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authority_n church_n scripture_n sense_n 10,477 5 7.5114 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A66401 Sermons and discourses on several occasions by William Wake ...; Sermons. Selections Wake, William, 1657-1737. 1690 (1690) Wing W271; ESTC R17962 210,099 546

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not_o trust_v their_o own_o interpretation_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o abraham_n beget_v isaac_n if_o the_o church_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o expound_v it_o otherwise_o for_o such_o and_o so_o plain_o be_v many_o of_o those_o passage_n that_o we_o allege_v against_o they_o to_o show_v their_o corruption_n in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o if_o you_o offer_v they_o reason_n as_o clear_a as_o the_o plain_a demonstration_n why_o that_o be_v well_o but_o still_o private_a reason_n may_v err_v and_o the_o church_n can_v convince_v they_o by_o their_o sense_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v convince_v any_o body_n desire_v they_o to_o consult_v the_o verdict_n of_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o mouth_n and_o nose_n and_o feel_v it_o be_v no_o purpose_n the_o sense_n may_v deceive_v they_o but_o the_o church_n can_v thus_o have_v they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v conjure_v into_o a_o circle_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a 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obstinate_a but_o he_o can_v be_v wise_o steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n a_o good_a christian_a must_v be_v able_a to_o give_v some_o more_o reasonable_a account_n of_o his_o faith_n than_o this_o if_o ever_o he_o mean_v to_o be_v secure_o firm_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o his_o creed_n must_v be_v found_v on_o some_o better_a authority_n than_o a_o bare_a credulity_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a useless_a plea_n at_o the_o last_o day_n that_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o his_o church_n believe_v when_o he_o may_v have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o a_o better_a information_n shall_v he_o chance_v by_o so_o do_v to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n unless_o he_o can_v render_v some_o tolerable_a account_n either_o wherefore_o his_o church_n believe_v so_o or_o at_o least_o wherefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o submit_v himself_o so_o servile_o to_o her_o authority_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v with_o knowledge_n because_o he_o be_v clear_o and_o evident_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n need_v never_o fear_v either_o the_o danger_n or_o imputation_n of_o such_o a_o obstinacy_n for_o his_o firmness_n in_o adhere_v to_o his_o faith_n if_o for_o instance_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n read_v in_o his_o bible_n those_o express_a word_n of_o the_o second_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o grave_a image_n nor_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o etc._n etc._n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o it_o nor_o worship_n it_o if_o he_o look_v forward_o to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o there_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o bless_a eucharist_n see_v those_o word_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o in_o as_o plain_a and_o legible_a character_n as_o those_o other_o take_v and_o eat_v and_o thereupon_o resolve_v never_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o either_o to_o bow_v down_o himself_o before_o a_o image_n or_o to_o give_v up_o his_o 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manner_n dispose_v however_o otherwise_o disagree_v in_o opinion_n from_o he_o need_v never_o fear_v that_o his_o firmness_n be_v any_o other_o than_o that_o wise_a and_o christian_a steadfastness_n which_o our_o text_n require_v not_o such_o a_o obstinacy_n as_o both_o that_o and_o we_o most_o just_o detest_v and_o condemn_v but_o here_o then_o we_o must_v look_v to_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o take_v heed_n lest_o for_o fear_n of_o be_v perverse_o constant_a to_o our_o faith_n we_o fall_v into_o a_o weak_a and_o criminal_a instability_n to_o prevent_v this_o these_o three_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1_o sy_n that_o we_o careful_o avoid_v all_o unworthy_a motive_n of_o change_v our_o religion_n 2_o dly_z that_o we_o be_v not_o too_o apt_a to_o entertain_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o it_o 3_o dly_z that_o if_o any_o argument_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v bring_v against_o it_o that_o may_v deserve_v our_o consider_v we_o then_o be_v sure_a to_o give_v they_o that_o due_a and_o diligent_a examination_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v i_o sy_n he_o that_o will_v be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n must_v above_o all_o thing_n take_v heed_n to_o arm_v himself_o against_o all_o unworthy_a motive_n of_o change_v his_o religion_n it_o be_v very_o sad_a to_o consider_v what_o unchristian_a mean_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o some_o person_n to_o propagate_v their_o religion_n and_o a_o man_n need_v almost_o no_o other_o assurance_n that_o it_o can_v be_v from_o god_n than_o to_o see_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o pursue_v such_o