this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n than_o we_o do_v and_o must_v call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o religion_n 4._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v far_o that_o the_o high_a commendation_n that_o be_v give_v in_o scripture_n to_o any_o one_o faith_n be_v give_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o abraham_n faith_n be_v famous_a and_o make_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o generation_n because_o he_o reason_v himself_o into_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o he_o do_v not_o blind_o break_v through_o these_o objection_n and_o wink_v hard_a at_o they_o but_o he_o look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n and_o give_v himself_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n concern_v they_o the_o centurian's_n faith_n be_v commend_v by_o our_o saviour_n math._n 8._o 11._o because_o when_o his_o servant_n be_v sick_a he_o do_v not_o desire_v he_o to_o come_v to_o his_o house_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n only_o and_o his_o servant_n 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because_o she_o enforce_v it_o so_o reasonable_o matthew_n 15._o 22._o she_o sue_v to_o he_o to_o help_v her_o daughter_n but_o he_o answer_v she_o not_o a_o word_n and_o when_o his_o disciple_n can_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o mind_v she_o yet_o still_o the_o press_v he_o say_v lord_n help_v i_o and_o when_o he_o repulse_v she_o with_o this_o severe_a answer_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o take_v the_o child_n bread_n and_o cast_v it_o to_o dog_n she_o make_v this_o quick_a and_o modest_a reply_n truth_n lord_n yet_o the_o dog_n eat_v of_o the_o crumb_n which_o fall_v from_o their_o master_n table_n she_o acknowledge_v she_o own_o unworthiness_n but_o yet_o believe_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v not_o utter_o reject_v those_o who_o humble_o seek_v to_o he_o upon_o which_o he_o give_v she_o this_o testimony_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n the_o apostle_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o yet_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v because_o they_o inquire_v 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she_o revile_v not_o again_o yet_o in_o a_o more_o still_a and_o gentle_a way_n she_o common_o have_v her_o full_a revenge_n upon_o all_o those_o that_o rail_v at_o she_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o people_n can_v with_o patience_n endure_v to_o hear_v their_o teacher_n and_o guide_n talk_v against_o reason_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o pay_v they_o the_o great_a submission_n and_o veneration_n for_o it_o one_o will_v think_v this_o but_o a_o odd_a way_n to_o gain_v authority_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o some_o skilful_a and_o design_v man_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a way_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o ignorant_a as_o nurse_n use_v to_o endear_v themselves_o to_o child_n by_o perpetual_a noise_n and_o nonsense_n iii_o i_o observe_v that_o god_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v plain_a and_o evident_a contradiction_n as_o matter_n of_o faith_n abraham_n can_v not_o reasonable_o have_v believe_v this_o second_o revelation_n to_o have_v be_v from_o god_n if_o he_o have_v not_o find_v some_o way_n to_o reconcile_v it_o with_o the_o first_o for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o dispose_v to_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o divine_a revelation_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v god_n against_o god_n himself_o some_o man_n seem_v to_o think_v that_o they_o oblige_v god_n mighty_o by_o believe_v plain_a contradiction_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o he_o that_o make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v take_v it_o kind_o from_o any_o man_n to_o debase_v his_o workmanship_n by_o make_v himself_o unreasonable_a and_o therefore_o as_o no_o service_n or_o obedience_n so_o no_o faith_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o may_v be_v confidence_n or_o presumption_n but_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n for_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v plain_a contradiction_n may_v believe_v any_o thing_n how_o absurd_a soever_o because_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o plain_a contradiction_n and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n believe_v nothing_o upon_o good_a ground_n because_o to_o he_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v all_o one_o 4._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o man_n obedience_n be_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n do_v we_o believe_v the_o command_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o firm_o as_o abraham_n believe_v god_n in_o this_o case_n what_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v or_o suffer_v in_o obedience_n to_o he_o if_o our_o faith_n be_v but_o as_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a as_o he_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v as_o
considerable_a and_o allow_v itself_o in_o the_o breach_n or_o neglect_v of_o the_o rest_n no_o nor_o with_o observe_v the_o duty_n of_o one_o table_n of_o the_o law_n if_o it_o overlook_v the_o other_o no_o nor_o with_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n one_o only_o except_v st._n james_n put_v this_o case_n and_o determine_v that_o he_o that_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n save_v that_o he_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o be_v be_v not_o sincere_a in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o set_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n at_o odds_o and_o dash_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n against_o one_o another_o lest_z as_o st._n james_n say_v we_o break_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o i_o fear_v this_o be_v too_o common_a a_o fault_n even_o among_o those_o who_o make_v a_o great_a profession_n of_o piety_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sensible_a of_o the_o obligation_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o respect_n our_o carriage_n and_o conversation_n with_o one_o another_o man_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v law_n to_o we_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o we_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_a design_n that_o we_o shall_v honour_v he_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o one_o another_o for_o which_o reason_n he_o join_v with_o our_o humble_a and_o dutiful_a deportment_n towards_o himself_o the_o office_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o other_o mich._n 6._o 8._o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n and_o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o this_o commandment_n have_v we_o from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a that_o many_o who_o make_v a_o great_a profession_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n be_v very_o defective_a in_o moral_a duty_n very_o unpeaceable_a and_o turbulent_a in_o their_o spirit_n very_o peevish_a and_o passionate_a very_a conceit_a and_o censorious_a as_o if_o their_o profession_n of_o godliness_n do_v exempt_v they_o from_o the_o care_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a virtue_n but_o we_o must_v not_o so_o fix_v our_o eye_n upon_o heaven_n as_o to_o forget_v that_o we_o walk_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o order_n of_o our_o step_n and_o conversation_n among_o man_n lest_o while_o we_o be_v gaze_v upon_o the_o star_n we_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n of_o gross_a and_o foul_a immorality_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o man_n may_v be_v devout_a and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n very_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o because_o of_o their_o palpable_a defect_n in_o point_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n may_v be_v gross_a and_o odious_a hypocrite_n for_o man_n must_v not_o think_v for_o some_o act_n either_o of_o outward_a or_o inward_a piety_n to_o compound_v with_o god_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n or_o to_o demand_v it_o as_o a_o right_n from_o man_n to_o be_v excuse_v from_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o humane_a conversation_n or_o pretend_v to_o be_v above_o they_o because_o they_o relate_v chief_o to_o this_o world_n and_o to_o the_o temporal_a happiness_n of_o man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o great_a devotion_n to_o give_v