direct_v they_o to_o man_n neither_o priest_n nor_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o read_v they_o and_o therefore_o see_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n ought_v to_o read_v they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o man_n this_o reason_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o read_v they_o because_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o all_o men._n for_o not_o to_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o know_v and_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n write_v to_o we_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o have_v a_o very_a mean_a regard_n both_o of_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n but_o to_o be_v sure_o whosoever_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o know_v what_o such_o a_o write_n contain_v will_n if_o he_o can_v be_v very_o curious_a to_o peruse_v it_o with_o his_o own_o eye_n at_o least_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o give_v that_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n as_o the_o information_n of_o his_o own_o sense_n so_o that_o for_o man_n wilful_o to_o neglect_v read_v the_o scripture_n which_o god_n have_v so_o express_o direct_v to_o they_o and_o thereby_o not_o only_o license_v but_o oblige_v they_o to_o read_v it_o argue_v a_o very_a profane_a disregard_n both_o of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o matter_n it_o contain_v and_o for_o any_o man_n or_o society_n of_o man_n to_o forbid_v the_o people_n to_o read_v what_o god_n have_v write_v and_o direct_v to_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o a_o right_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o also_o to_o acquit_v they_o of_o a_o duty_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v upon_o they_o for_o st._n paul_n in_o those_o epistle_n which_o he_o write_v to_o the_o christian_a people_n in_o general_n of_o such_o and_o such_o church_n still_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o will_v read_v they_o as_o be_v not_o only_o warrant_v but_o oblige_v thereunto_o by_o his_o write_v they_o for_o so_o ephes._n 3._o 3_o 4._o speak_v of_o that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o call_n the_o gentile_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o he_o concern_v which_o say_v he_o i_o write_v afore_o in_o few_o word_n whereby_o when_o you_o read_v you_o may_v understand_v my_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ._n so_o also_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 13._o we_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o you_o read_v that_o be_v than_o what_o you_o may_v at_o least_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o read_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o write_v they_o to_o you_o and_o as_o for_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n which_o he_o write_v to_o that_o whole_a church_n he_o give_v charge_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 27._o so_o also_o for_o that_o of_o the_o colossians_n when_o this_o epistle_n be_v or_o have_v be_v read_v among_o you_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v read_v also_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o laodicean_n and_o that_o you_o likewise_o read_v the_o epistle_n from_o laodicea_n where_o you_o see_v he_o all_o along_o either_o suppose_n or_o require_v that_o what_o he_o write_v to_o all_o shall_v be_v read_v by_o all_o and_o to_o all_o if_o therefore_o this_o authority_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v sufficient_a to_o over-rule_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o pretend_a successor_n of_o st._n peter_n then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v still_o the_o duty_n of_o layman_n notwithstanding_o any_o papal_a prohibition_n to_o the_o contrary_n 5._o from_o the_o great_a concernment_n the_o people_n have_v in_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v oblige_v if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o read_v it_o and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n which_o the_o scripture_n contain_v they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o everlasting_a moment_n to_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o clergy_n the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n the_o precept_n of_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n the_o promise_n and_o threat_n with_o which_o the_o scripture_n enforce_v those_o precept_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o people_n as_o by_o the_o clergy_n and_o see_v both_o be_v equal_o concern_v in_o the_o great_a matter_n which_o the_o scripture_n