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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n authority_n church_n person_n 1,429 5 4.7818 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A79832 Seventeen sermons preach'd upon several occasions By William Clagett, D.D. late preacher to the Honourable Society of Grays Inn, and one of His Majesty's chaplains in ordinary. With the summ of a conference, on February 21, 1686. between Dr. Clagett and Father Gooden, about the point of transubstantiation. The third edition. Vol. I. Clagett, William, 1646-1688.; Gooden, Peter, d. 1695. aut; Sharp, John, 1645-1714. 1699 (1699) Wing C4398; ESTC R230511 209,157 515

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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 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be_v disgrace_v with_o the_o company_n of_o folly_n and_o lie_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n recommend_v their_o absurd_a tradition_n to_o the_o people_n because_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n they_o teach_v they_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thus_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v ready_a to_o reject_v christianity_n when_o they_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v it_o necessary_a for_o they_o also_o to_o observe_v the_o moysaicall_a law_n if_o they_o will_v be_v christian_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o common_a scandal_n of_o the_o world_n that_o truth_n be_v so_o often_o insincere_o represent_v and_o false_a doctrine_n propound_v still_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o hold_v forth_o some_o necessary_a truth_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o gospel_n do_v not_o allow_v but_o command_v we_o to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n not_o to_o reject_v that_o which_o be_v good_a because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o require_v evil_a nor_o to_o admit_v error_n 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it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o in_o particular_a also_o when_o he_o say_v beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n matth._n 7.15_o 5._o to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v what_o st._n paul_n observe_v 1_o tim._n 6.5_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n that_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v defend_v as_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v for_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v no_o such_o hard_a matter_n to_o perplex_v thing_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o find_v colour_n for_o deny_v thing_n that_o be_v evident_a to_o hide_v the_o weakness_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o argument_n to_o divert_v from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o person_n so_o artificial_o as_o if_o the_o cause_n go_v on_o still_o to_o lose_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n to_o make_v truth_n look_v like_o error_n and_o error_n like_o truth_n to_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a 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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 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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 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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
they_o be_v but_o this_o that_o they_o do_v effectual_o draw_v forth_o that_o wickedness_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v lie_v more_o undiscovered_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o then_o also_o they_o manifest_v more_o clear_o that_o integrity_n that_o piety_n that_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n and_o virtue_n and_o charity_n of_o good_a man_n which_o otherwise_o have_v not_o so_o much_o appear_v bad_a man_n do_v by_o mean_n of_o heresy_n grow_v worse_o and_o the_o good_a grow_v better_o by_o they_o according_a to_o that_o say_n in_o daniel_n chap._n 12.10_o the_o wicked_a shall_v do_v wicked_o and_o shall_v not_o understand_v but_o the_o wise_a shall_v understand_v they_o be_v harden_v and_o these_o be_v purify_v and_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o sincerity_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o vice_n on_o the_o other_o be_v so_o clear_o see_v that_o the_o good_a example_n will_v at_o last_o prevail_v against_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o that_o 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persecution_n or_o schism_n soon_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o they_o again_o and_o heresy_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v permit_v ever_o since_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o make_v it_o appear_v more_o evident_o who_o be_v the_o faithful_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v those_o evil_n to_o happen_v which_o he_o make_v to_o work_v for_o the_o same_o good_a end_n which_o be_v design_v by_o that_o manner_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o reveal_v 2._o neither_o be_v schism_n and_o heresy_n any_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v always_o a_o disparagement_n to_o be_v oppose_v and_o forsake_v which_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o for_o otherwise_o christianity_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v a_o false_a religion_n and_o the_o church_n which_o they_o found_v a_o false_a church_n for_o thence_o come_v the_o gnostic_n and_o valentinian_o and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o heresy_n more_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o elder_n at_o miletum_n act_v 20.30_o that_o from_o themselves_o will_v arise_v man_n teach_v perverse_a thing_n that_o will_v draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o for_o want_v of_o better_a argument_n that_o the_o reformation_n be_v to_o be_v object_v against_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o party_n into_o which_o it_o be_v divide_v and_o this_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o party_n that_o have_v break_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o for_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v either_o no_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o hold_v fast_o all_o that_o be_v once_o of_o it_o or_o else_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o that_o true_a church_n since_o many_o go_v off_o from_o it_o and_o which_o perhaps_o they_o that_o make_v this_o objection_n will_v be_v more_o concern_v to_o consider_v they_o from_o who_o so_o many_o nation_n have_v break_v off_o can_v escape_v their_o own_o censure_n as_o for_o the_o unity_n of_o those_o that_o keep_v together_o in_o one_o profession_n and_o communion_n this_o be_v no_o certain_a mark_n of_o truth_n for_o as_o man_n may_v be_v unite_v in_o truth_n so_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v in_o error_n and_o all_o party_n have_v this_o mark_v common_a to_o they_o that_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v not_o differ_v they_o agree_v together_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o truth_n those_o party_n equal_o have_v it_o that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o but_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o silly_a objection_n in_o the_o world_n against_o a_o common_a cause_n that_o be_v maintain_v by_o people_n that_o can_v agree_v in_o many_o thing_n that_o therefore_o that_o cause_n be_v naughty_a and_o erroneous_a this_o i_o say_v be_v intolerable_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a since_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o reason_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o uncertain_a passion_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o men._n for_o by_o this_o mean_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o ill-disposed_a person_n that_o for_o whatever_o reason_n may_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a heresy_n to_o make_v all_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o profess_v before_o to_o be_v truth_n no_o long_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o we_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n in_o the_o general_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o jew_n christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v agree_v what_o be_v true_a christianity_n that_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o party_n that_o have_v no_o religious_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o christianity_n be_v a_o false_a religion_n nay_o it_o be_v still_o a_o strong_a argument_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o atheist_n against_o all_o religion_n whatsoever_o since_o christianity_n mahometanism_n judaisme_n and_o paganism_n be_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o one_o another_o but_o there_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n than_o that_o which_o the_o text_n afford_v by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o heresy_n and_o party_n be_v unavoidable_a and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v they_o even_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v so_o offend_v at_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o either_o to_o throw_v off_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n till_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v about_o it_o or_o to_o take_v up_o with_o that_o which_o pretend_v to_o most_o unity_n without_o any_o far_a examination_n be_v hereby_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v insincere_a and_o vicious_a person_n for_o as_o heresy_n be_v permit_v by_o providence_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v so_o they_o be_v permit_v that_o they_o which_o be_v reprobate_a and_o can_v bear_v a_o trial_n may_v be_v also_o make_v manifest_a and_o it_o be_v no_o loss_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o she_o be_v not_o find_v by_o those_o that_o love_v she_o not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o that_o be_v of_o god_n will_v hear_v his_o word_n and_o wisdom_n will_v be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v in_o that_o number_n we_o be_v to_o make_v it_o our_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n to_o avoid_v the_o great_a heresy_n of_o all_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o vicious_a affection_n then_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o build_v up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n for_o as_o evil_a deed_n make_v man_n hate_v the_o light_n so_o if_o our_o deed_n be_v good_a and_o our_o conscience_n pure_a we_o shall_v love_v the_o light_n and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o sell_v it_o we_o shall_v buy_v it_o with_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o impartial_a enquiry_n and_o consideration_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o sell_v it_o for_o either_o comfortable_a or_o gainful_a error_n to_o conclude_v god_n have_v in_o that_o manner_n reveal_v the_o truth_n which_o concern_v our_o salvation_n that_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v deceive_v who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v but_o that_o they_o who_o seek_v it_o sincere_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o the_o nine_o sermon_n 2_o pet._n i._o 19_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a
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
