Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n let_v lord_n people_n 2,688 5 4.8821 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A51916 Sermons preach'd on several occasions by John March ..., the last of which was preach'd the twenty seventh of November, 1692, being the Sunday before he died ; with a preface by Dr. John Scot ; to which is added, A sermon preach'd at the assizes, in New-Castle upon Tine, in the reign of the late King James. March, John, 1640-1692.; Scott, John, 1639-1695. 1699 (1699) Wing M583; ESTC R18158 123,796 330

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

they_o revile_v in_o a_o horrid_a manner_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o rabseca_n and_o yet_o even_o these_o stouthearted_a assyrian_n be_v spoil_v the_o army_n of_o this_o great_a monarch_n sennacherib_n be_v miraculous_o defeat_v either_o by_o the_o pestilence_n as_o josephus_n report_v or_o by_o a_o destroy_a angel_n as_o the_o scripture_n relate_v even_o sennacherib_n himself_o though_o then_o the_o great_a king_n upon_o earth_n be_v not_o able_a to_o stand_v in_o god_n sight_n when_o he_o be_v angry_a he_o come_v to_o a_o fatal_a end_n and_o be_v slay_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o god_n by_o his_o own_o son_n nay_o far_o yet_o after_o his_o death_n he_o have_v a_o statue_n erect_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o vulcan_n with_o this_o pious_a lesson_n inscribe_v on_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o english_a whosoever_o behold_v i_o let_v he_o learn_v piety_n and_o since_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o our_o psalmist_n have_v good_a reason_n to_o make_v this_o epiphonema_n in_o the_o text_n thou_o even_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o who_o may_v stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n when_o once_o thou_o be_v angry_a from_o the_o word_n thus_o far_o explain_v i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o show_v you_o first_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o second_o the_o vanity_n of_o those_o reason_n which_o cause_n most_o man_n to_o show_v so_o little_a fear_n of_o god_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n first_o let_v i_o show_v you_o what_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v at_o large_a by_o these_o particular_n one_a we_o shall_v find_v reason_n enough_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n if_o we_o consider_v his_o sovereign_a power_n over_o all_o creature_n which_o he_o be_v able_a to_o command_v at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o make_v they_o revenge_v his_o quarrel_n upon_o impenitent_a sinner_n as_o god_n almighty_a by_o the_o bare_a speak_v of_o a_o word_n create_v all_o thing_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n so_o he_o can_v with_o as_o much_o ease_n command_v all_o creature_n to_o execute_v his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o eloquent_a tertullian_n that_o god_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v finish_v the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o creation_n do_v then_o but_o not_o till_o then_o assume_v the_o dreadful_a title_n of_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o it_o be_v further_o observe_v by_o other_o that_o this_o dreadful_a title_n be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n more_o than_o two_o hundred_o time_n the_o better_a to_o deter_v sinner_n from_o affront_a omnipotent_a majesty_n it_o seem_v the_o sinner_n can_v make_v war_n with_o heaven_n but_o he_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n arm_v the_o whole_a creation_n against_o himself_o he_o can_v fight_v against_o the_o almighty_a but_o he_o must_v also_o fight_v against_o all_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v under_o the_o command_n of_o this_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o heathen_a poet_n be_v able_a to_o tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n all_o the_o element_n say_v he_o be_v full_o fraught_v with_o evil_n and_o ready_a when_o god_n please_v to_o pour_v forth_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n upon_o sinner_n sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n do_v no_o soon_o kindle_v their_o impure_a flame_n but_o the_o element_n of_o fire_n descend_v in_o sulphureous_a stream_n make_v they_o most_o dreadful_a monument_n of_o eternal_a vengeance_n as_o soon_o as_o israel_n begin_v to_o murmur_v against_o moses_n the_o element_n of_o air_n mingle_v pestilential_a vapour_n with_o their_o vital_a breath_n and_o chastise_v their_o rebellion_n with_o a_o dreadful_a plague_n when_o proud_a pharaoh_n gather_v together_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o egypt_n and_o furious_o pursue_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o the_o red_a sea_n the_o water_n thereof_o soon_o swell_v themselves_o into_o mountainous_a billow_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v proud_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o egyptian_n the_o earth_n also_o as_o dull_a and_o senseless_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v be_v yet_o able_a to_o resent_v such_o indignity_n as_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o almighty_a and_o when_o command_v by_o god_n will_v open_v its_o devour_a mouth_n and_o swallow_v down_o alive_a corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n thus_o all_o the_o element_n be_v at_o god_n command_n yea_o even_o rejoice_v to_o be_v employ_v by_o heaven_n in_o execute_v wrath_n and_o vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n and_o whither_o now_o will_v the_o sinner_n fly_v from_o this_o lord_n of_o host_n will_v his_o alliance_n with_o hell_n protect_v he_o from_o the_o almighty_a or_o can_v he_o hope_v to_o hide_v himself_o from_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o fury_n in_o the_o shade_n below_o no_o certes_o he_o may_v as_o well_o seek_v heaven_n in_o hell_n as_o expect_v one_o single_a beam_n of_o comfort_n from_o these_o region_n of_o darkness_n for_o from_o these_o black_a quarter_n it_o be_v that_o god_n of_o old_a command_v a_o evil_a spirit_n to_o vex_v saul_n and_o draw_v whole_a legion_n of_o devil_n to_o punish_v the_o degenerous_a jew_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n nor_o do_v our_o god_n rule_v only_o in_o this_o sublunary_a world_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o all_o deep_a place_n but_o he_o rule_v also_o in_o the_o heaven_n for_o if_o the_o almighty_a do_v at_o any_o time_n frown_v upon_o the_o sinner_n each_o planet_n will_v put_v on_o it_o malign_v aspect_n and_o every_o constellation_n shall_v foretell_v his_o destiny_n thus_o the_o star_n fight_v in_o their_o rank_n against_o sisera_n and_o as_o josephus_n report_v pour_v down_o such_o prodigious_a shower_n of_o hail_n as_o serve_v instead_o of_o shot_n to_o destroy_v his_o army_n thus_o also_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n become_v fix_v star_n in_o heaven_n that_o the_o israelite_n may_v not_o