of_o the_o true_a ancient_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n or_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o heathen_a persecution_n which_o be_v so_o hot_a against_o they_o at_o that_o time_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v by_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o in_o all_o those_o respect_n upon_o which_o the_o jew_n value_v themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n as_o namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o lawgiver_n their_o high-priest_n and_o their_o sacrifice_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v every_o way_n the_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o have_v make_v this_o clear_a he_o conclude_v with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o great_a highpriest_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o into_o which_o they_o have_v solemn_o be_v initiate_v and_o admit_v by_o baptism_n vers_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o have_v a_o highpriest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v we_o sincere_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n into_o the_o profession_n whereof_o we_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v undoubted_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n the_o water_n with_o which_o our_o body_n be_v wash_v in_o baptism_n signify_v our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v this_o refer_v to_o that_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n call_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o firm_o retain_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 4._o 14._o see_v then_o we_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n which_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v fast_o hold_v of_o our_o profession_n so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n exhort_v christian_n to_o retain_v or_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o everlasting_a life_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o creed_n whereof_o in_o baptism_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inflexible_a unmoveable_a steady_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o continue_v faithful_a and_o steady_a to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v i._o the_o exhortation_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o ii_o the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n use_v to_o enâ—â—â—ce_v it_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v so_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o the_o exhortation_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v remove_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o what_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o imply_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o man_n shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o they_o think_v which_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o exhortation_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o a_o thorough_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o all_o person_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v find_v great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o nor_o indeed_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o all_o person_n because_o all_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n incapable_a of_o do_v it_o 1._o child_n 2._o such_o grow_a person_n as_o be_v of_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o low_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n child_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o examine_v but_o only_o to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n instill_v into_o they_o but_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o discern_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o have_v of_o late_o be_v allow_v to_o they_o in_o a_o nation_n not_o far_o from_o we_o and_o by_o public_a edict_n declare_v that_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n old_a be_v fit_a to_o choose_v and_o to_o change_v their_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o law_n i_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o allow_v child_n of_o that_o age_n to_o do_v any_o act_n for_o themselves_o that_o be_v of_o consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o they_o for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o which_o they_o shall_v stand_v oblige_v to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a they_o be_v indeed_o baptise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o their_o infancy_n but_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o this_o obligation_n themselves_o but_o their_o surety_n undertake_v for_o they_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o shall_v take_v this_o promise_n upon_o themselves_o and_o confirm_v and_o make_v it_o good_a but_o sure_o they_o can_v do_v no_o act_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n at_o that_o age_n which_o can_v be_v obligatory_a they_o can_v neither_o make_v any_o contract_n that_o shall_v be_v valid_a nor_o incur_v any_o debt_n nor_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o any_o promise_n nor_o choose_v themselves_o a_o guardian_n nor_o do_v any_o act_n that_o may_v bring_v
priledge_n be_v omit_v by_o plain_a fact_n and_o evidence_n of_o thing_n themselves_o their_o supremacy_n in_o that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n neither_o be_v at_o this_o day_n nor_o can_v be_v show_v by_o the_o record_n of_o any_o age_n ever_o to_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o to_o have_v acknowledge_v his_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n whether_o with_o or_o without_o a_o general_n council_n about_o which_o they_o still_o differ_v though_o infallibility_n be_v devise_v on_o purpose_n to_o determine_v all_o difference_n i_o say_v this_o infallibility_n wherever_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v be_v plain_o confute_v by_o the_o contradictory_n definition_n of_o several_a pope_n and_o council_n for_o if_o they_o have_v contradict_v one_o another_o as_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n in_o several_a instance_n then_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o error_n on_o one_o side_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o so_o certain_a demonstration_n that_o any_o one_o be_v infallible_a as_o evident_a error_n and_o mistake_n be_v of_o the_o contrary_n next_o their_o conceal_v both_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n from_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o their_o administer_a the_o communion_n to_o the_o people_n in_o one_o kind_n only_o contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n and_o the_o plain_a institution_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o then_o their_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o the_o same_o solemn_a manner_n and_o for_o the_o same_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o beg_v of_o god_n himself_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n which_o command_v we_o to_o worship_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o which_o declare_v that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n christ_n jesus_n but_o one_o mediator_n not_o only_o of_o redemption_n but_o of_o intercession_n too_o for_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v of_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n by_o who_o only_o we_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n which_o be_v to_o be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n only_o and_o which_o express_o forbid_v man_n to_o worship_v any_o image_n or_o likeness_n and_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o their_o own_o church_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n for_o these_o practice_n in_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o several_a age_n and_o this_o acknowledgement_n we_o think_v very_o considerable_a since_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o people_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o point_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o withhold_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v so_o much_o as_o one_o testimony_n of_o any_o father_n for_o the_o first_o 600_o year_n and_o nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o than_o to_o deny_v people_n the_o best_a mean_n of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o what_o prayer_n be_v put_v up_o to_o he_o in_o the_o church_n the_o two_o great_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o purgatory_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o of_o their_o own_o learned_a writer_n to_o have_v no_o certain_a foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v seven_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o it_o be_v now_o make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v show_v in_o any_o council_n or_o father_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o christ._n and_o we_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o this_o number_n of_o the_o sacrament_n till_o the_o age_n of_o peter_n lombard_n the_o father_n of_o the_o schoolman_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n though_o that_o also_o be_v one_o of_o the_o new_a article_n of_o pope_n pius_n the_o iv._o his_o creed_n which_o their_o priest_n be_v by_o a_o solemn_a oath_n oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o teach_v yet_o be_v it_o most_o evident_o false_a that_o she_o be_v not_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o church_n be_v plain_a because_o jerusalem_n be_v certain_o so_o for_o there_o certain_o be_v the_o first_o christian_a church_n and_o from_o thence_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n derive_v themselves_o that_o she_o be_v not_o though_o she_o fain_o will_v be_v the_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n be_v as_o evident_a because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v at_o this_o day_n and_o always_o do_v deny_v that_o she_o have_v any_o authority_n or_o supremacy_n over_o they_o now_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o if_o these_o point_n and_o a_o few_o more_o be_v pare_v off_o from_o popery_n that_o which_o remain_v of_o their_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o that_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_n christianity_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o our_o religion_n have_v many_o clear_a advantage_n of_o they_o not_o only_o very_o considerable_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o obvious_a and_o discernible_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n upon_o the_o very_a first_o proposal_n of_o they_o as_o 1._o that_o our_o religion_n agree_v perfect_o with_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o point_n both_o of_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n esteem_v by_o we_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v there_o contain_v even_o our_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judge_n we_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o he_o only_o do_v we_o serve_v we_o do_v not_o fall_v down_o before_o image_n and_o worship_n they_o we_o address_v all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n alone_o by_o the_o only_a mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v we_o commandment_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n do_v plain_o direct_v give_v we_o this_o plain_a and_o substantial_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v perform_v by_o we_o in_o a_o language_n which_o we_o understand_v according_a to_o st._n paul_n express_a order_n and_o direction_n and_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o we_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o both_o kind_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n example_n and_o plain_a institution_n and_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n 2._o we_o believe_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v own_v in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v acknowlege_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o and_o we_o receive_v the_o whole_a faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n viz._n what_o ever_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o that_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v mere_a innovation_n and_o plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_a christian_n faith_n but_o all_o that_o we_o believe_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o to_o be_v undoubted_o the_o ancient_a christian_n faith_n 3._o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o our_o church_n and_o religion_n whether_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n which_o either_o the_o scripture_n make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o be_v so_o esteem_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o first_o five_o hundred_o year_n and_o we_o trust_v that_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n for_o five_o hundred_o year_n together_o may_v be_v so_o still_o and_o we_o be_v very_o well_o content_a to_o venture_v our_o salvation_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o they_o do_v 4._o our_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o free_a from_o all_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o even_o from_o all_o suspicion_n and_o probable_a charge_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o her_o most_o learned_a champion_n and_o as_o no_o man_n of_o ingenuity_n can_v deny_v and_o
of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n of_o their_o seven_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o then_o several_a of_o their_o practice_n as_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n of_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_a and_o several_a other_o thing_n so_o plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o almost_o the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v easy_o be_v make_v sensible_a and_o convince_v of_o it_o these_o be_v sore_a place_n which_o they_o desire_v not_o to_o have_v touch_v and_o therefore_o they_o use_v all_o possible_a artifice_n to_o keep_v man_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o partly_o because_o the_o particular_a discussion_n of_o they_o be_v tedious_a and_o it_o require_v more_o than_o ordinary_a skill_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v tenable_a for_o they_o and_o so_o to_o paint_v and_o varnish_v they_o over_o as_o to_o hide_v the_o corruption_n and_o deformity_n of_o they_o but_o chief_o because_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o as_o in_o all_o these_o point_n they_o be_v upon_o the_o defensive_a so_o they_o be_v also_o upon_o very_o great_a disadvantage_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v trouble_v with_o they_o they_o have_v devise_v this_o short_a and_o easy_a and_o more_o convenient_a way_n of_o make_v proselyte_n not_o that_o they_o be_v always_o able_a to_o keep_v themselves_o thus_o within_o their_o trench_n but_o be_v sometime_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o draw_v out_o to_o encounter_n some_o of_o these_o objection_n but_o they_o ride_v themselves_o of_o they_o as_o soon_o and_o as_o dexterous_o as_o they_o can_v by_o tell_v those_o that_o make_v they_o that_o they_o will_v hereafter_o give_v they_o full_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o these_o matter_n when_o they_o be_v get_v over_o the_o first_o and_o main_a enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n for_o if_o they_o can_v keep_v they_o to_o this_o point_n and_o gain_v they_o to_o it_o they_o can_v deal_v with_o they_o more_o easy_o in_o the_o rest_n for_o when_o they_o can_v once_o swallow_v this_o principle_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o as_o they_o have_v tell_v they_o all_o along_o infallible_a this_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n once_o entertain_v will_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a error_n and_o mistake_v and_o it_o will_v very_o much_o help_v to_o cure_v the_o weakness_n and_o defect_n of_o some_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o at_o least_o to_o silence_n and_o over-rule_v all_o objection_n against_o they_o so_o that_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o