man_n be_v a_o work_n not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v afford_v his_o grace_n to_o those_o who_o reject_v and_o despise_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o word_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o if_o we_o sincere_o use_v these_o mean_n we_o may_v confident_o expect_v the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o make_v they_o effectual_a but_o if_o we_o neglect_v and_o resist_v these_o mean_n in_o confidence_n that_o god_n shall_v attempt_v our_o recovery_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n though_o he_o shall_v gratify_v our_o presumptuous_a and_o unreasonable_a curiosity_n so_o far_o as_o to_o send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o testify_v unto_o 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that_o those_o who_o obstinate_o reject_v a_o clear_a and_o public_a revelation_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v effectual_o convince_v and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o any_o apparition_n from_o the_o dead_a i_o shall_v only_o make_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v make_v and_o so_o conclude_v one_a since_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o public_a and_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n to_o man_n and_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o may_v hence_o conclude_v that_o people_n ought_v to_o have_v they_o in_o such_o a_o language_n as_o they_o can_v understand_v this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o suppose_v in_o the_o discourse_n which_o he_o represent_v between_o abraham_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n desire_v that_o lazarus_n may_v be_v send_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o his_o brethren_n to_o testify_v unto_o they_o to_o which_o request_n abraham_n will_v not_o have_v give_v this_o answer_n and_o advice_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o have_v he_o suppose_v that_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v or_o for_o the_o future_a aught_o to_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n for_o the_o rich_a man_n may_v very_o well_o have_v reply_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o such_o a_o language_n as_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o need_n why_o one_o shall_v be_v send_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o testify_v unto_o they_o nor_o will_v abraham_n have_v say_v again_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v for_o how_o shall_v man_n hear_v what_o they_o can_v understand_v so_o as_o to_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o our_o saviour_n according_a to_o the_o reason_v of_o this_o parable_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o stand_n and_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v to_o have_v the_o free_a use_n of_o they_o but_o since_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v find_v a_o mighty_a inconvenience_n in_o this_o and_o therefore_o have_v take_v the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n they_o will_v not_o now_o let_v they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o write_n of_o his_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v real_o afraid_a they_o shall_v hear_v they_o and_o by_o hear_v of_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o church_n but_o instead_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n they_o have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n a_o legend_n of_o famous_a apparition_n of_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a testify_v unto_o they_o concern_v purgatory_n and_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o refreshment_n which_o soul_n in_o purgatory_n have_v by_o the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o live_n put_v up_o to_o saint_n and_o angel_n on_o their_o behalf_n so_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n quite_o contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n method_n man_n be_v persuade_v of_o their_o religion_n of_o their_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n not_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n not_o by_o the_o doctirne_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o they_o every_o where_n testify_v against_o they_o but_o by_o absurd_a romance_n and_o ill-contrived_a fiction_n of_o apparition_n from_o the_o dead_a i_o will_v dismiss_v this_o matter_n with_o this_o one_o observation_n that_o however_o interest_v and_o confident_a man_n may_v set_v a_o bold_a face_n upon_o any_o thing_n yet_o it_o can_v to_o considerate_a man_n but_o seem_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o the_o ordinary_a and_o in_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o salvatjoin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v in_o it_o but_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o to_o that_o which_o do_v more_o immediate_o concern_v our_o practice_n two_o let_v we_o hear_v and_o obey_v that_o public_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n which_o in_o so_o much_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v to_o we_o this_o be_v a_o inestimable_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o world_n in_o many_o age_n be_v destitute_a of_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n to_o conduct_v they_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o some_o particular_a revelation_n which_o now_o and_o then_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n but_o now_o god_n have_v set_v up_o a_o great_a and_o stand_a light_n in_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o bless_a son_n have_v give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n to_o all_o man_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n through_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o day_n spring_n from_o on_o high_a have_v visit_v we_o to_o give_v light_n to_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o to_o guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o error_n of_o our_o way_n and_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v do_v enjoy_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o divine_a revelation_n which_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v and_o as_o great_a as_o the_o world_n ever_o shall_v have_v god_n in_o these_o last_o day_n have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o god_n will_v employ_v no_o other_o extraordinary_a prophet_n and_o messenger_n to_o we_o if_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n so_o clear_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o blesle_v saviour_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n if_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a torment_n if_o the_o dreadful_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o merciful_a offer_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n will_v not_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o amend_v our_o life_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v use_v any_o far_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v we_o that_o he_o shall_v ever_o make_v any_o more_o attempt_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o three_o and_o last_o those_o who_o
his_o own_o kingdom_n 2._o they_o pretend_v that_o though_o he_o do_v many_o great_a work_n yet_o he_o give_v they_o no_o sign_n from_o heaven_n matt._n 16._o 1._o it_o be_v say_v they_o desire_v he_o to_o show_v they_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n it_o seem_v they_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v some_o immediate_a testimony_n to_o he_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v to_o elias_n when_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v his_o enemy_n and_o particular_o they_o expect_v that_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n he_o shall_v have_v come_v down_o and_o save_v himself_o and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o answer_v their_o expectation_n in_o this_o they_o conclude_v he_o a_o impostor_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a when_o he_o have_v wrought_v so_o many_o other_o and_o great_a miracle_n perverse_o to_o insist_v upon_o some_o particular_a kind_n of_o miracle_n which_o they_o fancy_v as_o if_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n and_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o as_o much_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o he_o have_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n four_o as_o to_o his_o conversation_n they_o have_v these_o three_o exception_n 1._o that_o he_o use_v no_o severity_n in_o his_o habit_n or_o diet_n take_v too_o much_o freedom_n as_o they_o think_v come_v eat_v and_o drink_v that_o be_v he_o free_o use_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v with_o temperance_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o do_v not_o lay_v those_o rigorous_a restraint_n upon_o himself_o in_o these_o matter_n which_o many_o that_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o religious_a among_o they_o use_v to_o do_v but_o he_o plain_o show_v they_o that_o this_o exception_n be_v mere_o out_o of_o their_o prejudice_n against_o he_o for_o if_o he_o have_v come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o austerity_n they_o will_v have_v reject_v he_o as_o well_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o whatever_o he_o do_v matth._n 11._o 16._o whereunto_o shall_v i_o liken_v this_o generation_n john_n the_o baptist_n come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n he_o live_v in_o a_o more_o austere_a and_o melancholy_a way_n he_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n use_v great_a strictness_n and_o severity_n in_o his_o habit_n and_o diet_n and_o this_o they_o take_v exception_n at_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a temper_n and_o that_o do_v not_o please_v they_o neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v behold_v a_o wine-bibber_n and_o a_o glutton_n so_o that_o let_v our_o saviour_n have_v do_v what_o he_o will_v he_o can_v not_o have_v carry_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o have_v escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n so_o peevish_o and_o perverse_o dispose_v 2._o that_o he_o keep_v company_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o which_o exception_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o our_o saviour_n own_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o be_v a_o physician_n to_o the_o world_n to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v angry_a or_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o he_o converse_v with_o his_o patient_n among_o who_o his_o proper_a employment_n lay_v 3._o they_o object_v to_o he_o profaneness_n in_o break_v the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o sure_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v of_o god_n if_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o sabbath-day_n the_o truth_n be_v he_o have_v heal_v one_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n to_o this_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o most_o reasonable_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n that_o sure_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v good_a on_o the_o sabbath-day_n that_o that_o be_v but_o a_o positive_a institution_n but_o work_v of_o mercy_n be_v natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n and_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v even_o his_o own_o institution_n to_o give_v way_n to_o those_o great_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o refreshment_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v intend_v to_o his_o prejudice_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o man_n and_o not_o man_n for_o the_o sabbath_n five_o another_o great_a prejudice_n against_o he_o be_v that_o person_n of_o the_o great_a knowledge_n and_o authority_n among_o they_o do_v not_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 7._o 48._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n against_o he_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o guide_n ought_v to_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o we_o and_o over-rule_v we_o in_o doubtful_a case_n but_o not_o against_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n there_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v and_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o visible_a and_o palpable_a corruption_n in_o those_o who_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o they_o may_v