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 they_o he_o also_o call_v i._o e._n he_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o hazardous_a time_n that_o they_o shall_v show_v their_o integrity_n and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v which_o be_v so_o sure_a that_o the_o apostle_n mention_n it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v do_v already_o then_o he_o proceed_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o these_o thing_n if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_a it_o be_v god_n that_o justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o the_o conclusion_n be_v this_o that_o whoever_o condemn_v we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v if_o god_n justify_v but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o all_o this_o be_v very_o true_a indeed_o but_o it_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o all_o party_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v most_o severe_o condemn_v by_o each_o other_o while_o each_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v god_n and_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n and_o therefore_o that_o this_o subject_n may_v have_v be_v more_o useful_o pursue_v by_o show_v particular_o what_o that_o faith_n and_o that_o practice_n be_v with_o which_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v who_o god_n justify_v and_o how_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o now_o i_o consider_v all_o this_o at_o first_o but_o then_o i_o know_v that_o i_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o person_n who_o be_v neither_o ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n nor_o of_o the_o evidence_n whereby_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o whoever_o govern_v himself_o in_o worship_v god_n in_o behave_v himself_o to_o other_o and_o in_o all_o his_o way_n shall_v be_v assure_o justify_v of_o god_n though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v condemn_v he_o for_o it_o but_o i_o consider_v also_o that_o of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o shake_v the_o constancy_n of_o modest_a person_n nothing_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o do_v it_o than_o the_o mighty_a confidence_n wherewith_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n condemn_v we_o and_o exclaim_v against_o we_o for_o to_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o surprise_n that_o man_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v learned_a and_o know_v to_o be_v zealous_a do_v pronounce_v against_o we_o with_o no_o less_o severity_n than_o if_o we_o be_v mere_a infidel_n one_o will_v think_v there_o must_v be_v some_o deep_a reason_n for_o it_o when_o they_o make_v we_o nothing_o at_o all_o and_o themselves_o all_o in_o all_o for_o thus_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o we_o be_v a_o church_n or_o that_o we_o have_v any_o certainty_n so_o much_o as_o of_o that_o true_a doctrine_n we_o profess_v for_o they_o know_v we_o better_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o as_o for_o our_o salvation_n they_o be_v as_o sure_a it_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o till_o we_o be_v convert_v to_o they_o as_o if_o they_o keep_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n nor_o do_v they_o sink_v we_o more_o than_o they_o raise_v themselves_o who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o church_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o only_o not_o deceive_v but_o even_o infallible_a they_o talk_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o safety_n with_o we_o and_o no_o danger_n with_o they_o which_o may_v raise_v such_o doubt_n in_o weak_a mind_n that_o i_o think_v it_o not_o unseasonable_a to_o bring_v to_o your_o remembrance_n how_o violent_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o christian_a brethren_n be_v condemn_v by_o man_n of_o who_o yet_o these_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v justify_v of_o god_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v this_o be_v a_o common-place_n argument_n of_o which_o all_o man_n serve_v themselves_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o argument_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a for_o if_o these_o man_n themselves_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o confidence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v you_o will_v i_o hope_v make_v this_o application_n that_o neither_o be_v their_o confidence_n to_o be_v trust_v and_o therefore_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v before_o you_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v what_o they_o call_v themselves_o and_o examine_v what_o they_o teach_v before_o you_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o yourselves_o for_o what_o they_o call_v you_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o desire_v of_o you_o that_o you_o will_v weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o not_o mind_n swel_v word_n brethren_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o new_a artifice_n to_o talk_v in_o a_o very_a high_a strain_n when_o argument_n run_v very_o low_a thus_o jew_n and_o gentile_n exclaim_v against_o our_o father_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a believer_n condemn_v they_o for_o go_v against_o antiquity_n universality_n authority_n tradition_n philosopher_n lawmaker_n king_n and_o nation_n and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v all_o this_o be_v but_o empty_a noise_n and_o vain_a pretence_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n foul_a error_n have_v be_v dress_v with_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o truth_n have_v be_v oppose_v with_o confidence_n and_o god_n suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o to_o try_v the_o sincerity_n of_o man_n that_o while_o they_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v delude_v fall_v by_o