece_n of_o loyalty_n too_o much_o in_o fashion_n some_o year_n ago_o of_o be_v drink_v for_o the_o king_n good_a god_n that_o ever_o it_o shall_v pass_v for_o a_o piece_n of_o religion_n among_o christian_n to_o run_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o excess_n for_o twelve_o day_n together_o in_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n can_v easy_o be_v imagine_v than_o to_o abuse_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o ever_o be_v christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n into_o a_o opportunity_n of_o commit_v it_o this_o be_v to_o represent_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o a_o patron_n of_o sin_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o to_o treat_v he_o more_o contumelious_o than_o the_o jew_n do_v who_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o he_o and_o mock_v he_o and_o call_v
he_o king_n and_o spit_v upon_o he_o and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o rejoice_v for_o his_o birth_n to_o crucify_v to_o ourselves_o afresh_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n rom._n 13.12_o 13_o 14._o let_v we_o cast_v off_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o let_v we_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o light_n let_v we_o walk_v decent_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o envy_v but_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christy_n and_o make_v not_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o now_o to_o our_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n the_o great_a friend_n and_o lover_n of_o soul_n who_o regard_v we_o in_o our_o low_a and_o lose_a condition_n and_o cast_v a_o eye_n of_o pity_n upon_o we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o our_o blood_n and_o no_o other_o eye_n pity_v we_o and_o when_o we_o have_v lose_v and_o ruin_v ourselves_o be_v please_v in_o tender_a compassion_n to_o mankind_n to_o send_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o seek_v and_o save_v we_o and_o by_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o pattern_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n to_o purchase_v eternal_a life_n for_o we_o and_o to_o direct_v and_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o to_o he_o also_o the_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n who_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v carry_v we_o thither_o and_o take_v human_a nature_n upon_o he_o that_o we_o thereby_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o humble_v himself_o to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n that_o he_o may_v exalt_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v bitter_a enemy_n to_o he_o give_v such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o as_o never_o any_o man_n do_v to_o his_o best_a friend_n unto_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o god_n even_o our_o father_n and_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o beget_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o he_o who_o have_v love_v we_o ii_o serm._n ii_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o have_v make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o father_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n and_o honour_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n ii_o christ_n jesus_n the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n preach_v at_o st._n peter_n cornhill_n on_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o annunciation_n 1691._o 1_o tim._n ii_o 5_o 6._o for_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o these_o word_n contain_v in_o they_o these_o four_o proposition_n three_o of_o they_o express_v and_o the_o four_o of_o they_o sufficient_o employ_v in_o the_o text._n i._o that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n ii_o vol._n ii_o ii_o that_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n christ_n jesus_n iii_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o iv_o that_o the_o mediation_n or_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v found_v in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n for_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v add_v that_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o because_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o therefore_o he_o intercee_v for_o all_o in_o virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n he_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o all_o man_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o true_a connexion_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o reason_v about_o our_o put_v up_o public_a prayer_n for_o all_o man_n i_o have_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n handle_v the_o first_o of_o these_o 1693._o see_v a_o sermon_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1693._o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o ii_o that_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n one_o mediator_n that_o be_v but_o one_o for_o the_o expression_n be_v the_o very_a same_o concern_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v one_o god_n certain_o mean_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n it_o be_v equal_o certain_a that_o when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n he_o mean_v there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n viz._n christ_n jesus_n he_o be_v the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n 1._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v but_o one_o mediator_n or_o advocate_n or_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o in_o who_o name_n and_o by_o who_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n we_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o service_n to_o god_n 2._o that_o this_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o one_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v likewise_o evident_a from_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o and_o then_o 4._o and_o last_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n concern_v one_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v in_o their_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n with_o god_n for_o sinner_n as_o likewise_o how_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v answer_v their_o several_a pretence_n for_o this_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o show_v that_o this_o practice_n be_v not_o only_o needless_a but_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o very_o dangerous_a and_o impious_a first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v but_o one_o mediator_n or_o advocate_n or_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o in_o who_o name_n and_o by_o who_o intercession_n we_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o service_n to_o god_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v express_o say_v here_o in_o the_o text_n there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o mention_n any_o other_o i_o say_v beside_o this_o we_o be_v constant_o direct_v to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o to_o perform_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n in_o his_o name_n and_o no_o other_o and_o with_o a_o promise_n that_o the_o prayer_n and_o service_n which_o we_o offer_v in_o his_o name_n will_v be_v gracious_o answer_v and_o accept_v john_n 14.13_o 14._o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o name_n that_o will_v i_o do_v that_o the_o father_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o son_n if_o you_o shall_v ask_v any_o thing_n in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v do_v it_o and_o ch._n 16.23_o 24._o and_o in_o that_o day_n you_o shall_v ask_v i_o nothing_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o hitherto_o have_v you_o ask_v nothing_o in_o my_o name_n ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v be_v full_a in_o that_o day_n that_o be_v when_o i_o have_v leave_v the_o world_n and_o be_o go_v to_o my_o father_n as_o he_o explain_v it_o at_o the_o 28_o verse_n in_o that_o day_n you_o shall_v ask_v i_o nothing_o but_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o my_o name_n he_o will_v give_v it_o you_o that_o be_v you_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o address_v your_o prayer_n to_o i_o but_o to_o my_o father_n in_o my_o name_n and_o ver_fw-la 26_o 27._o at_o that_o day_n you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o name_n that_o be_v from_o the_o time_n
that_o i_o be_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n you_o shall_v put_v up_o all_o your_o prayer_n and_o request_n to_o god_n in_o my_o name_n and_o i_o say_v not_o unto_o you_o that_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n for_o you_o for_o the_o father_n himself_o love_v you_o that_o be_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o though_o i_o shall_v certain_o do_v it_o that_o i_o will_v intercede_v with_o the_o father_n for_o you_o for_o he_o of_o himself_o be_v kind_o dispose_v and_o affect_v towards_o you_o for_o my_o sake_n the_o father_n himself_o love_v you_o because_o you_o have_v love_v we_o st._n paul_n likewise_o command_v christian_n to_o perform_v all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n col._n 3.16_o 17._o sing_v with_o grace_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o and_o this_o precept_n of_o address_v all_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a because_o it_o be_v give_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o any_o other_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o to_o that_o superstition_n which_o have_v begin_v so_o early_o to_o prevail_v among_o some_o christian_n at_o calosse_n and_o laodicea_n of_o worship_v god_n by_o the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o angel_n against_o which_o he_o have_v caution_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n ver._n 18_o 19_o let_v no_o man_n beguile_v you_o of_o your_o reward_n in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n not_o hold_v the_o head_n intimate_v that_o for_o christian_n to_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o any_o other_o mediator_n but_o jesus_n christ_n only_o be_v a_o defection_n from_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n theodoret_n assure_v we_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o this_o place_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o who_o maintain_v a_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n assert_v also_o that_o angel_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v say_v that_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o they_o and_o this_o custom_n he_o tell_v we_o remain_v a_o long_a time_n in_o phrygia_n and_o pisidia_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o synod_n of_o laodicea_n in_o phrygia_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o four_o century_n forbid_v christian_n by_o a_o law_n to_o pray_v to_o angel_n and_o yet_o more_o express_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o those_o word_n chap._n 3._o ver._n 17._o whatsoever_o you_o do_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o for_o because_o say_v he_o they_o mean_v those_o of_o who_o st._n paul_n warn_v the_o colossian_n to_o beware_v because_o they_o do_v command_v man_n to_o worship_n angel_n he_o enjoin_v the_o contrary_a that_o they_o shall_v adorn_v both_o their_o word_n and_o action_n with_o the_o memory_n or_o mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o send_v you_o up_o say_v he_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o the_o father_n by_o he_o and_o not_o by_o the_o angel_n and_o then_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o laodicea_n which_o say_v he_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o cure_v that_o old_a disease_n make_v it_o a_o law_n that_o none_o shall_v pray_v unto_o angel_n nor_o forsake_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o some_o relic_n of_o that_o impious_a custom_n of_o pray_v to_o angel_n which_o theodoret_n here_o call_v that_o old_a disease_n have_v continue_v from_o st._n paul_n time_n to_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o severe_a canon_n then_o make_v about_o that_o matter_n the_o very_a word_n whereof_o i_o will_v set_v down_o because_o they_o be_v remarkable_a viz._n that_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o go_v away_o from_o it_o and_o to_o invocate_v angel_n and_o to_o make_v conventicle_n all_o which_o be_v forbid_v if_o any_o therefore_o be_v find_v give_v himself_o to_o this_o secret_a idolatry_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n because_o he_o have_v forsake_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v go_v over_o to_o idolatry_n what_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o they_o who_o do_v not_o only_o secret_o and_o in_o their_o private_a devotion_n but_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o the_o most_o public_a office_n of_o their_o church_n invocate_v angel_n and_o pray_v to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v pray_v to_o angel_n or_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o which_o st_n paul_n here_o reprove_v so_o severe_o in_o the_o colossian_n as_o a_o defection_n from_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o consider_v how_o frequent_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o our_o only_a way_n to_o god_n and_o by_o who_o alone_o we_o have_v access_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o god_n have_v constitute_v he_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n by_o who_o we_o be_v to_o address_v all_o our_o request_n to_o god_n john_n 14.6_o jesus_n there_o say_v unto_o thomas_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n to_o the_o father_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n heb._n 10.19_o 20._o have_v therefore_o boldnenss_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holieft_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o that_o be_v we_o can_v have_v no_o access_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n or_o by_o any_o other_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n but_o by_o he_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o eph._n 2.18_o for_o through_o he_o speak_v of_o christ_n we_o both_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n we_o both_o that_o be_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n under_o the_o law_n the_o jew_n have_v access_n to_o god_n by_o their_o high_a priest_n who_o intercee_v with_o god_n and_o offer_v up_o prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n the_o gentile_n they_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o innumerable_a mediator_n by_o angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o depart_a hero_n which_o be_v the_o pagan_a saint_n instead_o of_o all_o these_o god_n have_v appoint_v one_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o by_o he_o all_o mankind_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o other_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n reason_n chap._n 7.24_o 25._o but_o this_o person_n speak_v of_o christ_n because_o he_o continue_v for_o ever_o have_v a_o unchangeable_a priesthood_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o priesthood_n which_o do_v not_o pass_v from_o one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o priesthood_n under_o the_o law_n do_v when_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o one_o high_a priest_n another_o succeed_v in_o his_o place_n but_o our_o high_a priest_n under_o the_o gospel_n since_o he_o abide_v for_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o so_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o all-sufficient_a mediator_n and_o able_a to_o carry_v on_o and_o accomplish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o as_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v any_o other_o so_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o there_o need_v no_o other_o since_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o second_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n or_o principle_n of_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o one_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o st._n john_n call_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o
provide_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o those_o two_o great_a want_n which_o they_o seem_v always_o to_o have_v labour_v under_o and_o concern_v which_o they_o be_v at_o so_o great_a a_o loss_n viz._n a_o effectual_a expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n upon_o earth_n and_o a_o powerful_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o both_o these_o by_o the_o same_o person_n jesus_n christ_n who_o appear_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o merit_n and_o virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n appear_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o be_v become_v a_o perpetual_a advocate_n and_o a_o most_o powerful_a intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o so_o that_o instead_o of_o the_o endless_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v ineffectual_a to_o the_o real_a expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o only_a type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o true_a expiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o instead_o of_o the_o bloody_a and_o inhuman_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v by_o one_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n once_o offer_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o obtain_v eternal_a redemption_n for_o we_o and_o instead_o of_o the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o depart_a hero_n which_o the_o heathen_a make_v use_n of_o to_o offer_v up_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o god_n we_o have_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n appoint_v by_o god_n himself_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o in_o our_o nature_n be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o and_o who_o so_o fit_a to_o be_v our_o patron_n and_o advocate_n as_o he_o who_o be_v our_o sacrifice_n and_o propitiation_n thus_o the_o method_n of_o our_o redemption_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n admirable_o suit_v to_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o make_v expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o a_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o sinner_n so_o be_v it_o likewise_o excellent_o fit_v not_o only_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a sacrifice_n but_o likewise_o to_o abolish_v the_o barbarous_a sacrifice_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o to_o cashier_v that_o infinite_a number_n of_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n by_o who_o they_o address_v their_o prayer_n to_o the_o deity_n and_o instead_o of_o all_o this_o to_o introduce_v a_o more_o reasonable_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o to_o bring_v in_o any_o other_o mediator_n to_o intercede_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o whether_o angel_n or_o saint_n and_o by_o they_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n three_o it_o be_v likewise_o evident_a from_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n who_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o because_o under_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v but_o one_o high_a priest_n and_o but_o one_o sacrifice_n once_o offer_v for_o sin_n and_o intercession_n for_o sinner_n be_v found_v in_o the_o merit_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n by_o which_o expiation_n for_o sin_n be_v make_v there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n but_o he_o who_o have_v make_v expiation_n of_o sin_n by_o a_o sacrifice_n offer_v to_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o this_o jesus_n christ_n only_o have_v do_v he_o be_v both_o our_o high_a priest_n and_o our_o sacrifice_n and_o therefore_o he_o only_o in_o the_o merit_n and_o virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v upon_o earth_n can_v intercede_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n other_o may_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o we_o as_o our_o brethren_n