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scripture_n be_v still_o ready_a to_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o man._n but_o then_o 3._o let_v we_o keep_v ourselves_o always_o in_o the_o proper_a disposition_n and_o preparation_n to_o judge_v and_o conclude_v aright_o for_o ourselves_o i._n e._n by_o sincerity_n which_o consist_v chief_o in_o a_o vehement_a desire_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n we_o must_v lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o this_o that_o we_o will_v be_v honest_a and_o good_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v use_v all_o good_a rule_n well_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o whit_n the_o more_o incline_v to_o embrace_v doctrine_n for_o our_o belief_n or_o practice_n because_o they_o make_v for_o our_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o this_o go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n good_a and_o evil._n offence_n from_o without_o will_v not_o stumble_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o weaken_v and_o blind_v by_o the_o 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offence_n i._n e._n encouragement_n to_o sin_n and_o of_o deceitful_a error_n if_o thou_o also_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o thyself_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a heart_n and_o purify_n thy_o mind_n from_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a lust_n thou_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o art_n and_o force_n of_o outward_a temptation_n now_o the_o way_n to_o gain_v this_o honest_a mind_n be_v to_o fix_v our_o thought_n steadfast_o upon_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o be_v the_o mean_v our_o saviour_n direct_v to_o the_o use_n of_o in_o this_o place_n too_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o for_o it_o be_v better_a for_o thou_o to_o enter_v into_o life_n with_o one_o eye_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n fire_n last_o let_v all_o our_o other_o care_n be_v begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o purify_v our_o intention_n and_o lead_v 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unclean_a or_o unlawful_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v use_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n touch_n make_v it_o so_o nor_o can_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n defile_v a_o man_n conscience_n but_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v defile_v by_o that_o which_o come_v from_o his_o heart_n by_o evil_a thought_n by_o evil_a word_n and_o by_o action_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n such_o as_o murder_n and_o adultery_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o defile_v a_o man_n but_o to_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n defile_v not_o a_o man_n i._n e._n do_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n affect_v his_o soul_n or_o his_o conscience_n for_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o be_v neither_o better_o for_o wash_v nor_o worse_o for_o let_v it_o alone_o and_o to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v a_o superstition_n hurtful_a to_o yourselves_o and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o impudent_a and_o notorious_a a_o abuse_n as_o the_o make_v void_a 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no_o mean_n content_v they_o and_o they_o insist_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v try_v otherwise_o for_o say_v they_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o church_n be_v once_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o teach_v the_o gospel_n sincere_o but_o if_o as_o you_o say_v she_o depart_v from_o the_o pure_a faith_n and_o worship_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o this_o must_v have_v be_v very_o notorious_a because_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v without_o opposition_n and_o resistance_n from_o some_o that_o must_v needs_o observe_v it_o tell_v we_o therefore_o when_o be_v these_o new_a and_o false_a doctrine_n introduce_v who_o be_v the_o man_n that_o bring_v they_o in_o who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v the_o discovery_n what_o council_n condemn_v they_o after_o they_o be_v discover_v for_o if_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v show_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o any_o such_o alteration_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o you_o say_v which_o 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bible_n and_o yet_o they_o modest_o attend_v upon_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n for_o far_a instruction_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o therefore_o if_o some_o man_n in_o late_a age_n have_v gross_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o be_v set_v right_o by_o those_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n to_o interpret_v they_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o people_n ungovernable_a for_o than_o it_o must_v always_o have_v be_v so_o which_o be_v notorious_o false_a and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o almost_o all_o heresy_n have_v come_v of_o misinterpreting_a scripture_n this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o christian_a people_n must_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o those_o heresy_n which_o have_v give_v any_o considerable_a disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v begin_v not_o by_o laic_n or_o illiterate_a person_n but_o by_o such_o man_n as_o the_o objector_n do_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o right_n of_o read_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n i._n e._n by_o bishop_n or_o priest_n wherefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o argue_n of_o these_o man_n against_o the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o bible_n conclude_v against_o the_o priest_n as_o strong_o as_o against_o the_o people_n for_o if_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o layman_n who_o may_v bring_v heresy_n into_o the_o church_n by_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n then_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n man_n in_o order_n shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o read_v they_o since_o they_o have_v actual_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o heresy_n nay_o the_o reason_n be_v something_o strong_a since_o the_o wrest_n of_o the_o holy_a text_n by_o man_n of_o office_n or_o learning_n will_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o do_v more_o mischief_n than_o the_o mistake_v of_o private_a and_o unlearned_a person_n but_o if_o the_o danger_n of_o pervert_v difficult_a place_n be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o 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that_o the_o latin_a tongue_n in_o all_o place_n of_o christendom_n because_o that_o many_o language_n at_o babel_n cause_v confusion_n therefore_o for_o god_n to_o be_v serve_v in_o the_o many_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o christian_a nation_n will_v breed_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n because_o the_o beast_n that_o touch_v the_o mountain_n be_v to_o die_v and_o because_o christ_n say_v give_v not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o dog_n therefore_o ordinary_a people_n be_v not_o to_o have_v the_o bible_n these_o exposition_n be_v not_o invent_v but_o there_o be_v good_a authority_n for_o they_o and_o for_o a_o great_a many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v farther_o be_v object_v but_o this_o that_o if_o priest_n and_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v so_o foul_o mistake_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o unlearned_a in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o mistake_v which_o though_o perhaps_o will_v never_o come_v to_o be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n may_v yet_o prove_v damnable_a to_o themselves_o as_o st._n peter_n plain_o say_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o st._n peter_n unlearned_a man_n be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a life_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o call_v they_o unstable_a not_o yet_o fix_v in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o plain_a truth_n and_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o as_o those_o whether_o they_o be_v man_n of_o good_a part_n or_o not_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o interpret_v the_o hard_a place_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o open_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o necessary_a and_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o moreover_o furnish_v with_o modesty_n and_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o willingness_n to_o learn_v quality_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v 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evident_o show_v so_o that_o either_o the_o danger_n of_o misinterpreting_a scripture_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o prohibit_v the_o laity_n from_o read_v it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v better_a that_o no_o order_n of_o man_n be_v trust_v with_o it_o at_o all_o and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a i_o think_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o have_v better_o never_o have_v be_v write_v at_o all_o which_o no_o man_n will_v say_v whatever_o he_o think_v but_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n the_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o a_o universal_a good_a and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o for_o common_a use_n here_o be_v all_o divine_a truth_n and_o reason_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o every_o man_n plain_o express_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n here_o be_v also_o difficulty_n and_o mystery_n of_o several_a size_n fit_a to_o employ_v the_o industry_n of_o the_o learned_a according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o their_o ability_n and_o to_o exercise_v the_o modesty_n the_o humility_n and_o the_o reverence_n of_o all_o but_o still_o we_o confess_v that_o they_o may_v be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o interdict_v the_o general_a use_n of_o they_o then_o farewell_n at_o once_o to_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o a_o better_a with_o every_o one_o of_o which_o man_n in_o their_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n may_v and_o very_o often_o have_v hurt_v themselves_o and_o other_o st._n peter_n be_v aware_a of_o this_o that_o some_o man_n wrest_v those_o hard_a thing_n in_o s._n paul_n epistle_n and_o in_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n but_o do_v he_o therefore_o dissuade_v the_o faithful_a from_o read_v they_o no_o but_o in_o the_o
accident_n of_o bread_n it_o may_v be_v break_v as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o st._n john_n it_o be_v not_o break_v unless_o you_o mean_v as_o christ_n body_n be_v break_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o if_o the_o bread_n which_o be_v break_v be_v real_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o st._n john_n as_o aforesaid_a both_o as_o to_o the_o accident_n and_o nature_n of_o bread_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n will_v be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o both_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o accident_n i_o deny_v it_o this_o i_o profess_v not_o to_o understand_v fath._n as_o to_o the_o doctor_n be_v argument_n it_o include_v a_o sophism_n as_o will_v appear_v when_o bring_v into_o form_n because_o it_o involve_v four_o term_n because_o he_o suppose_v in_o one_o proposition_n for_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o the_o other_o for_o the_o nature_n dr._n in_o the_o argument_n i_o 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parliamentary_a protestant_a the_o ancient_a father_n can_v be_v such_o a_o rule_n because_o they_o be_v account_v fallible_a nor_o council_n because_o they_o also_o be_v account_v fallible_a nor_o scripture_n sense_v by_o a_o fallible_a authority_n because_o all_o such_o interpretation_n may_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o faith_n can_v be_v obtain_v by_o any_o such_o mean_n for_o that_o which_o be_v doubtful_a can_v only_o create_v opinion_n which_o be_v also_o doubtful_a and_o he_o that_o doubt_v in_o faith_n the_o apostle_n say_v be_v infidelis_fw-la and_o a_o company_n of_o doubter_n be_v not_o a_o church_n of_o faithful_a but_o a_o society_n of_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v infidel_n sign_v peter_n gooden_o the_o answer_n pap._n article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v truth_n ans_fw-fr the_o design_n of_o the_o disputer_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v doubter_n and_o therefore_o infidel_n but_o never_o do_v any_o man_n begin_v a_o business_n more_o unlucky_o for_o at_o the_o very_a first_o dash_n he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o we_o do_v undoubted_o believe_v article_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v truth_n for_o otherwise_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v so_o but_o there_o be_v another_o misfortune_n he_o be_v fall_v into_o no_o less_o than_o that_o for_o his_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v doubter_n be_v that_o we_o want_v a_o infallible_a rule_n now_o if_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o want_v a_o infallible_a rule_n and_o that_o without_o such_o a_o rule_n there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a he_o do_v notorious_o contradict_v himself_o by_o suppose_v that_o we_o believe_v all_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v truth_n though_o we_o have_v no_o such_o rule_n this_o be_v a_o very_a hopeful_a paper_n and_o like_a to_o make_v wise_a convert_v which_o end_v in_o make_v we_o infidel_n and_o begin_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o a_o argument_n that_o manifest_o suppose_v we_o 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no_o more_o than_o to_o say_v that_o which_o be_v true_a be_v true_a and_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v but_o truth_n must_v be_v truth_n i_o think_v he_o apply_v himself_o to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o want_v not_o only_o christian_a faith_n but_o common_a sense_n pap._n therefore_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a ans_fw-fr there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o this_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v truth_n so_o that_o the_o argument_n he_o begin_v with_o be_v put_v into_o the_o right_a order_n and_o into_o other_o word_n be_v this_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o truth_n must_v be_v truth_n but_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o they_o must_v be_v truth_n the_o ancient_a father_n have_v make_v wise_a work_n with_o christianity_n if_o they_o
