Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n church_n false_a true_a 2,707 5 5.6928 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A92744 The Christian life wheren is shew'd, I. The worth and excellency of the soul. II. The divinity and incarnation of our Saviour III. The authority of the Holy Scripture. IV. A dissuasive from apostacy. Vol. V. and last. By John Scott, D.D. late rector of St. Giles's in the Fields.; Christian life. Vol. 5 Scott, John, 1639-1695.; White, Robert, 1645-1703, engraver.; Zouch, Humphrey. 1700 (1700) Wing S2060; ESTC R230772 251,294 440

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

number_n of_o mass_n requiem_n and_o indulgency_n as_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n soon_o procure_v his_o dismission_n from_o those_o temporary_a suffering_n into_o eternal_a happiness_n how_o odd_o soever_o this_o doctrine_n may_v appear_v to_o his_o reason_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v be_v charm_a enough_o to_o his_o lust_n and_o when_o once_o a_o man_n lust_n be_v retain_v the_o cause_n be_v half_o carry_v at_o the_o bar_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n it_o be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o false_a that_o man_n faith_n and_o reason_n be_v so_o much_o sway_v and_o bias_v by_o their_o lust_n for_o though_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n can_v be_v true_a but_o what_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a yet_o it_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o true_a religion_n that_o do_v provoke_v their_o lust_n against_o it_o and_o it_o be_v their_o lust_n that_o do_v provoke_v their_o reason_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v there_o be_v nothing_o do_v more_o strong_o incline_v or_o frequent_o pervert_v deprave_v and_o wicked_a mind_n to_o false_a religion_n than_o its_o compliance_n with_o their_o vicious_a affection_n though_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o certain_a sign_n in_o nature_n of_o its_o falsehood_n 3._o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n deprive_v man_n of_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n for_o doubtless_o the_o high_a encouragement_n to_o perseverance_n in_o the_o truth_n against_o all_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n be_v the_o hope_n of_o those_o glorious_a reward_n that_o await_v they_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o be_v this_o that_o guard_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o ancient_a martyr_n safe_a through_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o their_o persecutor_n their_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n the_o sight_n of_o which_o inspire_v the_o droop_a soul_n with_o a_o invincible_a courage_n make_v they_o despise_v rack_n and_o wheel_n and_o flame_n and_o exalt_v and_o triumph_v under_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n and_o indeed_o what_o less_o encouragement_n than_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v eternal_o happy_a within_o a_o few_o moment_n can_v have_v enable_v a_o company_n of_o tender_a virgin_n delicate_a matron_n infirm_a and_o age_a bishop_n to_o endure_v those_o long_a and_o dolorous_a martyrdom_n as_o many_o time_n they_o do_v when_o their_o tormentor_n take_v their_o turn_n from_o morn_n to_o night_n and_o ply_v they_o with_o all_o kind_n of_o torture_n till_o oftentimes_o they_o be_v force_v to_o give_v over_o and_o confess_v themselves_o overcome_v either_o through_o weariness_n or_o compassion_n but_o now_o by_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n we_o throw_v away_o this_o sovereign_a cordial_n and_o leave_v ourselves_o naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o all_o the_o mighty_a support_v it_o be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o under_o any_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n for_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v for_o any_o good_a from_o god_n and_o much_o less_o for_o so_o great_a a_o good_a as_o a_o heaven_n of_o immortal_a joy_n amount_v to_o whilst_o we_o persist_v in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o especial_o when_o he_o have_v express_o suspend_v this_o mighty_a recompense_n upon_o our_o constant_a and_o faithful_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o tell_v we_o plain_o before_o hand_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o trust_v to_o that_o if_o we_o fail_v of_o this_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o admit_v we_o into_o that_o place_n and_o state_n of_o blessedness_n that_o he_o will_v banish_v we_o for_o ever_o from_o his_o presence_n into_o outer_a darkness_n and_o eternal_a wretchedness_n and_o despair_n when_o by_o wilful_a sin_n therefore_o we_o have_v cast_v away_o our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n what_o have_v we_o leave_v to_o support_v our_o constancy_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o ever_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o it_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o rather_o than_o renounce_v our_o religion_n we_o shall_v be_v content_v to_o part_v with_o our_o good_n or_o liberty_n or_o life_n when_o all_o our_o hope_n be_v shut_v up_o in_o this_o life_n and_o we_o have_v no_o prospect_n of_o compensation_n either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o if_o ever_o therefore_o we_o will_v be_v steadfast_a to_o the_o truth_n against_o all_o temptation_n we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n take_v care_n by_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o cherish_v and_o keep_v alive_a the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n in_o our_o breast_n which_o be_v the_o only_a anchor_n that_o can_v hold_v and_o secure_v we_o in_o a_o stormy_a sea_n from_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o our_o faith_n 4._o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n weaken_v the_o natural_a force_n of_o man_n conscience_n which_o be_v the_o great_a restraint_n from_o apostasy_n indeed_o for_o man_n to_o apostatise_v from_o their_o religion_n to_o secure_v their_o worldly_a interest_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o base_a and_o infamous_a