contain_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o both_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o they_o i_o know_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a office_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o study_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o for_o themselves_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n without_o make_v any_o far_a enquiry_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v you_o sure_a that_o your_o teacher_n be_v infallible_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o be_v most_o certain_a it_o be_v notorious_a that_o most_o of_o the_o prevail_a heresy_n of_o christendom_n be_v first_o set_v on_o broach_n by_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v infallible_a who_o have_v so_o often_o actual_o err_v even_o in_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n suppose_v then_o what_o be_v fair_o supposable_a that_o your_o teacher_n shall_v mislead_v you_o and_o not_o only_o into_o dangerous_a but_o damnable_a error_n be_v you_o sure_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o you_o and_o that_o you_o shall_v escape_v if_o so_o then_o heresy_n in_o the_o laity_n can_v never_o be_v damnable_a if_o they_o receive_v it_o upon_o trust_n from_o their_o teacher_n and_o consequent_o their_o soul_n be_v as_o safe_a under_o the_o conduct_n of_o false_a teacher_n as_o true_a provide_v always_o that_o right_a or_o wrong_n they_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o but_o if_o yourselves_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n as_o well_o for_o your_o faith_n as_o for_o your_o manner_n and_o be_v liable_a in_o your_o own_o person_n to_o eternal_a damnation_n as_o most_o certain_o you_o be_v as_o well_o for_o heresy_n as_o immorality_n than_o it_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o you_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v your_o teacher_n upon_o trust_n for_o at_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n may_v be_v eternal_o damn_v mere_o for_o believe_v what_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o particular_a pastor_n teach_v but_o what_o the_o church_n teach_v they_o and_o the_o church_n can_v err_v though_o their_o particular_a pastor_n may_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o shall_v the_o people_n be_v otherwise_o inform_v what_o the_o church_n teach_v they_o than_o by_o the_o exposition_n of_o their_o particular_a pastor_n they_o be_v at_o least_o as_o incapable_a of_o inform_v themselves_o what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o what_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o therefore_o if_o their_o pastor_n shall_v err_v damnable_o in_o expound_v to_o they_o what_o the_o church_n teach_v as_o it_o be_v supposable_a he_o may_v if_o he_o be_v not_o infallible_a there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v err_v damnable_o in_o believe_v whatsoever_o their_o pastor_n teach_v but_o we_o be_v far_o tell_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o people_n that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o gross_a that_o whatsoever_o the_o church_n teach_v be_v true_a and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o particular_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v inform_v about_o they_o because_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o the_o church_n teach_v be_v true_a implicit_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a see_v the_o church_n teach_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a but_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v that_o this_o compendious_a way_n of_o belief_n be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o do_v no_o way_n comport_v with_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n for_o god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o faith_n mere_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o far_a end_n that_o it_o may_v purify_v our_o heart_n and_o influence_n our_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v that_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o believe_v might_n by_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o affect_v our_o will_n and_o continual_o move_v and_o persuade_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o if_o our_o
