be_v say_v to_o have_v dye_v in_o faith_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o have_v embrace_v they_o many_o age_n before_o the_o time_n be_v come_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o then_o for_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o grace_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o transcendent_a thing_n it_o have_v do_v in_o ancient_a time_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o the_o elder_n obtain_v a_o good_a report_n 2._o ver_fw-la 2._o by_o which_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o great_a and_o famous_a action_n record_v of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o other_o worthy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v all_o owe_v to_o their_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o please_v god_n bear_v up_o against_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n subdue_v kingdom_n and_o wrought_v righteousness_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o the_o high_a discouragement_n many_o instance_n he_o give_v we_o of_o these_o noble_a flight_n of_o faith_n among_o which_o there_o be_v none_o in_o all_o respect_n more_o remarkable_a than_o the_o example_n in_o the_o text_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o promise_v offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v two_o thing_n be_v observable_a in_o these_o word_n 1._o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o trial_n which_o god_n make_v of_o abraham_n when_o he_o command_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o isaac_n to_o he_o 2._o the_o issue_n of_o this_o trial_n or_o the_o victory_n of_o abraham_n faith_n over_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o discouragement_n which_o he_o meet_v with_o in_o it_o both_o these_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n will_v sure_o afford_v we_o very_o useful_a reflection_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n 1._o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o trial_n which_o god_n put_v abraham_n upon_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o affiance_n in_o he_o the_o text_n call_v it_o a_o trial_n which_o imply_v that_o god_n command_v abraham_n to_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n for_o have_v it_o be_v a_o freewill_n offer_n without_o any_o order_n or_o direction_n from_o god_n such_o as_o the_o heathen_a oblation_n be_v when_o they_o sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o their_o idol_n it_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a and_o horrid_a act_n of_o murder_n nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a as_o some_o have_v fancy_v to_o clear_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o abraham_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o god_n shall_v dispense_v with_o the_o six_o commandment_n when_o he_o oblige_v the_o patriarch_n to_o kill_v his_o son_n because_o it_o have_v be_v murder_n to_o kill_v he_o without_o his_o command_n for_o that_o commandment_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o case_n before_o we_o forbid_v only_o to_o kill_v without_o god_n authority_n which_o abraham_n never_o go_v about_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o need_v no_o dispensation_n for_o it_o he_o have_v a_o express_a commission_n from_o god_n who_o be_v absolute_a lord_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o never_o bar_n his_o prerogative_n by_o his_o law_n and_o may_v therefore_o use_v his_o power_n as_o he_o please_v and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a person_n as_o well_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o father_n and_o the_o fire_n upon_o the_o altar_n as_o by_o a_o infection_n in_o the_o air_n by_o lightning_n or_o tempest_n or_o any_o other_o messenger_n of_o death_n and_o thus_o moses_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n and_o bid_v he_o go_v and_o offer_v his_o son_n upon_o a_o certain_a mountain_n in_o moriah_n for_o a_o burn_a offer_v gen._n 22.1_o 2._o and_o herein_o lie_v the_o sharpness_n of_o abraham_n trial_n that_o either_o he_o must_v contend_v with_o god_n and_o dispute_v his_o authority_n or_o do_v the_o strange_a thing_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o please_v he_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o case_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n demand_v of_o abraham_n as_o a_o test_n of_o his_o sincerity_n towards_o he_o and_o what_o plausible_a argument_n a_o person_n in_o his_o circumstance_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o frame_v against_o it_o 1._o first_o then_o god_n command_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o surprise_v