upon_o earth_n do_v and_o perhaps_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n in_o heaven_n but_o none_o of_o these_o can_v offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o procure_v the_o acceptance_n of_o they_o for_o that_o can_v only_o be_v do_v in_o virtue_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n first_o offer_v and_o by_o he_o that_o offer_v it_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a office_n and_o qualification_n of_o a_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v the_o plain_a design_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a mediator_n in_o heaven_n in_o virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n which_o he_o offer_v upon_o earth_n and_o that_o he_o alone_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o 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price_n of_o his_o blood_n as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o several_a chapter_n of_o that_o epistle_n so_o that_o this_o intercession_n be_v found_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o alone_o offer_v he_o be_v of_o necessity_n the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n mention_v together_o with_o the_o expiation_n which_o he_o make_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o price_n which_o he_o pay_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n because_o the_o one_o be_v found_v in_o the_o other_o and_o depend_v upon_o it_o so_o we_o find_v 1_o john_n 2.1_o 2._o if_o any_o man_n sin_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o not_o for_o we_o only_o but_o also_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o here_o likewise_o in_o the_o text_n there_o be_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o therefore_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n because_o he_o only_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o man_n the_o efficacy_n and_o prevalency_n of_o his_o mediation_n be_v found_v in_o the_o merit_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o ransom_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o force_n of_o these_o text_n and_o the_o reason_n from_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o turn_v off_o by_o distinguish_v between_o a_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n and_o of_o intercession_n and_o by_o say_v that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a mediator_n of_o redemption_n but_o there_o may_v be_v many_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n for_o if_o the_o force_n of_o his_o be_v advocate_n or_o intercessor_n be_v found_v in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o ransom_n and_o propitiation_n as_o i_o have_v plain_o show_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o any_o that_o be_v not_o strong_o prejudice_v and_o that_o will_v read_v and_o consider_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o this_o matter_n without_o prepossession_n than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o none_o can_v be_v a_o proper_a mediator_n of_o intercession_n but_o he_o that_o pay_v the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n so_o that_o the_o mediator_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o our_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n and_o none_o can_v appear_v in_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n but_o he_o only_o who_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o four_o thing_n i_o propose_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n namely_o to_o
show_v how_o contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n concern_v one_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n namely_o in_o their_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o fly_v to_o their_o help_n and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n with_o god_n for_o sinner_n as_o likewise_o how_o contrary_a all_o this_o be_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o pratice_fw-la of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o several_a of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v have_v answer_v their_o chief_a pretence_n and_o excuse_n for_o these_o thing_n and_o show_v that_o this_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v not_o only_o needless_a be_v no_o where_n command_v by_o god_n but_o useless_a also_o and_o unprofitable_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o very_o dangerous_a and_o impious_a be_v contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o high_o derogate_a from_o the_o virtue_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o from_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n but_o of_o this_o another_o time_n sermon_n iii_o christ_n jesus_n the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n the_o second_o sermon_n on_o 1_o tim._n ii_o 5_o 6._o for_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o in_o these_o word_n be_v four_o proposition_n three_o express_v and_o the_o four_o imply_v i._o that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n ii_o that_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n christ_n jesus_n iii_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o ii_o vol._n ii_o iv_o that_o the_o mediation_n or_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v found_v in_o his_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n that_o because_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o man_n therefore_o he_o and_o he_o only_o be_v qualify_v to_o intercede_v for_o all_o man_n in_o virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o mankind_n the_o second_o of_o these_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o last_o time_n and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v but_o one_o mediator_n or_o advocate_n or_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o by_o who_o mediation_n we_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o service_n to_o god_n 2._o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o one_o mediator_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o one_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v idolatry_n 3._o that_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n viz._n because_o intercession_n for_o sinner_n be_v found_v in_o the_o merit_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n by_o which_o expiation_n of_o sin_n be_v make_v there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n iii_o serm._n iii_o but_o he_o who_o have_v make_v expiation_n for_o sin_n by_o a_o sacrifice_n offer_v to_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o this_o jesus_n christ_n only_o have_v do_v thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o four_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n namely_o to_o show_v how_o contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n concern_v one_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n namely_o in_o their_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o fly_v to_o their_o help_n and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n with_o god_n for_o sinner_n and_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v more_o distinct_o in_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v handle_v it_o under_o these_o particular_a head_n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a a_o religion_n concern_v one_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o second_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o several_a of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o three_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v their_o chief_a pretence_n and_o excuse_n for_o this_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n four_o to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v not_o only_o needless_a be_v no_o where_n command_v by_o god_n but_o useless_a also_o and_o unprofitable_a five_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o very_o dangerous_a and_o impious_a because_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o great_o derogate_a from_o the_o virtue_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o from_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o men._n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n concern_v one_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o namely_o in_o their_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o fly_v to_o their_o help_n and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n with_o god_n for_o sinner_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v our_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n by_o who_o we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n in_o any_o action_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o that_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o service_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n only_o by_o he_o and_o in_o his_o name_n and_o mediation_n and_o no_o other_o i_o have_v plain_o show_v from_o scripture_n and_o prove_v it_o by_o a_o invincible_a argument_n take_v likewise_o from_o scripture_n namely_o because_o the_o efficacy_n and_o prevalency_n of_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n be_v found_v in_o the_o virtue_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o that_o he_o be_v therefore_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n because_o he_o only_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o he_o be_v therefore_o our_o only_a advocate_n with_o the_o father_n because_o he_o only_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o have_v show_v likewise_o that_o the_o scripture_n exclude_v angel_n from_o be_v our_o mediator_n with_o god_n from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n and_o much_o more_o be_v the_o saint_n depart_v exclude_v from_o this_o office_n be_v inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n not_o only_o in_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o their_o being_n but_o very_o probable_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o short_a prayer_n be_v a_o proper_a act_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o we_o be_v command_v to_o worship_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o no_o where_o in_o scripture_n be_v we_o direct_v to_o address_v our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o any_o but_o god_n alone_o and_o only_o in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o put_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n luke_n 11.2_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n which_o plain_o show_v to_o who_o all_o our_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v address_v and_o unless_o we_o can_v call_v a_o angel_n or_o the_o bless_a virgin_n or_o a_o saint_n our_o father_n we_o can_v pray_v to_o none_o of_o they_o and_o elsewhere_o he_o as_o plain_o direct_v we_o by_o who_o we_o be_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o in_o who_o name_n and_o mediation_n we_o be_v to_o put_v up_o all_o our_o request_n to_o he_o john_n 14.6_o i_o be_o the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n no_o man_n come_v unto_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o and_o then_o it_o follow_v ver._n 13_o 14._o and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v ask_v in_o my_o name_n that_o will_v i_o do_v that_o the_o father_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o son_n if_o you_o shall_v ask_v any_o thing_n in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v do_v it_o nothing_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o whole_a bible_n than_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o he_o be_v our_o only_a advocate_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o
church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o several_a of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v out_o of_o their_o write_n that_o it_o be_v not_o practise_v in_o the_o three_o first_o age_n we_o have_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o cardinal_n perron_n and_o other_o of_o their_o learned_a writer_n and_o they_o give_v a_o very_a remarkable_a reason_n for_o it_o namely_o because_o the_o worship_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o address_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n by_o they_o may_v have_v seem_v to_o have_v give_v countenance_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n from_o whence_o i_o can_v forbear_v by_o the_o way_n to_o make_v these_o two_o observation_n 1._o that_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o their_o mediation_n be_v not_o in_o those_o primitive_a age_n esteem_v a_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o if_o it_o have_v it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o scandal_n consequent_a upon_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n then_o by_o what_o authority_n or_o law_n can_v it_o be_v make_v so_o since_o 2._o that_o this_o practice_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o idolatry_n and_o sure_o every_o christian_n can_v but_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v like_o a_o chaste_a spouse_n not_o only_o be_v free_a from_o the_o crime_n but_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o idolatry_n and_o for_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o be_v plain_a than_o that_o both_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o most_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v constan_o define_v prayer_n to_o be_v a_o address_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v make_v to_o any_o but_o god_n only_o and_o after_o the_o rise_n of_o arianism_n they_o argue_v for_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o arian_n from_o our_o pray_v to_o he_o which_o argument_n be_v of_o no_o force_n if_o prayer_n may_v be_v make_v to_o any_o but_o god_n and_o this_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o age._n and_o we_o no_o where_n find_v any_o mention_n of_o those_o distinction_n of_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o god_n by_o participation_n as_o bellarmin_n call_v the_o angel_n and_o saint_n or_o of_o a_o supreme_a and_o inferior_a religious_a worship_n or_o of_o a_o mediator_n of_o redemption_n and_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n which_o be_v so_o common_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o which_o be_v as_o considerable_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n the_o ancient_a father_n be_v general_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o 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they_o have_v make_v in_o their_o doctrine_n have_v change_v the_o missal_n in_o that_o point_n and_o instead_o of_o pray_v for_o st._n leo_n one_o of_o their_o pope_n as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v in_o their_o ancient_a missal_n in_o this_o form_n grant_v o_o lord_n that_o this_o oblation_n may_v be_v profitable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o thy_o servant_n leo_n the_o collect_n be_v now_o change_v in_o the_o present_a roman_a missal_n into_o this_o form_n grant_v o_o lord_n that_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o bless_a leo_n this_o offer_v may_v be_v profitable_a to_o we_o and_o as_o the_o gloss_n upon_o the_o canon_n law_n observe_v this_o change_n be_v make_v in_o their_o missal_n upon_o very_o good_a reason_n because_o ancient_o they_o pray_v for_o leo_n but_o now_o they_o pray_v to_o he_o which_o be_v a_o ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n that_o both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o church_n be_v plain_o change_v from_o what_o they_o ancient_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n 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if_o they_o permit_v the_o christian_n to_o have_v the_o body_n of_o the_o martyr_a polycarp_n they_o will_v leave_v christ_n to_o worship_v polycarp_n i_o say_v in_o vindication_n of_o themselves_o from_o this_o calumny_n they_o declare_v themselves_o thus_o not_o know_v say_v they_o that_o we_o can_v neither_o leave_v christ_n who_o suffer_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o those_o that_o be_v save_v nor_o worship_n any_o other_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o old_a latin_a translation_n nor_o offer_v up_o the_o supplication_n of_o prayer_n to_o any_o other_o person_n for_o as_o for_o jesus_n christ_n we_o adore_v he_o as_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o as_o for_o the_o martyr_n we_o love_v they_o as_o the_o disciple_n and_o imitator_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o they_o plain_o exclude_v the_o saint_n from_o any_o sort_n of_o religious_a worship_n of_o which_o prayer_n or_o invocation_n be_v always_o esteem_v a_o very_a considerable_a part_n ireneus_fw-la likewise_o tell_v we_o l._n 2._o that_o the_o church_n do_v nothing_o speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o invocatin_n of_o angel_n nor_o by_o enchantment_n nor_o by_o any_o other_o wicked_a art_n but_o by_o prayer_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o all_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o by_o the_o same_o or_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v exclude_v and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n deliver_v it_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n that_o since_o there_o be_v but_o one_o good_a god_n therefore_o both_o we_o and_o the_o angel_n pray_v to_o he_o both_o for_o the_o give_v and_o the_o continuance_n of_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o next_o age_n origen_n be_v so_o full_a and_o express_v