reject_v they_o with_o a_o unspeakable_a horror_n but_o because_o when_o they_o be_v convey_v into_o we_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o natural_a birth_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n therefore_o we_o do_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o hug_v and_o dandle_v they_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o a_o actual_a complacence_n and_o when_o the_o devil_n can_v convey_v his_o poison_n into_o we_o in_o such_o a_o invisible_a manner_n without_o discover_v his_o devil_n face_n when_o he_o can_v thus_o prompt_v we_o behind_o the_o curtain_n and_o so_o disguise_v his_o whispers_z that_o we_o can_v discern_v they_o from_o the_o secret_a lusting_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n how_o can_v we_o be_v safe_a without_o great_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n from_o the_o malice_n of_o such_o a_o formidable_a enemy_n but_o 6_o we_o be_v also_o liable_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a state_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o eternal_a misery_n from_o the_o plausible_a pretence_n we_o be_v furnish_v with_o to_o excuse_v and_o justify_v our_o compliance_n with_o they_o when_o by_o our_o own_o folly_n and_o the_o devil_n malice_n we_o be_v actual_o betray_v into_o any_o wilful_a sin_n a_o speedy_a repentance_n will_v recover_v we_o immediate_o and_o heal_v the_o wound_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v make_v but_o instead_o of_o that_o we_o have_v a_o thousand_o plausible_a excuse_n to_o palliate_v and_o skin_n it_o over_o but_o alas_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o rot_v inward_o and_o be_v fester_v apace_o into_o a_o incurable_a gangrene_n for_o when_o our_o conscience_n begin_v to_o fly_v in_o our_o face_n we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n but_o either_o present_o to_o repent_v of_o or_o to_o excuse_v and_o cloak_v our_o wickedness_n the_o late_a of_o which_o be_v usual_o pitch_v on_o as_o be_v both_o the_o most_o easy_a and_o the_o most_o agreeable_a with_o our_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v so_o many_o covert_n which_o man_n have_v find_v out_o for_o their_o lust_n to_o shelter_v they_o from_o the_o persecution_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o this_o way_n there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v long_o to_o seek_v for_o either_o they_o may_v blanch_v they_o over_o with_o a_o innocent_a name_n and_o call_v their_o intemperances_n good-fellowship_n their_o knavery_n ingenious_a fetch_n and_o their_o incontinence_n trick_n of_o wit_n or_o else_o they_o may_v extenuate_v and_o mince_v they_o into_o peccadillo_n and_o smooth_a over_o their_o gross_a rebellion_n with_o the_o soft_a name_n of_o humane_a fail_n and_o infirmity_n or_o else_o they_o may_v furnish_v themselves_o with_o some_o show_n of_o argument_n to_o vindicate_v their_o vice_n and_o assert_v they_o lawful_a as_o some_o of_o late_o have_v do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o fornication_n and_o uncleanness_n or_o else_o they_o may_v set_v up_o for_o philosophical_a sinner_n and_o quote_v text_n out_o of_o their_o gospel_n the_o leviathan_n against_o the_o eternal_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o if_o their_o conscience_n will_v not_o be_v put_v off_o with_o such_o poor_a pretence_n as_o these_o there_o be_v religious_a pretence_n enough_o in_o the_o world_n to_o protect_v and_o give_v countenance_n to_o all_o their_o impiety_n and_o they_o may_v either_o fly_v to_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n of_o confession_n and_o penance_n of_o venial_a sin_n and_o of_o probable_a opinion_n with_o any_o one_o of_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o reconcile_v their_o lust_n and_o conscience_n or_o if_o they_o chance_v to_o have_v a_o antipathy_n to_o the_o name_n of_o roman_n catholic_n they_o may_v furnish_v themselves_o with_o such_o doctrine_n out_o of_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a enthusiast_n as_o will_v be_v as_o favourable_a to_o their_o lust_n as_o they_o need_v or_o wish_v or_o desire_v that_o will_v consecrate_v their_o irregular_a passion_n into_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o dwindle_v their_o gross_a crime_n into_o the_o spot_n of_o god_n people_n that_o will_v exalt_v a_o mechanic_n train_n of_o fancy_n and_o passion_n into_o a_o sincere_a conversion_n and_o improve_v a_o hysterical_a fit_a into_o a_o spiritual_a experience_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a way_n may_v man_n easy_o excuse_v their_o vice_n to_o their_o conscience_n and_o when_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o so_o many_o expedient_n whereby_o to_o enable_v themselves_o to_o sin_n on_o quiet_o in_o how_o much_o danger_n be_v they_o of_o fall_v fast_o asleep_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o guilt_n and_o never_o wake_v again_o till_o they_o flame_n out_o about_o their_o ear_n into_o everlasting_a burn_n for_o whereas_o this_o faculty_n