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 good_a great_a 3,182 5 2.6384 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A79832 Seventeen sermons preach'd upon several occasions By William Clagett, D.D. late preacher to the Honourable Society of Grays Inn, and one of His Majesty's chaplains in ordinary. With the summ of a conference, on February 21, 1686. between Dr. Clagett and Father Gooden, about the point of transubstantiation. The third edition. Vol. I. Clagett, William, 1646-1688.; Gooden, Peter, d. 1695. aut; Sharp, John, 1645-1714. 1699 (1699) Wing C4398; ESTC R230511 209,157 515

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providence_n now_o this_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o correct_v neither_o but_o rather_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o that_o god_n hand_n be_v in_o all_o that_o happen_v as_o themselves_o shall_v find_v it_o too_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o so_o that_o whether_o evil_a come_v by_o the_o free_a will_n of_o other_o as_o it_o do_v upon_o the_o galilean_n who_o blood_n pilate_n mingle_v with_o their_o sacrifice_n or_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o seem_v to_o be_v mere_o casual_a as_o it_o do_v upon_o the_o eighteen_o upon_o who_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n fall_v in_o both_o case_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v interpose_v attend_v the_o whole_a affair_n regulate_v and_o order_v and_o with_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o each_o circumstance_n permit_v that_o which_o happen_v and_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o happen_v a_o very_a instruct_v consideration_n which_o we_o shall_v lay_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n hearty_o believe_v it_o and_o frequent_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v direct_v by_o it_o in_o our_o prosperity_n and_o comfort_v with_o it_o in_o our_o adversity_n for_o it_o will_v give_v we_o in_o our_o better_a state_n the_o best_a direction_n how_o to_o secure_v it_o and_o to_o all_o other_o method_n and_o way_n which_o we_o use_v to_o keep_v off_o evil_a it_o will_v make_v we_o add_v that_o which_o be_v best_a of_o all_o to_o secure_v by_o well-doing_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n of_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o of_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v so_o nice_a as_o we_o often_o be_v in_o weigh_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o welfare_n with_o the_o cause_n of_o danger_n and_o this_o with_o respect_n only_o to_o second_o cause_n forget_v all_o the_o while_n that_o which_o ought_v in_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a place_n to_o be_v remember_v the_o supreme_a mover_n and_o orderer_n even_o of_o those_o cause_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a matter_n but_o if_o we_o lay_v to_o heart_n what_o we_o all_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unseen_a hand_n that_o govern_v all_o undoubted_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o afraid_a of_o our_o sin_n than_o of_o all_o other_o misery_n and_o more_o concern_v to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n than_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n this_o consideration_n be_v equal_o good_a to_o comfort_v we_o under_o adversity_n if_o that_o happen_v because_o god_n send_v it_o for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v good_a reason_n to_o take_v evil_a in_o evil_a part_n from_o man_n who_o seldom_o mean_v well_o to_o we_o when_o they_o trouble_v and_o grieve_v we_o yet_o there_o be_v this_o to_o make_v we_o patient_a that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n send_v too_o who_o mean_v we_o no_o harm_n and_o will_v convert_v it_o to_o good_a which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o that_o excellent_a say_n of_o job_n ch_n 2._o v._n 10._o shall_v we_o receive_v good_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a for_o the_o emphasis_n lie_v in_o these_o word_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o we_o rank_v he_o in_o effect_n with_o man_n if_o we_o can_v be_v please_v with_o he_o but_o when_o he_o give_v we_o what_o we_o desire_v when_o good_a come_v to_o we_o it_o be_v welcome_a from_o what_o hand_n soever_o it_o come_v but_o this_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o singular_a worship_n we_o pay_v to_o god_n that_o from_o he_o we_o can_v receive_v evil_a too_o without_o suspect_v either_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o intention_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o counsel_n these_o be_v the_o two_o point_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n viz._n that_o punishment_n belong_v to_o sin_n and_o that_o the_o evil_n which_o happen_v in_o this_o world_n do_v not_o happen_v without_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n attend_v upon_o all_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o those_o point_n which_o be_v the_o direct_a purpose_n of_o this_o place_n whereof_o the_o 1._o be_v that_o they_o who_o suffer_v very_o great_a evil_n be_v not_o always_o great_a sinner_n than_o those_o who_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n suffer_v nothing_o that_o be_v the_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n express_v in_o these_o question_n suppose_v you_o that_o these_o be_v great_a sinner_n than_o all_o the_o galilean_n and_o these_o than_o all_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n they_o indeed_o that_o hear_v he_o be_v jew_n be_v ready_a enough_o so_o to_o suppose_v but_o this_o be_v that_o error_n of_o they_o which_o he_o in_o the_o first_o place_n design_v to_o correct_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o be_v set_v right_o in_o this_o matter_n by_o some_o great_a authority_n because_o it_o be_v a_o error_n so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o slide_v into_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o their_o law_n which_o to_o they_o that_o keep_v it_o promise_v all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o threaten_v all_o the_o evil_n of_o life_n to_o they_o that_o break_v it_o but_o the_o time_n be_v now_o come_v when_o these_o consideration_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o much_o regard_v and_o god_n will_v establish_v a_o covenant_n upon_o promise_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o those_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o upon_o more_o terrible_a penalty_n than_o those_o be_v threaten_v by_o that_o law_n and_o therefore_o this_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o no_o doubt_n be_v something_o surprise_v to_o his_o hearer_n be_v very_o seasonable_a to_o be_v deliver_v just_o when_o that_o law_n be_v expire_n and_o a_o better_a be_v to_o take_v place_n the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n when_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o delver_v up_o to_o be_v beat_v and_o scourge_v and_o put_v to_o death_n which_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v they_o will_v have_v reason_n to_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o upon_o a_o particular_a occasion_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o call_v they_o the_o great_a sinner_n who_o suffer_v such_o thing_n as_o so_o many_o together_o never_o endure_v before_o but_o there_o be_v a_o notorious_a provocation_n of_o divine_a justice_n to_o deserve_v it_o now_o there_o be_v great_a design_n in_o hand_n than_o to_o keep_v a_o small_a nation_n in_o comparison_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o law_n that_o require_v abundance_n of_o ceremony_n and_o be_v content_a with_o the_o outward_a work_n which_o serve_v to_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n the_o true_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o charity_n be_v now_o to_o be_v lay_v down_o and_o man_n be_v to_o learn_v to_o live_v above_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o immortality_n in_o a_o future_a state_n to_o reward_v they_o for_o any_o thing_n they_o shall_v lose_v or_o suffer_v for_o it_o in_o this_o it_o will_v therefore_o be_v expedient_a that_o the_o power_n of_o this_o faith_n shall_v be_v sometime_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n and_o that_o by_o example_n of_o constancy_n in_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n it_o will_v also_o be_v expedient_a that_o the_o profession_n of_o so_o holy_a a_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v dishonour_v by_o the_o continual_a scandal_n of_o man_n who_o conversation_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n and_o therefore_o that_o god_n shall_v purify_v his_o church_n in_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n and_o sometime_o separate_v the_o sincere_a from_o the_o hypocrite_n by_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o test_n of_o persecution_n that_o those_o who_o hang_v loose_o upon_o the_o christian_a communion_n may_v be_v shake_v off_o and_o none_o but_o good_a example_n leave_v in_o it_o to_o bring_v great_a credit_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o more_o proselyte_n to_o it_o than_o it_o have_v before_o since_o therefore_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o man_n shall_v suffer_v not_o at_o all_o as_o sinner_n or_o evil_a doer_n but_o for_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n most_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o seasonable_a instruction_n that_o the_o great_a sufferer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v the_o great_a sinner_n but_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o reason_n that_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o full_a intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o doctrine_n he_o lay_v down_o upon_o this_o occasion_n mention_v in_o the_o text_n for_o his_o true_a disciple_n in_o suffer_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o profession_n can_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v for_o their_o sin_n but_o his_o word_n consider_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n wherewith_o they_o be_v to_o