of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o mean_v the_o schoolman_n who_o can_v be_v content_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n do_v assign_v of_o the_o knowledge_n which_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n have_v of_o the_o condition_n and_o want_v of_o man_n here_o below_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o know_v all_o our_o prayer_n and_o want_v in_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o trinity_n which_o metaphor_n of_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o trinity_n if_o it_o have_v any_o meaning_n it_o must_v be_v this_o that_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a essence_n in_o which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v contain_v they_o may_v in_o that_o glass_n see_v all_o thing_n that_o god_n know_v but_o then_o they_o spoil_v all_o this_o fine_a speculation_n again_o by_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o glass_n do_v not_o necessary_o represent_v to_o they_o all_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a mind_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o voluntary_a glass_n in_o which_o the_o saint_n be_v only_o permit_v to_o see_v so_o much_o as_o god_n please_v but_o how_o much_o that_o be_v they_o can_v tell_v we_o which_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n know_v as_o much_o of_o our_o condition_n here_o upon_o earth_n as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v pray_v to_o good_a man_n in_o the_o east_n or_o west-indies_n to_o pray_v for_o we_o and_o help_v we_o because_o they_o also_o know_v as_o much_o of_o our_o necessity_n and_o prayer_n as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o if_o the_o saint_n must_v have_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n of_o our_o prayer_n before_o that_o they_o know_v that_o we_o pray_v to_o they_o then_o the_o short_a and_o sure_a way_n both_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o they_o or_o however_o as_o bellarmine_n confess_v it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n before_o every_o prayer_n we_o make_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v that_o prayer_n to_o they_o that_o upon_o this_o signal_n and_o notice_n give_v they_o by_o god_n they_o may_v betake_v themselves_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o we_o but_o unless_o it_o be_v very_o clear_a from_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v this_o method_n it_o be_v in_o reason_n such_o a_o way_n about_o as_o no_o man_n will_v take_v that_o can_v help_v it_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o as_o little_a purpose_n for_o why_o shall_v not_o a_o man_n think_v god_n as_o ready_a to_o grant_v he_o all_o his_o other_o request_n without_o the_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o saint_n as_o this_o one_o request_n of_o reveal_v our_o prayer_n and_o want_v to_o they_o and_o if_o this_o way_n be_v not_o think_v so_o convenient_a i_o know_v but_o one_o more_o and_o that_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n to_o go_v to_o god_n and_o beg_v of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o they_o our_o spplication_n and_o want_n that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o in_o our_o behalf_n which_o be_v just_a such_o a_o wise_a course_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v write_v a_o letter_n to_o his_o friend_n that_o can_v read_v and_o in_o a_o postscript_n desire_v he_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o he_o will_v carry_v it_o to_o one_o that_o can_v read_v and_o entreat_v he_o to_o read_v it_o to_o he_o vi._n serm._n vi._n so_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o put_v the_o case_n what_o course_n soever_o we_o take_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o seem_v reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v much_o ado_n and_o must_v handle_v the_o business_n very_o tender_o to_o hinder_v it_o from_o appear_v very_o ridiculous_a thus_o i_o have_v examine_v their_o chief_a pretence_n from_o scripture_n for_o the_o countenance_v this_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o have_v show_v how_o little_a or_o rather_o nothing_o at_o all_o be_v there_o to_o be_v find_v for_o it_o and_o that_o alone_o be_v reason_n enough_o against_o it_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n against_o it_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o i_o have_v already_o produce_v clear_a proof_n out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n against_o it_o and_o because_o they_o think_v the_o least_o show_n and_o probability_n from_o scripture_n a_o good_a argument_n on_o their_o side_n i_o will_v offer_v they_o a_o probable_a argument_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n upon_o which_o though_o i_o will_v lay_v no_o absolute_a stress_n yet_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v puzzle_v they_o upon_o their_o principle_n to_o give_v a_o clear_a answer_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v from_o 2_o king_n 2.9_o where_o elijah_n just_a before_o he_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n say_v to_o elisha_n ask_v what_o i_o shall_v do_v for_o thou_o before_o i_o be_v take_v away_o from_o thou_o thereby_o intimate_v as_o one_o will_v think_v that_o then_o be_v the_o last_o opportunity_n of_o ask_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o but_o if_o elijah_n have_v understand_v the_o matter_n right_o as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v now_o he_o shall_v rather_o have_v direct_v he_o to_o have_v pray_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n where_o he_o will_v have_v a_o more_o powerful_a interest_n and_o be_v in_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o do_v he_o a_o kindness_n for_o the_o reason_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n give_v why_o they_o do_v not_o pray_v to_o the_o saint_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n namely_o because_o they_o be_v not_o then_o admit_v into_o heaven_n will_v not_o hold_v in_o the_o case_n of_o elijah_n who_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n body_n and_o soul_n and_o consequent_o in_o as_o good_a circumstance_n to_o be_v pray_v to_o as_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n that_o have_v go_v to_o heaven_n since_o i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n to_o have_v show_v that_o this_o practice_n be_v not_o only_o needless_a and_o vseless_a but_o very_o dangerous_a and_o impious_a because_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o great_o derogate_a from_o the_o merit_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o from_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n christ_n jesus_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o any_o other_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o without_o a_o gross_a and_o apparent_a contempt_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o if_o we_o either_o disinherit_v his_o kindness_n and_o affection_n or_o his_o power_n and_o interest_n in_o heaven_n to_o obtain_v at_o god_n hand_n all_o those_o blessing_n which_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o that_o be_v who_o address_v their_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o mediation_n but_o if_o we_o will_v choose_v other_o mediator_n for_o ourselves_o of_o who_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o they_o can_v either_o hear_v or_o help_v we_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o that_o salvation_n which_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o we_o be_v secure_a of_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o be_v able_a etc._n etc._n but_o this_o have_v be_v show_v so_o abundant_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o be_v so_o clear_o consequent_a from_o the_o whole_a that_o i_o shall_v here_o conclude_v my_o discourse_n upon_o the_o second_o proposition_n i_o lay_v down_o from_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n as_o to_o the_o three_o proposition_n contain_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o this_o one_o mediator_n jesus_n christ_n give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o i_o have_v treat_v on_o that_o subject_a particular_o on_o another_o 1693._o another_o a_o sermon_n concern_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1693._o occasion_n and_o as_o to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o mediation_n or_o intercession_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v found_v in_o his_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n and_o because_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o therefore_o he_o and_o he_o only_o be_v qualify_v to_o intercede_v for_o all_o man_n in_o virtue_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v for_o the_o
of_o any_o religion_n that_o ever_o yet_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n indeed_o but_o by_o this_o alone_a it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v break_v through_o all_o that_o mighty_a opposition_n and_o resistance_n which_o be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o encounter_v this_o with_o success_n 2._o god_n be_v please_v to_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o it_o with_o a_o mighty_a and_o sensible_a presence_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o wonderful_a efficacy_n and_o success_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n wrought_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v which_o word_n express_v to_o we_o that_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n 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be_v destitute_a of_o whilst_o the_o roman_a empire_n continue_v heathen_a i_o say_v beside_o the_o particular_a end_n and_o use_v of_o all_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n they_o do_v all_o in_o general_n as_o they_o be_v miracle_n serve_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o great_a miracle_n whereby_o his_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v now_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v they_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v such_o a_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n for_o who_o can_v make_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v enable_v to_o raise_v other_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o by_o many_o other_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v give_v such_o clear_a testimony_n that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o never_o have_v any_o religion_n few_o worldly_a advantage_n to_o recommend_v it_o and_o so_o little_a temporal_a countenance_n and_o assistance_n to_o carry_v it_o on_o but_o what_o it_o want_v from_o man_n it_o have_v from_o god_n for_o he_o give_v witness_n to_o it_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n seem_v on_o purpose_n to_o have_v strip_v it_o of_o all_o secular_a advantage_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o owe_v its_o establishment_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n of_o man_n but_o to_o the_o arm_n and_o power_n of_o god_n the_o inference_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a make_v from_o this_o discourse_n shall_v be_v these_o i._o to_o give_v
we_o from_o the_o first_o spring_n and_o original_a of_o mankind_n of_o which_o general_a consent_n and_o tradition_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o assign_v any_o good_a reason_n if_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o true_a therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o force_v my_o way_n into_o this_o argument_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o spirit_n and_o being_n distinct_a from_o matter_n by_o dint_n of_o dispute_n which_o perhaps_o will_v neither_o be_v so_o proper_a nor_o so_o profitable_a for_o this_o assembly_n but_o shall_v take_v the_o thing_n as_o i_o find_v it_o receive_v by_o a_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o the_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v nor_o be_v there_o reason_n to_o proceed_v in_o any_o other_o method_n than_o to_o suppose_v these_o thing_n and_o take_v they_o for_o grant_v as_o general_o assent_v to_o by_o mankind_n without_o either_o assert_v they_o for_o new_a discovery_n or_o attempt_v to_o 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but_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o concern_v we_o more_o to_o know_v namely_o what_o their_o office_n and_o employment_n be_v in_o regard_n to_o we_o concern_v their_o nature_n he_o only_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v spirit_n as_o to_o their_o office_n and_o employment_n he_o say_v in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n that_o be_v that_o they_o stand_v before_o god_n to_o attend_v upon_o he_o ready_a to_o receive_v his_o command_n and_o to_o execute_v his_o pleasure_n more_o particular_o that_o they_o be_v upon_o occasion_n appoint_v and_o send_v forth_o by_o god_n to_o minister_v on_o the_o behalf_n and_o to_o do_v good_a office_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n which_o last_o word_n be_v a_o description_n of_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n such_o as_o have_v sincere_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v thereby_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n so_o that_o these_o word_n be_v a_o brief_a summary_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o good_a angel_n and_o of_o what_o the_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v to_o we_o concern_v they_o which_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o their_o nature_n be_v they_o not_o spirit_n second_o their_o general_a office_n and_o employment_n be_v they_o not_o minister_a spirit_n three_o their_o special_a office_n and_o employment_n in_o regard_n to_o good_a man_n they_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o that_o be_v in_o their_o behalf_n and_o for_o their_o benefit_n who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v concern_v they_o and_o all_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o scripture_n have_v very_o much_o clear_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o that_o which_o be_v more_o obscure_a and_o less_o certain_a before_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v and_o illustrate_v these_o three_o head_n and_o then_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a first_o for_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v spirit_n this_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o all_o that_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o order_n of_o being_n that_o they_o be_v spirit_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v pure_a spirit_n devest_v of_o matter_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o corporeal_a vehicle_n as_o the_o philosopher_n term_v it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a controversy_n but_o i_o think_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n not_o only_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n but_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a father_n do_v believe_v angel_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o body_n consist_v of_o the_o pure_a and_o fine_a matter_n which_o they_o call_v aetherial_a and_o this_o opinion_n seem_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o pious_a belief_n that_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o simple_a spirit_n whole_o separate_v from_o matter_n but_o the_o more_o current_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n especial_o of_o late_a time_n have_v be_v that_o angel_n be_v mere_a and_o pure_a spirit_n without_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v material_a and_o corporeal_a belong_v to_o they_o but_o yet_o so_o that_o they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o assume_v thin_a and_o airy_a body_n and_o can_v when_o they_o please_v appear_v in_o humane_a shape_n as_o they_o be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o have_v do_v and_o this_o seem_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n account_v of_o they_o though_o i_o think_v it_o be_v no_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n either_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o body_n or_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o devest_v of_o matter_n but_o however_o this_o be_v they_o be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v endow_v with_o great_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n they_o be_v say_v to_o excel_v in_o strength_n psal_n 103.20_o and_o in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n hence_o be_v those_o expression_n of_o be_v as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n to_o discern_v good_a and_o bad_a 2_o sam._n 14.17_o wise_a according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o angel_n v._o 20._o to_o be_v of_o great_a activity_n and_o swiftness_n in_o their_o motion_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o full_a of_o wing_n and_o to_o excel_v in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n hence_o be_v that_o title_n give_v they_o in_o scripture_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n have_v in_o several_a place_n deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o good_a angel_n and_o beyond_o this_o all_o our_o kowledge_v of_o they_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o the_o nice_a speculation_n concern_v they_o idle_a and_o wanton_a curiosity_n indeed_o the_o scripture_n give_v sufficient_a intimation_n of_o several_a rank_n and_o order_n among_o they_o by_z calling_z michael_z a_o archangel_n and_o chief_a prince_n and_o by_o distingush_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o throne_n and_o dominion_n but_o what_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o name_n import_v though_o some_o have_v attempt_v to_o explain_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o have_v discover_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o beside_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o arrogance_n in_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v intrude_a into_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v not_o see_v be_v vain_o puff_v up_o in_o their_o fleshly_a mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n censure_v some_o in_o his_o time_n second_o we_o have_v here_o their_o general_a office_n and_o employment_n they_o be_v minister_a spirit_n they_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v domestic_a servant_n and_o constant_a attendant_n upon_o that_o great_a and_o glorious_a king_n who_o throne_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o who_o kingdom_n rule_v over_o all_o they_o stand_v continual_o before_o he_o to_o behold_v his_o face_n expect_v his_o command_n and_o in_o a_o constant_a readiness_n to_o do_v his_o will._n for_o though_o the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o perfect_a power_n of_o act_v be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n immediate_o by_o himself_o whatever_o he_o please_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n can_v govern_v the_o world_n and_o steer_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o turn_v they_o which_o way_n he_o think_v best_o by_o the_o least_o nod_n and_o beck_n of_o his_o will_n without_o any_o instrument_n or_o minister_n of_o his_o pleasure_n yet_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o honour_v his_o creature_n especial_o this_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a rank_n of_o being_n with_o his_o command_n and_o to_o make_v they_o according_a to_o their_o several_a degree_n and_o capacity_n the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o his_o affair_n in_o the_o
god_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o all_o this_o be_v no_o conviction_n to_o the_o perverse_a and_o contentious_a man_n will_v not_o believe_v even_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n itself_o when_o they_o be_v strong_o prepossess_v and_o prejudice_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o do_v we_o not_o see_v great_a number_n of_o man_n even_o so_o many_o as_o have_v the_o face_n to_o call_v themselves_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o can_v make_v a_o shift_n when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n either_o to_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o their_o sense_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v further_o about_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o angel_n be_v not_o a_o peculiar_a doctrine_n either_o of_o the_o jewish_a or_o christian_a religion_n but_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v object_v against_o by_o any_o but_o the_o atheist_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o i_o know_v not_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o great_a truth_n which_o be_v so_o comfortable_a to_o mankind_n be_v so_o very_o little_o consider_v by_o we_o perhaps_o the_o corruption_n of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o point_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n may_v have_v run_v we_o so_o far_o into_o the_o other_o extreme_a as_o scarce_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o they_o but_o sure_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o do_v we_o good_a without_o any_o obligation_n to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o may_v own_v they_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n providence_n without_o make_v they_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n i_o confess_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o very_a odd_a thing_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o influence_n upon_o man_n and_o the_o particular_a vigilancy_n and_o activity_n of_o evil_a spirit_n to_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n shall_v be_v so_o ready_o own_v and_o so_o sensible_o talk_v of_o among_o christian_n and_o yet_o the_o assistance_n of_o good_a angel_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o consider_v by_o we_o the_o scripture_n speak_v plain_o of_o both_o and_o the_o reason_n for_o believe_v both_o be_v equal_a for_o god_n forbid_v but_o that_o good_a angel_n shall_v be_v as_o officious_a and_o forward_a to_o do_v we_o good_a as_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n be_v malicious_a and_o busy_a to_o do_v we_o mischief_n and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a with_o mankind_n if_o we_o have_v not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o hope_n for_o the_o assistance_n and_o protection_n of_o good_a spirit_n as_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v the_o malice_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o bad_a good_a angel_n be_v certain_o as_o powerful_a and_o have_v as_o strong_a a_o propension_n and_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a as_o the_o devil_n have_v to_o do_v harm_n and_o the_o number_n of_o good_a angel_n be_v probable_o much_o great_a than_o of_o evil_a