have_v a_o interest_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o ruler_n at_o that_o time_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v never_o more_o endanger_v nor_o never_o more_o corrupt_v than_o by_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o great_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v understand_v religion_n best_o and_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a support_n of_o it_o man_n may_v err_v but_o god_n can_v so_o that_o when_o god_n send_v a_o prophet_n or_o by_o his_o word_n do_v plain_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o human_a example_n and_o authority_n cease_v and_o be_v of_o no_o force_n the_o last_o prejudice_n i_o shall_v mention_v which_o the_o jew_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o it_o do_v abolish_v and_o supersede_n their_o religion_n as_o of_o no_o long_a use_n and_o continuance_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n this_o have_v be_v a_o very_a specious_a pretence_n indeed_o have_v not_o this_o be_v part_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o have_v not_o their_o own_o prophet_n foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o perfect_v what_o be_v want_v and_o defective_a in_o their_o institution_n it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o their_o law_n that_o god_n will_v raise_v unto_o they_o another_o prophet_n like_v to_o moses_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v hear_v he_o when_o he_o come_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o do_v not_o reprove_v the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o false_a but_o as_o imperfect_a and_o do_v not_o contradict_v and_o overthrow_v but_o perfect_a and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v over_o the_o chief_a exception_n and_o offence_n which_o the_o jew_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o have_v not_o now_o time_n to_o proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v but_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v easy_o see_v upon_o what_o slight_a and_o unreasonable_a ground_n man_n may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o the_o best_a person_n and_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o confident_a all_o the_o while_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o so_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n think_v themselves_o to_o be_v therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o put_v on_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o modesty_n that_o we_o way_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v impartial_o of_o thing_n and_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v preserve_v free_a and_o indifferent_a to_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o otherwise_o self-conceit_n and_o passion_n will_v so_o blind_v our_o mind_n and_o bias_n our_o judgement_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v unable_a to_o discern_v and_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o plain_a and_o most_o evident_a truth_n we_o see_v here_o by_o the_o sad_a example_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o by_o give_v way_n to_o passion_n and_o cherish_v pride_n and_o self-conceit_n man_n may_v be_v so_o deep_o prejudice_v against_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o resist_v the_o clear_a light_n and_o reject_v even_o salvation_n itself_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a that_o the_o scripture_n say_v
of_o we_o which_o our_o reason_n and_o a_o regard_n to_o our_o own_o advantage_n which_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o without_o any_o consideration_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o most_o case_n urge_v we_o to_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n beside_o that_o it_o do_v not_o now_o happen_v so_o frequent_o as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n nay_o very_o seldom_o in_o comparison_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a both_o because_o religion_n offer_v to_o we_o in_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a suffering_n a_o happiness_n unspeakable_o great_a than_o that_o which_o we_o forego_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o when_o it_o happen_v god_n do_v extraordinary_o enable_v man_n to_o go_v through_o it_o with_o courage_n and_o comfort_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o in_o great_a number_n of_o all_o temper_n and_o age_n do_v voluntary_o choose_v to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o these_o suffering_n when_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o they_o but_o fair_a term_n of_o retreat_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o by_o their_o enemy_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n when_o a_o man_n suffer_v by_o the_o law_n and_o can_v help_v it_o and_o another_o thing_n when_o man_n may_v avoid_v suffer_v in_o the_o former_a case_n man_n submit_v to_o necessity_n and_o bear_v it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o latter_a case_n if_o man_n suffer_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o firm_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o suffer_v cheerful_o and_o with_o joy_n as_o most_o of_o the_o martyr_n do_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o god_n afford_v they_o extraordinary_a support_n in_o their_o suffering_n and_o then_o the_o case_n be_v not_o very_o hard_a when_o religion_n put_v they_o upon_o nothing_o but_o what_o it_o give_v they_o cause_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o five_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o to_o break_v the_o courage_n and_o vigour_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o the_o precept_n of_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o of_o forgive_a injury_n and_o the_o like_a this_o objection_n have_v make_v a_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v be_v urge_v by_o man_n of_o great_a reputation_n and_o a_o deep_a insight_n into_o the_o temper_n of_o man_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_o insist_v upon_o by_o machiavelli_n and_o very_o likely_a it_o may_v though_o i_o think_v that_o elsewhere_o he_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v with_o term_n of_o respect_n not_o only_o of_o religion_n in_o general_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o seem_v very_o much_o to_o contradict_v the_o other_o he_o say_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o livy_n ch._n 11._o that_o the_o greatness_n and_o success_n of_o rome_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o their_o piety_n and_o religion_n and_o that_o rome_n be_v more_o indebt_v to_o numa_n pompilius_n for_o settle_v religion_n among_o they_o than_o to_o romulus_n the_o founder_n of_o their_o state_n and_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v be_v much_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o say_v he_o without_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o military_a discipline_n religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o good_a law_n and_o good_a discipline_n and_o particular_o he_o commend_v the_o samnite_n who_o betake_v themselves_o to_o religion_n as_o their_o last_o and_o best_a remedy_n to_o make_v man_n courageous_a nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o raise_v man_n spirit_n than_o religion_n but_o howsoever_o this_o objection_n be_v i_o dare_v appeal_n both_o to_o reason_n and_o experience_n for_o the_o confutation_n of_o it_o 1._o to_o reason_n and_o that_o as_o to_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v apt_a to_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n principle_n of_o the_o great_a resolution_n and_o true_a courage_n it_o teach_v man_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o most_o rational_a ground_n to_o despise_v danger_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o the_o great_a and_o most_o formidable_a evil_n in_o this_o world_n and_o this_o principle_n be_v likely_a to_o inspire_v man_n with_o the_o great_a courage_n for_o what_o need_n he_o fear_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n who_o fear_v not_o death_n after_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v fear_v and_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v by_o give_v man_n the_o assurance_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o happiness_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o secure_n of_o this_o happiness_n it_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o to_o exercise_v a_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o free_v a_o man_n from_o all_o inward_a and_o torment_a fear_n of_o what_o may_v happen_v to_o he_o after_o death_n this_o make_v the_o righteous_a man_n to_o be_v as_o solomon_n say_v bold_a as_o a_o lion_n nothing_o render_v a_o man_n more_o undaunted_a as_o to_o death_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o than_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o have_v wilful_o displease_v he_o who_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o the_o other_o world_n so_o that_o a_o good_a man_n be_v secure_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n may_v upon_o that_o account_n reasonable_o hope_v for_o a_o great_a happiness_n after_o death_n than_o other_o man_n whereas_o a_o bad_a man_n if_o he_o be_v sober_a and_o have_v his_o sense_n awake_v to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o thing_n can_v but_o be_v afraid_a to_o die_v and_o be_v extreme_o anxious_a and_o solicitous_a what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o in_o another_o world_n and_o sure_o it_o will_v make_v the_o stout_a man_n breathe_v afraid_a to_o venture_v upon_o death_n when_o he_o see_v hell_n beyond_o it_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v some_o monster_n of_o man_n who_o may_v have_v so_o far_o suppress_v the_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o stupefy_v their_o conscience_n as_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n to_o have_v conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o of_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o but_o this_o happen_v but_o to_o a_o very_a few_o as_o the_o poet_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o epicurean_a fellix_fw-la qui_fw-la potuit_fw-la rerum_fw-la cognoscere_fw-la causas_fw-la atque_fw-la metus_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o inexorabile_fw-la fatum_fw-la subjecit_fw-la pedibus_fw-la strepitumque_fw-la acherontis_fw-la avari_fw-la there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o attain_v to_o this_o temper_n and_o but_o at_o some_o time_n so_o that_o if_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n do_v general_o break_v the_o firmness_n of_o man_n spirit_n it_o remain_v that_o nothing_o but_o religion_n can_v general_o give_v man_n courage_n against_o death_n and_o this_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v eminent_o to_o those_o who_o live_v according_a to_o it_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o conquer_a death_n for_o we_o and_o give_v we_o assurance_n of_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o life_n 2._o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o such_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o in_o reason_n tend_v to_o dispirit_v man_n and_o break_v their_o true_a courage_n but_o only_o to_o regulate_v it_o and_o take_v away_o the_o fierceness_n and_o brutishness_n of_o it_o this_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n that_o man_n of_o the_o true_a courage_n have_v many_o time_n lest_o of_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o passion_n and_o fierceness_n those_o who_o be_v better_o breed_v be_v common_o of_o more_o gentle_a and_o civil_a disposition_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o therefore_o want_v true_a courage_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o roughness_n and_o foolhardiness_n of_o man_n of_o rude_a breed_n so_o in_o a_o true_a christian_a courage_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v very_o consistent_a with_o meekness_n and_o patience_n and_o humility_n not_o that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v very_o courageous_a there_o be_v much_o of_o this_o in_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o man_n which_o religion_n do_v not_o quite_o alter_v but_o that_o which_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o maintain_v be_v that_o christianity_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o man_n courage_n and_o that_o caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la suppose_v man_n of_o equal_a temper_n no_o man_n have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v valiant_a as_o he_o that_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o bluster_a and_o boisterous_a and_o rash_a courage_n but_o a_o sober_a and_o