method_n be_v visible_o and_o at_o first_o sight_n very_o great_a and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n they_o be_v so_o steady_a and_o constant_a to_o it_o and_o do_v so_o obstinate_o insist_v upon_o it_o but_o how_o convenient_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o they_o it_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a very_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o account_n 1._o because_o the_o true_a church_n do_v not_o constitute_v and_o make_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n the_o profession_n whereof_o make_v the_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n the_o first_o enquiry_n must_v be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o by_o he_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o their_o write_n transmit_v and_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v find_v every_o society_n of_o christian_n which_o hold_v this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o true_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o all_o the_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n that_o agree_v in_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n 2._o the_o enquiry_n about_o the_o true_a church_n can_v have_v no_o issue_n even_o according_a to_o their_o own_o way_n of_o proceed_v without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n the_o communion_n whereof_o they_o will_v persuade_v a_o man_n to_o embrace_v we_o will_v admit_v at_o present_a this_o to_o be_v the_o first_o enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n let_v we_o now_o see_v in_o what_o way_n they_o manage_v this_o to_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o their_o church_n they_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ._n the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n we_o will_v particular_o examine_v afterward_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o next_o step_n of_o their_o method_n in_o deal_v with_o their_o convert_v at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n in_o the_o general_n what_o way_n they_o take_v to_o prove_v this_o assertion_n namely_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o they_o call_v their_o motive_n of_o credibility_n because_o by_o these_o they_o design_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n which_o they_o give_v of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o only_o observe_v that_o one_o of_o their_o principal_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v this_o that_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n i._n e._n to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o this_o bellarmine_n make_v one_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o they_o must_v unavoidable_o make_v it_o so_o because_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o indeed_o constitute_v the_o true_a church_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n then_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o know_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n till_o he_o have_v examine_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o the_o agreement_n of_o they_o with_o the_o primitive_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o this_o necessary_o draw_v on_o and_o engage_v they_o in_o a_o dispute_n of_o the_o particular_a point_n and_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n they_o will_v avoid_v by_o this_o method_n and_o which_o i_o have_v now_o plain_o show_v they_o can_v do_v because_o they_o can_v possible_o prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n without_o show_v the_o conformity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o this_o will_v give_v they_o work_v enough_o and_o will_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o their_o hold_n and_o fastness_n which_o be_v to_o amuse_v people_n with_o a_o general_a enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n without_o descend_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n but_o this_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n come_v to_o before_o they_o can_v prove_v by_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o their_o method_n of_o satisfaction_n as_o it_o be_v unnatural_a and_o unreasonable_a so_o it_o can_v serve_v the_o purpose_n they_o aim_v at_o by_o it_o which_o be_v to_o divert_v man_n from_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o particular_a point_n in_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o we_o and_o to_o gain_v they_o over_o to_o they_o by_o a_o wile_n and_o trick_n because_o the_o very_a method_n they_o take_v to_o prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n will_v enforce_v they_o to_o justify_v all_o their_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n before_o they_o can_v finish_v this_o proof_n and_o here_o we_o fix_v our_o foot_n that_o the_o single_a question_n and_o point_n upon_o which_o they_o will_v put_v the_o whole_a issue_n of_o the_o matter_n can_v possible_o be_v bring_v to_o any_o reasonable_a issue_n without_o a_o particular_a discussion_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o point_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o their_o church_n and_o we_o and_o when_o they_o can_v make_v out_o these_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o primitive_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n
church_n and_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a privilege_n indeed_o if_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o have_v it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o certain_a a_o remedy_n against_o heresy_n and_o give_v a_o final_a decision_n to_o all_o controversy_n but_o there_o be_v not_o one_o tittle_n of_o all_o this_o of_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o tenable_a proof_n for_o 1._o all_o the_o pretence_n for_o their_o infallibility_n rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a proposition_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o they_o say_v be_v infallible_a and_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o that_o proposition_n be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o any_o good_a proof_n but_o be_v as_o evident_o false_a as_o that_o a_o part_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v the_o whole_a 2._o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o it_o be_v neither_o evident_a in_o itself_o nor_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o they_o that_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o every_o age_n be_v infallible_a in_o decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o they_o prove_v their_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n and_o this_o be_v necessary_a at_o first_o for_o the_o security_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o this_o doctrine_n be_v once_o deliver_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v infallible_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o have_v now_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o with_o the_o assistance_n and_o instruction_n of_o those_o guide_n and_o pastor_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o guide_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o age_n which_o follow_v the_o apostle_n because_o miracle_n be_v long_o since_o cease_v so_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n because_o god_n have_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o that_o by_o that_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a and_o able_a to_o make_v both_o pastor_n and_o people_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n 3._o as_o for_o a_o certain_a remedy_n against_o heresy_n it_o be_v certain_a god_n never_o intend_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v provide_v a_o certain_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o vice_n which_o sure_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o as_o fit_a to_o be_v provide_v against_o as_o heresy_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a in_o experience_n that_o god_n have_v provide_v no_o certain_a and_o effectual_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o vice_n for_o which_o i_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o god_n do_v that_o which_o he_o think_v best_a and_o fit_a and_o not_o what_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v to_o be_v so_o beside_o that_o infallibility_n be_v not_o a_o certain_a remedy_n against_o heresy_n the_o apostle_n be_v certain_o infallible_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v neither_o prevent_v nor_o extinguish_v heresy_n which_o never_o more_o abound_v than_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o saint_n paul_n express_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 19_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o st._n peter_n the_o 2_o epist._n 2._o 1._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o christian_n who_o shall_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o that_o many_o shall_v follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n but_o now_o if_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n either_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v infallible_a or_o infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o certain_a remedy_n against_o they_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o step_v they_o make_v viz._n 6_o that_o christ_n have_v always_o a_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n and_o that_o they_o can_v show_v a_o church_n which_o from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v always_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v now_o believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o that_o we_o can_v show_v no_o visible_a church_n that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v always_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o we_o now_o revile_v and_o find_v fault_n with_o in_o their_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v always_o have_v and_o ever_o shall_v have_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n a_o visible_a church_n profess_v and_o practise_v his_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n be_v agree_v on_o both_o side_n but_o we_o say_v that_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o error_n and_o corruption_n in_o faith_n and_o practice_n this_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o even_o in_o their_o time_n and_o during_o their_o abode_n among_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v true_a part_n of_o the_o christian_n catholic_n church_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n error_n and_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n do_v by_o degree_n creep_v in_o and_o grow_v up_o in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o of_o the_o father_n complain_v of_o their_o time_n since_o that_o several_a famous_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n both_o in_o asia_n and_o africa_n have_v not_o only_o be_v great_o corrupt_v but_o have_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n so_o that_o in_o many_o place_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o footstep_n of_o christianity_n among_o they_o but_o yet_o still_o christ_n have_v have_v in_o all_o these_o age_n a_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n though_o perhaps_o no_o part_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n free_a from_o some_o error_n and_o corruption_n and_o in_o several_a part_n of_o it_o great_a corruption_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o in_o none_o i_o think_v more_o and_o long_o than_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o all_o she_o boast_v herself_o like_o old_a babylon_n isa._n 47._o 7_o 8._o that_o she_o be_v a_o lady_n for_o ever_o and_o say_v in_o her_o heart_n i_o be_o and_o none_o else_o beside_o i_o and_o like_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n revel_v 3._o 17._o which_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n say_v that_o she_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o know_v it_o not_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n boast_v that_o she_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o none_o beside_o she_o free_a from_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o corruption_n in_o practice_n and_o that_o from_o the_o age_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n she_o have_v always_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o she_o do_v at_o this_o day_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o shameless_a than_o this_o do_v they_o always_o believe_v transubstantiation_n let_v their_o pope_n gelasius_n speak_v for_o they_o who_o express_o deny_v that_o in_o the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v any_o substantial_a change_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ._n be_v this_o always_o a_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n let_v scotus_n and_o several_a other_o of_o their_o schoolman_n and_o learned_a writer_n speak_v for_o they_o be_v purgatory_n always_o believe_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o define_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n let_v several_a of_o their_o learned_a man_n speak_v in_o what_o father_n in_o what_o council_n before_o that_o of_o trent_n do_v they_o find_v christ_n to_o have_v institute_v just_o seven_o sacrament_n neither_o more_o nor_o less_o and_o for_o practice_n in_o their_o religion_n they_o themselves_o will_v not_o say_v that_o in_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n the_o scripture_n be_v withhold_v from_o the_o people_n and_o lock_v up_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o that_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n the_o prayer_n and_o lesson_n be_v read_v and_o the_o sacrament_n celebrate_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v give_v to_o the_o people_n only_o in_o one_o kind_a where_o do_v they_o find_v in_o holy_a