so_o foul_a a_o instance_n of_o a_o cowardly_a degenerous_a and_o prostitute_v soul_n that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v under_o no_o other_o restraint_n but_o only_o that_o sense_n of_o honour_n that_o be_v lodge_v in_o all_o brave_a mind_n he_o will_v scorn_v so_o mean_a so_o poor_a a_o condescension_n but_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o such_o powerful_a restraint_n upon_o man_n as_o that_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a bridle_n by_o which_o god_n curb_v our_o headstrong_a nature_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o fly_v out_o into_o all_o the_o wild_a extravagancy_n it_o be_v incline_v to_o for_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o in_o god_n stead_n that_o conscience_n act_n who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a be_v in_o the_o world_n when_o it_o command_v it_o be_v with_o god_n authority_n when_o it_o rebuke_n it_o be_v with_o god_n majesty_n when_o it_o applaud_v it_o be_v with_o god_n complacency_n it_o proceed_v not_o upon_o principle_n of_o mere_a policy_n or_o prudence_n which_o require_v we_o to_o act_v this_o way_n now_o and_o anon_o the_o contrary_a as_o circumstance_n after_o but_o upon_o the_o awful_a principle_n of_o divinity_n which_o oblige_v we_o by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v hope_v or_o fear_v for_o ever_o and_o require_v of_o we_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n and_o action_n in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o the_o sole_a reason_n it_o insist_o on_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o pleasure_n or_o displeasure_n can_v make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o this_o i_o judge_v most_o expedient_a for_o thou_o to_o do_v and_o this_o to_o avoid_v but_o this_o thou_o must_v do_v and_o this_o avoid_v as_o thou_o tender_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o dread_a his_o everlasting_a hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o eternal_a bliss_n that_o conscience_n allure_v our_o hope_n with_o and_o eternal_a vengeance_n that_o it_o alarm_n our_o fear_n with_o and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o be_v withhold_v by_o such_o powerful_a restraint_n as_o these_o what_o can_v withhold_v they_o whilst_o therefore_o a_o man_n cherish_v his_o conscience_n by_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o follow_v its_o direction_n this_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v secure_v his_o steadfastness_n to_o the_o truth_n against_o all_o temptation_n whilst_o this_o have_v any_o power_n over_o he_o he_o will_v as_o soon_o eat_v fire_n as_o sacrifice_v his_o faith_n to_o his_o interest_n for_o for_o a_o man_n to_o renounce_v his_o religion_n upon_o any_o prospect_n of_o temporal_a gain_n or_o loss_n be_v such_o a_o flagitious_a violation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a such_o a_o monstrous_a instance_n of_o high-treason_n against_o god_n such_o a_o open_a blasphemy_n of_o his_o truth_n such_o a_o bold_a defiance_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o in_o a_o word_n such_o a_o complication_n of_o vile_a perfidy_n base_a ingratitude_n and_o impious_a falsehood_n that_o but_o to_o think_v of_o it_o be_v like_o look_v down_o from_o a_o stupendous_a precipice_n that_o swim_v the_o head_n and_o strike_v the_o mind_n with_o horror_n and_o amazement_n so_o that_o while_o a_o man_n conscience_n have_v any_o power_n over_o he_o he_o will_v no_o more_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o himself_o to_o commit_v the_o one_o than_o to_o throw_v himself_o headlong_a down_o from_o the_o other_o whilst_o he_o be_v under_o the_o horror_n of_o the_o prospect_n and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o so_o much_o more_o easy_a to_o endure_v the_o worst_a of_o persecution_n than_o to_o commit_v such_o a_o outrage_n and_o violence_n on_o his_o conscience_n and_o undergo_v those_o horrible_a reflection_n and_o sting_a remorse_n that_o must_v follow_v it_o but_o after_o a_o man_n by_o wilful_a sin_v have_v often_o wound_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 what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o be_v serious_o affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o danger_n we_o present_o awake_v out_o of_o our_o security_n and_o with_o the_o deep_a concern_v for_o our_o immortal_a soul_n cry_v out_o with_o st._n peter_n auditor_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v veris_o when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o the_o strange_a unconcernedness_n of_o man_n about_o their_o future_a condition_n i_o be_o tempt_v to_o think_v either_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n in_o they_o or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v they_o believe_v it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v for_o ever_o miscarry_v for_o how_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o man_n who_o in_o other_o matter_n be_v so_o solicitous_a when_o their_o interest_n be_v at_o stake_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o least_o hazard_n shall_v believe_v that_o they_o have_v soul_n in_o danger_n of_o perish_v for_o ever_o and_o yet_o take_v no_o more_o care_n or_o regard_v of_o they_o but_o like_o the_o forgetful_a mother_n who_o when_o her_o house_n be_v on_o fire_n to_o save_v her_o good_n forget_v her_o child_n lie_v out_o all_o their_o thought_n upon_o the_o little_a concern_v of_o this_o frail_a and_o mortal_a life_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n forget_v their_o precious_a soul_n and_o leave_v they_o perish_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o perdition_n o_o stupid_a creature_n what_o be_v thou_o make_v of_o that_o can_v consider_v that_o thou_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n surround_v with_o so_o many_o danger_n of_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o and_o yet_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v for_o its_o preservation_n methinks_v if_o thou_o have_v any_o sense_n in_o thou_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o such_o endless_a misery_n before_o thou_o the_o remote_a possibility_n of_o fall_v into_o