a_o licence_n to_o man_n to_o be_v peevish_a and_o froward_a sour_a and_o morose_n supercilious_a and_o censorious_a in_o their_o behaviour_n towards_o other_o man_n must_v have_v a_o great_a care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o intent_n upon_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o inward_a and_o real_a goodness_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o neglect_v and_o lose_v the_o main_a end_n of_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o place_v all_o religion_n in_o fast_v and_o outward_a mortification_n for_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o their_o place_n if_o they_o be_v discreet_o manage_v and_o make_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v often_o see_v that_o man_n have_v so_o unequal_a a_o respect_n to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o fast_v and_o corporal_a severity_n those_o meager_a and_o lean_a duty_n of_o piety_n in_o comparison_n do_v like_o pharaoh_n lean_a cow_n devour_v and_o eat_v up_o almost_o all_o the_o goodly_a and_o well-favoured_a the_o great_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o therefore_o man_n must_v take_v great_a heed_n lest_o whilst_o they_o be_v so_o intent_n upon_o mortify_v themselves_o they_o do_v not_o mortify_v virtue_n and_o good_a nature_n humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o charity_n thing_n high_o valuable_a in_o themselves_o and_o amiable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n be_v not_o only_o a_o mighty_a scandal_n to_o religion_n but_o of_o pernicious_a consequence_n many_o other_o way_n a_o fierce_a and_o ill_o govern_v a_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o something_o or_o other_o belong_v necessary_o as_o they_o think_v to_o his_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n have_v make_v many_o man_n do_v many_o unreasonable_a immoral_a and_o impious_a thing_n of_o which_o history_n will_v furnish_v we_o with_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jesuit_n and_o other_o zealot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o there_o be_v not_o want_v too_o many_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n among_o ourselves_o for_o man_n that_o be_v not_o sober_a and_o considerate_a in_o their_o religion_n but_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o blind_a prejudice_n and_o furious_a zeal_n do_v easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o strong_o fancy_v to_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n hence_o some_o have_v proceed_v to_o that_o height_n of_o absurdity_n in_o their_o zeal_n for_o their_o religion_n and_o church_n as_o to_o think_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o commendable_a and_o meritorious_a to_o equivocate_v upon_o oath_n and_o break_v faith_n with_o heretic_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v piety_n in_o some_o case_n to_o lie_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o kill_v man_n for_o god_n sake_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v approve_v the_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o evidence_n to_o ourselves_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o obedience_n we_o ought_v impartial_o to_o regard_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o with_o god_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o sincerity_n in_o scripture_n be_v often_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n because_o it_o be_v integrate_v and_o make_v up_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n 6._o the_o last_o evidence_n i_o shall_v mention_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v if_o it_o hold_v out_o against_o persecution_n and_o endure_v the_o fiery_a trial_n this_o be_v the_o utmost_a proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o bear_v the_o cross_n to_o be_v willing_a then_o to_o expose_v all_o our_o worldly_a interest_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o trial_n which_o god_n do_v not_o always_o call_v his_o faithful_a servant_n to_o but_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o their_o mind_n this_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o great_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n into_o good_a ground_n and_o be_v well_o root_v in_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v not_o shake_v by_o these_o fierce_a assault_n for_o many_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o have_v not_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o persecution_n or_o tribulation_n arise_v because_o of_o
after_o the_o reality_n of_o religion_n always_o remember_v that_o a_o sincere_a piety_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o show_n but_o substance_n not_o in_o appearance_n but_o in_o effect_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v still_o and_o calm_a charitable_a and_o peaceable_a make_v as_o little_a show_n and_o stir_v as_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o true_o and_o sincere_o good_a man_n do_v not_o affect_v vain_a ostentation_n and_o a_o unseasonable_a discovery_n of_o his_o good_a quality_n but_o endeavour_n rather_o real_o to_o be_v than_o to_o seem_v religious_a and_o of_o the_o two_o rather_o seek_v to_o conceal_v his_o piety_n than_o to_o set_v it_o out_o with_o pomp_n give_v his_o alm_n private_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o secret_a and_o make_v no_o appearance_n of_o religion_n but_o in_o such_o fruit_n and_o effect_n as_o can_v be_v hide_v in_o the_o quiet_a and_o silent_a virtue_n of_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o patience_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n in_o govern_v his_o passion_n and_o take_v heed_n not_o to_o offend_v with_o his_o tongue_n by_o slander_n and_o calumny_n by_o envious_a detraction_n or_o rash_a censure_n or_o by_o any_o word_n or_o action_n that_o may_v be_v to_o the_o hurt_n and_o prejudice_n of_o his_o neighbour_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a sign_n if_o a_o man_n affect_v to_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n and_o bustle_v about_o religion_n if_o he_o blow_v a_o trumpet_n before_o his_o good_a work_n and_o by_o extraordinary_a show_n of_o devotion_n summon_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n to_o behold_v he_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v call_v aloud_o to_o they_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o piety_n and_o to_o come_v to_o see_v his_o zeal_n for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o such_o a_o man_n with_o all_o his_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n may_v have_v some_o real_a goodness_n in_o he_o but_o he_o be_v as_o the_o hypocrite_n be_v and_o do_v as_o like_v one_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o by_o the_o mighty_a show_n that_o he_o make_v to_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n great_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o with_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o piety_n towards_o god_n let_v we_o join_v the_o simplicity_n and_o integrity_n of_o manner_n in_o our_o conversation_n with_o man_n let_v we_o strict_o charge_v ourselves_o to_o use_v truth_n and_o plainness_n in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o do_n let_v our_o tongue_n be_v ever_o the_o true_a interpreter_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o expression_n the_o lively_a image_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o our_o outward_a action_n exact_o agreeable_a to_o our_o inward_a purpose_n and_o intention_n among_o too_o many_o other_o instance_n of_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o great_a and_o general_a want_n of_o sincerity_n in_o conversation_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v so_o full_a of_o dissimulation_n and_o compliment_n that_o man_n word_n be_v hardly_o any_o signification_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o if_o any_o man_n measure_v his_o word_n by_o his_o heart_n and_o speak_v as_o he_o think_v and_o do_v not_o express_v more_o kindness_n to_o every_o man_n than_o man_n usual_o have_v for_o any_o man_n he_o can_v hardly_o escape_v the_o censure_n of_o rudeness_n and_o want_n of_o breed_v the_o old_a english_a plainness_n and_o sincerity_n that_o generous_a integrity_n of_o nature_n and_o honesty_n of_o disposition_n which_o always_o argue_v true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o be_v usual_o accompany_v with_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o resolution_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n lose_v among_o we_o there_o have_v be_v a_o long_a endeavour_n to_o transform_v we_o into_o foreign_a manner_n