want_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o light_n to_o complete_a their_o victory_n over_o the_o amorites_n thus_o the_o element_n the_o heaven_n and_o hell_n itself_o be_v at_o the_o command_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o if_o there_o yet_o be_v want_v more_o force_n to_o fight_v these_o battle_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o angel_n be_v still_o remain_v those_o mighty_a host_n of_o heaven_n and_o stand_a militia_n of_o the_o almighty_a indeed_o god_n do_v not_o always_o draw_v forth_o these_o trainband_n of_o heaven_n a_o army_n of_o louse_n serve_v sometime_o to_o baffle_v a_o proud_a pharaoh_n and_o a_o silly_a worm_n when_o commission_v by_o god_n be_v able_a to_o spoil_v the_o divinity_n of_o a_o blaspheme_v herod_n but_o when_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n appear_v as_o it_o be_v in_o person_n against_o his_o enemy_n then_o these_o courtier_n of_o heaven_n attend_v the_o divine_a presence_n and_o put_v on_o their_o robe_n of_o light_n add_v what_o lustre_n they_o can_v to_o the_o majestatick_a appearance_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o destroy_v at_o once_o all_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n he_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v angel_n for_o his_o trumpeter_n but_o matt._n 16._o 27._o he_o be_v say_v to_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n because_o he_o shall_v come_v attend_v with_o these_o glorious_a angel_n and_o now_o when_o all_o these_o battalion_n of_o the_o almighty_a shall_v set_v themselves_o in_o array_n against_o the_o sinner_n when_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o fear_v with_o cain_n lest_o he_o fall_v a_o prey_n to_o every_o wild_a beast_n but_o with_o pashur_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n become_v a_o mogul_n missabib_fw-la that_o be_v surround_v with_o fear_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n then_o doubtless_o he_o will_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n thou_o even_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o who_o may_v stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n when_o once_o thou_o be_v angry_a our_o saviour_n in_o the_o parable_n make_v he_o more_o stout_a than_o wise_a who_o have_v only_o ten_o thousand_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o meet_v he_o who_o come_v against_o he_o with_o twenty_o thousand_o but_o sure_o every_o sinner_n stand_v guilty_a of_o infinite_o great_a madness_n who_o with_o his_o single_a valour_n dare_v the_o almighty_a and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o he_o who_o come_v not_o only_o with_o twenty_o thousand_o but_o with_o the_o whole_a universe_n against_o he_o o_o consider_v this_o all_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n lest_o he_o pluck_v you_o away_o and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v you_o take_v our_o saviour_n advice_n send_v and_o sue_v for_o peace_n whilst_o this_o almighty_a adversary_n be_v but_o yet_o on_o his_o way_n labour_v by_o your_o prayer_n your_o fast_n and_o humiliation_n to_o reconcile_v yourselves_o to_o this_o lord_n of_o host_n
the_o great_a advantage_n of_o prayer_n sermon_n and_o sacrament_n other_o judgement_n may_v the_o better_o be_v dispense_v with_o famine_n be_v another_o very_a sore_a judgement_n when_o this_o rage_n god_n be_v say_v to_o march_v through_o the_o land_n in_o indignation_n hab._n 3_o 12._o and_o we_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o believe_v it_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o direful_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o famine_n we_o read_v in_o our_o chronicle_n that_o there_o be_v former_o such_o a_o dreadful_a famine_n in_o this_o island_n that_o when_o malefactor_n be_v lead_v out_o of_o prison_n towards_o the_o place_n of_o exeeution_n the_o poor_a hungry_a people_n will_v present_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o tear_v they_o in_o piece_n eat_v they_o up_o and_o we_o will_v not_o wonder_v at_o it_o when_o we_o read_v ezek._n 5_o 10._o of_o father_n eat_v up_o their_o son_n and_o son_n their_o father_n and_o which_o be_v stanger_n and_o more_o unnatural_a yet_o we_o find_v lamen_n 4_o 10._o tender_a compassionate_a woman_n force_v by_o the_o extremity_n of_o hunger_n to_o seethe_v their_o own_o child_n these_o be_v horrid_a instance_n of_o a_o dreadful_a judgement_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o sad_a instance_n of_o it_o and_o famine_n be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o a_o devourer_n as_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o devour_v himself_o as_o you_o may_v read_v isai._n 9_o 20._o where_o every_o man_n be_v bring_v in_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o his_o own_o arm._n thus_o great_a and_o heavy_a a_o judgement_n be_v famine_n yea_o by_o some_o it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sore_a heaven_n can_v inflict_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v inferior_a to_o this_o of_o the_o text_n when_o god_n in_o wrath_n remove_v our_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n when_o he_o take_v his_o gospel_n away_o from_o we_o and_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n no_o less_o than_o this_o be_v assert_v amos_n 8._o 11_o 12._o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n that_o i_o will_v send_v a_o famine_n in_o the_o land_n not_o a_o famine_n of_o bread_n not_o a_o thirst_n of_o water_n but_o of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o shall_v wander_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o north_n even_o to_o the_o east_n shall_v they_o run_v to_o and_o fro_o to_o seek_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o shall_v not_o find_v it_o thus_o a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o sore_a judgement_n than_o the_o famine_n of_o bread_n and_o well_o indeed_o it_o may_v since_o the_o one_o destroy_v only_o the_o body_n the_o other_o destroy_v the_o soul_n if_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v take_v away_o worse_o than_o egyptian_a darkness_n will_v ensue_v such_o as_o will_v cause_v we_o to_o fall_v and_o that_o into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n from_o whence_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o three_o general_n and_o show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n to_o have_v our_o candlestick_n remove_v out_o of_o his_o place_n for_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n deprive_v a_o nation_n of_o its_o chief_a honour_n and_o make_v they_o become_v lo-ammi_a or_o no_o people_n it_o deprive_v they_o also_o of_o god_n special_a care_n and_o providence_n and_o render_v they_o a_o easy_a prey_n unto_o their_o enemy_n and_o last_o it_o surpass_v the_o sore_a of_o god_n judgement_n and_o a_o famine_n of_o bread_n be_v far_o more_o tolerable_a than_o a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n these_o consideration_n if_o any_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o value_v god_n