they_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o startle_v and_o awake_v thou_o but_o when_o thou_o be_v so_o near_o the_o brink_n of_o those_o misery_n and_o have_v so_o many_o cause_n round_o about_o thou_o shove_v thou_o forward_o and_o thrust_v thou_o headlong_o down_o into_o they_o and_o yet_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v at_o it_o be_v such_o a_o prodigy_n of_o senseless_a stupidity_n as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n may_v just_o be_v astonish_v at_o it_o be_v true_a if_o the_o danger_n thou_o be_v in_o be_v such_o as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v evade_v it_o will_v then_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n thou_o can_v take_v to_o concern_v thyself_o as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v about_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o live_v merry_o whilst_o thou_o may_v and_o not_o antedate_v thy_o misery_n by_o think_v of_o the_o dismal_a futurity_n but_o god_n be_v praise_v this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n though_o our_o condition_n be_v dangerous_a yet_o it_o be_v far_o from_o desperate_a for_o if_o we_o will_v use_v our_o honest_a endeavour_n and_o vigorous_o exert_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o not_o only_o may_v but_o shall_v escape_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a many_o cause_n of_o our_o danger_n a_o great_a many_o enemy_n concur_v to_o our_o ruin_n but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v it_o unless_o we_o ourselves_o join_v hand_n in_o the_o fatal_a conspiracy_n if_o we_o will_v be_v but_o faithful_a friend_n to_o ourselves_o and_o true_a to_o our_o own_o eternal_a interest_n it_o will_v be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o all_o those_o cause_n together_o to_o do_v we_o any_o material_a injury_n for_o bless_a be_v the_o good_a god_n those_o that_o be_v for_o we_o be_v far_o great_a and_o mighty_a than_o those_o that_o be_v against_o we_o against_o we_o we_o have_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n the_o weak_a of_o which_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o dangerous_a and_o puissant_a enemy_n but_o for_o we_o we_o have_v god_n and_o angel_n and_o our_o own_o reason_n assist_v with_o the_o most_o invincible_a motive_n with_o vast_a and_o glorious_a promise_n that_o stand_v beckon_v to_o we_o with_o crown_n of_o immortality_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o call_v we_o off_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o our_o lust_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n with_o direful_a threaten_n that_o be_v continual_o alarm_v and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o dreadful_a consequent_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o sundry_a other_o such_o mighty_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v almighty_a motive_n as_o if_o we_o will_v serious_o attend_v to_o will_v certain_o render_v our_o soul_n impregnable_a against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o vice_n and_o beside_o our_o reason_n thus_o arm_v and_o accounter_v we_o have_v on_o our_o side_n the_o holy_a angel_n of_o god_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o prompt_v we_o to_o and_o assist_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o second_v we_o in_o all_o our_o spiritual_a combat_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o we_o have_v with_o we_o the_o almighty_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o upon_o our_o sincere_a desire_n and_o honest_a endeavour_n be_v engage_v to_o aid_v we_o and_o cooperate_v with_o we_o in_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n who_o grace_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o our_o weakness_n to_o support_v we_o under_o our_o great_a difficulty_n and_o carry_v we_o on_o victorious_o through_o the_o most_o violent_a temptation_n and_o be_v back_v with_o such_o mighty_a auxiliary_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v miscarry_v unless_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o betray_v ourselves_o and_o give_v fire_n to_o the_o fatal_a train_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o if_o we_o be_v so_o bend_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o our_o obstinacy_n and_o it_o be_v just_a and_o fit_a we_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o dismal_a and_o pitiless_a effect_n of_o our_o own_o folly_n and_o madness_n for_o if_o when_o we_o see_v our_o sleve_n in_o so_o much_o danger_n and_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o power_n to_o escape_v if_o we_o please_v we_o will_v notwithstanding_o precipitate_v ourselves_o into_o ruin_n all_o the_o world_n must_v agree_v upon_o a_o impartial_a inquisition_n for_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o murder_v ourselves_o that_o god_n be_v just_a and_o that_o his_o hand_n be_v clean_a from_o any_o stain_n of_o our_o blood_n and_o that_o our_o own_o ruin_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o invincible_a obstinacy_n iii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o proposition_n that_o our_o renounce_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n will_v most_o certain_o infer_v the_o loss_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o these_o word_n be_v urge_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o motive_n to_o deter_v his_o disciple_n from_o forsake_v he_o as_o be_v plain_a from_o ver._n 24_o 25._o which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o upon_o their_o forsake_v he_o this_o loss_n will_v most_o certain_o and_o inevitable_o follow_v in_o the_o prosecution_n therefore_o of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v you_o what_o that_o forsake_v of_o christ_n be_v which_o infer_v this_o loss_n 2._o upon_o what_o account_v our_o thus_o forsake_v he_o infer_v it_o 1._o what_o that_o forsake_v of_o christ_n be_v which_o infer_v this_o loss_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a forsake_v of_o christ_n which_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o as_o capital_a and_o damnable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n 1._o when_o we_o forsake_v he_o by_o a_o total_a apostasy_n 2_o when_o