and_o fashion_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o servile_a imitation_n of_o none_o of_o the_o best_a of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o their_o quality_n the_o dialect_n of_o conversation_n be_v now_o adays_o so_o swell_v with_o vanity_n and_o compliment_n and_o so_o surfeit_v as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o expression_n of_o kindness_n and_o respect_n that_o if_o a_o man_n that_o live_v a_o age_n or_o two_o ago_o shall_v return_v into_o the_o world_n again_o he_o will_v real_o want_v a_o dictionary_n to_o help_v he_o to_o understand_v his_o own_o language_n and_o to_o know_v the_o true_a intrinsic_a value_n of_o the_o phrase_n in_o fashion_n and_o will_v hardly_o at_o first_o believe_v at_o what_o a_o low_a rate_n the_o high_a strain_n and_o expression_n of_o kindness_n imaginable_a do_v common_o pass_v in_o currant_n payment_n and_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o understand_v it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o can_v bring_v himself_o with_o a_o good_a countenance_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o converse_v with_o man_n upon_o equal_a term_n and_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o it_o shall_v more_o provoke_v our_o contempt_n or_o our_o pity_n to_o hear_v what_o solemn_a expression_n of_o respect_n and_o kindness_n will_v pass_v between_o man_n almost_o upon_o no_o occasion_n how_o great_a honour_n and_o esteem_v they_o will_v declare_v for_o one_o who_o perhaps_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o or_o see_v before_o and_o how_o entire_o they_o be_v all_o on_o the_o sudden_a devote_a to_o his_o service_n and_o interest_n for_o no_o reason_n how_o infinite_o and_o eternal_o oblige_v to_o he_o for_o no_o benefit_n and_o how_o extreme_o they_o will_v be_v concern_v for_o he_o yea_o and_o afflict_v too_o for_o no_o cause_n i_o know_v it_o be_v say_v in_o justification_n of_o this_o hollow_a kind_n of_o conversation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o harm_n no_o real_a deceit_n in_o compliment_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v well_o enough_o so_o long_o as_o we_o understand_v one_o another_o et_fw-la verba_fw-la valent_fw-la ut_fw-la nummi_fw-la word_n be_v like_o money_n and_o when_o the_o currant_n value_n of_o they_o be_v general_o understand_v no_o man_n be_v cheat_v by_o they_o this_o be_v something_o if_o such_o word_n be_v any_o thing_n but_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o account_n they_o be_v mere_a cipher_n however_o it_o be_v still_o a_o just_a matter_n of_o complaint_n that_o sincerity_n and_o plainness_n be_v out_o of_o fashion_n and_o that_o our_o language_n be_v run_v into_o a_o lie_n that_o man_n have_v almost_o quite_o pervert_v the_o use_n of_o speech_n and_o make_v word_n to_o signify_v nothing_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o conversation_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o their_o intercourse_n with_o one_o another_o be_v little_a else_o but_o drive_v a_o trade_n of_o dissimulation_n insomuch_o that_o it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n hearty_o sick_a and_o weary_a of_o the_o world_n to_o see_v the_o little_a sincerity_n that_o be_v in_o use_n and_o practice_n among_o man_n and_o tempt_v he_o to_o break_v out_o into_o that_o melancholy_a complaint_n and_o wish_v of_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 9_o o_o that_o i_o have_v in_o the_o wilderness_n a_o lodging-place_n of_o way-faring_a man_n that_o i_o may_v leave_v my_o people_n and_o go_v from_o they_o for_o they_o be_v all_o adulterer_n and_o a_o assembly_n of_o treacherous_a man_n and_o they_o bend_v their_o tongue_n like_o their_o bow_n for_o lie_n but_o have_v no_o courage_n for_o the_o truth_n upon_o earth_n take_v you_o heed_n every_o one_o of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o trust_v you_o not_o in_o any_o brother_n for_o every_o brother_n will_v utter_o supplant_v and_o every_o neighbour_n will_v walk_v with_o slander_n thy_o habitation_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o deceit_n one_o speak_v peaceable_o to_o his_o neighbour_n but_o in_o his_o heart_n he_o lie_v in_o wait_v shall_v not_o i_o visit_v for_o these_o thing_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o shall_v not_o my_o soul_n be_v avenge_v of_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o that_o time_n which_o be_v both_o the_o forerunner_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o terrible_a calamity_n which_o befall_v they_o afterward_o and_o this_o character_n agree_v but_o too_o well_o to_o the_o present_a age_n which_o be_v so_o wretched_o void_a of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n for_o which_o reason_n there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o recommend_v this_o virtue_n to_o we_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v flee_v from_o we_o that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n may_v return_v and_o glory_n may_v dwell_v in_o our_o land_n and_o god_n may_v show_v his_o mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o grant_v we_o his_o salvation_n and_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n may_v kiss_v each_o other_o to_o this_o end_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o offer_v these_o follow_a consideration_n first_o that_o sincerity_n be_v the_o high_a commendation_n and_o the_o very_o best_a character_n that_o
malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v that_o he_o who_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o renounce_v his_o happiness_n but_o put_v it_o out_o to_o interest_n upon_o term_n of_o great_a advantage_n and_o do_v wise_o consider_v his_o own_o best_a and_o and_o most_o last_a interest_n this_o be_v the_o first_o ii_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n together_o with_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n attend_v and_o consequent_a upon_o they_o that_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o they_o be_v mix_v and_o imperfect_a as_o to_o the_o duration_n of_o they_o they_o be_v short_a and_o but_o for_o a_o season_n and_o as_o to_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o consquence_n of_o they_o that_o they_o end_n in_o misery_n and_o sorrow_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n be_v mix_v and_o imperfect_a a_o wicked_a man_n may_v make_v a_o show_n of_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n but_o even_o in_o laughter_n his_o heart_n be_v sorrowful_a and_o the_o end_n of_o that_o mirth_n be_v heaviness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a and_o sincere_a pleasure_n in_o any_o sinful_a and_o vicious_a course_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o splendour_n of_o outward_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n for_o where_o ever_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v there_o must_v be_v guilt_n and_o wherever_o guilt_n be_v the_o mind_n will_v be_v restless_a and_o unquiet_a for_o there_o be_v two_o very_a troublesome_a and_o torment_a passion_n which_o be_v natural_o consequent_a upon_o guilt_n shame_n and_o fear_n shame_n arise_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v discover_v and_o fear_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v punish_v and_o these_o do_v continual_o haunt_v the_o sinner_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o inward_a horror_n and_o confusion_n in_o his_o most_o secret_a retirement_n and_o if_o sin_n be_v attend_v with_o no_o other_o trouble_n but_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o commit_v it_o if_o it_o be_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o his_o own_o mind_n 2._o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o the_o duration_n of_o they_o be_v but_o short_a upon_o this_o consideration_n moses_n set_v no_o great_a price_n and_o value_n upon_o they_o but_o prefer_v affliction_n and_o suffering_n in_o good_a company_n and_o in_o a_o good_a cause_n before_o the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v perfect_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o have_v no_o mixture_n of_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n in_o they_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a abatement_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v of_o so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a a_o continuance_n the_o pleasure_n of_o most_o sin_n expire_v with_o the_o act_n of_o they_o and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v the_o delight_n vanish_v i_o can_v deny_v but_o there_o be_v several_a worldly_a advantage_n to_o be_v purchase_v by_o sin_n which_o may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o