mean_n to_o punish_v his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o he_o always_o goodness_n to_o reprieve_v and_o his_o defer_v the_o punishment_n be_v proper_o the_o patience_n which_o be_v worthy_a of_o praise_n when_o man_n forbear_v revenge_v the_o affront_v and_o injury_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v very_o often_o because_o they_o wait_v for_o a_o opportunity_n which_o yet_o they_o want_v they_o be_v force_v to_o be_v content_a for_o a_o while_n because_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o revenge_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o will_v not_o tarry_v if_o they_o have_v present_a mean_n to_o ease_v their_o mind_n for_o this_o reason_n we_o magnify_v the_o patience_n of_o man_n most_o of_o all_o when_o they_o forgive_v whilst_o it_o seem_v that_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n without_o hurt_v themselves_o to_o punish_v the_o person_n that_o have_v do_v they_o wrong_n and_o we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n commend_v those_o that_o frame_n themselves_o to_o patience_n when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o help_n but_o this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o punish_v at_o first_o as_o at_o last_o and_o it_o be_v never_o otherwise_o we_o can_v never_o say_v he_o forbear_v sudden_a vengeance_n because_o it_o will_v be_v dangerous_a or_o he_o want_v power_n to_o take_v it_o and_o we_o must_v therefore_o resolve_v his_o patience_n into_o other_o cause_n which_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o goodness_n it_o be_v happy_a for_o man_n in_o their_o concern_v with_o one_o another_o when_o they_o who_o have_v most_o goodness_n have_v great_a power_n and_o the_o great_a security_n of_o mankind_n be_v this_o that_o he_o only_o have_v almighty_a power_n who_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o sinner_n shall_v acknowledge_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o be_v in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n that_o can_v absolute_o and_o irresistable_o overwhelm_v they_o but_o he_o only_o to_o who_o justice_n they_o be_v most_o liable_a and_o of_o who_o goodness_n alone_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o consume_v if_o god_n with_o his_o omnipotence_n be_v as_o man_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n or_o if_o man_n with_o his_o passion_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n as_o god_n be_v and_o can_v follow_v his_o anger_n with_o effect_n the_o race_n of_o mankind_n have_v long_o since_o be_v extinguish_v and_o why_o it_o be_v not_o so_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o god_n only_o have_v infinite_a power_n he_o who_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o delight_v not_o in_o punishment_n and_o do_v not_o willing_o grieve_v and_o afflict_v the_o child_n of_o man_n this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n of_o apprehend_v the_o perfect_a goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a patience_n that_o he_o do_v not_o respite_n and_o delay_v the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n at_o any_o time_n for_o want_n of_o power_n to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o they_o for_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o his_o forbearance_n to_o punish_v be_v always_o because_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o forbear_v 2._o god_n have_v always_o the_o same_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n and_o hate_v it_o at_o one_o time_n as_o much_o as_o at_o another_o and_o this_o be_v also_o a_o remarkable_a illustration_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o show_v that_o his_o forbearance_n to_o punish_v be_v pure_o from_o his_o goodness_n if_o we_o be_v grieve_v and_o offend_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o injury_n we_o have_v receive_v be_v common_o very_a smart_n at_o first_o but_o it_o lessen_v by_o degree_n and_o if_o the_o wrongdoer_n escape_v our_o anger_n while_o it_o be_v hot_a within_o we_o he_o be_v not_o in_o so_o much_o danger_n of_o we_o afterward_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o passion_n to_o retaliate_v evil_a and_o as_o that_o cool_v we_o be_v less_o forward_o to_o do_v it_o and_o in_o such_o case_n our_o forbearance_n be_v not_o proper_o patience_n because_o feel_v no_o grief_n ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o so_o desirous_a that_o he_o who_o once_o provoke_v we_o shall_v feel_v it_o now_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n he_o be_v not_o disturb_v with_o our_o uneven_a passion_n he_o abhor_v sin_n not_o as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o revengeful_a but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o most_o holy_a be_v and_o because_o he_o be_v the_o same_o holy_a god_n to_o day_n that_o ever_o he_o be_v time_n do_v not_o lessen_v his_o sense_n nor_o abate_v his_o hatred_n of_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o in_o he_o it_o be_v all_o the_o goodness_n of_o patience_n to_o forbear_v the_o deserve_v inflict_v of_o those_o punishment_n which_o he_o can_v inflict_v every_o moment_n for_o he_o bear_v with_o that_o baseness_n which_o he_o always_o hate_v now_o since_o it_o be_v neither_o want_n of_o power_n nor_o want_v of_o holiness_n or_o hatred_n of_o sin_n that_o withhold_v the_o vengeance_n of_o divine_a justice_n from_o fall_v upon_o man_n till_o their_o provocation_n be_v grow_v insufferable_a it_o must_v be_v the_o wise_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o cause_v his_o patience_n and_o longsufferance_n and_o there_o be_v several_a good_a effect_n to_o which_o it_o tend_v indeed_o many_o reason_n that_o seem_v to_o require_v it_o 1._o if_o sentence_n be_v speedy_o execute_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n and_o if_o it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o a_o notorious_a wickedness_n be_v not_o forthwith_o make_v remarkable_a by_o a_o follow_a vengeance_n there_o will_v be_v a_o little_a space_n leave_v for_o repentance_n but_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o he_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n god_n forbearance_n be_v necessary_a that_o there_o may_v be_v room_n for_o other_o proper_a mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o amendment_n he_o do_v not_o cut_v we_o off_o even_o when_o we_o provoke_v he_o daily_o because_o he_o will_v prevent_v that_o last_o sentence_n by_o other_o remedy_n by_o gentle_a admonition_n and_o sometime_o by_o sharp_a correction_n or_o by_o make_v other_o that_o be_v grow_v incurable_a the_o example_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o by_o variety_n of_o instruct_v providence_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n we_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o our_o duty_n shall_v god_n proceed_v to_o destroy_v upon_o every_o grievous_a sin_n that_o be_v commit_v as_o in_o justice_n he_o may_v then_o alas_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n which_o depend_v upon_o what_o we_o do_v in_o this_o short_a life_n will_v by_o one_o single_a act_n become_v almost_o desperate_a and_o we_o shall_v have_v but_o one_o trial_n in_o this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o our_o everlasting_a state_n but_o how_o many_o have_v we_o have_v and_o here_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o although_o by_o wretched_a man_n he_o be_v provoke_v day_n after_o day_n yet_o he_o 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want_v to_o maintain_v it_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n god_n come_v and_o sweep_v away_o mankind_n with_o a_o flood_n and_o save_v noah_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a generation_n when_o their_o prosperity_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n he_o call_v abraham_n forth_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o he_o and_o in_o his_o family_n and_o these_o and_o the_o like_a providence_n be_v pledge_n of_o the_o same_o care_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n when_o the_o faithful_a seem_v to_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o men._n while_o god_n seem_v to_o let_v the_o world_n alone_o and_o to_o suffer_v all_o man_n to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o own_o way_n as_o if_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v at_o all_o concern_v at_o what_o they_o do_v he_o be_v all_o the_o while_n try_v and_o prove_v what_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o for_o his_o own_o information_n for_o he_o know_v all_o 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that_o a_o man_n entitle_v himself_o to_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v the_o particular_a blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o at_o any_o time_n if_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v evil_a as_o well_o as_o good_a for_o we_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o matter_n after_o all_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o than_o if_o we_o obtain_v they_o we_o get_v his_o blessing_n with_o they_o too_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o get_v his_o blessing_n without_o they_o which_o be_v the_o general_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o always_o with_o these_o disposition_n we_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a case_n to_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o spiritual_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v assure_o come_v accompany_v with_o temporal_a one_o too_o if_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o his_o church_n to_o be_v prosperous_a than_o to_o be_v afflict_v in_o this_o world_n and_o than_o it_o be_v better_a so_o to_o be_v when_o man_n be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o god_n correction_n and_o their_o own_o repentance_n man_n ought_v therefore_o always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v for_o their_o prayer_n thus_o qualify_v will_v not_o fail_v of_o obtain_v what_o they_o ask_v which_o our_o saviour_n think_v good_a to_o illustrate_v by_o a_o example_n in_o the_o parable_n deliver_v before_o the_o text_n viz._n of_o a_o unjust_a judge_n that_o neither_o fear_a god_n nor_o regard_v man_n who_o nevertheless_o upon_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o widow_n do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o her_o case_n much_o more_o shall_v god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o just_a god_n and_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o right_v those_o that_o do_v at_o any_o time_n suffer_v wrong_a 2._o he_o be_v also_o the_o merciful_a god_n that_o regard_v man_n and_o when_o we_o 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every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n may_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o if_o i_o may_v arrive_v at_o a_o certain_a sense_n of_o these_o scripture_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n then_o why_o may_v i_o not_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o