spirit_n the_o big_a number_n that_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n be_v apply_v to_o good_a angel_n dan._n 7.10_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o angel_n about_o god_n throne_n that_o thousand_o thousand_o minister_v unto_o he_o and_o ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o stand_v before_o he_o and_o revelation_n 5.11_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o and_o thousand_o of_o thousand_o and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ch_n 12.22_o call_v they_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n what_o then_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o apt_a to_o own_o the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n which_o the_o devil_n lay_v before_o we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n but_o take_v so_o little_a notice_n of_o the_o attendance_n and_o good_a office_n do_v to_o we_o by_o good_a spirit_n i_o can_v imagine_v but_o these_o two_o reason_n and_o i_o be_o sorry_a i_o can_v find_v no_o better_o that_o we_o be_v more_o mindful_a of_o injury_n than_o of_o benefit_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v in_o other_o for_o the_o excuse_n of_o our_o fault_n but_o be_v loath_a any_o shall_v come_v in_o for_o a_o share_n in_o the_o good_a that_o be_v do_v by_o we_o and_o yet_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a consideration_n to_o we_o against_o the_o enmity_n and_o cunning_a of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n that_o the_o holy_a angel_n of_o god_n be_v as_o intent_n and_o industrious_a to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o to_o help_v forward_o our_o salvation_n as_o evil_a spirit_n can_v be_v to_o work_v our_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v we_o second_o we_o shall_v with_o great_a thankfulness_n acknowledge_v the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o who_o take_v such_o care_n of_o we_o as_o to_o appoint_v his_o angel_n and_o to_o give_v they_o particular_a commission_n and_o charge_n concern_v we_o to_o protect_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n and_o especial_o to_o promote_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o that_o not_o only_o some_o particular_a and_o inferior_a spirit_n but_o the_o chief_a minister_n of_o this_o great_a king_n of_o the_o world_n those_o that_o stand_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o behold_v his_o face_n and_o not_o a_o few_o of_o these_o but_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o they_o be_v employ_v about_o we_o so_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o say_v by_o the_o question_n which_o he_o put_v in_o the_o text_n be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v that_o be_v all_z at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o though_o they_o be_v principal_o appoint_v to_o minister_v to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o god_n employ_v they_o many_o time_n for_o our_o temporal_a safety_n and_o make_v use_v of_o they_o more_o especial_o in_o those_o great_a revolution_n in_o which_o his_o cause_n and_o religion_n be_v more_o immediate_o concern_v in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v give_v his_o angel_n a_o particular_a charge_n concern_v those_o that_o fight_v his_o battle_n to_o pitch_v about_o their_o camp_n and_o secret_o to_o assist_v they_o against_o their_o enemy_n and_o to_o ward_v off_o and_o put_v by_o many_o dangerous_a blow_n and_o thrust_v which_o be_v make_v at_o they_o and_o wonderful_o to_o preserve_v they_o when_o the_o instrument_n of_o death_n fly_v about_o they_o and_o do_v execution_n on_o every_o side_n of_o they_o to_o what_o can_v we_o ascribe_v such_o and_o so_o many_o remarkable_a deliverance_n of_o a_o person_n upon_o who_o so_o much_o depend_v but_o either_o to_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n or_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n and_o where_o god_n be_v provide_v so_o abundant_o with_o such_o powerful_a being_n and_n minister_n of_o his_o will_n though_o they_o may_v be_v invisible_a to_o we_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o very_o seldom_o work_v without_o they_o and_o now_o what_o a_o astonish_a regard_n be_v this_o which_o the_o great_a god_n be_v please_v to_o have_v for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v make_v the_o whole_a creation_n serviceable_a to_o we_o not_o only_o the_o visible_a creation_n for_o the_o support_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o diversion_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o even_o the_o noble_a of_o all_o his_o creature_n the_o great_a and_o glorious_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n mighty_o surpass_v we_o mortal_a man_n in_o the_o simplicity_n and_o purity_n of_o their_o nature_n in_o the_o quickness_n and_o largeness_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o in_o their_o power_n and_o vigour_n of_o act_v i_o say_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v these_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a being_n the_o charge_n over_o we_o and_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o minister_n to_o we_o for_o the_o safeguard_v of_o our_o person_n for_o the_o success_n of_o our_o affair_n and_o for_o the_o security_n and_o furtherance_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v thus_o mindful_a of_o he_o that_o when_o thou_o make_v he_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n thou_o shall_v yet_o make_v the_o angel_n to_o minister_v unto_o he_o three_o if_o the_o angel_n have_v particular_a charge_n of_o good_a man_n we_o shall_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o despise_v or_o be_v any_o way_n injurious_a to_o they_o for_o how_o despicable_a so_o ever_o they_o may_v appear_v to_o we_o they_o be_v certain_o very_o dear_a to_o god_n since_o he_o deem_v they_o so_o considerable_a be_v to_o employ_v his_o chief_a minister_n about_o they_o and_o to_o commit_v the_o charge_n of_o they_o to_o those_o who_o by_o their_o office_n do_v more_o immediate_o
into_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o good_a man_n be_v frequent_o defraud_v of_o their_o due_a praise_n and_o reputation_n while_o alive_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n namely_o what_o security_n good_a man_n have_v of_o a_o good_a name_n after_o death_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o this_o be_v to_o be_v give_v partly_o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v concern_v herein_o upon_o a_o twofold_a account_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o example_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o god_n who_o will_v not_o be_v behindhand_o with_o any_o man_n concern_v himself_o to_o secure_v to_o good_a man_n the_o proper_a reward_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n now_o praise_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o proper_a recompense_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n this_o good_a man_n seldom_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o life_n without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o allay_n and_o abatement_n and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o order_v thing_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o proper_a season_n when_o our_o work_n be_v do_v and_o when_o we_o be_v out_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o temptation_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o example_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o virtue_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o act_v their_o part_n well_o to_o see_v good_a man_n applaud_v when_o they_o go_v off_o the_o stage_n every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o generosity_n in_o he_o be_v desirous_a of_o fame_n and_o though_o man_n care_v not_o how_o soon_o it_o come_v yet_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v it_o after_o death_n rather_o than_o not_o at_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n will_v be_v but_o very_o melancholy_a and_o uncomfortable_a thing_n if_o they_o shall_v always_o be_v so_o unfortunate_a as_o never_o to_o meet_v with_o due_a esteem_n and_o approbation_n but_o when_o man_n be_v assure_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v this_o reward_n one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o observe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o in_o experience_n this_o be_v a_o great_a spur_n and_o encouragement_n to_o do_v virtuous_o and_o a_o great_a mind_n that_o have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o reputation_n and_o a_o good_a name_n will_v be_v content_a to_o lay_v in_o for_o it_o beforehand_o and_o patient_o to_o wait_v the_o time_n which_o god_n know_v fit_a for_o the_o bestow_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o account_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v give_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n because_o death_n remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o chief_a obstacle_n of_o a_o good_a man_n reputation_n for_o than_o his_o defect_n be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o man_n be_v content_v that_o his_o imperfection_n shall_v be_v bury_v in_o his_o grave_n with_o he_o death_n have_v put_v he_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o malice_n and_o envy_n his_o worth_n and_o excellency_n do_v now_o no_o long_o stand_v in_o other_o man_n light_n his_o great_a virtue_n be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v bring_v into_o comparison_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o live_n mortui_fw-la non_fw-la mordent_fw-la the_o example_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v not_o so_o cut_v a_o reproof_n to_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o live_n the_o good_a man_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o his_o example_n how_o bright_a soever_o be_v not_o so_o scorch_a and_o troublesome_a at_o a_o distance_n and_o therefore_o man_n be_v general_o content_v to_o give_v he_o his_o due_a character_n beside_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a civility_n in_o humane_a nature_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o wrong_v the_o dead_a and_o to_o deny_v they_o the_o just_a commendation_n of_o their_o worth_n even_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n as_o bad_a a_o sort_n of_o man_n as_o we_o can_v well_o imagine_v though_o they_o be_v just_a like_o their_o father_n in_o persecute_v and_o slay_v the_o prophet_n while_o they_o be_v alive_a yet_o have_v they_o a_o mighty_a veneration_n for_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n after_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o think_v no_o honour_n too_o great_a to_o be_v do_v to_o they_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o raise_v monument_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o their_o father_n have_v slay_v and_o who_o they_o will_v certain_o have_v use_v in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n have_v they_o either_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o prophet_n or_o those_o prophet_n have_v live_v in_o their_o day_n as_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o application_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o three_o 1._o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n have_v pay_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o martyr_n of_o our_o religion_n 2._o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o piety_n and_o goodness_n from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n 3._o that_o when_o we_o pretend_v to_o honour_v the_o memory_n of_o good_a man_n we_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o imitate_v their_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n 1._o to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n which_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v for_o many_o age_n do_v to_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o martyr_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o mean_v more_o especial_o to_o the_o holy_a apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o who_o honour_n the_o christian_a church_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o set_v apart_o solemn_a time_n for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o suffer_v and_o to_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o this_o certain_o can_v with_o no_o good_a colour_n either_o from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v unlawful_a and_o when_o david_n here_o say_v the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n he_o can_v certain_o be_v think_v to_o exclude_v the_o most_o solemn_a way_n of_o commemorate_n their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v this_o custom_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o very_a first_o age_n of_o christianity_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o where_o forbid_v nay_o it_o be_v rather_o require_v here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o best_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o good_a man_n be_v thus_o to_o commemorate_v they_o and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n the_o set_n before_o our_o eye_n the_o holy_a life_n of_o excellent_a man_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o they_o beside_o that_o i_o can_v tell_v you_o that_o though_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v so_o ancient_a as_o some_o vain_o pretend_v yet_o it_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o do_v begin_v in_o some_o of_o the_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n memoriae_fw-la martyrum_fw-la the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n at_o the_o tomb_n of_o the_o martyr_n be_v practise_v long_o before_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o western_a church_n and_o the_o christian_n be_v wont_v at_o those_o meeting_n solemn_o to_o commemorate_v the_o faith_n and_o constancy_n of_o those_o good_a man_n and_o to_o encourage_v themselves_o from_o their_o example_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o this_o do_v in_o time_n degenerate_a into_o gross_a superstition_n which_o afterward_o give_v colour_n and_o occasion_n to_o that_o gross_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o worship_v saint_n but_o this_o abuse_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o we_o to_o give_v over_o the_o celebrate_v of_o the_o memory_n of_o such_o holy_a man_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n be_v and_o propound_v they_o to_o ourselves_o for_o our_o pattern_n we_o may_v still_o lawful_o give_v they_o their_o due_a honour_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v so_o overdo_v it_o as_o to_o rob_v god_n of_o he_o 2._o let_v this_o consideration_n that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o piety_n and_o goodness_n this_o to_o a_o generous_a nature_n that_o be_v sensible_a of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n be_v no_o small_a reward_n and_o encouragement_n before_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v clear_o reveal_v and_o life_n and_o immortality_n bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n one_o of_o the_o great_a motive_n to_o worthy_a and_o virtuous_a deed_n be_v the_o earnest_a desire_n which_o man_n have_v of_o
the_o infirmity_n yet_o he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n therefore_o the_o example_n of_o mere_a man_n liable_a to_o sin_n as_o we_o be_v may_v in_o many_o respect_n be_v more_o suitable_a and_o accommodate_v to_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v attainable_a by_o we_o in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o apostle_n have_v think_v fit_a likewise_o to_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o high_a example_n of_o that_o kind_n the_o first_o teacher_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o of_o these_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v here_o in_o the_o text_n namely_o those_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o who_o be_v now_o depart_v this_o life_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v dead_a when_o he_o say_v remember_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o or_o those_o that_o have_v be_v your_o guide_n who_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n i_o say_v this_o be_v very_o probable_a because_o he_o mind_v they_o to_o remember_v they_o which_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v absent_a but_o especial_o because_o he_o mind_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n by_o which_o sure_o he_o mean_v the_o bless_a state_n of_o those_o good_a man_n after_o death_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o call_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 1.9_o so_o likewise_o rom._n 6.22_o this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n and_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n and_o it_o very_o much_o favour_v this_o interpretation_n that_o the_o apostle_n afterward_o speak_v of_o the_o live_a guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n v._o 17._o obey_v they_o which_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n so_o that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o such_o guide_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v once_o be_v over_o they_o but_o be_v now_o depart_v this_o life_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v with_o more_o freedom_n and_o less_o envy_n recommend_v their_o example_n to_o they_o and_o bid_v they_o call_v to_o mind_v their_o faith_n and_o exemplary_a conversation_n among_o they_o and_o propose_v it_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o themselves_o consider_v the_o happy_a end_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o bless_a state_n they_o be_v now_o in_o and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o in_o another_o life_n in_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v you_o have_v i._o a_o duty_n enjoin_v which_o be_v to_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o for_o our_o imitation_n the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o especial_o the_o 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hear_v and_o converse_v with_o in_o this_o world_n but_o who_o be_v now_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o be_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o to_o remember_v the_o doctrine_n they_o hear_v from_o they_o and_o the_o virtue_n they_o have_v see_v in_o they_o and_o to_o embrace_v the_o one_o and_o imitate_v the_o other_o thus_o we_o can_v remember_v the_o primitive_a teacher_n and_o pattern_n of_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n become_v we_o do_v not_o personal_o know_v they_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o live_v at_o the_o distance_n of_o many_o age_n from_o their_o time_n but_o we_o may_v do_v that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a and_o a_o kind_n of_o remembrance_n of_o they_o we_o may_v commemorate_v their_o faith_n and_o the_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o what_o we_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o they_o we_o may_v propose_v for_o pattern_n to_o ourselves_o and_o copy_n they_o out_o in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o same_o in_o substance_n with_o they_o who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o know_v and_o converse_v with_o those_o excellent_a person_n to_o hear_v they_o preach_v and_o to_o see_v the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o that_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v exemplify_v in_o their_o life_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o show_v why_o among_o all_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n we_o shall_v more_o especial_o propose_v to_o our_o imitation_n the_o primitive_a teacher_n and_o pattern_n of_o our_o religion_n second_o wherein_o we_o shall_v imitate_v they_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o one_o word_n in_o their_o faith_n who_o faith_n follow_v three_o the_o encouragement_n to_o this_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o happy_a state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v why_o among_o all_o the_o example_n of_o good_a man_n we_o shall_v more_o especial_o propose_v to_o our_o imitation_n the_o primitive_a teacher_n and_o pattern_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o faith_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o follow_v and_o to_o imitate_v the_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n of_o their_o conversation_n for_o these_o certain_o come_v near_o to_o that_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a pattern_n of_o all_o goodness_n our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o be_v the_o fair_a transcript_n of_o that_o unblemished_a original_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n so_o frequent_o exhort_v christian_n to_o imitate_v his_o example_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o presume_v that_o they_o come_v near_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ_n phil._n 3.17_o brethren_n be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n for_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v reasonable_a that_o the_o first_o in_o every_o kind_n shall_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o of_o all_o that_o follow_v after_o because_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v most_o perfect_a in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o best_a institution_n be_v apt_a to_o decline_v and_o by_o insensible_a degree_n to_o swerve_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o their_o first_o state_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n to_o preserve_v thing_n from_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n often_o to_o look_v back_o to_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o by_o that_o to_o correct_v those_o imperfection_n and_o error_n which_o will_v almost_o unavoidable_o creep_v in_o with_o time_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v that_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n which_o our_o religion_n require_v we_o shall_v have_v frequent_a recourse_n to_o the_o primitive_a teacher_n and_o pattern_n of_o christianity_n and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v our_o belief_n and_o life_n to_o as_o near_o a_o conformity_n with_o they_o as_o be_v possible_a who_o so_o likely_a to_o deliver_v the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a as_o the_o primitive_a teacher_n of_o it_o who_o receive_v it_o from_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o be_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n secure_v from_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o who_o so_o likely_a to_o bring_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n to_o a_o exact_a conformity_n with_o this_o holy_a doctrine_n as_o they_o who_o be_v so_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o it_o by_o the_o best_a master_n and_o show_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a example_n
