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christian_n christian_a church_n unite_v 1,404 5 10.2542 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62570 Of sincerity and constancy in the faith and profession of the true religion, in several sermons by the Most Reverend Dr. John Tillotson ... ; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker. ... Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708. 1695 (1695) Wing T1204; ESTC R17209 175,121 492

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only_o upon_o the_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o the_o penitent_a and_o sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n than_o that_o when_o man_n have_v perform_v all_o the_o condition_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v yet_o they_o shall_v notwithstanding_o this_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o intend_v to_o confer_v upon_o they_o because_o the_o priest_n have_v not_o the_o same_o intention_n so_o that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n he_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o near_o only_o for_o want_v of_o that_o which_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o his_o power_n the_o right_a intention_n of_o the_o priest_n beside_o that_o after_o all_o their_o boast_n of_o the_o safe_a condition_n of_o man_n in_o their_o church_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v in_o it_o this_o one_o principle_n that_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 put_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o great_a hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o such_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n either_o to_o discover_v or_o prevent_v unless_o he_o have_v some_o certain_a way_n to_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n for_o upon_o these_o term_n who_o can_v know_v whether_o any_o man_n be_v a_o priest_n and_o real_o ordain_v or_o not_o nay_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o have_v be_v true_o baptize_v or_o not_o and_o consequent_o whether_o any_o of_o his_o admistration_n be_v valid_a and_o we_o have_v any_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o they_o because_o all_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o which_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v know_v so_o that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v conscientious_o do_v all_o that_o god_n require_v of_o any_o man_n to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o 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perish_v from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v v_o 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o kind_n of_o this_o apostasy_n the_o same_o apostle_n describe_v more_o full_o 1_o tim_n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o now_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n i._n e._n under_o a_o great_a pretence_n of_o sanctity_n spread_v their_o pernicious_a error_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n this_o be_v a_o very_a lively_a and_o pat_o description_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o it_o and_o have_v spread_v itself_o far_o and_o wide_o for_o there_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o falsehood_n have_v prevail_v under_o a_o hypocritical_a pretence_n of_o their_o be_v the_o only_a true_a 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give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n so_o that_o the_o particular_a kind_n of_o idolatry_n into_o which_o some_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v apostatise_v be_v here_o point_a at_o that_o they_o shall_v worship_v soul_n depart_v or_o the_o spirit_n of_o dead_a man_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n into_o which_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v frequent_o relapse_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v here_o foretell_v such_o a_o apostasy_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o fall_v into_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n they_o shall_v be_v worshipper_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o israelite_n also_o be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o dangerous_a seduction_n which_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o caution_v against_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o charge_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n against_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o seduce_a spirit_n not_o but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o we_o be_v always_o to_o have_v a_o ear_n open_a to_o reason_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o hearken_v and_o to_o yield_v to_o that_o whenever_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v but_o to_o be_v overreach_v and_o rook_v out_o of_o one_o religion_n by_o little_a sophistical_a art_n and_o trick_n be_v childish_a and_o silly_a after_o we_o be_v upon_o due_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o religion_n settle_v and_o establish_v in_o it_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o by_o the_o groundless_a pretence_n of_o confident_a people_n to_o infallibility_n and_o to_o be_v practise_v upon_o by_o cunning_a man_n who_o lie_v at_o catch_n to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n this_o be_v to_o be_v like_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o more_o careful_a of_o ourselves_o because_o there_o never_o be_v any_o time_n wherein_o seduce_a spirit_n be_v more_o bold_a and_o busy_a to_o pervert_v man_n from_o the_o truth_n against_o these_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o our_o religion_n as_o a_o man_n will_v do_v his_o money_n in_o a_o crowd_n it_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o great_a mark_n of_o folly_n when_o a_o man_n and_o his_o money_n be_v soon_o part_v but_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o much_o great_a folly_n for_o a_o man_n easy_o to_o quit_v his_o religion_n especial_o to_o be_v catch_v by_o some_o such_o gross_a method_n as_o the_o seducer_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o common_o use_v and_o which_o lie_v so_o very_o open_a to_o suspicion_n such_o as_o ill-designing_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o practice_v upon_o a_o young_a heir_n when_o they_o have_v insinuate_v themselves_o into_o his_o company_n to_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o he_o they_o charge_v he_o to_o tell_v no_o body_n in_o what_o company_n he_o have_v be_v not_o to_o ask_v the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o