other_o text_n as_o plain_a as_o these_o without_o such_o a_o interpreter_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o our_o saviour_n say_v drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o and_o therefore_o that_o you_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n may_v as_o well_o take_v the_o bread_n as_o the_o cup_n from_o the_o laity_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o communion_n of_o christ_n body_n bread_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o your_o church_n say_v it_o be_v bread_n no_o long_o after_o consecration_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n speak_v for_o a_o whole_a chapter_n against_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o yet_o your_o church_n do_v it_o it_o seem_v also_o to_o i_o that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v absolute_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v offer_v once_o for_o all_o and_o that_o he_o sit_v down_o thenceforth_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n but_o you_o pretend_v to_o fetch_v he_o down_o from_o heaven_n and_o offer_v he_o a_o thousand_o time_n in_o a_o day_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o god_n have_v forbid_v the_o make_n of_o image_n to_o worship_v they_o as_o absolute_o and_o universal_o as_o word_n can_v do_v it_o and_o yet_o you_o picture_n god_n and_o make_v similitude_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o image_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o worship_v they_o when_o you_o have_v do_v i_o demand_v now_o why_o i_o may_v not_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o these_o place_n upon_z as_o reasonable_a ground_n as_o you_o suppose_v i_o may_v be_v of_o those_o which_o in_o your_o judgement_n conclude_v for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o your_o church_n if_o i_o may_v than_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o scripture_n condemn_v what_o you_o say_v and_o do_v in_o these_o point_n but_o if_o i_o may_v not_o be_v reasonable_o assure_v that_o i_o understand_v these_o in_o my_o judgement_n plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n because_o i_o want_v a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o interpret_v for_o i_o then_o i_o demand_v again_o why_o do_v you_o urge_v i_o with_o those_o scripture_n that_o as_o you_o pretend_v prove_v the_o infallibility_n of_o your_o church_n for_o as_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o persuade_v of_o the_o infallibility_n thereof_o though_o i_o will_v glad_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o if_o you_o say_v this_o be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v they_o which_o be_v infallible_a and_o therefore_o you_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o i_o think_v any_o body_n but_o a_o child_n will_v reply_v that_o that_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n in_o question_n and_o therefore_o that_o you_o can_v convince_v any_o man_n of_o your_o infallibility_n unless_o he_o will_v take_v your_o word_n for_o it_o because_o he_o can_v infallible_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n give_v testimony_n to_o it_o before_o he_o believe_v it_o without_o any_o testimony_n from_o scripture_n at_o all_o so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v any_o reasonable_a man_n that_o your_o church_n be_v infallible_a till_o he_o do_v already_o believe_v it_o that_o be_v till_o it_o be_v a_o needless_a thing_n to_o do_v it_o because_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o already_o and_o therefore_o when_o all_o be_v do_v we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o understand_v the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o to_o find_v out_o the_o rest_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o if_o the_o scripture_n plain_o condemn_v what_o you_o say_v and_o do_v we_o have_v more_o reason_n from_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o you_o have_v err_v than_o to_o conclude_v that_o you_o can_v err_v because_o you_o say_v so_o of_o yourselves_o and_o indeed_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n to_o be_v a_o error_n of_o the_o most_o pernicious_a consequence_n because_o it_o seal_v they_o up_o under_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o add_v incorrigibleness_n which_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o obstinacy_n to_o all_o their_o other_o error_n and_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o shameless_a because_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o groan_v for_o a_o reformation_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n one_o of_o their_o own_o pope_n say_v we_o confess_v many_o abominable_a abuse_n and_o grievance_n have_v be_v for_o these_o many_o year_n last_o pass_v in_o the_o holy_a see_v and_o we_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o concern_v to_o endeavour_v a_o reformation_n the_o more_o because_o we_o see_v the_o whole_a world_n do_v most_o earnest_o desire_v it_o at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n the_o ambassador_n of_o several_a prince_n desire_v earnest_o the_o cup_n for_o the_o people_n the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n service_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o divers_a other_o matter_n in_o which_o christendom_n will_v have_v reform_v itself_o if_o italy_n will_v have_v suffer_v it_o italy_n i_o say_v who_o to_o hinder_v a_o general_a reformation_n fill_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n with_o more_o bishop_n than_o come_v from_o all_o part_n of_o christendom_n beside_o second_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v and_o ought_v to_o reform_v itself_o as_o it_o have_v do_v for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n which_o be_v not_o overrun_v with_o so_o many_o false_a doctrine_n and_o corrupt_a practice_n as_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v require_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o to_o remove_v those_o error_n and_o corruption_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o she_o and_o if_o she_o do_v not_o present_o return_v to_o her_o primitive_a purity_n she_o be_v threaten_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o more_o desirable_a thing_n that_o the_o whole_a western_a church_n and_o more_o desirable_a still_o that_o the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n have_v both_o unite_v in_o a_o reformation_n it_o have_v be_v a_o bless_a thing_n if_o by_o a_o free_a and_o general_a council_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n a_o universal_a reformation_n have_v be_v make_v but_o the_o latter_a perhaps_o be_v improbable_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a distance_n of_o some_o christian_a church_n from_o one_o another_o and_o the_o former_a be_v make_v impossible_a by_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o italy_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v do_v upon_o particular_a church_n by_o common_a consent_n and_o perhaps_o there_o must_v never_o be_v a_o far_a reformation_n till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o very_o necessary_a therefore_o that_o christian_a kingdom_n shall_v proceed_v in_o provincial_n and_o national_a council_n to_o reform_v themselves_o as_o this_o church_n have_v do_v under_o her_o king_n and_o bishop_n parliament_n and_o convocation_n that_o be_v by_o all_o that_o authority_n which_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o make_v a_o public_a reformation_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o this_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o proceed_n have_v be_v authorize_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a not_o always_o to_o tarry_v for_o general_n council_n but_o very_o often_o for_o particular_a church_n to_o proceed_v out_o of_o hand_n to_o the_o root_n out_o of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o to_o the_o reform_v of_o whatsoever_o they_o think_v amiss_o among_o themselves_o and_o for_o this_o we_o be_v to_o appeal_v to_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n gangra_n carthage_n and_o many_o other_o which_o be_v no_o general_n council_n to_o conclude_v such_o error_n as_o have_v overspread_v the_o church_n before_o the_o reformation_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o in_o their_o consequence_n so_o pernicious_a that_o every_o christian_a man_n ought_v to_o reform_v himself_o from_o they_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v better_a to_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n much_o more_o may_v a_o public_a reformation_n be_v make_v by_o due_a authority_n but_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n who_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v either_o as_o head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o the_o patriarch_n of_o the_o west_n or_o as_o the_o converter_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n and_o we_o be_v not_o only_o in_o communion_n with_o he_o but_o in_o subjection_n to_o he_o when_o the_o reformation_n be_v make_v so_o that_o what_o cause_n soever_o there_o may_v be_v for_o it_o the_o