a_o long_a continuance_n as_o riches_n and_o honour_n the_o common_a purchase_n of_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o of_o that_o long_a train_n of_o inferior_a vice_n which_o attend_v upon_o they_o and_o minister_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o these_o enjoyment_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n of_o a_o uncertain_a continuance_n and_o much_o more_o uncertain_a for_o be_v purchase_v by_o indirect_a and_o ill_a mean_n but_o if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o date_n with_o our_o life_n yet_o how_o short_a a_o duration_n be_v that_o compare_v with_o eternity_n make_v the_o utmu_v allowance_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v yet_o we_o can_v but_o enjoy_v they_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n it_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v rich_a or_o great_a in_o this_o world_n when_o we_o shall_v stand_v before_o that_o high_a tribunal_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o in_o the_o least_o to_o have_v be_v prince_n and_o great_a man_n and_o judge_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o poor_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v in_o this_o world_n will_v then_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o bige_a of_o we_o all_o for_o all_o mankind_n shall_v then_o stand_v upon_o a_o level_n and_o those_o civil_a distinction_n of_o rich_a and_o poor_a of_o base_a and_o honourable_a which_o seem_v now_o so_o considerable_a and_o make_v such_o a_o glare_a difference_n among_o man_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v all_o then_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o moral_a difference_n shall_v only_o take_v place_n all_o the_o distinction_n which_o will_v then_o be_v make_v will_v be_v betwixt_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n will_v be_v real_o much_o great_a than_o ever_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v betwixt_o the_o high_a and_o mean_a person_n in_o this_o world_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o why_o shall_v we_o value_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n at_o so_o high_a a_o rate_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v only_o considerable_a and_o that_o only_a in_o the_o imagination_n of_o vain_a man_n during_o our_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n but_o bear_v no_o price_n at_o all_o in_o that_o country_n where_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o or_o if_o they_o do_v we_o can_v carry_v they_o along_o with_o we_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o indeed_o will_v follow_v we_o with_o a_o vengeance_n the_o injustice_n and_o all_o the_o ill_a art_n we_o have_v use_v for_o the_o get_n or_o keep_v of_o they_o especial_o if_o at_o once_o we_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n if_o we_o have_v change_v our_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v much_o worse_o if_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o we_o have_v betray_v it_o and_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o for_o the_o gain_n or_o secure_v of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o our_o sorrow_n that_o though_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n the_o guilt_n of_o it_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o but_o will_v stick_v close_o to_o we_o and_o make_v we_o miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o iii_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n which_o be_v misery_n and_o sorrow_n many_o time_n in_o this_o world_n but_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o next_o 1._o in_o this_o world_n the_o very_o best_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o a_o sinful_a course_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v be_v repentance_n and_o even_o this_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sensible_a pain_n and_o trouble_v in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v many_o time_n especial_o after_o great_a sin_n and_o a_o long_a continuance_n in_o they_o accompany_v with_o much_o regret_n and_o horror_n with_o deep_a and_o pierce_a sorrow_n with_o dismal_a and_o despair_a thought_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o with_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v the_o worst_a consequence_n of_o sin_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o best_a no_o man_n that_o consider_v and_o calculate_v thing_n wise_o will_v purchase_v the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o sin_n at_o the_o price_n of_o so_o much_o anguish_n and_o sorrow_n as_o a_o true_a and_o deep_a repentance_n will_v cost_v he_o especial_o since_o a_o true_a repentance_n do_v in_o many_o case_n oblige_v man_n to_o the_o restitution_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v gain_v by_o sin_n if_o it_o have_v be_v get_v by_o the_o injury_n of_o another_o and_o this_o consideration_n quite_o take_v away_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o a_o ill_a get_v estate_n better_o never_o to_o have_v have_v it_o than_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o refund_v it_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v forbear_v the_o most_o pleasant_a meat_n if_o he_o know_v beforehand_o that_o they_o will_v make_v he_o deadly_a sick_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v at_o ease_n till_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o up_o again_o no_o man_n that_o believe_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o another_o world_n will_v ever_o sin_v but_o that_o he_o hope_v to_o retrieve_v all_o again_o by_o repentance_n but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n to_o commit_v any_o sin_n upon_o this_o hope_n for_o that_o be_v to_o please_v one_o self_n for_o the_o
present_a in_o hope_n to_o have_v more_o trouble_n afterward_o than_o the_o pleasure_n come_v to_o but_o especial_o no_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n in_o hope_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o afterward_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n for_o such_o sin_n without_o restitution_n and_o it_o be_v perfect_a madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n in_o hope_n of_o restore_v it_o again_o for_o so_o he_o must_v do_v that_o true_o repent_v of_o such_o a_o sin_n but_o 2._o in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o final_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o will_v certain_o be_v misery_n and_o sorrow_n how_o quiet_o soever_o a_o sinner_n may_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n or_o out_o of_o it_o misery_n will_v certain_o overtake_v he_o in_o the_o next_o unspeakable_a and_o eternal_a misery_n arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o sharp_a pain_n and_o those_o sad_o aggravate_v by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o future_a ease_n from_o a_o sad_a apprehension_n and_o melancholy_a reflection_n upon_o his_o inestimable_a loss_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o sinner_n shall_v be_v eternal_o separate_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o that_o miserable_a sentence_n which_o shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o the_o wicked_a depart_v from_o i_o sinner_n be_v not_o now_o sensible_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o estimate_v the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o loss_n but_o this_o stupidity_n and_o insensibleness_n of_o sinner_n continue_v only_o during_o this_o present_a state_n which_o afford_v man_n variety_n of_o object_n and_o pleasure_n to_o divert_v and_o entertain_v they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o enter_v upon_o the_o other_o world_n they_o will_v then_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o take_v up_o their_o thought_n but_o the_o sad_a condition_n into_o which_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a negligence_n and_o folly_n they_o have_v plunge_v themselves_o they_o shall_v then_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n and_o with_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n at_o once_o see_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o feel_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o torment_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o beside_o the_o apprehension_n of_o so_o great_a a_o loss_n they_o shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o sore_a and_o sharp_a pain_n and_o how_o grievous_a those_o shall_v be_v we_o may_v conjecture_v by_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o they_o in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o mighty_a