think_v of_o that_o never-ending_a duration_n of_o torment_n to_o come_v that_o after_o we_o have_v consume_v million_o of_o million_o of_o age_n on_o the_o rack_n we_o have_v still_o a_o eternal_a hell_n behind_o and_o be_v as_o far_o distant_a from_o the_o end_n of_o our_o misery_n as_o we_o be_v when_o it_o first_o begin_v o_o now_o if_o we_o can_v die_v and_o be_v insensible_a for_o ever_o what_o welcome_a tiding_n will_v it_o be_v how_o glad_o shall_v we_o receive_v that_o fatal_a blow_n that_o can_v put_v a_o end_n to_o a_o woeful_a eternity_n but_o now_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a for_o we_o to_o cry_v o_o death_n death_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o dispatch_v we_o quick_o into_o a_o eternal_a grave_n for_o death_n be_v deaf_a and_o can_v hear_v every_o moment_n it_o stab_v and_o wound_n but_o woe_n be_v i_o it_o can_v kill_v it_o strike_v and_o strike_v but_o can_v strike_v home_o and_o so_o be_v force_v to_o continue_v as_o struggle_v under_o the_o pang_n of_o a_o immortal_a death_n if_o there_o be_v any_o prospect_n of_o a_o end_n of_o our_o misery_n though_o it_o be_v after_o a_o million_o of_o age_n this_o will_v give_v some_o ease_n to_o the_o languish_a sufferer_n but_o never_o never_o o_o how_o that_o fatal_a word_n stab_v the_o wretched_a soul_n and_o rankle_v its_o anguish_n into_o eternal_a desperation_n for_o to_o be_v in_o extreme_a misery_n and_o see_v no_o end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o utmost_a possibility_n of_o damnation_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v unto_o you_o the_o fearful_a mulct_n our_o soul_n be_v liable_a to_o in_o the_o other_o world_n which_o be_v such_o as_o one_o will_v think_v be_v sufficient_a to_o awaken_v the_o most_o stupid_a and_o insensible_a creature_n ii_o i_o now_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v you_o upon_o what_o account_v it_o be_v that_o our_o soul_n be_v liable_a to_o these_o dreadful_a thing_n or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o in_o general_n it_o be_v our_o own_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o do_v not_o only_o incense_v the_o holy_a god_n against_o we_o who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n and_o provoke_v and_o urge_v he_o to_o inflict_v these_o endless_a misery_n upon_o we_o as_o the_o just_a retribution_n of_o our_o desperate_a folly_n and_o obstinacy_n but_o do_v also_o by_o its_o own_o natural_a causality_n prepare_v we_o for_o and_o sink_v we_o into_o that_o miserable_a state_n so_o that_o if_o god_n shall_v not_o damn_v we_o yet_o our_o own_o wickedness_n will_v the_o misery_n of_o damnation_n be_v little_a else_o but_o the_o perfection_n and_o consummation_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o sting_n of_o eternal_a as_o well_o as_o temporal_a death_n be_v sin_n and_o it_o be_v goodness_n and_o wickedness_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o hell_n those_o two_o opposite_a hemisphere_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n and_o 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danger_n of_o misery_n now_o the_o danger_n of_o our_o fall_n into_o and_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n proceed_v from_o these_o follow_a cause_n 1._o from_o the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o our_o will_n to_o good_a and_o evil._n 2_o from_o the_o many_o temptation_n to_o evil_a among_o which_o we_o be_v place_v 3_o from_o the_o more_o close_a and_o intimate_a access_n which_o these_o temptation_n have_v to_o we_o than_o the_o contrary_a motive_n to_o goodness_n 4_o from_o the_o great_a correspondence_n of_o these_o temptation_n with_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n 5_o from_o the_o unwearied_a diligence_n and_o great_a subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o apply_v these_o temptation_n to_o we_o 6_o from_o the_o plausible_a pretence_n we_o be_v furnish_v with_o to_o excuse_v and_o justify_v our_o compliance_n with_o they_o 7_o from_o the_o extreme_a difficulty_n which_o this_o our_o compliance_n bring_v we_o under_o to_o reject_v and_o vanquish_v they_o for_o the_o future_a 1._o we_o be_v liable_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a state_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o eternal_a misery_n from_o the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o our_o will_n to_o good_a and_o evil._n if_o indeed_o we_o be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o good_a our_o happiness_n will_v be_v entail_v upon_o our_o nature_n and_o it_o will_v be_v as_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v miserable_a as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o fire_n to_o freeze_v or_o for_o the_o ice_n to_o burn_v but_o to_o be_v so_o determine_v i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n for_o