we_o cowardly_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o we_o still_o believe_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 3._o when_o by_o obstinate_a heresy_n we_o either_o add_v to_o or_o subtract_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n 4_o when_o by_o any_o wilful_a course_n of_o disobedience_n we_o do_v virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n 1._o we_o lose_v and_o forfeit_v our_o soul_n when_o we_o forsake_v christ_n by_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o he_o when_o after_o we_o have_v be_v baptise_a into_o his_o name_n and_o thereby_o have_v make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n and_o obey_v his_o law_n we_o turn_v runagadoe_n and_o cast_v off_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o and_o disow_v our_o obligation_n to_o the_o other_o we_o do_v most_o just_o incur_v the_o loss_n and_o forfeiture_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o so_o strong_a and_o cogent_a be_v the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o profess_a christian_n can_v be_v either_o innocent_o or_o excusable_o seduce_v into_o a_o disbelief_n of_o it_o for_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o vast_a moment_n and_o concern_v
will_v not_o be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o receive_v and_o peruse_v the_o content_n of_o those_o sacred_a epistle_n which_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o holy_a penman_n he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o direct_v to_o we_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o our_o contempt_n to_o say_v that_o in_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o proneness_n to_o err_v and_o mistake_v we_o ought_v to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o our_o spiritual_a guide_n shall_v read_v god_n write_n for_o we_o and_o deliver_v the_o sense_n and_o content_n of_o they_o to_o we_o for_o to_o be_v sure_a have_v god_n intend_v that_o the_o priest_n only_o shall_v read_v they_o he_o will_v have_v direct_v they_o only_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o order_v they_o only_o to_o deliver_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o to_o the_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o since_o he_o have_v direct_v they_o to_o both_o this_o necessary_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v his_o intention_n that_o both_o shall_v read_v they_o for_o if_o god_n have_v not_o 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 3.3_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 1.13_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_o 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 5.27_o so_o also_o for_o that_o of_o the_o colossian_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_o 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
ill_a daughter_n of_o a_o bad_a mother_n a_o debauch_a and_o a_o dissolute_a conscience_n and_o consequent_o partake_v of_o all_o its_o natural_a bane_n and_o malignity_n even_o as_o all_o other_o bad_a effect_n do_v of_o the_o malignant_a nature_n of_o their_o bad_a cause_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o particular_a evil_n which_o man_n inconstancy_n to_o and_o proneness_n to_o revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n imply_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o these_o five_o instance_n 1._o the_o great_a impiety_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o foul_a dishonesty_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o shameful_a cowardice_n of_o it_o 5._o the_o vast_a hazard_n and_o insecurity_n of_o it_o 1._o consider_v the_o great_a impiety_n of_o it_o he_o who_o can_v part_v with_o his_o religion_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o be_v either_o a_o downright_a atheist_n who_o believe_v no_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a govern_v himself_o by_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o wise_a course_n be_v to_o profess_v none_o but_o that_o which_o be_v uppermost_a and_o most_o for_o his_o interest_n or_o a_o profane_a and_o impious_a wretch_n who_o though_o he_o believe_v his_o own_o religion_n true_a exchange_n it_o for_o another_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a upon_o no_o other_o consideration_n but_o so_o much_o temporal_a advantage_n to_o boot_v by_o which_o he_o plain_o declare_v that_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o his_o estimation_n the_o odds_o between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n the_o declaration_n of_o god_n and_o the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o inconsiderable_a that_o the_o least_o addition_n of_o the_o transitory_a good_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o late_a render_v it_o of_o sufficient_a weight_n to_o turn_v the_o scale_n against_o the_o former_a and_o that_o for_o his_o part_n he_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v whether_o the_o almighty_a be_v his_o friend_n or_o foe_n and_o provide_v he_o may_v but_o enjoy_v his_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n a_o few_o year_n long_o here_o he_o be_v very_o well_o content_v to_o part_n with_o all_o his_o hope_n and_o interest_n in_o god_n for_o ever_o for_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a construction_n of_o man_n apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o consideration_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n that_o that_o interest_n be_v in_o their_o esteem_n far_o more_o eligible_a than_o god_n with_o all_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n than_o without_o preferment_n and_o that_o that_o man_n make_v a_o very_a good_a bargain_n who_o get_v a_o good_a place_n in_o exchange_n for_o his_o maker_n and_o with_o the_o treacherous_a judas_n fell_v his_o saviour_n though_o it_o be_v but_o for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n which_o be_v such_o a_o monstrous_a degree_n of_o impiety_n as_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o scare_v and_o affright_v the_o most_o courageous_a sinner_n that_o have_v but_o the_o least_o apprehension_n of_o god_n or_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o then_o 2._o consider_v