want_v to_o maintain_v it_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n god_n come_v and_o sweep_v away_o mankind_n with_o a_o flood_n and_o save_v noah_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a generation_n when_o their_o prosperity_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n he_o call_v abraham_n forth_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o he_o and_o in_o his_o family_n and_o these_o and_o the_o like_a providence_n be_v pledge_n of_o the_o same_o care_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n when_o the_o faithful_a seem_v to_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o men._n while_o god_n seem_v to_o let_v the_o world_n alone_o and_o to_o suffer_v all_o man_n to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o own_o way_n as_o if_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v at_o all_o concern_v at_o what_o they_o do_v he_o be_v all_o the_o while_n try_v and_o prove_v what_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o for_o his_o own_o information_n for_o he_o know_v all_o 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the_o world_n to_o go_v on_o as_o if_o he_o mind_v it_o not_o he_o be_v try_v those_o that_o pretend_v to_o faith_n and_o upon_o the_o trial_n many_o be_v discover_v not_o to_o have_v it_o in_o short_a divine_a providence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v regardless_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n that_o it_o then_o most_o of_o all_o show_v itself_o when_o man_n be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o it_o regard_v nothing_o i._n e._n when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o will_v be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o convince_a act_n of_o providence_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o one_o forerunner_n of_o it_o will_v be_v that_o question_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o now_o the_o use_n of_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o declare_a intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o begin_n 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that_o a_o man_n entitle_v himself_o to_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v the_o particular_a blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o at_o any_o time_n if_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v evil_a as_o well_o as_o good_a for_o we_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o matter_n after_o all_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o than_o if_o we_o obtain_v they_o we_o get_v his_o blessing_n with_o they_o too_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o get_v his_o blessing_n without_o they_o which_o be_v the_o general_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o always_o with_o these_o disposition_n we_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a case_n to_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o spiritual_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v assure_o come_v accompany_v with_o temporal_a one_o too_o if_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o his_o church_n to_o be_v prosperous_a than_o to_o be_v afflict_v in_o this_o world_n and_o than_o it_o be_v better_a so_o to_o be_v when_o man_n be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o god_n correction_n and_o their_o own_o repentance_n man_n ought_v therefore_o always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v for_o their_o prayer_n thus_o qualify_v will_v not_o fail_v of_o obtain_v what_o they_o ask_v which_o our_o saviour_n think_v good_a to_o illustrate_v by_o a_o example_n in_o the_o parable_n deliver_v before_o the_o text_n viz._n of_o a_o unjust_a judge_n that_o neither_o fear_a god_n nor_o regard_v man_n who_o nevertheless_o upon_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o widow_n do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o her_o case_n much_o more_o shall_v god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o just_a god_n and_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o right_v those_o that_o do_v at_o any_o time_n suffer_v wrong_a 2._o he_o be_v also_o the_o merciful_a god_n that_o regard_v man_n and_o when_o we_o desire_v thing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v needful_a he_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o be_v more_o needful_a than_o what_o we_o ask_v 3._o whereas_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o parable_n seem_v to_o contemn_v the_o poverty_n and_o meanness_n of_o that_o person_n that_o sue_v to_o he_o for_o justice_n for_o which_o reason_n she_o be_v represent_v here_o to_o be_v a_o widow_n one_o of_o a_o destitute_a condition_n that_o want_v a_o patron_n to_o assert_v she_o right_o god_n who_o be_v just_a and_o good_a to_o all_o be_v particular_o gracious_a to_o his_o servant_n and_o esteem_v they_o high_o and_o no_o circumstance_n of_o meanness_n and_o distress_n which_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o can_v alter_v his_o favour_n towards_o they_o for_o all_o which_o reason_n if_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o parable_n grant_v the_o widow_n suit_n mere_o because_o she_o lie_v upon_o he_o and_o be_v troublesome_a to_o he_o much_o more_o will_v god_n to_o who_o we_o be_v never_o troublesome_a when_o we_o make_v our_o request_n know_v to_o he_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v because_o he_o be_v righteous_a and_o gracious_a and_o love_v and_o pity_v we_o as_o a_o father_n do_v his_o child_n the_o fourteen_o sermon_n a_o assize-sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n mary_n in_o bury_n 1678._o levit._fw-la xix_o twelve_o you_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n false_o the_o religious_a use_n of_o a_o oath_n depend_v chief_o upon_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o discharge_v the_o matter_n must_v be_v worthy_a of_o that_o obligation_n which_o a_o oath_n imply_v in_o promise_v it_o must_v not_o be_v unlawful_a that_o we_o may_v swear_v in_o righteousness_n