rather_o because_o they_o be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o presume_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n aught_o to_o be_v condemn_v at_o all_o adventure_n without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n this_o i_o say_v be_v fond_a partiality_n because_o every_o religion_n and_o every_o church_n may_v for_o aught_o that_o appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v thing_n impartial_o say_v the_o same_o for_o themselves_o and_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n and_o if_o so_o then_o either_o every_o religion_n ought_v to_o permit_v itself_o to_o be_v examine_v or_o else_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o consequent_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_n and_o heretic_n ought_v all_o to_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v and_o none_o of_o they_o to_o change_v because_o they_o can_v reasonable_o change_v without_o examine_v both_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o leave_v and_o that_o which_o they_o embrace_v instead_o of_o it_o 2._o admit_v this_o pretence_n be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o have_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o they_o shall_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o why_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o they_o shall_v permit_v it_o to_o be_v try_v that_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a reason_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v because_o if_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v firm_a and_o good_a i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o but_o i_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ill_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v solid_a and_o firm_a and_o such_o as_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n that_o they_o be_v so_o very_o loath_a to_o have_v they_o search_v into_o and_o examine_v this_o can_v but_o tempt_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o suspect_v that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o know_v something_o that_o be_v amiss_o in_o their_o religion_n which_o make_v they_o so_o loath_a to_o have_v it_o try_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o touch._n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a among_o all_o christian_n that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o never_o forbid_v the_o christian_n to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o frequent_o exhort_v they_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o whether_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ._n so_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n and_o again_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o prove_v and_o try_v it_o and_o so_o likewise_o st._n john_n ep._n 1._o 4._o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o he_o give_v a_o very_a notable_a mark_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n carry_v on_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o tend_v to_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n vers_fw-la 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n therefore_o speak_v they_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n hear_v they_o act_n 17._o 11._o st._n luke_n commend_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o the_o beroean_n that_o they_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o without_o disparagement_n to_o their_o infallibility_n these_o say_v he_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o word_n but_o not_o blind_o and_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o use_v due_a care_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o have_v before_o receive_v it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o admit_v and_o swallow_v contradiction_n in_o their_o faith_n and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o that_o they_o will_v encourage_v the_o people_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o and_o to_o examine_v whether_o their_o doctrine_n be_v according_a to_o they_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v the_o pope_n and_o a_o general_n council_n commend_v to_o the_o people_n the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o try_v their_o definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o worship_n by_o that_o rule_n to_o see_v whether_o what_o they_o have_v define_v and_o decree_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o their_o worship_n of_o image_n their_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n depart_v the_o sacrament_n under_o one_o kind_n only_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n in_o the_o mass._n have_v the_o beroean_n be_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o plead_v their_o right_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v very_o troublesome_a and_o impertinent_a and_o will_v not_o have_v be_v praise_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n for_o their_o pain_n as_o they_o be_v by_o st._n luke_n you_o see_v then_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a groundless_a and_o suspicious_a pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o because_o they_o be_v infallible_o in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o their_o people_n must_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o examine_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v undoubted_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o not_o only_o permit_v the_o people_n to_o examine_v it_o but_o exhort_v and_o encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o commend_v they_o for_o it_o and_o any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n must_v abhor_v to_o submit_v to_o this_o slavery_n not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v free_o into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o will_v break_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o single_a point_n and_o will_v tell_v they_o plain_o if_o your_o religion_n be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v examine_v i_o doubt_v it_o be_v too_o bad_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o allow_v of_o this_o liberty_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v people_n perpetual_o doubt_v and_o unsettled_a i_o do_v utter_o deny_v this_o and_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a with_o good_a reason_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v the_o contrary_a effect_n there_o be_v in_o reason_n no_o better_a way_n to_o establish_v any_o man_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o there_o be_v very_o good_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o believe_v which_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o see_v that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o reason_n or_o not_o so_o that_o beside_o the_o reasonablness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v of_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o account_n 1._o to_o arm_v we_o against_o seducer_n he_o that_o have_v examine_v his_o religion_n and_o try_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v most_o able_a to_o maintain_v they_o and_o make_v they_o good_a against_o all_o assault_n that_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o we_o to_o move_v we_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n whereas_o he_o that_o have_v not_o examine_v and_o consequent_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o to_o
be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o i._o a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v if_o we_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o faithful_a to_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o faithful_a to_o we_o in_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o whether_o of_o aid_n and_o support_v or_o of_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o he_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o handle_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o apoostle_n exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v without_o waver_v signify_v inflexible_a and_o unmovable_a not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o full_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o propound_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o 2._o to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v and_o intend_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o the_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v this_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o last_o day_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n which_o some_o i_o show_v be_v not_o as_o child_n who_o while_o they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n and_o likewise_o such_o grow_a person_n as_o either_o by_o the_o natural_a weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o by_o some_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o education_n be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n these_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o 2._o this_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v do_v not_o imply_v that_o when_o man_n upon_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v aga_v they_o both_o these_o principle_n i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v by_o show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n namely_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a search_n and_o examination_n we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v embrace_v or_o as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o one_a epistle_n 5._o 12._o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v that_o then_o we_o shall_v adhere_v steadfast_o to_o it_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o we_o nor_o ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v from_o it_o by_o any_o pretence_n or_o insinuation_n or_o temptation_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o confidence_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o a_o ignorant_a man_n who_o have_v never_o consider_v thing_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o the_o assurance_n and_o settlement_n of_o one_o who_o have_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n and_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v and_o examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o first_o be_v mere_a wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o man_n have_v entertain_v and_o drink_v in_o such_o principle_n of_o religion_n by_o education_n or_o have_v take_v they_o up_o by_o chance_n but_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o they_o and_o yet_o however_o he_o come_v by_o they_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o the_o other_o be_v the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n of_o a_o wise_a man._n he_o have_v embrace_v his_o religion_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o he_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o steadfast_o to_o the_o end_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v many_o exhortation_n and_o caution_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a establish_v in_o the_o truth_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n that_o we_o shall_v stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v â—n_o nothing_o terrifle_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o that_o if_o occasion_n be_v we_o shall_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o 2._o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v it_o fast_o or_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n i._n e._n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n for_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o this_o profession_n or_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n as_o the_o word_n proper_o signify_v be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v let_v we_o draw_v near_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o make_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o which_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 6._o 17._o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o i._n e._n to_o all_o christian_n and_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n hold_v fast_o say_v he_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o st._n judas_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n
and_o by_o consequence_n all_o those_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o those_o article_n and_o be_v imply_v in_o they_o and_o by_o plain_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o they_o it_o be_v not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o partial_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n since_o the_o primitive_a time_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o have_v be_v since_o declare_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o be_v either_o to_o profess_v or_o to_o hold_v fast_o because_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o admit_v the_o pretence_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o those_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v impose_v be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a and_o have_v effectual_o do_v it_o that_o those_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o primitive_a antiquity_n and_o that_o the_o church_n which_o propose_v they_o have_v no_o more_o claim_n to_o infallibility_n than_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v none_o at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n no_o other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o sufficient_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n either_o in_o express_a term_n or_o by_o plain_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n nor_o any_o rite_n of_o worship_n nor_o matter_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v not_o command_v in_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v any_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n in_o re-religion_n the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n here_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o without_o waver_v much_o less_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n of_o which_o kind_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n in_o my_o follow_a discourse_n to_o instance_n in_o several_a particular_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o which_o by_o god_n grace_n we_o have_v ever_o hold_v fast_o be_v that_o which_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o have_v be_v the_o ancient_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o can_v as_o to_o any_o part_n or_o tittle_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o even_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o two_o d_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v namely_o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o what_o be_v imply_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o think_v these_o follow_a particular_n may_v very_o well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o it_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v their_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o another_o religion_n 5._o against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o own_o party_n and_o faction_n i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o with_o as_o much_o clearness_n and_o brevity_n as_o i_o can_v 1._o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n all_o religion_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o institute_v the_o rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n the_o rule_n of_o institute_v religion_n be_v divine_a revelation_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o all_o christian_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v agree_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v religion_n but_o what_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v so_o one_o or_o both_o of_o those_o way_n either_o by_o scripture_n or_o by_o reason_n or_o by_o both_o and_o how_o confident_a soever_o man_n may_v be_v of_o opinion_n destitute_a of_o this_o proof_n any_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n will_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n reject_v they_o for_o want_v of_o this_o proof_n and_o notwithstanding_o any_o pretend_a authority_n or_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n that_o impose_v they_o will_v have_v no_o more_o consideration_n and_o regard_n of_o they_o than_o of_o the_o confident_a dictate_v and_o assertion_n of_o any_o enthusiast_n whatsoever_o because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o any_o man_n confidence_n if_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n which_o he_o bring_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o it_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n that_o confidence_n be_v general_o ill_o ground_v and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o passion_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o be_v common_o make_v use_n of_o like_o fury_n and_o force_n to_o supply_v for_o the_o weakness_n and_o want_n of_o argument_n if_o a_o man_n can_v prove_v what_o he_o say_v by_o good_a argument_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o confidence_n to_o back_n and_o support_v it_o we_o may_v at_o any_o time_n trust_v a_o plain_a and_o substantial_a reason_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o make_v its_o own_o way_n and_o to_o bear_v out_o its_o self_n but_o if_o the_o man_n reason_n and_o argument_n be_v not_o good_a his_o confidence_n add_v nothing_o of_o real_a force_n to_o they_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o wise_a man_n and_o tend_v only_o to_o its_o own_o confusion_n argument_n be_v like_o powder_n which_o will_v carry_v and_o do_v execution_n according_a to_o its_o true_a strength_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o noise_n and_o general_o none_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o error_n or_o a_o design_n to_o deceive_v as_o those_o that_o pretend_v most_o confident_o to_o inspiration_n and_o infallibility_n as_o we_o see_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o enthusiast_n who_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n although_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o word_n for_o it_o for_o they_o work_v no_o miracle_n and_o all_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n and_o infallibility_n without_o miracle_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a person_n or_o in_o whole_a church_n be_v enthusiastical_a i._n e._n a_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n without_o any_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o boast_v and_o confidence_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n because_o they_o give_v no_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o commission_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o which_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o wrought_v great_a miracle_n which_o the_o false_a apostle_n have_v not_o do_v though_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o give_v out_o themselves_o to_o be_v apostle_n as_o well_o as_o he_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 11_o 12._o i_o be_o say_v he_o become_v a_o fool_n in_o glory_v you_o have_v compel_v i_o and_o true_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v among_o you_o in_o all_o patience_n in_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n and_o rev._n 2._o 2._o christ_n there_o commend_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n because_o she_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n but_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n and_o as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o say_v he_o be_v a_o apostle_n so_o neither_o every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n that_o they_o be_v for_o these_o also_o when_o they_o be_v try_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o not_o may_v be_v find_v liar_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n caution_n christian_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n that_o be_v every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o and_o therefore_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n
profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v be_v not_o mean_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v blind_o hold_v it_o fast_o against_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v because_o upon_o these_o term_n every_o man_n must_v continue_v in_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v fix_v by_o education_n or_o a_o ill_a choice_n be_v his_o religion_n true_a or_o false_a without_o examine_v and_o look_v into_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n for_o till_o a_o man_n examine_v every_o man_n think_v his_o religion_n right_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o be_v the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n in_o their_o baptism_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n and_o this_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v in_o the_o follow_a instance_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o mention_v without_o enlarge_n upon_o they_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o all_o terror_n and_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n than_o the_o gospel_n have_v propose_v in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n last_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n but_o without_o enter_v into_o these_o particular_n i_o shall_v in_o order_n to_o establishment_n in_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n apply_v myself_o at_o this_o time_n to_o make_v a_o short_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v on_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n lie_v and_o in_o make_v this_o comparison_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o three_o thing_n which_o will_v bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o issue_n and_o be_v i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v every_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n which_o of_o these_o he_o ought_v in_o reason_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o embrace_v and_o they_o be_v these_o i._o that_o we_o govern_v our_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o true_a ancient_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v force_v to_o devise_v a_o new_a rule_n never_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n or_o destitute_a of_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o be_v plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_a christianity_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o iii_o that_o our_o religion_n have_v many_o clear_a advantage_n of_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o very_o considerable_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o obvious_a and_o discernible_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n upon_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o these_o as_o i_o can_v i._o that_o we_o govern_v our_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o true_a ancient_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v force_v to_o devise_v a_o new_a rule_n never_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o by_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n of_o it_o that_o be_v they_o have_v join_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o their_o church_n concern_v several_a point_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o these_o they_o call_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v decree_v they_o to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o they_o do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v they_o with_o the_o same_o pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n and_o all_o this_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a declaration_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o this_o never_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v decree_v not_o much_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o this_o sure_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o presume_v to_o alter_v the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o enlarge_v it_o and_o add_v to_o it_o at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n it_o become_v consequent_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n do_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n take_v this_o into_o consideration_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o put_v it_o in_o the_o front_n of_o their_o decree_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o main_a proof_n of_o the_o follow_a definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o practice_n for_o which_o without_o this_o new_a rule_n there_o have_v be_v no_o colour_n ii_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a rule_n or_o destitute_a of_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_n christianity_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o instance_v in_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o 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know_v they_o have_v belong_v to_o they_o so_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o mighty_a prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o he_o will_v have_v write_v with_o more_o deference_n and_o submission_n to_o this_o seat_n of_o infallibility_n and_o centre_n of_o unity_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v pay_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o this_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n where_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o vicar_n of_o christ_n either_o be_v already_o seat_v or_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n be_v design_v for_o ever_o to_o fix_v his_o throne_n and_o establish_v his_o residence_n but_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n or_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n throughout_o this_o whole_a epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n beside_o that_o both_o these_o pretend_a
than_o in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n always_o hear_v the_o petition_n which_o we_o put_v up_o to_o he_o and_o so_o do_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o who_o we_o put_v they_o up_o to_o the_o father_n because_o he_o also_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o but_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n hear_v our_o prayer_n because_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v neither_o omniscient_a nor_o omnipresent_v and_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a nor_o probable_o certain_a that_o our_o prayer_n be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o any_o other_o way_n there_o be_v no_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o honour_n to_o another_o and_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a but_o that_o prayer_n be_v part_n of_o the_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o we_o can_v hardly_o think_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v please_v with_o our_o make_n so_o frequent_a use_n of_o those_o other_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n and_o from_o grant_v our_o desire_n the_o soon_o upon_o that_o account_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v high_o offend_v when_o he_o himself_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o our_o petition_n and_o have_v appoint_v a_o great_a mediator_n to_o that_o purpose_n to_o see_v more_o address_n make_v to_o and_o by_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o bless_a virgin_n than_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o bless_a son_n and_o to_o see_v the_o worship_n of_o himself_o almost_o jostle_v out_o by_o the_o devotion_n of_o people_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n a_o thing_n which_o he_o never_o command_v and_o which_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o scripture_n never_o come_v into_o his_o mind_n i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o upon_o this_o matter_n to_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a and_o needless_a at_o the_o best_a this_o more_o than_o half_a part_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v and_o how_o safe_o it_o may_v be_v let_v alone_o but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v from_o scripture_n they_o be_v the_o danger_n be_v infinite_o great_a on_o that_o side_n for_o than_o they_o oppose_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n who_o appoint_v the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v receive_v in_o both_o kind_n and_o they_o involve_v themselves_o in_o a_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o idolatry_n and_o our_o common_a christianity_n in_o the_o scandal_n and_o reproach_n of_o it_o and_o this_o without_o any_o necessity_n since_o god_n have_v require_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n and_o after_o all_o the_o bustle_n which_o have_v be_v make_v about_o they_o the_o utmost_a they_o pretend_v which_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v good_a be_v that_o these_o thing_n may_v lawful_o be_v do_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o enjoin_v they_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o so_o pertinacious_o to_o insist_v upon_o thing_n so_o hard_o i_o may_v say_v impossible_a to_o be_v defend_v or_o excuse_v and_o which_o by_o their_o own_o acknowledgement_n be_v of_o no_o great_a weight_n and_o necessity_n in_o which_o we_o be_v certain_o safe_a in_o not_o do_v they_o if_o they_o shall_v prove_v lawful_a but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v so_o they_o be_v in_o a_o most_o dangerous_a condition_n so_o that_o here_o be_v certain_a safety_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o damnation_n on_o the_o other_o which_o be_v as_o great_a odds_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o they_o must_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n because_o they_o be_v infallible_a and_o can_v be_v mistake_v they_o must_v prove_v that_o point_n a_o great_a deal_n better_o than_o they_o have_v yet_o do_v before_o it_o can_v signify_v any_o thing_n either_o to_o our_o satisfaction_n or_o their_o safety_n i_o may_v have_v insist_v more_o large_o upon_o each_o of_o these_o particular_n any_o one_o of_o which_o be_v of_o weight_n to_o incline_v a_o man_n to_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v such_o a_o advantage_n on_o its_o side_n but_o all_o of_o they_o together_o make_v so_o powerful_a a_o argument_n to_o a_o unprejudiced_a person_n as_o must_v almost_o irresistable_o determine_v his_o choice_n for_o most_o of_o the_o particular_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o they_o can_v upon_o the_o very_a mention_n and_o proposal_n of_o they_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v clear_a advantage_n on_o our_o side_n and_o now_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n i_o testify_v unto_o you_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o you_o stand_v that_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o which_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v by_o law_n establish_v in_o this_o nation_n be_v the_o true_a ancient_n christianity_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o which_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o evangelist_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n remember_v therefore_o how_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o encouragement_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o establish_v strengthen_v and_o settle_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o under_o all_o trial_n and_o temptation_n and_o to_o seal_v we_o up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v to_o reward_v our_o constancy_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n with_o a_o crown_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o glory_n wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o let_v we_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o charity_n and_o good_a work_n which_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n and_o glory_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o day_n approach_v in_o which_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o belief_n and_o life_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n not_o according_a to_o the_o imperious_a and_o uncharitable_a dictate_v of_o any_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n which_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n keep_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n a_o sermon_n 2_o cor._n v._o 7._o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n the_o apostle_n declare_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v the_o great_a support_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n which_o befall_v they_o viz._n the_o assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n to_o another_o life_n verse_n 14._o know_v that_o he_o which_o raise_v up_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v raise_v up_o we_o also_o by_o jesus_n for_o which_o cause_n say_v he_o verse_n 16._o we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v our_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o be_v though_o our_o body_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n which_o we_o undergo_v be_v continual_o decay_v and_o decline_v yet_o our_o mind_n grow_v every_o day_n more_o healthful_a and_o vigorous_a and_o gain_v new_a strength_n and_o resolution_n by_o contemplate_v the_o glory_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n and_o as_o it_o be_v feed_v upon_o