calm_a and_o fix_v valour_n 2._o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o do_v ever_o great_a courage_n and_o contempt_n of_o death_n appear_v in_o all_o age_n and_o sex_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n than_o in_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n be_v any_o of_o the_o heathen_a soldier_n comparable_a to_o the_o christian_a legion_n for_o resolution_n and_o courage_n even_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v judges_n the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n seem_v to_o be_v contrive_v to_o inspire_v man_n with_o fierceness_n and_o desperateness_n of_o resolution_n and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v but_o that_o general_o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o equality_n for_o number_n the_o christian_n have_v be_v superior_a to_o they_o in_o valour_n and_o have_v give_v great_a instance_n of_o resolution_n and_o courage_n than_o the_o turk_n have_v do_v so_o that_o i_o wonder_v upon_o what_o ground_n this_o objection_n have_v be_v take_v up_o against_o christianity_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o religion_n or_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a countenance_n to_o it_o and_o sure_o the_o best_a way_n to_o know_v what_o effect_v any_o religion_n be_v likely_a to_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v to_o consider_v what_o effect_n it_o have_v have_v in_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o mankind_n there_o remain_v the_o other_o two_o objection_n which_o i_o mention_v but_o i_o must_v reserve_v they_o to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n iii_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o jesus_n and_o his_o religion_n consider_v matth_n xi_o 6._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o from_z these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o the_o world_n at_o first_o have_v and_o many_o still_o have_v against_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n to_o escape_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v against_o religion_n i_o have_v consider_v those_o objection_n which_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a philosopher_n make_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o ii_o those_o which_o at_o this_o day_n be_v insist_v upon_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o open_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o i_o mention_v seven_o the_o two_o last_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v now_o speak_v to_o six_o it_o be_v object_v that_o there_o be_v many_o division_n and_o faction_n among_o christian_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a reproach_n and_o scandal_n to_o our_o religion_n but_o no_o sufficient_a argument_n against_o it_o and_o 1._o to_o lessen_v and_o abate_v the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n be_v about_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o christianity_n be_v not_o true_a because_o they_o bring_v no_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n upon_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n which_o all_o agree_v in_o though_o they_o differ_v in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o they_o be_v very_o undecent_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o above_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v strict_o require_v love_n and_o unity_n they_o take_v off_o much_o from_o the_o strength_n and_o beauty_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n destroy_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o 2._o how_o many_o and_o great_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o they_o can_v with_o no_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o give_v any_o cause_n and_o encouragement_n to_o they_o however_o by_o accident_n it_o may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o for_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o bad_a man_n and_o make_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o innocent_a of_o all_o that_o mischief_n no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n do_v strict_o enjoin_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o so_o far_o as_o christian_n be_v factious_a and_o unpeaceable_a so_o far_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o except_o against_o philosophy_n because_o of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n and_o say_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n among_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o question_n for_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n nay_o a_o man_n may_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o except_o against_o law_n and_o government_n because_o notwithstanding_o they_o there_o be_v frequent_a sedition_n and_o rebellion_n infinite_a suit_n and_o controversy_n occasion_v even_o by_o the_o very_a law_n but_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o think_v this_o a_o good_a reason_n against_o law_n and_o government_n 3._o the_o division_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n shall_v embrace_v christianity_n more_o hearty_o and_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o do_v this_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o contention_n and_o uncharitable_a animosity_n which_o be_v among_o they_o will_v present_o cease_v if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_o entertain_v and_o man_n do_v serious_o mind_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o its_o law_n difference_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o commence_v nor_o so_o vehement_o prosecute_v nor_o so_o pertinacious_o continue_v in_o as_o they_o be_v man_n will_v not_o upon_o every_o slight_a reason_n and_o little_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n rend_v and_o tear_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o piece_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n they_o live_v in_o and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v their_o christianity_n if_o man_n serious_o consider_v and_o true_o understand_v what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o little_a scruple_n and_o pretence_n they_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o think_v themselves_o christian_n whilst_o they_o continue_v in_o these_o unchristian_a and_o uncharitable_a practice_n if_o man_n will_v but_o be_v or_o do_v what_o christianity_n require_v there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o this_o objection_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o those_o that_o act_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o objection_n the_o vicious_a and_o wicked_a life_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v a_o heavy_a objection_n indeed_o and_o such_o a_o one_o that_o though_o we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v it_o it_o be_v so_o sad_a a_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o confound_v we_o and_o to_o fill_v all_o our_o face_n with_o shame_n and_o blush_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o objection_n not_o so_o strong_a against_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v shameful_a to_o christian_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a force_n of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a of_o we_o for_o whatever_o we_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o it_o be_v to_o reform_v and_o save_v man_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v therein_o reveal_v against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o vnrighteousness_n of_o man_n however_o they_o may_v detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o vnrighteousness_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o have_v their_o due_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n but_o that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o particular_a answer_n to_o it_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o attend_v to_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o christianity_n have_v have_v once_o very_o great_a and_o marvellous_a effect_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o which_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o
in_o ourselves_o not_o secure_a because_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n that_o our_o resolution_n may_v be_v bear_v down_o one_o time_n or_o other_o by_o the_o assault_v of_o temptation_n if_o we_o be_v not_o continual_o vigilant_a and_o upon_o our_o guard_n not_o confident_a in_o ourselves_o because_o we_o stand_v by_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o fear_v man_n may_v have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o christianity_n and_o have_v be_v sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o afterward_o may_v apostatise_v in_o the_o foul_a manner_n not_o only_o fall_v off_o to_o a_o vicious_a life_n but_o even_o desert_a the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n i_o will_v to_o god_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o give_v we_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o revolt_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o from_o a_o religious_a and_o sober_a life_n to_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v into_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n can_v we_o doubt_v any_o long_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christian_n to_o fall_v away_o i_o wish_v we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o recovery_n as_o we_o be_v of_o their_o fall_v and_o that_o we_o have_v as_o many_o example_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o then_o be_v very_o vigilant_a over_o ourselves_o and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o see_v we_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o we_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o our_o own_o steadfastness_n two_o this_o show_v we_o how_o great_a a_o aggravation_n it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o it_o offer_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n of_o these_o person_n be_v that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v at_o their_o baptism_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n that_o after_o they_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o god_n grace_n and_o have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o have_v many_o other_o benefit_n confer_v upon_o they_o that_o after_o all_o this_o they_o shall_v fall_v off_o from_o this_o holy_a religion_n this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v so_o heighten_v and_o inflame_v their_o gild_n and_o make_v their_o case_n so_o near_o desperate_a the_o two_o great_a aggravation_n of_o crime_n be_v wilfulness_n and_o ingratitude_n if_o a_o crime_n be_v wilful_o commit_v and_o commit_v against_o one_o that_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a favour_n and_o benefit_n now_o he_o commit_v a_o fault_n wilful_o who_o do_v it_o against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n ignorance_n excuse_v for_o so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o evil_n he_o do_v so_o far_o the_o action_n be_v involuntary_a but_o knowledge_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o wilful_a fault_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o peculiar_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o christian_n because_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o the_o great_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v the_o clear_a light_n that_o ever_o mankind_n have_v and_o the_o mercy_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v be_v the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o free_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o so_o that_o we_o who_o sin_n after_o baptism_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n and_o those_o great_a blessing_n which_o the_o gospel_n bestow_v on_o mankind_n be_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o we_o because_o they_o never_o enjoy_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n never_o have_v those_o blessing_n confer_v upon_o they_o which_o christian_n be_v partaker_n of_o so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o ourselves_o those_o severe_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n hear_v how_o our_o saviour_n