some_o awaken_n reproof_n from_o man_n or_o some_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o be_v already_o provide_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o effectual_a to_o his_o conversion_n but_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o hope_v this_o of_o a_o man_n who_o very_a principle_n be_v corrupt_v and_o have_v no_o fear_n within_o himself_o for_o a_o charitable_a man_n to_o take_v hold_n upon_o and_o therefore_o that_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o person_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n moreover_o as_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n to_o reform_v that_o man_n evil_a practice_n who_o persuasion_n make_v he_o secure_a and_o easy_a all_o the_o while_n so_o there_o be_v no_o little_a difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o try_v to_o undeceive_v he_o for_o man_n will_v hold_v comfortable_a error_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v find_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mischief_n of_o this_o offence_n though_o such_o error_n be_v not_o lay_v down_o without_o a_o great_a trouble_n yet_o they_o be_v take_v up_o with_o much_o readiness_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o spread_v far_o and_o wide_o and_o to_o this_o i_o believe_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n agree_v viz._n that_o although_o there_o be_v mistake_n that_o lead_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o overmuch_o restraint_n yet_o for_o one_o that_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o such_o mistake_v a_o hundred_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v comfortable_a lie_n which_o either_o whole_o take_v off_o the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o such_o part_n as_o to_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a 3._o perverse_a dispute_n and_o a_o obstinate_a maintenance_n of_o error_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o sophistry_n have_v this_o lamentable_a evil_n common_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o render_v many_o person_n utter_o careless_a to_o examine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v perhaps_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n or_o by_o education_n must_v force_v their_o temper_n to_o patience_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o themselves_o which_o be_v a_o employment_n that_o man_n soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o and_o common_o they_o break_v off_o pretend_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o search_v any_o far_o but_o that_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o and_o against_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o give_v over_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o indeed_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o real_o disputable_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n this_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v blame_v but_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a consequence_n and_o question_n that_o touch_v the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o 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the_o same_o cause_n have_v too_o often_o a_o yet_o worse_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v to_o run_v some_o person_n into_o infidelity_n and_o a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o no_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o controversy_n about_o it_o and_o some_o have_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v then_o time_n enough_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o when_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v upon_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o monstrous_a error_n that_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n under_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n and_o the_o fraud_n wherewith_o they_o have_v be_v maintain_v have_v let_v in_o atheism_n like_o a_o deluge_n upon_o the_o world_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v so_o full_a of_o zeal_n for_o their_o own_o way_n that_o they_o have_v no_o tenderness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v rather_o content_a that_o all_o shall_v sink_v together_o than_o that_o their_o own_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o stand_v we_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o hand_n that_o no_o assurance_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n and_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o other_o ground_n have_v as_o good_a have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o one_o article_n that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o same_o exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o story_n of_o latter_a miracle_n and_o final_o that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o any_o of_o their_o tradition_n be_v reject_v the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v reject_v too_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n now_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a offence_n and_o have_v do_v infinite_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n who_o be_v violent_o engage_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n of_o religion_n care_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n what_o they_o venture_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o whilst_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o false_a or_o at_o least_o disputable_a point_n that_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o show_v that_o no_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v they_o give_v occasion_n to_o man_n that_o will_v fain_o be_v atheist_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o what_o they_o will_v be_v for_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o something_o be_v false_a which_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o as_o a_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o they_o know_v they_o have_v then_o leave_v give_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v true_a 5._o there_o be_v another_o great_a mischief_n of_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o a_o mischief_n that_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v that_o of_o run_v into_o a_o contrary_a extreme_a the_o church_n find_v this_o by_o sad_a experience_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o age_n when_o man_n of_o no_o small_a note_n dispute_v against_o one_o heresy_n fall_v into_o another_o of_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o the_o no_o small_a trouble_n of_o christendom_n truth_n sometime_o as_o well_o as_o virtue_n lie_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o they_o that_o transgress_v on_o any_o one_o side_n do_v not_o only_o this_o mischief_n to_o give_v what_o authority_n they_o can_v to_o the_o wrong_a side_n they_o be_v of_o but_o they_o do_v this_o mischief_n too_o of_o giving_z occasion_n to_o other_o to_o offend_v on_o the_o other_o extreme_a thus_o the_o abuse_n of_o church_n authority_n on_o the_o one_o side_n have_v breed_v in_o some_o man_n contempt_n of_o all_o such_o authority_n on_o the_o other_o the_o scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v by_o propagate_a opinion_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n have_v produce_v in_o many_o a_o fond_a persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o restraint_n whatsoever_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n superior_n have_v require_v unlawful_a thing_n in_o divine_a service_n and_o to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o that_o abuse_n it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o