down_o which_o be_v proper_o religious_a that_o be_v which_o accompany_v and_o go_v along_o with_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n or_o any_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o divine_a perfection_n we_o be_v to_o give_v to_o no_o other_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o outward_a worship_n which_o by_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v religious_a or_o a_o signification_n of_o the_o least_o divine_a honour_n upon_o these_o ground_n i_o intend_v to_o build_v and_o now_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v what_o those_o sin_n be_v which_o manifest_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v these_o rule_n and_o they_o may_v i_o think_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o atheism_n and_o idolatry_n first_o atheism_n of_o which_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n proper_o so_o call_v either_o i._n not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o ii_o not_o worship_v he_o 1._o not_o believe_v a_o god_n that_o be_v a_o invisible_a spiritual_n be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v common_o understand_v by_o atheism_n to_o deny_v the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o high_a stupidity_n and_o the_o great_a corruption_n imaginable_a of_o a_o man_n understanding_n so_o it_o be_v fundamental_o opposite_a to_o all_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n which_o suppose_v the_o be_v of_o god_n of_o god_n i_o say_v that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a be_v which_o know_v and_o understand_v which_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o upon_o which_o all_o other_o thing_n depend_v but_o 2._o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o atheism_n true_o so_o call_v which_o consist_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o a_o direct_a denial_n of_o his_o be_v and_o that_o be_v not_o worship_v he_o he_o that_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n before_o man_n be_v a_o atheist_n to_o the_o world_n and_o he_o that_o worship_v he_o not_o at_o all_o be_v a_o atheist_n before_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n too_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o question_n but_o he_o that_o be_v the_o one_o be_v the_o other_o too_o every_o wicked_a man_n though_o he_o profess_v religion_n and_o worship_n god_n may_v indeed_o be_v call_v a_o practical_a atheist_n because_o he_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o god_n but_o he_o that_o be_v grow_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o make_v no_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o by_o appear_v in_o his_o worship_n be_v much_o more_o so_o and_o do_v in_o effect_n renounce_v his_o maker_n before_o the_o world_n and_o it_o can_v be_v more_o true_o say_v of_o any_o one_o than_o of_o such_o a_o man_n that_o he_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o although_o the_o epicurean_a sect_n acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n yet_o because_o they_o deny_v his_o providence_n and_o take_v away_o all_o the_o foundation_n of_o worship_v he_o they_o be_v by_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n call_v atheist_n this_o however_o be_v also_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o rule_n we_o be_v upon_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n but_o 3._o idolatry_n be_v oppose_v to_o it_o likewise_o and_o this_o be_v that_o impiety_n which_o the_o rule_n be_v chief_o design_v against_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v idolatry_n be_v a_o term_n in_o religion_n or_o divinity_n to_o which_o we_o must_v give_v that_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v it_o and_o i_o think_v all_o be_v agree_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o there_o that_o it_o be_v the_o give_v of_o any_o divine_a worship_n to_o a_o creature_n i._n e._n any_o part_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o these_o word_n be_v a_o rule_n against_o all_o idolatry_n whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n etc._n etc._n now_o 1._o all_o honour_n which_o be_v do_v to_o any_o invisible_a be_v beside_o god_n by_o formal_a invocation_n of_o it_o or_o call_v upon_o it_o must_v therefore_o necessary_o be_v idolatry_n because_o it_o ascribe_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o act_n omnipresence_n to_o it_o which_o be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n 2._o all_o the_o external_a honour_n do_v to_o any_o such_o being_n which_o refer_v to_o that_o service_n be_v also_o idolatrous_a because_o they_o be_v signification_n of_o divine_a honour_n also_o and_o therefore_o dedicate_a church_n and_o altar_n to_o they_o bowing_n kneel_v prostrate_v burn_a incense_n and_o the_o like_a religious_a rite_n perform_v to_o they_o be_v idolatry_n 3._o any_o service_n pay_v to_o a_o create_v be_v that_o be_v either_o visible_a or_o invisible_a see_v nor_o not_o see_v present_a or_o absent_a which_o service_n do_v imply_v that_o thing_n to_o be_v god_n or_o ascribe_v any_o divine_a attribute_n to_o it_o or_o much_o more_o that_o service_n which_o in_o all_o circumstance_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o what_o be_v give_v to_o god_n himself_o this_o also_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o idolatrous_a service_n 4._o the_o worship_n of_o a_o image_n or_o any_o visible_a representation_n of_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o must_v be_v idolatrous_a for_o if_o it_o be_v worship_v as_o the_o representation_n of_o a_o creature_n it_o can_v '_o escape_v be_v so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o than_o that_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o original_a but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o pretend_a image_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o worship_n of_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a worship_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v set_v there_o to_o receive_v that_o external_a worship_n at_o least_o which_o be_v due_a to_o that_o invisible_a be_v who_o it_o be_v say_v to_o represent_v but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o and_o to_o none_o but_o he_o i_o pass_v by_o two_o material_a thing_n one_o be_v that_o the_o image-worship_n of_o the_o people_n be_v know_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o expectation_n of_o receive_v benefit_n from_o the_o image_n itself_o which_o make_v the_o idolatry_n to_o be_v very_o gross_a in_o they_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o image_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o outward_a act_n of_o divine_a honour_n by_o all_o that_o worship_v they_o they_o give_v to_o the_o image_n that_o worship_n which_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n only_o another_o be_v this_o that_o to_o pretend_v to_o make_v a_o image_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o gross_a dishonour_n that_o can_v be_v possible_o do_v to_o he_o because_o that_o suppose_v the_o godhead_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o wood_n or_o to_o stone_n and_o the_o work_n of_o man_n hand_n and_o tend_v to_o corrupt_v the_o notion_n of_o god_n in_o all_o that_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v his_o image_n or_o representation_n but_o i_o do_v not_o place_v idolatry_n in_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o actual_a worship_v of_o it_o and_o that_o because_o we_o be_v to_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o only_o but_o to_o worship_v image_n be_v not_o to_o worship_v he_o for_o god_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o a_o pretend_a image_n of_o he_o be_v another_o all_o this_o i_o make_v bold_a to_o lay_v down_o peremptory_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o these_o kind_n of_o worship_n be_v prohibit_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o serve_v god_n only_o and_o that_o these_o prohibit_v worship_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n call_v idolatry_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o more_o particular_o prove_v against_o a_o certain_a pretence_n that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n be_v this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o viz._n the_o worship_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n the_o sun_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n or_o any_o other_o visible_a and_o corporeal_a deity_n as_o the_o supreme_a god_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v all_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a godhead_n the_o plain_a english_a of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o idolater_n that_o be_v not_o such_o a_o sot_n as_o to_o take_v something_o which_o he_o know_v can_n neither_o understand_v any_o thing_n nor_o choose_v one_o thing_n before_o another_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a god_n and_o as_o such_o to_o worship_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o must_v take_v something_o which_o have_v no_o more_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o it_o than_o a_o piece_n of_o stone_n or_o a_o log_n of_o wood_n and_o exclude_v all_o reference_n that_o it_o can_v have_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o he_o must_v fall_v down_o upon_o his_o knee_n to_o
unclean_a or_o unlawful_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v use_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n touch_n make_v it_o so_o nor_o can_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n defile_v a_o man_n conscience_n but_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v defile_v by_o that_o which_o come_v from_o his_o heart_n by_o evil_a thought_n by_o evil_a word_n and_o by_o action_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n such_o as_o murder_n and_o adultery_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o defile_v a_o man_n but_o to_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n defile_v not_o a_o man_n i._n e._n do_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n affect_v his_o soul_n or_o his_o conscience_n for_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o be_v neither_o better_o for_o wash_v nor_o worse_o for_o let_v it_o alone_o and_o to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v a_o superstition_n hurtful_a to_o yourselves_o and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o impudent_a and_o notorious_a a_o abuse_n as_o the_o make_v void_a of_o god_n law_n by_o the_o other_o lewd_a tradition_n that_o i_o mention_v before_o it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o method_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o pharisee_n bring_v against_o the_o disciple_n from_o which_o answer_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v gather_v well_o worth_a our_o observation_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o pretend_a tradition_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o if_o there_o be_v one_o traditionary_a doctrine_n that_o notorious_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o one_o instance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o overturn_v the_o credit_n of_o that_o tradition_n which_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v unwritten_a doctrine_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o that_o be_v write_v 3._o that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o some_o one_o age_n or_o more_o that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n many_o age_n before_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v so_o deliver_v 4._o that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o stick_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o examine_v all_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o that_o rule_n and_o to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o pretend_a tradition_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o if_o when_o tradition_n be_v pretend_v for_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o what_o be_v plain_o