ordinance_n at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o former_o we_o have_v and_o excite_v our_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o prevent_v such_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n as_o this_o and_o to_o help_v we_o to_o perform_v this_o duty_n the_o better_a i_o come_v in_o the_o four_o place_n four_o brief_o to_o consider_v some_o of_o those_o cause_n which_o bring_v such_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n upon_o a_o nation_n and_o one_a sin_n be_v the_o general_n cause_n of_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n we_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o than_o the_o text_n itself_o where_o christ_n bid_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n remember_v from_o whence_o she_o have_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n nothing_o but_o our_o iniquity_n can_v separate_v betwixt_o our_o god_n and_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o they_o they_o will_v be_v our_o ruin_n for_o god_n will_v not_o continue_v his_o gospel_n to_o a_o backslide_n and_o disobedient_a people_n but_o will_v take_v it_o away_o and_o give_v it_o to_o a_o nation_n that_o will_v better_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o 2_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n word_n and_o his_o messenger_n be_v another_o cause_n of_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n this_o may_v easy_o be_v gather_v from_o 2_o chron._n 36._o 15_o 16._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n send_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o his_o messenger_n rise_v up_o betimes_o and_o send_v because_o he_o have_v compassion_n on_o his_o people_n and_o on_o his_o dwell_a place_n but_o they_o mock_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n and_o despise_v his_o word_n and_o misuse_v his_o prophet_n until_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n arise_v against_o his_o people_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n so_o amos_n 8._o where_o the_o prophet_n threaten_v they_o with_o a_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n he_o assign_v this_o among_o other_o reason_n ver_fw-la 5._o namely_o because_o they_o profane_v his_o sabbath_n and_o despise_v his_o ordinance_n and_o indeed_o when_o a_o nation_n undervalue_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o judge_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o it_o it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n to_o remove_v their_o candlestick_n and_o carry_v his_o gospel_n to_o a_o people_n more_o worthy_a of_o it_o 3_o schism_n and_o division_n be_v another_o grand_a cause_n of_o this_o heavy_a judgement_n historian_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v it_o which_o open_v the_o way_n to_o the_o turk_n and_o saracen_n to_o overflow_v the_o eastern_a church_n and_o let_v mahumetanism_n into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v this_o which_o bring_v that_o deluge_n of_o goth_n and_o vandal_n and_o other_o barbarous_a nation_n upon_o the_o west_n and_o indeed_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o s._n james_n tell_v we_o chap._n 3._o 16._o that_o where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v there_o will_v be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o four_o general_n and_o show_v you_o some_o of_o those_o cause_n which_o provoke_v god_n to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o a_o people_n and_o nation_n sin_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a the_o contempt_n of_o god_n messenger_n and_o his_o ordinance_n and_o those_o schism_n and_o division_n which_o rage_n in_o a_o nation_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v now_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o i_o fear_v we_o shall_v find_v so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o debauchery_n rage_v in_o the_o land_n such_o gross_a profanation_n of_o god_n sabbath_n contempt_n of_o his_o messenger_n and_o his_o ordinance_n and_o withal_o so_o many_o dangerous_a schism_n and_o faction_n among_o we_o as_o may_v just_o cause_v we_o to_o dread_v the_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o the_o text._n but_o i_o will_v not_o foretell_v your_o danger_n but_o exhort_v you_o to_o prevent_v it_o and_o that_o by_o repentance_n as_o the_o text_n direct_v which_o five_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o five_o and_o last_o general_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v you_o the_o mean_n to_o prevent_v this_o heavy_a judgement_n now_o this_o can_v better_o be_v learn_v than_o from_o that_o advice_n christ_n give_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o this_o place_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n repentance_n therefore_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n we_o can_v take_v to_o appease_v god_n wrath_n and_o prevent_v his_o judgement_n if_o we_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n god_n also_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_n we_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o fear_v he_o be_v bring_v upon_o we_o hear_v what_o be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 3._o 12._o return_v o_o back_o slide_v israel_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v not_o cause_v my_o anger_n to_o fall_v upon_o you_o for_o i_o be_o merciful_a what_o a_o gracious_a motive_n be_v here_o urge_v what_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o repent_v if_o the_o hope_n of_o mercy_n will_v not_o in_o what_o a_o sad_a condition_n shall_v we_o be_v if_o god_n shall_v remove_v our_o candlestick_n out_o of_o his_o place_n if_o he_o shall_v take_v away_o his_o glorious_a gospel_n from_o we_o and_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o
enjoy_v the_o bright_a beam_n of_o heavenly_a light_n whilst_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o groan_n under_o worse_a than_o egyptian_a darkness_n this_o be_v the_o true_a gideon_n fleece_n which_o be_v water_v with_o the_o dew_n of_o celestial_a grace_n whilst_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n lie_v dry_a and_o parch_a not_o unlike_o some_o barren_a and_o curse_a wilderness_n this_o in_o st._n austine_n comparison_n be_v the_o true_a ark_n in_o which_o alone_o we_o can_v be_v secure_a from_o the_o deluge_n of_o god_n wrath_n thus_o great_a be_v their_o happiness_n who_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o some_o difficulty_n there_o be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a church_n as_o tertullian_n observe_v of_o old_a faciunt_fw-la favos_fw-la &_o vespae_fw-la faciunt_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la &_o marcionitae_n the_o most_o dangerous_a wasp_n have_v their_o cell_n say_v he_o even_o so_o the_o worst_a of_o heretic_n be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v we_o that_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v leah_n for_o rachel_n or_o embrace_v a_o cloud_n instead_o of_o a_o juno_n we_o must_v careful_o observe_v