be_v obey_v in_o matter_n of_o prudence_n and_o expedience_n religion_n have_v be_v make_v to_o run_v out_o into_o show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o this_o have_v beget_v prejudices_fw-la against_o all_o appearance_n of_o beauty_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o excess_n of_o man_n in_o depart_v from_o one_o extreme_a be_v scandalous_a to_o those_o who_o they_o leave_v and_o do_v confirm_v they_o in_o their_o error_n thus_o because_o there_o be_v some_o who_o abuse_v the_o liberty_n this_o church_n give_v to_o all_o of_o use_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o who_o reject_v the_o assistance_n of_o their_o guide_n they_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o people_n shall_v know_v as_o little_a of_o the_o bible_n as_o be_v possible_a argue_v from_o the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o former_a how_o dangerous_a a_o instrument_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n and_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o a_o 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the_o next_o age_n may_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o i_o and_o that_o my_o gild_n may_v be_v grow_a age_n after_o i_o be_o dead_a apply_v this_o to_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o world_n and_o consider_v not_o only_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mischief_n they_o do_v but_o the_o spread_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v great_a reason_n in_o those_o sad_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n but_o 2._o whence_o come_v it_o that_o offence_n be_v take_v and_o so_o all_o this_o mischief_n do_v by_o they_o in_o general_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o for_o whatever_o cause_n some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v offence_n for_o the_o same_o other_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o call_v over_o in_o this_o place_n the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o to_o the_o vanity_n of_o mankind_n whether_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n or_o worship_n but_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v add_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o for_o want_v of_o either_o good_a natural_a ability_n or_o good_a education_n have_v little_a ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o part_n take_v their_o impression_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o man_n example_n or_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o fall_v into_o ill_a hand_n they_o fare_v according_o to_o which_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o particular_a regard_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n so_o that_o because_o there_o will_v be_v some_o person_n sincere_o dispose_v who_o in_o many_o thing_n can_v not_o 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unclean_a or_o unlawful_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o be_v use_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n touch_n make_v it_o so_o nor_o can_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n defile_v a_o man_n conscience_n but_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v defile_v by_o that_o which_o come_v from_o his_o heart_n by_o evil_a thought_n by_o evil_a word_n and_o by_o action_n contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n such_o as_o murder_n and_o adultery_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o defile_v a_o man_n but_o to_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n defile_v not_o a_o man_n i._n e._n do_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n affect_v his_o soul_n or_o his_o conscience_n for_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o be_v neither_o better_o for_o wash_v nor_o worse_o for_o let_v it_o alone_o and_o to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v a_o superstition_n hurtful_a to_o yourselves_o and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o impudent_a and_o notorious_a a_o abuse_n as_o the_o make_v void_a 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no_o mean_n content_v they_o and_o they_o insist_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v try_v otherwise_o for_o say_v they_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o church_n be_v once_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o teach_v the_o gospel_n sincere_o but_o if_o as_o you_o say_v she_o depart_v from_o the_o pure_a faith_n and_o worship_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o this_o must_v have_v be_v very_o notorious_a because_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v without_o opposition_n and_o resistance_n from_o some_o that_o must_v needs_o observe_v it_o tell_v we_o therefore_o when_o be_v these_o new_a and_o false_a doctrine_n introduce_v who_o be_v the_o man_n that_o bring_v they_o in_o who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v the_o discovery_n what_o council_n condemn_v they_o after_o they_o be_v discover_v for_o if_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v show_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o any_o such_o alteration_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o you_o say_v which_o 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disease_n have_v take_v his_o head_n when_o the_o servant_n come_v and_o tell_v their_o lord_n that_o the_o tare_n come_v up_o with_o the_o wheat_n it_o be_v excusable_a in_o they_o to_o say_v we_o sow_v good_a seed_n whence_o have_v it_o these_o tare_n but_o when_o their_o master_n tell_v they_o a_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o if_o they_o have_v dispute_v and_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o tare_n at_o all_o because_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v punctual_o that_o very_a night_n when_o they_o be_v sow_o and_o who_o the_o person_n be_v that_o take_v the_o malicious_a pain_n to_o sow_v they_o then_o they_o have_v be_v very_o inexcusable_a thus_o to_o renounce_v their_o own_o certain_a knowledge_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o vain_a speculation_n now_o we_o be_v very_o sure_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v at_o first_o sow_v nothing_o in_o the_o church_n but_o good_a and_o true_a doctrine_n our_o father_n that_o live_v about_o fourteen_o hundred_o year_n after_o 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of_o christian_n be_v each_o of_o they_o eager_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o way_n man_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o examine_v their_o own_o persuasion_n more_o narrow_o and_o to_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o more_o careful_o so_o that_o if_o they_o apprehend_v a_o mistake_n