many_o age_n afterward_o till_o at_o length_n fall_v again_o into_o great_a corruption_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n she_o with_o all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n write_v to_o by_o our_o lord_n fall_v to_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o and_o the_o temple_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v upon_o be_v now_o become_v turkish_a mosque_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o pergamos_n be_v fulfil_v and_o now_o have_v give_v you_o this_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o from_o this_o authority_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o the_o most_o specious_a and_o popular_a exception_n which_o they_o of_o rome_n make_v against_o our_o reformation_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v under_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o in_o this_o church_n whilst_o it_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v notorious_a abuse_n and_o error_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n add_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n second_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n we_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o reform_v ourselves_o as_o we_o have_v do_v three_o that_o the_o main_a objection_n which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v bring_v and_o whereby_o they_o seek_v to_o stagger_v those_o of_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o fright_v they_o into_o their_o own_o may_v by_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o message_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v vain_a and_o fallacious_a and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o remove_v we_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n first_o that_o in_o this_o church_n as_o in_o all_o other_o that_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v notorious_a abuse_n and_o error_n introduce_v into_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christian_n and_o first_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n so_o in_o these_o church_n there_o be_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n lead_v to_o idolatry_n i_o wish_v that_o be_v all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o all_o for_o idolatry_n itself_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v be_v practise_v and_o that_o practise_v not_o only_o connive_v at_o but_o encourage_v and_o command_v and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o adore_v the_o host_n pray_v to_o saint_n to_o dead_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o worship_v of_o image_n contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n provide_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o that_o he_o only_o we_o shall_v serve_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o when_o we_o urge_v they_o with_o these_o thing_n they_o defend_v themselves_o from_o idolatry_n by_o the_o use_n of_o such_o distinction_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o common_a 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there_o be_v no_o precedent_n or_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o antiquity_n but_o plain_a and_o full_a consent_n there_o be_v both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o against_o they_o but_o now_o to_o all_o this_o they_o make_v one_o general_a reply_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n mean_v the_o roman_a church_n have_v not_o err_v in_o these_o point_n because_o she_o can_v err_v at_o all_o for_o she_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o faith_n she_o be_v that_o one_o catholic_n church_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o which_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o perpetual_a presence_n and_o assistance_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o she_o and_o of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o she_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o word_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v by_o she_o define_v be_v infallible_o true_a and_o therefore_o that_o these_o 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have_v be_v vain_a word_n if_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o privilege_n confer_v upon_o the_o see_v of_o peter_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o to_o continue_v in_o god_n goodness_n or_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a truth_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o find_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o we_o can_v find_v it_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o she_o have_v err_v because_o some_o of_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o apparent_o to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n than_o to_o believe_v she_o be_v infallible_a because_o she_o say_v so_o of_o herself_o but_o to_o this_o they_o say_v that_o we_o misinterpret_v those_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v what_o they_o profess_v and_o practice_v and_o in_o short_a that_o we_o can_v arrive_v to_o certainty_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n 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every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n may_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o if_o i_o may_v arrive_v at_o a_o certain_a sense_n of_o these_o scripture_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n then_o why_o may_v i_o not_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o other_o text_n as_o plain_a as_o these_o without_o such_o a_o interpreter_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o our_o saviour_n say_v drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o and_o therefore_o that_o you_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n may_v as_o well_o take_v the_o bread_n as_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o laity_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o communion_n of_o christ_n body_n bread_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o your_o church_n say_v it_o be_v bread_n no_o long_o after_o consecration_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n speak_v for_o a_o whole_a chapter_n against_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o yet_o your_o church_n do_v it_o it_o seem_v also_o to_o i_o that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v absolute_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v offer_v once_o for_o all_o and_o that_o he_o sit_v down_o thenceforth_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n but_o you_o pretend_v to_o fetch_v he_o down_o from_o heaven_n and_o offer_v he_o a_o thousand_o time_n in_o a_o day_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o god_n have_v forbid_v the_o make_n of_o image_n to_o worship_v they_o as_o absolute_o and_o universal_o as_o word_n can_v do_v it_o and_o yet_o you_o picture_n god_n and_o make_v similitude_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o image_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o worship_v they_o when_o you_o have_v do_v i_o demand_v now_o why_o i_o may_v not_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o these_o place_n upon_z as_o reasonable_a ground_n as_o you_o suppose_v i_o may_v be_v of_o those_o which_o in_o your_o judgement_n conclude_v 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several_a prince_n desire_v earnest_o the_o cup_n for_o the_o people_n the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n service_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o divers_a other_o matter_n in_o which_o christendom_n will_v have_v reform_v itself_o if_o italy_n will_v have_v suffer_v it_o italy_n i_o say_v who_o to_o hinder_v a_o general_a reformation_n fill_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n with_o more_o bishop_n than_o come_v from_o all_o part_n of_o christendom_n beside_o second_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v and_o ought_v to_o reform_v itself_o as_o it_o have_v do_v for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n which_o be_v not_o overrun_v with_o so_o many_o false_a doctrine_n and_o corrupt_a practice_n as_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v require_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o to_o remove_v those_o error_n and_o corruption_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o she_o and_o if_o she_o do_v not_o present_o return_v to_o her_o primitive_a purity_n she_o be_v threaten_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o more_o desirable_a thing_n that_o the_o whole_a western_a church_n and_o more_o desirable_a still_o that_o the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n have_v both_o unite_v in_o a_o reformation_n it_o have_v be_v a_o bless_a thing_n if_o by_o a_o free_a and_o general_a council_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n a_o universal_a reformation_n have_v be_v make_v but_o the_o latter_a perhaps_o be_v improbable_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a distance_n of_o some_o christian_a church_n from_o one_o another_o and_o the_o former_a be_v make_v impossible_a by_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o italy_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v do_v upon_o particular_a church_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o perhaps_o there_o must_v never_o be_v a_o far_a reformation_n till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o very_o necessary_a therefore_o that_o christian_a kingdom_n shall_v proceed_v in_o provincial_n and_o national_a council_n to_o reform_v themselves_o as_o this_o church_n have_v do_v under_o her_o king_n and_o bishop_n parliament_n and_o convocation_n that_o be_v by_o all_o that_o authority_n which_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o make_v a_o public_a reformation_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o this_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o proceed_n have_v be_v authorize_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a not_o always_o to_o tarry_v for_o general_n council_n but_o very_o often_o for_o particular_a church_n to_o proceed_v out_o of_o hand_n to_o the_o root_n out_o of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o to_o the_o reform_v of_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v amiss_o among_o themselves_o and_o for_o this_o we_o be_v to_o appeal_v to_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n gangra_n carthage_n and_o many_o other_o which_o be_v no_o general_n council_n to_o conclude_v such_o error_n as_o have_v overspread_v the_o church_n before_o the_o reformation_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o in_o their_o consequence_n so_o pernicious_a that_o every_o christian_a man_n ought_v to_o reform_v himself_o from_o they_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n much_o more_o may_v a_o public_a reformation_n be_v make_v by_o due_a authority_n but_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n who_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v either_o as_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o the_o patriarch_n of_o the_o west_n or_o as_o the_o converter_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n and_o we_o be_v not_o only_o in_o communion_n with_o he_o but_o in_o subjection_n to_o he_o when_o the_o reformation_n be_v make_v so_o that_o what_o cause_n soever_o there_o may_v be_v for_o it_o the_o
reformation_n be_v however_o schismatical_a to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v in_o short_a 1._o as_o to_o the_o universal_a supremacy_n it_o be_v a_o point_n to_o which_o antiquity_n be_v whole_o a_o stranger_n scripture_n and_o the_o father_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o ignatius_n who_o so_o often_o require_v that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v of_o moment_n in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o bishop_n will_v have_v find_v out_o some_o one_o occasion_n at_o least_o to_o have_v say_v let_v nothing_o be_v do_v without_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n if_o he_o have_v know_v of_o any_o such_o privilege_n and_o power_n confer_v on_o he_o by_o our_o lord_n but_o if_o pergamos_n be_v justifiable_a in_o remove_v those_o corruption_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n without_o stay_v for_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n england_n in_o remove_v more_o corruption_n and_o of_o equal_a danger_n be_v to_o proceed_v also_o without_o his_o leave_n if_o it_o can_v not_o be_v have_v 2._o as_o to_o his_o patriarchal_a power_n over_o this_o nation_n it_o do_v not_o ancient_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o have_v it_o not_o when_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a confine_v he_o to_o his_o own_o province_n nor_o when_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n decree_v that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v presume_v to_o invade_v any_o other_o province_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v not_o be_v under_o his_o or_o his_o predecessor_n jurisdiction_n or_o if_o any_o do_v and_o make_v it_o his_o own_o by_o force_n that_o he_o shall_v restore_v it_o and_o then_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n be_v free_a acknowledge_v no_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n the_o power_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n gain_v here_o in_o after-age_n be_v get_v by_o fraud_n and_o hold_v by_o force_n and_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o dispute_v and_o gainsay_v and_o overrule_v and_o sure_o no_o injury_n be_v do_v he_o when_o that_o authority_n be_v resume_v which_o he_o have_v usurp_v 3._o as_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o saxon_n by_o austin_n send_v hither_o by_o pope_n gregory_n i_o say_v it_o follow_v not_o if_o long_o since_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o island_n receive_v any_o benefit_n from_o rome_n therefore_o they_o shall_v in_o all_o age_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o that_o place_n afterward_o nor_o that_o because_o we_o once_o receive_v true_a religion_n from_o rome_n therefore_o posterity_n must_v receive_v also_o false_a doctrine_n from_o thence_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v she_o to_o send_v they_o hither_o but_o in_o truth_n christianity_n have_v be_v plant_v here_o long_o before_o by_o st._n paul_n himself_o in_o all_o probability_n and_o that_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n before_o rome_n herself_o have_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o british_a bishop_n who_o austin_n find_v here_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a legate_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o right_n that_o this_o particular_a church_n have_v to_o reform_v herself_o i_o come_v now_o three_o to_o consider_v some_o of_o those_o specious_a pretence_n and_o objection_n by_o which_o they_o go_v about_o to_o weaken_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o our_o people_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o they_o 1._o they_o say_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o error_n can_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n of_o that_o nature_n with_o those_o which_o we_o charge_v upon_o they_o there_o must_v have_v be_v great_a opposition_n make_v to_o any_o the_o least_o design_n of_o such_o a_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o such_o account_n of_o thing_n in_o history_n therefore_o these_o be_v not_o innovation_n but_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o omit_v this_o that_o concern_v most_o of_o their_o innovation_n we_o can_v very_o near_o show_v the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o but_o can_v plain_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v not_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o in_o a_o thousand_o year_n time_n error_n shall_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n by_o degree_n and_o without_o noise_n than_o that_o in_o a_o church_n plant_v by_o a_o apostle_n as_o pergamos_n be_v guard_v by_o the_o angel_n or_o bishop_n place_v there_o by_o a_o apostle_n as_o pergamos_n be_v shall_v so_o soon_o tolerate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o balaamite_n and_o nicolaitan_n even_o while_o their_o apostle_n be_v alive_a and_o therefore_o very_a soon_o after_o he_o depart_v from_o they_o 2._o they_o say_v that_o the_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n from_o st._n peter_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o true_a doctrine_n among_o they_o in_o the_o purity_n thereof_o but_o behold_v a_o apostolical_a church_n in_o which_o a_o bishop_n succeed_v a_o apostle_n yet_o alive_a corrupt_v in_o her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n can_v they_o have_v great_a can_v they_o have_v as_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o a_o perpetual_a uninterrupted_a succession_n after_o so_o many_o age_n as_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n have_v before_o one_o age_n be_v go_v or_o do_v their_o infallibility_n grow_v with_o their_o succession_n or_o the_o far_o they_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o the_o sure_a still_o that_o they_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v teach_v at_o first_o 3._o they_o say_v we_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v visible_a every_o where_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o the_o reformation_n be_v begin_v see_v there_o be_v then_o no_o communion_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o have_v be_v long_o before_o that_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o all_o point_n which_o the_o reformation_n bring_v in_o now_o in_o great_a liberality_n to_o admit_v for_o once_o that_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o true_a but_o i_o say_v admitting_z it_o what_o will_v then_o come_v of_o it_o that_o we_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n no_o but_o that_o we_o depart_v from_o the_o general_a error_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o by_o that_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n whereof_o we_o ourselves_o be_v a_o part_n unless_o we_o depart_v also_o from_o ourselves_o nay_o but_o say_v they_o this_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o another_o damnable_a error_n and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v fail_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v perish_v for_o some_o age_n till_o the_o reformation_n bring_v it_o to_o life_n again_o not_o so_o neither_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o damnable_a and_o that_o they_o make_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o extreme_o hazardous_a but_o yet_o that_o we_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o want_v mean_n to_o discover_v her_o corruption_n serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v the_o church_n have_v perish_v but_o that_o her_o purity_n have_v be_v lose_v even_o as_o pergamos_n be_v a_o church_n and_o so_o acknowledge_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o because_o she_o hold_v fast_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o creed_n while_o yet_o she_o be_v corrupt_v with_o notorious_a error_n to_o this_o according_a to_o their_o usual_a way_n of_o argue_v they_o will_v reply_v that_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o between_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o pergamos_n be_v and_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n from_o which_o luther_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o separate_v themselves_o but_o then_o i_o will_v answer_v that_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v upon_o for_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o under_o great_a error_n may_v yet_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o like_a reason_n if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v overspread_v with_o foul_a error_n it_o will_v nevertheless_o still_o remain_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n to_o depart_v from_o those_o error_n in_o the_o latter_a case_n as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o depart_v from_o such_o error_n do_v no_o more_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o she_o do_v from_o herself_o 4._o they_o pretend_v antiquity_n for_o their_o error_n and_o be_v often_o ask_v that_o shrewd_a question_n as_o they_o deem_v it_o where_o be_v your_o