they_o by_o faith_n for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o he_o resume_v the_o same_o argument_n again_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n for_o we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o building_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n that_o be_v we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o when_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v but_o exchange_v these_o earthly_a and_o perish_a body_n these_o house_n of_o clay_n for_o a_o heavenly_a mansion_n which_o will_v never_o decay_v nor_o come_v to_o ruin_v from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v verse_n 6._o therefore_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o what_o ever_o happen_v to_o we_o we_o be_v always_o of_o good_a courage_n and_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n know_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v since_o our_o continuance_n in_o the_o body_n be_v to_o our_o disadvantage_n and_o while_o we_o live_v we_o be_v absent_a from_o our_o happiness_n and_o when_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v then_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o that_o which_o give_v we_o this_o confidence_n and_o good_a courage_n be_v our_o faith_n for_o though_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o possess_v of_o this_o happiness_n which_o we_o speak_v of_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o support_v our_o spirit_n and_o keep_v up_o our_o courage_n under_o all_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n whatsoever_o verse_n 7._o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n these_o word_n come_v in_o by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o general_a what_o be_v the_o sway_v and_o govern_v principle_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n but_o under_o all_o event_n and_o in_o every_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o sight_n and_o present_a enjoyment_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n what_o ever_o principle_n sway_v and_o govern_v a_o man_n life_n and_o action_n he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v and_o live_v by_o it_o and_o as_o here_o a_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o walk_v by_o faith_n so_o elsewhere_o the_o just_a be_v say_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n which_o animate_v all_o his_o resolution_n and_o action_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o thing_n itself_o in_o present_a view_n and_o possession_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n future_a and_o invisible_a sight_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o hand_n and_o faith_n the_o thing_n only_o in_o hope_n and_o expectation_n sight_n be_v a_o clear_a view_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n present_a and_o near_o to_o we_o faith_n a_o obscure_a discovery_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 12._o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o this_o be_v faith_n but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n this_o be_v present_a sight_n as_o one_o man_n see_v another_o face_n to_o face_n and_o thus_o likewise_o the_o same_o apostle_n distinguish_v betwixt_o hope_n and_o sight_n rom._n 8._o 24._o 25._o hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v not_o hope_n for_o what_o a_o man_n see_v why_o do_v he_o yet_o hope_v for_o it_o but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o that_o which_o we_o see_v not_o then_o do_v we_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o sight_n be_v possession_n and_o enjoyment_n faith_n be_v the_o firm_a persuasion_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o govern_v principle_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v observe_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o govern_v principle_n and_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a we_o walk_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o order_v and_o govern_v our_o life_n in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o principle_n ii_o faith_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o assent_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o sense_n this_o be_v sufficient-intimated_n in_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o sight_n he_o have_v say_v before_o that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n and_o proof_n of_o our_o absence_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o enjoy_v but_o believe_v and_o expect_v if_o we_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n than_o faith_n will_v cease_v and_o be_v turn_v into_o sight_n but_o though_o we_o have_v not_o that_o assurance_n of_o another_o world_n which_o we_o shall_v have_v when_o we_o come_v to_o see_v and_o enjoy_v these_o thing_n yet_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o they_o iii_o notwithstanding_o faith_n be_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o assurance_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v such_o a_o assurance_n as_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n i._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o govern_v principle_n and_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o order_v and_o govern_v our_o life_n in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o principle_n a_o christian_n life_n consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o in_o a_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v what_o he_o call_v we_o to_o and_o the_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n hereto_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o sense_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v absent_a and_o future_a and_o not_o present_a and_o in_o possession_n for_o instance_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o invisible_a god_n of_o a_o secret_a power_n and_o providence_n that_o order_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v bless_v or_o blast_v we_o and_o all_o our_o design_n and_o undertake_n according_a as_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o secret_a aid_n and_o influence_n always_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o evil_a and_o to_o strengthen_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a more_o especial_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o world_n which_o though_o they_o be_v now_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o invisible_a to_o we_o yet_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v shall_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a and_o this_o faith_n this_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o absent_a and_o invisible_a thing_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o he_o call_v ch._n 11._o verse_n 1._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v viz._n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abel_n he_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o faithful_o serve_v he_o such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o noah_n who_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o not_o see_v as_o yet_o notwithstanding_o believe_v the_o divine_a prediction_n concern_v the_o flood_n and_o prepare_v a_o ark_n such_o also_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n concern_v a_o numerous_a posterity_n by_o isaac_n and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o such_o likewise_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v as_o firm_o believe_v the_o invisible_a god_n and_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n as_o if_o he_o have_v behold_v they_o with_o his_o eye_n and_o of_o this_o recompense_n of_o reward_n we_o christian_n have_v
a_o much_o clear_a revelation_n and_o much_o great_a assurance_n than_o former_a age_n and_o generation_n have_v and_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o this_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o hope_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o of_o obtain_v the_o happiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o incur_v the_o misery_n of_o another_o world_n this_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n with_o so_o much_o patience_n to_o bear_v the_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n with_o so_o much_o constancy_n to_o venture_v upon_o the_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n expose_v they_o to_o under_o the_o former_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n though_o good_a man_n receive_v good_a hope_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n yet_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o obscure_o reveal_v to_o they_o and_o the_o great_a inducement_n of_o obedience_n be_v temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o promise_n of_o long_a life_n and_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o prosperity_n in_o that_o good_a land_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o the_o threaten_n of_o war_n and_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n and_o be_v deliver_v into_o captivity_n but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n and_o the_o great_a argument_n that_o bear_v sway_n with_o christian_n be_v the_o promise_v of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n and_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o be_v now_o the_o great_a principle_n that_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o good_a man_n for_o what_o will_v not_o man_n do_v that_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o as_o they_o do_v demean_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n it_o will_v fare_v with_o they_o in_o the_o other_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o observation_n namely_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o assent_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o sense_n this_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o sight_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o though_o we_o never_o see_v they_o and_o consequent_o can_v possible_o have_v that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n which_o those_o have_v who_o enjoy_v the_o one_o and_o endure_v the_o other_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v thing_n arise_v from_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o they_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o any_o thing_n be_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n and_o this_o be_v so_o firm_a and_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o the_o utmost_a pretence_n of_o a_o rational_a demonstration_n man_n will_v trust_v their_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n against_o any_o subtlety_n of_o reason_n whatsoever_o but_o there_o be_v inferior_a degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v thing_n as_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o person_n every_o way_n credible_a and_o this_o assurance_n we_o have_v in_o this_o state_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n we_o believe_v with_o great_a reason_n that_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o which_o be_v the_o high_a kind_n of_o evidence_n in_o itself_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reasonable_a assurance_n we_o can_v desire_v that_o god_n have_v testify_v these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n which_o thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n to_o deny_v that_o this_o fall_v very_o much_o short_a of_o that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n which_o those_o person_n have_v concern_v these_o thing_n who_o be_v now_o in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o have_v the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o intimate_v here_o in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o opposition_n of_o faith_n and_o sight_n but_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 10._o we_o know_v now_o but_o in_o part_n but_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o that_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v in_o this_o life_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o comparison_n to_o what_o we_o shall_v have_v hereafter_o and_o verse_n 12._o we_o now_o see_v as_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o a_o riddle_n in_o which_o there_o be_v always_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o obscurity_n all_o which_o expression_n be_v certain_o intend_v by_o way_n of_o abatement_n and_o diminution_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n or_o imperfect_a the_o apostle_n mean_v faith_n and_o hope_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o shall_v cease_v when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a meaning_n vision_n and_o sight_n be_v come_v we_o see_v likewise_o in_o experience_n that_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o this_o life_n be_v accompany_v with_o doubt_v concern_v these_o thing_n and_o all_o doubt_v be_v a_o degree_n of_o uncertainty_n but_o those_o bless_a soul_n who_o be_v enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o those_o miserable_a wretch_n who_o lie_v groan_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n can_v possible_o if_o they_o will_v have_v any_o doubt_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o however_o contentious_a man_n may_v dispute_v against_o common_a sense_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o truth_n that_o i_o will_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o reasonable_a while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o state_n to_o expect_v that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n which_o the_o sight_n and_o sensible_a experience_n of_o they_o will_v give_v we_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o our_o present_a state_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o and_o 2._o if_o it_o will_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v have_v it_o 1._o our_o present_a state_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v have_v that_o sensible_a experiment_n and_o trial_n how_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o other_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v remote_a from_o we_o and_o far_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o we_o can_v have_v any_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o they_o till_o we_o ourselves_o enter_v into_o that_o state_n those_o who_o be_v already_o past_a into_o it_o know_v how_o thing_n be_v those_o happy_a soul_n who_o live_v in_o the_o revive_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v possess_v of_o those_o joy_n which_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v understand_v these_o thing_n in_o another_o manner_n and_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a assurance_n concern_v they_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a spirit_n who_o feel_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o horror_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n do_v believe_v upon_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o have_v other_o kind_n of_o conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o state_n and_o the_o insupportable_a misery_n of_o it_o than_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n 2._o if_o our_o present_a state_n will_v admit_v of_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o such_o a_o overpower_v evidence_n will_v quite_o take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o much_o lessen_v that_o of_o obedience_n put_v the_o case_n that_o every_o man_n some_o considerable_a time_n before_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n be_v permit_v to_o visit_v the_o other_o world_n to_o assure_v he_o how_o thing_n be_v there_o to_o view_v the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o to_o survey_v the_o dark_a and_o loathsome_a prison_n of_o the_o damn_a to_o hear_v the_o lamentable_a outcry_n of_o miserable_a and_o despair_v soul_n and_o to_o see_v the_o inconceivable_a anguish_n and_o torment_n they_o be_v in_o after_o this_o what_o virtue_n will_v it_o be_v in_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n he_o that_o have_v be_v there_o and_o see_v they_o can_v not_o disbelieve_v they_o if_o he_o will_v faith_n in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o be_v virtue_n but_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o pronounce_v
