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cause_n authority_n church_n scripture_n 3,566 5 6.5669 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33220 Seventeen sermons preach'd upon several occasions never before printed / by William Clagett ... with The summ of a conference on February 21, 1686, between Dr. Clagett and Father Gooden, about the point of transubstantiation. Clagett, William, 1646-1688. 1689 (1689) Wing C4396; ESTC R7092 211,165 600

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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 of_o god_n law_n by_o the_o other_o lewd_a tradition_n that_o i_o mention_v before_o it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o method_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o pharise_n bring_v against_o the_o disciple_n from_o which_o answer_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v gather_v well_o worth_a our_o observation_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v 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restraint_n yet_o for_o one_o that_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o such_o mistake_n 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 lie_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 while_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 that_o 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 give_v 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-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
shall_v be_v encounter_v with_o some_o or_o other_o prophetic_a passage_n concern_v christ_n all_o which_o be_v design_v of_o god_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o who_o not_o only_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o unquestionable_a prophecy_n but_o all_o other_o type_n and_o the_o more_o obscure_a prefiguration_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v be_v fulfil_v we_o may_v without_o the_o least_o doubt_n believe_v and_o follow_v he_o 2._o this_o word_n of_o prophecy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o expression_n be_v plain_a enough_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v nothing_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v afterward_o make_v by_o the_o event_n which_o they_o foretell_v and_o therefore_o till_o the_o event_n make_v all_o plain_a the_o world_n be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a about_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o as_o to_o most_o particular_n but_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o express_v and_o full_a that_o they_o have_v raise_v a_o expectation_n not_o only_o in_o the_o jew_n but_o among_o the_o gentile_n also_o of_o that_o extraordinary_a person_n who_o god_n will_v send_v into_o the_o world_n for_o their_o relief_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v very_o well_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n for_o such_o a_o light_n though_o it_o do_v not_o make_v a_o particular_a discovery_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o lie_v round_o about_o it_o be_v yet_o apt_a to_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o towards_o it_o that_o be_v within_o distance_n and_o the_o prediction_n concern_v christ_n be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o they_o awaken_v the_o gentile_n themselves_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o indeed_o clear_o reveal_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o at_o present_a but_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v it_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v foretell_v and_o whereas_o this_o light_n be_v say_v to_o shine_v till_o the_o day_n dawn_v and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o plain_a meaning_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n the_o prophecy_n concern_v he_o grow_v still_o more_o express_a clear_a and_o particular_a as_o the_o time_n draw_v on_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v accomplish_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n but_o the_o latter_a prophecy_n such_o as_o in_o isaiah_n daniel_n and_o malachi_n be_v like_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n before_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n himself_o appear_v by_o such_o degree_n do_v god_n prepare_v mankind_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n every_o age_n contribute_v something_o beforehand_o to_o undermine_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o natural_a man_n against_o it_o that_o god_n shall_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o mystery_n so_o far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o natural_a reason_n that_o consider_v our_o weakness_n it_o will_v hardly_o have_v bear_v be_v reveal_v all_o at_o once_o and_o therefore_o god_n choose_v to_o let_v mankind_n into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o degree_n and_o by_o the_o grow_a light_n of_o type_n and_o prophecy_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o that_o strong_a light_n of_o the_o plain_a and_o clear_a truth_n which_o in_o due_a time_n be_v to_o be_v reveal_v and_o by_o this_o way_n god_n also_o provide_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o their_o faith_n who_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v only_o we_o must_v do_v what_o st._n peter_n commend_v the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n for_o do_v we_o must_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o must_v give_v heed_n unto_o and_o bend_v our_o mind_n to_o consider_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o we_o must_v attend_v to_o it_o as_o to_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n till_o the_o day_n dawn_v that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o to_o try_v any_o one_o single_a prediction_n only_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n and_o then_o if_o that_o do_v not_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o try_v no_o more_o but_o as_o god_n by_o every_o new_a prediction_n add_v more_o light_a to_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n so_o we_o shall_v consider_v what_o evidence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n take_v altogether_o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o and_o this_o be_v the_o method_n which_o our_o saviour_n take_v to_o instruct_v the_o two_o disciple_n go_v to_o emmaus_n they_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v mighty_o stagger_v at_o the_o shameful_a death_n of_o their_o master_n we_o trust_v say_v they_o that_o this_o have_v be_v he_o which_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n but_o now_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o think_v of_o