require_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o to_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o than_o our_o saviour_n use_v a_o insufficient_a argument_n against_o the_o pretend_a tradition_n of_o not_o suffer_v the_o son_n that_o be_v under_o a_o vow_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o relieve_v his_o father_n or_o mother_n that_o it_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n but_o doubtless_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o use_v a_o bad_a argument_n that_o he_o use_v the_o best_a and_o most_o convince_a of_o all_o and_o true_o if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o this_o case_n consider_v our_o saviour_n authority_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o monstrous_a prejudice_n that_o keep_v any_o man_n from_o discern_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o unwritten_a doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o be_v write_v for_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a and_o yet_o they_o must_v be_v true_a if_o that_o doctrine_n for_o which_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v pretend_v can_v be_v of_o god_n though_o it_o contradict_v the_o write_a tradition_n which_o be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_a to_o be_v divine_a but_o as_o plain_a as_o this_o argument_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v very_o well_o for_o we_o that_o we_o find_v our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v such_o authority_n to_o it_o because_o there_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n bear_v up_o themselves_o upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v this_o argument_n which_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v amaze_v at_o because_o it_o be_v a_o utter_a confutation_n of_o all_o their_o pretence_n we_o charge_v they_o with_o have_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o new_a doctrine_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o only_o very_o different_a from_o what_o be_v teach_v at_o first_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o some_o of_o they_o contrary_a thereunto_o as_o we_o can_v show_v they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v do_v by_o no_o mean_n content_v they_o and_o they_o insist_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v try_v otherwise_o for_o say_v they_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o church_n be_v once_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o teach_v the_o gospel_n sincere_o but_o if_o as_o you_o say_v she_o depart_v from_o the_o pure_a faith_n and_o worship_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o this_o must_v have_v be_v very_o notorious_a because_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v without_o opposition_n and_o resistance_n from_o some_o that_o must_v needs_o observe_v it_o tell_v we_o therefore_o when_o be_v these_o new_a and_o false_a doctrine_n introduce_v who_o be_v the_o man_n that_o bring_v they_o in_o who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v the_o discovery_n what_o council_n condemn_v they_o after_o they_o be_v discover_v for_o if_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v show_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o any_o such_o alteration_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o you_o say_v which_o reason_v amount_n to_o thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o in_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n there_o be_v a_o great_a alteration_n happen_v in_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n unless_o withal_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o it_o come_v about_o and_o just_a when_o it_o come_v about_o the_o precise_a time_n and_o the_o punctual_a manner_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n almost_o desperate_o sick_a of_o a_o disease_n that_o have_v be_v for_o some_o year_n grow_v upon_o he_o shall_v prove_v to_o his_o friend_n that_o he_o be_v as_o well_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v in_o his_o life_n for_o say_v he_o you_o know_v i_o be_v well_o once_o and_o if_o i_o be_o now_o so_o ill_o as_o you_o say_v pray_v show_v i_o the_o time_n when_o this_o disease_n first_o happen_v the_o manner_n how_o and_o what_o physician_n be_v call_v about_o i_o which_o kind_n of_o argue_v will_v certain_o prove_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o 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have_v otherwise_o lie_v hide_v the_o scripture_n come_v to_o be_v better_o understand_v and_o the_o more_o obscure_a passage_n of_o it_o to_o be_v reasonable_o well_o interpret_v all_o which_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n opposition_n whet_v the_o industry_n and_o set_v a_o edge_n upon_o the_o wit_n of_o all_o man_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o whilst_o bad_a man_n be_v concern_v to_o find_v out_o all_o the_o way_n of_o support_a error_n the_o good_a and_o honest_a be_v no_o less_o employ_v to_o arm_v themselves_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o can_v fail_v of_o arrive_v at_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a compass_n of_o understanding_n in_o divine_a matter_n than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v constrain_v to_o undermine_v the_o approach_n of_o error_n last_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o all_o man_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n to_o maintain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o 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no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o church_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n since_o they_o have_v their_o good_a use_n and_o consequence_n for_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o permit_v they_o and_o this_o especial_o to_o try_v the_o honesty_n of_o man_n and_o to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v to_o the_o world_n which_o will_v in_o the_o end_n make_v extreme_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o common_o the_o more_o heresy_n there_o be_v the_o more_o certain_o be_v this_o trial_n make_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dissemble_v that_o yet_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n have_v its_o manifold_a mischief_n and_o misery_n attend_v upon_o it_o it_o breed_v scandal_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o diversion_n of_o atheist_n and_o unbeliever_n it_o nourish_v discord_n and_o animosity_n it_o remove_v the_o contentious_a far_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o make_v the_o study_n of_o good_a manner_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n forget_v it_o lessen_v the_o reverence_n of_o authority_n it_o produce_v fraud_n and_o force_n unfaithfulness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o have_v make_v man_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o christian_n fox_n and_o wolf_n to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o heresy_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o consequence_n very_o great_a evil_n but_o then_o they_o be_v such_o evil_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n permit_v for_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n such_o as_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o have_v their_o good_a consequence_n as_o well_o as_o their_o bad_a one_o and_o the_o good_a that_o be_v wrought_v out_o of_o they_o be_v weighty_a enough_o to_o overbalance_v the_o evil_a for_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o be_v discernible_a in_o
bible_n and_o yet_o they_o modest_o attend_v upon_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n for_o far_a instruction_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o therefore_o if_o some_o man_n in_o late_a age_n have_v gross_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o be_v set_v right_o by_o those_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n to_o interpret_v they_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o people_n ungovernable_a for_o than_o it_o must_v always_o have_v be_v so_o which_o be_v notorious_o false_a and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o almost_o all_o heresy_n have_v come_v of_o misinterpreting_a scripture_n this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o christian_a people_n must_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o those_o heresy_n which_o have_v give_v any_o considerable_a disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v begin_v not_o by_o laic_n or_o illiterate_a person_n but_o by_o such_o man_n as_o the_o objector_n do_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o right_n of_o read_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n i._n e._n by_o bishop_n or_o priest_n wherefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o argue_n of_o these_o man_n against_o the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o bible_n conclude_v against_o the_o priest_n as_o strong_o as_o against_o the_o people_n for_o if_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o layman_n who_o may_v bring_v heresy_n into_o the_o church_n by_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n then_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n man_n in_o order_n shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o read_v they_o since_o they_o have_v actual_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o heresy_n nay_o the_o reason_n be_v something_o strong_a since_o the_o wrest_n of_o the_o holy_a text_n by_o man_n of_o office_n or_o learning_n will_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o do_v more_o mischief_n than_o the_o mistake_v of_o private_a and_o unlearned_a person_n but_o if_o the_o danger_n of_o pervert_v difficult_a place_n be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o 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that_o the_o latin_a tongue_n in_o all_o place_n of_o christendom_n because_o that_o many_o language_n at_o babel_n cause_v confusion_n therefore_o for_o god_n to_o be_v serve_v in_o the_o many_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o christian_a nation_n will_v breed_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n because_o the_o beast_n that_o touch_v the_o mountain_n be_v to_o die_v and_o because_o christ_n say_v give_v not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o dog_n therefore_o ordinary_a people_n be_v not_o to_o have_v the_o bible_n these_o exposition_n be_v not_o invent_v but_o there_o be_v good_a authority_n for_o they_o and_o for_o a_o great_a many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v