aggravate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n of_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o they_o and_o their_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o express_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n luke_o 12._o 47_o 48._o the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o the_o mean_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o trust_n of_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o a_o severe_a account_n will_v be_v take_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n if_o we_o be_v wilful_a offender_n there_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o we_o and_o little_a hope_n of_o pardon_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n i_o know_v the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o particular_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v in_o proportion_n true_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n which_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o who_o after_o they_o have_v entertain_v christianity_n and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n reform_v by_o it_o do_v again_o relapse_n into_o any_o vicious_a course_n do_v thereby_o render_v their_o condition_n very_o dangerous_a so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21._o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o do_v when_o under_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v we_o and_o the_o inestimable_a blessing_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o confer_v upon_o we_o we_o live_v in_o any_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a course_n our_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o a_o common_a rate_n when_o they_o have_v so_o much_o of_o wilfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n in_o they_o if_o man_n shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v for_o live_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n what_o vengeance_n shall_v be_v pour_v on_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v etc._n etc._n three_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o those_o who_o upon_o every_o failing_n and_o infirmity_n be_v afraid_a they_o have_v commit_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v restore_v by_o repentance_n there_o be_v many_o who_o be_v of_o a_o dark_a and_o melancholy_a temper_n be_v apt_a to_o represent_v thing_n worse_o to_o themselves_o than_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o and_o do_v many_o time_n fancy_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o great_a crime_n in_o the_o do_n or_o neglect_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o their_o nature_n be_v indifferent_a and_o be_v apt_a to_o aggravate_v and_o blow_v up_o every_o little_a infirmity_n into_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o extenuate_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o to_o be_v sensible_a enough_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o but_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a infelicity_n of_o melancholy_a person_n to_o look_v upon_o their_o fault_n as_o black_a and_o great_a than_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o hear_v and_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o gross_a and_o
most_o enormous_a offender_n they_o apply_v to_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n or_o read_v this_o text_n which_o i_o be_o now_o treat_v of_o they_o present_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o sin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o description_n of_o their_o case_n whereas_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o probable_o none_o but_o those_o that_o see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o except_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v unpardonable_a as_o for_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o that_o here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n i_o have_v show_v that_o they_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o these_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o and_o though_o great_a and_o notorious_a crime_n commit_v by_o christian_n may_v come_v near_o to_o this_o and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o to_o recover_v themselves_o again_o to_o repentance_n yet_o to_o be_v sure_a for_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o human_a nature_n there_o be_v a_o open_a way_n of_o pardon_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o they_o be_v many_o time_n forgive_v to_o we_o upon_o a_o general_n repentance_n so_o that_o upon_o account_n of_o these_o which_o be_v common_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o despair_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_o many_o time_n for_o such_o person_n to_o receive_v comfort_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v it_o and_o that_o upon_o sure_a ground_n and_o as_o clear_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n as_o there_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o such_o person_n who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o judge_v thus_o hardly_o of_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o possible_a be_v this_o that_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o trust_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o concern_v themselves_o than_o their_o own_o imagination_n which_o be_v so_o distemper_a that_o it_o can_v make_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o thing_n i_o know_v that_o where_o melancholy_a do_v mighty_o prevail_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o persuade_v people_n of_o this_o but_o till_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o they_o four_o this_o shall_v make_v man_n afraid_a of_o great_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n which_o come_v near_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n such_o as_o deliberate_v murder_n adultery_n gross_a fraud_n and_o oppression_n or_o notorious_a and_o habitual_a intemperance_n for_o what_o great_a difference_n be_v there_o whether_o man_n renounce_v christianity_n or_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o do_v in_o their_o work_n deny_v it_o some_o of_o these_o sin_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v particular_o murder_n and_o adultery_n be_v rank_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n with_o apostasy_n by_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o so_o severe_a be_v the_o discipline_n of_o many_o church_n that_o person_n guilty_a of_o these_o crime_n be_v never_o admit_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n again_o whatever_o testimony_n they_o give_v of_o their_o repentance_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o this_o be_v too_o rigorous_a but_o this_o show_v how_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n these_o crime_n and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a degree_n of_o heinousness_n be_v in_o those_o day_n think_v to_o be_v they_o do_v not_o indeed_o as_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o think_v such_o person_n absolute_o incapable_a of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o after_o such_o a_o fall_n so_o notorious_a a_o contradiction_n to_o their_o christian_a profession_n they_o think_v it_o unfit_a afterward_o that_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n 5th_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o we_o upon_o this_o occasion_n to_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o some_o place_n as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o in_o case_n of_o some_o great_a crime_n after_o baptism_n as_o apostasy_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n murder_n and_o adultery_n never_o to_o admit_v those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o all_o church_n be_v so_o strict_a as_o not_o to_o admit_v those_o who_o fall_v after_o baptism_n into_o great_a and_o notorious_a crime_n to_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n but_o after_o a_o long_a and_o tedious_a course_n of_o penance_n after_o the_o great_a and_o most_o public_a testimony_n of_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n after_o long_o fast_v and_o tear_n and_o the_o great_a sign_n of_o humiliation_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o case_n of_o the_o great_a offence_n they_o be_v seldom_o reconcile_v till_o they_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o their_o deathbed_n and_o in_o case_n of_o other_o scandalous_a sin_n not_o till_o after_o the_o humiliation_n of_o many_o year_n this_o perhaps_o may_v be_v think_v too_o great_a severity_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o be_v as_o much_o too_o remiss_a now_o as_o they_o be_v over_o rigorous_a then_o but_o be_v the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o degree_n put_v in_o practice_n now_o what_o case_n will_v the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v in_o in_o what_o herd_n and_o shoal_n will_v man_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a the_o prodigious_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o christian_n have_v long_o since_o break_v these_o bound_n and_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o revive_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n in_o any_o measure_n till_o the_o world_n grow_v better_o but_o yet_o we_o ought_v to_o reflect_v with_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n upon_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o sad_o to_o consider_v how_o few_o among_o we_o will_v in_o those_o day_n have_v be_v account_v christian_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n to_o be_v provoke_v to_o a_o emulation_n of_o those_o better_a time_n and_o to_o a_o reformation_n of_o those_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o in_o the_o best_a day_n of_o christianity_n be_v reckon_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o christian_a profession_n and_o to_o remember_v that_o though_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o now_o the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o yet_o the_o judgement_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n be_v and_o that_o those_o who_o live_v in_o any_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n though_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v be_v according_a to_o truth_n against_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n six_o and_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v shall_v confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v not_o now_o in_o danger_n of_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o we_o have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o in_o baptism_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o lewdness_n there_o be_v many_o who_o daily_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o in_o many_o thing_n do_v too_o near_o resemble_v the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n and_o what_o the_o apostle_n here_o say_v of_o the_o apostate_n of_o his_o time_n be_v proportionable_o true_a of_o those_o of_o our_o day_n that_o they_o who_o thus_o fall_v away_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o apostasy_n have_v drive_v some_o to_o despair_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o spira_n who_o for_o resist_v the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v cast_v into_o those_o agony_n and_o fill_v with_o such_o terror_n as_o if_o the_o very_a pain_n of_o hell_n have_v take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o in_o that_o fearful_a despair_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o horror_n he_o breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n let_v we_o then_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o contradict_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o any_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n in_o our_o