to_o be_v good_a by_o a_o natural_a necessity_n require_v a_o infallible_a understanding_n or_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v infinite_o remove_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o mistake_v and_o this_o no_o finite_a mind_n can_v be_v but_o how_o shall_v the_o will_v be_v in_o all_o particular_n necessary_o determine_v to_o what_o be_v right_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o fallible_a mind_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a possibility_n of_o mislead_v it_o so_o that_o to_o be_v natural_o necessary_o and_o essential_o good_a seem_v to_o be_v a_o incommunicable_a prerogative_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n there_o be_v none_o good_a save_o one_o and_o that_o be_v god_n luke_n 18.19_o for_o since_o no_o will_n can_v be_v essential_o good_a but_o that_o which_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a mind_n and_o no_o mind_n can_v be_v essential_o infallible_a but_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a in_o knowledge_n it_o hence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o to_o be_v free_a to_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v as_o natural_a to_o reasonable_a creature_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v finite_a in_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v true_a the_o great_a light_n of_o knowledge_n there_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n the_o less_o freedom_n to_o evil_a there_o must_v be_v in_o the_o will_n unless_o it_o have_v some_o antecedent_n bias_n and_o inclination_n to_o evil_a and_o consequent_o the_o angel_n be_v of_o far_o more_o intelligent_a nature_n than_o we_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v natural_o less_o free_a to_o evil_n but_o yet_o that_o even_o they_o be_v natural_o free_a to_o it_o be_v evident_a for_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v actual_o lapse_v into_o devil_n and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o by_o their_o nature_n then_o much_o more_o be_v we_o by_o we_o who_o be_v so_o much_o their_o inferior_n in_o the_o rational_a world_n for_o as_o we_o be_v finite_a intelligence_n we_o must_v necessary_o have_v some_o degree_n of_o freedom_n to_o evil_a in_o we_o but_o as_o we_o be_v of_o the_o lowermost_a rank_n of_o intelligence_n we_o must_v natural_o have_v great_a degree_n of_o this_o freedom_n in_o we_o than_o any_o other_o order_n of_o intelligent_a nature_n and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o yet_o this_o very_a condition_n of_o our_o nature_n render_v we_o more_o liable_a to_o degenerate_v into_o a_o evil_a and_o sinful_a state_n than_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n if_o we_o be_v now_o in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a innocence_n yet_o of_o all_o intelligent_a creature_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o apprehend_v the_o danger_n of_o our_o fall_n because_o be_v the_o least_o intelligent_a we_o have_v the_o great_a freedom_n to_o evil_a and_o consequent_o be_v on_o that_o account_n in_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o it_o by_o the_o very_a condition_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o be_v of_o all_o rational_a creature_n place_v near_o to_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o fatal_a precipice_n and_o therefore_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v the_o danger_n of_o fall_v headlong_o into_o it_o for_o doubtless_o among_o innocent_a
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
can_v urge_v at_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o here_o have_v not_o be_v full_o answer_v and_o if_o so_o how_o inexcusable_a shall_v we_o be_v when_o we_o come_v to_o plead_v our_o own_o cause_n in_o the_o great_a assembly_n of_o spirit_n for_o when_o these_o aggravation_n of_o our_o disobedience_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a our_o gild_n will_v appear_v so_o foul_a and_o monstrous_a that_o we_o shall_v doubtless_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o unanimous_a vote_n of_o all_o the_o reasonable_a world_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o great_a judge_n have_v pass_v his_o sentence_n upon_o we_o our_o own_o conscience_n will_v be_v force_v to_o echo_v just_a and_o righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n wherefore_o as_o we_o will_v not_o be_v find_v inexcusable_o guilty_a when_o we_o come_v to_o plead_v for_o our_o life_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o our_o saviour_n let_v we_o all_o be_v persuade_v to_o return_v to_o his_o service_n and_o faithful_o to_o continue_v in_o it_o that_o so_o instead_o of_o goye_n curse_v we_o may_v hear_v from_o his_o mouth_n that_o welcome_a approbation_n well_o do_v good_a and_o profitable_a servant_n enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o your_o master_n iii_o i_o come_v now_o the_o last_o proposition_n in_o the_o text_n viz._n and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_a son_n of_o the_o father_n in_o handle_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o explain_v to_o you_o what_o this_o glory_n of_o the_o word_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o they_o behold_v 2._o show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o the_o father_n 1._o what_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o they_o behold_v i_o answer_v in_o general_a by_o this_o glory_n here_o must_v be_v understand_v something_o that_o be_v resemblant_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o dwell_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n because_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o the_o apostle_n seem_v plain_o to_o refer_v it_o in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o word_n tabernacle_v among_o we_o which_o allude_v to_o his_o tabernacle_v among_o the_o jew_n but_o he_o also_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o see_v his_o glory_n which_o allude_v to_o that_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o the_o jew_n behold_v in_o that_o ancient_a tabernacle_n since_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n mention_n this_o glory_n of_o the_o word_n incarnate_a by_o way_n of_o allusion_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n it_o must_v necessary_o bear_v some_o resemblance_n or_o proportion_n to_o it_o because_o else_o it_o will_v be_v no_o proper_a allusion_n the_o best_a way_n therefore_o for_o we_o to_o discover_v what_o this_o glory_n of_o christ_n be_v which_o they_o behold_v be_v to_o consider_v wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n do_v chief_o discover_v itself_o and_o that_o you_o shall_v find_v be_v in_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o in_o a_o bright_a and_o luminous_a appearance_n second_o in_o exert_v of_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n three_o in_o give_v law_n and_o oracle_n four_o in_o sensible_a signification_n of_o its_o own_o immaculate_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n and_o in_o proportion_n and_o correspondence_n to_o these_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o word_n incarnate_a also_o must_v consist_v in_o these_o four_o thing_n one_a in_o the_o visible_a splendour_n and_o brightness_n with_o which_o his_o person_n be_v array_v at_o his_o baptism_n and_o more_o especial_o at_o his_o transfiguration_n 2_o in_o those_o great_a and_o stupendous_a miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n 3_o in_o the_o incomparable_a purity_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o life_n 4thly_a in_o the_o surpass_a excellency_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n one_a that_o glory_n of_o the_o word_n which_o st._n john_n and_o the_o apostle_n behold_v consist_v in_o that_o visible_a splendour_n and_o brightness_n with_o which_o his_o person_n be_v array_v at_o his_o baptism_n and_o more_o especial_o at_o his_o tranfiguration_n in_o resemblance_n to_o that_o visible_a splendour_n and_o brightness_n in_o which_o he_o appear_v in_o the_o mosaic_a tabernacle_n where_o it_o be_v frequent_o say_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n abode_n and_o appear_v as_o you_o may_v see_v exod._a 24.16_o &_o 40.34_o which_o glory_n it_o be_v evident_a discover_v its_o self_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a visible_a splendour_n that_o shine_v from_o between_o the_o cherubim_n and_o diffuse_v itself_o thence_o all_o over_o that_o sacred_a habitation_n and_o according_o in_o ezek._n 43.2_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n come_v from_o the_o way_n of_o the_o east_n and_o the_o earth_n shine_v with_o his_o glory_n which_o denote_v that_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a bright_a and_o luminous_a since_o the_o earth_n shine_v with_o the_o very_a reflection_n of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o same_o glorious_a splendour_n be_v christ_n array_v first_o at_o his_o baptism_n and_o afterward_o at_o his_o transfiguration_n for_o at_o his_o baptism_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o he_o see_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n descend_v like_o a_o dove_n and_o light_v upon_o he_o matth._n 3.16_o where_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v like_o a_o dove_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a we_o shall_v understand_v his_o descend_v in_o the_o shape_n or_o form_n of_o a_o dove_n but_o that_o in_o some_o glorious_a form_n or_o appearance_n he_o descend_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o a_o dove_n descend_v and_o therefore_o st._n luke_n express_v it_o