pursue_v upon_o this_o account_n if_o upon_o no_o other_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o offence_n come_v do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n of_o the_o bless_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o harmless_a and_o dovelike_a temper_n of_o christianity_n the_o excellency_n of_o its_o design_n the_o richness_n of_o its_o promise_n the_o divinity_n of_o its_o rule_n and_o precept_n the_o comfort_n it_o have_v in_o store_n for_o all_o honest_a mind_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o run_v cross_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o it_o show_v a_o infallible_a way_n to_o single_a person_n and_o to_o community_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o all_o man_n to_o be_v for_o ever_o bless_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o will_v rather_o have_v expect_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v fortolde_v that_o no_o man_n in_o any_o age_n will_v ever_o set_v himself_o to_o oppose_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n if_o likewise_o we_o observe_v what_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n god_n approve_v and_o own_v it_o by_o how_o high_o reasonable_a the_o principle_n thereof_o be_v and_o how_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n yet_o be_v once_o reveal_v do_v satisfy_v our_o reason_n and_o approve_v themselves_o to_o it_o how_o evident_a the_o design_n thereof_o be_v how_o plain_a the_o precept_n how_o few_o the_o positive_a instruction_n of_o it_o be_v and_o how_o significant_a and_o profitable_a they_o be_v and_o how_o full_a of_o instruction_n final_o how_o manifest_a those_o necessary_a doctrine_n be_v the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a and_o what_o that_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v which_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v confess_v and_o without_o controversy_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o these_o thing_n and_o no_o far_o we_o shall_v rather_o have_v expect_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n shall_v never_o have_v be_v gainsay_v never_o pervert_v never_o mingle_v with_o error_n never_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o wrangle_v and_o discord_n and_o never_o have_v become_v the_o matter_n of_o nice_a and_o angry_a dispute_n but_o only_o of_o a_o unblamable_a faith_n and_o practice_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v undoubted_o a_o faithful_a say_v or_o doctrine_n clear_o reveal_v and_o stand_v upon_o evident_a testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v also_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n why_o then_o must_v it_o need_v be_v that_o offence_n come_v to_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o plain_a answer_n in_o our_o saviour_n word_n to_o nicodemus_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a joh._n 3.18_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n shall_v come_v for_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v it_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o have_v one_o way_n or_o other_o always_o seek_v to_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n and_o design_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o the_o defect_n but_o the_o exceed_a excellence_n and_o purity_n of_o true_a christianity_n that_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o world_n to_o oppose_v it_o to_o pervert_v it_o and_o to_o discourage_v the_o profession_n or_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n too_o wise_a and_o too_o good_a for_o they_o that_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a themselves_o and_o therefore_o consider_v the_o great_a corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o god_n will_v not_o over-bear_a by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n but_o cure_n by_o rational_a mean_n and_o method_n no_o wonder_n that_o offence_n have_v come_v nay_o that_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v to_o argue_v more_o particular_o 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o manner_n lay_v a_o severe_a restraint_n upon_o all_o the_o unreasonable_a lust_n of_o man_n and_o make_v a_o great_a many_o liberty_n unlawful_a which_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n violent_o incline_v to_o take_v and_o therefore_o every_o carnal_a man_n while_o he_o so_o continue_v carry_v within_o himself_o a_o terrible_a prejudice_n a_o secret_a enmity_n against_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o his_o heart_n rise_v with_o as_o much_o anger_n against_o that_o doctrine_n of_o god_n that_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o pursue_v his_o worldly_a and_o fleshly_a desire_n as_o he_o will_v but_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v they_o as_o herod_n when_o he_o take_v his_o brother_n wife_n express_v against_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o have_v she_o man_n nature_n affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v confine_v it_o be_v disease_v and_o can_v endure_v to_o he_o heal_v and_o it_o be_v therefore_o likely_a enough_o that_o very_o many_o will_v reject_v the_o physician_n and_o be_v angry_a with_o those_o very_a remedy_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v send_v the_o true_a and_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n my_o brethren_n if_o it_o be_v believe_v can_v but_o make_v we_o very_o uneasy_a and_o unquiet_a while_o we_o be_v conscious_a of_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v reform_v because_o it_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o all_o our_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n it_o forewarn_v we_o of_o a_o dreadful_a sentence_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o a_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o we_o be_v unwilling_a at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o venture_v in_o which_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o repentance_n and_o man_n that_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n and_o lover_n of_o gain_n can_v easy_o admit_v a_o doctrine_n which_o give_v they_o as_o much_o uneasiness_n and_o disturbance_n as_o if_o the_o point_n of_o a_o sword_n be_v always_o turn_v towards_o their_o very_a heart_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o endure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o heathen_n oppose_v it_o and_o persecute_v it_o and_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o christian_n have_v corrupt_v it_o by_o find_v out_o other_o way_n to_o avoid_v damnation_n than_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v this_o that_o have_v make_v way_n for_o satisfactory_a commutation_n merit_n of_o other_o and_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o all_o those_o device_n which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o reconcile_v a_o wicked_a life_n to_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o entangle_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n and_o do_v they_o not_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o the_o rain_n fall_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n thereof_o that_o be_v it_o suffer_v a_o irreparable_a ruin_n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v no_o way_n frame_v to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o ambitious_a and_o worldly-minded_n man_n or_o to_o help_v they_o in_o pursue_v those_o end_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o will_v be_v by_o some_o or_o other_o mould_v for_o that_o purpose_n when_o opportunity_n shall_v serve_v our_o saviour_n teach_v the_o world_n no_o other_o principle_n of_o morality_n no_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n than_o what_o be_v equal_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o believe_v and_o follow_v a_o common_a good_a and_o a_o equal_a benefit_n be_v intend_v in_o they_o all_o for_o let_v they_o prevail_v without_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n be_v secure_v and_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n to_o subject_n neighbour-nation_n shall_v give_v strength_n and_o confidence_n instead_o of_o create_v jealousy_n to_o one_o another_o the_o master_n shall_v be_v better_o serve_v and_o the_o servant_n better_o use_v the_o church_n by_o her_o doctrine_n and_o spiritual_a authority_n will_v be_v a_o guard_n to_o the_o state_n and_o receive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n protection_n from_o it_o here_o be_v no_o
some_o awaken_n reproof_n from_o man_n or_o some_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o be_v already_o provide_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o effectual_a to_o his_o conversion_n but_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o hope_v this_o of_o a_o man_n who_o very_a principle_n be_v corrupt_v and_o have_v no_o fear_n within_o himself_o for_o a_o charitable_a man_n to_o take_v hold_n upon_o and_o therefore_o that_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o person_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n moreover_o as_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n to_o reform_v that_o man_n evil_a practice_n who_o persuasion_n make_v he_o secure_a and_o easy_a all_o the_o while_n so_o there_o be_v no_o little_a difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o try_v to_o undeceive_v he_o for_o man_n will_v hold_v comfortable_a error_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v find_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mischief_n of_o this_o offence_n though_o such_o error_n be_v not_o lay_v down_o without_o a_o great_a trouble_n yet_o they_o be_v take_v up_o with_o much_o readiness_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o spread_v far_o and_o wide_o and_o to_o this_o i_o believe_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n agree_v viz._n that_o although_o there_o be_v mistake_n that_o lead_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o overmuch_o restraint_n yet_o for_o one_o that_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o such_o mistake_v a_o hundred_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v comfortable_a lie_n which_o either_o whole_o take_v off_o the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o such_o part_n as_o to_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a 3._o perverse_a dispute_n and_o a_o obstinate_a maintenance_n of_o error_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o sophistry_n have_v this_o lamentable_a evil_n common_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o render_v many_o person_n utter_o careless_a to_o examine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v perhaps_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n or_o by_o education_n must_v force_v their_o temper_n to_o patience_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o themselves_o which_o be_v a_o employment_n that_o man_n soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o and_o common_o they_o break_v off_o pretend_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o search_v any_o far_o but_o that_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o and_o against_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o give_v over_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o indeed_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o real_o disputable_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n this_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v blame_v but_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a consequence_n and_o question_n that_o touch_v the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o man_n grow_v weary_a of_o search_a truth_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o after_o the_o controversy_n be_v stiff_o maintain_v for_o some_o time_n on_o both_o side_n and_o it_o be_v well_o in_o this_o case_n if_o it_o be_v a_o even_o lay_v whether_o they_o choose_v the_o true_a guide_n or_o not_o but_o when_o a_o guide_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o follow_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n the_o false_a guide_n have_v this_o advantage_n always_o that_o he_o exceed_v in_o confidence_n in_o lofty_a pretence_n in_o swell_a title_n in_o positive_a denounce_v damnation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o though_o a_o modest_a man_n that_o speak_v just_o of_o thing_n and_o claim_v not_o to_o be_v infallible_a deserve_v the_o most_o credit_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o that_o the_o other_o have_v most_o follower_n among_o those_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n 4._o the_o same_o cause_n have_v too_o often_o a_o yet_o worse_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v to_o run_v some_o person_n into_o infidelity_n and_o a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o no_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o controversy_n about_o it_o and_o some_o have_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v then_o time_n enough_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o when_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v upon_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o monstrous_a error_n that_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n under_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n and_o the_o fraud_n wherewith_o they_o have_v be_v maintain_v have_v let_v in_o atheism_n like_o a_o deluge_n upon_o the_o world_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v so_o full_a of_o zeal_n for_o their_o own_o way_n that_o they_o have_v no_o tenderness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v rather_o content_a that_o all_o shall_v sink_v together_o than_o that_o their_o own_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o stand_v we_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o hand_n that_o no_o assurance_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n and_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o other_o ground_n have_v as_o good_a have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o one_o article_n that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o same_o exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o story_n of_o latter_a miracle_n and_o final_o that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o any_o of_o their_o tradition_n be_v reject_v the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v reject_v too_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n now_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a offence_n and_o have_v do_v infinite_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n who_o be_v violent_o engage_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n of_o religion_n care_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n what_o they_o venture_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o whilst_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o false_a or_o at_o least_o disputable_a point_n that_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o show_v that_o no_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v they_o give_v occasion_n to_o man_n that_o will_v fain_o be_v atheist_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o what_o they_o will_v be_v for_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o something_o be_v false_a which_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o as_o a_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o they_o know_v they_o have_v then_o leave_v give_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v true_a 5._o there_o be_v another_o great_a mischief_n of_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o a_o mischief_n that_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v that_o of_o run_v into_o a_o contrary_a extreme_a the_o church_n find_v this_o by_o sad_a experience_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o age_n when_o man_n of_o no_o small_a note_n dispute_v against_o one_o heresy_n fall_v into_o another_o of_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o the_o no_o small_a trouble_n of_o christendom_n truth_n sometime_o as_o well_o as_o virtue_n lie_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o they_o that_o transgress_v on_o any_o one_o side_n do_v not_o only_o this_o mischief_n to_o give_v what_o authority_n they_o can_v to_o the_o wrong_a side_n they_o be_v of_o but_o they_o do_v this_o mischief_n too_o of_o giving_z occasion_n to_o other_o to_o offend_v on_o the_o other_o extreme_a thus_o the_o abuse_n of_o church_n authority_n on_o the_o one_o side_n have_v breed_v in_o some_o man_n contempt_n of_o all_o such_o authority_n on_o the_o other_o the_o scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v by_o propagate_a opinion_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n have_v produce_v in_o many_o a_o fond_a persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o restraint_n whatsoever_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n superior_n have_v require_v unlawful_a thing_n in_o divine_a service_n and_o to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o that_o abuse_n it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o