method_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o its_o interest_n as_o most_o certain_o never_o come_v down_o from_o above_o thus_o if_o a_o man_n fortune_n be_v mean_a or_o his_o ambition_n great_a if_o religion_n have_v not_o take_v so_o deep_a root_n in_o his_o soul_n as_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o overcome_v the_o flattery_n and_o temptation_n of_o a_o present_a interest_n and_o advantage_n then_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v want_v a_o seducer_n present_o to_o show_v he_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n because_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o lead_v to_o preferment_n and_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o a_o good_a place_n or_o a_o honourable_a title_n will_v quick_o appear_v a_o more_o infallible_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n than_o any_o that_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n can_v furnish_v to_o the_o contrary_n if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v and_o interest_n can_v prevail_v than_o the_o other_o govern_v passion_n of_o our_o mind_n man_n fear_n be_v try_v instead_o of_o these_o allurement_n the_o false_a teacher_n now_o thunder_v out_o hell_n and_o damnation_n against_o we_o nothing_o but_o curse_n and_o anathema_n to_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o if_o we_o continue_v firm_a in_o our_o faith_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v none_o of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o his_o church_n fault_n if_o all_o the_o horror_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v not_o employ_v against_o we_o in_o charity_n to_o prevent_v our_o fall_n into_o the_o everlasting_a punishment_n of_o the_o next_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o recount_v what_o unworthy_a mean_v some_o have_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o make_v use_n of_o to_o promote_v their_o religion_n and_o draw_v we_o away_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n france_n and_o savoy_n hungary_n and_o germany_n the_o old_a world_n and_o the_o new_a have_v all_o and_o that_o but_o very_o late_o be_v witness_n what_o way_n it_o be_v that_o popery_n have_v and_o do_v and_o if_o ever_o it_o mean_v effectual_o to_o prevail_v must_v take_v to_o propagate_v its_o interest_n animus_fw-la meminisse_fw-la horret_fw-la luctúque_fw-la refugit_fw-la now_o he_o that_o shall_v be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o suffer_v himself_o by_o any_o of_o these_o motive_n which_o a_o constant_a man_n may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v overcome_v
neither_o be_v the_o gentile_a christian_n utter_o without_o fault_n in_o it_o but_o so_o far_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n wherewith_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o free_a 1_o as_o not_o only_o to_o despise_v the_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o other_o etc._n but_o to_o be_v ready_a almost_o even_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o their_o communion_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o dangerous_a such_o a_o controversy_n as_o this_o may_v have_v prove_v nor_o what_o a_o stop_v it_o may_v have_v put_v to_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n in_o those_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n great_a be_v the_o difficulty_n which_o the_o apostle_n undergo_v on_o this_o occasion_n whilst_o they_o endeavour_v so_o to_o menage_n themselves_o between_o these_o two_o party_n as_o not_o only_o not_o to_o offend_v either_o but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o bring_v they_o both_o to_o such_o a_o temper_n with_o one_o another_o that_o neither_o the_o gentile_a convert_n may_v despise_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o judaize_v brother_n nor_o the_o jewish_a votary_n judge_v too_o severe_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_a christian._n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o chapter_n before_o my_o text._n where_o address_v himself_o as_o indeed_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v do_v this_o whole_a epistle_n to_o the_o gentile_a christian_n and_o who_o as_o have_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n he_o therefore_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o strong_a in_o the_o faith_n 1_o v._n 1_o he_o exhort_v they_o in_o a_o most_o admirable_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a throughout_o the_o whole_a chapter_n ibid._n to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a i._n e._n not_o to_o grieve_v nor_o despise_v they_o for_o their_o mistake_a zeal_n but_o by_o comply_v a_o little_a and_o condescend_v to_o their_o infirmity_n to_o endeavour_v if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o their_o error_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o please_v his_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n ●_o and_o then_o conclude_v all_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n wherein_o we_o have_v first_o a_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n almighty_a that_o he_o will_v inspire_v they_o so_o effectual_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o unity_n and_o charity_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o difference_n they_o may_v join_v unanimous_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o only_o in_o the_o same_o common_a