thus_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v in_o a_o bodily_a shape_n like_o a_o dove_n upon_o he_o luke_n 3.22_o that_o be_v he_o descend_v in_o some_o very_a glorious_a and_o visible_a appearance_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o dove_n be_v wont_a to_o descend_v when_o they_o come_v down_o from_o the_o sky_n and_o pitch_n upon_o the_o earth_n but_o what_o that_o shape_n be_v in_o which_o he_o appear_v be_v not_o here_o express_v but_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o probable_a be_v this_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assume_v a_o body_n of_o light_n or_o surround_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o guard_n of_o angel_n appear_v in_o luminous_a form_n come_v down_o from_o above_o just_a as_o a_o dove_n with_o his_o wing_n spread_v forth_o be_v observe_v to_o do_v and_o light_v upon_o our_o saviour_n head_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o think_v so_o be_v this_o both_o because_o wherever_o any_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o god_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n appear_v in_o a_o indefinite_a form_n it_o be_v always_o in_o a_o body_n of_o light_n and_o visible_a splendour_n of_o which_o i_o have_v give_v you_o sundry_a instance_n and_o also_o because_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a early_a tradition_n in_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o very_a glorious_a appearance_n of_o light_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v down_o upon_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o nazarene_o as_o grotius_n observe_v it_o be_v say_v that_o upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descent_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d immediate_o a_o great_a light_n shine_v round_o about_o the_o place_n and_o justin_n martyr_n speak_v of_o our_o saviour_n baptism_n say_v express_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o there_o be_v a_o fire_n light_v in_o the_o river_n jordan_n that_o be_v the_o water_n immediate_o after_o he_o be_v baptize_v in_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v all_o on_o fire_n by_o the_o reflection_n of_o that_o bright_a and_o flame_a appearance_n in_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o while_o he_o wear_v this_o crown_n of_o visible_a light_n his_o head_n as_o the_o painter_n be_v wont_a to_o express_v it_o be_v circle_v round_o with_o the_o ray_n of_o that_o glory_n in_o which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o appear_v from_o between_o the_o cherubim_n and_o this_o glory_n of_o his_o be_v questionless_a see_v by_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v sundry_a of_o they_o disciple_n to_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o so_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o baptism_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o as_o for_o his_o transfiguration_n upon_o mount_n tabor_n it_o be_v say_v that_o upon_o it_o his_o face_n do_v shine_v as_o the_o sun_n and_o that_o his_o raiment_n be_v white_a as_o the_o light_n or_o as_o st._n luke_n express_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v his_o raiment_n be_v like_o the_o whiteness_n of_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n luke_n 9.29_o so_o that_o from_o head_n to_o foot_n he_o be_v all_o inrobe_v in_o a_o visible_a glory_n and_o
to_o the_o people_n and_o that_o in_o so_o do_v he_o not_o only_o give_v they_o a_o right_n but_o also_o lay_v on_o they_o a_o obligation_n to_o read_v they_o i_o have_v already_o show_v if_o therefore_o the_o read_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o people_n be_v such_o a_o unavoidable_a in_o let_v of_o error_n and_o heresy_n as_o this_o objection_n pretend_v it_o be_v doubtless_o very_o unadvised_o do_v of_o god_n to_o publish_v such_o a_o dangerous_a book_n to_o the_o world_n which_o those_o for_o who_o he_o publish_v and_o to_o who_o he_o direct_v it_o can_v familiar_o converse_v with_o without_o eminent_a peril_n of_o be_v infect_v with_o heresy_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v such_o a_o quarrelsome_a knife_n as_o these_o man_n say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o people_n can_v hardly_o touch_v it_o without_o cut_v their_o finger_n they_o be_v certain_o more_o behold_v to_o the_o church_n for_o take_v it_o from_o they_o than_o they_o be_v to_o god_n for_o bestow_v it_o on_o they_o 3._o this_o objection_n make_v as_o much_o at_o least_o against_o the_o priest_n read_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o people_n for_o most_o of_o those_o heresy_n that_o have_v be_v broach_v to_o the_o people_n be_v first_o brew_v by_o the_o priest_n from_o who_o lip_n the_o people_n do_v common_o derive_v their_o error_n as_o well_o as_o their_o knowledge_n witness_v those_o