be_v obey_v in_o matter_n of_o prudence_n and_o expedience_n religion_n have_v be_v make_v to_o run_v out_o into_o show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o this_o have_v beget_v prejudices_fw-la against_o all_o appearance_n of_o beauty_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o excess_n of_o man_n in_o depart_v from_o one_o extreme_a be_v scandalous_a to_o those_o who_o they_o leave_v and_o do_v confirm_v they_o in_o their_o error_n thus_o because_o there_o be_v some_o who_o abuse_v the_o liberty_n this_o church_n give_v to_o all_o of_o use_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o who_o reject_v the_o assistance_n of_o their_o guide_n they_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o people_n shall_v know_v as_o little_a of_o the_o bible_n as_o be_v possible_a argue_v from_o the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o former_a how_o dangerous_a a_o instrument_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n and_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v allow_v to_o all_o must_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v they_o that_o abuse_v it_o to_o the_o make_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o innovation_n give_v a_o candle_n to_o that_o church_n to_o glory_n in_o her_o dissension_n which_o provide_v that_o all_o shall_v believe_v as_o she_o believe_v because_o of_o her_o authority_n and_o that_o no_o man_n judge_n of_o the_o particular_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o himself_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o instance_n of_o this_o mischief_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o undeniable_a that_o whenever_o any_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v by_o community_n or_o church_n that_o consist_v in_o one_o extreme_a a_o man_n may_v without_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n foretell_v that_o if_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o will_v in_o time_n beget_v the_o other_o extreme_a it_o be_v the_o great_a unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o opposite_a error_n which_o look_v as_o if_o one_o will_v destroy_v the_o other_o do_v real_o strive_v to_o support_v one_o another_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o foolish_a advice_n more_o frequent_a than_o to_o run_v from_o a_o extreme_a as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o it_o but_o by_o this_o mean_v woeful_a mischief_n have_v happen_v in_o the_o world_n division_n have_v be_v multiply_v uncharitableness_n increase_v and_o man_n more_o and_o more_o harden_a in_o their_o way_n of_o error_n and_o sin_n 6._o the_o scandal_n of_o mix_v absurd_a and_o impious_a doctrine_n with_o the_o truth_n and_o unjustifiable_a practice_n with_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v have_v this_o notorious_a mischief_n still_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o hinder_v the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n and_o be_v a_o terrible_a obstruction_n to_o the_o propagate_a of_o christianity_n averro_n do_v not_o speak_v his_o own_o sense_n alone_o when_o he_o say_v since_o the_o christian_n eat_v their_o god_n let_v my_o soul_n be_v with_o the_o philosopher_n the_o scandal_n that_o be_v give_v to_o jew_n and_o turk_n i_o need_v not_o name_n but_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o this_o unpleasing_a argument_n 7._o and_o last_o the_o mischief_n of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o offence_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o when_o once_o offence_n be_v give_v no_o man_n can_v tell_v where_o the_o mischief_n will_v end_v for_o instance_n suppose_v by_o my_o example_n i_o animate_v another_o to_o sin_n in_o like_a manner_n or_o that_o i_o do_v not_o only_o corrupt_v his_o manner_n but_o his_o principle_n too_o and_o so_o do_v he_o all_o the_o hurt_n i_o can_v who_o can_v say_v that_o this_o be_v all_o the_o mischief_n i_o have_v do_v be_v it_o not_o likely_a that_o he_o will_v infect_v other_o as_o i_o have_v infect_v he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o to_o propagate_v the_o mischief_n which_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o i_o and_o that_o the_o next_o age_n may_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o i_o and_o that_o my_o gild_n may_v be_v grow_a age_n after_o i_o be_o dead_a apply_v this_o to_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o world_n and_o consider_v not_o only_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mischief_n they_o do_v but_o the_o spread_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v great_a reason_n in_o those_o sad_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n but_o 2._o whence_o come_v it_o that_o offence_n be_v take_v and_o so_o all_o this_o mischief_n do_v by_o they_o in_o general_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o for_o whatever_o cause_n some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v offence_n for_o the_o same_o other_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o call_v over_o in_o this_o place_n the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o to_o the_o vanity_n of_o mankind_n whether_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n or_o worship_n but_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v add_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o for_o want_v of_o either_o good_a natural_a ability_n or_o good_a education_n have_v little_a ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o part_n take_v their_o impression_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o man_n example_n or_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o fall_v into_o ill_a hand_n they_o fare_v according_o to_o which_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o particular_a regard_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n so_o that_o because_o there_o will_v be_v some_o person_n sincere_o dispose_v who_o in_o many_o thing_n can_v not_o judge_v for_o themselves_o but_o must_v be_v lead_v by_o authority_n our_o saviour_n for_o their_o great_a security_n provide_v this_o frightful_a threaten_v to_o deter_v all_o man_n from_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o weakness_n to_o mislead_v they_o 2._o some_o stumble_v at_o offence_n lay_v before_o they_o and_o take_v up_o pernicious_a doctrine_n mere_o from_o impatience_n of_o consider_v and_o take_v time_n to_o lay_v thing_n together_o he_o that_o judge_v rash_o and_o hasty_o may_v by_o chance_n make_v a_o true_a judgement_n but_o he_o shall_v as_o often_o judge_v false_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a thing_n as_o i_o observe_v last_o time_n to_o lay_v such_o colour_n upon_o error_n as_o will_v require_v some_o leisure_n to_o see_v through_o they_o and_o in_o such_o case_n if_o a_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n and_o desire_n to_o come_v present_o and_o easy_o to_o the_o conclusion_n he_o give_v the_o seducer_n all_o the_o advantage_n he_o can_v desire_v and_o be_v indeed_o just_a the_o person_n he_o desire_v to_o meet_v with_o one_o easy_o deceive_v by_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o reason_n 3._o the_o strange_a influence_n which_o the_o carnal_a affection_n of_o man_n and_o their_o worldly_a interest_n have_v upon_o their_o judgement_n be_v a_o fatal_a cause_n of_o lay_v they_o open_a to_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o desire_v doctrine_n and_o example_n in_o favour_n of_o liberty_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a as_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o guard_v ourselves_o against_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o god_n say_v by_o jeremy_n jer._n 5.31_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_o and_o my_o people_n love_n to_o have_v it_o so_o to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v other_o cause_n viz._n the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n undue_a admiration_n of_o man_n person_n prejudice_n against_o truth_n arise_v from_o prejudice_n against_o person_n a_o inclination_n to_o opinion_n suitable_a to_o our_o own_o temper_n and_o complexion_n love_v of_o novelty_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hatred_n to_o change_v though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o better_a all_o which_o disposition_n and_o circumstance_n expose_v those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o to_o the_o mischief_n of_o offence_n but_o i_o shall_v be_v over-tedious_a to_o run_v into_o all_o the_o particular_n under_o this_o head_n which_o may_v also_o be_v more_o profitable_o supply_v by_o direction_n in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o intention_n which_o be_v to_o reduce_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o matter_n of_o exhortation_n and_o i_o shall_v leave_v with_o you_o these_o two_o necessary_a caution_n i._o be_v careful_a to_o give_v no_o offence_n ii_o be_v
himself_o as_o much_o please_v with_o our_o faith_n as_o he_o be_v with_o abraham_n and_o will_v reward_v it_o as_o effectual_o to_o sum_v up_o all_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o give_v mere_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o for_o the_o instruction_n and_o encouragement_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o world_n end_n who_o when_o they_o deny_v themselves_o and_o do_v the_o hard_a duty_n and_o be_v never_o offend_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v i_o say_v a_o title_n to_o the_o testimony_n god_n give_v to_o abraham_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n certain_o it_o will_v be_v no_o mean_a encouragement_n to_o we_o it_o will_v raise_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o very_o great_a degree_n of_o joy_n and_o triumph_n to_o have_v god_n say_v that_o to_o we_o that_o he_o do_v to_o abraham_n but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o he_o once_o for_o all_o in_o behalf_n of_o all_o his_o child_n that_o shall_v tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o his_o faith_n this_o be_v not_o a_o honour_n give_v to_o abraham_n only_o though_o to_o he_o principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v do_v he_o also_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o joy_n of_o all_o religious_a and_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n wherefore_o my_o brethren_n that_o we_o may_v come_v in_o for_o some_o share_n in_o the_o praise_n and_o reward_n of_o abraham_n faith_n let_v there_o be_v in_o none_o of_o we_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n the_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n be_v the_o evil_a heart_n that_o cause_v unbelief_n i._n e._n some_o corrupt_a inclination_n some_o unmortified_a lust_n some_o carnal_a interest_n or_o other_o do_v thou_o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n when_o thou_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n conceive_v how_o much_o thou_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v thy_o sin_n thy_o dear_o belove_a sin_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o slay_v it_o that_o be_v the_o first_o sacrifice_n thou_o can_v offer_v to_o god_n to_o wit_n a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n a_o heart_n clean_a from_o worldly_a and_o sinful_a lust_n do_v this_o and_o thou_o will_v find_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o god_n thy_o faith_n will_v then_o make_v thou_o to_o be_v entire_o at_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n it_o will_v justify_v and_o support_v thou_o in_o so_o do_v and_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n will_v be_v thy_o exceed_a great_a reward_n the_o seven_o sermon_n matth_n xv._o 1_o 2_o 3._o then_o come_v to_o jesus_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o be_v of_o jerusalem_n say_v why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n for_o they_o wash_v not_o their_o hand_n when_o they_o eat_v bread_n but_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o why_o do_v you_o also_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o your_o tradition_n though_o never_o man_n be_v so_o unreprovable_a in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n yet_o never_o be_v man_n more_o oppose_v or_o cavil_v at_o as_o the_o evangelist_n do_v abundant_o testify_v in_o that_o history_n of_o he_o which_o they_o have_v write_v for_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n make_v up_o of_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v the_o good_a work_n in_o which_o he_o be_v always_o employ_v and_o the_o contradiction_n which_o he_o continual_o meet_v with_o and_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o some_o instance_n of_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v record_v for_o our_o sake_n that_o they_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n shall_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o they_o happen_v to_o meet_v with_o such_o opposition_n as_o their_o master_n do_v and_o likewise_o that_o by_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o cavil_n of_o his_o adversary_n they_o may_v be_v instruct_v how_o they_o shall_v defend_v themselves_o afterward_o against_o the_o like_a objection_n one_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o text_n i_o have_v now_o choose_v to_o speak_v to_o then_o come_v to_o jesus_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n which_o be_v of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o concern_v the_o person_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v to_o deal_v withal_o because_o their_o character_n be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o all_o that_o diligent_o read_v the_o gospel_n the_o scribe_n be_v the_o man_n that_o profess_v to_o teach_v the_o law_n and_o expect_v to_o have_v all_o their_o interpretation_n receive_v as_o oracle_n the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o most_o subtle_a and_o prevail_a sect_n among_o the_o scribe_n for_o though_o as_o thing_n be_v in_o that_o age_n and_o for_o some_o time_n before_o the_o scribe_n general_o agree_v in_o corrupt_v the_o law_n and_o deceive_v the_o people_n yet_o they_o have_v their_o party_n and_o faction_n among_o themselves_o the_o pharisee_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v a_o sect_n of_o the_o great_a power_n in_o the_o council_n and_o of_o the_o great_a reputation_n with_o the_o people_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n or_o the_o scribe_n of_o the_o pharisaical_a party_n which_o be_v of_o jerusalem_n that_o come_v to_o jesus_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o keep_v their_o school_n in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v therefore_o of_o the_o first_o rank_n among_o the_o pharisee_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v discourse_v to_o you_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o of_o the_o objection_n which_o these_o man_n make_v against_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n second_o of_o the_o answer_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v lay_v against_o they_o i._o of_o the_o objection_n which_o these_o man_n make_v against_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n for_o they_o wash_v not_o their_o hand_n when_o they_o eat_v bread_n a_o charge_n lay_v with_o as_o much_o confidence_n as_o anger_n and_o therefore_o they_o scorn_v to_o put_v any_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o answer_v it_o and_o think_v fit_a to_o challenge_v the_o master_n himself_o about_o it_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v consider_v here_o be_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o charge_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o general_a one_o illustrate_v by_o one_o particular_a instance_n the_o general_a charge_n be_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n the_o particular_a instance_n be_v that_o they_o transgress_v such_o tradition_n in_o not_o wash_v their_o hand_n before_o meat_n as_o to_o the_o general_a charge_n they_o have_v transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n but_o what_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v the_o doctrine_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v and_o the_o rule_n that_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n and_o universal_o receive_v in_o former_a age_n one_o will_v think_v therefore_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v command_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v deliver_v down_o by_o a_o uncontrollable_a tradition_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n for_o near_o two_o thousand_o year_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o meaning_n under_o these_o word_n as_o they_o use_v they_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o by_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n they_o mean_v no_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n for_o faith_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v express_v in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o such_o doctrine_n as_o not_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n be_v deliver_v down_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o constant_a usage_n from_o father_n to_o son_n and_o so_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o and_o thus_o josephus_n tell_v we_o antiq._n 13.13_o that_o the_o first_o and_o main_a principle_n of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v that_o they_o deny_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o be_v write_v which_o concern_v religion_n the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o their_o sect_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a law_n a_o oral_a law_n and_o a_o write_a law_n a_o law_n deliver_v from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n as_o well_o as_o a_o law_n deliver_v in_o such_o book_n as_o have_v authority_n from_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o gain_v reverence_n to_o these_o tradition_n they_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o though_o they_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o