that_o description_n st._n paul_n give_v we_o of_o the_o true_a church_n he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v found_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o heaven_n or_o if_o you_o have_v rather_o take_v it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o household_n of_o god_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o far_o explain_v i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o prove_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v second_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v sufficient_o deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n three_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o four_o that_o such_o as_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n be_v as_o happy_a as_o be_v those_o ephesian_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n say_v they_o be_v no_o more_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n but_o fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n of_o this_o household_n of_o god_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v build_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v st._n paul_n be_v the_o household_n of_o god_n or_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v so_o because_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n we_o be_v sure_o these_o inspire_a minister_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n preach_v and_o plant_v none_o but_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o can_v be_v no_o bad_a church_n which_o own_v and_o profess_v the_o same_o religion_n i_o know_v there_o be_v several_a mark_n give_v of_o the_o true_a church_n such_o as_o unity_n universality_n antiquity_n succession_n sanctity_n and_o the_o like_a but_o though_o these_o where_o they_o be_v find_v be_v great_a ornament_n to_o a_o church_n yet_o the_o best_a and_o most_o infallible_a mark_n to_o know_v it_o by_o be_v its_o conformity_n to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v elsewhere_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n but_o it_o will_v not_o deserve_v this_o honourable_a character_n if_o its_o doctrine_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o catholic_n christian_n act_n 2._o 42._o that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o follow_v the_o primitive_a example_n will_v be_v far_o from_o deserve_v the_o brand_n of_o heretic_n do_v not_o our_o saviour_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o sheep_n will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o not_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n and_o where_o be_v this_o voice_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v hear_v but_o sound_v in_o the_o write_n of_o these_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o say_v st._n peter_n you_o do_v well_o if_o you_o take_v heed_n nor_o be_v this_o any_o other_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o what_o be_v general_o own_a by_o the_o ancient_a father_n tertullian_n bring_v in_o the_o church_n speak_v such_o word_n as_o these_o sum_n apostolorum_fw-la sic_fw-la teneo_fw-la sicut_fw-la illi_fw-la testamento_fw-la caverunt_fw-la i_o be_o heir_n say_v she_o to_o the_o holy_a apostle_n whatever_o truth_n they_o leave_v i_o in_o their_o write_n whatever_o doctrine_n they_o bequeath_v i_o in_o their_o testament_n these_o i_o firm_o believe_v these_o i_o will_v constant_o hold_v ireneus_fw-la call_v the_o gospel_n columnam_fw-la &_o firmamentum_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n st._n chrysostome_n treat_v at_o large_a upon_o this_o question_n how_o the_o true_a church_n may_v be_v know_v return_v this_o answer_n more_o than_o once_o the_o true_a church_n be_v best_a know_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v he_o that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o agree_v with_o these_o sacred_a oracle_n and_o that_o be_v the_o heretical_a which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o they_o none_o speak_v more_o large_o or_o more_o excellent_o to_o this_o point_n than_o the_o great_a st._n austin_n who_o in_o his_o admirable_a book_n against_o the_o donatist_n write_v thus_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o donatist_n be_v where_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o church_n what_o therefore_o shall_v we_o do_v shall_v we_o seek_v it_o in_o our_o own_o word_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o think_v we_o have_v rather_o seek_v it_o in_o his_o word_n who_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o best_a know_v his_o own_o church_n let_v not_o therefore_o these_o speech_n be_v hear_v among_o we_o this_o i_o say_v and_o this_o thou_o say_v but_o let_v we_o hear_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n there_o be_v certain_a book_n of_o god_n to_o who_o authority_n we_o both_o stand_v we_o both_o consent_n we_o both_o believe_v there_o let_v we_o seek_v the_o church_n there_o let_v we_o try_v our_o cause_n i_o will_v not_o have_v the_o church_n demonstrate_v by_o man_n teach_v but_o by_o the_o holy_a oracle_n of_o god_n set_v therefore_o aside_o all_o such_o matter_n let_v they_o show_v forth_o the_o church_n if_o they_o can_v not_o by_o the_o speech_n and_o rumour_n of_o the_o african_n not_o in_o the_o council_n of_o the_o bishop_n not_o in_o the_o write_n of_o any_o disputer_n not_o in_o vision_n and_o revelation_n not_o in_o sign_n and_o false_a miracle_n because_o god_n word_n have_v abundant_o prepare_v we_o and_o make_v we_o ready_a against_o these_o thing_n but_o let_v they_o declare_v it_o out_o of_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o song_n of_o the_o psalm_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o word_n of_o the_o pastor_n himself_o whether_o they_o have_v a_o church_n or_o no_o let_v they_o declare_v only_o by_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n these_o be_v the_o instruction_n these_o be_v the_o foundation_n these_o be_v the_o supporter_n of_o our_o cause_n thus_o far_o st._n austin_n and_o because_o he_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o so_o full_a to_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o trouble_v you_o with_o any_o further_a authority_n especial_o since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v acknowledge_v in_o she_o trent_n catechism_n that_o no_o church_n be_v catholic_n that_o do_v not_o profess_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n she_o must_v not_o hold_v any_o new_a faith_n say_v they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v of_o old_a by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o catechism_n the_o nicene_n father_n do_v well_o to_o add_v the_o word_n apostolic_a to_o their_o creed_n say_v i_o believe_v one_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n namely_o that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o be_v the_o only_a true_a catholic_n church_n which_o be_v apostolic_a that_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o true_a mark_n of_o the_o church_n which_o both_o romanist_n and_o protestant_n own_v to_o be_v so_o and_o indeed_o without_o this_o all_o those_o other_o mark_n which_o be_v pretend_v will_v signify_v nothing_o unity_n without_o apostolical_a doctrine_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v not_o only_o be_v find_v in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n
brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o avoid_v they_o thus_o we_o have_v find_v schism_n and_o division_n in_o all_o those_o church_n which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o if_o we_o descend_v to_o succeed_a age_n we_o shall_v find_v schism_n and_o division_n too_o many_o whosoever_o have_v learning_n and_o leisure_n enough_o to_o consult_v epiphanius_n and_o s._n austin_n will_v find_v they_o reckon_v up_o no_o few_o than_o a_o 100_o heresy_n even_o in_o those_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n all_o this_o i_o hope_v will_v suffice_v to_o prevent_v any_o sinister_a opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o at_o this_o time_n be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o schism_n and_o division_n this_o indeed_o ought_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o lamentation_n to_o we_o and_o engage_v our_o most_o ardent_a prayer_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v manage_v as_o a_o argument_n against_o our_o church_n but_o the_o blow_n will_v reach_v other_o church_n too_o even_o all_o those_o church_n which_o be_v now_o in_o christendom_n and_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v those_o best_a of_o church_n which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n let_v not_o therefore_o your_o present_a division_n lessen_v your_o esteem_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o best_a of_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o these_o misfortune_n and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v luke_n 17._o 1._o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n will_v come_v and_o st._n paul_n say_v the_o same_o in_o the_o text_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o general_n propose_v second_o namely_o to_o inquire_v what_o those_o cause_n be_v which_o make_v schism_n and_o division_n in_o some_o sort_n necessary_a and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o assign_v one_a the_o first_o and_o principal_a place_n to_o the_o infernal_a fiend_n satan_n be_v the_o enemy_n in_o our_o saviour_n parable_n who_o be_v say_v to_o sow_v these_o tare_n in_o the_o field_n of_o the_o church_n hence_o st._n paul_n call_v heresy_n the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n ignatius_n style_v they_o the_o plant_n and_o snare_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o epiphanius_n call_v the_o arch-heretick_n arius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o image_n and_o statue_n of_o the_o devil_n however_o the_o devil_n labour_v to_o keep_v his_o own_o kingdom_n in_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n yet_o he_o seek_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o cause_n division_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n the_o egyptian_n who_o worship_v of_o old_a dog_n and_o cat_n and_o shed_v penitent_a tear_n before_o the_o shrine_n of_o a_o deify_v onion_n the_o pagan_n who_o worship_n the_o sun_n moon_n and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o mahometan_n who_o worship_n a_o curse_a impostor_n these_o never_o have_v such_o division_n among_o they_o as_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n unity_n be_v the_o strength_n and_o stability_n of_o all_o community_n so_o that_o satan_n will_v fight_v against_o his_o own_o interest_n shall_v he_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o those_o society_n which_o be_v devote_v to_o his_o service_n but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o pure_a it_o be_v either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o worship_n the_o more_o do_v it_o threaten_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o satan_n kingdom_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o this_o subtle_a serpent_n do_v use_v all_o his_o stratagem_n and_o device_n to_o stir_v up_o difference_n and_o contention_n in_o these_o christian_a society_n well_o then_o might_n st._n cyprian_n conclude_v that_o the_o schism_n and_o heresy_n which_o happen_v in_o his_o time_n be_v industrious_o raise_v by_o the_o devil_n that_o he_o may_v revenge_v himself_o on_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v strike_v his_o oracle_n dumb_a and_o almost_o banish_v his_o worship_n out_o of_o the_o world_n thus_o satan_n you_o see_v be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o those_o division_n which_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n church_n and_o this_o by_o the_o way_n afford_v we_o another_o apology_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o must_v confess_v our_o division_n be_v great_a and_o sad_a but_o this_o only_o argue_v satan_n great_a rage_n and_o malice_n against_o she_o and_o i_o pray_v what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n shall_v be_v a_o malicious_a enemy_n against_o that_o church_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n but_o 2_o though_o satan_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n yet_o he_o employ_v the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n as_o instrument_n to_o raise_v they_o hence_o be_v that_o of_o st._n james_n chap._n 4._o 1._o whence_o be_v war_n and_o fight_n among_o you_o be_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o from_o your_o lust_n man_n before_o his_o conversion_n be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o centaur_n half_a bruit_n and_o half_a man_n and_o till_o grace_n have_v ascend_v the_o throne_n he_o exceed_v for_o rage_n and_o fury_n the_o wild_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o forest._n lactantius_n compare_v his_o exorbitant_a passion_n to_o mad_a furious_a horse_n which_o hurry_v he_o violent_o on_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v mischievous_a and_o pernicious_a to_o society_n now_o satan_n work_v upon_o these_o passion_n of_o man_n and_o raise_v they_o as_o wind_n do_v the_o sea_n into_o tumult_n and_o commotion_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o st._n paul_n chap._n 5._o 20._o reckon_v among_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n hatred_n variance_n emulation_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n and_o envy_n but_o though_o there_o be_v not_o any_o lust_n which_o do_v not_o contribute_v more_o or_o less_o to_o those_o contention_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o pride_n covetousness_n curiosity_n and_o self-love_n be_v observe_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a beautifeau_n and_o incendiary_n of_o they_o 1._o pride_n be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o those_o division_n and_o contention_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n of_o solomon_n prov._n 13._o 10._o only_o by_o pride_n come_v contention_n melanchton_n