worship_n of_o god_n but_o with_o the_o same_o hearty_a affection_n to_o one_o another_o now_o the_o god_n of_o patience_n and_o consolation_n grant_v you_o to_o be_v likeminded_a one_o towards_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o second_o a_o exhortation_n as_o the_o final_a result_n of_o his_o whole_a discourse_n that_o they_o shall_v with_o all_o charitable_a condescension_n and_o kindness_n receive_v and_o love_n and_o assist_v one_o another_o and_o not_o despise_v and_o censure_n and_o deprive_v one_o another_o either_o of_o their_o charity_n or_o their_o communion_n wherefore_o receive_v you_o one_o another_o as_o christ_n also_o receive_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o which_o word_n as_o they_o thus_o lie_v before_o we_o in_o the_o occasion_n and_o design_n of_o they_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o will_v offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o a_o exhortation_n to_o these_o dissent_v christian_n and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o of_o we_o not_o to_o break_v either_o charity_n or_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n wherein_o we_o may_v secure_o differ_v but_o mutual_o to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o our_o difference_n second_o loc_n a_o enforcement_n of_o this_o exhortation_n from_o two_o of_o the_o great_a consideration_n that_o can_v possible_o engage_v any_o christian_n to_o a_o observance_n of_o it_o viz._n first_o from_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n towards_o we_o second_o from_o the_o great_a glory_n that_o will_v hereby_o redound_v to_o god_n wherefore_o receive_v you_o one_o another_o as_o christ_n also_o receive_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o my_o endeavour_n with_o all_o the_o plainness_n that_o i_o can_v to_o pursue_v both_o the_o exhortation_n and_o the_o enforcement_n in_o the_o three_o follow_a proposition_n i._o that_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n in_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n between_o very_o good_a and_o zealous_a christian_n without_o any_o just_a reflection_n either_o upon_o the_o man_n or_o upon_o their_o religion_n ii_o that_o these_o difference_n ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v such_o person_n from_o agree_v together_o not_o only_o in_o a_o common_a charity_n but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o a_o common_a worship_n of_o god_n too_o iii_o that_o to_o this_o end_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n but_o especial_o of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o strong_a in_o faith_n not_o only_o to_o pray_v for_o such_o a_o union_n but_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n hearty_o to_o labour_v themselves_o and_o earnest_o to_o stir_v up_o all_o other_o to_o endeavour_v after_o it_o 1._o and_o first_o that_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n in_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n between_o very_o good_a and_o zealous_a christian_n without_o any_o just_a reflection_n upon_o the_o man_n or_o upon_o their_o religion_n for_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o think_v i_o need_v go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o very_a history_n of_o my_o text._n i_o have_v already_o say_v how_o great_a a_o division_n there_o be_v between_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o gentile_a convert_v about_o the_o ritual_a observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o with_o what_o a_o zeal_n the_o dissent_v party_n manage_v the_o dispute_n till_o they_o have_v almost_o lose_v their_o charity_n and_o make_v a_o deplorable_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n and_o yet_o i_o be_o confident_a no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o this_o be_v at_o all_o derogatory_n either_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o common_a christianity_n or_o to_o the_o infallible_a authority_n with_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o for_o the_o party_n themselves_o that_o thus_o differ_v with_o one_o another_o that_o they_o have_v a_o true_a zeal_n on_o both_o side_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o think_v it_o matter_n of_o conscience_n the_o one_o to_o observe_v these_o ceremonial_a institution_n as_o what_o god_n still_o require_v of_o they_o the_o other_o to_o refuse_v any_o such_o imposition_n as_o not_o only_o a_o needless_a burden_n 2_o but_o even_o repugnant_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n declare_v to_o they_o in_o his_o gospel_n s._n paul_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o very_a argument_n do_v clear_o bear_v witness_n to_o they_o ch._n fourteen_o 6_o where_o he_o make_v use_v of_o this_o very_a thing_n as_o one_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v mutual_o tolerate_v one_o another_o in_o their_o dissension_n viz._n that_o however_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o notion_n as_o to_o these_o particular_n yet_o they_o be_v both_o perfect_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n he_o that_o regard_v the_o day_n 6_o regard_v it_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o that_o regard_v not_o the_o day_n to_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v it_o he_o that_o eat_v eat_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o give_v god_n thanks_o and_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n he_o