law_n yet_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o moses_n by_o god_n himself_o to_o joshua_n by_o moses_n to_o the_o prophet_n by_o joshua_n to_o esdras_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o school_n of_o who_o they_o be_v the_o successor_n and_o they_o be_v the_o guardian_n of_o these_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o equal_a or_o rather_o superior_a regard_n to_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v in_o claim_v also_o a_o absolute_a obedience_n from_o the_o people_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v a_o say_n among_o they_o if_o the_o scribe_n say_v that_o the_o right_a hand_n be_v the_o left_a or_o the_o left_a hand_n the_o right_a you_o be_v to_o believe_v they_o now_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o pharisee_n upon_o our_o saviour_n disciple_n be_v not_o that_o they_o have_v transgress_v any_o tradition_n that_o appear_v to_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a by_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o that_o they_o have_v transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n as_o they_o use_v to_o call_v they_o such_o tradition_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o pretence_n than_o that_o they_o be_v convey_v down_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o father_n to_o son_n among_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o master_n and_o the_o scribe_n the_o particular_a instance_n to_o explain_v the_o general_a charge_n be_v this_o that_o the_o disciple_n do_v not_o wash_v their_o hand_n before_o they_o eat_v bread_n for_o one_o of_o those_o many_o traditionary_a doctrine_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o zealous_a be_v this_o that_o if_o a_o stranger_n or_o a_o uncircumcised_a person_n shall_v but_o touch_v a_o jew_n the_o jew_n be_v forthwith_o defile_v or_o if_o he_o have_v but_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o a_o jew_n afterward_o touch_v he_o be_v unclean_a and_o if_o the_o jew_n shall_v in_o that_o state_n take_v any_o meat_n to_o eat_v that_o meat_n be_v render_v unclean_a and_o will_v defile_v his_o mind_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o which_o danger_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o wash_v before_o eat_v and_o thus_o for_o a_o idle_a fancy_n they_o invent_v a_o idle_a relief_n and_o place_v so_o much_o religion_n in_o it_o that_o say_v one_o of_o they_o he_o that_o eat_v bread_n with_o unwashen_n hand_n sin_n as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v lie_v with_o a_o whore_n and_o say_v another_o it_o be_v the_o high_a point_n of_o holiness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o vulgar_a and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o touch_v they_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o eat_v or_o drink_v with_o they_o and_o the_o next_o to_o this_o be_v to_o wash_v away_o the_o impurity_n that_o be_v contract_v thereby_o you_o may_v see_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o this_o senseless_a superstition_n of_o they_o in_o mark_n 7._o the_o pharisee_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n except_o they_o wash_v their_o hand_n oft_o eat_v not_o hold_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o when_o they_o come_v from_o the_o market_n except_o they_o wash_v they_o eat_v not_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o they_o have_v receive_v to_o hold_v as_o the_o wash_n of_o cup_n and_o pot_n brazen_a vessel_n and_o of_o table_n that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o only_o wash_v their_o own_o hand_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v touch_v some_o stranger_n or_o one_o less_o pure_a than_o themselves_o but_o lest_o some_o stranger_n shall_v have_v touch_v the_o cup_n in_o which_o they_o drink_v or_o the_o dish_n in_o which_o their_o meat_n be_v or_o the_o table_n upon_o which_o the_o cup_n be_v to_o stand_v these_o be_v wash_v with_o all_o care_n not_o for_o cleanliness_n for_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o for_o holiness_n sake_n as_o if_o their_o mind_n be_v make_v pure_a by_o wash_v their_o hand_n and_o cup_n and_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o sort_n this_o be_v one_o kind_a of_o their_o traditionary_a doctrine_n for_o transgress_v of_o which_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v accuse_v by_o the_o pharisee_n ii_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n imply_v in_o the_o charge_n 1._o the_o concern_v which_o the_o scribe_n have_v for_o their_o tradition_n and_o 2._o the_o reverence_n in_o which_o the_o people_n hold_v they_o 1._o the_o concern_v of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n to_o have_v they_o observe_v it_o be_v so_o great_a that_o a_o man_n may_v with_o less_o danger_n from_o they_o break_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n than_o transgress_v one_o of_o their_o tradition_n and_o they_o will_v soon_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o this_o latter_a than_o for_o the_o former_a if_o they_o can_v have_v charge_v our_o lord_n disciple_n with_o break_v the_o five_o commandment_n as_o jesus_n charge_v they_o with_o it_o present_o after_o of_o this_o they_o will_v have_v say_v nothing_o but_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o neglect_n of_o the_o disciple_n to_o wash_v before_o eat_v for_o conscience-sake_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v the_o multitude_n a_o plain_a account_n of_o this_o neglect_n neither_o can_v they_o bear_v that_o but_o be_v offend_v at_o he_o v._o 12._o hence_o in_o their_o talmud_n a_o book_n that_o pretend_v to_o have_v gather_v up_o their_o oral_a tradition_n it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scribe_n than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o the_o write_a law_n be_v the_o foundation_n but_o the_o unwritten_a and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v of_o more_o authority_n and_o weight_n than_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n so_o blind_a be_v their_o zeal_n for_o their_o tradition_n that_o one_o of_o the_o rabbi_n be_v once_o cast_v into_o prison_n and_o water_n be_v give_v he_o to_o wash_v and_o to_o drink_v and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v spill_v he_o rather_o choose_v to_o wash_v his_o hand_n than_o to_o drink_v say_v it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v than_o to_o transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o concern_v when_o it_o be_v by_o these_o doctrine_n that_o they_o keep_v up_o a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o people_n for_o if_o the_o people_n will_v be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o unwritten_a law_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o the_o write_v and_o that_o the_o scribe_n be_v the_o guardian_n and_o oracle_n of_o the_o unwritten_a law_n nothing_o can_v be_v better_o contrive_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o the_o scribe_n 2._o the_o charge_n do_v likewise_o imply_v a_o universal_a regard_n of_o these_o tradition_n in_o the_o people_n why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n i._n e._n why_o do_v they_o only_o do_v it_o and_o we_o hear_v from_o st._n mark_n that_o the_o pharisee_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n except_o they_o wash_v their_o hand_n oft_o eat_v not_o whatever_o become_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n here_o be_v very_o good_a care_n take_v that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v keep_v nay_o it_o be_v so_o fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o lord_n disciple_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o set_v they_o right_o in_o these_o thing_n present_o for_o after_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v they_o not_o that_o which_o go_v into_o the_o mouth_n defile_v the_o man_n but_o that_o which_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n v._o 11._o peter_n ask_v he_o v._o 15._o to_o declare_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o parable_n or_o as_o he_o think_v it_o hard_o say_v and_o jesus_n say_v v._o 16._o be_v you_o also_o yet_o without_o understanding_n and_o so_o he_o go_v on_o show_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o cleanness_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v defile_v by_o evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v not_o yet_o get_v rid_v of_o those_o superstitious_a fancy_n that_o reign_v among_o the_o people_n and_o be_v so_o prejudice_v by_o they_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o understand_v the_o plain_a truth_n on_o the_o other_o side_n nay_o when_o after_o this_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o say_v to_o they_o as_o you_o find_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n ver_fw-la 6._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o of_o the_o saducee_v how_o do_v we_o think_v they_o understand_v this_o say_n and_o they_o reason_v among_o themselves_o say_v it_o be_v because_o we_o have_v take_v no_o bread_n which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o cure_v of_o this_o pharisaical_a superstition_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o understand_v our_o saviour_n as_o if_o he_o have_v forbid_v they_o to_o eat_v any_o bread_n which_o the_o pharisee_n have_v touch_v as_o the_o
pharisee_n will_v eat_v nothing_o that_o have_v be_v touch_v by_o a_o gentile_a when_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v beware_v of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o no_o wonder_n that_o these_o traditionary_a invention_n have_v take_v such_o root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o they_o do_v not_o serve_v more_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o guide_n than_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n that_o follow_v they_o for_o though_o it_o be_v something_o a_o nice_a and_o elaborate_a business_n to_o observe_v all_o the_o tradition_n yet_o this_o be_v much_o more_o grateful_a not_o only_o to_o fancy_v but_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n than_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o true_a piety_n by_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o instance_n though_o it_o be_v something_o troublesome_a to_o be_v wash_v at_o every_o turn_n yet_o if_o this_o will_v keep_v a_o man_n mind_n clean_o it_o be_v a_o much_o easy_a care_n than_o to_o keep_v the_o heart_n pure_a v._n 19_o from_o evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n fornication_n theft_n false-witnessings_a and_o evil-speakings_a which_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o defile_v the_o man_n v._o 20._o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o people_n shall_v be_v fond_a of_o believe_v such_o a_o conclusion_n as_o this_o whosoever_o live_v in_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n and_o eat_v his_o meat_n in_o cleanness_n and_o speak_v in_o the_o holy_a tongue_n and_o morning_n and_o evening_n say_v over_o his_o phylactery_n let_v he_o never_o doubt_v but_o he_o shall_v obtain_v life_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o master_n and_o certain_o they_o must_v be_v very_o vereasonable_a people_n that_o can_v not_o be_v content_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n upon_o such_o term_n as_o these_o if_o they_o can_v be_v make_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o true_o man_n be_v â—â—ry_v apt_a to_o hearken_v to_o such_o folly_n because_o they_o save_v they_o the_o labour_n of_o be_v true_o good_a no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o scribe_n be_v so_o universal_o believe_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o people_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o undertake_v to_o carry_v they_o all_o to_o heaven_n infallible_o by_o such_o slight_a and_o cheap_a performance_n as_o be_v require_v by_o their_o tradition_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o it_o will_v cost_v more_o than_o ordinary_a pain_n to_o undeceive_v they_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v constrain_v to_o repeat_v his_o instruction_n over_o and_o over_o again_o to_o his_o disciple_n to_o get_v these_o fancy_n out_o of_o their_o head_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o charge_n which_o the_o pharisee_n lay_v against_o our_o lord_n disciple_n and_o concern_v that_o which_o be_v imply_v in_o it_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o scribe_n for_o their_o tradition_n and_o the_o fondness_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v addict_v to_o they_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n and_o that_o be_v the_o answer_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o this_o charge_n viz._n why_o do_v you_o also_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o your_o tradition_n which_o do_v of_o itself_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o wise_a way_n of_o answer_v their_o bold_a question_n because_o it_o turn_v the_o difficulty_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o a_o thousand_o time_n a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o say_v if_o they_o can_v by_o what_o authority_n they_o advance_v their_o tradition_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o since_o they_o think_v it_o be_v so_o heinous_a a_o fault_n in_o the_o disciple_n not_o to_o observe_v their_o tradition_n to_o purge_v themselves_o if_o they_o be_v able_a of_o a_o notorious_a fault_n in_o keep_v their_o tradition_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o other_o inasmuch_o as_o their_o tradition_n can_v not_o be_v keep_v without_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n which_o general_n charge_v our_o saviour_n make_v good_a also_o by_o one_o particular_a inference_n so_o plain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o fence_n against_o it_o for_o god_n say_v he_o command_v say_v honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n and_o he_o that_o curse_v father_n or_o mother_n let_v he_o die_v the_o death_n but_o you_o say_v whosoever_o shall_v say_v to_o his_o father_n or_o his_o mother_n it_o be_v a_o gift_n by_o whatsoever_o thou_o may_v be_v profit_v by_o i_o and_o honour_v not_o his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n he_o shall_v be_v free_a thus_o have_v you_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o your_o tradition_n the_o tradition_n be_v this_o that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v vow_v never_o to_o relieve_v or_o to_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o person_n though_o it_o be_v his_o father_n or_o his_o mother_n he_o be_v hold_v by_o his_o vow_n and_o if_o