famous_a heresy_n with_o which_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v so_o distract_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o such_o as_o the_o novatian_a the_o donatist_n the_o arian_n the_o pelagian_a the_o eutichian_a the_o eunomian_a all_o which_o counterfeit_v and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o be_v first_o coin_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o disperse_v for_o current_n christianity_n among_o the_o laity_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n open_v a_o gap_n to_o heresy_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o laity_n shall_v not_o read_v it_o it_o be_v a_o much_o more_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o clergy_n shall_v not_o read_v it_o for_o it_o require_v skill_n and_o learning_n as_o well_o to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n into_o such_o false_a sense_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o to_o interpret_v it_o into_o its_o true_a sense_n and_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a that_o it_o ordinary_o require_v more_o wit_n and_o art_n to_o extort_v from_o the_o scripture_n probable_a error_n than_o it_o do_v to_o discover_v by_o it_o necessary_a truth_n and_o if_o so_o then_o if_o the_o danger_n of_o let_v in_o heresy_n be_v a_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o shall_v not_o read_v it_o it_o be_v much_o more_o a_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o learned_a shall_v not_o read_v it_o than_o the_o unlearned_a and_o confequent_o why_o the_o priest_n shall_v not_o read_v it_o than_o the_o people_n see_v the_o former_a be_v more_o qualify_v to_o extract_v heresy_n from_o it_o than_o the_o late_a if_o therefore_o this_o objection_n signify_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o body_n to_o read_v the_o bible_n that_o this_o same_o divine_a book_n which_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n think_v fit_a to_o oblige_v all_o that_o be_v able_a to_o peruse_v and_o study_v be_v now_o become_v such_o a_o dangerous_a inlet_n of_o heresy_n that_o like_o pandora_n box_n you_o can_v no_o soon_o open_v it_o but_o swarm_n of_o error_n and_o false_a doctrine_n will_v present_o fly_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o well_o for_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v either_o utter_o extinguish_v or_o hide_v in_o some_o inaccessible_a repository_n where_o no_o mortal_a eye_n may_v ever_o approach_v it_o 4_o this_o objection_n express_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o primitive_a father_n for_o matt._n 22.29_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o sadducee_n who_o be_v cavil_v with_o he_o about_o the_o resurrection_n you_o do_v err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n have_v therefore_o the_o sadducee_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o our_o objector_n they_o will_v doubtless_o have_v tell_v he_o by_o your_o good_a leave_n sir_n in_o this_o point_n you_o yourself_o be_v in_o a_o error_n for_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v we_o know_v the_o scripture_n or_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v err_v much_o more_o either_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n be_v mistake_v in_o charge_v the_o error_n of_o the_o sadducee_n upon_o their_o ignorance_n of_o scripture_n or_o our_o objector_n be_v mistake_v in_o make_v it_o so_o necessary_a a_o expedient_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o error_n to_o forbid_v the_o people_n be_v acquaint_v with_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o and_o they_o be_v of_o quite_o different_a opinion_n in_o the_o case_n but_o whatever_o their_o opinion_n be_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o primitive_a father_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o our_o saviour_n for_o irenaeus_n write_v of_o the_o valentinian_n heretic_n 12._o heretic_n lib._n 3._o c._n 12._o all_o those_o error_n they_o fall_v into_o because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n so_o st._n jerom_n 4._o jerom_n in_o ep._n ad_fw-la ephes_n l._n 3._o c._n 4._o we_o must_v search_v the_o scripture_n with_o all_o diligence_n that_o so_o as_o be_v good_a exchanger_n we_o may_v know_v the_o lawful_a coin_n from_o the_o copper_n and_o elsewhere_o that_o infinite_a evil_n arise_v from_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o from_o this_o cause_n the_o great_a part_n of_o heresy_n have_v proceed_v st._n chrysostom_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o man_n will_v be_v conversant_a with_o the_o scripture_n and_o attend_v to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o only_o not_o fall_v into_o error_n themselves_o but_o be_v able_a to_o rescue_v those_o that_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o the_o