necessary_a if_o we_o expect_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n and_o hope_v for_o the_o same_o happy_a end_n which_o they_o have_v for_o none_o but_o they_o that_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v 4._o we_o shall_v imitate_v they_o in_o the_o efficacy_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o practice_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n that_o be_v their_o perseverance_n in_o a_o holy_a course_n to_o the_o end_n and_o these_o must_v never_o be_v separate_v a_o sound_a faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n without_o this_o our_o faith_n be_v barren_a and_o dead_a as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o ch_n 2._o v._n 17._o our_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n must_v manifest_v itself_o in_o a_o good_a conversation_n who_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n say_v the_o same_o st._n james_n ch_z 3._o v._n 13._o who_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o endow_v with_o knowledge_n among_o you_o let_v he_o shew-out_a of_o a_o good_a conversation_n his_o work_n this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n say_v st._n paul_n to_o titus_n ch_z 3._o v._n 8._o and_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v that_o thou_o affirm_v constant_o that_o they_o who_o have_v believe_v in_o god_n be_v careful_a to_o maintain_v good_a work_n and_o herein_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v eminent_a example_n they_o live_v as_o they_o teach_v and_o practise_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v so_o st._n paul_n strict_o charge_v timothy_n 1_o tim._n 4.12_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 faith_n in_o purity_n and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o hereby_o chief_o false_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n may_v be_v know_v from_o the_o true_a apostle_n of_o christ_n matth._n 7.20_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o and_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o faith_n of_o those_o excellent_a person_n if_o we_o do_v not_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v viz._n the_o encouragement_n to_o this_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o for_o pattern_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o in_o another_o world_n consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o egress_n or_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n into_o a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a state_n where_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o crown_n and_o reward_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o pious_a conversation_n in_o this_o world_n or_o else_o which_o come_v much_o to_o one_o consider_v the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o life_n with_o what_o patience_n and_o comfort_n they_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o with_o what_o joyful_a assurance_n of_o the_o happy_a condition_n they_o be_v go_v to_o and_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n to_o see_v with_o what_o cheerfulness_n and_o comfort_n good_a man_n die_v and_o with_o what_o a_o firm_a and_o steady_a persuasion_n of_o the_o happiness_n they_o be_v enter_v upon_o for_o who_o will_v not_o be_v glad_a to_o leave_v the_o world_n in_o that_o calmness_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n and_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a eternity_n bad_a man_n wish_v this_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o balaam_n let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o let_v my_o last_o end_n be_v like_o he_o but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o such_o a_o death_n we_o must_v live_v such_o life_n and_o imitate_v the_o faith_n and_o good_a conversation_n of_o those_o who_o we_o desire_v to_o resemble_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o death_n and_o to_o go_v into_o the_o same_o happy_a state_n that_o they_o be_v in_o after_o death_n if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v their_o life_n our_o pattern_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o to_o they_o in_o the_o happy_a manner_n of_o their_o death_n when_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o death_n of_o a_o eminent_a good_a man_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o he_o be_v happy_a and_o be_v confident_a that_o he_o will_v meet_v with_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o goodness_n in_o another_o world_n if_o we_o believe_v this_o of_o he_o let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v the_o same_o happiness_n which_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v possess_v of_o and_z as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v ch_n 6.12_o let_v we_o not_o be_v slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n let_v we_o show_v the_o same_o diligence_n that_o they_o do_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n which_o they_o have_v the_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v make_v upon_o this_o argument_n be_v to_o show_v what_o use_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o these_o excellent_a example_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o of_o the_o first_o founder_n and_o teacher_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a honour_n and_o respect_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o pay_v to_o their_o memory_n not_o invocation_n and_o adoration_n but_o a_o zealous_a imitation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o good_a conversation_n the_o great_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v they_o the_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o most_o grateful_a to_o they_o and_o the_o most_o beneficial_a to_o ourselves_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o they_o not_o to_o make_v any_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o they_o to_o fall_v down_o before_o they_o and_o worship_v they_o but_o to_o form_n the_o image_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o virtue_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n not_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o but_o to_o praise_n god_n for_o such_o bright_a and_o glorious_a example_n and_o to_o endeavour_v with_o all_o our_o may_v to_o imitate_v their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o piety_n and_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o those_o other_o virtue_n which_o be_v so_o resplendent_a in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v to_o remember_v the_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v their_o faith_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n have_v the_o christian_a religion_n require_v or_o intend_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o of_o latter_a time_n have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v as_o easy_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v say_v remember_v they_o that_o have_v be_v your_o guide_v and_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o erect_v image_n to_o they_o and_o to_o worship_v they_o with_o due_a veneration_n and_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o intercession_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v say_v or_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v of_o it_o either_o in_o this_o text_n or_o any_o other_o in_o the_o whole_a bible_n but_o very_o much_o to_o the_o contrary_n their_o example_n indeed_o be_v frequent_o recommend_v to_o we_o for_o our_o imitation_n and_o encouragement_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v take_v particular_a care_n that_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o many_o primitive_a christian_n and_o martyr_n shall_v be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n that_o christian_n in_o all_o succeed_a age_n may_v propound_v these_o pattern_n to_o themselves_o and_o have_v perpetual_o before_o their_o eye_n the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o their_o life_n and_o their_o patient_a and_o constant_a suffering_n for_o the_o truth_n that_o when_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o call_v we_o to_o the_o like_a trial_n we_o may_v not_o be_v weary_v and_o faint_a in_o our_o mind_n but_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n have_v so_o many_o example_n in_o our_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o do_v now_o as_o it_o be_v look_v down_o from_o their_o happy_a state_n upon_o we_o here_o below_o who_o be_v combat_v with_o manifold_a temptation_n to_o see_v how_o we_o behave_v and_o acquit_v ourselves_o in_o our_o christian_a course_n we_o may_v take_v encouragement_n to_o ourselves_o from_o such_o example_n and_o such_o spectator_n to_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o other_o use_v than_o this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n make_v of_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o martyr_n of_o former_a age_n very_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o
be_v the_o very_a same_o in_o sense_n if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o that_o be_v if_o we_o lie_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o he_o do_v we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o that_o be_v we_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o immortality_n as_o he_o be_v if_o we_o suffer_v or_o endure_v as_o he_o do_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n the_o other_o sentence_n be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o those_o who_o deny_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o also_o will_v deny_v we_o to_o which_o be_v subjoin_v another_o say_v much_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n if_o we_o believe_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o we_o be_v unfaithful_a yet_o he_o remain_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o that_o be_v he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n and_o make_v good_a that_o solemn_a threaten_v which_o he_o have_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o shall_v for_o fear_n of_o suffer_v deny_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n the_o word_n be_v thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o remarkable_a say_v if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o this_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o note_a say_v among_o christian_n and_o whether_o they_o have_v it_o by_o tradition_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o familiar_a use_n among_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o very_a proper_a and_o powerful_a argument_n to_o keep_v christian_n steadfast_a to_o their_o religion_n i_o can_v determine_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o say_n to_o this_o sense_n be_v very_o frequent_a especial_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n rom._n 6.5_o for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o verse_n 8._o now_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n we_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o 2_o cor._n 4.10_o always_o bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n and_o verse_n 18._o for_o we_o which_o live_v be_v always_o deliver_v unto_o death_n for_o jesus_n sake_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a in_o our_o mortal_a flesh_n and_o rom._n 8.17_o if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o suffer_v with_o he_o that_o we_o may_v be_v also_o glorify_v together_o phil._n 3.10_o 11._o that_o i_o may_v know_v he_o and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v make_v comfortable_a unto_o his_o death_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n i_o may_v attain_v unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a 1._o pet._n 4.12_o 13._o belove_a think_v it_o not_o strange_a concern_v the_o fiery_a trial_n which_o be_v to_o try_v you_o as_o though_o some_o strange_a thing_n happen_v unto_o you_o but_o rejoice_v in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o be_v partaker_n of_o christ_n suffering_n that_o when_o his_o glory_n shall_v be_v reveal_v you_o may_v be_v glad_a also_o with_o exceed_a joy_n you_o see_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o say_v be_v in_o frequent_a use_n among_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o powerful_a argument_n to_o encourage_v christian_n to_o constancy_n in_o their_o religion_n notwithstanding_o the_o danger_n and_o suffering_n which_o attend_v it_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o and_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n will_v best_o appear_v by_o take_v into_o consideration_n these_o two_o thing_n i._n what_o virtue_n there_o be_v in_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n to_o support_v and_o bear_v up_o man_n spirit_n under_o the_o great_a suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o even_o to_o animate_v they_o if_o god_n shall_v call_v they_o to_o it_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o their_o religion_n ii_o how_o it_o may_v be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v reasonable_a for_o man_n to_o embrace_v and_o voluntary_o to_o submit_v to_o present_v and_o grievous_a suffering_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o reward_n concern_v which_o we_o have_v not_o nor_o perhaps_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a life_n i._o what_o virtue_n there_o be_v in_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n to_o support_v and_o bear_v up_o man_n spirit_n under_o the_o great_a suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o even_o to_o animate_v they_o if_o god_n shall_v call_v they_o to_o it_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o their_o religion_n if_o man_n do_v firm_o believe_v that_o they_o shall_v change_v this_o temporal_a and_o miserable_a life_n for_o a_o endless_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o glory_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o a_o reward_n of_o their_o suffering_n infinite_o beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o they_o both_o in_o the_o weight_n and_o duration_n of_o it_o this_o must_v needs_o turn_v the_o scale_n on_o that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o be_v the_o great_a weight_n and_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o for_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v certain_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n this_o may_v that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v happy_a one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o because_o they_o be_v very_o often_o great_a sufferer_n in_o this_o life_n that_o there_o be_v another_o state_n remain_v for_o they_o after_o this_o life_n wherein_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o a_o full_a reward_n of_o all_o their_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n but_o beside_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n providence_n we_o have_v now_o a_o clear_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o it_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n this_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o john_n 2.25_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o promise_n our_o saviour_n most_o express_o make_v to_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o he_o mat._n 5.10_o 11_o 12._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o falsl_o for_o my_o sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n mark_v 10.29_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o have_v leave_v house_n or_o brethren_n or_o sister_n or_o father_n or_o mother_n or_o wife_n or_o child_n or_o land_n for_o my_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o shall_v receive_v a_o hundred-fold_n now_o in_o this_o time_n with_o persecution_n that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n will_v admit_v and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v eternal_a life_n and_o if_o such_o a_o persuasion_n be_v firm_o fix_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o faith_n of_o another_o world_n and_o the_o assure_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o mighty_a force_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n because_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o suffer_v for_o a_o little_a while_n and_o be_v unspeakable_o and_o etternal_o happy_a so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o he_o calculate_v the_o matter_n rom._n 8.18_o i_o reckon_v say_v he_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o the_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o few_o day_n and_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o eternity_n when_o it_o be_v once_o firm_o believe_v by_o we_o will_v weigh_v down_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n and_o give_v we_o courage_n and_o constancy_n under_o they_o for_o why_o shall_v we_o faint_v if_o we_o believe_v that_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n will_v work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n as_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o if_o our_o mind_n be_v but_o thorough_o possess_v with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o resurrection_n to_o a_o better_a and_o