or_o unwelcome_a to_o he_o who_o ever_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o act_n of_o piety_n before_o of_o so_o hard_a a_o precept_n or_o so_o unlikely_a a_o way_n of_o please_a god_n as_o this_o what_o will_v a_o ordinary_a faith_n have_v do_v how_o will_v natural_a reason_n have_v plead_v in_o this_o case_n may_v not_o abraham_n himself_o be_v suppose_v to_o reason_n thus_o must_v i_o then_o lie_v aside_o all_o humanity_n and_o imbrue_v my_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o my_o own_o son_n must_v i_o forget_v that_o i_o be_o a_o father_n and_o destroy_v the_o life_n which_o i_o give_v do_v not_o nature_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o dutiful_a towards_o the_o offspring_n of_o our_o own_o bowel_n and_o be_v not_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n engrave_v upon_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o the_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v i_o hither_o to_o condemn_v the_o action_n which_o he_o now_o command_v and_o though_o i_o know_v he_o be_v always_o just_a and_o good_a and_o will_v do_v always_o that_o which_o i_o know_v will_v please_v he_o yet_o how_o can_v i_o hope_v to_o please_v he_o by_o destroy_v his_o image_n in_o my_o own_o child_n what_o will_v the_o world_n say_v of_o i_o who_o profess_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o pure_a manner_n shall_v i_o pollute_v his_o altar_n with_o my_o son_n blood_n and_o do_v that_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a thing_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o his_o holy_a religion_n so_o harsh_a a_o command_n as_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o put_v not_o nature_n only_o but_o faith_n itself_o upon_o the_o stretch_n and_o be_v perfect_o new_a and_o arbitrary_a to_o fright_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o this_o holy_a man_n have_v be_v the_o best_a example_n and_o the_o great_a promoter_n of_o 2._o but_o then_o god_n do_v not_o only_o command_v abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n but_o his_o belove_a and_o only_a son_n isaac_n i._n e._n his_o only_a son_n by_o sarah_n the_o freewoman_n and_o true_a mother_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o convey_v a_o universal_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n take_v now_o thy_o son_n say_v god_n thy_o only_a son_n isaac_n 22.2_o gen._n 22.2_o who_o thou_o love_v and_o get_v thou_o into_o the_o land_n of_o moriah_n and_o offer_v he_o there_o for_o a_o burn_a offer_v and_o this_o great_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n of_o abraham_n obedience_n that_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o demand_v not_o one_o out_o of_o many_o but_o his_o only_a son_n his_o isaac_n who_o he_o entire_o love_v the_o only_a joy_n of_o his_o mother_n and_o the_o only_a hope_n of_o the_o family_n which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o best_a figure_n of_o any_o other_o in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o may_v not_o abraham_n have_v say_v lord_n must_v i_o bereave_v myself_o of_o the_o child_n which_o nothing_o but_o a_o miracle_n of_o thou_o can_v raise_v out_o of_o my_o age_a loin_n must_v i_o take_v away_o a_o life_n for_o which_o i_o will_v glad_o exchange_v my_o own_o will_v not_o all_o my_o flock_n and_o herd_n afford_v a_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n to_o thou_o all_o these_o i_o will_v free_o offer_v instead_o of_o that_o innocent_a lamb_n in_o which_o all_o my_o earthly_a treasure_n and_o comfort_n lie_v let_v not_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a and_o i_o will_v speak_v this_o once_o be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o sarah_n bind_v up_o in_o the_o life_n of_o the_o child_n how_o shall_v i_o answer_v the_o death_n of_o isaac_n to_o she_o or_o must_v i_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o two_o such_o death_n at_o once_o and_o when_o i_o have_v slay_v the_o son_n carry_v the_o kill_v tiding_n to_o the_o unhappy_a mother_n oh_o how_o great_a a_o straight_o be_v this_o good_a man_n drive_v into_o when_o he_o must_v either_o have_v forfeit_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o bereave_v himself_o of_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o strange_a act_n of_o obedience_n that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o it_o 3._o another_o grand_a discouragement_n to_o abraham_n obedience_n be_v that_o his_o belove_a isaac_n be_v a_o son_n of_o very_o great_a and_o glorious_a promise_n which_o his_o untimely_a death_n must_v without_o a_o miracle_n frustrate_v the_o completion_n of_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o make_v he_o the_o father_n