in_o his_o comment_n upon_o the_o place_n mention_n a_o famous_a proverb_n to_o this_o purpose_n duo_o montes_n non_fw-la miscentur_fw-la two_o swell_a mountain_n will_v not_o mix_v well_o together_o when_o man_n begin_v to_o swell_v with_o pride_n and_o ambition_n they_o soon_o grow_v too_o big_a for_o the_o little_a fold_n of_o christ._n thus_o diotrephes_n love_v the_o pre-eminence_n disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o asiatic_a church_n thus_o arius_n pride_v himself_o in_o his_o skill_n in_o logic_n seek_v to_o raise_v his_o reputation_n by_o oppose_v his_o diocesan_n ambition_n be_v a_o very_a turbulent_a and_o seditious_a passion_n and_o if_o man_n once_o give_v the_o reins_o to_o it_o it_o will_v make_v they_o fire_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n as_o herostratus_n do_v diana_n only_o to_o get_v a_o name_n and_o to_o be_v talk_v of_o in_o the_o world_n 2._o covetousness_n be_v another_o great_a and_o special_a cause_n of_o those_o division_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o church_n since_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a we_o may_v well_o conclude_v it_o one_o cause_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o schism_n and_o indeed_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o so_o express_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 3._o where_o the_o character_n he_o give_v of_o heretic_n be_v this_o through_o covetousness_n they_o make_v merchandise_n of_o people_n with_o feign_a word_n mammon_n be_v own_a for_o a_o god_n by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o with_o most_o man_n in_o the_o world_n gain_n pass_v for_o godliness_n we_o need_v not_o wonder_v then_o if_o the_o desire_n of_o wealth_n prove_v often_o both_o the_o mother_n and_o the_o nurse_n of_o heresy_n as_o soon_o as_o demetrius_n have_v tell_v the_o silversmith_n of_o ephesus_n that_o their_o craft_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v set_v at_o naught_o they_o present_o fill_v the_o city_n with_o noise_n and_o uproar_n and_o cry_v out_o stout_o great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n st._n jude_n describe_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n tell_v we_o they_o run_v greedy_o after_o the_o error_n of_o balaam_n for_o reward_n st._n cyprian_n write_v of_o the_o heretic_n novatus_n that_o he_o be_v avaritiae_fw-la inexplebili_fw-la rapacitate_fw-la furibundus_fw-la most_o insatiable_o covetous_a and_o rapacious_a even_o to_o a_o degree_n of_o madness_n but_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o magdeburgenses_n long_o ago_o observe_v that_o covetousness_n help_v to_o spawn_n most_o of_o the_o heresy_n in_o the_o world_n 3._o
curiosity_n be_v another_o unhappy_a cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o so_o long_o as_o man_n hold_v fast_o that_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n but_o curiosity_n make_v man_n desire_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v and_o consequent_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n this_o st._n paul_n foresee_v when_o he_o command_v timothy_n to_o charge_v some_o that_o they_o give_v no_o heed_n to_o fable_n and_o endless_a genealogy_n which_o minister_v question_n rather_o than_o godly_a edify_v 1_o tim._n 1._o 4._o and_o chap._n 6._o 3_o 4._o he_o condemn_v such_o as_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o dispute_v about_o word_n whereof_o come_v envy_n strife_n rail_n and_o surmise_n 4._o self-love_n be_v another_o unhappy_a cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o violent_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n give_v it_o the_o precedence_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 2._o it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n of_o luther_n society_n will_v continue_v long_o than_o they_o do_v if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o little_a pronoun_n ego_fw-la i_o myself_o for_o whilst_o man_n prefer_v their_o own_o interest_n before_o the_o public_a whilst_o they_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n rather_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o church_n they_o tear_v his_o seamless_a coat_n in_o piece_n and_o make_v unhappy_a division_n among_o christian_n to_o prevent_v therefore_o these_o division_n st._n paul_n give_v this_o advice_n among_o other_o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n look_v not_o every_o man_n on_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o also_o on_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o phil._n 2._o 3_o 4._o thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o long_o as_o these_o cause_n remain_v we_o must_v expect_v the_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o they_o so_o long_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v allow_v to_o go_v about_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v so_o long_o as_o he_o have_v man_n lust_n and_o passion_n to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o the_o work_n so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v employ_v such_o instrument_n as_o the_o ambitious_a covetous_a curious_a and_o lover_n of_o themselves_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o god_n church_n indeed_o god_n have_v power_n sufficient_a to_o prevent_v these_o division_n he_o can_v create_v a_o firm_a and_o last_a peace_n among_o christian_n but_o as_o st._n cyprian_n speak_v fieri_fw-la haec_fw-la dominus_fw-la permittit_fw-la &_o patitur_fw-la manente_fw-la propriae_fw-la libertatis_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la the_o lord_n say_v he_o suffer_v these_o division_n to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n because_o he_o leave_v man_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o wi_n god_n do_v not_o employ_v his_o irresistible_a power_n in_o keep_v man_n from_o schism_n more_o than_o from_o other_o sin_n but_o have_v forbid_v it_o with_o all_o the_o solemnity_n imaginable_a have_v discypher_v the_o damnable_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o press_v christian_n by_o innumerable_a and_o those_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o keep_v this_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n he_o leave_v they_o to_o act_v for_o themselves_o in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o matter_n appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v and_o punish_v everlasting_o such_o as_o dare_v to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n we_o need_v not_o wonder_v then_o if_o man_n be_v traitor_n to_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o state_n if_o they_o rebel_v against_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o against_o their_o prince_n see_v god_n leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n to_o commit_v this_o as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o sin_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v put_v the_o question_n why_o god_n leave_v man_n thus_o to_o their_o liberty_n though_o i_o may_v chastise_v such_o