it_o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o they_o o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v ought_v not_o christ_n to_o have_v suffer_v these_o thing_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n but_o what_o course_n do_v he_o take_v to_o convince_v they_o do_v he_o take_v some_o one_o notable_a prediction_n by_o itself_o and_o lay_v all_o the_o stress_n upon_o that_o no_o but_o beginning_n at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v this_o that_o clear_v all_o their_o doubt_n and_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n so_o perfect_o that_o they_o afterward_o say_v one_o to_o another_o do_v not_o our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o while_o he_o talk_v with_o we_o by_o the_o way_n and_o while_o he_o open_v to_o we_o the_o scripture_n luke_n 24._o 3._o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sure_a that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a testimony_n of_o god_n to_o make_v we_o sure_a that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o ascribe_v the_o prediction_n of_o these_o event_n to_o any_o cause_n less_o than_o divine_a omniscience_n or_o as_o st._n peter_n say_v prophecy_n come_v not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n i._n e._n not_o as_o some_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v no_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v meditate_a upon_o and_o read_v by_o private_a man_n but_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o utter_v their_o prediction_n by_o the_o private_a spirit_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o if_o 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think_v that_o they_o can_v at_o the_o distance_n of_o many_o age_n with_o their_o utmost_a skill_n foresee_v so_o many_o particular_a event_n as_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o accomplish_v in_o christ_n jesus_n or_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o confederacy_n between_o moses_n and_o jesus_n between_o the_o prophet_n and_o jesus_n so_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o before_o he_o be_v bear_v or_o be_v these_o prediction_n and_o their_o event_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o chance_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o that_o some_o one_o thing_n may_v be_v foretell_v and_o happen_v according_o but_o that_o so_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o particular_n shall_v be_v foretell_v concern_v one_o person_n at_o all_o adventure_n and_o by_o strange_a luck_n
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 lay_v man_n who_o may_v bring_v heresy_n into_o the_o church_n by_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n 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in_o itself_o good_a to_o appoint_v public_a prayer_n in_o a_o language_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n that_o be_v because_o he_o that_o understand_v what_o himself_n say_v do_v well_o for_o himself_o because_o he_o understand_v therefore_o he_o do_v well_o for_o other_o that_o understand_v not_o a_o word_n and_o be_v therefore_o not_o edify_v because_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o must_v glorify_v god_n with_o one_o mouth_n therefore_o in_o all_o public_a office_n of_o liturgy_n there_o be_v to_o be_v but_o one_o and_o 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_n 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 a_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 conttary_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 common_a to_o all_o he_o shall_v be_v as_o far_o from_o wrest_v the_o difficult_a scripture_n to_o his_o own_o destruction_n as_o one_o that_o have_v vast_o great_a ability_n nay_o i_o will_v add_v one_o thing_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o force_n at_o all_o in_o the_o objection_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o service_n of_o a_o cause_n and_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o by-party_n do_v more_o fatal_o lead_v to_o misinterpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o bare_a weakness_n of_o understanding_n and_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o modesty_n and_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v secure_v a_o man_n of_o no_o great_a ability_n from_o rash_a conclude_v upon_o the_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n but_o partiality_n and_o the_o service_n of_o a_o by_o cause_n shall_v engage_v a_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n to_o trouble_v the_o clear_a and_o to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a text_n as_o the_o forementioned_a instance_n 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 st._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 very_a same_o epistle_n he_o commend_v they_o all_o for_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o which_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n as_o hard_o to_o be_v sure_a as_o any_o be_v in_o st._n paul_n write_n and_o i_o hope_v st._n peter_n be_v as_o wise_a a_o man_n in_o this_o point_n as_o any_o that_o have_v come_v after_o he_o and_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v we_o not_o say_v that_o we_o
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 overrule_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 so_o ever_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 baptise_a only_a 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.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 baptise_a 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 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 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
follow_v truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o we_o know_v will_v 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 fad_n 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 what_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 norlife_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 be_v 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.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._n 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 wh●m_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 swell_a 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 the_o temptation_n man_n of_o probity_n and_o lover_n of_o truth_n shall_v upon_o diligent_a examination_n hold_v it_o fast_o than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o which_o that_o opposition_n tend_v which_o truth_n have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o world._n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o lofty_a those_o pretence_n be_v by_o which_o the_o other_o church_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a