of_o conscience_n be_v implant_v within_o we_o by_o the_o author_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o guard_n to_o our_o innocence_n and_o a_o scourge_n to_o our_o lust_n the_o generality_n of_o man_n have_v invent_v so_o many_o trick_n to_o shift_v and_o evade_v it_o that_o it_o be_v become_v almost_o total_o useless_a to_o they_o and_o when_o they_o have_v thus_o disable_v their_o conscience_n from_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o importunity_n of_o their_o lust_n in_o what_o unspeakable_a danger_n must_v they_o be_v not_o only_o of_o fall_v into_o but_o continue_v in_o they_o till_o they_o have_v utter_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v they_o 7_o and_o last_o we_o be_v also_o liable_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a state_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o eternal_a misery_n from_o the_o extreme_a difficulty_n which_o this_o our_o compliance_n with_o those_o temptation_n bring_v we_o under_o to_o reject_v and_o vanquish_v they_o for_o the_o future_a for_o every_o new_a compliance_n with_o temptation_n to_o evil_a foment_n and_o enrage_v our_o evil_a inclination_n and_o when_o once_o these_o evil_a inclination_n be_v by_o our_o custorâ—â—ary_a compliance_n educate_v into_o finful_a habit_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o without_o a_o mighty_a assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o vanquish_v and_o subdue_v they_o so_o that_o as_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n we_o be_v in_o extreme_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o sinful_a course_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o be_v in_o no_o less_o danger_n of_o continue_v in_o they_o for_o by_o comply_v with_o this_o temptation_n i_o shall_v very_o much_o disable_v myself_o from_o withstand_v the_o next_o and_o if_o i_o yield_v to_o that_o too_o the_o three_o will_v find_v i_o much_o more_o ready_a and_o tractable_a and_o so_o on_o till_o at_o last_o the_o temptation_n grow_v first_o familiar_a and_o then_o natural_a to_o i_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a and_o then_o hard_o and_o then_o almost_o impossible_a to_o reject_v or_o deny_v it_o and_o when_o thing_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o issue_n that_o my_o sin_n be_v naturalize_v to_o i_o and_o grow_v into_o a_o inveterate_a habit_n the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o for_o now_o i_o be_o in_o the_o suburb_n of_o hell_n but_o one_o remove_v from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o be_o so_o far_o go_v in_o a_o confirm_a state_n of_o impiety_n that_o i_o have_v almost_o lose_v my_o liberty_n of_o return_v and_o unless_o i_o be_o speedy_o rescue_v by_o some_o miracle_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a i_o shall_v ever_o escape_v thus_o as_o we_o go_v on_o from_o one_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n to_o another_o we_o do_v as_o it_o be_v break_v down_o the_o bridge_n behind_o we_o and_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o disappoint_v ourselves_o of_o all_o hope_n of_o any_o future_a retreat_n for_o every_o step_v forward_o in_o our_o sinful_a progress_n render_v our_o return_n more_o difficult_a and_o when_o once_o we_o have_v proceed_v into_o a_o custom_n and_o habit_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v repentance_n so_o irksome_a to_o we_o and_o so_o much_o against_o the_o grain_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o will_v utter_o dishearten_v we_o from_o attempt_v it_o and_o so_o rather_o than_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o we_o must_v necessary_o do_v in_o swim_v against_o the_o impetuous_a stream_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o shall_v tame_o yield_v to_o it_o and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o it_o into_o the_o dead_a sea_n of_o endless_a misery_n when_o therefore_o there_o be_v so_o many_o cause_n conspire_v together_o to_o betray_v we_o into_o sinful_a course_n and_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o difficulty_n when_o once_o we_o be_v in_o to_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v our_o retreat_n what_o eminent_a danger_n be_v we_o in_o of_o fall_v into_o and_o persevere_v in_o sin_n to_o our_o everlasting_a ruin_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o extreme_o liable_a we_o be_v upon_o all_o these_o account_n to_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o that_o be_v to_o plunge_v ourselves_o into_o all_o those_o endless_a misery_n which_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o soul_n imply_v