eat_v not_o and_o give_v god_n thank_v and_o indeed_o either_o we_o must_v say_v that_o all_o even_o the_o least_o point_n relate_v to_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o plain_o reveal_v that_o no_o honest_a man_n can_v possible_o be_v mistake_v if_o he_o 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charity_n to_o think_v they_o do_v not_o themselves_o know_v they_o to_o be_v so_o i_o fear_v the_o best_a account_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v that_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n blind_v their_o eye_n and_o that_o their_o error_n be_v as_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o gross_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o will_v man_n indeed_o lay_v aside_o all_o humane_a consideration_n as_o in_o thing_n wherein_o eternity_n be_v at_o stake_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v will_v they_o with_o charity_n and_o humility_n seek_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o discover_v their_o own_o as_o they_o be_v but_o too_o forward_o to_o censure_v other_o man_n fault_n in_o plain_a term_n will_v they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o seek_v nothing_o but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o most_o of_o our_o controversy_n will_v present_o vanish_v and_o we_o shall_v yet_o recover_v that_o truth_n which_o i_o fear_v some_o man_n have_v too_o long_o detain_v in_o unrighteousness_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n but_o especial_o will_v they_o to_o this_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n add_v 4_o thly_a the_o apostle_n next_o direction_n of_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o assistance_n for_o certain_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o great_a a_o good_a and_o so_o please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n almighty_a to_o be_v implore_v of_o he_o that_o a_o pious_a and_o upright_a man_n earnest_o pray_v and_o hearty_o seek_v after_o it_o shall_v hardly_o be_v deny_v the_o happiness_n of_o be_v constant_a to_o the_o faith_n if_o he_o be_v already_o in_o the_o right_a way_n or_o of_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v the_o true_a votary_n not_o to_o refuse_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a or_o but_o 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unto_o eternal_a life_n ver_fw-la 21._o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o this_o great_a consideration_n which_o so_o high_o influence_n all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n must_v here_o also_o prove_v of_o a_o singular_a advantage_n to_o keep_v we_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o our_o faith_n this_o will_v make_v we_o diligent_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v awaken_v our_o care_n will_v perfect_v our_o piety_n and_o inflame_v our_o devotion_n by_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v secure_a that_o no_o worldly_a consideration_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v upon_o we_o to_o forsake_v our_o religion_n we_o shall_v neither_o be_v move_v for_o any_o terror_n to_o renounce_v it_o nor_o be_v cajol_v by_o any_o interest_n or_o persuasion_n to_o give_v it_o up_o but_o we_o shall_v resolve_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v diligent_o into_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o profession_n to_o judge_v impartial_o and_o steadfast_o follow_v what_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v the_o right_a faith_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o comfortable_a account_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n when_o we_o shall_v appear_v at_o his_o tribunal_n no_o matter_n how_o severe_o we_o may_v be_v censure_v by_o man_n for_o our_o so_o do_v we_o know_v that_o truth_n very_o often_o meet_v with_o and_o make_v enemy_n to_o the_o best_a men._n christianity_n itself_o be_v once_o every_o where_o speak_v against_o and_o st._n paul_n arraign_v as_o a_o heretic_n but_o whilst_o with_o that_o apostle_n we_o know_v wherefore_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o censure_n or_o ashamed_a of_o our_o profession_n that_o shall_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v be_v bring_v even_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o our_o enemy_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a with_o assurance_n to_o answer_v for_o ourselves_o as_o he_o do_v that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n 14_o so_o worship_v we_o the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n such_o a_o power_n will_v this_o great_a consideration_n of_o eternal_a life_n have_v over_o we_o to_o secure_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n that_o it_o will_v actuate_v all_o the_o other_o mean_n that_o have_v before_o be_v offer_v to_o establish_v our_o faith_n and_o itself_o become_v a_o new_a defence_n and_o such_o as_o all_o the_o sophistry_n and_o malice_n of_o our_o enemy_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a ever_o to_o overcome_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o as_o full_a a_o account_n as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v of_o the_o several_a thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v and_o however_o i_o have_v not_o so_o close_o confine_v my_o reflection_n to_o the_o particular_a concern_v of_o those_o christian_n to_o who_o st._n judas_n write_v as_o not_o to_o have_v