of_o the_o truth_n do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v bashful_a in_o assert_v their_o principle_n when_o they_o find_v their_o interest_n in_o they_o 6.5_o 1_o tim._n 6.5_o but_o fuppose_v gain_n to_o be_v godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n observe_v of_o they_o be_v general_o very_o forward_o to_o show_v their_o good_a affection_n to_o it_o and_o like_o demetrius_n to_o put_v the_o world_n into_o a_o uproar_n out_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o magnificence_n of_o their_o great_a diana_n and_o their_o profit_n from_o her_o shrine_n and_o altar_n conscience_n it_o be_v true_a at_o the_o first_o have_v the_o least_o share_n in_o the_o action_n of_o these_o man_n who_o interest_n choose_v choose_v their_o principle_n for_o they_o but_o what_o they_o strong_o affect_v and_o desire_n shall_v be_v true_a in_o time_n they_o strong_o believe_v and_o have_v wilful_o reject_v the_o truth_n be_v give_v up_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o delusion_n to_o believe_v and_o defend_v the_o lye_n 4._o some_o principle_n be_v so_o bad_a in_o themselves_o as_o to_o inspire_v man_n with_o a_o furious_a and_o unchristian_a zeal_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o worldly_a interest_n to_o instigate_v and_o push_v they_o on_o to_o violent_a and_o unnatural_a action_n such_o be_v these_o which_o warrant_v the_o kill_v of_o man_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o promise_v they_o heaven_n for_o the_o vile_a pnactice_n in_o the_o world_n for_o assassinate_v their_o natural_a prince_n betray_v their_o country_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o foreign_a and_o insupportable_a yoke_n such_o be_v all_o those_o that_o make_v unlawful_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o eneourage_n man_n to_o think_v the_o better_a of_o themselves_o for_o their_o zeal_n against_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o nothing_o but_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o christianity_n and_o a_o decent_a way_n of_o serve_v of_o god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n these_o principle_n do_v natural_o produce_v a_o envious_a and_o ill-natured_a zeal_n it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o guidance_n of_o they_o to_o allow_v no_o man_n a_o name_n for_o religion_n but_o themselves_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o every_o one_o that_o do_v not_o espouse_v their_o folly_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o mark_n of_o distinction_n and_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o holy_a and_o better_a man_n for_o differ_v from_o all_o christian_n upon_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v too_o often_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o odd_a and_o peevish_a principle_n that_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n cease_v to_o be_v lawful_a when_o they_o be_v once_o command_v no_o man_n know_v the_o malignity_n of_o such_o a_o error_n as_o this_o shall_v it_o once_o get_v the_o ascendant_n which_o be_v the_o aim_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o over_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v place_v in_o the_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n do_v we_o not_o already_o find_v the_o insluence_n of_o it_o upon_o some_o of_o the_o straint_a sect_n of_o our_o religion_n who_o yet_o have_v reserve_v themselves_o a_o sufficient_a latitude_n in_o scorn_v and_o deride_v their_o brethren_n and_o be_v extreme_o lavish_a in_o their_o censure_n of_o person_n of_o the_o high_a chaeacter_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nay_o many_o there_o be_v that_o prize_n and_o commend_v themselves_o upon_o these_o very_a account_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mark_n of_o sanctity_n to_o break_v and_o blemish_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o pretend_v no_o other_o quarrel_n with_o than_o only_o for_o interpose_v her_o authority_n in_o some_o indifferent_a thing_n i.e._n make_v use_n of_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v give_v to_o every_o church_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o consecrate_v a_o schism_n into_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o to_o do_v that_o for_o religion_n sake_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o undo_n and_o subversion_n of_o it_o 5._o enthusiasm_n or_o a_o false_a pretence_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v a_o fatal_a cause_n of_o this_o extravagant_a zeal_n when_o man_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o ascribe_v their_o error_n to_o the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n