virtue_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v both_o to_o the_o welfare_n of_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o weigh_v very_o much_o with_o we_o be_v that_o we_o have_v abundant_o more_o assurance_n of_o the_o recompense_n of_o another_o world_n than_o we_o have_v of_o many_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n which_o yet_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o action_n and_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a men._n man_n general_o hazard_v their_o life_n and_o estate_n upon_o term_n of_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o another_o world_n man_n venture_v to_o take_v physic_n upon_o probable_a ground_n of_o the_o integrity_n and_o skill_n of_o their_o physician_n and_o yet_o the_o want_n of_o either_o of_o these_o may_v hazard_v their_o life_n and_o man_n take_v physic_n upon_o great_a odds_o for_o it_o certain_o cause_v pain_n and_o sickness_n and_o do_v but_o uncertain_o procure_v and_o recover_v health_n the_o patient_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v make_v sick_a but_o not_o certain_a to_o be_v make_v well_o and_o yet_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v worse_o if_o not_o of_o die_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o success_n and_o recovery_n on_o the_o other_o make_v this_o hazard_n and_o trouble_v reasonable_a man_n venture_v their_o whole_a estate_n to_o place_n which_o they_o never_o see_v and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n they_o have_v only_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n and_o agreement_n of_o man_n nay_o perhaps_o have_v only_o speak_v with_o they_o that_o have_v speak_v with_o those_o that_o have_v be_v there_o no_o merchant_n ever_o insist_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o the_o east_n and_o west-indies_n before_o he_o will_v venture_v to_o trade_n thither_o and_o yet_o this_o assurance_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v the_o world_n of_o a_o state_n beyond_o the_o grave_a and_o of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o life_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o so_o slender_a evidence_n so_o small_a a_o degree_n of_o assurance_n will_v serve_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o seek_v after_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n and_o yet_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o put_v they_o effectual_o upon_o look_v after_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o considerable_a no_o other_o reason_n of_o this_o can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o man_n be_v partial_a in_o their_o affection_n towards_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o love_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v for_o this_o world_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o assurance_n will_v engage_v they_o to_o seek_v after_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o the_o reason_n be_v much_o strong_a on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o the_o great_a the_o benefit_n and_o good_a be_v which_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o eager_a to_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o venture_v upon_o less_o probability_n upon_o excessive_a odds_o a_o man_n will_v venture_v upon_o very_o small_a hope_n for_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n a_o man_n will_v be_v content_a to_o run_v a_o great_a hazard_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o pain_n upon_o little_a assurance_n where_o a_o man_n life_n be_v concern_v every_o suspicion_n of_o danger_n will_v make_v a_o man_n careful_a to_o avoid_v it_o and_o will_v nothing_o affright_v man_n from_o hell_n unless_o god_n carry_v they_o thither_o and_o show_v they_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n and_o the_o flame_n of_o that_o fire_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v quench_v i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o abundant_a evidence_n i_o have_v show_v that_o they_o have_v but_o to_o convince_v man_n how_o unreasonable_a and_o cruel_o partial_a they_o be_v about_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n 2._o suppose_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v real_a and_o certain_a they_o be_v of_o infinite_a concernment_n to_o we_o for_o what_o can_v concern_v we_o more_o than_o that_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n in_o which_o we_o must_v be_v fix_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o if_o so_o vast_a a_o concern_v will_v not_o move_v we_o and_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n we_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n what_o consideration_n can_v be_v set_v before_o man_n who_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o great_a a_o interest_n as_o that_o of_o our_o happy_a or_o miserable_a be_v to_o all_o eternity_n can_v we_o be_v so_o solicitous_a and_o careful_a about_o the_o 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of_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o belief_n of_o another_o world_n by_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o all_o those_o argument_n and_o consideration_n which_o may_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o persuasion_n the_o more_o reasonable_a our_o faith_n be_v and_o the_o sure_a ground_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o more_o firm_a it_o will_v abide_v when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n against_o all_o the_o impression_n of_o temptation_n and_o assault_n of_o persecution_n if_o our_o faith_n of_o another_o world_n be_v only_o a_o strong_a imagination_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o soon_o as_o tribulation_n arise_v it_o will_v wither_v because_o it_o have_v no_o root_n in_o itself_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n so_o often_o exhort_v christian_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o when_o persecution_n come_v they_o may_v continue_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a the_o firmness_n of_o our_o belief_n will_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n if_o we_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o our_o persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v be_v abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o apostle_n join_v these_o together_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o what_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n which_o the_o more_o firm_o any_o man_n believe_v the_o more_o active_a and_o industrious_a will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o that_o our_o faith_n may_v have_v a_o constant_a and_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v frequent_o revolve_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o of_o that_o vast_a eternity_n which_o we_o shall_v short_o launch_v into_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o argument_n fetch_v from_o another_o world_n be_v this_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o and_o not_o sensible_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v so_o affect_v with_o they_o present_v and_o sensible_a thing_n weigh_v down_o all_o other_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o to_o balance_v this_o disadvantage_n we_o shall_v often_o have_v these_o thought_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o inculcate_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o infinite_a concernment_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v reason_v thus_o with_o ourselves_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o will_v certain_o be_v why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v to_o i_o as_o if_o they_o be_v actual_o present_a why_o shall_v not_o i_o always_o live_v as_o if_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o my_o view_n and_o i_o see_v
it_o but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o fall_v off_o and_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n when_o some_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v whereby_o in_o effect_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n be_v overthrow_v of_o this_o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o they_o err_v concern_v the_o truth_n say_v that_o tbe_n resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o and_o thereby_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 17_o 18._o that_o be_v they_o turn_v the_o resurrection_n into_o a_o allegory_n and_o do_v thereby_o real_o destroy_v a_o most_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o apostate_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v solemn_o renounce_v his_o baptism_n and_o declare_v christianity_n to_o be_v false_a there_o be_v several_a other_o way_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v bring_v himself_o under_o this_o guilt_n as_o by_o a_o silent_a quit_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o withdraw_a himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o that_o profess_v it_o by_o deny_v a_o essential_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n by_o undermine_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o by_o teach_v doctrine_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o encourage_v man_n in_o impenitence_n and_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n nay_o to_o authorize_v all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o vice_n in_o tell_v man_n that_o whatever_o they_o do_v they_o can_v sin_n for_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v look_v upon_o the_o gnostic_n as_o no_o better_a than_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n and_o though_o they_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v true_o and_o real_o so_o and_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_n religion_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v under_o the_o ii_o head_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o several_a sort_n and_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n the_o high_a of_o all_o be_v the_o renounce_n and_o forsake_v of_o christianity_n or_o of_o some_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o virtual_a apostafie_n from_o it_o but_o there_o be_v several_a tendency_n towards_o this_o which_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n as_o 1._o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o want_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o concernment_n for_o it_o when_o a_o man_n though_o he_o never_o quit_v his_o religion_n yet_o be_v so_o little_o concern_v for_o it_o that_o a_o very_a small_a occasion_n or_o temptation_n will_v make_v he_o do_v it_o he_o be_v content_v to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n and_o he_o find_v no_o great_a inconvenience_n by_o it_o but_o be_v so_o indifferent_a in_o his_o mind_n about_o it_o like_a gallio_n who_o mind_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v turn_v himself_o into_o any_o other_o shape_n when_o his_o interest_n require_v it_o so_o that_o though_o he_o never_o actual_o desert_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v 2_o kind_n of_o apostate_n in_o the_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o to_o such_o person_n that_o title_n which_o solomon_n give_v to_o some_o may_v fit_o enough_o be_v apply_v they_o be_v backslider_n in_o heart_n 2._o another_o tendency_n to_o this_o sin_n and_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o it_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a mark_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n by_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o those_o for_o fear_v of_o danger_n or_o suffer_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o denial_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o persecution_n grow_v hot_a and_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n dangerous_a to_o avoid_v this_o danger_n many_o appear_v not_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v observe_v and_o bring_v into_o trouble_n for_o it_o this_o the_o apostle_n tax_v some_o for_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o let_v go_v our_o profession_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o desert_v of_o christianity_n v_o 23_o 35._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v they_o have_v quit_v their_o profession_n but_o they_o have_v but_o a_o loose_a hold_n of_o it_o and_o be_v silent_o steal_v away_o from_o it_o 3._o a_o light_a temper_n of_o mind_n which_o easy_o receive_v impression_n from_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o truth_n when_o man_n be_v not_o well_o root_v and_o establish_v in_o religion_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v inveigle_v by_o the_o crafty_a insinuation_n of_o seducer_n to_o be_v move_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o to_o be_v easy_o shake_v in_o mind_n by_o every_o trifle_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n that_o be_v confident_o obtrude_v upon_o they_o for_o a_o weighty_a argument_n now_o this_o be_v a_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o dispose_v man_n to_o apostasy_n and_o render_v they_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o one_o that_o take_v a_o pleasure_n and_o a_o pride_n in_o make_v proselyte_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o a_o man_n shall_v always_o have_v a_o mind_n ready_a to_o entertain_v truth_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v to_o he_o but_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o plain_o reveal_v and_o lie_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n that_o every_o man_n may_v discern_v they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v once_o entertain_v they_o aught_o to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o they_o and_o not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v whiffle_v out_o of_o they_o by_o any_o insignificant_a noise_n about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n much_o less_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v move_v by_o any_o man_n uncharitableness_n and_o positiveness_n in_o damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n so_o very_o plain_a not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o no_o subtlety_n of_o discourse_n no_o pretend_a authority_n or_o even_o infallibility_n of_o any_o church_n aught_o to_o stagger_v we_o in_o the_o least_o about_o they_o as_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o or_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o a_o language_n which_o they_o understand_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o our_o saviour_n institute_v and_o appoint_v it_o that_o be_v in_o both_o kind_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v our_o duty_n nor_o lawful_a to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n as_o plain_o as_o word_n can_v do_v it_o upon_o any_o one_o of_o these_o point_n a_o man_n will_v fix_v his_o foot_n and_o stand_v alone_o against_o the_o whole_a world_n 4._o another_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n be_v a_o departure_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n in_o a_o gross_a and_o notorious_a manner_n this_o be_v a_o partial_a though_o not_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v just_o charge_v with_o this_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n namely_o such_o as_o though_o they_o retain_v and_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n yet_o have_v great_o pervert_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o superinduce_v and_o add_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o gross_a corruption_n and_o superstition_n in_o worship_n and_o impose_v upon_o man_n the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o these_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o st._n paul_n be_v my_o warrant_n for_o this_o censure_n who_o charge_v those_o who_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o thereby_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o guilty_a in_o some_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n for_o he_o call_v it_o preach_v another_o gospel_n gal._n 1._o 7_o 8._o there_o be_v some_o that_o trouble_v