observe_v somewhat_o in_o general_a the_o use_n that_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o this_o caution_n yet_o i_o will_v now_o in_o the_o close_o crave_v leave_v to_o offer_v two_o or_o three_o reflection_n more_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v our_o own_o more_o immediate_a concern_v in_o it_o and_o first_o let_v we_o from_o hence_o learn_v with_o what_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n we_o ought_v to_o contend_v for_o our_o religion_n which_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v do_v if_o any_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o best_a deserve_v the_o character_n of_o the_o text_n of_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o without_o mixture_n of_o any_o thing_n corruptive_a of_o or_o contrary_a thereunto_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n either_o upon_o your_o belief_n or_o practice_n but_o what_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o faith_n the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o prescribe_v or_o at_o least_o allow_v we_o to_o do_v we_o give_v no_o other_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n than_o what_o be_v either_o so_o apparent_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o that_o no_o impartial_a person_n can_v doubt_v of_o it_o or_o else_o have_v be_v so_o universal_o receive_v by_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n and_o be_v otherwise_o so_o agreeable_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v it_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n be_v the_o same_o now_o which_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v and_o profess_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o evident_o found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n that_o they_o neither_o can_v nor_o do_v admit_v of_o any_o dispute_n among_o christian_n those_o who_o the_o most_o pretend_v we_o to_o be_v defective_a in_o our_o faith_n yet_o dare_v not_o say_v we_o be_v erroneous_a in_o what_o we_o do_v profess_v they_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o we_o believe_v be_v right_a only_o they_o think_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o we_o ought_v because_o not_o all_o that_o they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v and_o certain_o then_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o can_v but_o deserve_v to_o be_v earnest_o contend_v for_o as_o be_v without_o all_o controversy_n true_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o second_o at_o this_o time_n when_o so_o many_o seducer_n for_o i_o shall_v spare_v the_o rest_n of_o st._n jude_n character_n ver_fw-la 4._o be_v creep_v in_o among_o we_o and_o make_v it_o their_o great_a endeavour_n by_o any_o mean_n to_o draw_v we_o away_o from_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o repeat_v either_o the_o manner_n how_o i_o have_v show_v we_o ought_v to_o contend_v for_o our_o faith_n against_o they_o or_o the_o direction_n which_o from_o the_o apostle_n i_o have_v before_o offer_v for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o let_v we_o only_o resolve_v
light_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o mankind_n and_o from_o which_o they_o themselves_o can_v produce_v we_o any_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o exempt_v she_o and_o if_o some_o among_o we_o have_v with_o 1633._o st._n chrysostom_n free_o suppose_v that_o in_o some_o case_n she_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yet_o in_o the_o very_a instance_n to_o which_o they_o refer_v they_o have_v at_o least_o probable_a ground_n for_o what_o they_o say_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o be_v content_v with_o 7._o st._n austin_n to_o suspend_v ourselves_o and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n not_o to_o enter_v into_o any_o question_n at_o all_o concern_v she_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n whether_o she_o ever_o do_v actual_o sin_n or_o no_o or_o now_o that_o god_n have_v take_v she_o up_o into_o glory_n have_v we_o not_o all_o that_o high_a and_o worthy_a opinion_n of_o her_o exaltation_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v because_o indeed_o we_o free_o profess_v we_o can_v believe_v such_o extravagant_a romance_n as_o all_o sober_a man_n even_o of_o their_o own_o church_n be_v ashamed_a of_o etc._n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o she_o be_v at_o this_o time_n in_o heaven_n do_v we_o ever_o the_o more_o debase_v she_o because_o we_o will_v not_o entertain_v a_o shameless_a legend_n of_o her_o assumption_n thither_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o she_o be_v adorn_v with_o one_o of_o the_o bright_a aureola_n in_o god_n kingdom_n etc._n that_o her_o crown_n be_v more_o illustrious_a than_o any_o among_o the_o daughter_n of_o eve_n be_v not_o this_o sufficient_a unless_o we_o will_v undertake_v to_o tell_v you_o what_o her_o crown_n be_v make_v of_o how_o many_o star_n go_v into_o her_o achievement_n what_o badge_n her_o servant_n wear_v and_o what_o speech_n and_o compliment_n be_v make_v to_o she_o upon_o the_o occasion_n and_o to_o complete_a all_o 81._o set_v forth_o in_o perspective_n all_o the_o holy_a trinity_n concur_v in_o this_o ceremony_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n sing_v praise_n to_o she_o and_o adore_v of_o she_o we_o make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o as_o she_o be_v very_o high_o