when_o they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a favourite_n of_o god_n in_o who_o breast_n he_o have_v lodge_v his_o choice_a secret_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o authorize_v to_o bring_v his_o most_o glorious_a design_n to_o pass_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v long_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o these_o delusion_n sron_n that_o evil_a spirit_n that_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o belie_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v a_o far_a design_n upon_o they_o and_o as_o the_o philiftines_n deal_v with_o samson_n when_o they_o have_v put_v out_o his_o eye_n will_v sure_o employ_v they_o in_o his_o drudgery_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o most_o destructive_a attempt_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v what_o desperate_a project_n man_n will_v free_o contribute_v their_o service_n to_o when_o they_o be_v once_o possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o strike_v blind_a with_o a_o opinion_n that_o whatever_o they_o strong_o fancy_n be_v infallible_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o err_v have_v private_a instruction_n from_o god_n himself_o hitherto_o hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n to_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o exalt_v it_o to_o a_o more_o glorious_a height_n to_o which_o purpose_n a_o eminent_a divine_a of_o this_o church_n who_o have_v a_o peculiar_a sagacity_n in_o trace_v and_o detect_v the_o error_n of_o his_o time_n have_v leave_v we_o this_o memorable_a passage_n pol._n passage_n mr._n hook_n pref._n to_o eccl._n pol._n when_o man_n be_v once_o erroneous_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o have_v those_o thing_n do_v which_o they_o fancy_n than_o opinion_n be_v as_o thorn_n in_o their_o side_n never_o suffer_v they_o to_o take_v rest_n till_o they_o have_v bring_v their_o skpeculation_n into_o practice_n the_o impediment_n of_o which_o practice_n their_o restless_a desire_n and_o study_v to_o remove_v lead_v they_o every_o day_n into_o more_o dangerour_n opinion_n sometime_o quite_o and_o clean_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o pretend_a meaning_n so_o that_o what_o will_v grow_v out_o of_o such_o error_n as_o go_v mask_v under_o the_o cloak_n of_o divine_a authority_n impoffible_a it_o be_v that_o ever_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n shall_v imagine_v till_o time_n have_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n 3._o to_o make_v some_o inference_n brieef_o from_o this_o discourse_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n when_o we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o destructive_a and_o unchristian_a zeal_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o our_o religion_n or_o to_o suspect_v our_o faith_n that_o the_o best_a religion_n shall_v meet_v with_o the_o sharp_a opposition_n from_o man_n that_o the_o worst_a sction_n shall_v pretend_v to_o serve_v it_o and_o receive_v authority_n and_o encouragement_n from_o it_o that_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n and_o of_o high_a and_o extraordinary_a zeal_n shall_v combine_v against_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n from_o her_o infancy_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v express_o foretell_v they_o on_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v when_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v they_o 2._o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n be_v a_o very_a unsafe_a and_o dangerous_a guide_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o because_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o dictate_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n to_o guide_v our_o practice_n and_o according_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o persecution_n which_o have_v befall_v the_o church_n be_v manifest_o owe_v to_o the_o delusion_n which_o have_v pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o conscience_n in_o several_a age_n which_o shall_v mighty_o awaken_v we_o to_o look_v well_o to_o our_o principle_n and_o to_o keep_v our_o mind_n pure_a and_o untainted_a with_o error_n if_o the_o light_n say_v christ_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o he_o darkness_n 6.23_o mat._n 6.23_o how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n a_o little_a speck_n in_o the_o eye_n feed_v by_o a_o invincible_a humour_n often_o deftroy_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o noble_a sense_n it_o be_v sad_a to_o observe_v from_o what_o small_a beginning_n the_o great_a error_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n spread_v and_o diffuse_v themselves_o to_o the_o infinite_a prejudice_n