farther_o be_v object_v but_o this_o that_o if_o priest_n and_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v so_o foul_o mistake_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o unlearned_a in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o mistake_v which_o though_o perhaps_o will_v never_o come_v to_o be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n may_v yet_o prove_v damnable_a to_o themselves_o as_o st._n peter_n plain_o say_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o st._n peter_n unlearned_a man_n be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a life_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o call_v they_o unstable_a not_o yet_o fix_v in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o plain_a truth_n and_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o as_o those_o whether_o they_o be_v man_n of_o good_a part_n or_o not_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o interpret_v the_o hard_a place_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o open_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o necessary_a and_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o moreover_o furnish_v with_o modesty_n and_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o willingness_n to_o learn_v quality_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v 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be_v take_v do_v suppose_v that_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v great_a sinner_n mere_o for_o that_o reason_n than_o those_o who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n escape_v and_o suffer_v nothing_o for_o when_o he_o say_v that_o neither_o shall_v they_o escape_v that_o hear_v he_o unless_o they_o repent_v it_o be_v imply_v or_o at_o least_o not_o deny_v that_o those_o thing_n happen_v to_o the_o aforesaid_a galilean_n and_o jew_n as_o a_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o plain_a case_n it_o be_v that_o in_o this_o life_n where_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n grow_v together_o that_o by_o the_o same_o affliction_n god_n punish_v the_o sin_n of_o some_o while_o he_o manifest_v the_o sincerity_n of_o other_o and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o remain_v true_a that_o those_o who_o be_v punish_v be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v great_a sinner_n than_o all_o those_o that_o escape_n of_o which_o we_o need_v not_o desire_v any_o other_o proof_n 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explain_v the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o word_n and_o will_v affect_v we_o with_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o the_o more_o that_o we_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o consider_v the_o unsearchableness_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o that_o his_o way_n be_v past_o find_v out_o as_o we_o can_v but_o do_v if_o we_o ask_v ourselves_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o and_o that_o happen_v the_o more_o sensible_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n in_o this_o place_n and_o shall_v forbear_v pass_v judgement_n upon_o the_o unhappy_a mere_o because_o they_o be_v so_o but_o yet_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o god_n do_v of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o a_o unprofitable_a observation_n and_o that_o because_o the_o second_o point_n of_o the_o three_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v as_o true_a as_o the_o first_o and_o that_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o one_o reason_n why_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n do_v not_o befall_v all_o person_n at_o the_o same_o time_n who_o be_v equal_o sinner_n be_v that_o while_o some_o be_v visit_v with_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n other_o may_v take_v warning_n by_o it_o this_o proposition_n i_o lay_v down_o with_o great_a confidence_n not_o only_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o general_a but_o also_o of_o the_o pertinence_n of_o it_o to_o the_o text_n for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o our_o saviour_n upon_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o former_a of_o the_o two_o tragical_a story_n observe_v the_o latter_a himself_o and_z takes_z occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o divert_v his_o hearer_n from_o censure_v those_o miserable_a person_n as_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v and_o to_o employ_v they_o in_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v he_o employ_v they_o in_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o sin_n for_o say_v he_o except_o you_o repent_v and_o upon_o their_o own_o danger_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v and_o now_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o wander_v from_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o those_o person_n nor_o make_v a_o application_n of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o since_o he_o give_v warning_n by_o their_o example_n it_o remain_v true_a as_o i_o say_v that_o one_o reason_n why_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n do_v not_o befall_v all_o person_n at_o the_o same_o time_n who_o equal_o deserve_v they_o and_o i_o will_v add_v who_o equal_o need_v they_o be_v this_o that_o while_o some_o be_v correct_v other_o may_v be_v instruct_v i_o rather_o keep_v to_o the_o case_n of_o punish_v sin_n than_o try_v virtue_n because_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o text_n though_o i_o may_v say_v too_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o all_o that_o can_v bear_v a_o trial_n be_v not_o try_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v because_o the_o trial_n of_o some_o righteous_a man_n be_v not_o only_o profitable_a to_o themselves_o but_o the_o example_n of_o they_o also_o be_v profitable_a to_o other_o good_a man_n to_o encourage_v and_o fortify_v they_o but_o when_o god_n punish_v he_o do_v not_o at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n punish_v all_o that_o deserve_v it_o equal_o but_o he_o punish_v some_o that_o the_o rest_n may_v take_v warning_n for_o if_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n will_v instruct_v all_o the_o rest_n god_n end_n be_v gain_v which_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v learn_v righteousness_n when_o his_o judgement_n be_v abroad_o in_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o argument_n
little_a faith_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o world_n will_v be_v in_o a_o careless_a posture_n as_o it_o be_v before_o that_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o take_v they_o all_o away_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o the_o earth_n when_o god_n enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o the_o world_n for_o the_o violence_n and_o iniquity_n of_o man_n and_o assert_n the_o cause_n of_o innocence_n and_o righteousness_n against_o they_o for_o in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n and_o apostasy_n be_v very_o great_a and_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o many_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o in_o such_o a_o wicked_a age_n as_o call_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o open_a enemy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a number_n will_v be_v void_a of_o all_o regard_n whatsoever_o to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o his_o providence_n or_o if_o they_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o scoffer_n mention_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o will_v say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n many_o of_o his_o profess_a servant_n will_v be_v weary_a of_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v way_n to_o temptation_n and_o depend_v more_o upon_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n than_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v very_o much_o weaken_v and_o abate_v so_o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o i_o persuade_v myself_o to_o have_v give_v you_o a_o true_a illustration_n of_o these_o remarkable_a word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o two_o signification_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v both_o intend_a in_o this_o text_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o know_v which_o be_v principal_o intend_v the_o day_n of_o the_o general_a judgement_n or_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o general_a judgement_n be_v in_o itself_o the_o principal_a meaning_n of_o christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v but_o yet_o the_o parable_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_o intend_v to_o stir_v up_o that_o generation_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v and_o to_o give_v a_o firm_a faith_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a trouble_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n therefore_o neither_o can_v the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v avenge_v of_o these_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o deliver_v his_o servant_n be_v exclude_v but_o be_v as_o direct_o intend_v as_o the_o other_o and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o observe_v the_o two_o main_a point_n which_o the_o text_n suppose_v beside_o those_o which_o it_o affirm_v and_o the_o consider_v of_o they_o will_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n 1._o it_o be_v suppose_v manifest_o that_o after_o the_o first_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o call_v the_o world_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o our_o sin_n there_o will_v yet_o be_v degenerate_a age_n sometime_o and_o a_o most_o corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n before_o his_o second_o personal_a come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o suppose_a that_o his_o providence_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v all_o thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n 1._o that_o his_o first_o come_n will_v not_o infallible_o prevent_v the_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o future_a age_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o teach_v many_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n iniquity_n will_v abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o will_v wax_v cold_a and_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o advantage_n yet_o his_o own_o servant_n will_v sometime_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o state_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o