curiosity_n with_o solomon_n answer_n eccles._n 7._o 10._o who_o tell_v such_o curious_a person_n that_o they_o do_v not_o inquire_v wise_o concern_v this_o matter_n yet_o since_o st._n paul_n have_v furnish_v i_o with_o a_o more_o satisfactory_a reply_n in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v return_v they_o this_o answer_n in_o my_o three_o general_n namely_o three_o that_o god_n design_n in_o suffer_v these_o schism_n and_o division_n be_v to_o discover_v the_o rottenness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o integrity_n of_o other_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o text_n where_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a it_o be_v a_o golden_a sentence_n of_o st._n austin_n that_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o good_a will_v never_o suffer_v evil_a but_o that_o be_v also_o omnipotent_a he_o be_v able_a to_o extract_v good_a out_o of_o evil._n when_o god_n suffer_v schism_n and_o division_n to_o befall_v his_o church_n his_o design_n be_v to_o discover_v to_o the_o world_n the_o rottenness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o integrity_n of_o other_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o religion_n what_o good_a old_a simeon_n say_v of_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o it_o it_o be_v set_v for_o the_o fall_n and_o rise_n of_o many_o in_o israel_n so_o long_o as_o religion_n prosper_v and_o flourish_v in_o the_o world_n hypocrite_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o atheist_n will_v be_v content_a to_o own_v it_o but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o fall_v into_o distress_n or_o labour_n under_o persecution_n than_o they_o fall_v off_o like_o leave_n in_o autumn_n indeed_o as_o st._n cyprian_n observe_v nemo_fw-la existimet_fw-la bonos_fw-es ecclesia_fw-la posse_fw-la discedere_fw-la none_o can_v imagine_v say_v he_o that_o good_a man_n will_v abjure_v the_o communion_n of_o god_n church_n as_o he_o go_v on_o the_o wind_n drive_v not_o away_o the_o solid_a wheat_n but_o the_o chaff_n the_o storm_n may_v overturn_v the_o weak_a shrub_n but_o the_o sturdy_a oak_n gain_v strength_n and_o firmness_n by_o the_o tempest_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o st._n john_n 1_o john_n 2._o 19_o they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o time_n of_o division_n be_v time_n of_o trial_n and_o do_v as_o the_o father_n speak_v in_o some_o sort_n anticipate_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o at_o such_o time_n the_o tare_n will_v gather_v themselves_o into_o bundle_n and_o leave_v the_o pure_a corn_n without_o any_o mixture_n in_o the_o field_n of_o the_o lord_n sound_v believer_n will_v now_o be_v know_v from_o hypocrite_n and_o though_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v crowd_v with_o such_o number_n as_o it_o be_v before_o yet_o its_o great_a loss_n will_v be_v only_o of_o rot_a member_n it_o will_v now_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v its_o friend_n from_o its_o foe_n and_o though_o a_o acacius_n a_o ecebolius_n and_o such_o like_a changeling_n may_v serve_v the_o time_n and_o themselves_o more_o yet_o all_o sincere_a christian_n will_v think_v it_o both_o their_o duty_n and_o honour_n to_o adhere_v courageous_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o four_o general_n propose_v namely_o four_o to_o show_v you_o that_o those_o be_v true_o noble_a and_o honourable_a person_n who_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o god_n church_n amid_o these_o schism_n and_o division_n which_o arise_v in_o it_o these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o approve_a one_o in_o the_o text._n the_o greek_a word_n which_o be_v here_o render_v approve_v be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o gold_n try_v in_o the_o fire_n we_o know_v such_o a_o trial_n make_v its_o solidity_n and_o lustre_n shine_v the_o bright_a yea_o it_o be_v now_o value_v at_o a_o high_a rate_n than_o it_o be_v before_o even_o so_o christian_n when_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a amid_o schism_n and_o division_n it_o render_v they_o much_o more_o honourable_a than_o they_o be_v before_o there_o be_v a_o advantage_n say_v plutarch_n which_o man_n receive_v from_o their_o very_a enemy_n have_v there_o be_v no_o trojan_a war_n hector_n valour_n have_v never_o be_v so_o renown_v and_o the_o great_a the_o violence_n of_o a_o tempest_n be_v the_o more_o high_o do_v it_o commend_v the_o skill_n of_o the_o pilot_n even_o so_o the_o integrity_n of_o orthodox_n christian_n
excellent_a word_n of_o solomon_n that_o solomon_n who_o be_v once_o a_o famous_a and_o renown_a king_n of_o israel_n and_o who_o beside_o those_o advantage_n of_o education_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o pious_a care_n of_o his_o father_n king_n david_n be_v also_o inspire_v with_o wisdom_n from_o on_o high_a and_o endue_v with_o such_o understanding_n and_o largeness_n of_o heart_n as_o be_v commensurate_a to_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o boundless_a ocean_n beside_o what_o have_v hitherto_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o proverb_n in_o general_a and_o these_o of_o solomon_n in_o particular_a there_o be_v one_o observation_n still_o behind_o which_o will_v yet_o far_o recommend_v the_o text_n to_o your_o best_a attention_n for_o of_o all_o those_o three_o thousand_o proverb_n which_o be_v record_v as_o the_o product_n of_o solomon_n wisdom_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o repeat_v so_o often_o or_o inculcate_v more_o frequent_o than_o this_o of_o the_o text_n for_o it_o be_v repeat_v thrice_o in_o this_o one_o chapter_n beside_o what_o it_o be_v in_o other_o place_n of_o this_o book_n of_o proverb_n in_o all_o which_o place_n the_o wise_a man_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o wonderful_a providence_n of_o god_n do_v rule_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o action_n of_o men._n the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o way_n which_o be_v here_o use_v in_o the_o text_n be_v know_v in_o scripture_n to_o denote_v all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o according_a to_o this_o latitude_n the_o metaphor_n here_o use_v be_v understand_v various_o by_o divine_n st._n cyprian_n refer_v it_o to_o the_o good_a action_n of_o man_n and_o according_o interpret_v the_o text_n thus_o cor_fw-la viri_fw-la cogitet_fw-la justa_fw-la ut_fw-la à_fw-la deo_fw-la dirigantur_fw-la gressus_fw-la ejus_fw-la let_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n say_v he_o think_v righteous_a thing_n that_o so_o his_o go_n may_v be_v direct_v by_o the_o lord_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a truth_n namely_o that_o good_a action_n be_v govern_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n yet_o other_o rather_o understand_v the_o text_n of_o man_n wicked_a action_n for_o the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v devise_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v in_o a_o bad_a sense_n and_o