favour_v by_o god_n on_o earth_n so_o be_v she_o now_o no_o less_o belove_v by_o he_o in_o heaven_n etc._n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o set_v she_o up_o as_o another_o mediatrix_fw-la that_o as_o both_o sex_n concur_v to_o our_o ruin_n so_o may_v both_o concur_v to_o our_o reparation_n and_o so_o tie_v up_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o not_o to_o allow_v any_o to_o be_v save_v but_o according_a to_o her_o will._n nay_o make_v she_o so_o far_o the_o queen_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o to_o give_v she_o a_o power_n of_o all_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bestow_v on_o mankind_n of_o save_v her_o votary_n if_o they_o do_v but_o sufficient_o love_v and_o worship_v she_o whatever_o their_o affection_n or_o their_o service_n be_v to_o god_n almighty_a of_o fetch_v soul_n not_o only_o out_o of_o purgatory_n but_o even_o from_o hell_n itself_o by_o her_o authority_n of_o order_v all_o the_o event_n of_o the_o fortune_n of_o man_n and_o kingdom_n insomuch_o that_o not_o a_o battle_n can_v be_v fight_v or_o a_o victory_n obtain_v but_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o this_o pallas_n to_o who_o the_o success_n be_v due_a and_o to_o who_o the_o praise_n and_o honour_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v return_v these_o indeed_o be_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o some_o of_o our_o adversary_n but_o god_n forbid_v they_o shall_v ever_o be_v the_o practice_n or_o opinion_n of_o any_o among_o we_o to_o conclude_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o to_o entertain_v more_o honourable_a sentiment_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n than_o we_o do_v who_o will_v not_o run_v out_o into_o blasphemy_n and_o fanaticism_n and_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o neither_o scripture_n nor_o antiquity_n have_v deliver_v nor_o will_v either_o piety_n or_o common_a sense_n suffer_v we_o to_o receive_v let_v we_o see_v second_o whether_o our_o action_n be_v not_o every_o way_n suitable_a to_o our_o opinion_n now_o for_o this_o i_o must_v observe_v according_a to_o my_o foundation_n before_o lay_v down_o that_o the_o holy_a virgin_n however_o high_o exalt_v by_o god_n be_v yet_o still_o but_o a_o mere_a creature_n our_o action_n towards_o she_o must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o a_o creature_n that_o be_v at_o such_o a_o vast_a distance_n from_o we_o and_o out_o of_o all_o compass_n of_o civil_a communication_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v and_o so_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o may_v warrantable_o be_v pay_v to_o she_o will_v fall_v under_o these_o three_o general_n first_o to_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o blessing_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o bestow_v upon_o she_o second_o to_o return_v praise_n to_o god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o and_o three_o to_o endeavour_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o imitate_v her_o excellency_n this_o be_v all_o the_o honour_n she_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v from_o we_o and_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o we_o be_v as_o careful_a as_o any_o to_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n of_o our_o text_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o particular_n first_o we_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o blessing_n and_o favour_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o bestow_v upon_o she_o let_v this_o day_n and_o the_o other_o solemn_a festival_n we_o observe_v to_o the_o same_o end_n be_v our_o witness_n how_o careful_a we_o be_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a we_o mark_v it_o out_o in_o our_o ritual_n as_o a_o day_n holy_a unto_o the_o lord_n we_o assemble_v in_o our_o sacred_a place_n solemn_o to_o recount_v what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v record_v of_o god_n mercy_n to_o her_o and_o annual_o as_o at_o this_o time_n we_o encourage_v one_o another_o to_o bless_v and_o praise_v he_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o but_o here_o the_o objection_n make_v in_o the_o beginning_n will_v rise_v against_o we_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o do_v observe_v some_o of_o her_o festival_n but_o yet_o we_o pass_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o and_o for_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o all_o we_o quite_o omit_v it_o in_o that_o we_o say_v not_o ave_fw-la maria_fw-la so_o often_o and_o so_o impertinent_o as_o they_o do_v nor_o other_o anthem_n of_o our_o lady_n as_o they_o call_v she_o by_o a_o new_a and_o fantastical_a title_n never_o give_v she_o either_o in_o scripture_n or_o by_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n this_o we_o confess_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n true_a we_o say_v no_o ave_fw-la mary_n i_o e._n after_o the_o manner_n that_o they_o do_v nor_o can_v we_o imagine_v what_o honour_n be_v do_v to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n by_o the_o nauseous_a tautology_n of_o a_o salutation_n pertinent_a in_o its_o season_n when_o the_o angel_n speak_v to_o she_o upon_o her_o conception_n but_o now_o as_o unseasonable_a in_o the_o application_n as_o it_o be_v vain_a and_o absurd_a in_o the_o repetition_n but_o yet_o when_o we_o recite_v the_o history_n and_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o