he_o remain_v faithful_a who_o have_v threaten_v and_o can_v deny_v himself_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a terror_n and_o serious_o to_o be_v think_v upon_o by_o those_o who_o be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v christ_n and_o his_o truth_n either_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o worldly_a advantage_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o temporal_a suffering_n what_o worldly_a advantage_n can_v we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o by_o quit_v our_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v think_v a_o equal_a price_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o eternity_n suppose_v the_o whole_a world_n be_v offer_v we_o in_o consideration_n yet_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n matt._n 16.26_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o the_o fear_n of_o temporal_a suffer_v be_v such_o a_o terror_n to_o man_n as_o to_o shake_v their_o constancy_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o tempt_v they_o to_o renounce_v it_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a torment_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o powerful_a to_o keep_v they_o steadfast_a to_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o deter_v they_o from_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o if_o fear_n will_v move_v we_o then_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o which_o be_v most_o terrible_a aught_o to_o prevail_v most_o with_o we_o and_o the_o great_a danger_n shall_v be_v most_o dread_a by_o we_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n most_o friendly_a and_o reasonable_a advice_n luke_n 12.4_o 5._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o my_o friend_n be_v not_o afraid_a of_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v forewarn_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v have_v power_n to_o cast_v into_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o if_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n which_o of_o they_o be_v most_o to_o be_v dread_v there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v in_o case_n of_o such_o a_o temptation_n i_o shall_v now_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n by_o way_n of_o application_n first_o if_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n that_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o christ_n we_o shall_v also_o live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o but_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o he_o will_v also_o deny_v we_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o we_o to_o make_v we_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n this_o inference_n the_o apostle_n make_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o therefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v fix_v man_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o make_v they_o serious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n which_o god_n will_v then_o give_v to_o his_o faithful_a servant_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a powerful_a influence_n upon_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n exhort_v they_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n god_n will_v be_v faithful_a to_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o eternal_a life_n to_o those_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n if_o under_o the_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n good_a man_n show_v so_o much_o courage_n and_o constancy_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o we_o read_v in_o that_o long_a catalogue_n of_o hero_n heb._n 11._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v christian_n who_o faith_n be_v support_v much_o more_o strong_o than_o they_o be_v by_o a_o much_o clear_a evidence_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o bless_a immortality_n than_o they_o have_v by_o more_o express_a promise_n of_o divine_a comfort_n and_o assistance_n under_o suffering_n than_o be_v make_v to_o they_o and_o by_o the_o most_o divine_a and_o encourage_v example_n of_o the_o great_a patience_n under_o the_o great_a suffering_n that_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v in_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n when_o we_o consider_v this_o glorious_a example_n of_o suffer_v and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o it_o how_o can_v we_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o our_o mind_n if_o the_o saint_n and_o apostle_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v such_o great_a thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o faith_n which_o rely_v chief_o upon_o the_o attribute_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n what_o shall_v not_o we_o do_v who_o have_v the_o security_n of_o god_n express_a promise_n for_o our_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n we_o certain_o have_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n more_o cheerful_o and_o to_o bear_v it_o more_o patient_o than_o they_o do_v second_o we_o shall_v always_o be_v prepare_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n at_o any_o time_n to_o call_v we_o to_o it_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o a_o qualification_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o so_o that_o we_o be_v to_o reckon_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o that_o if_o it_o come_v we_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v as_o if_o some_o strange_a thing_n have_v happen_v to_o we_o and_o may_v not_o be_v unresolved_a what_o to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o god_n know_v when_o we_o may_v be_v call_v to_o it_o however_o it_o be_v wise_a to_o forecast_v it_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o preparation_n and_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v that_o if_o it_o come_v we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v out_o in_o a_o evil_a day_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o come_v god_n will_v accept_v the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o reward_v it_o according_a to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o he_o that_o know_v what_o we_o will_v have_v do_v will_v consider_v it_o as_o if_o we_o have_v do_v it_o three_o the_o less_o we_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o god_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v for_o he_o the_o less_o god_n be_v please_v to_o exercise_v our_o patience_n we_o shall_v abound_v so_o much_o the_o more_o in_o the_o active_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o cheerful_a and_o we_o more_o fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n if_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o seal_v the_o truth_n with_o our_o blood_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o adorn_v and_o recommend_v it_o by_o our_o life_n four_o and_o last_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n will_v bear_v man_n up_o under_o the_o extremity_n of_o suffer_v and_o torment_n and_o give_v man_n courage_n and_o resolution_n against_o all_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n they_o ought_v much_o more_o to_o make_v we_o victorious_a over_o the_o temptation_n and_o allurement_n of_o it_o for_o certain_o it_o be_v in_o reason_n much_o easy_a to_o forego_v pleasure_n than_o to_o endure_v pain_n to_o refuse_v or_o lay_v down_o a_o good_a place_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n than_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o in_o vain_a do_v any_o man_n pretend_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o martyr_n for_o his_o religion_n when_o he_o will_v not_o rule_v a_o appetite_n nor_o restrain_v a_o lust_n nor_o subdue_v a_o passion_n nor_o cross_v his_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o and_o in_o hope_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v he_o that_o refuse_v to_o do_v the_o less_o be_v not_o like_a to_o do_v the_o great_a it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o a_o man_n will_v die_v
dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o st._n john_n have_v say_v consider_v the_o extremity_n and_o cruel_a circumstance_n of_o this_o last_o and_o severe_a persecution_n we_o may_v from_o that_o time_n forward_o reckon_v those_o who_o be_v already_o dead_a suppose_v that_o they_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v very_o happy_a in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o live_v to_o see_v and_o suffer_v those_o thing_n which_o will_v then_o befall_v the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n when_o the_o devil_n shall_v come_v have_v great_a wrath_n because_o he_o know_v he_o have_v but_o a_o short_a time_n much_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o solomon_n when_o he_o consider_v the_o oppression_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n say_v eccl._n 4.2_o that_o he_o praise_v the_o dead_a which_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n which_o be_v yet_o alive_a that_o be_v consider_v the_o oppression_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o world_n he_o reckon_v those_o happy_a that_o be_v out_o of_o it_o than_o those_o who_o still_o live_v in_o it_o and_o as_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o what_o go_v before_o so_o it_o suit_v very_o well_o with_o what_o follow_v after_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o those_o person_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v so_o happy_a yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o that_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v at_o a_o end_n of_o their_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n and_o may_v not_o be_v try_v beyond_o their_o strength_n and_o patience_n under_o that_o terrible_a persecution_n which_o will_v reign_v at_o that_o time_n and_o likewise_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o reward_n of_o all_o the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v and_o the_o evil_n they_o have_v suffer_v in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o very_a same_o sense_n that_o the_o righteous_a be_v say_v to_o be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v esai_n 57.1_o 2._o the_o righteous_a be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v he_o shall_v enter_v into_o peace_n they_o shall_v rest_v in_o their_o bed_n each_o one_o walk_v in_o his_o uprightness_n that_o be_v enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o integrity_n and_o sincerity_n towards_o god_n and_o now_o the_o main_a difficulty_n be_v over_o we_o shall_v need_v to_o trouble_v ourselves_o the_o less_o about_o the_o other_o expression_n in_o the_o text_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o which_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a explain_v to_o you_o 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o sort_n of_o phrase_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n very_o various_o in_o general_n it_o signify_v the_o do_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n with_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o upon_o his_o account_n and_o so_o to_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n do_v most_o frequent_o signify_v to_o die_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n sometime_o it_o signify_v to_o die_v for_o his_o cause_n and_o to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o his_o truth_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v martyrdom_n as_o st._n paul_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eph._n 4.1_o a_o prisoner_n in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v for_o his_o cause_n so_o likewise_o st._n peter_n if_o you_o be_v reproach_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o expression_n 1_o cor._n 15.18_o then_o they_o also_o which_o be_v fall_v asleep_a in_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v stand_v of_o those_o that_o die_v for_o his_o cause_n because_o it_o follow_v immediate_o if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n in_o christ_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a that_o be_v consider_v how_o much_o christian_n suffer_v for_o he_o in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v in_o a_o most_o miserable_a condition_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v expect_v beyond_o it_o but_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o parallel_n phrase_n 1_o thess_n 4.14_o so_o they_o also_o that_o sleep_n in_o jesus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o jesus_n sake_n that_o be_v they_o that_o have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o he_o will_v god_n bring_v with_o he_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n many_o understand_v the_o phrase_n in_o the_o text_n as_o speak_v of_o martyr_n bless_v be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v for_o his_o cause_n and_o though_o i_o think_v the_o phrase_n may_v well_o enough_o be_v understand_v more_o general_o yet_o i_o shall_v not_o reject_v this_o sense_n because_o it_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o word_n for_o consider_v that_o last_o and_o extreme_a persecution_n which_o he_o have_v describe_v it_o be_v not_o altogether_o improper_a to_o pronounce_v those_o happy_a that_o have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n already_o and_o be_v take_v away_o from_o those_o dreadful_a calamity_n which_o in_o these_o last_o day_n of_o antichrist_n be_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n the_o other_o expression_n be_v the_o last_o in_o the_o text_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o so_o we_o render_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o yet_o do_v most_o proper_o signify_v to_o accompany_v or_o go_v along_o with_o one_o and_o so_o indeed_o the_o expression_n will_v rather_o be_v more_o emphatical_a they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n accompany_v they_o but_o whether_o the_o word_n be_v render_v to_o follow_v or_o to_o accompany_v the_o difference_n be_v not_o very_o material_a thus_o you_o see_v what_o the_o particular_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n probable_o be_v to_o declare_v the_o happy_a estate_n of_o those_o saint_n or_o martyr_n who_o be_v already_o dead_a in_o and_z for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v not_o live_v to_o see_v those_o cruel_a and_o fearful_a suffering_n which_o shall_v afterward_o come_v upon_o the_o christian_n but_o then_o this_o be_v ground_v upon_o that_o general_a truth_n that_o they_o be_v happy_a that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o intend_v now_o to_o prosecute_v abstract_v from_o the_o particular_a occasion_n upon_o which_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v and_o chief_o design_v to_o handle_v upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o day_n namely_o the_o happy_a estate_n of_o good_a man_n after_o they_o be_v depart_v out_o of_o this_o life_n and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o two_o particular_n which_o the_o text_n mention_n as_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n why_o they_o that_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v in_o so_o bless_v a_o condition_n yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o 1._o good_a man_n when_o they_o be_v depart_v this_o life_n be_v free_v from_o all_o the_o labour_n and_o pain_n they_o be_v exercise_v with_o in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o labour_n 2._o they_o reap_v the_o comfort_n and_o reward_n of_o all_o the_o good_a which_o they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o world_n and_o their_o work_n do_v follow_v they_o or_o rather_o go_v aloâ—â—_n with_o they_o to_o receive_v the_o reward_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n 1._o those_o who_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v free_v from_o the_o evil_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n and_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o felicity_n that_o some_o and_o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o no_o small_a philosopher_n have_v place_v the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o man_n in_o freedom_n from_o pain_n and_o trouble_n but_o though_o happiness_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o this_o alone_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o for_o though_o some_o have_v be_v so_o fantastical_o obstinate_a as_o against_o the_o reason_n and_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n to_o maintain_v this_o paradox_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n may_v be_v as_o happy_a upon_o the_o rack_n or_o in_o phalaris_n his_o bull_n as_o in_o the_o great_a ease_n and_o freedom_n from_o pain_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o nature_n cry_v shame_n of_o this_o hypocrisy_n and_o there_o be_v none_o of_o those_o wise_a man_n they_o speak_v of_o be_v ever_o such_o fool_n as_o to_o try_v the_o experiment_n and_o to_o show_v by_o their_o action_n that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o whether_o they_o lay_v themselves_o down_o upon_o their_o bed_n every_o night_n or_o be_v stretch_v upon_o
a_o rack_n which_o yet_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o have_v they_o believe_v themselves_o and_o real_o esteem_v that_o which_o other_o account_v pain_n to_o be_v as_o happy_a a_o condition_n as_o that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v ease_n but_o we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o confute_v so_o stupid_a a_o principle_n which_o be_v confute_v by_o nature_n and_o by_o every_o man_n sense_n and_o experience_n i_o think_v we_o may_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o freedom_n from_o misery_n be_v a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o happiness_n otherwise_o heaven_n and_o hell_n if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o torment_n of_o it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o but_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o small_a endearment_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o next_o life_n a_o freedom_n from_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o trouble_n of_o this_o and_o by_o this_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v frequent_o describe_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n esai_n 57.2_o speak_v of_o the_o righteous_a man_n he_o shall_v enter_v into_o peace_n they_o shall_v rest_v in_o their_o bed_n 2_o thess_n 1.7_o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o reward_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o righteous_a thing_n with_o god_n say_v he_o to_o recompense_v to_o you_o who_o be_v trouble_v rest_v with_o we_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n frequent_o describe_v the_o happiness_n of_o christian_n by_o enter_v into_o rest_n and_o rev._n 21.4_o the_o state_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o deliverance_n from_o those_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n which_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o in_o this_o world_n and_o god_n shall_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o their_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o death_n neither_o sorrow_n nor_o cry_v neither_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o more_o pain_n for_o the_o former_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o sorrow_n and_o pain_n and_o death_n but_o when_o we_o be_v once_o get_v to_o heaven_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v approach_v we_o the_o former_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o that_o be_v the_o evil_n we_o former_o endure_v be_v past_a and_o over_o and_o shall_v never_o return_v to_o afflict_v we_o any_o more_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o great_a comfort_n when_o we_o be_v labour_v under_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n and_o conflict_a sore_o with_o the_o misery_n of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v past_o all_o these_o and_o find_v a_o safe_a refuge_n and_o retreat_n from_o all_o these_o storm_n and_o tempest_n when_o we_o be_v load_v with_o affliction_n and_o even_o tire_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o and_o ready_a to_o faint_v and_o sink_v under_o it_o to_o think_v that_o there_o remain_v a_o rest_n for_o we_o into_o which_o we_o shall_v short_o enter_v how_o