what_o we_o render_v man_n be_v adam_n in_o the_o original_a which_o according_a to_o luther_n know_a observation_n be_v seldom_o take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n so_o that_o the_o word_n take_v in_o this_o limit_a and_o restrain_v sense_n will_v run_v thus_o a_o man_n heart_n i.e._n the_o heart_n of_o adam_n or_o of_o a_o wicked_a man_n deviseeh_o and_o contrive_v his_o wicked_a way_n but_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o wonderful_a providence_n govern_v and_o direct_v all_o his_o step_n the_o heathen_a may_v rage_v as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v and_o the_o people_n devise_v vain_a thing_n yet_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o heaven_n shall_v laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v the_o lord_n shall_v have_v they_o in_o derision_n god_n as_o he_o be_v omniscient_a can_v easy_o know_v all_o the_o wicked_a device_n of_o sinful_a man_n and_o as_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a he_o can_v as_o easy_o over-rule_v they_o and_o direct_v they_o so_o as_o may_v be_v most_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n god_n he_o be_v no_o idle_a spectator_n in_o this_o vast_a theatre_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v continual_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n indeed_o he_o have_v make_v man_n a_o free_a agent_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n speak_v he_o leave_v he_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o allow_v he_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o will_n but_o then_o as_o the_o wise_a rector_n and_o almighty_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n he_o oversees_a and_o overrule_v all_o the_o action_n and_o device_n of_o wicked_a man_n so_o that_o such_o as_o will_v not_o do_v he_o true_a and_o laudable_a service_n by_o obey_v the_o know_a will_n of_o his_o precept_n be_v force_v to_o obey_v the_o secret_a will_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o be_v make_v subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o everlasting_a counsel_n thus_o though_o the_o heart_n a_o of_o wicked_a man_n devise_v his_o wicked_a way_n yet_o the_o lord_n govern_v and_o direct_v all_o his_o step_n for_o the_o full_a open_n of_o which_o word_n i_o design_v to_o confine_v my_o present_a discourse_n to_o the_o discover_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o how_o the_o overrule_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v employ_v about_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n whilst_o it_o be_v but_o in_o fieri_fw-la or_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v but_o yet_o devise_v it_o and_o second_o how_o it_o govern_v and_o direct_v sin_n in_o facto_fw-la esse_fw-la when_o sin_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o act_n and_o first_o of_o the_o first_o how_o god_n overrule_a providence_n be_v employ_v about_o sin_n whilst_o it_o be_v yet_o but_o in_o fieri_fw-la whilst_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v yet_o but_o contrive_v and_o devise_v it_o and_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o some_o measure_n from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n one_a god_n providence_n order_n and_o direct_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n to_o such_o object_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n of_o hugo_n de_fw-fr sancto_n victo_n i.e._n deus_fw-la non_fw-la that_fw-mi malis_fw-la voluntatibus_fw-la corruptionem_fw-la sed_fw-la tantum_fw-la ordinem_fw-la god_n say_v he_o never_o infuse_v any_o corruption_n or_o wickedness_n into_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o only_o give_v order_n and_o direction_n to_o their_o wicked_a action_n all_o the_o preparation_n and_o contrivance_n of_o sin_n be_v from_o the_o deprave_a heart_n of_o man_n the_o order_n of_o they_o to_o particular_a and_o suitable_a object_n from_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n as_o the_o huntsman_n in_o bellarmine_n comparison_n hold_v the_o hound_n in_o a_o slip_n and_o suffer_v he_o only_o to_o run_v at_o such_o game_n as_o he_o best_o like_v so_o god_n keep_v a_o constant_a watch_n upon_o the_o wicked_a he_o put_v his_o hook_n in_o their_o nose_n and_o his_o bridle_n in_o their_o lip_n and_o suffer_v not_o their_o rage_n to_o break_v forth_o but_o only_o on_o such_o person_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a we_o know_v god_n providence_n extend_v itself_o to_o the_o very_a swine_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v satan_n to_o enter_v into_o they_o without_o his_o particular_a warrant_n and_o sure_a than_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o this_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o eminent_o concern_v about_o man_n who_o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v after_o his_o own_o image_n and_o likeness_n god_n do_v therefore_o set_v a_o guard_n upon_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n nor_o can_v it_o break_v forth_o but_o as_o he_o permit_v it_o sometime_o on_o his_o enemy_n for_o their_o destruction_n and_o sometime_o on_o his_o own_o people_n for_o their_o chastisement_n a_o proof_n of_o the_o latter_a we_o have_v isa._n 10._o 5_o 6_o 7._o at_o the_o 5_o verse_n sennacherib_n king_n of_o assyria_n be_v call_v the_o rod_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o staff_n of_o his_o indignation_n which_o metaphorical_a expression_n import_v thus_o much_o that_o man_n be_v but_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o must_v expect_v the_o direction_n of_o a_o superior_a cause_n now_o this_o assyrian_a this_o sennacharib_n be_v say_v to_o be_v send_v and_o direct_v against_o israel_n a_o hypocritical_a nation_n and_o now_o become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n wrath._n and_o at_o the_o seven_o verse_n we_o find_v that_o this_o staff_n of_o god_n indignation_n be_v more_o in_o the_o hand_n than_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o this_o proud_a assyrian_n howbeit_o say_v god_n he_o mean_v not_o so_o neither_o do_v his_o heart_n think_v so_o but_o it_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o destroy_v and_o to_o cut_v off_o nation_n not_o a_o few_o there_o be_v no_o need_n god_n shall_v instil_v any_o wickedness_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o sennach_n arib_n who_o be_v here_o in_o the_o prophet_n call_v the_o assyrian_a it_o seem_v it_o be_v full_a enough_o and_o too_o full_o before_o berosus_n a_o ancient_a historian_n have_v leave_v his_o character_n of_o he_o sennacherib_n qui_fw-la apud_fw-la assyrios_fw-la regnabat_fw-la omnem_fw-la asiam_n &_o aegyptum_fw-la bello_fw-la infestabat_fw-la sennacherib_n say_v he_o who_o be_v king_n of_o the_o assyrian_n vex_v and_o inse_v all_o asia_n and_o egypt_n with_o bloody_a war_n you_o see_v the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o this_o assyrian_a be_v full_a enough_o of_o device_n how_o to_o satisfy_v his_o ambition_n and_o raise_v his_o empire_n on_o the_o ruin_n of_o