displeasure_n of_o anger_n and_o omnipotence_n meet_v together_o far_o great_a than_o can_v be_v describe_v by_o any_o pain_n and_o suffering_n which_o we_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n for_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o what_o omnipotent_a justice_n can_v do_v to_o sinner_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n one_o will_v think_v this_o be_v misery_n enough_o and_o need_v no_o frather_o aggravation_n but_o yet_o it_o have_v two_o terrible_a one_o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n make_v present_a suffering_n more_o sharp_a and_o sensible_a for_o as_o nothing_o commend_v pleasure_n more_o and_o give_v a_o quick_a relish_n to_o happiness_n than_o precedent_a pain_n and_o suffering_n for_o perhaps_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n than_o in_o the_o sudden_a ease_n which_o a_o man_n find_v after_o a_o sharp_a fit_a of_o the_o stone_n so_o nothing_o enrage_v affliction_n more_o and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n upon_o misery_n than_o to_o pass_v into_o great_a pain_n immediate_o out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n this_o be_v the_o sting_a aggravation_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n torment_n that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n he_o have_v receive_v his_o good_a thing_n and_o have_v fair_v so_o delicious_o every_o day_n but_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o all_o be_v the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o duration_n of_o this_o misery_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o such_o expression_n as_o do_v signify_v the_o long_a and_o most_o interminable_a duration_n depart_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n matth._n 25._o and_o mark_v 9_o 43._o where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o in_o the_o revel_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o intermission_n and_o without_o end_n and_o this_o sure_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o misery_n for_o a_o man_n to_o lie_v under_o the_o great_a torment_n and_o to_o be_v in_o despair_n of_o ever_o find_v the_o least_o ease_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v thing_n together_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o reward_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o and_o will_v certain_o overtake_v they_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v in_o a_o wise_a man_n choice_n and_o indeed_o the_o choice_n be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v strange_o forsake_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o blind_v by_o sense_n who_o do_v not_o prefer_v that_o course_n of_o life_n which_o will_v probable_o make_v he_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n but_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o next_o there_o remain_v now_o only_a the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n suppose_v this_o choice_n to_o be_v reasonable_a to_o inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o make_v a_o quite_o contrary_a choice_n how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o wide_o mistake_v as_o to_o prefer_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n before_o conscience_n and_o religion_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o great_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o as_o brief_a a_o account_n as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n this_o wrong_a choice_n general_o proceed_v from_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n from_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o from_o want_n of_o consideration_n or_o of_o both_o 1._o one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n be_v unbelief_n either_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o either_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o recompense_n of_o another_o life_n or_o they_o be_v not_o so_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o man_n do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v he_o that_o think_v of_o be_v religious_a must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v infidel_n as_o to_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o great_a many_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o waver_a their_o faith_n be_v rather_o negative_a they_o do_v not_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o firm_o persuade_v of_o they_o their_o faith_n be_v rather_o a_o opinion_n than_o a_o root_a and_o well_o ground_a persuasion_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a a_o principle_n of_o action_n and_o like_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o other_o worthy_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o where_o faith_n be_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n it_o will_v have_v proportionable_a effect_n upon_o the_o resolution_n and_o will_n of_o man_n but_o where_o it_o be_v but_o weak_a it_o be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o efficacy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o forsake_fw-mi religion_n and_o cleave_v to_o this_o present_a world_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o push_n choose_v rather_o to_o sin_n than_o to_o suffer_v and_o will_v rather_o quit_v the_o truth_n than_o endure_v persecution_n for_o it_o these_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n describe_v who_o receive_v receive_v the_o
be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o i._o a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v if_o we_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o faithful_a to_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o faithful_a to_o we_o in_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o whether_o of_o aid_n and_o support_v or_o of_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o he_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o handle_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o apoostle_n exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v without_o waver_v signify_v inflexible_a and_o unmovable_a not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o full_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o propound_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o 2._o to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v and_o intend_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o the_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v this_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o last_o day_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n which_o some_o i_o show_v be_v not_o as_o child_n who_o while_o they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n and_o likewise_o such_o grow_a person_n as_o either_o by_o the_o natural_a weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o by_o some_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o education_n be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n these_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o 2._o this_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v do_v not_o imply_v that_o when_o man_n upon_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v aga_v they_o both_o these_o principle_n i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v by_o show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n namely_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a search_n and_o examination_n we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v embrace_v or_o as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o one_a epistle_n 5._o 12._o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v that_o then_o we_o shall_v adhere_v steadfast_o to_o it_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o we_o nor_o ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v from_o it_o by_o any_o pretence_n or_o insinuation_n or_o temptation_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o confidence_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o a_o ignorant_a man_n who_o have_v never_o consider_v thing_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o the_o assurance_n and_o settlement_n of_o one_o who_o have_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n and_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v and_o examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o first_o be_v mere_a wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o man_n have_v entertain_v and_o drink_v in_o such_o principle_n of_o religion_n by_o education_n or_o have_v take_v they_o up_o by_o chance_n but_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o they_o and_o yet_o however_o he_o come_v by_o