his_o friend_n concern_v what_o they_o have_v be_v persuade_v he_o to_o because_o they_o for_o their_o own_o interest_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o it_o just_o thus_o do_v these_o seducer_n practise_v upon_o weak_a people_n they_o charge_v they_o not_o to_o acquaint_v their_o minister_n with_o who_o they_o have_v be_v nor_o what_o discourse_n they_o have_v have_v about_o religion_n nor_o what_o book_n have_v be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n because_o then_o all_o their_o kind_a design_n and_o intention_n towards_o they_o will_v be_v defeat_v but_o above_o all_o they_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o read_v no_o book_n on_o the_o other_o side_n because_o they_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o read_n on_o both_o side_n will_v rather_o confound_v than_o clear_a their_o understanding_n they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v state_v the_o matter_n true_o and_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n deceive_v they_o and_o they_o may_v easy_o perceive_v by_o their_o earnest_a application_n to_o they_o that_o nothing_o but_o charity_n and_o a_o passionate_a desire_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n make_v they_o take_v all_o these_o pain_n with_o they_o but_o this_o be_v so_o gross_a a_o way_n of_o proceed_v that_o any_o man_n of_o common_a understanding_n must_v needs_o discern_v by_o this_o kind_a treatment_n that_o these_o man_n can_v have_v no_o honest_a design_n upon_o they_o to_o come_v then_o to_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o art_n and_o method_n which_o they_o use_v i_o mean_v particular_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n as_o 1._o in_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v very_o competent_a and_o sufficient_a judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o yet_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o judge_v of_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n but_o for_o these_o they_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n when_o they_o be_v in_o it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v certain_o run_v into_o damnable_a error_n and_o mistake_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n allow_v they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o consider_v in_o what_o method_n they_o proceed_v with_o their_o intend_a proselyte_n they_o propose_v to_o he_o to_o change_v his_o church_n and_o his_o religion_n because_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o they_o will_v show_v he_o a_o better_a and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o and_o in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o persuade_v he_o hereto_o they_o offer_v he_o some_o reason_n and_o argument_n or_o give_v he_o book_n to_o read_v contain_v argument_n to_o move_v he_o to_o make_v this_o change_n to_o satisfy_v he_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o now_o by_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v and_o they_o can_v take_v no_o other_o they_o do_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o make_v the_o person_n who_o they_o be_v endeavour_v to_o convert_v a_o judge_n for_o himself_o which_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v best_a that_o which_o they_o will_v have_v he_o embrace_v and_o come_v over_o to_o or_o that_o which_o they_o will_v persuade_v he_o to_o forsake_v for_o to_o what_o end_n else_o do_v they_o offer_v he_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o leave_v our_o church_n and_o to_o come_v over_o to_o they_o but_o that_o he_o may_v consider_v the_o force_n and_o weight_n of_o they_o and_o have_v consider_v they_o may_v judge_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o force_n sufficient_a to_o over-rule_v he_o to_o make_v this_o change_n so_o that_o as_o unwilling_a as_o they_o be_v to_o make_v particular_a person_n judge_v for_o themselves_o about_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n confirm_v those_o point_n because_o this_o be_v to_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o private_a spirit_n and_o fancy_n and_o giddy_a brain_n yet_o they_o be_v compel_v by_o necessity_n and_o against_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o allow_v a_o man_n in_o this_o case_n of_o choose_v his_o religion_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o induce_v he_o thereto_o so_o that_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o they_o must_v permit_v he_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n for_o himself_o for_o this_o once_o but_o not_o to_o make_v a_o practice_n of_o it_o or_o to_o pretend_v this_o privilege_n ever_o after_o for_o in_o acknowledgement_n of_o this_o great_a favour_n of_o be_v permit_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o this_o once_o which_o they_o do_v unwilling_o grant_v he_o and_o upon_o mere_a necessity_n he_o be_v for_o ever_o after_o to_o resign_v up_o his_o judgement_n to_o the_o church_n and_o though_o this_o liberty_n be_v allow_v pro_fw-la hâc_fw-la vice_fw-la and_o proper_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n i._n e._n in_o order_n to_o the_o change_n of_o his_o religion_n yet_o he_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v no_o fit_a and_o competent_a judge_n of_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n these_o he_o must_v all_o learn_v from_o the_o true_a church_n when_o he_o be_v in_o it_o and_o take_v they_o upon_o her_o authority_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v do_v very_o prudent_o because_o she_o be_v infallible_a and_o can_v be_v deceive_v but_o he_o may_v but_o be_v there_o any_o sense_n in_o all_o this_o that_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 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we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o communion_n whereof_o a_o man_n may_v be_v safe_a but_o till_o that_o be_v make_v out_o they_o have_v do_v nothing_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v safe_a much_o less_o necessary_a to_o be_v of_o their_o communion_n but_o if_o particular_a point_n must_v be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o enquiry_n after_o the_o true_a church_n then_o they_o must_v allow_v their_o intend_a convert_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n likewise_o of_o particular_a point_n and_o if_o he_o be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o too_o before_o he_o come_v into_o their_o church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v of_o what_o use_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o