in_o themselves_o they_o quit_v it_o without_o any_o more_o to_o do_v and_o come_v to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o the_o truth_n upon_o better_a ground_n than_o they_o have_v before_o and_o be_v better_a able_a to_o lead_v other_o into_o it_o 2._o by_o this_o mean_n also_o the_o constancy_n of_o sincere_a person_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v manifest_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o opposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o that_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o this_o not_o only_o because_o a_o man_n steadfastness_n can_v be_v prove_v but_o by_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n but_o likewise_o because_o there_o be_v but_o few_o good_a man_n in_o comparison_n who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o diligent_a examination_n of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n if_o contrary_a doctrine_n be_v not_o advance_v they_o will_v rely_v most_o upon_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o instead_o of_o believe_a truth_n upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o argument_n but_o if_o as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o instance_n the_o spread_a of_o heresy_n put_v they_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n after_o the_o reason_n of_o truth_n their_o steadfastness_n in_o it_o afterward_o be_v manifest_v to_o be_v the_o true_a virtue_n of_o constancy_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n not_o to_o change_v our_o opinion_n let_v what_o will_v be_v produce_v against_o it_o but_o in_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a after_o the_o most_o diligent_a examination_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o thus_o heresy_n make_v good_a man_n more_o constant_a in_o the_o truth_n by_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n of_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o it_o by_o better_a argument_n and_o clear_a evidence_n and_o they_o manifest_v their_o constancy_n to_o the_o world_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o adversary_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o want_v to_o shake_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o true_a believer_n by_o all_o way_n of_o temptation_n imaginable_a 3._o their_o charity_n to_o other_o be_v manifest_v also_o by_o mean_n of_o heresy_n and_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o here_o be_v occasion_n give_v to_o show_v their_o care_n of_o one_o another_o in_o satisfy_v the_o doubtful_a in_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a in_o give_v caution_n to_o the_o confident_a and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o weak_a all_o which_o be_v noble_a instance_n of_o christian_a charity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o since_o their_o care_n to_o recover_v other_o from_o the_o way_n of_o error_n to_o reduce_v those_o that_o be_v go_v aside_o together_o with_o their_o endure_a contradiction_n their_o instruct_n in_o much_o patience_n their_o meekness_n towards_o those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o be_v likewise_o manifest_v upon_o all_o such_o occasion_n 4._o their_o sincerity_n do_v likewise_o appear_v in_o another_o respect_n viz._n of_o defend_v truth_n with_o truth_n only_o and_o a_o good_a cause_n by_o innocence_n and_o honest_a mean_n without_o make_v use_n of_o fraud_n of_o lie_n of_o false_a accusation_n of_o false_a principle_n of_o unconcluding_a argument_n of_o any_o disingenuous_a art_n without_o make_v advantage_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n of_o other_o which_o one_o thing_n make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o those_o that_o be_v honest_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o all_o which_o instance_n do_v express_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o reason_n for_o which_o god_n have_v still_o suffer_v heresy_n to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i._n e._n that_o their_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o their_o diligence_n in_o inquire_v after_o it_o that_o their_o constancy_n in_o profess_v it_o that_o their_o charity_n to_o those_o that_o be_v and_o to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o mislead_v and_o their_o sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n in_o assert_v truth_n and_o appear_v for_o it_o by_o none_o but_o lawful_a method_n and_o just_a argument_n may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n which_o as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o praise_n of_o good_a man_n so_o there_o be_v other_o benefit_n arise_v from_o it_o for_o instance_n 1._o that_o the_o belief_n of_o true_a doctrine_n come_v hereby_o to_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a and_o firm_a ground_n than_o in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v be_v discover_v if_o opposition_n have_v not_o oblige_v honest_a man_n to_o dig_v the_o deep_a for_o they_o and_o this_o we_o have_v note_v already_o 2._o that_o by_o the_o way_n many_o profitable_a truth_n come_v to_o be_v discover_v which_o have_v otherwise_o lie_v hide_v the_o scripture_n come_v to_o be_v better_o understand_v and_o the_o more_o obscure_a passage_n of_o it_o to_o be_v reasonable_o well_o interpret_v all_o which_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n opposition_n whet_v the_o industry_n and_o set_v a_o edge_n upon_o the_o wit_n of_o all_o man_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o whilst_o bad_a man_n be_v concern_v to_o find_v out_o all_o the_o way_n of_o support_a error_n the_o good_a and_o honest_a be_v no_o less_o employ_v to_o arm_v themselves_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o can_v fail_v of_o arrive_v at_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a compass_n of_o understanding_n in_o divine_a matter_n than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v constrain_v to_o undermine_v the_o approach_n of_o error_n last_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o all_o man_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n to_o maintain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o all_o heresy_n whatsoever_o show_v they_o also_o the_o necessity_n of_o recommend_v true_a opinion_n to_o the_o world_n by_o more_o orthodox_n live_v by_o walk_v more_o wary_o and_o circumspect_o by_o set_v better_a example_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n by_o show_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o true_a doctrine_n to_o make_v man_n live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o when_o god_n suffer_v heresy_n to_o prevail_v most_o in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n to_o all_o that_o be_v friend_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n to_o justify_v his_o cause_n by_o the_o