the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o man_n abandon_v their_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o vicious_a affection_n for_o he_o who_o without_o through_o conviction_n abandon_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a do_v together_o with_o that_o most_o certain_o abandon_v all_o the_o bless_a reward_n and_o incur_v all_o the_o dreadful_a penalty_n that_o true_a religion_n promise_n and_o denounce_v because_o though_o his_o religion_n perhaps_o may_v be_v false_a yet_o in_o renounce_v it_o whilst_o he_o believe_v it_o true_a his_o will_n do_v as_o malicious_o renounce_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o real_o be_v so_o he_o think_v it_o true_a and_o yet_o renounce_v it_o by_o which_o he_o plain_o declare_v that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v true_a he_o will_v have_v renounce_v it_o so_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o his_o will_n be_v the_o same_o his_o crime_n and_o gild_n the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a religion_n he_o intentional_o renounce_v and_o therefore_o in_o so_o do_v he_o do_v intentional_o renounce_v all_o his_o concern_v and_o interest_n in_o true_a religion_n now_o what_o a_o desperate_a piece_n of_o folly_n be_v this_o for_o a_o man_n to_o part_v with_o all_o his_o stock_n in_o the_o common_a bank_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o down_o right_a shame_n and_o imposture_n be_v of_o everlasting_a moment_n and_o concern_v to_o he_o only_o for_o a_o present_a gratification_n of_o some_o vain_a and_o unreasonable_a lust_n to_o divorce_v himself_o for_o ever_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o quit_v all_o title_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n only_o to_o curry_v a_o short-lived_a favour_n with_o man_n with_o man_n who_o breath_n be_v in_o their_o nostril_n and_o who_o within_o a_o few_o day_n or_o year_n must_v go_v off_o the_o stage_n and_o leave_v we_o here_o perhaps_o forlorn_a and_o destitute_a to_o part_v with_o all_o my_o glorious_a hope_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v my_o best_a heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o with_o heaven_n itself_o where_o i_o have_v treasure_n of_o bliss_n sufficient_a to_o maintain_v i_o in_o a_o most_o happy_a port_n to_o eternal_a age_n only_o to_o gain_v or_o secure_v a_o transitory_a estate_n or_o preferment_n which_o while_o i_o have_v it_o can_v make_v i_o happy_a and_o from_o which_o erelong_o i_o shall_v be_v tear_v and_o divide_v and_o not_o be_v a_o farthing_n the_o better_a for_o forever_o to_o expose_v one_o self_n as_o a_o public_a spectacle_n of_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n to_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a part_n of_o the_o rational_a world_n for_o a_o short_a extemporary_a blaze_n of_o pompous_a splendour_n and_o greatness_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o counter-blast_n of_o fortune_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n will_v ever_o long_o expire_v in_o smoke_n and_o stink_n wretchedness_n and_o infamy_n to_o plunge_v one_o self_n headlong_o into_o all_o the_o agony_n and_o torment_n the_o horror_n and_o desperation_n of_o a_o woeful_a eternity_n only_o to_o escape_v a_o short_a persecution_n and_o a_o glorious_a martyrdom_n when_o a_o little_a after_o perhaps_o i_o shall_v suffer_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o and_o long_o under_o the_o gout_n or_o stone_n or_o strangury_n without_o the_o comfort_n of_o die_v in_o a_o brave_a cause_n and_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o immortal_a recompense_n than_o i_o can_v have_v do_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o executioner_n with_o it_o and_o yet_o all_o these_o mad_a prank_n that_o man_n play_v at_o once_o who_o abandon_v his_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o his_o lust_n 3._o consider_v the_o soul_n dishonesty_n of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o sacred_a pledge_n commit_v to_o we_o by_o god_n for_o our_o own_o use_n and_o the_o use_v of_o our_o late_a posterity_n we_o can_v vicous_o desert_v and_o abandon_v it_o without_o betray_v of_o god_n and_o falsify_v our_o trust_n to_o he_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o without_o squander_v away_o the_o most_o inestimable_a good_a that_o ever_o he_o commit_v to_o man_n upon_o our_o own_o base_a lust_n and_o his_o most_o execrable_a enemy_n which_o be_v dishonesty_n blacken_v with_o the_o foul_a ingratitude_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v by_o forsake_v our_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o any_o lewd_a affection_n we_o not_o only_o do_v a_o dishonest_a thing_n at_o present_a but_o also_o total_o discard_v the_o obligation_n to_o honesty_n for_o the_o future_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v rational_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o be_v thorough_o honest_a but_o only_a his_o religion_n or_o inward_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v his_o indispensable_a duty_n towards_o god_n before_o who_o righteous_a tribunal_n he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o his_o action_n the_o two_o great_a motive_n of_o humane_a action_n be_v religion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n now_o as_o for_o religion_n that_o consist_v of_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a principle_n which_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n ply_v or_o bend_v to_o the_o alteration_n of_o outward_a affair_n and_o circumstance_n but_o do_v in_o all_o condition_n move_v and_o oblige_v we_o with_o equal_a force_n and_o vigour_n whereas_o worldly_a interest_n be_v a_o fickle_a and_o mutable_a thing_n that_o vary_v and_o alter_v with_o every_o outward_a turn_n and_o revolution_n so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v my_o interest_n to_o day_n may_v prove_v my_o damage_n to_o morrow_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v whatever_o part_n i_o act_v to_o