scripture_n will_v instruct_v man_n both_o in_o right_a opinion_n and_o good_a life_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o theophilact_fw-mi tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o can_v deceive_v they_o who_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o that_o say_v he_o be_v the_o candle_n whereby_o the_o thief_n be_v discover_v but_o it_o seem_v according_a to_o modern_a experiment_n this_o candle_n of_o scripture_n rather_o serve_v to_o light_v the_o thief_n into_o the_o house_n than_o to_o discover_v he_o when_o he_o be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v necessary_a for_o honest_a man_n security_n either_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v whole_o extinguish_v or_o at_o least_o hinder_v from_o give_v light_n by_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o dark_a lantern_n of_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o when_o they_o who_o be_v once_o the_o honest_a man_n be_v become_v the_o thief_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v thus_o change_v their_o note_n and_o complain_v of_o the_o light_n of_o this_o candle_n as_o dangerous_a to_o they_o which_o heretofore_o they_o esteem_v their_o great_a securith_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o reason_n assigine_v by_o st._n peter_n why_o some_o man_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n be_v not_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o contrary_a wise_a their_z not_o read_v it_o enough_o which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a say_v he_o wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o unlearned_a in_o what_o why_o doubtless_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o to_o humane_a learning_n st._n peter_n himself_o be_v as_o unlearned_a as_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v their_o be_v unlearned_a in_o scripture_n that_o occasion_v they_o to_o wrest_v it_o into_o a_o heretical_a sense_n than_o it_o be_v not_o man_n read_v the_o scripture_n that_o lead_v they_o into_o heresy_n but_o their_o not_o read_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v therefore_o that_o the_o people_n read_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o inlet_n of_o heresy_n and_o to_o say_v no_o it_o be_v not_o their_o read_n it_o but_o their_o not_o read_v it_o enough_o be_v the_o inlet_n of_o heresy_n be_v a_o express_a contradiction_n the_o former_a our_o objector_n say_v the_o late_a our_o saviour_n his_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n say_v and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v which_o of_o these_o two_o contradiction_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v 5._o and_o last_o according_a to_o this_o objection_n the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o be_v heretic_n be_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o mean_n of_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a certain_a way_n though_o not_o a_o very_a honest_a one_o let_v man_n know_v nothing_o of_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v be_v heretic_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o err_v in_o their_o conception_n of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o
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
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
resemblance_n of_o a_o sincere_a conversion_n for_o till_o his_o interest_n strike_v in_o with_o they_o they_o signify_v nothing_o with_o he_o make_v not_o the_o least_o impression_n on_o his_o mind_n but_o be_v back_v with_o that_o all_o on_o a_o sudden_a they_o be_v wondrous_a cogent_n and_o persuasive_a from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o receive_v their_o strength_n and_o force_n from_o his_o interest_n without_o the_o air_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o operate_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o change_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o overrule_a interest_n of_o his_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o prevalence_n of_o reason_n and_o sincere_a conviction_n for_o it_o be_v that_o interest_n that_o strong_o incline_v he_o to_o change_v before_o ever_o he_o know_v any_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o than_o it_o be_v that_o inclination_n that_o make_v his_o reason_n and_o create_v his_o conviction_n and_o let_v he_o talk_v what_o he_o please_v of_o reason_n scripture_n and_o authority_n if_o he_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o change_v before_o he_o be_v move_v to_o it_o by_o reason_n and_o evidence_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o prevail_a motive_n of_o his_o conversion_n be_v either_o the_o fear_n of_o lose_v some_o good_a warm_a place_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o gain_v some_o important_a