saviour_n authority_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o thes._n 1._o 8_o 9_o but_o before_o we_o dismiss_v this_o argument_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a more_o particular_o to_o explain_v what_o those_o wilful_a course_n of_o sin_n be_v by_o which_o they_o thus_o renounce_v he_o all_o which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o we_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n when_o we_o sin_n against_o he_o out_o of_o wilful_a ignorance_n of_o they_o second_o when_o we_o sin_v on_o against_o he_o out_o of_o wilful_a inconsideration_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o they_o three_o when_o we_o persist_v in_o our_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n 1._o we_o virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n when_o we_o sin_v on_o against_o he_o out_o of_o wilful_a ignorance_n of_o his_o law_n for_o the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o which_o the_o great_a line_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v describe_v be_v so_o plain_a and_o legible_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v long_o excusable_o ignorant_a of_o they_o but_o if_o our_o ignorance_n proceed_v either_o first_o from_o a_o profane_a and_o profligate_v mind_n that_o be_v altogether_o regardless_o of_o god_n and_o have_v utter_o wear_v off_o its_o natural_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o neither_o heed_v it_o nor_o concern_v itself_o about_o it_o but_o be_v become_v quite_o deaf_a to_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n or_o if_o it_o proceed_v second_o from_o the_o vicious_a prejudice_n of_o our_o will_n and_o we_o industrious_o set_v ourselves_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o darling_n lust_n to_o exclude_v from_o our_o mind_n all_o the_o mean_n of_o conviction_n and_o either_o studious_o to_o avoid_v all_o thought_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o we_o may_v sin_v on_o without_o disturbance_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o those_o that_o be_v open_o profane_a and_o irreligious_a or_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a art_n to_o wheedle_n our_o understanding_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v most_o indulgent_a to_o our_o lust_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o false_a pretender_n to_o religion_n if_o i_o say_v our_o ignorance_n of_o christ_n law_n proceed_v from_o either_o of_o these_o cause_n it_o will_v no_o more_o excuse_v our_o fall_n into_o sin_n than_o the_o want_n of_o light_n will_v a_o man_n fall_v into_o a_o ditch_n that_o shut_v his_o eye_n at_o noon_n and_o wink_v on_o purpose_n lest_o he_o shall_v see_v and_o escape_v the_o danger_n that_o be_v before_o he_o but_o then_o 2_o we_o virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n when_o we_o sin_v on_o against_o he_o out_o of_o a_o wilful_a inconsideration_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o obey_v he_o for_o we_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o act_v consideratle_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n to_o we_o so_o that_o if_o we_o miscarry_v herein_o through_o wilful_a inconsideration_n we_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o inexcusable_a as_o if_o we_o have_v considerate_o betray_v ourselves_o now_o wilful_a inconsideration_n be_v either_o actual_a or_o habitual_a actual_a be_v either_o first_o when_o notwithstanding_o we_o have_v be_v sufficient_o warn_v by_o precedent_n surprise_v we_o take_v no_o care_n for_o the_o future_a for_o though_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v we_o shall_v always_o keep_v so_o strict_a a_o guard_n upon_o ourselves_o as_o never_o to_o be_v surprise_v by_o a_o enemy_n yet_o when_o we_o have_v be_v overtake_v there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v take_v warning_n by_o it_o and_o grow_v more_o wary_a and_o vigilant_a for_o the_o future_a that_o we_o shall_v awaken_v in_o our_o mind_n such_o consideration_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v our_o be_v surpize_v again_o which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o our_o next_o surprise_n will_v be_v inexcusable_a and_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o lapse_n which_o be_v perhaps_o but_o a_o innocent_a error_n or_o at_o most_o but_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n do_v not_o make_v we_o more_o careful_a of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o future_a the_o next_o will_v be_v a_o wilful_a fall_n or_o else_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o actual_a wilful_a inconsideration_n be_v when_o upon_o the_o present_n of_o any_o belove_a temptation_n we_o either_o quench_v