earth_n if_o to_o keep_v in_o a_o whole_a skin_n i_o shall_v bring_v upon_o myself_o the_o intolerable_a anguish_n of_o a_o wound_a spirit_n if_o to_o escape_v be_v reject_v disgrace_v and_o discountenance_v by_o man_n i_o shall_v expose_v myself_o to_o the_o perpetual_a clamour_n and_o reproach_n of_o my_o own_o conscience_n if_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v shall_v happen_v as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a they_o may_v i_o shall_v find_v myself_o miserable_o disappoint_v of_o that_o ease_n and_o quiet_a enjoyment_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o i_o base_o abandon_v my_o religion_n i_o shall_v find_v that_o to_o save_v my_o garment_n from_o be_v singe_v i_o have_v throw_v my_o body_n into_o a_o consume_a flame_n and_o only_o expose_v my_o breast_n to_o save_v my_o buckler_n but_o then_o suppose_v this_o shall_v not_o happen_v suppose_v my_o conscience_n shall_v be_v stupid_a and_o insensible_a enough_o to_o bear_v the_o gild_n of_o my_o apostasy_n without_o remorse_n or_o relent_a yet_o my_o prospect_n of_o gain_n and_o advancement_n in_o this_o world_n be_v extreme_o hazardous_a and_o insecure_a for_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o they_o to_o who_o religion_n i_o turn_v and_o upon_o who_o favour_n i_o depend_v will_v by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o discover_v my_o falsehood_n and_o insincerity_n and_o if_o in_o the_o course_n of_o my_o action_n or_o any_o other_o suspicious_a indication_n they_o shall_v find_v cause_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o i_o embrace_v their_o religion_n only_o to_o serve_v my_o interest_n and_o against_o the_o persuasion_n of_o my_o own_o mind_n if_o they_o be_v wise_a they_o will_v treat_v i_o as_o a_o dangerous_a person_n upon_o who_o there_o be_v no_o reliance_n for_o how_o can_v they_o imagine_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v true_a to_o they_o who_o have_v be_v false_a to_o my_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o proverb_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o proselyte_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o the_o ten_o generation_n and_o by_o too_o many_o woeful_a instance_n in_o our_o own_o neighbourhood_n we_o find_v it_o a_o maxim_n in_o some_o man_n politic_n that_o a_o new_a convert_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v trust_v than_o a_o old_a heretic_n and_o though_o for_o a_o while_o they_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o use_v i_o as_o a_o proper_a tool_n to_o serve_v a_o present_a design_n yet_o to_o be_v sure_o they_o will_v use_v i_o to_o long_o than_o they_o needs_o must_v and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v their_o work_n i_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v thrust_v out_o to_o make_v room_n for_o such_o as_o they_o can_v more_o safe_o depend_v on_o and_o if_o this_o shall_v not_o happen_v as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a it_o may_v yet_o see_v all_o humane_a affair_n be_v liable_a to_o perpetual_a turn_v and_o mutability_n perhaps_o upon_o the_o next_o revolution_n a_o contrary_a interest_n may_v appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v find_v myself_o desert_v of_o all_o my_o present_n support_v and_o dependency_n and_o like_o a_o forlorn_a wretch_n utter_o abandon_v both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n without_o any_o other_o company_n to_o entertain_v i_o in_o this_o my_o mournful_a solitude_n beside_o the_o woeful_a remembrance_n of_o my_o gild_n and_o shame_n to_o such_o infinite_a uncertainty_n of_o obtain_v their_o end_n be_v those_o miserable_a man_n expose_v who_o desert_n their_o religion_n in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o inference_n but_o then_o 2._o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v how_o cautious_a a_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o change_v his_o religion_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o it_o lest_o that_o which_o induce_v he_o to_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o his_o conviction_n as_o his_o profligate_n conscience_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o man_n be_v always_o to_o maintain_v the_o same_o persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o such_o a_o obligation_n will_v as_o effectual_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o false_a religion_n as_o of_o true_a whatever_o some_o man_n pretend_v we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o from_o top_n to_o bottom_n a_o company_n of_o fallible_a creature_n and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o error_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o may_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v nor_o do_v i_o deny_v but_o a_o honest-minded_n man_n without_o be_v in_o the_o least_o influence_v by_o a_o bad_a conscience_n may_v be_v innocent_o or_o at_o least_o pitiable_o seduce_v from_o truth_n to_o error_n by_o false_a colour_n and_o probable_a appearance_n for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a sagacity_n to_o distinguish_v between_o sophistry_n and_o true_a reason_n but_o if_o in_o compliance_n with_o any_o vicious_a affection_n or_o in_o pusuit_n of_o any_o worldly_a interest_n a_o man_n desert_n the_o truth_n and_o take_v up_o false_a and_o erroneous_a principle_n his_o error_n be_v no_o long_o imputable_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o a_o wilful_a error_n in_o his_o faith_n will_v prove_v as_o fatal_a and_o as_o damnable_a to_o he_o as_o a_o wilful_a wickedness_n in_o his_o manner_n and_o when_o ever_o his_o wretched_a soul_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o great_a searcher_n of_o heart_n it_o shall_v certain_o be_v treat_v by_o he_o as_o a_o wilful_a apostate_n that_o have_v perfidious_o renounce_v his_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o abjure_v his_o god_n his_o saviour_n truth_n and_o religion_n and_o see_v it_o be_v thus_o it_o very_o high_o concern_v man_n as_o they_o love_v themselves_o or_o have_v any_o regard_n of_o their_o own_o everlasting_a wellbeing_a not_o to_o desert_v their_o religion_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o other_o motive_n than_o a_o thorough_a conviction_n of_o its_o falsehood_n not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v from_o it_o by_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o vicious_a