afterward_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o mind_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o relieve_v his_o parent_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o go_v to_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v dispense_v with_o and_o absolve_v of_o his_o vow_n the_o priest_n shall_v challenge_v all_o that_o he_o now_o design_v to_o relieve_v his_o parent_n withal_o but_o of_o his_o vow_n he_o can_v not_o be_v release_v and_o the_o money_n be_v put_v into_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o temple_n so_o that_o if_o his_o father_n or_o mother_n come_v afterward_o to_o he_o and_o ask_v a_o alm_n of_o he_o he_o may_v say_v it_o be_v corban_n or_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n whatsoever_o i_o can_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o give_v thou_o and_o in_o st._n mark_v our_o saviour_n conclude_v and_o you_o suffer_v he_o no_o more_o to_o do_v aught_o for_o his_o father_n or_o his_o mother_n for_o they_o hold_v he_o to_o his_o vow_n and_o whatever_o money_n he_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o give_v they_o afterward_o be_v under_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o vow_n it_o become_v sacred_a and_o be_v to_o go_v to_o the_o temple_n in_o which_o most_o wicked_a tradition_n they_o have_v their_o end_n for_o the_o wealth_n of_o the_o treasury_n be_v partly_o employ_v in_o the_o reparation_n of_o the_o temple_n partly_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a partly_o for_o the_o enrich_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o priest_n have_v their_o share_n in_o all_o that_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o treasury_n by_o this_o traditionary_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o have_v elude_v a_o law_n of_o god_n not_o of_o lesser_a moment_n but_o of_o so_o great_a moment_n that_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o be_v capital_a and_o such_o a_o law_n too_o as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n show_v no_o less_o than_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o well_o may_v our_o saviour_n conclude_v thus_o have_v you_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o your_o tradition_n but_o if_o it_o be_v now_o ask_v why_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o keep_v to_o that_o instance_n which_o the_o pharisee_n produce_v and_o answer_v to_o that_o but_o rather_o choose_v another_o instance_n the_o account_n of_o this_o i_o think_v very_o easy_a viz._n that_o he_o see_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o run_v they_o down_o by_o one_o of_o the_o most_o undeniable_a instance_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v of_o their_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n for_o the_o boldness_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o priest_n be_v so_o excessive_a and_o the_o fondness_n of_o the_o people_n about_o these_o tradition_n be_v so_o hard_o to_o be_v break_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v way_n for_o their_o conviction_n by_o such_o a_o argument_n as_o must_v needs_o make_v some_o impression_n upon_o they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v make_v a_o end_n of_o that_o he_o do_v not_o forget_v to_o speak_v direct_o to_o the_o point_n they_o have_v begin_v withal_o for_o v._o 10._o we_o find_v that_o he_o call_v the_o multitude_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o hear_v and_o understand_v not_o that_o which_o go_v into_o the_o mouth_n defile_v a_o man_n but_o that_o which_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n defile_v a_o man_n that_o be_v do_v not_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o these_o confident_a man_n who_o use_v their_o authority_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o carry_v you_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o keep_v their_o tradition_n to_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o plain_a commandment_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v evident_o show_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o five_o commandment_n and_o now_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o that_o other_o point_n of_o pretend_a tradition_n which_o they_o blame_v my_o disciple_n for_o not_o observe_v and_o know_v that_o no_o food_n whatsoever_o be_v
the_o person_n the_o time_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o the_o degree_n by_o which_o such_o corruption_n get_v into_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o every_o christian_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o answer_v these_o question_n punctual_o because_o it_o require_v more_o labour_n and_o read_v than_o general_o they_o have_v either_o leisure_n or_o ability_n to_o go_v through_o with_o but_o withal_o it_o be_v very_o needless_a because_o there_o be_v a_o short_a and_o a_o sure_a way_n to_o determine_v this_o matter_n and_o that_o by_o compare_v those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n with_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o more_o certain_a tradition_n than_o any_o of_o those_o history_n that_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o revolution_n of_o church-affair_n since_o the_o beginning_n and_o now_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o if_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o such_o and_o such_o corruption_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n some_o time_n or_o other_o after_o the_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o leave_v in_o their_o write_n though_o i_o can_v tell_v just_o the_o year_n when_o or_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o first_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n i_o will_v very_o fain_o know_v of_o any_o man_n that_o when_o our_o saviour_n set_v himself_o to_o overthrow_v that_o wicked_a tradition_n which_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o whether_o he_o can_v not_o if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o person_n that_o begin_v it_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o begin_v and_o of_o every_o circumstance_n that_o attend_v its_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n and_o its_o growth_n and_o increase_n afterward_o but_o do_v he_o go_v this_o way_n to_o work_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o pharisee_n pretend_v the_o tradition_n which_o they_o teach_v the_o people_n be_v deliver_v from_o god_n to_o moses_n and_o that_o through_o several_a age_n they_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o they_o successive_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o if_o our_o lord_n have_v with_o many_o word_n show_v they_o that_o there_o be_v such_o and_o such_o man_n who_o first_o bring_v they_o in_o this_o have_v be_v a_o confutation_n of_o their_o pretence_n but_o for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o use_v a_o better_a and_o a_o short_a argument_n against_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o what_o the_o commandment_n be_v in_o the_o law_n which_o their_o pretend_a tradition_n make_v void_a and_o this_o be_v instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o argument_n that_o their_o doctrine_n never_o come_v from_o moses_n but_o be_v invent_v some_o time_n afterward_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v none_o of_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o use_v that_o kind_n of_o argument_n which_o our_o saviour_n think_v fit_a to_o confute_v those_o people_n withal_o and_o which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v he_o use_v that_o he_o may_v show_v we_o 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first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n make_v void_a the_o seven_o and_o the_o ten_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n can_v be_v offer_v no_o more_o and_o that_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o they_o do_v come_v in_o some_o time_n or_o other_o since_o the_o apostle_n but_o whether_o they_o come_v in_o soon_o or_o late_a be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o certain_o nothing_o aught_o ever_o to_o have_v come_v in_o that_o make_v void_a any_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o if_o any_o such_o thing_n have_v get_v in_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v throw_v out_o again_o they_o may_v well_o be_v ashamed_a that_o can_v bear_v this_o sort_n of_o argue_v but_o most_o certain_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o use_v it_o 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to_o show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o the_o rest_n if_o they_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n 3._o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o some_o one_o or_o two_o age_n that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n many_o age_n before_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v so_o deliver_v the_o pharisee_n do_v pretend_v that_o their_o doctrine_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n have_v be_v convey_v down_o from_o moses_n by_o oral_a tradition_n to_o that_o age_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o there_o be_v several_a of_o these_o tradition_n universal_o believe_v in_o that_o age_n to_o have_v be_v so_o convey_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n be_v universal_o govern_v by_o they_o for_o instance_n that_o of_o religious_a wash_v before_o meat_n and_o the_o wash_n
in_o those_o error_n than_o it_o have_v be_v and_o perhaps_o utter_o impossible_a to_o maintain_v they_o among_o christian_n without_o destroy_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o such_o caution_n have_v be_v necessary_a a_o thousand_o time_n as_o many_o more_o have_v be_v necessary_a too_o for_o so_o many_o addition_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n must_v have_v be_v make_v as_o there_o be_v way_n of_o elude_v and_o pervert_v a_o rule_n which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o to_o have_v provide_v express_o against_o they_o all_o will_v have_v make_v the_o bible_n a_o more_o voluminous_a book_n than_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o say_v the_o most_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v see_v for_o whoever_o write_v or_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o possible_a way_n of_o be_v mistake_v or_o have_v his_o word_n pervert_v according_a to_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o a_o sentence_n in_o a_o hour_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v his_o explication_n may_v be_v pervert_v too_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o god_n have_v not_o provide_v express_a caution_n against_o all_o possible_a mistake_v and_o abuse_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o think_v good_a to_o leave_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o worship_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v all_o honest_a person_n and_o lover_n of_o truth_n though_o not_o sufficient_a to_o exclude_v all_o cavil_v and_o abuse_v for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o pretend_v that_o all_o who_o see_v his_o work_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n must_v necessary_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o he_o require_v constant_o a_o certain_a temper_n of_o mind_n consist_v of_o humility_n sincerity_n love_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o a_o word_n a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n be_v his_o true_a disciple_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n but_o there_o must_v be_v also_o a_o peculiar_a probity_n or_o teachable_a spirit_n a_o mind_n ready_a to_o believe_v all_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v all_o duty_n these_o be_v the_o sheep_n that_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o the_o ground_n that_o will_v receive_v his_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n such_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v hear_v and_o understand_v and_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n but_o as_o for_o other_o they_o will_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o reject_v it_o with_o some_o colour_n for_o so_o do_v or_o to_o pervert_v it_o if_o they_o once_o admit_v it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o deliver_v truth_n that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n gratify_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n or_o please_v their_o imagination_n or_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o other_o and_o than_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v deliver_v in_o that_o way_n which_o though_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o instruct_v and_o convince_v all_o honest_a man_n yet_o will_v not_o infallible_o bear_v down_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n now_o to_o this_o we_o must_v add_v 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o general_a temper_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o sake_n the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o exceed_o prone_a to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o error_n impatient_a of_o true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o of_o true_a doctrine_n human_a nature_n do_v affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v well_o bear_v to_o be_v confine_v and_o it_o be_v so_o disease_a that_o it_o do_v not_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v heal_v it_o be_v therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o remedy_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v have_v be_v so_o tamper_v withal_o by_o man_n as_o to_o make_v it_o ineffectual_a for_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o he_o have_v send_v it_o to_o we_o and_o doctrine_n have_v be_v teach_v which_o give_v that_o liberty_n that_o truth_n deny_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n shall_v not_o effectual_o overcome_v those_o lust_n that_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n those_o lust_n will_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v that_o doctrine_n and_o bring_v in_o heresy_n ambition_n and_o covetousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o worldly_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n licentiousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n pride_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n though_o for_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n satisfaction_n and_o glory_n in_o draw_v many_o people_n into_o a_o party_n and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o natural_a inconstancy_n and_o waver_v of_o some_o will_v carry_v they_o away_o from_o the_o truth_n the_o natural_a stiffness_n and_o inflexibility_n of_o other_o will_v detain_v they_o in_o error_n the_o very_a desire_n and_o love_n of_o novelty_n will_v at_o first_o help_n to_o bring_v in_o some_o and_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n will_v be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o able_a to_o gain_v other_o final_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o most_o man_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a ease_n of_o depend_v upon_o the_o absolute_a authority_n of_o other_o will_v give_v a_o far_a advantage_n to_o error_n which_o fear_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o examination_n and_o therefore_o discourage_v all_o person_n from_o give_v themselves_o so_o needless_a a_o trouble_n since_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o those_o for_o their_o security_n who_o can_v possible_o mislead_v they_o consider_v the_o disease_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o cure_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o there_o will_v be_v faction_n and_o heresy_n against_o the_o truth_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v there_o must_v be_v heresy_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v after_o all_o the_o care_n that_o god_n have_v take_v to_o restore_v mankind_n there_o will_v be_v pride_n and_o ambition_n there_o will_v be_v covetousness_n and_o injustice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n there_o will_v be_v luxury_n and_o licentiousness_n there_o will_v be_v both_o inconstancy_n and_o stiffneckedness_n there_o will_v be_v laziness_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o unaptness_n for_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v no_o infallible_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o as_o certain_o as_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n will_v break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n so_o certain_o will_v error_n get_v into_o it_o by_o degree_n and_o usurp_v the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v absolute_o have_v hinder_v it_o by_o his_o overrule_a power_n but_o in_o this_o say_n it_o be_v imply_v that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v so_o and_o experience_n have_v show_v that_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o make_v all_o man_n good_a by_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n and_o there_o be_v less_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o man_n orthodox_n by_o a_o irresistible_a illumination_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o concern_v the_o reason_n assign_v why_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v heresy_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i._n e._n that_o it_o may_v most_o evident_o appear_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a and_o who_o be_v not_o so_o for_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n that_o be_v take_v to_o advance_v error_n do_v prove_v what_o man_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o distinguish_v between_o those_o that_o will_v appear_v all_o alike_o if_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v equal_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o great_a difference_n that_o break_v out_o be_v that_o between_o the_o probity_n of_o some_o man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o on_o the_o other_o side_n which_o appear_v in_o these_o instance_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o diligent_a search_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n heresy_n have_v upon_o honest_a and_o godly_a man_n while_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o hypocrite_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v most_o for_o their_o ease_n their_o safety_n their_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n whilst_o the_o several_a party_n