in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v mean_v the_o initiate_a of_o man_n by_o this_o solemn_a rite_n or_o ceremony_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o solemn_a stipulation_n and_o engagement_n to_o live_v according_a to_o those_o doctrine_n which_o promise_n of_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o practice_n be_v likewise_o make_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v testify_v but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o head_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o take_v particular_a notice_n what_o use_v the_o anabaptist_n make_v of_o this_o text_n so_o as_o in_o effect_n to_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o cause_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o manner_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v all_o infant_n even_o those_o of_o christian_a parent_n who_o be_v themselves_o already_o admit_v into_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v exclude_v from_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v here_o say_v by_o our_o saviour_n go_v you_o and_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o from_o whence_o they_o infer_v and_o very_o clear_o and_o strong_o as_o they_o think_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v but_o such_o as_o be_v first_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v disciple_n which_o infant_n be_v not_o but_o only_o those_o who_o be_v grow_v to_o some_o maturity_n of_o year_n and_o understanding_n but_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a bar_n to_o this_o inference_n at_o least_o to_o the_o clearness_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v all_o of_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o constant_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a precept_n and_o institution_n admit_v infant_n into_o that_o church_n and_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o covenant_n by_o the_o rite_n of_o circumcision_n and_o likewise_o the_o infant_n of_o proselyte_n by_o baptism_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v understand_v our_o saviour_n as_o intend_v by_o any_o consequence_n from_o this_o text_n to_o exclude_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n out_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o to_o debar_v they_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o child_n of_o christian_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o capable_a of_o be_v take_v into_o this_o new_a covenant_n and_o of_o partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o as_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o old_a unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v which_o at_o first_o sight_n seem_v very_o harsh_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o by_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n child_n be_v in_o a_o much_o worse_a condition_n than_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o the_o law_n so_o that_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v so_o plain_a nothing_o less_o than_o a_o express_a prohibition_n from_o our_o saviour_n and_o a_o exception_n of_o child_n from_o baptism_n can_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o deprive_v the_o child_n of_o christian_n of_o any_o privilege_n of_o which_o the_o jewish_a be_v capable_a for_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o go_v and_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o solemn_o into_o it_o by_o baptism_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_v to_o proselyte_n man_n to_o their_o religion_n by_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n by_o which_o rite_n also_o they_o take_v in_o the_o child_n of_o the_o proselyte_n upon_o promise_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n the_o apostle_n have_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o tenor_n of_o their_o commission_n to_o understand_v that_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a proselyte_n be_v any_o more_o exclude_v than_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n unless_o our_o saviour_n have_v express_o except_v they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o favourable_a case_n and_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o privilege_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v to_o debar_v child_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o obscure_a consequence_n from_o a_o text_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a be_v never_o so_o understand_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o 1500_o year_n together_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o disciple_n or_o proselyte_n all_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o the_o rite_n or_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o precept_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o you_o see_v how_o their_o commission_n bound_n and_o limit_n they_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v other_o those_o precept_n which_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o they_o have_v no_o power_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o make_v new_a law_n which_o shall_v be_v of_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o consequent_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v the_o publisher_n but_o not_o the_o author_n of_o this_o new_a religion_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n when_o the_o corinthian_n consult_v he_o about_o several_a thing_n relate_v to_o marriage_n and_o virginity_n he_o only_o give_v his_o advice_n but_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v a_o law_n in_o those_o case_n that_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n christian_n do_v general_o at_o this_o day_n think_v themselves_o absolve_v from_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o canon_n which_o be_v make_v even_o in_o a_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o all_o those_o branch_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v now_o cease_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n confer_v upon_o his_o apostle_n to_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n do_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o necessary_o imply_v a_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n under_o such_o officer_n and_o by_o such_o rule_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o society_n and_o most_o fit_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o without_o this_o power_n of_o govern_v they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v endow_v with_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o teach_v and_o therefore_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o commission_n we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n by_o such_o rule_n and_o constitution_n as_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o then_o present_a circumstance_n of_o christianity_n and_o as_o they_o do_v appoint_v temporary_a officer_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n so_o they_o constitute_v other_o that_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o instruct_n and_o govern_v of_o christian_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o as_o will_v be_v most_o effectual_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n of_o government_n which_o subordination_n of_o governor_n have_v not_o only_o be_v use_v in_o all_o religion_n but_o in_o all_o the_o well_o regulate_v civil_a society_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n be_v the_o promise_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o make_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o work_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v though_o i_o be_v go_v from_o you_o in_o person_n yet_o i_o will_v still_o be_v present_a with_o you_o by_o my_o power_n and_o spirit_n and_o sure_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o have_v he_o engage_v for_o their_o assistance_n who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v to_o he_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o 18_o verse_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v therefore_o as_o far_o as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o extent_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o it_o be_v primary_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o immediate_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o
6._o 5._o those_o miraculous_a power_n which_o accompany_v the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v of_o the_o gospel_n age._n so_o that_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n call_v the_o age_n those_o that_o go_v before_o be_v constant_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o age_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n so_o we_o find_v eph._n 3._o 9_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o mystery_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o age_n and_o you_o have_v the_o same_o phrase_n col._n 1._o 26._o upon_o the_o same_o account_n the_o expiration_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o last_o time_n and_o the_o last_o day_n heb._n 1._o 2._o but_o in_o these_o last_o day_n god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 11._o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o admonition_n upon_o who_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n be_v come_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n the_o apostle_n heb._n 9_o 26._o speak_v of_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o age_n to_o take_v away_o sin_n that_o be_v at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o age_n which_o have_v go_v before_o in_o the_o last_o age._n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v govern_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n by_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o this_o phrase_n in_o scripture_n the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n will_v extend_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v extend_v to_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v suppose_v now_o to_o give_v our_o adversary_n their_o utmost_a scope_n that_o which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o grant_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n reach_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o age_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o he_o will_v send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o qualify_v and_o enable_v they_o for_o the_o speedy_a plant_n and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o till_o this_o work_n be_v do_v now_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o intend_a in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o this_o ought_v not_o much_o to_o trouble_v we_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o do_v extend_v to_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v give_v we_o sufficient_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v assist_v the_o teacher_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n in_o the_o same_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o he_o do_v the_o apostle_n because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n and_o necessity_n for_o it_o but_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o we_o in_o such_o fit_a and_o necessary_a assistance_n as_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o it_o in_o every_o age_n shall_v require_v for_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v use_v such_o extraordinary_a mean_n to_o plant_v a_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o it_o afterward_o that_o he_o who_o have_v begin_v so_o good_a a_o work_n so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o design_n will_v let_v it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o want_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o this_o be_v reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o we_o be_v not_o also_o without_o good_a ground_n for_o thus_o extend_v the_o general_a reason_n of_o particular_a promise_n beyond_o the_o letter_n of_o they_o the_o apostle_n have_v go_v before_o we_o in_o this_o for_o heb._n 13._o 5_o 6._o he_o there_o extend_v two_o particular_a promise_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o all_o christian_n let_v your_o conversation_n say_v he_o be_v without_o cove_n tousness_n and_o be_v content_a with_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v for_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o and_o again_o the_o lord_n be_v my_o helper_n i_o will_v not_o fear_v what_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o i_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o particulur_v person_n the_o first_o of_o they_o to_o joshua_n and_o the_o other_o to_o david_n but_o yet_o the_o apostle_n apply_v they_o to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n because_o the_o general_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o extend_v so_o far_o he_o who_o give_v joshua_n and_o david_n this_o encouragement_n to_o their_o duty_n will_v certain_o be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o if_o we_o do_v we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o