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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n acknowledge_v church_n scripture_n 3,085 5 6.3603 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A69762 A perswasive to an ingenuous tryal of opinions in religion Clagett, Nicholas, 1654-1727. 1685 (1685) Wing C4370; ESTC R927 37,500 66

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understanding_n for_o when_o hypocrite_n have_v for_o their_o worldly_a interest_n debauch_a religion_n in_o this_o manner_n they_o know_v that_o the_o mean_a people_n will_v never_o swallow_v their_o gross_a absurdity_n unless_o they_o can_v first_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o trust_v their_o own_o eye_n or_o to_o hearken_v to_o any_o discourse_n from_o principle_n of_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a and_o strong_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o merit_n to_o believe_v thing_n incredible_a and_o to_o stick_v to_o a_o conclusion_n the_o fast_o the_o more_o impossible_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v true_a but_o by_o the_o way_n if_o reason_n be_v one_o and_o that_o the_o first_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o say_v it_o be_v i_o shall_v vehement_o suspect_v without_o far_a examination_n that_o they_o know_v their_o 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the_o damage_n he_o must_v undergo_v this_o will_v make_v a_o great_a many_o impartial_a in_o weigh_v the_o objection_n against_o conformity_n with_o the_o argument_n and_o answer_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o by_o degree_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o at_o length_n to_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o false_a maxim_n that_o force_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n make_v hypocrite_n but_o not_o true_a convert_v for_o sometime_o it_o cure_v hypocrisy_n very_o often_o ignorance_n and_o partiality_n and_o that_o be_v a_o good_a degree_n towards_o conversion_n and_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v the_o put_n of_o man_n to_o death_n for_o mere_a difference_n in_o religion_n the_o least_o degree_n of_o severity_n which_o will_v do_v the_o business_n be_v great_a enough_o the_o supreme_a power_n shall_v consider_v their_o subject_n in_o these_o case_n as_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n will_v consider_v his_o own_o child_n who_o if_o 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in_o search_v for_o truth_n we_o must_v implore_v his_o help_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o word_n be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o who_o spirit_n be_v the_o guide_n into_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o from_o every_o thing_n which_o obstruct_v a_o right_a understanding_n if_o we_o lack_v wisdom_n we_o must_v ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o now_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o all_o that_o read_v these_o paper_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v to_o the_o unspeakable_a advantage_n of_o god_n church_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o all_o that_o profess_v christianity_n have_v inquire_v into_o the_o controversy_n of_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o with_o these_o disposition_n that_o i_o have_v recommend_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v the_o more_o earnest_o desire_v they_o to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o 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not_o resolve_v to_o try_v before_o we_o trust_v nay_o if_o we_o be_v secure_a from_o impostor_n yet_o because_o no_o man_n be_v infallible_a we_o shall_v not_o surrender_v up_o our_o belief_n whole_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n but_o judge_n of_o his_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v because_o there_o can_v be_v a_o strong_a ground_n for_o our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n than_o that_o god_n have_v say_v it_o we_o be_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a how_o we_o receive_v a_o opinion_n for_o which_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v multiply_v one_o upon_o another_o i._n e._n we_o must_v see_v whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o prove_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n for_o otherwise_o we_o may_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n be_v the_o more_o fasten_v in_o some_o dangerous_a error_n we_o be_v expose_v to_o manifest_a hazard_n if_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v a_o man_n for_o bring_v much_o scripture_n to_o serve_v his_o purpose_n but_o not_o to_o think_v it_o 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to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o they_o which_o will_v reward_v our_o endeavour_n with_o great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o next_o to_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n gain_v by_o do_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n more_o pure_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n than_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o a_o improve_a knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o have_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o persuasion_n we_o shall_v adhere_v more_o steadfast_o to_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o not_o be_v easy_o unsettle_a by_o the_o sophistry_n or_o the_o confidence_n of_o ill_a man_n be_v prepare_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sound_a reason_n in_o the_o former_a and_o no_o just_a cause_n for_o the_o latter_a and_o when_o seducer_n perceive_v that_o we_o have_v inquire_v too_o far_o into_o thing_n to_o be_v bear_v down_o with_o peremptoriness_n or_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o colour_n they_o will_v be_v discourage_v from_o attempt_v to_o draw_v we_o into_o their_o net_n moreover_o it_o will_v be_v no_o little_a satisfaction_n to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v all_o along_o take_v due_a pain_n to_o inform_v ourselves_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o viz._n those_o which_o regard_v our_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o that_o the_o error_n into_o which_o we_o may_v have_v fall_v be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o want_v of_o honest_a diligence_n in_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n but_o only_o to_o humane_a infirmity_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o can_v have_v the_o conscience_n of_o sincerity_n upon_o good_a ground_n if_o we_o do_v not_o with_o diligence_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o know_v all_o our_o duty_n and_o consequent_o all_o that_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o or_o which_o 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world_n about_o religion_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n itself_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o say_v st._n paul_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o by_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n qualify_v ourselves_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n and_o show_v that_o we_o be_v dispose_v heavenwards_o and_o desirous_a of_o that_o infinitely-bet_a state_n of_o thing_n where_o darkness_n and_o error_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o for_o one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reward_n promise_v in_o a_o better_a life_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v divine_a thing_n more_o perfect_o there_o than_o we_o can_v do_v in_o this_o world_n but_o this_o can_v be_v