they_o to_o cry_v unto_o god_n day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o may_v cause_v some_o wonder_n if_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o general_o corrupt_v before_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o may_v not_o appear_v strange_a at_o all_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o mankind_n that_o after_o the_o creation_n the_o earth_n shall_v so_o abound_v with_o luxury_n and_o violence_n that_o god_n sweep_v all_o mankind_n away_o with_o the_o flood_n but_o eight_o person_n that_o after_o noah_n family_n have_v people_v the_o earth_n again_o man_n shall_v fall_v into_o idolatry_n so_o universal_o that_o god_n call_v abraham_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o he_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n in_o his_o family_n and_o posterity_n that_o pharaoh_n shall_v oppress_v the_o israelite_n after_o his_o country_n have_v be_v save_v by_o they_o that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v fall_v to_o worship_v other_o god_n after_o that_o the_o true_a god_n have_v wrought_v so_o many_o miraculous_a deliverance_n for_o they_o that_o when_o not_o without_o much_o ado_n they_o be_v cure_v of_o idolatry_n they_o shall_v fall_v into_o scandalous_a way_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o immorality_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n perhaps_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o because_o god_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o use_v the_o last_o mean_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v time_n as_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a of_o those_o after_o christ_n himself_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n with_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v and_o with_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o oppression_n violence_n fraud_n hypocrisy_n error_n superstition_n idolatry_n and_o scandalous_a example_n shall_v for_o some_o age_n reign_v no_o less_o than_o before_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o shake_v even_o the_o faith_n of_o good_a man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deceive_v the_o very_o best_a of_o all_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o amaze_a consideration_n and_o though_o the_o noble_a example_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o assure_a expectation_n of_o a_o large_a progress_n that_o christianity_n will_v make_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o better_a effect_n that_o it_o will_v produce_v may_v answer_v the_o objection_n yet_o that_o the_o world_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o bad_a under_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v what_o may_v raise_v some_o admiration_n but_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n first_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o come_v not_o to_o establish_v a_o religion_n which_o shall_v either_o by_o its_o truth_n convince_v or_o by_o its_o power_n reform_v mankind_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o both_o purpose_n if_o they_o will_v be_v wise_a and_o honest_a and_o suffer_v the_o concernment_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o above_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o expect_v a_o universal_a reformation_n as_o to_o expect_v that_o man_n will_v not_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v to_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o the_o gospel_n be_v furnish_v with_o no_o irresistible_a mean_n but_o leave_v they_o under_o the_o natural_a liberty_n they_o have_v before_o with_o a_o provision_n of_o grace_n that_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o likely_a that_o the_o truth_n will_v be_v oppose_v by_o some_o and_o corrupt_v by_o other_o and_o by_o many_o hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n that_o several_a to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v will_v not_o believe_v it_o and_o several_a that_o believe_v it_o will_v not_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o time_n that_o it_o will_v be_v mix_v with_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o frame_v to_o the_o design_n of_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n nay_o the_o better_a and_o more_o divine_a a_o religion_n that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o more_o violent_o it_o will_v be_v oppose_v by_o some_o and_o the_o more_o certain_o corrupt_v by_o other_o so_o that_o if_o we_o
consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n not_o to_o overbear_v the_o world_n into_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o by_o force_v the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o man_n it_o have_v rather_o be_v much_o more_o strange_a if_o it_o have_v escape_v opposition_n and_o corruption_n than_o to_o have_v be_v both_o oppose_v and_o corrupt_v as_o it_o have_v thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o it_o will_v be_v take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n say_v i_o be_o christ_n and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o many_o false_a prophet_n stall_n arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o there_o be_v christ_n believe_v it_o not_o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o thus_o he_o foretell_v how_o christianity_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v by_o imposture_n and_o fraud_n again_o say_v he_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o kill_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o nation_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n and_o then_o shall_v many_o be_v offend_v and_o shall_v betray_v one_o another_o and_o shall_v hate_v one_o another_o thus_o he_o foretell_v the_o violence_n that_o shall_v be_v use_v to_o extinguish_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n again_o say_v st._n paul_n 2_o thess_n 2._o there_o shall_v be_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v come_v with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n the●e_n he_o foretell_v a_o fearful_a apostasy_n from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n again_o say_v he_o 2_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o this_o know_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n truce-breaker_n false_a accuser_n incontinent_a fierce_a despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a high-minded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n there_o he_o foretell_v a_o terrible_a corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o again_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v and_o know_v the_o truth_n now_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o here_o be_v as_o plain_a warning_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v of_o most_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a time_n even_o after_o christ_n first_o come_v and_o so_o that_o be_v express_o foretell_v which_o the_o text_n evident_o suppose_v for_o here_o will_v be_v glorious_a pretence_n to_o deceive_v violence_n to_o compel_v and_o wicked_a example_n to_o offend_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o provision_n have_v our_o lord_n leave_v to_o secure_v they_o from_o be_v mislead_v where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o danger_n they_o be_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v we_o at_o first_o by_o his_o holy_a apostle_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o be_v deceive_v they_o must_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a example_n and_o they_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v foretell_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v when_o they_o shall_v happen_v nor_o be_v tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o either_o christianity_n be_v not_o of_o god_n from_o the_o first_o or_o at_o least_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v neglect_v all_o care_n of_o it_o since_o because_o it_o do_v so_o little_a good_a as_o yet_o in_o the_o world_n because_o it_o run_v out_o into_o so_o many_o error_n and_o because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v so_o vehement_o oppose_v for_o say_v our_o saviour_n behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o but_o still_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n whether_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n by_o such_o prediction_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v guard_v themselves_o against_o error_n and_o evil_a example_n and_o therefore_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n will_n in_o all_o likelihood_n shake_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o believer_n and_o cause_v some_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o not_o regard_v the_o admonition_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n beforehand_o and_o so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o observation_n which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v unavoidable_a from_o the_o text_n that_o even_o after_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v degenerate_a age_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v as_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n find_v when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o visit_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o iniquity_n and_o offence_n it_o abound_v with_o the_o 2._o supposition_n be_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o our_o lord_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v intimate_v manifest_o that_o his_o come_n be_v then_o to_o be_v expect_v when_o little_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o consequent_o when_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o bear_v up_o against_o they_o i_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o man_n receive_v it_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o that_o receive_v it_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o christian_n themselves_o there_o be_v as_o monstrous_a error_n and_o lewd_a example_n as_o ever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christianity_n or_o as_o there_o be_v now_o where_o christianity_n be_v not_o at_o all_o profess_a now_o at_o this_o rate_n shall_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v thing_n go_v as_o they_o will_v it_o will_v in_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o nothing_o of_o christianity_n will_v remain_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o name_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o do_v more_o hurt_n with_o it_o than_o can_v be_v do_v without_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o that_o divine_a providence_n will_v interpose_v or_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o text_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v come_v and_o will_v make_v good_a his_o promise_n of_o be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v never_o more_o remarkable_o fulfil_v than_o when_o he_o interpose_v in_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v man_n think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o interpose_v and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v what_o become_v of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n because_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o make_v the_o gospel_n a_o irresistible_a mean_n of_o convince_a vnbeliever_n and_o reform_v wicked_a man_n therefore_o it_o will_v in_o time_n be_v needful_a that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o true_a religion_n and_o make_v christian_n such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o i_o say_v shall_v by_o his_o providence_n correct_v his_o own_o disciple_n and_o reduce_v wretched_a mankind_n into_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o consideration_n that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o utter_o fall_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o men._n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n our_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v