strong_a argument_n and_o the_o best_a life_n and_o now_o he_o be_v something_o to_o blame_v that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v 1._o that_o heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o church_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n since_o they_o have_v their_o good_a use_n and_o consequence_n for_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o permit_v they_o and_o this_o especial_o to_o try_v the_o honesty_n of_o man_n and_o to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v to_o the_o world_n which_o will_v in_o the_o end_n make_v extreme_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o common_o the_o more_o heresy_n there_o be_v the_o more_o certain_o be_v this_o trial_n make_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dissemble_v that_o yet_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n have_v its_o manifold_a mischief_n and_o misery_n attend_v upon_o it_o it_o breed_v scandal_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o diversion_n of_o atheist_n and_o unbeliever_n it_o nourish_v discord_n and_o animosity_n it_o remove_v the_o contentious_a far_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o make_v the_o study_n of_o good_a manner_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n forget_v it_o lessen_v the_o reverence_n of_o authority_n it_o produce_v fraud_n and_o force_n unfaithfulness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o have_v make_v man_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o christian_n fox_n and_o wolf_n to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o heresy_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o consequence_n very_o great_a evil_n but_o then_o they_o be_v such_o evil_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n permit_v for_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n such_o as_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o have_v their_o good_a consequence_n as_o well_o as_o their_o bad_a one_o and_o the_o good_a that_o be_v wrought_v out_o of_o they_o be_v weighty_a enough_o to_o overbalance_v the_o evil_a for_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o be_v discernible_a in_o
they_o be_v but_o this_o that_o they_o do_v effectual_o draw_v forth_o that_o wickedness_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v lie_v more_o undiscovered_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o then_o also_o they_o manifest_v more_o clear_o that_o integrity_n that_o piety_n that_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n and_o virtue_n and_o charity_n of_o good_a man_n which_o otherwise_o have_v not_o so_o much_o appear_v bad_a man_n do_v by_o mean_n of_o heresy_n grow_v worse_o and_o the_o good_a grow_v better_o by_o they_o according_a to_o that_o say_n in_o daniel_n chap._n 12.10_o the_o wicked_a shall_v do_v wicked_o and_o shall_v not_o understand_v but_o the_o wise_a shall_v understand_v they_o be_v harden_v and_o these_o be_v purify_v and_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o sincerity_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o vice_n on_o the_o other_o be_v so_o clear_o see_v that_o the_o good_a example_n will_v at_o last_o prevail_v against_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o the_o indirect_a way_n of_o support_a error_n will_v show_v the_o simplicity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o child_n of_o truth_n to_o more_o advantage_n than_o it_o can_v possible_o have_v have_v without_o the_o comparison_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o easy_a for_o people_n of_o honest_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o discern_v which_o be_v the_o true_a flock_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o what_o communion_n they_o be_v to_o betake_v themselves_o when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n plant_v the_o church_n thing_n be_v not_o so_o order_v as_o to_o make_v proselyte_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n however_o they_o be_v qualify_v but_o rather_o to_o gather_v together_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o that_o be_v all_o that_o be_v of_o pious_a and_o honest_a disposition_n and_o though_o the_o mighty_a evidence_n wherewith_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v draw_v in_o some_o that_o be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a yet_o either_o persecution_n or_o schism_n soon_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o they_o again_o and_o heresy_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v permit_v ever_o since_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o make_v it_o appear_v more_o evident_o who_o be_v the_o faithful_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v those_o evil_n to_o happen_v which_o he_o make_v to_o work_v for_o the_o same_o good_a end_n which_o be_v design_v by_o that_o manner_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o reveal_v 2._o neither_o be_v schism_n and_o heresy_n any_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v always_o a_o disparagement_n to_o be_v oppose_v and_o forsake_v which_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o for_o otherwise_o christianity_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v a_o false_a religion_n and_o the_o church_n which_o they_o found_v a_o false_a church_n for_o thence_o come_v the_o gnostic_n and_o valentinian_o and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o heresy_n more_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o elder_n at_o miletum_n act_v 20.30_o that_o from_o themselves_o will_v arise_v man_n teach_v perverse_a thing_n that_o will_v draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o for_o want_v of_o better_a argument_n that_o the_o reformation_n be_v to_o be_v object_v against_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o party_n into_o which_o it_o be_v divide_v and_o this_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o party_n that_o have_v break_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o for_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v either_o no_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o hold_v fast_o all_o that_o be_v once_o of_o it_o or_o else_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o that_o true_a church_n since_o many_o go_v off_o from_o it_o and_o which_o perhaps_o they_o that_o make_v this_o objection_n will_v be_v more_o concern_v to_o consider_v they_o from_o who_o so_o many_o nation_n have_v break_v off_o can_v escape_v their_o own_o censure_n as_o for_o the_o unity_n of_o those_o that_o keep_v together_o in_o one_o profession_n and_o communion_n this_o be_v no_o certain_a mark_n of_o truth_n for_o as_o man_n may_v be_v unite_v in_o truth_n so_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v in_o error_n and_o all_o party_n have_v this_o mark_v common_a to_o