to_o turn_v they_o into_o jest_n and_o raillery_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o renounce_v of_o christianity_n the_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v but_o even_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o the_o principle_n and_o notion_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n mind_n this_o be_v a_o impiety_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o not_o to_o be_v mention_v without_o grief_n and_o horror_n and_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v have_v have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o i_o pray_v god_n it_o do_v not_o draw_v down_o still_o more_o and_o great_a judgement_n upon_o this_o nation_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v none_o here_o that_o need_v to_o be_v caution_v against_o this_o horrible_a impiety_n and_o high_a degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o which_o people_n be_v much_o more_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v apostasy_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n so_o happy_o recover_v by_o a_o regular_a reformation_n and_o establish_v among_o we_o by_o all_o the_o authority_n that_o law_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a can_v give_v it_o and_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o ancient_n and_o primitive_a christianity_n i_o say_v a_o defection_n from_o this_o to_o those_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n which_o the_o reformation_n have_v pair_v off_o and_o free_v we_o from_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v a_o partial_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n and_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o and_o that_o those_o who_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n fall_v off_o from_o it_o into_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n be_v highe_o guilty_a before_o god_n and_o their_o condition_n certain_o worse_o and_o more_o dangerous_a than_o of_o those_o who_o where_o bring_v up_o in_o those_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o never_o know_v better_o for_o there_o be_v terrible_a threaten_n in_o scripture_n against_o those_o who_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o once_o embrace_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o god_n consider_v every_o man_n advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o their_o disadvantage_n likewise_o and_o make_v all_o reasonable_a allowance_n for_o they_o and_o for_o man_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o error_n they_o have_v be_v always_o bring_v up_o in_o or_o which_o come_v much_o to_o one_o in_o error_n which_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o by_o principle_n early_o infuse_v into_o they_o before_o they_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n competent_a judge_n of_o those_o matter_n i_o say_v for_o such_o person_n to_o continue_v in_o these_o error_n and_o to_o oppose_v and_o reject_v the_o contrary_a truth_n against_o which_o by_o their_o education_n they_o have_v receive_v so_o strong_a and_o violent_a a_o prejudice_n this_o may_v be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n excusable_a and_o find_v pardon_n with_o god_n upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o all_o sin_n both_o know_v and_o unknown_a and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o charge_v with_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o great_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n but_o not_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v entertain_v and_o profess_v it_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o know_v it_o have_v no_o excuse_n i_o will_v not_o be_v rash_a in_o condemn_v particular_a person_n of_o any_o society_n or_o communion_n of_o christian_n provide_v they_o be_v sincere_o devout_a and_o just_a and_o sober_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n i_o have_v much_o rather_o leave_v they_o to_o god_n who_o mercy_n be_v great_a than_o to_o pass_v a_o uncharitable_a censure_n upon_o they_o as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n and_o condition_n but_o the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o where_o the_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n be_v afford_v to_o man_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v for_o they_o who_o have_v the_o mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o know_v their_o master_n will_n be_v answerable_a to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v know_v it_o because_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v gross_o negligent_a and_o want_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v have_v know_v it_o and_o this_o i_o fear_n be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o year_n of_o consideration_n and_o choice_n in_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o forsake_v it_o because_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o there_o be_v invincible_a objection_n against_o it_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n because_o every_o one_o among_o we_o know_v or_o may_v know_v upon_o very_o little_a enquiry_n that_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o into_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v baptize_v that_o we_o inculcate_v upon_o man_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o of_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o perfect_a contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v follow_v with_o real_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v by_o any_o device_n whatsoever_o now_o what_o reason_n can_v any_o man_n have_v to_o question_v whether_o he_o may_v be_v save_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o save_v the_o first_o christian_n and_o by_o believe_v the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n though_o he_o can_v swallow_v the_o twelve_o article_n which_o be_v add_v to_o it_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n iu._n every_o one_o of_o which_o beside_o many_o and_o great_a corruption_n and_o superstition_n in_o worship_n be_v so_o many_o and_o invincible_a objection_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o i_o can_v particular_o show_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v already_o do_v in_o so_o many_o learned_a treatise_n upon_o this_o argument_n what_o be_v there_o then_o that_o shall_v move_v any_o reasonable_a man_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o to_o quit_v the_o reform_a religion_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n chief_o with_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o amuse_v and_o affright_v weak_a mind_n 1._o a_o great_a noise_n of_o infallibility_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o mean_n to_o determine_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o difference_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a only_a object_n this_o prejudice_n that_o there_o be_v not_o wide_o and_o hot_a difference_n among_o we_o about_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o than_o be_v among_o they_o about_o this_o admirable_a mean_n of_o end_v all_o difference_n as_o where_o this_o infallibility_n be_v feat_v that_o man_n 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the_o death_n of_o sinner_n and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v confirm_v the_o sentence_n of_o such_o uncharitable_a man_n as_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o condemn_v man_n for_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o gospel_n condemn_v no_o man._n and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o uncharitableness_n of_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o no_o man_n to_o run_v into_o its_o communion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n ver_fw-la 23._o of_o this_o chapter_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o charity_n and_o good_a work_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o day_n approach_v in_o which_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o faith_n
the_o iv._o and_o last_o particular_a which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o viz._n to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n which_o at_o first_o appearance_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a and_o this_o precept_n can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a if_o we_o take_v into_o consideration_n these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o he_o who_o require_v this_o of_o we_o have_v himself_o give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v the_o great_a in_o itself_o in_o that_o he_o deny_v himself_o more_o and_o suffer_v more_o grievous_a thing_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o do_v and_o such_o a_o example_n as_o in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n ii_o if_o we_o cosider_v that_o he_o have_v promise_v all_o needful_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o discharge_v of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v and_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o therein_o iii_o he_o have_v assure_v we_o of_o a_o glorious_a reward_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n and_o self-denial_n beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o they_o both_o in_o the_o degree_n and_o duration_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v i._o if_o we_o consider_v that_o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o for_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v our_o saviour_n know_v how_o unwelcome_a this_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v must_v needs_o be_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o how_o hardly_o this_o precept_n will_v go_v down_o with_o they_o to_o sweeten_v it_o a_o little_a and_o take_v off_o the_o harshness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o prepare_v their_o mind_n the_o better_a for_o it_o he_o tell_v they_o first_o of_o his_o own_o suffering_n that_o by_o that_o mean_v he_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n reconcile_v their_o mind_n to_o it_o when_o they_o see_v that_o he_o require_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o what_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o undergo_v himself_o and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o example_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o hard_a and_o difficult_a term_n upon_o which_o they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n v._o 21._o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n begin_v to_o show_v unto_o his_o disciple_n how_o that_o he_o must_v go_v unto_o jerusalem_n and_o suffer_v many_o thing_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o chief-priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o be_v kill_v then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n that_o be_v immediate_o upon_o this_o discourse_n of_o his_o own_o suffering_n as_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o it_o he_o take_v the_o opportunity_n to_o tell_v they_o plain_o of_o their_o own_o suffering_n and_o that_o unless_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o resolve_v to_o deny_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o persecution_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n they_o can_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o that_o be_v let_v he_o reckon_v and_o resolve_v upon_o follow_v that_o example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v in_o which_o i_o will_v go_v before_o he_o now_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o example_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v which_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o have_v great_a force_n in_o it_o to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o this_o difficult_a duty_n and_o to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o have_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o 2._o such_o a_o example_n as_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n 1._o he_o who_o require_v we_o thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o have_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n give_v we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o self-denial_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o that_o he_o deny_v himself_o more_o and_o suffer_v more_o grievous_a thing_n than_o any_o of_o we_o can_v do_v he_o bear_v the_o insupportable_a load_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o of_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n due_a to_o they_o never_o be_v sorrow_n like_a to_o his_o sorrow_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n afflict_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o fierce_a anger_n he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n his_o visage_n be_v mar_v more_o than_o any_o man_n and_o his_o form_n more_o than_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i._n e._n he_o undergo_v more_o affliction_n and_o have_v more_o contempt_n pour_v upon_o he_o than_o ever_o be_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o he_o endure_v all_o this_o with_o incredible_a patience_n and_o meekness_n with_o the_o great_a evenness_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n and_o with_o the_o most_o perfect_a submission_n and_o resignation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v such_o a_o example_n as_o this_o shall_v be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o animate_v we_o with_o the_o like_a courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o lesser_a danger_n and_o difficulty_n to_o see_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n go_v before_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o on_o so_o brave_o and_o make_v perfect_a by_o great_a suffering_n than_o we_o can_v ever_o be_v call_v to_o or_o be_v any_o way_n able_a to_o undergo_v be_v no_o small_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o unknown_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o great_a as_o we_o can_v well_o conceive_v of_o they_o shall_v make_v all_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o not_o only_o tolerable_a but_o easy_a to_o we_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n animate_v christian_n to_o patience_n in_o their_o christian_a course_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n that_o attend_v it_o heb._n 12._o 2._o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n for_o consider_v he_o who_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o also_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n and_o this_o example_n be_v more_o powerful_a for_o our_o encouragement_n because_o therein_o we_o see_v the_o world_n conquer_v to_o our_o hand_n and_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o temptation_n of_o it_o baffle_v and_o subdue_v and_o thereby_o a_o cheap_a and_o easy_a victory_n over_o it_o obtain_v for_o we_o by_o this_o consideration_n our_o saviour_n endeavour_v to_o inspire_v his_o disciple_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o courage_n in_o this_o great_a conflict_n john_n 16._o 33._o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n but_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n 2._o this_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v such_o as_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o powerful_a to_o engage_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o because_o all_o his_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n be_v for_o our_o sake_n in_o pity_n and_o kindness_n to_o we_o and_o whole_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v their_o example_n in_o great_a regard_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v great_a kindness_n and_o mighty_a benefit_n this_o pattern_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v which_o our_o religion_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v the_o example_n of_o one_o who_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o esteem_n and_o love_n and_o imitate_v above_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o sure_o such_o a_o example_n must_v needs_o carry_v authority_n with_o it_o and_o command_v our_o imitation_n it_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a benefactor_n of_o he_o who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o and_o seal_v his_o love_n to_o we_o with_o his_o dear_a blood_n and_o even_o when_o we_o be_v bitter_a enemy_n