affection_n lest_o in_o so_o do_v they_o reprobate_v themselves_o from_o god_n and_o all_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a eternity_n hereafter_o for_o when_o man_n be_v upon_o change_v their_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o their_o interest_n and_o passion_n so_o to_o intermingle_v with_o their_o reason_n that_o without_o some_o care_n and_o observation_n of_o themselves_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v which_o of_o the_o two_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o they_o insomuch_o that_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o careless_a and_o unreflect_a people_n that_o be_v hurry_v mere_o by_o their_o interest_n and_o passion_n out_o of_o one_o religious_a persuasion_n into_o another_o who_o yet_o through_o gross_a neglect_n and_o inobservance_n of_o themselves_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v convert_v upon_o pure_a reason_n and_o conviction_n perhaps_o upon_o the_o solicitation_n of_o worldly_a interest_n their_o mind_n be_v wrought_v into_o a_o strong_a inclination_n to_o a_o change_n insomuch_o that_o they_o vehement_o wish_v that_o they_o can_v but_o satisfy_v their_o reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o that_o new_a persuasion_n which_o these_o their_o importunate_a passion_n so_o earnest_o invite_v they_o to_o embrace_v and_o then_o with_o this_o strong_a bias_n of_o worldly_a interest_n upon_o their_o mind_n away_o they_o run_v hunt_v after_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o and_o if_o in_o this_o heat_n of_o affection_n they_o can_v but_o light_a upon_o any_o little_a show_n of_o probability_n that_o will_v quick_o improve_v they_o into_o irrefragable_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n for_o when_o a_o man_n inquire_v whether_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v true_a with_o a_o strong_a inclination_n of_o will_n to_o find_v it_o so_o he_o will_v be_v afraid_a to_o consult_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n against_o it_o lest_o they_o shall_v convince_v he_o that_o it_o be_v false_a and_o thereby_o defeat_v his_o inclination_n and_o when_o once_o a_o man_n be_v so_o prepossess_v as_o that_o he_o will_v listen_v only_o to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n be_v that_o side_n never_o so_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o he_o can_v find_v reason_n enough_o to_o wheadle_n himself_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o for_o his_o very_a inclination_n to_o believe_v it_o will_v deter_v he_o from_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o those_o reason_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o examine_v they_o too_o far_o lest_o he_o shall_v find_v they_o false_a and_o unconcluding_a if_o he_o can_v but_o discern_v the_o least_o colour_n of_o probability_n in_o their_o first_o view_n and_o appearance_n that_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v he_o and_o render_v he_o a_o warm_a and_o zealous_a convert_n for_o indeed_o the_o man_n be_v a_o convert_n in_o his_o
understanding_n so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n he_o do_v not_o only_o live_v without_o but_o against_o his_o reason_n which_o instead_o of_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o his_o action_n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o like_o a_o idle_a spectator_n do_v only_o behold_v the_o brutish_a scene_n without_o any_o part_n or_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o whilst_o a_o man_n thus_o abandon_v himself_o to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o own_o blind_a will_n and_o live_v not_o only_o in_o the_o perpetual_a neglect_n but_o contempt_n of_o his_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o not_o to_o waste_v and_o impair_v it_o for_o as_o our_o rational_a faculty_n be_v improve_v and_o perfect_v by_o exercise_n so_o they_o natural_o languish_v and_o decay_n through_o disuse_n and_o inactivity_n and_o consequent_o the_o less_o use_v we_o make_v of_o they_o in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n which_o be_v their_o proper_a office_n and_o employment_n like_o stand_v water_n they_o must_v corrupt_v and_o putrify_v and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o impure_a lust_n but_o do_v by_o its_o own_o natural_a efficacy_n disable_v man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o these_o body_n our_o mind_n be_v fain_o to_o work_v by_o bodily_a instrument_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o brain_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n in_o all_o its_o operation_n and_o according_a as_o their_o temper_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a its_o operation_n will_v be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a but_o while_o a_o man_n indulge_v himself_o in_o any_o impure_a affection_n that_o will_v natural_o distemper_v these_o organ_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o indispose_v they_o for_o the_o use_v of_o his_o reason_n for_o so_o madness_n which_o be_v such_o a_o distemperature_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n do_v whole_o alienate_v they_o from_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n be_v usual_o find_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a affection_n such_o as_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n anger_n or_o fearfulness_n jealousy_n or_o lust_n and_o if_o these_o passion_n be_v once_o arrive_v to_o their_o utmost_a rage_n and_o excess_n do_v so_o often_o run_v into_o downright_a madness_n and_o distraction_n to_o be_v sure_o every_o inordinate_a degree_n of_o they_o must_v be_v a_o tendency_n towards_o it_o a_o great_a disturbance_n of_o mind_n though_o not_o a_o total_a distraction_n and_o how_o much_o they_o exceed_v their_o due_a bound_n and_o measure_n by_o so_o much_o they_o must_v taint_v and_o vitiate_v these_o necessary_a instrument_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o reason_n thus_o every_o inordinate_a lust_n do_v by_o a_o natural_a influence_n disturb_v man_n reason_n and_o sully_v the_o clearness_n of_o their_o discern_a faculty_n so_o that_o what_o clearness_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n that_o