controversy_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n which_o concern_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n mention_v in_o this_o promise_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v plain_o show_v that_o both_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n do_v extend_v further_a than_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o age_n even_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v second_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o promise_n itself_o namely_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v with_o they_o and_o here_o our_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v fain_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v that_o that_o church_n shall_v always_o be_v infallible_a and_o never_o err_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o promise_n nor_o any_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v direct_v to_o understand_v this_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v to_o that_o church_n so_o to_o any_o unprejudiced_a person_n the_o plain_a and_o obvious_a sense_n of_o this_o promise_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v commissionated_a the_o apostle_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n he_o promise_v to_o assist_v they_o in_o this_o work_n and_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o how_o any_o man_n can_v construe_v this_o promise_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o signify_v the_o perpetual_a infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n devise_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a text_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v that_o old_a and_o totter_a fabric_n of_o their_o infallibility_n here_o be_v a_o general_a promise_n of_o assistance_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o this_o assistance_n shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o apostle_n can_v neither_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n nor_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o assistance_n here_o promise_v if_o it_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o the_o assistance_n here_o promise_v shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v conclude_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o this_o promise_n indeed_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n or_o colour_n for_o it_o he_o must_v have_v a_o very_a peculiar_a sagacity_n that_o can_v find_v out_o in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o a_o promise_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n be_v not_o the_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o joshua_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n apply_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o all_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o the_o very_a same_o in_o sense_n with_o this_o i_o will_v be_v with_o you_o always_o and_o yet_o sure_o no_o man_n do_v ever_o imagine_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n every_o christian_a and_o every_o
good_a man_n be_v infallible_a but_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o this_o assistance_n shall_v always_o be_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n it_o be_v so_o indeed_o to_o the_o apostle_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o more_o speedy_a and_o effectual_a plant_n and_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v and_o have_v this_o divine_a testimony_n give_v to_o they_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o that_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o other_o infallibility_n but_o what_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v evidence_v by_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endow_v and_o therefore_o without_o the_o like_a gift_n none_o can_v with_o reason_n pretend_v to_o the_o like_a infallibility_n for_o infallibility_n signify_v a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o assist_v be_v secure_v from_o error_n this_o every_o confident_a man_n may_v if_o he_o please_v pretend_v to_o but_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o have_v it_o but_o he_o who_o can_v give_v such_o evidence_n of_o it_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o satisfy_v reasonable_a man_n that_o he_o have_v it_o now_o the_o only_a sufficient_a evidence_n of_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a divine_a assistance_n be_v the_o power_n of_o miracle_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a external_a testimony_n of_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n if_o he_o do_v such_o work_n as_o none_o can_v do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o this_o evidence_n the_o prophet_n of_o old_a and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n always_o give_v of_o their_o infallibility_n and_o if_o the_o pope_n and_o general_a council_n can_v give_v the_o testimony_n of_o such_o miracle_n for_o their_o infallibility_n as_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v work_v we_o be_v ready_a to_o acknowledge_v it_o such_o a_o testimony_n as_o this_o will_v give_v the_o world_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o satisfaction_n concern_v their_o infallibility_n than_o all_o the_o subtle_a argument_n of_o bellarmine_n and_o all_o their_o writer_n but_o if_o they_o can_v they_o may_v dispute_v about_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o every_o man_n that_o have_v but_o the_o same_o confidence_n may_v pretend_v to_o it_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o they_o do_v but_o to_o proceed_v in_o my_o argument_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a reason_n why_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o the_o apostle_n at_o first_o and_o another_o reason_n as_o plain_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v continue_v afterward_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o in_o some_o degree_n necessary_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v thus_o assist_v at_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n namely_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v faithful_a and_o true_a witness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n but_o since_o this_o doctrine_n and_o these_o miracle_n be_v record_v to_o posterity_n by_o those_o very_a person_n that_o be_v thus_o assist_v here_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o reason_n why_o after_o the_o gospel_n be_v plant_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n this_o infallibility_n shall_v cease_v so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o infallible_a foundation_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o divine_a revelation_n consign_v in_o write_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o by_o testimony_n of_o undoubted_a credit_n what_o need_n be_v there_o now_o of_o a_o fix_a and_o stand_a infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n but_o have_v handle_v this_o argument_n more_o at_o large_a elsewhere_o i_o shall_v insist_v no_o further_o upon_o it_o here_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o discourse_v upon_o from_o this_o text._n you_o have_v hear_v what_o authority_n our_o saviour_n have_v give_v he_o what_o commission_n he_o give_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o what_o assistance_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n namely_o such_o a_o assistance_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n which_o assistance_n be_v at_o first_o very_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v witness_n to_o the_o first_o teacher_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o gospel_n 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 and_o this_o at_o first_o be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a degree_n necessary_a it_o not_o be_v otherwise_o imaginable_a how_o christianity_n can_v have_v bear_v up_o against_o all_o that_o force_n and_o violent_a opposition_n which_o be_v raise_v against_o it_o but_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n be_v but_o a_o temporary_a and_o transient_a dispensation_n god_n do_v as_o it_o be_v pass_v by_o in_o the_o strong_a and_o mighty_a wind_n in_o the_o earthquake_n and_o in_o the_o fire_n but_o he_o be_v in_o the_o still_a voice_n that_o be_v he_o design_v to_o settle_v and_o continue_v in_o that_o dispensation_n in_o that_o more_o calm_a and_o secret_a way_n of_o assistance_n which_o offer_v less_o violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o constant_a and_o permanent_a dispensation_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v now_o forsake_v his_o church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o with_o it_o in_o so_o sensible_a and_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n but_o then_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n desire_n and_o expect_v this_o bless_a presence_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o our_o part_n for_o how_o absolute_a soever_o this_o promise_n may_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a it_o be_v certain_o conditional_a to_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o sad_a experience_n in_o many_o instance_n have_v show_v god_n have_v long_o since_o leave_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o publish_v he_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n where_o the_o believer_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n he_o have_v leave_v the_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n to_o that_o degree_n of_o desolation_n that_o the_o ruin_n and_o place_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v hardly_o at_o this_o day_n certain_o know_v and_o this_o may_v also_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n not_o except_v rome_n herself_o for_o all_o her_o pride_n and_o confidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o that_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o we_o goodness_n if_o we_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o we_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o this_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o be_v speak_v particular_o to_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o apostle_n suppose_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o cut_v off_o by_o unbelief_n and_o indeed_o seem_v to_o foretell_v it_o which_o how_o it_o consist_v with_o their_o confident_a pretence_n to_o infallibility_n let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o and_o let_v all_o particular_a church_n look_v to_o themselves_o that_o they_o do_v not_o forfeit_v this_o promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n for_o christ_n have_v not_o so_o tie_v himself_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o if_o they_o forsake_v he_o he_o may_v leave_v they_o and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o they_o there_o have_v be_v many_o sad_a instance_n of_o this_o since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n and_o we_o have_v no_o small_a reason_n to_o apprehend_v that_o it_o may_v come_v to_o be_v our_o own_o case_n for_o certain_o we_o have_v many_o of_o those_o mark_n of_o ruin_n among_o we_o which_o do_v foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o nation_n horrible_a profaneness_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n division_n and_o animosity_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o a_o universal_a dissoluteness_n and_o corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o who_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n think_v ourselves_o exempt_v from_o the_o same_o fate_n what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o he_o do_v with_o they_o take_v away_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n from_o we_o and_o give_v it_o to_o a_o nation_n that_o will_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o great_a promise_n here_o in_o the_o text_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o faithful_a execution_n of_o