surprise_a salutation_n than_o we_o read_v it_o in_o our_o assembly_n that_o be_v we_o do_v say_v ave_fw-la maria_n as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v either_o pious_a or_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o for_o not_o do_v it_o as_o they_o do_v we_o be_v to_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o of_o who_o our_o text_n speak_v yet_o god_n be_v thank_v we_o shall_v run_v but_o the_o same_o fortune_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o the_o church_n do_v before_o it_o be_v first_o as_o they_o tell_v we_o reveal_v to_o st._n dominick_n and_o by_o he_o to_o the_o church_n how_o they_o be_v to_o recite_v the_o rosary_n but_o now_o for_o the_o other_o instance_n object_v against_o we_o viz._n the_o feast_n and_o anthem_n of_o our_o lady_n in_o these_o we_o may_v venture_v to_o justify_v ourselves_o we_o celebrate_v the_o memory_n of_o all_o the_o great_a particular_n that_o we_o know_v of_o her_o life_n and_o if_o upon_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o fable_n confess_v to_o be_v uncertain_a and_o dispute_v by_o many_o among_o themselves_o as_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v credit_v we_o can_v be_v induce_v to_o observe_v more_o yet_o in_o this_o we_o hope_v all_o sober_a christian_n will_v acquit_v we_o and_o esteem_v we_o to_o be_v very_o excusable_a in_o what_o we_o do_v it_o be_v certain_o to_o mock_v not_o honour_n both_o god_n and_o her_o solemn_o to_o commemorate_v and_o serious_o to_o thank_v god_n for_o such_o blessing_n as_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v sure_o he_o never_o bestow_v upon_o she_o nor_o she_o ever_o receive_v
not_o well_o see_v how_o they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o clear_v themselves_o altogether_o of_o those_o folly_n which_o they_o so_o ready_o encourage_v and_o not_o only_o neglect_v to_o correct_v themselves_o but_o will_v not_o suffer_v those_o who_o will_v to_o do_v it_o nay_o but_o we_o must_v not_o stop_v here_o they_o have_v give_v a_o yet_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o this_o if_o we_o look_v into_o their_o church_n and_o there_o view_v their_o picture_n and_o their_o image_n those_o book_n of_o the_o ignorant_a as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o what_o can_v be_v either_o more_o wretched_a in_o itself_o or_o more_o apt_a to_o seduce_v unthinking_a votary_n than_o every_o where_o to_o see_v holy_a mary_n with_o our_o saviour_n still_o a_o infant_n in_o her_o arm_n as_o if_o he_o be_v never_o to_o get_v out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o his_o pupillage_n and_o this_o be_v yet_o tolerable_a if_o they_o thereby_o take_v care_n to_o call_v back_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o infancy_n once_o when_o on_o earth_n but_o alas_o i_o must_v add_v what_o exceed_v all_o extravagance_n beside_o that_o they_o set_v he_o out_o still_o as_o a_o child_n in_o heaven_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o common_a in_o the_o live_v of_o their_o saint_n in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o virgin_n and_o even_o in_o their_o office_n and_o book_n of_o devotion_n than_o to_o hear_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bring_v down_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o mother_n and_o still_o behave_v himself_o as_o a_o little_a child_n towards_o her_o votary_n and_o what_o mean_v and_o low_a opinion_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o must_v needs_o create_v in_o superstitious_a and_o ignorant_a mind_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o natural_a to_o conceive_v and_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n towards_o the_o bless_a virgin_n compare_v with_o their_o notion_n and_o zeal_n towards_o the_o holy_a jesus_n do_v but_o too_o fatal_o demonstrate_v but_o second_o this_o consideration_n be_v not_o only_o thus_o important_a in_o itself_o but_o of_o a_o more_o especial_a concern_v with_o regard_n to_o we_o be_v the_o votary_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n content_a with_o a_o speculative_a opinion_n of_o her_o excellency_n or_o will_v they_o be_v satisfy_v to_o pay_v she_o what_o homage_n they_o think_v fit_v themselves_o without_o force_v other_o to_o join_v in_o it_o this_o matter_n though_o very_o scandalous_a to_o our_o religion_n yet_o will_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v our_o practice_n but_o now_o that_o the_o very_a public_a devotion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v whole_o overrun_v with_o this_o abuse_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o they_o unless_o you_o will_v be_v content_a to_o pray_v to_o holy_a mary_n too_o it_o be_v certain_o very_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v the_o danger_n of_o such_o a_o error_n which_o be_v thus_o combine_v with_o the_o most_o public_a and_o solemn_a piety_n of_o a_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n and_o then_o three_o this_o be_v a_o point_n not_o only_o of_o very_o great_a moment_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o a_o particular_a concern_v to_o we_o but_o very_o plain_a too_o and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o other_o thing_n though_o our_o argument_n be_v strong_a to_o those_o that_o comprehend_v the_o force_n of_o they_o yet_o many_o time_n the_o subject_n be_v obscure_a and_o the_o disputation_n