be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o guide_n we_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v after_o all_o our_o search_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o find_v he_o but_o there_o be_v one_o argument_n above_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o guide_n viz._n that_o christ_n never_o promise_v there_o shall_v be_v one_o always_o in_o his_o church_n and_o without_o a_o promise_n from_o he_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v we_o know_v what_o be_v pretend_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o what_o text_n be_v produce_v for_o it_o but_o after_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o deliberate_a enquiry_n into_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o we_o can_v find_v no_o evidence_n of_o any_o such_o promise_n nor_o discern_v the_o least_o shadow_n or_o footstep_n of_o a_o visible_a infallible_a guide_n we_o own_o indeed_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o all_o that_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n but_o we_o the_o rather_o think_v that_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v any_o other_o infallible_a guide_n than_o this_o for_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o the_o inward_a direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n when_o we_o have_v a_o guide_n at_o hand_n that_o can_v lead_v we_o infallible_o into_o it_o and_o save_v we_o the_o labour_n of_o search_v after_o it_o but_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o send_v his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v not_o they_o infallible_a guide_n true_o but_o do_v he_o promise_v to_o make_v their_o successor_n in_o all_o age_n infallible_a too_o if_o he_o do_v every_o successor_n have_v a_o equal_a claim_n and_o then_o how_o come_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o talk_v of_o but_o one_o infallible_a guidfe_n since_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o appropriate_v that_o extraordinary_a favour_n to_o here self_o if_o he_o do_v not_o she_o must_v show_v we_o a_o particular_a charter_n or_o promise_n that_o infallibility_n shall_v never_o depart_v from_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n and_o when_o she_o do_v that_o we_o may_v allow_v she_o to_o be_v infallible_a but_o suppose_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v a_o infallible_a guide_n it_o may_v be_v convenient_a to_o know_v 2._o whether_o or_o no_o he_o have_v give_v he_o authourity_n to_o suspend_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o we_o must_v say_v be_v a_o distinct_a power_n from_o infallibility_n unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v infallible_a do_v not_o know_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o do_v not_o affect_v any_o such_o authority_n or_o treat_v their_o disciple_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o both_o require_v they_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o hear_v etc._n act._n 17.11_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n and_o commend_v their_o ingenuity_n in_o prove_v they_o by_o the_o scripture_n beside_o a_o guide_n who_o direction_n we_o must_v blind_o follow_v without_o examinig_v the_o ground_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a improper_a mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o heaven_n for_o sure_o god_n do_v design_n that_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o shall_v act_v like_o man_n and_o not_o lay_v aside_o our_o reasonand_n judgement_n as_o thing_n that_o be_v dangerous_a to_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a not_o to_o judge_n at_o all_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n not_o to_o err_v but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a blind_a and_o unlikely_a way_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n without_o which_o their_o obedience_n can_v never_o be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o theresore_n if_o any_o church_n or_o person_n under_o colour_n of_o infallibility_n shall_v assume_v a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n before_o i_o resign_v up_o my_o judgement_n to_o they_o i_o must_v desire_v to_o be_v inform_v not_o only_a how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v infallible_a but_o what_o commission_n they_o have_v to_o oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v as_o they_o please_v and_o to_o strangle_v my_o own_o sense_n and_o reason_n if_o they_o offer_v to_o oppose_v any_o doctrine_n of_o they_o though_o never_o so_o absurd_a or_o contradictory_n to_o