that_o nothing_o less_o than_o this_o will_v bring_v we_o thither_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o text_n that_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o reason_n or_o argument_n whereby_o this_o exhortation_n be_v enforce_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a every_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o will_v not_o gain_v our_o admission_n into_o heaven_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v strive_v for_o man_n may_v do_v many_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o make_v several_a faint_a attempt_n to_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o at_o last_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o want_v of_o that_o earnest_a contention_n and_o endeavour_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o we_o must_v make_v religion_n our_o business_n and_o set_v about_o it_o with_o all_o our_o might_n and_o persevere_v and_o hold_v out_o in_o it_o if_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o heaven_n for_o many_o shall_v seek_v to_o enter_v that_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o now_o what_o this_o seek_n be_v which_o be_v here_o oppose_v to_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n our_o saviour_n declare_v after_o the_o text_n v._o 25._o when_o once_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n be_v rise_v up_o and_o have_v shut_v to_o the_o door_n and_o you_o begin_v to_o stand_v without_o and_o knock_v at_o the_o door_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o and_o he_o shall_v answer_v and_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v then_o shall_v you_o begin_v to_o say_v we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n but_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o tell_v you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n st._n matth._n mention_n some_o other_o pretence_n which_o they_o shall_v make_v upon_o which_o they_o shall_v lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n mat._n 7._o 21_o 22_o 23._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n after_o all_o their_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o pretence_n they_o shall_v be_v shut_v out_o and_o be_v for_o ever_o banish_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o shall_v be_v their_o doom_n which_o will_v be_v much_o the_o heavy_a because_o of_o the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o confident_a expectation_n and_o hope_n so_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o v._o 28._o there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n when_o you_o shall_v see_v abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o you_o yourselves_o thrust_v out_o and_o they_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n and_o from_o the_o north_n and_o from_o the_o south_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n to_o which_o st._n matthew_n add_v chap._n 8._o v._n 12._o but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o utter_a darkness_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n and_o then_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v luke_o 13._o 30._o behold_v there_o be_v last_o that_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o first_o which_o shall_v be_v last_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v with_o what_o confidence_n many_o man_n upon_o these_o false_a pretence_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o shall_v lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n and_o how_o strange_o they_o shall_v be_v disappoint_v of_o their_o expectation_n and_o hope_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o cast_v out_o of_o heaven_n who_o they_o think_v have_v outdo_v all_o other_o in_o religion_n and_o be_v the_o only_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o child_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o shall_v see_v other_o who_o they_o think_v to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o exclude_v from_o all_o term_n of_o salvation_n come_v from_o all_o quarter_n and_o find_v free_a admission_n into_o heaven_n and_o shall_v find_v themselves_o so_o gross_o and_o wide_o mistake_v that_o those_o very_a person_n who_o they_o think_v to_o be_v last_o and_o of_o all_o other_o far_a from_o salvation_n shall_v be_v first_o and_o they_o themselves_o who_o they_o take_v for_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o first_o place_n shall_v be_v reject_v and_o cast_v out_o so_o that_o by_o seek_v to_o enter_v we_o may_v understand_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o man_n may_v do_v in_o religion_n upon_o which_o they_o shall_v pretend_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o heaven_n nay_o and_o confident_o hope_v to_o obtain_v it_o and_o yet_o shall_v be_v shameful_o disappoint_v and_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o whatever_o man_n think_v and_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o religion_n what_o privilege_n soever_o man_n pretend_v what_o way_n and_o mean_n soever_o man_n endeavour_v to_o appease_v the_o deity_n and_o to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n all_o this_o be_v but_o seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o be_v not_o that_o strive_v which_o our_o saviour_n require_v if_o man_n do_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n it_o will_v all_o signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n our_o saviour_n here_o instance_v in_o man_n profession_n of_o his_o religion_n call_v he_o lord_n lord_n in_o their_o personal_a familiarity_n and_o conversation_n with_o he_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o company_n in_o their_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n in_o their_o have_v prophesy_v and_o wrought_v great_a miracle_n in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o his_o power_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n these_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o they_o boast_v of_o and_o yet_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o will_v do_v if_o man_n do_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o he_o will_v say_v unto_o they_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o by_o a_o plain_a parity_n of_o reason_n whatever_o else_o man_n do_v in_o religion_n what_o attempt_v soever_o man_n may_v make_v to_o get_v to_o heaven_n upon_o what_o privilege_n or_o pretence_n soever_o they_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o eternal_a life_n they_o will_v certain_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o if_o they_o do_v not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n my_o business_n therefore_o at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o discover_v the_o several_a false_a claim_n and_o pretence_n which_o man_n may_v make_v to_o heaven_n and_o yet_o shall_v never_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o several_a particular_n by_o one_o or_o more_o of_o which_o man_n common_o delude_v themselves_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v vain_a and_o ill-grounded_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n one_a some_o trust_n to_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n two_o other_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o they_o rely_v much_o upon_o that_o three_o there_o be_v other_o that_o find_v themselves_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o four_o other_o be_v very_o strict_a and_o devout_a in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n 5th_o other_o confide_v much_o in_o their_o be_v member_n of_o the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o in_o the_o manifold_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o therein_o they_o have_v above_o other_o of_o get_v to_o heaven_n six_o other_o think_v their_o great_a zeal_n for_o god_n and_o his_o true_a religion_n will_v certain_o save_v they_o seven_o other_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o real_a practice_n of_o religion_n eight_o other_o rely_v much_o upon_o
the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n whereby_o they_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o be_v once_o true_o so_o they_o can_v never_o fall_v from_o that_o state_n so_o as_o final_o to_o miscarry_v last_o other_o venture_v all_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n and_o their_o import_n unity_n with_o god_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o mercy_n at_o the_o last_o i_o shall_v brief_o go_v over_o these_o particular_n which_o be_v the_o several_a way_n whereby_o man_n seek_v to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o hope_v to_o get_v thither_o at_o last_o and_o shall_v show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v something_o beyond_o all_o this_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a salvation_n one_a some_o trust_n to_o the_o mere_a external_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o call_v christ_n lord_n lord_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o his_o name_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o the_o outward_a badge_n of_o it_o circumcision_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n make_v in_o baptism_n rom._n 2._o 17_o 25_o 28_o 29._o behold_v thou_o be_v call_v a_o jew_n and_o rest_v in_o the_o law_n and_o make_v thy_o boast_n of_o god_n circumcision_n very_o profit_v if_o thou_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n that_o be_v one_o outward_o neither_o be_v that_o circumcision_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o circumcision_n be_v that_o of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o the_o letter_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o of_o those_o who_o make_v only_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n baptism_n very_o profit_v if_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o enter_v into_o by_o baptism_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o our_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v one_o outward_o nor_o be_v that_o baptism_n which_o be_v outward_a in_o the_o flesh_n but_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n which_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o baptism_n be_v of_o the_o heart_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o water_n only_o so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o that_o baptism_n be_v not_o only_o the_o wash_n of_o the_o body_n with_o water_n and_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n be_v not_o make_v to_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o sincere_a and_o real_a practice_n of_o it_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v the_o scripture_n have_v no_o where_o say_v he_o that_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v he_o that_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v this_o deserve_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v by_o a_o great_a many_o christian_n who_o have_v nothing_o to_o show_v for_o their_o christianity_n but_o their_o name_n who_o best_a title_n to_o heaven_n be_v their_o baptism_n a_o engagement_n enter_v into_o by_o other_o in_o their_o name_n but_o never_o confirm_v and_o make_v good_a by_o any_o act_n of_o their_o own_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v before_o they_o remember_v and_o which_o have_v no_o other_o effect_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n than_o if_o it_o be_v quite_o forget_v two_o there_o be_v other_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o good_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o they_o hope_v that_o will_v save_v they_o but_o if_o our_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n though_o never_o so_o clear_a and_o great_a do_v not_o descend_v into_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o govern_v our_o action_n all_o our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o false_a and_o sandy_a foundation_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 7._o 26._o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n which_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand._n and_o john_n 13._o 17._o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a cheat_n in_o religion_n nothing_o wherein_o man_n do_v more_o gross_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o than_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v bring_v man_n to_o heaven_n how_o diligent_a be_v many_o in_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o yet_o take_v no_o care_n to_o practice_v it_o in_o their_o life_n like_o those_o in_o the_o prophet_n ezek._n 33._o 31._o of_o who_o god_n complain_v they_o come_v unto_o thou_o as_o the_o people_n come_v and_o they_o sit_v before_o thou_o as_o my_o people_n and_o they_o hear_v my_o word_n but_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o none_o do_v so_o foolish_o and_o yet_o so_o deserve_o miss_v of_o happiness_n as_o those_o who_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o learn_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v will_v take_v no_o pain_n at_o all_o to_o get_v thither_o three_o there_o be_v other_o who_o find_v themselves_o much_o