past_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ordinary_a christian._n thus_o in_o their_o doctrine_n about_o the_o church_n the_o authority_n unity_n infallibility_n and_o other_o either_o real_a or_o pretend_a privilege_n of_o it_o the_o argument_n be_v nice_a and_o easy_o perplex_v a_o uninstructed_a capacity_n but_o here_o the_o advice_n be_v evident_a and_o the_o whole_a subject_a easy_a the_o only_a hardship_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o own_o their_o doctrine_n but_o afterward_o the_o most_o vulgar_a christian_a be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o falseness_n of_o it_o those_o first_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o like_a be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o those_o shall_v not_o have_v depart_v from_o their_o first_o faith_n who_o give_v religious_a honour_n to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o set_v she_o up_o as_o a_o mediatrix_fw-la in_o heaven_n now_o this_o be_v once_o prove_v it_o will_v from_o hence_o present_o follow_v four_o that_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n against_o we_o be_v vain_a and_o that_o we_o not_o only_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n but_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o reform_v as_o we_o do_v from_o they_o for_o to_o consider_v this_o argument_n in_o one_o word_n if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v actual_o and_o undoubted_o erroneous_a in_o this_o point_n then_o let_v she_o fancy_v what_o she_o please_v it_o be_v plain_a she_o can_v err_v and_o be_v not_o what_o she_o say_v infallible_a if_o she_o be_v not_o infallible_a then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n to_o believe_v and_o follow_v she_o at_o all_o adventure_n without_o examine_v what_o she_o teach_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a if_o we_o may_v examine_v her_o doctrine_n than_o the_o end_n of_o all_o examination_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o it_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o when_o upon_o the_o enquiry_n we_o have_v discover_v she_o to_o be_v involve_v in_o grievous_a error_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o abandon_v her_o corruption_n and_o to_o declare_v against_o they_o and_o thus_o this_o one_o point_n alone_o be_v well_o clear_v do_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o plain_o prove_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v any_o unprejudiced_a mind_n what_o just_a cause_n we_o have_v for_o it_o and_o let_v we_o then_o bless_v god_n who_o have_v open_v our_o eye_n to_o discover_v such_o abuse_n as_o these_o and_o which_o have_v almost_o subvert_v the_o very_a chief_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o let_v we_o as_o we_o ought_v value_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o that_o purity_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o we_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o exceed_v most_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n let_v our_o adversary_n if_o they_o please_v revile_v we_o let_v they_o call_v we_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n despiser_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hater_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n let_v they_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o their_o anathema_n against_o we_o because_o we_o will_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a abomination_n but_o let_v we_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v know_v from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o and_o that_o though_o i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o or_o we_o or_o any_o other_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o but_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n though_o st._n peter_n himself_o shall_v come_v to_o we_o and_o preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n 9_o he_o be_v to_o be_v accurse_v i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o those_o excellent_a word_n of_o a_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n against_o some_o who_o begin_v in_o his_o time_n to_o honour_v the_o bless_a virgin_n though_o not_o with_o any_o part_n of_o that_o excess_n that_o these_o man_n now_o do_v yet_o more_o than_o he_o suppose_v be_v fit_v for_o they_o it_o be_v true_a say_v he_o mary_n be_v holy_a but_o she_o be_v not_o therefore_o god_n she_o be_v a_o virgin_n and_o high_o honour_v but_o she_o be_v not_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o to_o be_v worship_v and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a gospel_n have_v herein_o arm_v we_o before_o hand_n our_o lord_n himself_o say_v woman_n what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o wherefore_o do_v he_o say_v this_o but_o only_o leave_v some_o shall_v think_v of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n more_o high_o than_o they_o ought_v he_o call_v her_o woman_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v those_o schism_n and_o heresy_n that_o shall_v arise_v upon_o her_o account_n but_o god_n permit_v we_o not_o to_o worship_v angel_n how_o much_o less_o the_o daughter_n of_o anna_n let_v mary_n be_v hold_v in_o honour_n but_o let_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v worship_v let_v no_o one_o worship_n mary_n for_o though_o she_o be_v most_o fair_a and_o holy_a and_o honourable_a yet_o she_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o