station_n or_o preferment_n and_o if_o this_o be_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o case_n when_o he_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n it_o have_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o for_o he_o that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v for_o than_o he_o will_v be_v find_v a_o base_a deserter_n of_o his_o god_n a_o treacherous_a judas_n to_o his_o saviour_n and_o a_o perfidious_a renegado_n from_o his_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o gild_n receive_v his_o portion_n of_o damnation_n 4._o consider_v whether_o before_o you_o entertain_v any_o intention_n to_o 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be_v downright_a apostate_n they_o fall_v a_o hunt_n after_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o convince_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o interest_n but_o their_o conviction_n that_o turn_v they_o and_o when_o man_n thus_o resolve_v first_o and_o inquire_v afterward_o to_o be_v sure_a their_o enquiry_n will_v be_v very_o partial_a for_o be_v full_o resolve_v to_o change_v their_o religion_n upon_o some_o vicious_a or_o secular_a motive_n it_o be_v become_v their_o interest_n to_o pick_v holes_n in_o it_o and_o to_o reason_n or_o cavil_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o this_o make_v they_o shy_a of_o bring_v the_o matter_n under_o a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a examination_n lest_o while_o they_o be_v seek_v reason_n to_o overthrow_v their_o faith_n they_o shall_v find_v reason_n to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v it_o so_o that_o they_o begin_v their_o enquiry_n with_o these_o 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this_o be_v the_o foul_a and_o hypocritical_a intention_n of_o too_o many_o among_o we_o be_v notorious_a enough_o by_o their_o practice_n they_o leap_v from_o church_n to_o church_n and_o from_o one_o communion_n to_o another_o without_o any_o pause_v or_o consideration_n they_o be_v with_o we_o to_o day_n and_o go_v from_o we_o to_o morrow_n and_o be_v such_o mushroom_n extemporary_a convert_v that_o before_o ever_o we_o hear_v they_o doubt_v of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n in_o short_a they_o steal_v out_o of_o their_o religion_n so_o soft_o and_o with_o so_o little_a noise_n that_o they_o be_v common_o go_v before_o ever_o we_o hear_v they_o be_v go_v as_o if_o they_o be_v afraid_a we_o shall_v stop_v and_o detain_v they_o by_o better_a reason_n and_o full_a conviction_n whereas_o have_v these_o man_n any_o conscience_n or_o honesty_n in_o they_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n too_o sacred_a and_o serious_a to_o 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their_o judgement_n hand_n over_o head_n into_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n till_o they_o have_v first_o apply_v themselves_o for_o resolution_n again_o and_o again_o to_o their_o old_a guide_n and_o pastor_n and_o with_o all_o due_a deference_n to_o their_o authority_n have_v strict_o examine_v all_o their_o reason_n and_o answer_n till_o they_o have_v thorough_o inspect_v their_o argument_n pro_fw-la and_o con_v and_o equal_o hear_v both_o side_n of_o the_o cause_n till_o they_o have_v read_v advise_v and_o consult_v on_o both_o side_n and_o weigh_v the_o whole_a matter_n over_o and_o over_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o exactness_n but_o when_o man_n run_v away_o from_o their_o religion_n in_o a_o instant_a without_o ever_o observe_v this_o regular_a process_n of_o sincere_a inquiry_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o their_o will_n be_v resolve_v before_o their_o understanding_n and_o that_o they_o be_v convert_v before_o ever_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n and_o conviction_n that_o turn_v they_o but_o lust_n or_o interest_n for_o though_o when_o they_o be_v turn_v they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v very_o diligent_a to_o seek_v conviction_n yet_o this_o be_v only_o a_o aftergame_n which_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o play_v to_o save_v their_o conscience_n or_o their_o reputation_n 5._o consider_v before_o you_o entertain_v any_o intention_n to_o change_v whether_o it_o be_v your_o unfeigned_a intention_n whatever_o shall_v happen_v to_o you_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o side_n which_o shall_v appear_v most_o reasonable_a perhaps_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o resolve_v right_a or_o wrong_n to_o change_v your_o religion_n whether_o you_o find_v it_o true_a or_o false_a upon_o a_o just_a and_o fair_a examination_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o horrible_a defiance_n of_o god_n such_o a_o express_a and_o absolute_a renunciation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v