the_o good_a motion_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o refuse_v to_o consider_v the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o the_o sin_n we_o be_v tempt_v to_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v thereby_o deter_v from_o commit_v it_o or_o purposely_o contrive_v to_o baffle_v our_o own_o consideration_n by_o oppose_v it_o either_o with_o some_o ungrounded_a hope_n of_o impunity_n or_o some_o fallacious_a promise_n of_o future_a amendment_n and_o if_o to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o sin_n we_o do_v either_o of_o these_o way_n wilful_o drive_v all_o good_a thought_n from_o our_o mind_n lest_o they_o shall_v disturb_v and_o interrupt_v we_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o our_o inconsideration_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o wickedness_n of_o our_o will_n and_o not_o into_o the_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o consider_v because_o he_o will_v sin_v and_o afterward_o extenuate_v his_o sin_n by_o his_o inconsideration_n urge_v one_o sin_n in_o excuse_n for_o another_o and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v his_o fault_n his_o apology_n whensoever_o therefore_o we_o sin_v out_o of_o any_o actual_a and_o wilful_a inconsideration_n we_o sin_v wilful_o and_o consequent_o do_v thereby_o virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o final_a event_n of_o which_o without_o our_o repentance_n will_v be_v our_o everlasting_a ruin_n and_o perdition_n but_o then_o beside_o this_o actual_a there_o be_v also_o a_o habitual_a inconsideration_n which_o be_v wilful_a and_o that_o be_v when_o by_o often_o stifle_v the_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n we_o have_v sear_v they_o into_o a_o deep_a insensibility_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a so_o as_o that_o now_o we_o sin_v on_o without_o any_o remorse_n or_o reluctancy_n and_o return_v to_o our_o lust_n with_o the_o same_o indifferency_n as_o we_o do_v to_o our_o bed_n or_o our_o table_n without_o either_o consider_v what_o we_o be_v do_v or_o reflect_v on_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o palliate_v our_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o it_o for_o as_o it_o be_v no_o excuse_n that_o we_o sin_n out_o of_o a_o evil_a habit_n which_o we_o voluntary_o contract_v by_o frequent_a act_n of_o sin_n so_o neither_o will_v it_o at_o all_o excuse_n we_o that_o we_o sin_n out_o of_o a_o habitual_a inconsideration_n which_o we_o wilful_o contract_v by_o often_o refuse_v to_o consider_v but_o as_o vicious_a habit_n have_v a_o proper_a evil_a and_o guiltiness_n in_o they_o distinct_a from_o those_o vicious_a act_n that_o produce_v they_o so_o habitual_a inconsideration_n have_v in_o it_o a_o peculiar_a venom_n of_o its_o own_o beyond_o what_o be_v in_o those_o actual_a inconsideration_n whereby_o it_o be_v acquire_v and_o according_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o worst_a the_o most_o desperate_a and_o incurable_a state_n of_o a_o sinner_n it_o be_v call_v a_o reprobate-mind_n rom._n 1._o 28_o 29._o a_o sear_a conscience_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 2._o a_o hard_a and_o unrelenting_a heart_n that_o treasure_v up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n rom._n 2._o 5._o so_o that_o if_o we_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n without_o consider_v with_o a_o mind_n habitual_o regardless_o &_o insensible_a we_o be_v harden_v and_o inveterate_a rebel_n that_o have_v not_o only_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o have_v also_o forfeit_v ourselves_o and_o that_o almost_o irreparable_o against_o all_o his_o method_n of_o conquer_a and_o subdue_a we_o but_o then_o 3_o and_o last_o we_o virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n when_o we_o persist_v in_o our_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n for_o to_o sin_v on_o obstinate_o against_o knowledge_n &_o consideration_n argue_v a_o invincible_a malice_n of_o will_n for_o though_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o inconsiderate_a sinner_n be_v very_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a yet_o there_o be_v much_o more_o hope_n of_o he_o because_o he_o have_v never_o yet_o the_o force_n &_o efficacy_n of_o knowledge_n &_o consideration_n which_o perhaps_o if_o ever_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o experience_n may_v prove_v a_o successful_a mean_n of_o his_o cure_n and_o reformation_n but_o the_o know_v and_o considerate_a sinner_n have_v try_v and_o conquer_v the_o remedy_n have_v experiment_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o