with_o they_o and_o we_o and_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o one_o another_o as_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v which_o kind_n of_o reason_v how_o likely_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o confound_v and_o amuse_v a_o man_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o unsettle_v a_o prudent_a nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o honest_a person_n if_o he_o will_v give_v himself_o leave_v to_o consider_v the_o plain_a answer_n to_o these_o harangue_n be_v this_o that_o christian_n be_v not_o unite_v into_o one_o body_n or_o church_n in_o all_o respect_n but_o in_o some_o they_o be_v there_o be_v the_o unity_n of_o one_o lord_n and_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n which_o make_v they_o one_o body_n but_o then_o alas_o they_o be_v not_o always_o one_o body_n in_o respect_n of_o unity_n and_o affection_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o one_o another_o nor_o in_o respect_n of_o unity_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n or_o of_o discipline_n and_o government_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o now_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o admission_n into_o the_o state_n of_o christian_a duty_n and_o privilege_n by_o baptism_n be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o christian_n and_o which_o unite_v all_o christian_a society_n into_o one_o body_n they_o indeed_o who_o be_v defective_a in_o this_o be_v no_o christian_n and_o they_o who_o come_v thus_o far_o be_v so_o because_o we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n but_o then_o we_o grant_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o far_a unity_n and_o in_o particular_a a_o unity_n of_o communion_n for_o the_o unite_n of_o the_o member_n of_o this_o body_n more_o strict_o to_o one_o another_o but_o though_o there_o be_v not_o unity_n of_o communion_n they_o do_v not_o therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v member_n of_o one_o body_n but_o all_o that_o can_v be_v true_o say_v be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o member_n be_v contentious_a and_o either_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n or_o take_v offence_n when_o none_o be_v give_v which_o be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o be_v member_n of_o it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o two_o verse_n next_o but_o one_o to_o the_o text_n if_o the_o foot_n shall_v say_v because_o i_o be_o not_o the_o hand_n i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o body_n be_v it_o therefore_o not_o of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v if_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n do_v contrary_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o some_o respect_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v present_o that_o they_o be_v no_o long_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o one_o church_n will_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o another_o but_o upon_o most_o unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a term_n it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o unity_n of_o communion_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o last_v between_o they_o but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v a_o unity_n of_o faith_n i._n e._n a_o consent_n in_o profess_v the_o necessary_a article_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v yet_o one_o body_n though_o one_o part_n of_o it_o do_v not_o perform_v the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o will_v perhaps_o be_v the_o whole_a or_o nothing_o and_o be_v not_o content_a to_o profess_v the_o first_o faith_n but_o moreover_o add_v new_a doctrine_n thereto_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o will_v impose_v they_o upon_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n we_o may_v therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o faith_n and_o baptism_n grant_v that_o church_n which_o will_v be_v all_o in_o all_o to_o be_v within_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o we_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o it_o but_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o unity_n of_o affection_n and_o charity_n and_o unity_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o in_o oppose_v all_o dangerous_a error_n and_o unity_n of_o government_n in_o these_o respect_n i_o say_v she_o be_v not_o within_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n in_o as_o much_o as_o she_o do_v contrary_a to_o her_o duty_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n so_o that_o though_o the_o church_n be_v one_o in_o respect_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o principal_a article_n of_o christianity_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v not_o one_o in_o other_o respect_n i_o be_o by_o no_o mean_n startle_v at_o that_o charge_n you_o and_o we_o be_v two_o church_n because_o we_o be_v of_o opposite_a communion_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o grant_v we_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n you_o must_v conclude_v yourself_o not_o to_o be_v so_o for_o i_o have_v this_o to_o answer_v that_o faith_n which_o you_o profess_v with_o we_o that_o baptism_n which_o you_o administer_v and_o receive_v with_o we_o be_v that_o which_o make_v you_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o far_o you_o be_v one_o with_o we_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v unity_n in_o maintain_v communion_n in_o all_o christian_a office_n and_o to_o that_o end_n no_o false_a doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n nor_o any_o unlawful_a practice_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o god_n worship_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o can_v help_v though_o you_o can_v and_o by_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o you_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o unity_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n but_o we_o have_v not_o to_o make_v which_o answer_v more_o plain_a let_v it_o be_v remember_v that_o one_o instance_n of_o that_o unity_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v keep_v all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n now_o all_o unholy_a person_n profess_v christianity_n do_v depart_v from_o this_o unity_n yet_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o profess_v the_o creed_n we_o own_o that_o they_o be_v visible_a part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o now_o because_o they_o be_v so_o if_o they_o shall_v charge_v all_o those_o that_o take_v not_o the_o same_o liberty_n they_o do_v with_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o the_o church_n be_v one_o body_n and_o they_o be_v gant_v to_o be_v of_o it_o i_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a and_o it_o be_v little_o better_a that_o they_o say_v who_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o church_n be_v but_o one_o will_v exclude_v all_o from_o be_v part_n of_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o run_v into_o the_o same_o enormity_n about_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n with_o themselves_o in_o a_o word_n the_o church_n be_v one_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n which_o be_v profess_v every_o where_n among_o christian_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v one_o but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o purity_n of_o profession_n and_o of_o worship_n and_o government_n but_o it_o do_v not_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n must_v go_v over_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n for_o that_o they_o be_v already_o but_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n shall_v learn_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n better_o that_o they_o may_v become_v a_o pure_a part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o 2._o we_o be_v bear_v in_o hand_n also_o that_o where_o there_o be_v most_o unity_n there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o this_o because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n concern_v which_o i_o say_v that_o if_o by_o unity_n be_v mean_v agreement_n in_o all_o point_n of_o any_o great_a consequence_n they_o that_o advance_v this_o principle_n have_v advance_v it_o against_o themselves_o for_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uncomfortable_a one_o to_o those_o that_o in_o many_o matter_n differ_v notorious_o among_o themselves_o but._n 1._o the_o principle_n itself_o be_v false_a for_o there_o may_v be_v unity_n in_o error_n as_o well_o as_o in_o truth_n and_o there_o have_v be_v so_o the_o false_a prophet_n in_o elias_n time_n be_v at_o unity_n so_o be_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n that_o consent_v to_o our_o saviour_n death_n no_o not_o be_v satan_n divide_v against_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o unity_n that_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n unless_o it_o be_v unity_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n nor_o be_v unity_n the_o mark_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n unless_o it_o be_v upon_o term_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n of_o charity_n to_o one_o another_o of_o keep_v the_o faith_n unmix_v with_o error_n and_o innovation_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n free_a from_o material_a defect_n and_o forbid_a practice_n unity_n in_o error_n and_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v break_v
unity_n only_o in_o faith_n and_o goodness_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v 2._o it_o be_v possible_a that_o where_o there_o be_v discord_n there_o may_v be_v yet_o more_o truth_n profess_v than_o where_o there_o be_v none_o and_o that_o for_o the_o former_a reason_n because_o there_o may_v be_v unity_n in_o the_o worst_a error_n beside_o the_o common_a faith_n that_o be_v profess_v by_o all_o christian_n one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n may_v maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o that_o profession_n against_o another_o that_o have_v superad_v new_a and_o false_a doctrine_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o reform_a part_n may_v labour_v under_o discord_n that_o affect_v their_o very_a communion_n while_o the_o other_o do_v not_o there_o may_v be_v on_o the_o one_o side_n disobedience_n to_o authority_n overvalue_v of_o question_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n a_o great_a stress_n lay_v upon_o opinion_n or_o practice_n than_o the_o cause_n will_v bear_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o break_v christian_a communion_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n whilst_o gross_a error_n be_v maintain_v on_o the_o other_o side_n with_o one_o consent_n the_o difference_n that_o happen_v by_o the_o bye_n may_v be_v so_o over_o rule_v by_o authority_n by_o force_n and_o power_n and_o by_o the_o sensible_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n that_o how_o wide_o soever_o they_o be_v they_o shall_v not_o yet_o rend_v communion_n but_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v the_o fond_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o choose_v a_o doctrine_n by_o the_o mark_n of_o unity_n among_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o therefore_o in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o christendom_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v what_o christian_n be_v to_o do_v to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v and_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v within_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o respect_n 1._o i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n for_o without_o this_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o continue_v in_o that_o body_n into_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v only_o i_o may_v add_v that_o they_o be_v to_o lay_v it_o up_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o value_v it_o as_o the_o great_a treasure_n and_o to_o proclaim_v their_o esteem_n of_o it_o and_o to_o acknowledge_v all_o that_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o they_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o he_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o inspire_v his_o apostle_n withal_o to_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o and_o to_o confirm_v it_o for_o we_o by_o the_o write_n and_o by_o the_o miracle_n of_o inspire_a person_n it_o be_v by_o this_o faith_n and_o this_o profession_n therefore_o which_o include_v baptism_n that_o they_o be_v christian_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n 2._o let_v they_o keep_v themselves_o from_o entertain_v any_o corrupt_a or_o false_a doctrine_n not_o only_o any_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n but_o any_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n for_o thus_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v themselves_o from_o any_o dangerous_a error_n and_o continue_v not_o only_o true_a but_o pure_a believer_n and_o they_o sure_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o the_o more_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n who_o receive_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o what_o by_o the_o undoubted_a record_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 3._o let_v every_o private_a christian_a be_v most_o careful_a to_o observe_v the_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o his_o affection_n and_o all_o his_o action_n for_o unity_n in_o this_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v among_o all_o christian_n since_o without_o obedience_n no_o man_n how_o qualify_v soever_o he_o may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n upon_o other_o account_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n without_o this_o it_o be_v not_o the_o be_v of_o the_o one_o church_n it_o be_v not_o the_o profess_v of_o the_o one_o faith_n no_o nor_o the_o be_v of_o a_o pure_a profession_n and_o a_o pure_a communion_n that_o will_v unite_v we_o real_o and_o effectual_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o he_o as_o branch_n that_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n 4._o let_v he_o maintain_v a_o universal_a charity_n to_o all_o christian_n good_a will_n to_o those_o that_o be_v mislead_v and_o seduce_v in_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v they_o as_o he_o have_v opportunity_n in_o pray_v for_o they_o readiness_n to_o be_v beneficial_a to_o all_o his_o brethren_n to_o forgive_v injury_n and_o to_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a compassion_n to_o the_o miserable_a pleasure_n in_o that_o which_o be_v for_o the_o particular_a good_a of_o any_o one_o of_o his_o brethren_n and_o much_o more_o in_o what_o be_v for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o all_o thus_o he_o shall_v preserve_v himself_o in_o the_o other_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n the_o unity_n of_o charity_n and_o good_a will_n 5._o let_v he_o live_v in_o strict_a communion_n with_o the_o particular_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o in_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o for_o the_o guidance_n of_o religious_a assembly_n for_o the_o order_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o fall_v under_o human_a authority_n i._n e._n the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawful_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o edification_n and_o well_o govern_v of_o it_o thus_o