themselves_o allow_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n st._n paul_n and_o such_o as_o he_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n those_o very_a write_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o though_o to_o this_o faith_n they_o add_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n yet_o they_o be_v esteem_v heretic_n because_o they_o undertake_v to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o instead_o of_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n that_o have_v betray_v and_o murder_v the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o sedition_n too_o as_o if_o they_o design_v to_o make_v stir_v and_o commotion_n and_o to_o alienate_v the_o people_n from_o theia_n governor_n thus_o when_o paul_n and_o silas_n have_v convert_v a_o multitude_n of_o devout_a greek_n and_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o chief_a woman_n at_o thessalonica_n the_o jew_n who_o believe_v not_o move_v with_o envy_n take_v unto_o they_o certain_a lewd_a fellow_n of_o the_o base_a sort_n and_o draw_v some_o of_o the_o brethren_n to_o the_o ruler_n cry_v these_o that_o have_v turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o be_v come_v hither_o also_o who_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o caesar_n say_v that_o there_o be_v another_o king_n one_o jesus_n act_v 17.5_o 6._o and_o yet_o they_o never_o make_v one_o step_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n towards_o depose_v prince_n and_o change_a government_n jesus_n indeed_o who_o have_v command_v they_o to_o pay_v tribute_n unto_o caesar_n have_v also_o forbid_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n which_o caesar_n be_v then_o of_o and_o this_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o accusation_n of_o faction_n and_o disloyalty_n thus_o also_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n be_v bring_v before_o foelix_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o jew_n complain_v by_o tertullian_n their_o orator_n that_o they_o have_v find_v he_o a_o pestilent_a fellow_n and_o a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n among_o all_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n act_v 24.5_o 3._o they_o conclude_v they_o under_o a_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v do_v it_o indeed_o they_o will_v have_v it_o think_v so_o impossible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v save_v that_o some_o of_o they_o after_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v strong_o persuade_v that_o they_o still_o ought_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o will_v have_v mingle_v judaisme_n and_o christianity_n together_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v act_v 15.1_o 4._o as_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o such_o case_n to_o damn_v first_o and_o then_o to_o kill_v they_o deliver_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o death_n and_o pretend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o it_o for_o which_o we_o may_v take_v those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o st._n paul_n describe_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o jew_n then_o and_o what_o his_o own_o once_o be_v say_v he_o i_o be_v teach_v according_a to_o the_o perfect_a manner_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o father_n and_o be_v zealous_a towards_o god_n as_o you_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n act_n 22.3_o 4._o and_o in_o chap._n 26._o v._n 10_o 11._o he_o declare_v that_o he_o persecute_v they_o oft_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o he_o persecute_v they_o even_o into_o strange_a city_n such_o be_v the_o entertainment_n they_o have_v from_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n be_v first_o deliver_v but_o when_o it_o be_v carry_v among_o the_o gentile_n they_o condemn_v it_o too_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v run_v down_o as_o if_o it_o have_v bring_v irreligion_n and_o atheism_n into_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o the_o ancient_a apologist_n be_v fain_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o set_v themselves_o against_o this_o absurd_a accusation_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o one_o to_o serve_v god_n at_o all_o and_o not_o to_o serve_v many_o god_n that_o there_o may_v be_v devotion_n without_o bow_v down_o to_o image_n and_o religion_n and_o worship_n without_o idolatry_n and_o better_o a_o great_a deal_n without_o these_o thing_n than_o with_o they_o it_o be_v exclaim_v against_o as_o a_o late_a upstart_n religion_n that_o begin_v but_o yesterday_o and_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v hiss_v than_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o world_n they_o use_v to_o ask_v the_o christian_n what_o sort_n of_o man_n they_o can_v name_v either_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n that_o make_v their_o profession_n and_o have_v their_o rite_n and_o worship_n before_o jesus_n appear_v you_o have_v forsake_v say_v they_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o father_n that_o have_v be_v observe_v of_o old_a time_n in_o all_o city_n and_o country_n you_o have_v revolt_v from_o a_o worship_n which_o have_v have_v the_o tradition_n of_o all_o age_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o king_n and_o people_n lawmaker_n and_o philosopher_n and_o by_o almost_o all_o the_o world_n till_o such_o as_o you_o appear_v who_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o 3._o they_o try_v to_o overwhelm_v it_o with_o the_o most_o gross_a and_o palpable_a untruth_n they_o give_v it_o out_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v worshipper_n of_o the_o sun_n nay_o that_o they_o adore_v a_o asses-head_n and_o sometime_o a_o cross_n they_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v that_o in_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n they_o kill_v a_o child_n and_o commit_v incest_n they_o also_o upon_o no_o occasion_n in_o the_o world_n disarm_v they_o as_o a_o seditious_a and_o disloyal_a people_n and_o accuse_v they_o of_o treason_n though_o none_o ever_o set_v better_a example_n of_o fidelity_n to_o their_o governor_n to_o conclude_v our_o predecessor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v now_o and_o then_o condemn_v to_o several_a sort_n of_o death_n and_o it_o be_v often_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o safe_a to_o be_v some_o notorious_a malefactor_n than_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o a_o word_n the_o gospel_n meet_v with_o that_o opposition_n which_o no_o religion_n ever_o do_v before_o the_o god_n of_o other_o nation_n new_a god_n every_o day_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o temple_n at_o rome_n with_o some_o formality_n and_o without_o trouble_n but_o when_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n come_v to_o call_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v jew_n and_o gentile_n conspire_v to_o extinguish_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o blot_v out_o their_o name_n for_o ever_o insomuch_o that_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n can_v tell_v st._n paul_n as_o concern_v this_o sect_n we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o those_o therefore_o who_o god_n justify_v have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v condemn_v by_o man_n which_o will_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o any_o of_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v for_o instance_n 1._o that_o hatred_n of_o truth_n which_o reign_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n they_o can_v bear_v sound_a doctrine_n nor_o can_v they_o therefore_o bear_v those_o that_o profess_v and_o practise_v it_o truth_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v be_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o so_o long_o as_o pride_n lust_n avarice_n revenge_n luxury_n and_o such_o thing_n remain_v there_o will_v be_v so_o many_o cause_n of_o condemn_v that_o which_o god_n approve_v to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v 2._o the_o inflexibleness_n of_o true_a doctrine_n and_o of_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o to_o the_o design_n of_o worldly_a men._n christianity_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a scheme_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v suffer_v no_o addition_n or_o alteration_n it_o be_v stiff_a and_o will_v not_o bend_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o priest_n or_o of_o statesman_n as_o all_o that_o will_v which_o the_o heathen_n call_v religion_n among_o themselves_o whilst_o it_o be_v keep_v in_o wise_a and_o honest_a hand_n and_o true_o represent_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o cheat_v no_o allowance_n for_o pious_a fraud_n no_o place_n for_o convenient_a invention_n innovation_n can_v not_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n or_o the_o substance_n of_o their_o worship_n but_o they_o will_v be_v corruption_n of_o both_o without_o tamper_n with_o it_o it_o can_v not_o serve_v the_o ambition_n of_o a_o