be_v in_o expectation_n that_o it_o will_v one_o day_n become_v the_o inheritance_n of_o their_o posterity_n now_o in_o this_o as_o by_o a_o type_n and_o shadow_n the_o apostle_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o condition_n of_o good_a man_n while_o they_o be_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n they_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n for_o a_o time_n as_o the_o patriarch_n do_v in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o be_v in_o expectation_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o settle_a condition_n hereafter_o they_o desire_v a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a say_v the_o apostle_n at_o the_o 16_o vers_fw-la of_o this_o chapter_n that_o which_o i_o design_v from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o awaken_v we_o to_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o same_o condition_n that_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o holy_a man_n that_o be_v go_v before_o we_o be_v in_o in_o this_o world_n and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n psal._n 39_o 12._o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n with_o thou_o and_o a_o sojourner_n as_o all_o my_o father_n be_v it_o be_v a_o condition_n very_o troublesome_a and_o very_a unsettled_a such_o as_o that_o of_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n use_v to_o be_v this_o we_o must_v all_o acknowledge_v if_o we_o judge_v right_o of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o without_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o better_a and_o happy_a condition_n in_o reversion_n so_o it_o follow_v just_a after_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n that_o be_v that_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n this_o bear_v up_o the_o patriarch_n under_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o trouble_n of_o their_o pilgrimage_n that_o they_o expect_v a_o inheritance_n and_o a_o quiet_a and_o settle_a possession_n of_o that_o good_a land_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o answerable_o to_o which_o good_a man_n do_v expect_v after_o the_o few_o and_o evil_a day_n of_o their_o pilgrimage_n in_o this_o world_n be_v over_o a_o bless_a inheritance_n in_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a and_o with_o bless_a abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a they_o look_v for_o a_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o that_o good_a patriarch_n at_o the_o ten_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n it_o be_v very_o frequent_a not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o in_o other_o author_n to_o represent_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n by_o that_o of_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n in_o a_o foreign_a country_n for_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o man_n and_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o be_v by_o far_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a part_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o native_n of_o heaven_n and_o but_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n here_o in_o the_o earth_n and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n shall_v be_v over_o be_v design_v to_o return_v to_o that_o heavenly_a country_n from_o which_o they_o come_v and_o to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o phil._n 3._o 20._o that_o christian_n have_v relation_n to_o heaven_n as_o their_o native_a place_n and_o country_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n so_o we_o render_v the_o word_n but_o they_o proper_o signify_v that_o christian_n be_v member_n of_o that_o city_n and_o society_n which_o be_v above_o and_o though_o they_o converse_v at_o present_a here_o below_o while_o they_o be_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n yet_o heaven_n be_v the_o country_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o whither_o they_o be_v continual_o tend_v sedes_fw-la ubi_fw-la fata_fw-la quietas_fw-la ostendunt_fw-la where_o a_o quiet_a habitation_n and_o a_o perpetual_a rest_n be_v design_v and_o prepare_v for_o they_o this_o acknowledgement_n david_n make_v concern_v himself_o and_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n 29._o 15._o for_o we_o be_v stranger_n before_o thou_o and_o sojourner_n as_o be_v all_o our_o father_n our_o day_n on_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o a_o shadow_n and_o there_o be_v none_o abide_v so_o likewise_o st._n peter_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 17._o pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n and_o chap._n 2._o v._n 11._o dear_o belove_v i_o beseech_v you_o as_o strangers_z and_o pilgrim_n abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lusts._n and_o not_o only_o the_o inspire_a writer_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o heathen_a author_n do_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o this_o allusion_n plato_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v a_o common_a say_n and_o almost_o in_o every_o man_n mouth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o pilgrimage_n and_o tully_n in_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n de_fw-fr senectute_n concern_v old_a age_n bring_v in_o cato_n describe_v our_o passage_n out_o of_o this_o world_n not_o as_o a_o departure_n from_o our_o home_n but_o like_o a_o man_n leave_v his_o inn_n in_o which_o he_o have_v lodge_v for_o a_o night_n or_o two_o ex_fw-la vitâ_fw-la istâ_fw-la discedo_fw-la tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la hospitio_fw-la non_fw-la tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la domo_fw-la commorandi_fw-la enim_fw-la natura_fw-la diversorium_fw-la nobis_fw-la non_fw-la habitandi_fw-la dedit_fw-la when_o i_o leave_v this_o world_n say_v he_o i_o look_v upon_o myself_o as_o depart_v out_o of_o a_o inn_n and_o not_o as_o quit_v my_o own_o home_n and_o habitation_n nature_n have_v assign_v this_o world_n to_o we_o as_o a_o place_n to_o sojourn_v but_o not_o to_o devil_n in_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o text_n concern_v the_o patriarch_n they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o concern_v all_o christian_n chap._n 13._o 14._o here_o we_o have_v no_o continue_a city_n but_o we_o seek_v one_o to_o come_v but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o follow_v the_o metaphor_n too_o close_o and_o to_o vex_v and_o torture_v it_o by_o pursue_v all_o those_o little_a parallel_n and_o similitude_n which_o a_o lively_a fancy_n may_v make_v or_o find_v betwixt_o the_o condition_n of_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n and_o the_o life_n of_o man_n during_o he_o abide_v and_o passage_n through_o this_o world_n i_o will_v insist_v only_o upon_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v design_v and_o intend_v by_o this_o metaphor_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o that_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unsettled_a they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n 2._o it_o imply_v a_o tendency_n to_o a_o future_a settle_v and_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o happy_a condition_n into_o which_o we_o shall_v enter_v when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n after_o the_o text_n they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o that_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o have_v live_v in_o such_o a_o restless_a and_o uncertain_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n travel_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o as_o the_o patriarch_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n do_v and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o which_o he_o solemn_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n do_v hereby_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o expect_v some_o happy_a condition_n hereafter_o wherein_o that_o great_a promise_n of_o god_n will_v be_v make_v good_a to_o they_o to_o the_o full_a and_o these_o be_v two_o very_a weighty_a and_o useful_a consideration_n that_o we_o shall_v both_o understand_v our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o our_o future_a hope_n and_o expectation_n after_o our_o departure_n out_o of_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v demean_v ourselves_o suitable_o to_o both_o these_o condition_n both_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n in_o this_o world_n and_o likewise_o as_o it_o become_v those_o who_o seek_v and_o expect_v a_o better_a country_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n i_o shall_v brief_o speak_v to_o both_o these_o and_o then_o show_v what_o effect_n and_o influence_n the_o serious_a meditation_n of_o these_o two_o point_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o every_o one_o of_o
in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o such_o be_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v often_o troublesome_a and_o always_o uncertain_a and_o unsettled_a so_o that_o whatever_o degree_n of_o worldly_a felicity_n any_o man_n be_v possess_v of_o he_o have_v no_o security_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v for_o one_o moment_n ii_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v a_o state_n of_o pilgrimage_n it_o imply_v a_o tendency_n to_o a_o future_a settlement_n and_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o happy_a condition_n into_o which_o we_o shall_v enter_v so_o soon_o as_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v immediate_o after_o the_o text_n they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o that_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o have_v live_v in_o such_o a_o restless_a and_o uncertain_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n travel_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o as_o the_o patriarch_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n do_v and_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n in_o which_o he_o so_o solemn_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v their_o god_n do_v hereby_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o expect_v some_o happy_a condition_n hereafter_o wherein_o that_o great_a promise_n of_o god_n will_v be_v make_v good_a to_o they_o to_o the_o full_a so_o that_o he_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v be_v call_v their_o god_n have_v handle_v at_o large_a these_o two_o particular_n i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v what_o influence_n the_o consideration_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o these_o our_o hope_n and_o expectation_n as_o to_o another_o life_n if_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o look_v for_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a this_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o we_o in_o these_o follow_a respect_n which_o i_o do_v but_o brief_o mention_v before_o but_o shall_v now_o prosecute_v and_o press_v more_o large_o i._o let_v we_o entangle_v and_o encumber_v ourselves_o as_o little_a as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o our_o pilgrimage_n let_v we_o not_o engage_v our_o affection_n too_o far_o in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n because_o we_o be_v not_o to_o stay_v in_o it_o but_o to_o pass_v through_o it_o upon_o this_o consideration_n the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n do_v so_o earnest_o exhort_v christian_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o fleshly_a lust_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 11._o dear_o belove_v i_o beseech_v you_o as_o strangers_z and_o pilgrim_n to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n the_o gratify_n of_o our_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o our_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a inclination_n be_v direct_o opposite_a both_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o to_o their_o great_a design_n and_o business_n in_o this_o world_n fleshly_a lust_n do_v not_o only_o pollute_v and_o defile_v but_o even_o quench_v and_o extinguish_v our_o divine_a part_n and_o do_v work_v the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o it_o they_o sink_v our_o affection_n into_o the_o mud_n and_o filth_n of_o this_o world_n and_o do_v entangle_v and_o detain_v they_o there_o in_o a_o word_n they_o do_v whole_o indispose_v and_o unfit_a we_o for_o that_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a life_n which_o alone_o can_v qualify_v we_o for_o our_o heavenly_a country_n and_o inheritance_n and_o therefore_o while_o our_o soul_n be_v sojourn_v in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v abstain_v from_o they_o and_o preserve_v ourselves_o unspotted_a and_o untainted_a by_o they_o as_o be_v altogether_o unuseful_a and_o perfect_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o heavenly_a country_n if_o we_o wallow_v in_o brutish_a and_o filthy_a lust_n as_o we_o pass_v through_o this_o world_n our_o native_a country_n when_o our_o soul_n think_v to_o return_v to_o it_o will_v reject_v we_o and_o cast_v we_o out_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n gate_n and_o knock_v there_o expect_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o shall_v cry_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o he_o will_v bid_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o he_o because_o we_o have_v be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n nothing_o that_o be_v unclean_a can_v enter_v into_o heaven_n he_o who_o be_v to_o receive_v we_o into_o those_o bless_a mansion_n have_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v his_o immutable_a resolution_n and_o decree_n that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o as_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o see_v god_n in_o that_o happy_a and_o blissful_a state_n we_o must_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o have_v render_v ourselves_o as_o like_v he_o as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o the_o other_o and_o as_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n let_v we_o not_o pursue_v they_o too_o eager_o we_o may_v take_v the_o convenience_n which_o fair_o offer_v themselves_o to_o we_o and_o be_v content_a to_o want_v what_o we_o can_v honest_o have_v and_o without_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n consider_v that_o we_o be_v traveller_n and_o that_o a_o little_a will_v serve_v for_o our_o passage_n and_o accommodation_n in_o our_o pilgrimage_n and_o beyond_o that_o why_o shall_v we_o so_o earnest_o covet_v more_o and_o trouble_v ourselves_o for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o our_o journey_n why_o shall_v we_o at_o any_o time_n deal_v unjust_o to_o attain_v any_o of_o this_o world_n good_n they_o will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n for_o so_o little_a a_o while_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o injure_v or_o oppress_v any_o man_n to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o to_o wound_v our_o soul_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o they_o if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n offer_v they_o to_o we_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o our_o hand_n in_o the_o use_n of_o honest_a diligence_n and_o lawful_a mean_n as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o refuse_v they_o so_o neither_o be_v we_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o they_o nor_o to_o suffer_v our_o affection_n to_o be_v entangle_v in_o they_o the_o wise_a use_n we_o can_v make_v of_o they_o will_v be_v to_o do_v like_o those_o who_o traffic_n in_o foreign_a part_n to_o consign_v our_o estate_n into_o our_o own_o native_a country_n to_o send_v our_o treasure_n before_o we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o when_o we_o come_v there_o and_o this_o we_o may_v do_v by_o alm_n and_o charity_n whatever_o we_o spend_v upon_o the_o flesh_n we_o leave_v behind_o we_o and_o it_o will_v turn_v to_o no_o account_n to_o we_o in_o our_o own_o country_n but_o whatever_o we_o lie_v out_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v so_o much_o treasure_n lay_v out_o and_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o against_o another_o day_n so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n assure_v we_o luk._n 12._o 33._o that_o give_v of_o alm_n be_v provide_v for_o ourselves_o bag_n that_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o ii_o if_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n than_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o great_a caution_n and_o to_o live_v blameless_o and_o inoffensive_o remember_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o people_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o those_o among_o who_o we_o sojourn_v will_v be_v very_o pry_v and_o curious_a and_o narrow_a observer_n of_o our_o manner_n and_o carriage_n they_o that_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a country_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o take_v that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n which_o the_o native_n of_o the_o place_n may_v do_v but_o to_o keep_v a_o perpetual_a guard_n upon_o themselves_o know_v how_o strict_o they_o be_v observe_v and_o that_o they_o live_v among_o those_o who_o bear_v no_o good_a will_n to_o they_o and_o that_o every_o bad_a thing_n we_o do_v reflect_v upon_o our_o nation_n and_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o country_n to_o which_o we_o belong_v you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o lord_n if_o you_o be_v of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n will_v love_v its_o own_o but_o you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n charge_v christian_n to_o be_v harmless_a and_o blameless_a and_o as_o it_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n