some_o good_a warm_a place_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o gain_v some_o important_a station_n or_o preferment_n and_o if_o this_o be_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o case_n when_o he_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n it_o have_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o for_o he_o that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v for_o than_o he_o will_v be_v find_v a_o base_a deserter_n of_o his_o god_n a_o treacherous_a judas_n to_o his_o saviour_n and_o a_o perfidious_a renegado_n from_o his_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o gild_n receive_v his_o portion_n of_o damnation_n 4._o consider_v whether_o before_o you_o entertain_v any_o intention_n to_o change_v you_o be_v full_o resolve_v impartial_o to_o consult_v both_o side_n of_o the_o question_n i_o doubt_v there_o be_v too_o many_o among_o we_o that_o first_o resolve_v to_o change_v their_o religion_n and_o then_o begin_v to_o inquire_v after_o reason_n and_o argument_n against_o it_o and_o that_o their_o resolution_n to_o change_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o sincere_a conviction_n that_o their_o conviction_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o resolution_n first_o some_o vile_a affection_n or_o some_o temporal_a interest_n recommend_v another_o religion_n to_o they_o that_o either_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o be_v wicked_a without_o remorse_n or_o disturbance_n or_o promise_v they_o gain_n and_o advancement_n upon_o which_o they_o resolve_v right_a or_o wrong_n to_o entertain_v and_o embrace_v it_o and_o then_o to_o excuse_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n or_o to_o vindicate_v their_o reputation_n to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o scandal_n of_o be_v downright_a apostate_n they_o fall_v a_o hunt_n after_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o convince_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o interest_n but_o their_o conviction_n that_o turn_v they_o and_o when_o man_n thus_o resolve_v first_o and_o inquire_v afterward_o to_o be_v sure_a their_o enquiry_n will_v be_v very_o partial_a for_o be_v full_o resolve_v to_o change_v their_o religion_n upon_o some_o vicious_a or_o secular_a motive_n it_o be_v become_v their_o interest_n to_o pick_v holes_n in_o it_o and_o to_o reason_n or_o cavil_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o this_o make_v they_o shy_a of_o bring_v the_o matter_n under_o a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a examination_n lest_o while_o they_o be_v seek_v reason_n to_o overthrow_v their_o faith_n they_o shall_v find_v reason_n to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v it_o so_o that_o they_o begin_v their_o enquiry_n with_o these_o secret_a intention_n we_o will_v listen_v only_o to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o leave_v the_o other_o to_o shift_v for_o itself_o and_o seek_v for_o as_o many_o argument_n as_o we_o can_v against_o our_o religion_n but_o none_o for_o it_o we_o will_v read_v the_o book_n and_o consult_v the_o teacher_n of_o one_o side_n only_o viz._n the_o opposite_a side_n to_o our_o present_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n and_o if_o among_o they_o we_o can_v but_o find_v argument_n enough_o to_o render_v the_o contrary_a persuasion_n any_o way_n probable_a we_o will_v submit_v our_o faith_n to_o it_o without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n and_o not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o examine_v the_o evidence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o fear_v we_o shall_v be_v convince_v in_o spite_n of_o our_o tooth_n that_o the_o truth_n lie_v there_o and_o then_o our_o conscience_n will_v never_o let_v we_o be_v quiet_a but_o be_v perpetual_o clamour_v against_o we_o for_o base_a and_o impious_a apostate_n that_o this_o be_v the_o foul_a and_o hypocritical_a intention_n of_o too_o many_o among_o we_o be_v notorious_a enough_o by_o their_o practice_n they_o leap_v from_o church_n to_o church_n and_o from_o one_o communion_n to_o another_o without_o any_o pause_v or_o consideration_n they_o be_v with_o we_o to_o day_n and_o go_v from_o we_o to_o morrow_n and_o be_v such_o mushroom_n extemporary_a convert_v that_o before_o ever_o we_o hear_v they_o doubt_v of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n in_o short_a they_o steal_v out_o of_o their_o religion_n so_o soft_o and_o with_o so_o little_a noise_n that_o they_o be_v common_o go_v before_o ever_o we_o hear_v they_o be_v go_v as_o if_o they_o be_v afraid_a we_o shall_v stop_v and_o detain_v they_o by_o better_a reason_n and_o full_a conviction_n whereas_o have_v these_o man_n any_o