they_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o the_o other_o be_v the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n of_o a_o wise_a man._n he_o have_v embrace_v his_o religion_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o he_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o steadfast_o to_o the_o end_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v many_o exhortation_n and_o caution_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a establish_v in_o the_o truth_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n that_o we_o shall_v stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v â—n_o nothing_o terrifle_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o that_o if_o occasion_n be_v we_o shall_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o 2._o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v it_o fast_o or_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n i._n e._n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n for_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o this_o profession_n or_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n as_o the_o word_n proper_o signify_v be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v let_v we_o draw_v near_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o make_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o which_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 6._o 17._o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o i._n e._n to_o all_o christian_n and_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n hold_v fast_o say_v he_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o st._n judas_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n
may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o true_a and_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o show_v 1._o negative_o what_o be_v not_o mean_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o and_o i_o mention_v these_o two_o particular_n 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o 2._o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n and_o examination_n man_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n both_o these_o i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n and_o therefore_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n 2._o i_o proceed_v positive_o to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v 1._o to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n of_o which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n in_o his_o baptism_n for_o of_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o context_n not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a church_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o 2._o place_n to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o mention_v these_o follow_v particular_n as_o probable_o imply_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v their_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n against_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o another_o religion_n 5._o against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busiy_n and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n 1._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v their_o confidence_n and_o of_o this_o i_o give_v several_a instance_n as_o in_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n without_o any_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o it_o either_o by_o scripture_n or_o miracle_n i_o mean_v such_o miracle_n as_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v for_o as_o for_o their_o legend_n since_o the_o wise_a among_o themselves_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o they_o i_o hope_v they_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o or_o be_v move_v by_o they_o and_o then_o their_o pretence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n which_o be_v now_o make_v a_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o successor_n of_o saint_n peter_n there_o be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n the_o supreme_a and_o universal_a pastor_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o every_o humane_a creature_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o and_o last_o their_o invocation_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o saint_n depart_v without_o any_o warrant_n or_o example_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o without_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o hear_v the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o to_o they_o 2._o much_o more_o be_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o here_o i_o instance_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n the_o lock_v up_o of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n and_o celebrate_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n and_o their_o daily_a repetition_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v offer_v once_o for_o all_o and_o be_v of_o eternal_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o because_o it_o need_v not_o like_o jewish_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n to_o be_v repeat_v to_o these_o instance_n which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o or_o two_o more_o as_o namely_o that_o to_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n a_o intention_n in_o the_o minister_n at_o least_o to_o do_v what_o the_o church_n do_v be_v requisite_a this_o be_v express_o define_v and_o under_o a_o anathema_n upon_o all_o that_o shall_v say_v otherwise_o by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n sess._n the_o seven_o can._n 11_o which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o minister_n so_o that_o if_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o baptise_v the_o party_n he_o pretend_v to_o baptise_v than_o it_o be_v no_o baptism_n and_o consequent_o the_o person_n baptise_a be_v not_o make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n nor_o be_v any_o grace_n or_o special_a benefit_n confer_v upon_o he_o nor_o be_v he_o a_o christian._n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o the_o priest_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o consecrate_v the_o host_n then_o be_v it_o no_o sacrament_n and_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o it_o and_o which_o according_a to_o their_o opinion_n be_v a_o dreadful_a consequence_n by_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n there_o be_v no_o change_n make_v of_o the_o element_n into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o they_o that_o give_v adoration_n to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o such_o case_n worship_n bread_n and_o wine_n for_o god_n which_o be_v idolatry_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o their_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n though_o the_o priest_n pronounce_v the_o word_n of_o absolution_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o true_o penitent_a and_o god_n on_o his_o part_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v he_o yet_o if_o the_o priest_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v and_o the_o man_n be_v still_o in_o his_o sin_n so_o likewise_o in_o ordination_n which_o be_v another_o of_o their_o sacrament_n if_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o ordain_v the_o man_n he_o be_v no_o priest_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v as_o a_o priest_n afterward_o either_o in_o administration_n of_o baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o the_o absolution_n of_o penitent_n all_o be_v vain_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n nay_o in_o marriage_n which_o they_o will_v needs_o have_v to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n too_o if_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v want_v there_o be_v nothing_o do_v the_o contract_n be_v null_v and_o they_o that_o be_v so_o marry_v do_v real_o live_v in_o adultery_n though_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o nor_o have_v any_o suspicion_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o whole_a tenure_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o promise_v the_o benefit_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o all_o those_o that_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v require_v on_o their_o part_n and_o declare_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n to_o those_o who_o confess_v they_o to_o god_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o administer_v they_o or_o that_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o intention_n or_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n but_o