they_o but_o suppose_v still_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o convince_v i_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o judge_n beside_o he_o yet_o because_o he_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o i_o till_o i_o know_v who_o he_o be_v there_o be_v another_o great_a question_n to_o be_v resolve_v before_o i_o can_v prudent_o commit_v myself_o to_o he_o viz._n how_o i_o may_v certain_o know_v where_o to_o find_v he_o and_o here_o i_o meet_v with_o one_o vast_a discouragement_n at_o the_o very_a entrance_n into_o this_o enquiry_n namely_o that_o the_o same_o church_n which_o alone_o pretend_v to_o this_o infallible_a guide_n be_v very_a uncer_n tain_v who_o he_o be_v some_o chain_n infallibility_n to_o st._n peter_n chair_n and_o place_n it_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o pope_n but_o this_o be_v the_o most_o interest_v party_n as_o depend_v entire_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o he_o who_o they_o call_v infallible_a other_o send_v we_o to_o general_a council_n some_o of_o which_o have_v condemn_v the_o pope_n for_o a_o heretic_n and_o contradict_v the_o decree_n of_o former_a council_n but_o then_o what_o think_v we_o of_o oral_a tradition_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o universal_a churcuh_o convey_v by_o father_n to_o son_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n down_o to_o the_o present_a age_n the_o general_a consent_n i_o confess_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o far_o as_o it_o reach_v be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o be_v not_o speak_v now_o of_o tradition_n or_o the_o church_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o truth_n but_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o church_n or_o guide_n to_o prescribe_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o insallible_a assistance_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o be_v inquire_v after_o and_o where_o the_o seat_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v and_o all_o we_o can_v certain_o learn_v hitherto_o be_v this_o that_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n about_o it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o find_v it_o there_o and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o that_o church_n a_o man_n may_v tire_v himself_o and_o be_v in_o quest_n of_o his_o infallible_a guide_n all_o his_o day_n and_o never_o come_v within_o sight_n of_o he_o at_o last_o for_o suppose_v he_o take_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a oracle_n he_o be_v think_v to_o be_v mistake_v by_o all_o those_o that_o stand_v for_o a_o general_n council_n and_o if_o he_o go_v to_o a_o general_n council_n he_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o that_o declare_v for_o single_a infallibility_n and_o the_o man_n for_o oral_a tradition_n think_v they_o be_v all_o deceive_v that_o look_n for_o infallibility_n in_o any_o one_o person_n or_o party_n in_o the_o church_n what_o must_v we_o do_v now_o that_o have_v so_o much_o choice_n of_o infallible_a guide_n and_o nothing_o to_o determine_v our_o choice_n many_o we_o pick_v and_o choose_v at_o a_o venture_n but_o that_o can_v be_v safe_a because_o they_o have_v occasion_n sometime_o to_o lead_v contrary_a to_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v all_o infakubke_n and_o none_o of_o they_o speak_v of_o more_o infallible_a guide_n than_o one_o must_v we_o then_o weigh_v their_o reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n they_o produce_v for_o their_o several_a claim_n these_o we_o have_v often_o hear_v and_o consider_v and_o can_v but_o admire_v the_o confidence_n of_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o sound_v the_o infallibility_n and_o other_o prerogative_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o text_n that_o speak_v not_o the_o least_o syllable_n of_o they_o whereas_o matter_n of_o this_o importance_n ought_v to_o be_v express_v in_o the_o easy_a and_o plain_a word_n that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o if_o not_o only_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o every_o man_n salvation_n depend_v as_o our_o adversary_n must_v say_v upon_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o their_o text_n we_o have_v that_o confidence_n in_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o we_o certain_o believe_v he_o will_v not_o expect_v we_o shall_v find_v out_o a_o meaning_n in_o therm_n that_o by_o no_o good_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n can_v be_v collect_v from_o they_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o can_v think_v ourselves_o oblige_v when_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v