he_o shall_v maintain_v a_o unity_n of_o communion_n with_o his_o brethren_n and_o his_o guide_n and_o so_o in_o effect_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n where_o the_o part_n of_o it_o do_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o most_o undoubted_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o any_o of_o they_o in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v as_o they_o ought_v not_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o advice_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o to_o a_o good_a man_n as_o easy_a to_o be_v practise_v there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o he_o to_o trouble_v his_o own_o mind_n with_o nice_a and_o intricate_a question_n about_o unity_n because_o he_o will_v maintain_v his_o part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o do_v his_o plain_a duty_n by_o stick_v to_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v profess_v by_o all_o christian_n the_o faith_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptize_v by_o reject_v whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o religious_a persuasion_n which_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o do_v by_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n in_o which_o yet_o undoubted_o all_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o every_o church_n ought_v to_o conspire_v though_o this_o part_n of_o unity_n be_v hardly_o remember_v when_o man_n talk_v of_o the_o church_n by_o bear_v christian_a affection_n towards_o all_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n whereby_o he_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o unity_n towards_o they_o which_o whether_o they_o do_v or_o not_o they_o ought_v to_o perform_v too_o final_o by_o frequent_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o public_a prayer_n and_o exhortation_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o in_o particular_a the_o grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o member_n and_o which_o observe_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n for_o thus_o he_o perform_v his_o part_n of_o unity_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o communion_n nor_o be_v he_o nor_o can_v be_v to_o blame_v if_o other_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o fond_a thing_n to_o think_v of_o seek_v a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v the_o only_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o or_o to_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o can_v help_v and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o seek_v for_o unity_n to_o mind_v nothing_o else_o we_o be_v to_o preserve_v ourselves_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o profess_v true_a doctrine_n and_o by_o lead_v good_a life_n by_o a_o charitable_a spirit_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o all_o christian_n by_o frequent_v
verdict_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n if_o it_o be_v only_o for_o this_o that_o a_o controversy_n may_v be_v righteous_o decide_v instead_o of_o establish_v some_o instance_n of_o iniquity_n by_o a_o law_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o far_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o perjury_n in_o all_o these_o case_n that_o the_o oath_n which_o be_v violate_v do_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o that_o sincerity_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n every_o where_o but_o to_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v particular_o demand_v by_o the_o magistrate_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o justice_n and_o public_a security_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o prevent_n of_o war_n and_o the_o do_v of_o right_a but_o these_o be_v light_a aggravation_n in_o comparison_n to_o those_o that_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o particular_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n itself_o at_o least_o they_o will_v receive_v great_a weight_n from_o these_o as_o you_o shall_v see_v 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then_o have_v we_o confidence_n of_o ourselves_o by_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o please_v ourselves_o by_o make_v he_o our_o friend_n we_o shall_v infallible_o make_v one_o friend_n more_o and_o that_o be_v our_o own_o conscience_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o we_o than_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o follow_v truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o we_o know_v will_v not_o put_v we_o upon_o struggle_v with_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o strain_v point_n against_o our_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o the_o while_o we_o be_v gain_v his_o favour_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o do_v well_o and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v it_o we_o shall_v thank_v ourselves_o instead_o of_o be_v plague_v with_o a_o sad_a and_o black_a remembrance_n of_o the_o way_n we_o take_v to_o get_v it_o acquaint_v now_o thyself_o with_o god_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v good_a come_v unto_o thy_o soul_n 5._o there_o lie_v no_o flattery_n nor_o false_a accusation_n nor_o outward_a accident_n against_o we_o to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n or_o to_o make_v we_o lose_v that_o we_o have_v wrought_v to_o turn_v his_o mind_n or_o to_o blot_v our_o service_n out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n no_o change_n of_o fortune_n shall_v bring_v we_o into_o disgrace_n which_o consideration_n st._n paul_n lay_v great_a strength_n upon_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o text._n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n v._o 35._o i_o be_o persuade_v say_v he_o that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n v._o 38._o nay_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n that_o be_v we_o get_v by_o be_v condemn_v by_o other_o because_o by_o that_o we_o be_v make_v more_o dear_a to_o god_n who_o will_v consider_v not_o only_o that_o we_o serve_v he_o but_o under_o what_o discouragement_n from_o the_o world_n we_o do_v so_o last_o 6._o who_o god_n justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o he_o conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n v._o 29_o 30._o i_o e._n those_o who_o he_o foreknow_v to_o be_v his_o most_o faithful_a servant_n he_o do_v before_o time_n decree_n that_o by_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n they_o shall_v follow_v so_o glorious_a a_o pattern_n as_o their_o elder_a brother_n the_o lord_n jesus_n moreover_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a 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mean_a reflection_n in_o call_v the_o protestant_n a_o parliamentary_a protestant_n i_o have_v tell_v this_o disputer_n the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o we_o moreover_o be_v protect_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o will_v desire_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o popery_n and_o he_o will_v think_v never_o the_o worse_o of_o himself_o for_o be_v a_o parliamentary_a papist_n thus_o i_o have_v answer_v this_o paper_n through_o every_o clause_n of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o confident_a destroy_v all_o that_o little_a appearance_n of_o reason_v that_o it_o make_v let_v the_o disputer_n build_v it_o up_o again_o if_o he_o can_v i_o promise_v he_o by_o god_n grace_n that_o i_o will_v pull_v it_o down_o again_o finis_fw-la
prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lawful_a guide_n in_o all_o thing_n of_o indifference_n and_o prudence_n and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o whatever_o other_o do_v we_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o of_o peace_n and_o though_o after_o all_o the_o church_n be_v not_o that_o one_o body_n which_o it_o will_v be_v if_o all_o man_n do_v their_o duty_n yet_o that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v such_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o as_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v likewise_o the_o eleven_o sermon_n gen._n xv._o xuj_o but_o in_o the_o four_o generation_n they_o shall_v come_v hither_o again_o for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o amorites_n be_v not_o yet_o full_a abraham_n be_v now_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o time_n god_n have_v appear_v to_o he_o and_o promise_v he_o that_o his_o seed_n shall_v possess_v that_o land_n in_o which_o repetition_n of_o the_o promise_n there_o be_v this_o remarkable_a circumstance_n that_o god_n tell_v he_o how_o long_o it_o will_v be_v before_o they_o shall_v possess_v it_o and_o likewise_o mention_v one_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v possess_v it_o no_o soon_o it_o shall_v be_v four_o hundred_o year_n before_o his_o seed_n shall_v come_v hither_o and_o not_o soon_o because_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o amorites_n be_v not_o yet_o full_a this_o be_v the_o case_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n can_v not_o possess_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n otherwise_o than_o by_o dispossess_v the_o canaanite_n so_o that_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o the_o israelite_n be_v likely_a to_o prove_v a_o terrible_a judgement_n upon_o the_o canaanite_n but_o these_o be_v not_o grow_v to_o that_o height_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o vice_n which_o god_n usual_o punish_v by_o destruction_n in_o this_o world_n but_o god_n foresee_v that_o in_o four_o hundred_o year_n more_o their_o sin_n will_v be_v ripe_a for_o vengeance_n determine_v to_o reprieve_v they_o so_o long_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o dispose_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n otherwise_o that_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o discourse_v upon_o be_v the_o long_a sufferance_n of_o god_n in_o bear_v with_o mankind_n till_o their_o wickedness_n grow_v intolerable_a of_o which_o this_o be_v a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n that_o although_o he_o may_v just_o have_v destroy_v the_o amorites_n four_o hundred_o year_n before_o they_o be_v destroy_v yet_o he_o give_v they_o so_o long_a time_n and_o bear_v with_o they_o all_o the_o while_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v premise_v two_o inquiry_n 1._o what_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o amorites_n be_v 2._o whether_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o god_n will_v not_o yet_o put_v they_o out_o of_o possession_n be_v that_o their_o iniquity_n be_v not_o yet_o full_a 1._o what_o be_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o amorites_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n of_o violence_n and_o abominable_a uncleanness_n for_o they_o be_v for_o these_o sin_n cut_v off_o by_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n to_o which_o they_o come_v in_o four_o hundred_o year_n time_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o amorites_n be_v at_o that_o time_n when_o god_n appear_v to_o abraham_n the_o worst_a of_o all_o the_o canaanite_n in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o therefore_o that_o god_n mention_v they_o rather_o than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n as_o they_o be_v afterward_o one_o of_o the_o first_o nation_n that_o be_v destroy_v as_o we_o read_v in_o numb_a 21._o and_o that_o with_o this_o particular_a remark_n that_o their_o spirit_n be_v harden_v and_o their_o heart_n obstinate_a as_o you_o may_v find_v deut._n 2.30_o 2._o we_o must_v not_o say_v that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o god_n defer_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o amorites_n four_o hundred_o year_n be_v because_o their_o iniquity_n be_v not_o yet_o full_a and_o that_o because_o there_o be_v other_o end_n of_o providence_n to_o be_v bring_v about_o in_o the_o time_n some_o of_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o this_o place_n viz._n that_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n may_v in_o the_o mean_a while_n be_v prove_v and_o try_v by_o many_o hardship_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o thereby_o instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o prepare_v for_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n for_o thus_o we_o find_v god_n say_v to_o abraham_n v._o 13._o know_v of_o a_o surety_n that_o thy_o seed_n shall_v be_v a_o stranger_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o and_o shall_v serve_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v afflict_v they_o four_o hundred_o year_n i.e._n before_o the_o four_o hundred_o year_n be_v expire_v and_o also_o that_o nation_n who_o they_o shall_v serve_v will_v i_o judge_v and_o afterward_o they_o shall_v come_v out_o with_o great_a substance_n and_o in_o the_o four_o generation_n they_o shall_v come_v hither_o again_o for_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o amorites_n be_v not_o yet_o full_a where_o you_o see_v there_o be_v more_o end_n than_o one_o for_o which_o god_n will_v not_o put_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n into_o a_o present_a possession_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n nor_o do_v it_o in_o haste_n neither_o partly_o because_o god_n will_v still_o bear_v with_o the_o canaanite_n partly_o because_o the_o israelite_n yet_o to_o be_v bear_v be_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o variety_n of_o condition_n through_o which_o they_o be_v to_o go_v and_o be_v prepare_v by_o the_o discipline_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n and_o this_o be_v the_o admirable_a way_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o govern_v and_o dispose_v all_o thing_n that_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n he_o bring_v about_o several_a end_n fit_v and_o accommodate_v thing_n to_o one_o another_o in_o that_o manner_n that_o every_o event_n seem_v to_o be_v his_o particular_a and_o only_a care_n while_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v as_o particular_o aim_v at_o and_o the_o mean_v direct_v to_o it_o as_o certain_o as_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o these_o thing_n seem_v needful_a to_o be_v premise_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o main_a point_n of_o instruction_n which_o be_v suggest_v in_o the_o text_n and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o 1._o the_o patience_n of_o god_n in_o bear_v so_o long_o as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o provocation_n of_o his_o justice_n from_o wicked_a men._n and_o 2._o his_o untaxable_a justice_n in_o bring_v upon_o they_o that_o punishment_n at_o last_o which_o their_o incurable_a obstinacy_n deserve_v for_o both_o these_o observation_n be_v clear_o suggest_v by_o the_o text_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n shall_v not_o come_v four_o hundred_o year_n because_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o amorites_n be_v not_o yet_o full_a but_o then_o they_o shall_v come_v the_o former_a be_v as_o i_o say_v a_o great_a demonstration_n 1._o of_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n for_o the_o amorites_n be_v already_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n for_o which_o they_o be_v at_o last_o cut_v off_o only_o they_o be_v not_o come_v to_o that_o intolerable_a height_n of_o wickedness_n to_o which_o they_o be_v grow_v in_o process_n of_o time_n now_o all_o the_o while_o they_o be_v example_n of_o god_n patience_n because_o he_o may_v just_o have_v appear_v against_o they_o to_o destroy_v they_o even_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o determine_v to_o give_v they_o yet_o four_o hundred_o year_n to_o repent_v and_o escape_v no_o soon_o be_v sin_n commit_v but_o punishment_n be_v present_o due_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v goodness_n to_o forbear_v the_o inflict_a of_o it_o the_o very_o next_o moment_n but_o to_o forbear_v so_o long_a a_o time_n be_v proper_o patience_n and_o longsufferance_n and_o it_o be_v such_o patience_n as_o be_v proper_a only_a to_o he_o who_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n for_o the_o illustration_n of_o which_o i_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o commend_v to_o your_o consideration_n which_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o be_v useful_a to_o assist_v we_o in_o frame_v worthy_a and_o honourable_a apprehension_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o matter_n the_o first_o be_v 1._o that_o god_n never_o want_v power_n and_o means_n and_o opportunity_n to_o be_v avenge_v of_o wicked_a men._n 2._o that_o he_o have_v always_o the_o same_o displeasure_n against_o and_o hatred_n of_o sin_n for_o these_o thing_n put_v together_o do_v clear_o show_v that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v indeed_o a_o divine_a perfection_n and_o infinite_o to_o be_v praise_v above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v imagine_v of_o the_o like_a quality_n among_o men._n for_o 1._o god_n never_o want_v power_n and_o