they_o that_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v not_o differ_v they_o agree_v together_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o truth_n those_o party_n equal_o have_v it_o that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o but_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o silly_a objection_n in_o the_o world_n against_o a_o common_a cause_n that_o be_v maintain_v by_o people_n that_o can_v agree_v in_o many_o thing_n that_o therefore_o that_o cause_n be_v naughty_a and_o erroneous_a this_o i_o say_v be_v intolerable_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a since_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o reason_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o uncertain_a passion_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o men._n for_o by_o this_o mean_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o ill-disposed_a person_n that_o for_o whatever_o reason_n may_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a heresy_n to_o make_v all_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o profess_v before_o to_o be_v truth_n no_o long_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o we_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n in_o the_o general_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o jew_n christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v agree_v what_o be_v true_a christianity_n that_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o party_n that_o have_v no_o religious_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o christianity_n be_v a_o false_a religion_n nay_o it_o be_v still_o a_o strong_a argument_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o atheist_n against_o all_o religion_n whatsoever_o since_o christianity_n mahometanism_n judaisme_n and_o paganism_n be_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o one_o another_o but_o there_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n than_o that_o which_o the_o text_n afford_v by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o heresy_n and_o party_n be_v unavoidable_a and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v they_o even_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v so_o offend_v at_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o either_o to_o throw_v off_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n till_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v about_o it_o or_o to_o take_v up_o with_o that_o which_o pretend_v to_o most_o unity_n without_o any_o far_a examination_n be_v hereby_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v insincere_a and_o vicious_a person_n for_o as_o heresy_n be_v permit_v by_o providence_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v so_o they_o be_v permit_v that_o they_o which_o be_v reprobate_a and_o can_v bear_v a_o trial_n may_v be_v also_o make_v manifest_a and_o it_o be_v no_o loss_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o she_o be_v not_o find_v by_o those_o that_o love_v she_o not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o that_o be_v of_o god_n will_v hear_v his_o word_n and_o wisdom_n will_v be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v in_o that_o number_n we_o be_v to_o make_v it_o our_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n to_o avoid_v the_o great_a heresy_n of_o all_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o vicious_a affection_n then_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o build_v up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n for_o as_o evil_a deed_n make_v man_n hate_v the_o light_n so_o if_o our_o deed_n be_v good_a and_o our_o conscience_n pure_a we_o shall_v love_v the_o light_n and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o sell_v it_o we_o shall_v buy_v it_o with_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o impartial_a enquiry_n and_o consideration_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o sell_v it_o for_o either_o comfortable_a or_o gainful_a error_n to_o conclude_v god_n have_v in_o that_o manner_n reveal_v the_o truth_n which_o concern_v our_o salvation_n that_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v deceive_v who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v but_o that_o they_o who_o seek_v it_o sincere_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o the_o nine_o sermon_n 2_o pet._n i._o 19_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a
worse_o but_o still_o crush_v all_o imposture_n and_o discountenance_v all_o villainy_n and_o hypocrisy_n at_o its_o first_o set_v out_o in_o the_o world_n where_o will_v be_v the_o patience_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o take_v his_o word_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o their_o comfort_n and_o live_v in_o the_o expectation_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o when_o iniquity_n grow_v and_o thrive_v and_o can_v plead_v prescription_n and_o authority_n when_o it_o have_v stand_v long_o enough_o to_o have_v some_o colour_n for_o antiquity_n and_o have_v obtain_v interest_n enough_o to_o pretend_v to_o a_o kind_n of_o universality_n than_o it_o will_v be_v see_v who_o they_o be_v that_o love_n god_n and_o truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v that_o will_v take_v pain_n not_o to_o be_v deceive_v that_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v that_o prefer_v truth_n before_o glorious_a name_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o applause_n and_o flattery_n and_o eternal_a life_n before_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n god_n bear_v long_o with_o all_o the_o provocation_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o permit_v heresy_n which_o be_v that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n as_o these_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n bear_v with_o infinite_a patience_n those_o provocation_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o which_o he_o can_v be_v avenge_v of_o in_o a_o moment_n and_o which_o he_o utter_o abominate_v which_o be_v the_o first_o observation_n upon_o the_o text._n 2._o the_o second_o be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o just_a in_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o incurable_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n when_o their_o iniquity_n be_v full_a and_o ripe_a for_o vengeance_n for_o as_o there_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n see_v for_o four_o hundred_o year_n together_o while_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o amorites_n be_v grow_v from_o bad_a to_o worse_o so_o at_o the_o end_n of_o that_o period_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v see_v when_o their_o iniquity_n be_v full_a to_o grow_v worse_o for_o the_o forbearance_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o criminal_a