malice_n assist_v with_o rage_n and_o violence_n can_v do_v he_o life_n beside_o the_o the_o natural_a sweetness_n of_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o blessing_n which_o we_o do_v or_o can_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n it_o also_o give_v we_o a_o bless_a opportunity_n and_o the_o only_a one_o we_o can_v have_v of_o lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v a_o inconceivable_a damage_n to_o be_v wrongful_o deprive_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o benefit_n and_o hurry_v out_o of_o so_o dear_a a_o enjoyment_n to_o be_v strip_v naked_a to_o our_o very_a be_v and_o essence_n and_o turn_v out_o perhaps_o in_o a_o moment_n into_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n this_o loss_n can_v never_o be_v repair_v or_o so_o much_o as_o compute_v unless_o we_o can_v count_v the_o year_n of_o eternity_n or_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o future_a estate_n of_o man_n and_o be_v sure_o that_o heaven_n stand_v always_o open_a as_o a_o sanctuary_n to_o those_o who_o some_o man_n in_o their_o rage_n and_o madness_n judge_v unworthy_a to_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o injury_n of_o vast_a extent_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o public_a it_o be_v the_o grief_n of_o all_o man_n that_o have_v any_o bowel_n or_o tenderness_n of_o nature_n in_o they_o and_o a_o signal_n prejudice_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n the_o magistrate_n be_v rob_v of_o a_o subject_a by_o it_o his_o right_n of_o judge_v and_o do_v justice_n between_o man_n be_v violent_o assault_v and_o ravish_v from_o he_o his_o law_n the_o great_a security_n of_o man_n life_n and_o property_n be_v break_v and_o contemn_v the_o public_a peace_n his_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o province_n be_v interrupt_v and_o violate_v evil_a man_n so_o long_o as_o the_o murderer_n lie_v conceal_v or_o in_o case_n he_o escape_v the_o law_n be_v encourage_v by_o his_o example_n to_o the_o like_a cruel_a and_o destructive_a practice_n this_o create_v a_o diffidence_n in_o man_n make_v they_o shy_a and_o distrustful_a of_o one_o another_o society_n beside_o all_o this_o murder_v many_o time_n prove_v the_o ruin_n of_o a_o worthy_a and_o useful_a family_n by_o take_v off_o the_o head_n or_o lop_n some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o more_o hopeful_a and_o flourish_a branch_n all_o which_o injury_n do_v apparent_o tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o security_n 5._o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o rice_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o sin_n they_o be_v some_o of_o the_o great_a vice_n which_o reproach_n and_o vilify_v humane_a nature_n the_o most_o common_a and_o visible_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v covetousness_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o the_o counterpart_n of_o idolatry_n lust_n the_o mother_n of_o shame_n excessive_a pride_n and_o envy_n which_o rest_v not_o 16._o pro._n 4_o 16._o unless_o it_o cause_v some_o to_o fall_v a_o cruel_a desperate_n malicious_a and_o revengeful_a temper_n ferment_v with_o hellish_a rage_n and_o fury_n such_o be_v the_o vice_n which_o prompt_v and_o irritate_fw-la man_n to_o this_o savage_a and_o unnatural_a wickedness_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v all_o kindness_n meekness_n and_o charity_n nothing_o more_o unlike_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n his_o gracious_a design_n in_o come_v into_o the_o world_n his_o pacific_a doctrine_n and_o example_n to_o it_o and_o his_o most_o charitable_a and_o oblige_a manner_n of_o leave_v it_o this_o be_v a_o true_a indictment_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o murder_n which_o show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o monstrous_a and_o most_o heinous_a crime_n a_o action_n entire_o and_o extreme_o evil_a with_o out_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o good_a circumstance_n in_o it_o for_o a_o christian_a therefore_o a_o disciple_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o be_v guity_n of_o it_o be_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n the_o fatal_a instrument_n of_o this_o horrid_a fact_n to_o renounce_v all_o right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o he_o who_o for_o our_o sake_n suffer_v upon_o it_o and_o now_o because_o the_o great_a enemy_n and_o deceiver_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v himself_o a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n 44._o joh._n 8_o 44._o have_v find_v out_o way_n to_o palliate_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o