affect_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o and_o this_o they_o take_v for_o a_o very_a good_a sign_n that_o it_o have_v its_o due_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o this_o happen_v very_o frequent_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v considerable_a impression_n upon_o man_n for_o the_o present_a and_o they_o be_v great_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o trouble_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o afraid_a of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o the_o terrible_a vengeance_n of_o another_o world_n and_o upon_o this_o they_o take_v up_o some_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a course_n which_o after_o a_o little_a while_n vanish_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n they_o delight_v to_o hear_v the_o prophet_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n ezek._n 33._o 32._o and_o lo_o thou_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o very_a lovely_a song_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n and_o can_v play_v well_o upon_o a_o instrument_n for_o they_o hear_v thy_o word_n but_o they_o do_v they_o not_o mark_v 6._o 20._o it_o be_v say_v that_o herod_n have_v a_o great_a reverence_n for_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o he_o observe_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o glad_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o continue_v the_o same_o cruel_a and_o bad_a man_n that_o he_o be_v before_o and_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a matth._n 13._o 20._o there_o be_v one_o sort_n of_o hearer_n mention_v who_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n receive_v it_o with_o joy_n but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v there_o be_v many_o man_n who_o have_v sudden_a motion_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v mighty_o affect_v for_o the_o present_a but_o it_o must_v be_v a_o root_a and_o fix_v principle_n that_o will_v endure_v and_o hold_v out_o against_o great_a difficulty_n and_o opposition_n act_n 24._o 25._o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o st._n paul_n reason_v of_o righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v fellix_fw-la tremble_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o for_o man_n to_o be_v mighty_o strartle_v at_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n when_o their_o judgement_n be_v convince_v and_o bear_v down_o and_o their_o conscience_n touch_v to_o the_o quick_a a_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n may_v stir_v up_o the_o passion_n of_o grief_n and_o fear_n and_o dart_v such_o sting_n into_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o may_v make_v they_o extreme_o restless_a and_o unquiet_a and_o work_v some_o good_a thought_n and_o inclination_n in_o they_o towards_o a_o better_a course_n and_o yet_o like_o metal_n when_o the_o heat_n be_v over_o they_o may_v be_v the_o hard_a for_o have_v be_v melt_v down_o four_o other_o show_v great_a strictness_n and_o devotion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o this_o they_o hope_v will_v be_v accept_v and_o can_v not_o fail_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n
and_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v very_o eminent_a for_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o most_o exact_a people_n in_o the_o world_n in_o matter_n of_o external_a ceremony_n and_o devotion_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v far_a than_o publican_n and_o harlot_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v so_o very_o bad_a under_z so_o great_a a_o pretence_n of_o devotion_n therefore_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a damnation_n not_o but_o that_o external_n devotion_n be_v a_o necessary_a expression_n of_o religion_n and_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n when_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o pious_a and_o devout_a mind_n and_o when_o man_n be_v real_o such_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o their_o external_a devotion_n represent_v they_o to_o be_v but_o when_o the_o outward_a garb_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o make_v a_o cloak_n for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o within_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o show_n that_o we_o see_v without_o nothing_o be_v more_o odious_a and_o abominable_a to_o god_n these_o be_v mere_a engine_n and_o puppet_n in_o religion_n all_o the_o motion_n we_o see_v without_o proceed_v from_o a_o artificial_a contrivance_n and_o not_o from_o any_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o as_o no_o creature_n be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o a_o ape_n because_o the_o beast_n make_v some_o pretence_n to_o human_a shape_n so_o nothing_o be_v more_o fulsome_a than_o this_o hypocritical_a devotion_n because_o it_o look_v like_o religion_n but_o be_v the_o far_a from_o it_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n 5th_o other_o confide_v very_o much_o in_o their_o be_v member_n of_o the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o in_o the_o manifold_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v thereby_o above_o other_o of_o get_v to_o heaven_n thus_o the_o jew_n confine_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o and_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o exclude_v from_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o believe_v that_o by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o every_o israelite_n shall_v be_v save_v so_o that_o they_o be_v the_o jewish_a catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n for_o any_o the_o same_o pretence_n be_v make_v by_o some_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n who_o engross_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o and_o will_v allow_v none_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n and_o have_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o hardly_o any_o that_o be_v in_o it_o can_v miscarry_v they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n which_o can_v possible_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o have_v not_o only_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o christ_n presence_n but_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v his_o very_a corporal_n presence_n the_o natural_a substance_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n they_o have_v not_o only_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o innumerable_a other_o intercessor_n in_o heaven_n they_o have_v not_o only_o their_o own_o merit_n to_o plead_v for_o they_o but_o in_o case_n they_o be_v defective_a they_o may_v have_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o assign_v and_o make_v over_o to_o they_o out_o of_o the_o infinite_a stock_n and_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v challenge_v eternal_a life_n as_o of_o right_a and_o due_a belong_v to_o they_o and_o by_o a_o due_a course_n of_o confession_n and_o absolution_n may_v quit_v score_n with_o god_n for_o all_o their_o sin_n from_o time_n to_o time_n or_o if_o they_o have_v neglect_v all_o this_o they_o may_v after_o the_o most_o flagitious_a course_n of_o life_n upon_o attrition_n that_o be_v upon_o some_o trouble_n for_o sin_n out_o of_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n join_v with_o confession_n and_o absolution_n get_v 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salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n as_o the_o action_n of_o a_o worldly_a man_n and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n do_v to_z the_o advancing_z of_o his_o worldly_a interest_n the_o covetous_a or_o ambitious_a man_n seldom_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n that_o be_v impertinent_a to_o their_o end_n much_o less_o contrary_a to_o it_o through_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v one_o may_v plain_o see_v the_o end_n they_o aim_v at_o and_o that_o they_o be_v always_o true_a to_o it_o whereas_o the_o best_a man_n do_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_o cross_v and_o contrary_a to_o their_o end_n and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o which_o have_v no_o relatjoin_n to_o it_o and_o when_o they_o mind_v it_o it_o be_v rather_o by_o fit_n and_o start_v than_o in_o any_o even_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o action_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n in_o that_o 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and_o force_n of_o mean_n to_o their_o several_a ends._n to_o what_o a_o certainty_n have_v man_n reduce_v all_o the_o way_n and_o art_n of_o gain_n and_o grow_v rich_a and_o of_o rise_v to_o honour_n and_o preferment_n what_o long_a train_n will_v man_n lay_v to_o bring_v about_o their_o desire_a end_n what_o subtle_a method_n have_v man_n divise_v to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o court_n and_o when_o they_o be_v there_o to_o plant_v themselves_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o in_o the_o sunshine_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o than_o they_o have_v as_o many_o way_n of_o worm_a other_o out_z as_o of_o screw_v themselves_o in_o but_o in_o the_o concernment_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o another_o world_n how_o dull_a and_o injudicious_a be_v we_o and_o how_o awkardly_a and_o untoward_o do_v we_o apply_v mean_n to_o end_n as_o if_o man_n be_v only_o wise_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a have_v no_o understanding_n as_o the_o prophet_n complain_v 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life_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n between_o the_o secular_a priest_n and_o and_o the_o regular_a between_o the_o jansenist_n and_o the_o jesuit_n but_o they_o still_o unite_v in_o a_o common_a interest_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o antichrist_n their_o common_a head_n they_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o and_o excommunicate_a one_o another_o and_o declare_v against_o one_o another_o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a church_n satan_n never_o cast_v out_o satan_n and_o though_o he_o love_v division_n among_o christian_n yet_o he_o always_o take_v care_n that_o his_o own_o kingdom_n be_v not_o divide_v against_o itself_o so_o as_o to_o endanger_v the_o ruin_n of_o it_o and_o whenever_o they_o have_v any_o hopeful_a design_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o protestant_n they_o can_v lay_v aside_o their_o enmity_n and_o be_v reconcile_v in_o such_o a_o design_n then_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n take_v counsel_n together_o and_o like_o herod_n and_o pilate_n when_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v crucify_v can_v be_v make_v friend_n at_o a_o day_n warning_n whereas_o the_o division_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v pernicious_a to_o it_o and_o as_o we_o see_v at_o this_o day_n among_o ourselves_o our_o senseless_a difference_n and_o wild_a heat_n on_o both_o side_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o set_n up_o of_o popery_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o yet_o no_o persuasion_n no_o experience_n can_v make_v we_o wise_a 3_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v common_o more_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o their_o end_n they_o will_v sweat_v and_o toil_n and_o take_v any_o pain_n rise_v up_o early_o and_o lie_v down_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n their_o thought_n be_v continual_o run_v upon_o their_o business_n and_o they_o catch_v at_o every_o opportunity_n of_o promote_a it_o they_o will_v pinch_v nature_n and_o harass_n it_o and_o rob_v themselves_o of_o their_o rest_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o life_n to_o raise_v their_o fortune_n and_o estate_n what_o drudge_n be_v caesar_n and_o alexander_n in_o the_o way_n of_o fame_n and_o ambition_n how_o do_v they_o tire_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o long_a and_o tedious_a march_n to_o what_o inconvenience_n and_o danger_n do_v they_o expose_v themselves_o and_o thousand_o more_o what_o havoc_n and_o destruction_n do_v they_o make_v in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v gain_v to_o themselves_o the_o empty_a title_n of_o conqueror_n of_o it_o when_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n engage_v in_o any_o design_n how_o intent_n be_v they_o upon_o it_o and_o with_o what_o vigour_n do_v they_o prosecute_v it_o they_o do_v not_o counterfeit_v a_o diligence_n and_o see_v to_o be_v more_o serious_a and_o