conscience_n or_o honesty_n in_o they_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n too_o sacred_a and_o serious_a to_o be_v thus_o dally_v and_o trifle_v with_o and_o that_o to_o change_v one_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n as_o require_v a_o long_a and_o through_o consideration_n and_o a_o very_a clear_a and_o full_a conviction_n of_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o depend_v upon_o it_o to_o part_v with_o it_o upon_o slight_a pretence_n and_o that_o it_o concern_v they_o as_o much_o as_o a_o eternity_n of_o bliss_n amount_v to_o not_o to_o desert_v it_o upon_o any_o other_o inducement_n but_o that_o of_o a_o through_o well-weighed_a persuasion_n of_o conscience_n and_o if_o they_o have_v have_v any_o such_o honest_a thought_n about_o they_o while_o they_o be_v under_o the_o temptation_n to_o change_v they_o will_v never_o have_v admit_v any_o doubt_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o upon_o great_a and_o palpable_a evidence_n and_o then_o they_o will_v have_v doubt_v long_o before_o they_o will_v have_v conclude_v against_o it_o and_o not_o have_v precipitate_v their_o judgement_n hand_n over_o head_n into_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n till_o they_o have_v first_o apply_v themselves_o for_o resolution_n again_o and_o again_o to_o their_o old_a guide_n and_o pastor_n and_o with_o all_o due_a deference_n to_o their_o authority_n have_v strict_o examine_v all_o their_o reason_n and_o answer_n till_o they_o have_v thorough_o inspect_v their_o argument_n pro_fw-la and_o con_v and_o equal_o hear_v both_o side_n of_o the_o cause_n till_o they_o have_v read_v advise_v and_o consult_v on_o both_o side_n and_o weigh_v the_o whole_a matter_n over_o and_o over_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o exactness_n but_o when_o man_n run_v away_o from_o their_o religion_n in_o a_o instant_a without_o ever_o observe_v this_o regular_a process_n of_o sincere_a inquiry_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o their_o will_n be_v resolve_v before_o their_o understanding_n and_o that_o they_o be_v convert_v before_o ever_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n and_o conviction_n that_o turn_v they_o but_o lust_n or_o interest_n for_o though_o when_o they_o be_v turn_v they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v very_o diligent_a to_o seek_v conviction_n yet_o this_o be_v only_o a_o aftergame_n which_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o play_v to_o save_v their_o conscience_n or_o their_o reputation_n 5._o consider_v before_o you_o entertain_v any_o intention_n to_o change_v whether_o it_o be_v your_o unfeigned_a intention_n whatever_o shall_v happen_v to_o you_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o side_n which_o shall_v appear_v most_o reasonable_a perhaps_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o resolve_v right_a or_o wrong_n to_o change_v your_o religion_n whether_o you_o find_v it_o true_a or_o false_a upon_o a_o just_a and_o fair_a examination_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o horrible_a defiance_n of_o god_n such_o a_o express_a and_o absolute_a renunciation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a and_o good_a as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o who_o be_v not_o utter_o abandon_v of_o all_o his_o natural_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o relish_v of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o yet_o perhaps_o you_o may_v be_v tempt_v to_o change_v with_o the_o prospect_n of_o such_o advantage_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o calamity_n on_o the_o other_o which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o obtain_v of_o you_o that_o base_a and_o wicked_a resolution_n yet_o do_v so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o engage_v you_o upon_o a_o fresh_a enquiry_n to_o try_v whether_o upon_o second_o thought_n and_o better_a consideration_n you_o can_v satisfy_v your_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n you_o be_v invite_v to_o turn_v to_o that_o so_o you_o may_v if_o possible_a comply_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o secure_v your_o interest_n in_o do_v your_o duty_n and_o thus_o far_o you_o be_v safe_a enough_o but_o before_o you_o proceed_v any_o far_a it_o concern_v you_o as_o you_o tender_v your_o everlasting_a interest_n to_o look_v into_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o consider_v serious_o whether_o you_o be_v unfeigned_o resolve_v whatsoever_o the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v to_o cleave_v fast_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n on_o which_o side_n