scarlet_a crime_n and_o betray_v man_n into_o a_o presumption_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o in_o some_o case_n 4._o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n more_o large_o consider_v these_o two_o viz._n the_o kill_v of_o another_o in_o a_o quarrel_n of_o honour_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o our_o own_o life_n when_o we_o be_v grow_v weary_a of_o they_o 1._o kill_v another_o upon_o a_o challenge_n or_o point_n of_o honour_n to_o satiate_v our_o revenge_n or_o to_o punish_v the_o affront_v and_o injury_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o we_o i_o can_v serious_o think_v that_o any_o man_n while_o he_o be_v himself_o i_o mean_v while_o he_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o reason_n and_o hearken_v to_o the_o cool_a dictate_v of_o it_o do_v real_o approve_v of_o this_o as_o a_o lawful_a and_o worthy_a action_n but_o it_o be_v far_o more_o incredible_a that_o a_o profess_a christian_a that_o be_v competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o believe_v what_o he_o profess_v shall_v venture_v his_o life_n and_o salvation_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o kill_v the_o man_n that_o affront_v he_o for_o unless_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o easy_o as_o we_o do_v the_o name_n of_o they_o a_o voluntary_a take_n away_o the_o life_n of_o man_n by_o a_o private_a hand_n without_o authority_n from_o god_n or_o his_o minister_n of_o justice_n be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o murder_n to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o than_o it_o will_v be_v so_o when_o we_o have_v dress_v it_o up_o with_o all_o the_o modish_a name_n and_o flourish_n as_o we_o can_v put_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o kill_v a_o adversary_n in_o a_o duel_n for_o a_o scurvy_a word_n or_o a_o rude_a action_n will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o deep_a stain_n of_o honour_n and_o a_o act_n of_o the_o high_a injustice_n to_o our_o neighbour_n if_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o six_o commandment_n be_v so_o when_o all_o be_v say_v that_o can_v be_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o it_o be_v still_o a_o private_a revenge_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o man_n which_o god_n have_v empale_v and_o reserve_v to_o his_o own_o use_n and_o disposal_n forbid_v all_o person_n but_o those_o that_o rule_n in_o his_o stead_n or_o may_v just_o presume_v upon_o his_o or_o their_o commission_n in_o any_o case_n to_o touch_v or_o invade_v it_o and_o therefore_o to_o do_v it_o in_o revenge_n of_o honour_n be_v a_o manifest_a violation_n of_o this_o law_n since_o neither_o god_n nor_o the_o magistrate_n that_o bear_v his_o authority_n have_v make_v either_o of_o the_o contend_a party_n the_o dispenser_n of_o their_o justice_n but_o reserve_v the_o matter_n to_o their_o own_o tribunal_n so_o that_o here_o the_o question_n be_v not_o who_o give_v the_o affront_n of_o what_o nature_n it_o be_v or_o who_o send_v the_o challenge_n but_o the_o proper_a question_n be_v who_o give_v thou_o power_n over_o thy_o brother_n life_n who_o prescribe_v his_o heartblood_n as_o the_o only_a salve_n for_o thy_o honour_n and_o who_o be_v the_o lawful_a judge_n and_o revenger_n of_o the_o wrong_n thou_o sustain_v by_o he_o and_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v put_v upon_o this_o issue_n i_o may_v almost_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n to_o determine_v what_o the_o verdict_n will_v be_v for_o a_o private_a man_n to_o revenge_n himself_o in_o any_o kind_n be_v uti_fw-la jure_fw-la alieno_fw-la to_o usurp_v another_o man_n right_a which_o be_v always_o unjust_a and_o then_o for_o one_o in_o his_o station_n to_o invade_v the_o most_o sacred_a prerogative_n of_o his_o prince_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o subject_n must_v have_v all_o the_o degree_n of_o injury_n and_o injustice_n in_o it_o that_o can_v be_v easy_o imagine_v beside_o to_o come_v to_o the_o plea_n of_o honour_n the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v infinite_o too_o precious_a a_o thing_n to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o little_a affront_v and_o very_o little_a god_n know_v they_o be_v many_o time_n for_o which_o man_n challenge_v one_o another_o to_o fight_n and_o dye_n it_o vast_o exceed_v all_o the_o evil_a which_o any_o man_n suffer_v by_o another_o in_o his_o good_a name_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o like_o a_o man_n of_o honour_n or_o indeed_o of_o common_a justice_n and_o equity_n to_o insist_v upon_o a_o satisfaction_n as_o every_o one_o that_o engage_v in_o a_o duel_n do_v so_o