purity_n from_o vicious_a affection_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o brighten_v its_o apprehension_n and_o render_v its_o conception_n of_o thing_n more_o quick_a distinct_a and_o vigorous_a whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o disorderly_a affection_n do_v more_o or_o less_o cloud_n and_o disturb_v the_o brain_n chill_a or_o inflame_v the_o spirit_n hurry_v they_o into_o tumultuous_a motion_n or_o render_v they_o listless_a and_o unactive_a by_o which_o continual_a disorder_n our_o discern_a faculty_n must_v by_o degree_n be_v extreme_o weaken_v and_o confound_v and_o whilst_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o lose_v in_o the_o fog_n of_o inordinate_a affection_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o seduce_v and_o mislead_v it_o it_o be_v through_o the_o dimness_n of_o its_o sight_n apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a colour_n and_o tincture_v with_o prejudice_n and_o undue_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n weak_a mind_n be_v easy_o abuse_v especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v place_v beyond_o the_o prospect_n of_o sense_n require_v a_o severe_a attention_n in_o order_n to_o the_o form_n of_o right_a apprehension_n concern_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o more_o man_n weaken_v their_o understanding_n by_o their_o lust_n the_o more_o they_o must_v be_v expose_v to_o error_n and_o delusion_n but_o they_o 2._o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n render_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n uneasy_a to_o man_n mind_n whilst_o a_o man_n lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n his_o religious_a principle_n if_o they_o be_v pure_a and_o true_a will_v perpetual_o reproach_v and_o upbraid_v he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o contrary_n in_o nature_n more_o irreconcilable_a to_o one_o another_o than_o true_a faith_n and_o bad_a manner_n the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n if_o therefore_o a_o man_n faith_n be_v true_a and_o genuine_a he_o can_v live_v wicked_o without_o act_v against_o the_o full_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o must_v necessary_o render_v he_o very_o uneasy_a for_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n he_o act_v with_o a_o self-condemning_a judgement_n and_o every_o compliance_n with_o his_o inclination_n set_v he_o at_o odds_o with_o his_o reason_n all_o the_o while_o he_o be_v meditate_v any_o wicked_a design_n he_o struggle_v with_o his_o conscience_n and_o confront_v and_o outrage_n his_o own_o conviction_n and_o when_o he_o have_v act_v it_o every_o reflection_n he_o make_v on_o it_o be_v a_o bitter_a invective_n against_o himself_o thus_o so_o long_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n possess_v his_o mind_n he_o find_v himself_o continual_o hag_v and_o oppress_v by_o they_o they_o sit_v as_o a_o uneasy_a load_n upon_o his_o soul_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o sin_n in_o quiet_a but_o perpetual_o cause_v his_o sinful_a delight_n to_o go_v off_o with_o a_o ungrateful_a farewell_o and_o recoil_v upon_o he_o in_o many_o a_o sickly_a qualm_n and_o convulsion_n in_o which_o state_n of_o thing_n he_o have_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o either_o to_o forsake_v his_o principle_n or_o his_o lust_n or_o to_o live_v in_o perpetual_a variance_n with_o himself_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o still_o resolve_v to_o sin_n on_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o will_v soon_o grow_v quite_o weary_a of_o true_a religion_n and_o quit_v his_o mind_n as_o soon_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v of_o those_o stern_a and_o inflexible_a principle_n which_o create_v these_o discord_n in_o his_o breast_n and_o whilst_o he_o be_v in_o this_o temper_n it_o will_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o pervert_v he_o to_o any_o religion_n that_o will_v give_v ease_n to_o his_o straitlaced_a conscience_n and_o cast_v a_o more_o favourable_o aspect_n on_o his_o lust_n for_o be_v resolve_v to_o follow_v his_o vicious_a inclination_n he_o now_o see_v through_o they_o and_o understand_v by_o they_o and_o whilst_o his_o mind_n run_v upon_o the_o false_a bias_n of_o his_o lust_n that_o religion_n which_o be_v most_o grateful_a to_o they_o will_v seem_v most_o reasonable_a to_o he_o show_v he_o a_o way_n how_o he_o may_v worship_n god_n acceptable_o without_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o strict_a attention_n and_o the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o heavenly_a affection_n mere_o by_o number_v so_o many_o prayer_n on_o a_o string_n of_o bead_n by_o see_v a_o priest_n act_n over_o such_o a_o set_a of_o ceremony_n and_o hear_v he_o in_o vary_a tone_n sometime_o pronounce_v and_o sometime_o murmur_v a_o form_n of_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a language_n and_o though_o at_o first_o view_v it_o may_v seem_v very_o absurd_a to_o he_o yet_o the_o very_a looseness_n and_o carnality_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o engage_v his_o affection_n to_o it_o and_o then_o they_o by_o degree_n will_v go_v near_o to_o wheedle_n his_o understanding_n into_o a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o it_o propose_v to_o he_o a_o expedient_a how_o he_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o without_o undergo_n the_o severity_n of_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n tell_v he_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o priest_n if_o he_o confess_v his_o sin_n to_o they_o with_o any_o degree_n of_o sorrow_n and_o remorse_n have_v full_a power_n to_o pardon_n and_o absolve_v he_o so_o that_o if_o he_o do_v but_o take_v care_v not_o to_o die_v without_o confession_n however_o he_o live_v he_o can_v miscarry_v for_o ever_o he_o may_v indeed_o go_v into_o a_o very_a hot_a place_n call_v purgatory_n and_o there_o suffer_v a_o while_n very_o grievous_a thing_n before_o he_o get_v to_o heaven_n but_o if_o instead_o of_o part_v with_o his_o lust_n while_o he_o live_v he_o will_v part_v with_o his_o money_n when_o he_o die_v he_o may_v at_o easy_a rate_n purchase_v of_o that_o church_n such_o a_o