can_v it_o choose_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a consolation_n to_o we_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n and_o trouble_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o god_n shall_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o our_o eye_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o sorrow_n nor_o cry_v there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o but_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o any_o of_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n we_o feel_v some_o of_o they_o and_o we_o fear_v more_o our_o outward_a condition_n it_o may_v be_v be_v uncomfortable_a we_o be_v poor_a and_o persecute_v we_o be_v destitute_a of_o friend_n or_o have_v many_o enemy_n we_o be_v despoil_v of_o many_o of_o those_o comfort_n and_o enjoyment_n which_o we_o once_o have_v our_o body_n perhaps_o be_v in_o pain_n or_o our_o spirit_n trouble_v or_o though_o we_o have_v no_o real_a cause_n of_o outward_a trouble_n yet_o our_o soul_n be_v ill_o lodge_v in_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n of_o a_o body_n overpower_a with_o a_o melancholy_a humour_n which_o keep_v out_o all_o light_n and_o comfort_n from_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v it_o no_o revive_n to_o we_o to_o think_v of_o that_o happy_a hour_n when_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o remedy_n and_o redress_n of_o all_o these_o evil_n at_o once_a of_o that_o bless_a place_n where_o we_o shall_v take_v sanctuary_n from_o all_o those_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n which_o pursue_v we_o in_o this_o world_n where_o sorrow_n and_o misery_n and_o death_n be_v perfect_a stranger_n and_o into_o which_o nothing_o that_o can_v render_v man_n in_o the_o least_o unhappy_a can_v ever_o enter_v where_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v in_o perfect_a rest_n and_o contentment_n and_o our_o body_n after_o a_o while_n shall_v be_v restore_v and_o reunite_v to_o our_o soul_n not_o to_o cloud_n and_o clog_n they_o as_o they_o do_v here_o but_o so_o happy_o change_v and_o refine_v to_o such_o a_o perfection_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v any_o disturbance_n to_o our_o mind_n that_o they_o shall_v mighty_o add_v to_o their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n and_o when_o we_o be_v once_o land_a in_o those_o bless_a region_n what_o a_o comfort_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o stand_v on_o the_o shore_n and_o look_v back_o upon_o those_o rough_a and_o dangerous_a sea_n which_o we_o have_v escape_v how_o pleasant_a to_o consider_v the_o manifold_a evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o be_v free_v from_o and_o for_o ever_o secure_v against_o to_o remember_v our_o past_a labour_n and_o suffering_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o defy_v all_o those_o temptation_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o assault_v we_o in_o this_o world_n with_o so_o much_o violence_n and_o with_o too_o much_o success_n and_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o they_o find_v a_o perfect_a cessation_n of_o all_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for._n 2._o they_o be_v not_o only_o free_v from_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n they_o be_v exercise_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n but_o they_o shall_v receive_v a_o plentiful_a reward_n of_o all_o the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v in_o it_o their_o work_n do_v accompany_v they_o when_o pious_a soul_n go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n they_o do_v not_o only_o leave_v all_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o world_n behind_o they_o but_o they_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o all_o the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v to_o reap_v there_o the_o comfort_n and_o reward_n of_o it_o just_o as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n wicked_a man_n when_o they_o die_v leave_v all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n behind_o they_o but_o the_o gild_n and_o remorse_n of_o their_o wicked_a life_n accompany_v they_o and_o stick_v close_o to_o they_o to_o torment_v they_o there_o and_o that_o there_o they_o may_v be_v torment_v for_o they_o thus_o the_o scripture_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o different_a condition_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n esai_n 3.10_o 11._o say_v you_o to_o the_o righteous_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o for_o they_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o do_n wo_n unto_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o hand_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o which_o be_v many_o time_n true_a in_o this_o world_n but_o however_o that_o happen_v will_v most_o certain_o and_o remarkable_o be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v most_o emphatical_o express_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n luke_n 16.25_o where_o the_o rich_a man_n petition_n abraham_n for_o some_o ease_n and_o abraham_n return_v he_o this_o answer_n son_n remember_v that_o thou_o in_o thy_o life_n time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o likewise_o lazarus_n evil_a thing_n but_o now_o he_o be_v comfort_v and_o thou_o be_v torment_v what_o a_o change_n be_v here_o how_o comfortable_a to_o the_o one_o and_o how_o dismal_a to_o the_o other_o lazarus_n find_v rest_n from_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o suffering_n and_o his_o piety_n and_o patience_n accompany_v he_o into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o convey_v he_o into_o abraham_n bosom_n whereas_o the_o rich_a man_n be_v part_v from_o all_o his_o good_a thing_n and_o the_o gild_n of_o his_o sin_n go_v along_o with_o he_o and_o lodge_v he_o in_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n but_o my_o text_n confine_v i_o to_o the_o bright_a side_n of_o this_o prospect_n the_o consideration_n of_o that_o glorious_a recompense_n which_o good_a man_n shall_v receive_v for_o the_o good_a work_n which_o they_o have_v do_v in_o this_o world_n indeed_o the_o text_n do_v not_o express_o say_v
himself_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o then_o they_o hate_v and_o persecute_v the_o live_n with_o as_o great_a violence_n and_o cruelty_n as_o ever_o be_v use_v by_o any_o part_n of_o mankind_n towards_o one_o another_o it_o be_v true_a they_o do_v it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o heresy_n and_o so_o do_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n too_o as_o st._n paul_n witness_v after_o the_o way_n which_o you_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n so_o they_o call_v we_o heretic_n though_o we_o receive_v and_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o reject_v their_o addition_n whereby_o they_o will_v make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n and_o as_o rome_n be_v parallel_v with_o jerusalem_n in_o many_o other_o respect_n so_o especial_o in_o the_o bloody_a persecution_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o as_o jerusalem_n be_v charge_v by_o our_o saviour_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n of_o all_o age_n so_o st._n john_n in_o the_o revelation_n say_v of_o rome_n that_o in_o she_o be_v find_v the_o blood_n of_o prophet_n and_o of_o saint_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v slay_v upon_o the_o earth_n ch_n 18.24_o which_o be_v no_o less_o true_a of_o rome_n christian_n than_o of_o rome_n pagan_a in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o perhaps_o in_o rome_n pagan_a herself_o have_v not_o so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n be_v shed_v as_o in_o rome_n christian_n and_o catholic_n and_o that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o day_n a_o come_n when_o she_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o heavy_a account_n for_o these_o thing_n when_o the_o heaven_n shall_v rejoice_v over_o she_o and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o prophet_n because_o god_n have_v avenge_v they_o on_o she_o sermon_n xiii_o the_o danger_n of_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n preach_v on_o november_n 5._o 1682._o rom_n x._o 2._o i_o bear_v they_o record_v that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_o cry_v up_o than_o zeal_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o which_o man_n do_v more_o frequent_o and_o fatal_o mistake_v and_o miscarry_v and_o in_o the_o expression_n and_o effect_n whereof_o man_n ought_v to_o govern_v themselves_o with_o more_o care_n and_o caution_n ii_o vol._n ii_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n zeal_n be_v as_o all_o other_o passion_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o of_o itself_o neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a but_o according_a to_o the_o object_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o for_o zeal_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o earnest_a concernment_n for_o or_o against_o something_o and_o a_o violent_a pursuit_n and_o prosecution_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o a_o right_a object_n so_o as_o we_o be_v earnest_o concern_v for_o thing_n that_o be_v unquestionable_o good_a and_o against_o thing_n that_o be_v unquestionable_o evil_a and_o in_o a_o due_a degree_n that_o be_v if_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o less_o or_o great_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v a_o commendable_a quality_n or_o virtue_n but_o if_o it_o be_v wrong_v place_v and_o we_o be_v earnest_o concern_v for_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o against_o that_o which_o be_v good_a or_o about_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a or_o doubtful_a nature_n as_o to_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o they_o or_o if_o we_o notorious_o exceed_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v more_o zealous_o concern_v about_o thing_n than_o they_o deserve_v and_o zealous_o concern_v about_o lesser_a thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o great_a in_o any_o of_o these_o case_n it_o be_v so_o for_o from_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o it_o be_v a_o vice_n xiii_o serm._n xiii_o of_o a_o most_o pernicious_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n and_o many_o time_n have_v as_o bad_a effect_n as_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o worst_a principle_n or_o disposition_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v sometime_o use_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o which_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n be_v concern_v to_o the_o great_a and_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o religion_n as_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o place_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o profaneness_n john_n 2.17_o the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o for_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o those_o gift_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.31_o but_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n so_o we_o render_v the_o word_n be_v zealous_a of_o the_o best_a gift_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a for_o a_o forwardness_n and_o readiness_n to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n 2_o cor._n 9.2_o i_o know_v the_o forwardness_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o your_o zeal_n have_v provoke_v very_o many_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o expression_n tit._n 2.14_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o then_o for_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o i_o be_o zealous_a of_o you_o with_o a_o godly_a zeal_n but_o the_o word_n be_v much_o more_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o bad_a sense_n for_o a_o malicious_a and_o furious_a rage_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n act_v 5.17_o 18._o then_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o they_o that_o be_v with_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o indignation_n the_o word_n be_v zeal_n and_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o put_v they_o in_o prison_n and_o chap._n 13.45_o it_o be_v say_v the_o jew_n be_v fill_v with_o zeal_n and_o speak_v against_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v by_o paul_n contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v and_o chap._n 17.5_o the_o jew_n which_o believe_v not_o move_v with_o zeal_n gather_v a_o company_n and_o set_v all_o the_o city_n in_o a_o uproar_n it_o be_v frequent_o reckon_v among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o mention_v in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o great_a vice_n and_o crime_n wrath_n contention_n division_n sedition_n murder_n tumult_n confusion_n rom._n 13.13_o let_v we_o walk_v honest_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n not_o in_o strife_n and_o zeal_n 1_o cor._n 3.3_o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o zeal_n and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a 2_o cor._n 12.20_o lest_o there_o be_v debate_n zeal_n wrath_n strife_n gal._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a among_o which_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v hatred_n variance_n zeal_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n st._n james_n call_v it_o a_o bitter_a zeal_n jam._n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o but_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o zeal_n most_o frequent_o go_v under_o a_o bad_a name_n and_o character_n in_o scripture_n zeal_n i_o mean_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o of_o that_o most_o of_o the_o text_n i_o have_v mention_v speak_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n mean_v here_o in_o the_o text_n by_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o zeal_n about_o religion_n and_o divine_a thing_n i_o bear_v they_o record_v that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n be_v desirous_a to_o say_v the_o best_a he_o can_v of_o his_o countryman_n the_o jew_n he_o commend_v the_o good_a meaning_n of_o their_o zeal_n and_o blame_v the_o ill_a conduct_n of_o it_o i_o bear_v they_o record_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o give_v this_o testimony_n on_o their_o behalf_n that_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o by_o all_o this_o fierceness_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o intend_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o think_v they_o do_v he_o service_n but_o yet_o this_o zeal_n be_v great_o to_o be_v condemn_v because_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_v and_o misguide_a zeal_n not_o at_o all_o direct_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v they_o have_v a_o zeal_n of_o god_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n i._o what_o be_v the_o qualification_n and_o property_n of_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n ii_o
it_o and_o keep_v it_o within_o bound_n it_o be_v like_a fire_n a_o good_a servant_n but_o a_o bad_a master_n if_o it_o once_o get_v head_n it_o consume_v and_o devour_v all_o before_o it_o and_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v most_o common_o find_v where_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v and_o possess_v those_o most_o who_o be_v least_o fit_a to_o govern_v it_o and_o most_o frequent_o employ_v about_o what_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v and_o ten_o to_o one_o but_o it_o be_v either_o mistake_v in_o the_o object_n or_o in_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o even_o when_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o nice_a and_o dangerous_a one_o for_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o mingle_v their_o own_o passion_n and_o interest_n with_o their_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o man_n be_v act_v by_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o do_v sincere_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o conscience_n but_o they_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o inform_v their_o conscience_n and_o not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v violent_o transport_v and_o hurry_v on_o by_o their_o own_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n and_o by_o a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n without_o knowledge_n but_o what_o then_o will_v we_o have_v man_n not_o follow_v their_o own_o conscience_n or_o act_v contrary_a to_o they_o no_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o though_o conscience_n be_v not_o our_o rule_n yet_o it_o be_v our_o immediate_a guide_n and_o he_o do_v ill_a who_o do_v act_n against_o his_o conscience_n but_o man_n must_v be_v careful_a how_o they_o settle_v their_o practical_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o conclude_v thing_n to_o be_v lawful_a or_o unlawful_a duty_n or_o sin_n without_o reason_n and_o good_a ground_n god_n have_v give_v we_o understanding_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v thing_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o this_o trial_n and_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v rash_o and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v hurry_v by_o prejudice_n or_o passion_n the_o error_n of_o our_o judgement_n become_v fault_n of_o our_o life_n for_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o we_o do_v and_o when_o he_o have_v afford_v we_o light_a enough_o to_o discern_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o we_o shall_v careful_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v suspicious_a of_o ourselves_o when_o our_o zeal_n carry_v we_o to_o do_v thing_n that_o be_v furious_a and_o cruel_a false_a and_o treacherous_a and_o have_v a_o horrid_a appearance_n even_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n we_o shall_v question_v that_o zeal_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o christian_a goodness_n and_o meekness_n to_o peace_n and_o charity_n and_o which_o tend_v to_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o that_o excellent_a passage_n of_o st._n james_n which_o will_v show_v we_o how_o little_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o many_o man_n pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o religion_n jam._n 3.13_o who_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o endue_v with_o knowledge_n among_o you_o let_v he_o show_v out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n his_o work_n with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n but_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n but_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v sow_o in_o peace_n of_o they_o that_o make_v peace_n sermon_n fourteen_o the_o best_a man_n liable_a to_o the_o worst_a treatment_n from_o mistake_v zealot_n preach_v on_o november_n 5._o 1686._o john_n xvi_o 2._o they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n these_o word_n be_v speak_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o leave_v the_o world_n at_o the_o thought_n whereof_o find_v his_o disciple_n to_o be_v exceed_o trouble_v ii_o vol._n ii_o he_o comfort_v they_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o from_o thence_o will_v accrue_v to_o they_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o be_v go_v to_o heaven_n to_o intercede_v for_o they_o and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o their_o admission_n there_o and_o withal_o promise_v that_o his_o father_n will_v send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o shall_v abundant_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o they_o but_o he_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o very_o ill_a entertainment_n and_o usage_n from_o the_o world_n but_o so_o have_v he_o ch._n 15.18_o if_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o you_o know_v that_o it_o hate_v i_o before_o it_o hate_v you_o and_o why_o shall_v they_o expect_v to_o be_v better_o treat_v than_o he_o be_v v._o 20._o remember_v the_o word_n that_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o lord_n if_o they_o have_v persecute_v i_o they_o will_v also_o persecute_v you_o and_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o do_v on_o purpose_n