presumption_n in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o man_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n as_o quite_o to_o forget_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o he_o either_o approve_v or_o at_o least_o connive_n at_o their_o impiety_n then_o the_o same_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o hitherto_o have_v keep_v off_o their_o punishment_n will_v bring_v they_o on_o swift_o and_o sudden_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n if_o the_o degeneracy_n and_o the_o impudence_n of_o sinner_n shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o flourish_v long_o there_o will_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o honest_a man_n so_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o last_v always_o the_o temptation_n will_v at_o length_n grow_v too_o hard_o for_o they_o god_n exercise_v his_o own_o patience_n that_o good_a man_n may_v exercise_v they_o at_o length_n he_o show_v his_o justice_n to_o reward_v their_o patience_n the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v a_o forbearance_n guide_v by_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o severity_n that_o be_v also_o guide_v by_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o have_v any_o mixture_n of_o that_o selfishness_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o sometime_o be_v and_o sometime_o be_v not_o severe_a with_o those_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o this_o be_v the_o true_a justice_n of_o punishment_n to_o respect_v the_o evil_a that_o be_v commit_v and_o to_o punish_v for_o that_o reason_n and_o this_o appear_v in_o no_o instance_n more_o than_o when_o god_n punish_v after_o long_o spare_v for_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o selfish_n or_o a_o passionate_a be_v he_o have_v never_o suffer_v man_n to_o go_v on_o so_o long_o together_o in_o the_o most_o provoke_a way_n of_o wickedness_n because_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o punish_v they_o long_o before_o as_o he_o punish_v they_o at_o last_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o punish_v they_o at_o last_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o common_a good_a require_v it_o and_o as_o there_o be_v several_a good_a end_n to_o which_o god_n patience_n tend_v in_o bear_v with_o general_a impiety_n so_o long_o as_o he_o often_o do_v so_o there_o be_v as_o many_o to_o which_o his_o justice_n tend_v in_o take_v vengeance_n of_o they_o at_o last_o for_o 1._o this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o his_o providence_n be_v not_o asleep_o before_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o clear_a instruction_n that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o presume_v upon_o god_n favour_n mere_o because_o they_o prosper_v in_o their_o way_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v measure_v his_o love_n or_o his_o anger_n by_o what_o they_o do_v and_o not_o by_o what_o happen_v to_o they_o since_o they_o who_o do_v the_o same_o wicked_a thing_n may_v go_v unpunished_a from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o and_o in_o this_o world_n but_o one_o generation_n may_v suffer_v for_o they_o 3._o that_o we_o shall_v not_o forget_v to_o call_v our_o past_a sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n for_o they_o since_o if_o god_n punish_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n in_o this_o life_n the_o like_a cause_n have_v we_o to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o our_o ripe_a year_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o our_o life_n 4._o that_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o the_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v of_o god_n to_o ourselves_o to_o prevent_v his_o anger_n from_o flame_v out_o against_o we_o because_o otherwise_o we_o treasure_v up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n be_v these_o be_v the_o use_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o both_o those_o consideration_n that_o i_o lay_v before_o you_o from_o the_o text_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o inculcate_v again_o and_o 1._o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v either_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o god_n providence_n or_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o perplexity_n and_o doubt_n whether_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n of_o error_n the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o the_o way_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o wickedness_n be_v so_o different_a from_o one_o another_o as_o be_v pretend_v in_o religion_n we_o have_v i_o say_v no_o reason_n to_o perplex_v ourselves_o about_o these_o thing_n because_o for_o many_o generation_n god_n have_v suffer_v deceit_n and_o violence_n to_o prevail_v to_o spread_v and_o to_o flourish_v in_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v not_o as_o a_o man_n his_o way_n be_v above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n when_o we_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o look_v back_o upon_o so_o many_o past_a age_n wherein_o religion_n have_v be_v make_v a_o formal_a pretence_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o dominion_n upon_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n support_v by_o fraud_n and_o force_n it_o be_v foolish_o do_v of_o we_o to_o disquiet_v ourselves_o with_o doubt_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o not_o since_o it_o please_v god_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n to_o suffer_v the_o contrary_a to_o prevail_v mighty_o in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o some_o age_n to_o baffle_v all_o opposition_n for_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o impatient_a of_o high_a indignity_n and_o great_a provocation_n ready_a to_o kindle_v upon_o any_o notable_a affront_n or_o however_o unable_a to_o bear_v repeat_v and_o long-continued_a injury_n no_o doubt_n if_o our_o opinion_n have_v be_v ask_v the_o luxury_n of_o the_o old_a world_n shall_v have_v be_v mortify_v by_o some_o amaze_a judgement_n and_o the_o flood_n shall_v have_v be_v spare_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o new_a race_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v prevent_v or_o at_o least_o by_o some_o irresistible_a evidence_n of_o god_n displeasure_n banish_v long_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o mahomet_n shall_v either_o have_v never_o appear_v or_o he_o shall_v have_v glare_v only_o like_o a_o comet_n and_o so_o go_v out_o instead_o of_o sound_v so_o vast_a and_o so_o long_a a_o empire_n as_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v do_v but_o let_v we_o leave_v god_n to_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o be_v content_a that_o he_o shall_v rule_v we_o we_o be_v too_o angry_a and_o too_o passionate_a to_o say_v