foundation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n will_v proceed_v and_o what_o testimony_n and_o proof_n she_o chief_o intend_v to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o reformation_n of_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o doubt_n all_o man_n do_v see_v very_o plain_o to_o what_o purpose_n this_o foundation_n be_v lay_v of_o so_o large_a a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v admit_v how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o confirm_v and_o prove_v whatever_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o establish_v but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o new_a and_o another_o foundation_n than_o that_o which_o the_o great_a author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v lay_v and_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o viz._n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o they_o build_v upon_o it_o and_o if_o they_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o the_o new_a part_n of_o this_o rule_n by_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o general_a tradition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o by_o their_o pretend_a unwritten_a tradition_n we_o do_v with_o reason_n reject_v this_o kind_n of_o proof_n and_o desire_v they_o first_o to_o prove_v their_o rule_n before_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o for_o we_o protest_v against_o this_o rule_n as_o never_o declare_v and_o own_a by_o the_o christian_a church_n nor_o proceed_v upon_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o by_o any_o council_n whatsoever_o before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o vain_a then_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n vaunt_v itself_o of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n when_o the_o very_a foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o a_o new_a thing_n never_o before_o know_v or_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n whereas_o the_o foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o which_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n have_v appeal_v as_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o 3._o thing_n i_o propose_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o seem_v more_o especial_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v here_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n i_o shall_v first_o speak_v of_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n 1._o of_o fashion_n and_o example_n this_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n be_v no_o strong_a argument_n and_o yet_o in_o experience_n and_o effect_v it_o be_v often_o find_v to_o be_v very_o powerful_a it_o be_v frequent_o see_v that_o this_o have_v many_o time_n too_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o weak_a and_o foolish_a mind_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v down_o with_o the_o stream_n and_o to_o follow_v a_o multitude_n in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o more_o especial_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o be_v sway_v by_o great_a example_n and_o to_o bend_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o obsequiousness_n to_o their_o superior_n and_o better_n that_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o they_o be_v ready_a not_o only_o to_o change_v their_o affection_n to_o person_n and_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v but_o even_o their_o judgement_n also_o and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a and_o weight_a matter_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o poor_a and_o mean_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o weak_a understanding_n which_o lean_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o another_o and_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o low_a degree_n of_o servility_n that_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v stoop_v to_o and_o even_o beneath_o that_o of_o a_o slave_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o chain_n and_o fetter_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o freedom_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o judgement_n but_o i_o need_v not_o to_o urge_v this_o upon_o considerate_a person_n who_o know_v better_a how_o to_o value_v their_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o god_n than_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a thereto_o mere_o in_o compliance_n with_o fashion_n and_o example_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o religion_n so_o very_o plain_a that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o not_o be_v move_v in_o the_o least_o by_o the_o contrary_a example_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v a_o brave_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n though_o all_o man_n shall_v forsake_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o run_v aside_o to_o other_o god_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o joshua_n 24._o 15._o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v well_o resolve_v of_o peter_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n when_o he_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i._o 2._o another_o sort_n of_o temptation_n and_o which_o be_v common_o more_o powerful_a than_o example_n be_v worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a bait_n to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o apt_a to_o work_v very_o strong_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o and_o upon_o the_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o other_o some_o man_n be_v tempt_v by_o necessity_n which_o many_o time_n make_v they_o do_v ugly_a and_o reproachful_a thing_n and_o like_o esau_n for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n to_o sell_v their_o birthright_n and_o blessing_n covetousness_n tempt_v other_o to_o be_v of_o that_o religion_n which_o give_v they_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o great_a earthly_a advantage_n either_o for_o the_o increase_n or_o secure_v of_o their_o estate_n when_o they_o find_v that_o they_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n they_o will_v forsake_v the_o one_o and_o cleave_v to_o the_o other_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a temptation_n to_o many_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o a_o frequent_a cause_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n a_o eager_a desire_n of_o riches_n and_o too_o great_a a_o value_n for_o they_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o but_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v or_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n this_o be_v the_o temptation_n which_o draw_v off_o demas_n from_o his_o religion_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n ambition_n be_v likewise_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o proud_a and_o aspire_a mind_n and_o make_v many_o man_n false_a to_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o find_v it_o a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o preferment_n and_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o that_o be_v the_o best_a religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a worldly_a advantage_n and_o will_v raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a dignity_n the_o devil_n understand_v very_o well_o the_o force_n of_o this_o temptation_n when_o he_o set_v upon_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o reserve_v it_o for_o the_o last_o assault_n he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o say_v to_o he_o all_z this_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o and_o when_o he_o see_v this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o give_v he_o over_o in_o despair_n and_o leave_v he_o but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dazzle_a temptation_n yet_o there_o be_v consideration_n of_o that_o weight_n to_o be_v set_v over-against_o it_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o infinite_a concernment_n of_o it_o to_o our_o immortal_a soul_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o quench_v this_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o put_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o to_o render_v all_o the_o riches_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o as_o the_o very_a