forewarn_v they_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o prepare_v their_o mind_n beforehand_o and_o to_o arm_v they_o against_o the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v v._n 1._o these_o thing_n have_v i_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o fourteen_o serm._n fourteen_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v and_o then_o he_o declare_v more_o particular_o how_o far_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o man_n shall_v proceed_v against_o they_o and_o in_o what_o kind_n they_o shall_v suffer_v they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n so_o that_o our_o saviour_n here_o fortell_n two_o sort_n of_o persecution_n which_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v exercise_v withal_o excommunication_n they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n and_o excision_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n and_o these_o perhaps_o be_v but_o several_a kind_n and_n degree_n of_o excommunication_n for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n whereof_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a brief_o to_o explain_v the_o three_o degree_n of_o excommunication_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o first_o call_v niddui_n be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o mean_v by_o put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o which_o he_o elsewhere_o express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o separation_n luke_n 6.22_o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v hate_v you_o and_o when_o they_o shall_v separate_v yond_o from_o their_o company_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o excommunication_n be_v to_o exclude_v man_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o from_o his_o service_n which_o be_v a_o great_a disgrace_n because_o after_o this_o sentence_n none_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o converse_v with_o they_o but_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n the_o second_o degree_n of_o this_o censure_n be_v call_v cherem_n which_o include_v the_o first_o but_o extend_v far_o to_o the_o confiscation_n of_o good_n into_o the_o sacred_a treasury_n and_o devote_v they_o to_o god_n after_o which_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n of_o they_o and_o of_o this_o we_o find_v express_v mention_n ezra_n 10.7_o 8._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o make_v proclamation_n throughout_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n unto_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o captivity_n that_o they_o shall_v gather_v themselves_o together_o unto_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o come_v within_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o elder_n all_o his_o substance_n shall_v be_v devote_v and_o himself_o separate_v from_o the_o congregation_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v carriy_v away_o the_o three_o degree_n w_v shammatha_n when_o the_o rebellious_a and_o contumacious_a person_n be_v anathematise_v and_o devote_v and_o as_o some_o conceive_v according_a to_o the_o law_n levit._n 27.29_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n though_o other_o very_a konw_a man_n in_o the_o jewish_a learning_n think_v it_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o final_a sentence_n whereby_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n by_o some_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o he_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o
they_o may_v do_v any_o thing_n and_o that_o whosoever_o oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o so_o ancient_a and_o good_a a_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o bad_a man_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v proceed_v against_o in_o the_o severe_a manner_n as_o if_o any_o pretence_n of_o piety_n can_v give_v a_o privilege_n to_o do_v wicked_o and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o wise_a and_o holy_a any_o man_n take_v himself_o to_o be_v he_o may_v do_v so_o much_o the_o worse_a thing_n there_o be_v another_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o st._n paul_n who_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n for_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o father_n persecute_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n by_o imprisonment_n and_o death_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o cruelty_n and_o all_o this_o while_n he_o very_o think_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n check_v he_o in_o his_o course_n and_o change_v his_o mind_n he_o will_v have_v spend_v his_o whole_a life_n in_o that_o course_n of_o persecution_n and_o cruelty_n and_o will_v with_o pope_n paul_n the_o iv_o upon_o his_o deathbed_n have_v recommend_v the_o inquisition_n or_o if_o he_o can_v have_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n more_o severe_a to_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o near_a instance_n though_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v not_o the_o only_a church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v countenance_v the_o destruction_n and_o extirpation_n of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o very_o acceptable_a service_n to_o god_n and_o meritorious_a of_o the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n 5._o i_o observe_v that_o such_o action_n as_o these_o be_v never_o the_o less_o horrible_o wicked_a and_o impious_a notwithstanding_o the_o good_a mind_n with_o which_o and_o the_o good_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v do_v the_o jew_n be_v not_o excuse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o persecution_n and_o murder_n for_o all_o they_o think_v they_o do_v well_o in_o kill_v the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o to_o make_v a_o action_n good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o goodness_n of_o all_o cause_n and_o of_o all_o circumstance_n must_v concur_v and_o any_o one_o defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o do_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a action_n and_o spoil_v the_o goodness_n of_o it_o we_o must_v do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a mind_n be_v very_o persuade_v that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o which_o sense_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o we_o must_v do_v it_o for_o a_o good_a end_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o men._n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n want_v yet_o which_o be_v often_o forget_v but_o be_v main_o considerable_a viz._n what_o we_o do_v with_o a_o good_a mind_n and_o to_o a_o good_a end_n must_v be_v good_a and_o lawful_a in_o itself_o command_v or_o allow_v or_o at_o least_o not_o forbid_v by_o god_n if_o it_o be_v what_o good_a circumstance_n soever_o may_v belong_v to_o the_o action_n the_o whole_a action_n be_v stark_o naught_o because_o the_o very_a matter_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o unlawful_a and_o damnable_a though_o do_v for_o never_o so_o good_a a_o end_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o who_o say_v they_o may_v do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v their_o damnation_n be_v just_a he_o tell_v we_o indeed_o that_o some_o will_v have_v charge_v this_o doctrine_n upon_o the_o christian_n and_o particular_o upon_o himself_o but_o he_o reject_v it_o with_o the_o great_a detestation_n and_o which_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o our_o observation_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o time_n be_v present_a have_v particular_o direct_v he_o to_o give_v this_o caution_n to_o that_o church_n that_o in_o future_a age_n they_o may_v be_v warn_v against_o so_o pernicious_a a_o principle_n and_o all_o wicked_a practice_n that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o and_o we_o find_v that_o st._n paul_n after_o his_o conversion_n do_v think_v it_o no_o sufficient_a plea_n and_o excuse_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o persecution_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v out_o of_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n as_o he_o be_v very_o persuade_v but_o notwithstanding_o that_o acknowledge_v himself_o a_o murderer_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a sinner_n for_o which_o without_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n he_o have_v perish_v everlasting_o 6._o and_o last_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o worst_a religion_n be_v certain_o the_o high_a accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n a_o excellent_a quality_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o barbarous_a and_o spur_n man_n on_o to_o more_o horrid_a impiety_n than_o a_o blind_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n our_o saviour_n compare_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o salt_n and_o light_n the_o most_o useful_a and_o delightful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n religion_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o shall_v go_v it_o season_v the_o spirit_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o be_v putrify_a and_o corrupt_v but_o if_o the_o salt_n lose_v its_o savour_n if_o that_o which_o shall_v season_v other_o thing_n be_v taint_v itself_o it_o be_v thenceforth_o the_o most_o insipid_a and_o offensive_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v upon_o the_o dunghill_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n mistake_v and_o false_a principle_n be_v not_o where_o so_o pernicious_a and_o of_o such_o mischievous_a consequence_n as_o in_o religion_n a_o blind_a and_o misguide_a zeal_n in_o religion_n be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v the_o best_a nature_n and_o disposition_n in_o the_o world_n st._n paul_n for_o aught_o appear_v be_v of_o himself_o of_o a_o very_a kind_n and_o compassionate_a nature_n and_o yet_o what_o a_o fury_n do_v his_o mistake_a zeal_n make_v he_o it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a how_o mad_o he_o lay_v about_o he_o but_o that_o he_o himself_o give_v we_o the_o account_n of_o it_o act_n 26.9_o 10_o 11._o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o say_v he_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n which_o thing_n i_o also_o do_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n have_v receive_v authority_n from_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o give_v my_o voice_n against_o they_o and_o i_o punish_v they_o oft_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o to_o strange_a city_n i_o may_v descend_v low_a and_o give_v instance_n both_o of_o former_a and_o late_a time_n of_o emperor_n and_o prince_n both_o heathen_a and_o christian_n that_o of_o themselves_o be_v mild_a and_o gentle_a and_o yet_o through_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n and_o the_o instigation_n of_o their_o chief_a priest_n have_v be_v carry_v to_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a thing_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o give_v so_o keen_a a_o edge_n even_o to_o the_o mild_a temper_n as_o a_o erroneous_a and_o wild_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o be_v like_a quicksilver_n in_o the_o back_n of_o a_o sword_n that_o be_v not_o very_o sharp_a of_o itself_o which_o give_v a_o mighty_a force_n and_o weight_n to_o its_o blow_n and_o make_v it_o to_o cut_v terrible_o and_o it_o be_v very_o sad_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o zealous_a prosecution_n of_o mistake_v in_o religion_n have_v produce_v sad_a and_o more_o barbarous_a effect_n in_o the_o world_n and_o more_o frequent_o than_o the_o ordinary_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o natural_a light_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v as_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o most_o generous_a wine_n make_v the_o sowere_v vinegar_n so_o that_o the_o pasquil_n or_o libel_n against_o pope_n vrban_n the_o viii_o upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o take_n off_o the_o brazen_a roof_n of_o the_o old_a capitol_n which_o have_v hold_v out_o so_o many_o age_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o rome_n have_v be_v so_o often_o sack_v by_o barbarous_a
we_o may_v sit_v down_o every_o man_n under_o his_o own_o vine_n and_o under_o his_o own_o figtree_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o to_o make_v we_o afraid_a so_o that_o if_o security_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n then_o government_n be_v so_o too_o for_o without_o this_o the_o society_n of_o man_n will_v present_o dissolve_v and_o fall_v in_o piece_n and_o all_o thing_n will_v run_v into_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n 2._o another_o great_a benefit_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v from_o government_n though_o it_o do_v always_o so_o happen_v be_v that_o man_n be_v protect_v by_o it_o in_o the_o free_a exercise_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o we_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n that_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o 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much_o great_a number_n do_v escape_v and_o be_v preserve_v and_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o this_o matter_n against_o several_a of_o the_o main_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n there_o never_o be_v any_o humane_a law_n make_v as_o against_o the_o inward_a love_n honour_n and_o reverence_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o worship_v he_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o secret_a of_o this_o part_n of_o religion_n humane_a law_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n nay_o far_a yet_o against_o humility_n and_o meekness_n against_o modesty_n and_o patience_n against_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n against_o peaceableness_n and_o obedience_n to_o government_n against_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n against_o charity_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o injury_n against_o these_o and_o such_o like_a virtue_n the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o law_n against_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o without_o some_o of_o which_o government_n can_v not_o possible_o subsist_v no_o perfection_n be_v ever_o raise_v no_o not_o by_o the_o worst_a of_o governor_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n good_a man_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o time_n protect_v by_o law_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o good_a man_n have_v many_o time_n be_v grievous_o perfect_v by_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o under_o their_o protection_n they_o may_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n st._n paul_n know_v very_o well_o when_o he_o give_v this_o injunction_n to_o they_o that_o supplication_n and_o prayer_n be_v make_v for_o king_n and_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o at_o that_o time_n favour_n christianity_n but_o he_o know_v likewise_o that_o government_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o christian_n even_o in_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n do_v enjoy_v many_o considerable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o perpetual_o expose_v to_o popular_a rage_n and_o cruelty_n and_o the_o violence_n of_o wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n which_o will_v not_o only_o have_v hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n but_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n have_v endanger_v the_o extinguish_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o by_o the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o government_n the_o christian_n have_v many_o considerable_a interval_n of_o peace_n and_o ease_n which_o give_v christianity_n a_o breathe_a time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o recover_v itself_o and_o though_o the_o secular_a authority_n do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n discountenance_n christianity_n and_o keep_v it_o under_o hatch_n that_o be_v but_o a_o accidental_a effect_n and_o abuse_v of_o government_n and_o obedience_n be_v still_o due_a and_o prayer_n for_o it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a yea_o and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o it_o very_o reasonable_a upon_o account_n of_o the_o common_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o to_o humane_a society_n beside_o that_o christian_n do_v hope_n and_o believe_v that_o the_o civil_a government_n may_v in_o time_n be_v gain_v to_o give_v its_o countenance_n and_o assistance_n to_o christianity_n and_o that_o king_n and_o prince_n may_v become_v nurse_v father_n to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v express_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o afterward_o in_o god_n due_a time_n be_v remarkable_o accomplish_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n christian_n be_v patient_o to_o obey_v and_o suffer_v in_o expectation_n of_o those_o glorious_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o pray_v for_o the_o power_n that_o persecute_v they_o that_o they_o also_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o may_v use_v that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o they_o for_o the_o protection_n of_o truth_n and_o innocency_n and_o for_o the_o continuance_n and_o support_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o bless_a be_v god_n be_v afterward_o the_o case_n of_o christianity_n for_o several_a age_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mighty_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o government_n lay_v upon_o we_o both_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o prince_n and_o governor_n and_o likewise_o to_o praise_v god_n for_o they_o because_o in_o their_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n the_o public_a peace_n and_o happiness_n do_v chief_o consist_v and_o in_o the_o public_a good_a consist_v the_o good_a of_o particular_a person_n and_o above_o all_o the_o piety_n and_o goodness_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v in_o high_a place_n of_o authority_n have_v a_o general_a good_a influence_n upon_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n both_o for_o the_o discountenance_v of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o main_a pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n a_o king_n sit_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o judgement_n say_v solomon_n prov._n 20.8_o scatter_v away_o all_o evil_n with_o his_o eye_n the_o pattern_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o good_a prince_n be_v a_o live_a law_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o more_o than_o the_o example_n of_o ten_o thousand_o other_o to_o mould_n and_o fashion_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n to_o a_o conformity_n to_o it_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v as_o one_o express_v a_o kind_a of_o moral_a connexion_n and_o communication_n of_o evil_a and_o of_o gild_n betwixt_o prince_n and_o people_n so_o that_o they_o be_v many_o time_n mutual_o reward_v for_o the_o virtue_n and_o good_a action_n and_o punish_v for_o the_o sin_n and_o fault_n of_o one_o another_o of_o which_o proceed_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v many_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o scripture_n where_o god_n reward_v the_o piety_n of_o good_a prince_n with_o great_a blessing_n upon_o their_o people_n and_o punish_v the_o personal_a fault_n of_o their_o king_n with_o public_a judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a nation_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o ourselves_o to_o pray_v for_o our_o prince_n and_o governor_n because_o our_o welfare_n be_v involve_v in_o they_o and_o we_o suffer_v not_o only_o in_o all_o the_o misfortune_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v they_o but_o many_o time_n upon_o account_n of_o their_o personal_a fault_n and_o miscarriage_n quicquid_fw-la delirant_fw-la reges_fw-la plectuntur_fw-la achivi_fw-la the_o extravagance_n of_o prince_n be_v punish_v in_o the_o misfortune_n of_o their_o subject_n thus_o david_n