little_a faith_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o world_n will_v be_v in_o a_o careless_a posture_n as_o it_o be_v before_o that_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o take_v they_o all_o away_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o the_o earth_n when_o god_n enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o the_o world_n for_o the_o violence_n and_o iniquity_n of_o man_n and_o assert_n the_o cause_n of_o innocence_n and_o righteousness_n against_o they_o for_o in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n and_o apostasy_n be_v very_o great_a and_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o many_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o in_o such_o a_o wicked_a age_n as_o call_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o open_a enemy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a number_n will_v be_v void_a of_o all_o regard_n whatsoever_o to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o his_o providence_n or_o if_o they_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o scoffer_n mention_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o will_v say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n many_o of_o his_o profess_a servant_n will_v be_v weary_a of_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v way_n to_o temptation_n and_o depend_v more_o upon_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n than_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v very_o much_o weaken_v and_o abate_v so_o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o i_o persuade_v myself_o to_o have_v give_v you_o a_o true_a illustration_n of_o these_o remarkable_a word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o two_o signification_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v both_o intend_a in_o this_o text_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o know_v which_o be_v principal_o intend_v the_o day_n of_o the_o general_a judgement_n or_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o general_a judgement_n be_v in_o itself_o the_o principal_a meaning_n of_o christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v but_o yet_o the_o parable_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_o intend_v to_o stir_v up_o that_o generation_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v and_o to_o give_v a_o firm_a faith_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a trouble_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n therefore_o neither_o can_v the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v avenge_v of_o these_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o deliver_v his_o servant_n be_v exclude_v but_o be_v as_o direct_o intend_v as_o the_o other_o and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o observe_v the_o two_o main_a point_n which_o the_o text_n suppose_v beside_o those_o which_o it_o affirm_v and_o the_o consider_v of_o they_o will_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n 1._o it_o be_v suppose_v manifest_o that_o after_o the_o first_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o call_v the_o world_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o our_o sin_n there_o will_v yet_o be_v degenerate_a age_n sometime_o and_o a_o most_o corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n before_o his_o second_o personal_a come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o suppose_a that_o his_o providence_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v all_o thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n 1._o that_o his_o first_o come_n will_v not_o infallible_o prevent_v the_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o future_a age_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o teach_v many_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n iniquity_n will_v abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o will_v wax_v cold_a and_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o advantage_n yet_o his_o own_o servant_n will_v sometime_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o state_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o they_o to_o cry_v unto_o god_n day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o may_v cause_v some_o wonder_n if_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o general_o corrupt_v before_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o may_v not_o appear_v strange_a at_o all_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o mankind_n that_o after_o the_o creation_n the_o earth_n shall_v so_o abound_v with_o luxury_n and_o violence_n that_o god_n sweep_v all_o mankind_n away_o with_o the_o flood_n but_o eight_o person_n that_o after_o noah_n family_n have_v people_v the_o earth_n again_o man_n shall_v fall_v into_o idolatry_n so_o universal_o that_o god_n call_v abraham_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o he_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n in_o his_o family_n and_o posterity_n that_o pharaoh_n shall_v oppress_v the_o israelite_n after_o his_o country_n have_v be_v save_v by_o they_o that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v fall_v to_o worship_v other_o god_n after_o that_o the_o true_a god_n have_v wrought_v so_o many_o miraculous_a deliverance_n for_o they_o that_o when_o not_o without_o much_o ado_n they_o be_v cure_v of_o idolatry_n they_o shall_v fall_v into_o scandalous_a way_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o immorality_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n perhaps_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o because_o god_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o use_v the_o last_o mean_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v time_n as_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a of_o those_o after_o christ_n himself_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n with_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v and_o with_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o oppression_n violence_n fraud_n hypocrisy_n error_n superstition_n idolatry_n and_o scandalous_a example_n shall_v for_o some_o age_n reign_v no_o less_o than_o before_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o shake_v even_o the_o faith_n of_o good_a man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deceive_v the_o very_o best_a of_o all_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o amaze_a consideration_n and_o though_o the_o noble_a example_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o assure_a expectation_n of_o a_o large_a progress_n that_o christianity_n will_v make_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o better_a effect_n that_o it_o will_v produce_v may_v answer_v the_o 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