a_o man_n shall_v be_v very_o fit_a and_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o that_o which_o they_o esteem_v the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o all_o namely_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n whereby_o they_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o and_o of_o the_o true_a mean_v of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n whereby_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v whole_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o point_n be_v it_o so_o very_o prudent_a in_o all_o the_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n for_o a_o man_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n because_o she_o be_v infallible_a and_o not_o to_o trust_v his_o own_o judgement_n about_o they_o because_o he_o be_v fallible_a and_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o be_v it_o prudent_a likewise_o for_o this_o man_n to_o trust_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o the_o main_a business_n of_o all_o namely_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n concern_v which_o he_o be_v as_o fallible_a in_o his_o judgement_n and_o as_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v as_o in_o the_o particular_a point_n and_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o main_a point_n they_o must_v grant_v his_o mistake_n to_o be_v fatal_a because_o his_o sincerity_n as_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n depend_v upon_o it_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n and_o riddle_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n shall_v have_v so_o sufficient_a a_o judgement_n as_o to_o this_o main_a and_o fundamental_a business_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v have_v no_o judgement_n at_o all_o about_o particular_a point_n fit_a to_o be_v trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a judgement_n and_o prudence_n quoad_fw-la hoc_fw-la and_o as_o if_o all_o man_n understanding_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o be_v very_o judicious_a and_o discern_a in_o this_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o be_v weak_a and_o dangerous_a and_o blind_a as_o to_o all_o particular_a point_n or_o as_o if_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o very_a good_a judgement_n and_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o before_o he_o come_v into_o their_o church_n but_o from_o the_o very_a moment_n he_o enter_v into_o it_o his_o judgement_n be_v quite_o lose_v and_o good_a for_o nothing_o for_o this_o in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n they_o say_v when_o they_o allow_v a_o man_n to_o be_v very_o able_a to_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v discover_v and_o embrace_v that_o to_o have_v no_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o afterward_o of_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n whatsoever_o and_o a_o very_a tempt_a argument_n it_o be_v to_o any_o man_n that_o have_v judgement_n to_o enter_v into_o that_o church_n 2._o another_o art_n they_o use_v with_o their_o intend_a proselyte_n in_o order_n to_o his_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o caution_n he_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v only_o the_o argument_n and_o book_n which_o be_v on_o one_o side_n but_o now_o admit_v their_o design_a proselyte_n to_o be_v just_o such_o a_o judge_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o will_v allow_v he_o to_o be_v and_o no_o far_o viz._n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n but_o to_o have_v no_o fitness_n and_o ability_n at_o all_o to_o judge_v of_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n yet_o methinks_v they_o put_v a_o very_a odd_a condition_n and_o untoward_a restraint_n upon_o this_o judge_n in_o tell_v he_o as_o they_o certain_o use_v to_o do_v those_o who_o they_o will_v pervert_v that_o he_o must_v have_v no_o discourse_n nor_o read_v any_o book_n but_o only_o on_o that_o side_n which_o they_o will_v gain_v he_o to_o because_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o perplex_v and_o confound_v he_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a judgement_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o matter_n but_o will_v any_o man_n admit_v this_o way_n of_o proceed_v in_o a_o temporal_a case_n this_o be_v just_a as_o if_o in_o a_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n the_o council_n on_o one_o side_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v the_o judge_n that_o it_o be_v only_o fit_a to_o hear_v what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v in_o the_o case_n that_o he_o will_v open_v it_o very_o plain_o and_o state_n the_o matter_n in_o difference_n of_o clear_o and_o impartial_o and_o bring_v such_o strong_a reason_n and_o proof_n for_o what_o he_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o hear_v any_o thing_n on_o the_o other_o side_n but_o may_v proceed_v to_o judgement_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n but_o if_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v thus_o lay_v before_o he_o so_o plain_o and_o be_v even_o ripe_a for_o judgement_n he_o will_v trouble_v himself_o needless_o to_o hear_v the_o other_o side_n this_o will_v cast_v he_o back_o where_o they_o first_o begin_v and_o bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o endless_a wrangle_n and_o so_o confound_v and_o puzzle_v his_o understanding_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o pass_v any_o clear_a judgement_n in_o the_o cause_n what_o think_v we_o will_v a_o judge_n say_v to_o such_o a_o bold_a and_o senseless_a pleader_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o absurdity_n every_o whit_n as_o gross_a and_o palpable_a in_o press_v any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o judgement_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o infinite_o more_o concern_v he_o upon_o hear_v only_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n on_o one_o side_n 3._o another_o art_n which_o they_o use_v in_o make_v proselyte_n be_v to_o possess_v they_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v main_o concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o that_o be_v this_o since_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v which_o that_o true_a church_n be_v and_o when_o they_o have_v find_v that_o out_o that_o will_v teach_v they_o in_o a_o most_o infallible_a way_n the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v by_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o this_o single_a enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o vnum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o when_o they_o have_v find_v out_o this_o and_o be_v satisfy_v about_o it_o they_o need_v to_o inquire_v no_o far_o this_o church_n will_v full_o instruct_v and_o satisfy_v they_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o this_o i_o can_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o very_a artificial_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o to_o serve_v their_o purpose_n very_o well_o for_o they_o have_v these_o two_o great_a advantage_n by_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o make_v the_o work_n short_a and_o save_v they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o labour_n by_o bring_v the_o whole_a business_n to_o one_o single_a enquiry_n and_o when_o they_o have_v gain_v this_o point_n that_o this_o single_a question_n be_v all_o that_o they_o need_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o then_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o ply_v and_o puzzle_v the_o man_n with_o their_o motive_n of_o credibility_n and_o mark_v of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o to_o show_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v how_o these_o mark_n agree_v to_o their_o church_n and_o be_v all_o to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o and_o in_o no_o other_o and_o to_o set_v out_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n the_o glorious_a privilege_n of_o their_o church_n the_o miraculous_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o daily_o do_v in_o it_o and_o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o their_o saint_n and_o martyr_n and_o if_o these_o general_a thing_n take_v and_o sink_v into_o they_o their_o work_n be_v in_o effect_n do_v 2._o another_o great_a advantage_n they_o have_v by_o it_o be_v that_o by_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o method_n they_o divert_v and_o keep_v they_o off_o from_o the_o many_o object_n against_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n namely_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n which_o we_o charge_v they_o withal_o for_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o be_v afraid_a of_o and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o to_o vindicate_v and_o make_v good_a their_o innovation_n in_o faith_n and_o practice_n so_o plain_o in_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n of_o purgatory_n the_o pope_n supremacy_n