it_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v a_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 a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_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 which_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o intend_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 not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n they_o be_v as_o they_o very_o believe_v establish_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o be_v fair_o offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n and_o then_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v positive_o first_o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n of_o which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n in_o his_o baptism_n for_o it_o be_v of_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v as_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o context_n second_o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o this_o i_o give_v account_n in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 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 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 the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n of_o which_o i_o give_v you_o particular_a instance_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 some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o particular_a i_o mention_v namely_o that_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 i_o have_v already_o mention_v some_o of_o the_o art_n which_o they_o use_v i_o mean_v particular_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o i_o have_v show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o as_o first_o in_o allow_v man_n to_o be_v very_o competent_a and_o sufficient_a judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n i._n e._n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o yet_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o judge_v of_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n as_o for_o these_o they_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o will_v certain_o run_v into_o damnable_a error_n and_o mistake_v and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n allow_v they_o the_o first_o a_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n otherwise_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o offer_v they_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o they_o if_o they_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o force_n of_o they_o but_o now_o after_o this_o to_o deny_v they_o all_o ability_n to_o judge_v of_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a pretence_n second_o another_o art_n they_o use_v in_o order_n to_o their_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v earnest_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v only_o the_o argument_n and_o book_n on_o their_o side_n which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v a_o judge_n in_o order_n to_o the_o better_a understanding_n and_o clear_a decision_n of_o a_o cause_n to_o hear_v only_o the_o council_n on_o one_o side_n three_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o only_a thing_n they_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n the_o one_o catholic_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o creed_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o when_o they_o have_v find_v that_o they_o be_v to_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v infallible_a for_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o this_o method_n they_o wise_o take_v to_o avoid_v particular_a dispute_n about_o the_o innovation_n and_o error_n which_o we_o charge_v they_o withal_o but_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a that_o this_o can_v be_v the_o first_o enquiry_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n that_o make_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o make_v the_o true_a church_n beside_o their_o way_n of_o prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n be_v by_o the_o mark_n and_o property_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o which_o the_o chief_a be_v the_o conformity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n with_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n this_o avoidable_a draw_v on_o a_o examination_n of_o their_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n whether_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n before_o their_o great_a enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o issue_n which_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o can_v never_o be_v without_o enter_v into_o the_o ocean_n of_o particular_a dispute_n which_o they_o desire_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o avoid_v so_o that_o they_o be_v never_o the_o near_o by_o this_o method_n they_o can_v neither_o shorten_v their_o work_n by_o it_o nor_o keep_v off_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o particular_a error_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v a_o very_a sore_a place_n and_o they_o can_v endure_v we_o shall_v touch_v it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o discover_v some_o other_o art_n and_o method_n which_o they_o use_v in_o seduce_a people_n to_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o they_o as_o i_o can_v four_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n i._n e._n the_o visible_a society_n of_o all_o christian_n unite_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o visible_a head_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n otherwise_o they_o can_v be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n we_o grant_v the_o consequence_n that_o if_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n because_o out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v ordinary_o no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v but_o how_o do_v they_o prove_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n they_o will_v fain_o have_v we_o so_o civil_a as_o to_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o they_o do_v not_o well_o know_v how_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o and_o indeed_o some_o thing_n be_v obstinate_a and_o
will_v not_o be_v prove_v without_o so_o much_o trouble_v and_o difficulty_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o let_v they_o alone_o and_o by_o the_o confident_a assertion_n of_o they_o by_o importunity_n and_o by_o any_o other_o fair_a mean_n to_o get_v they_o believe_v without_o proof_n of_o this_o stubborn_a sort_n of_o proposition_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o proof_n this_o be_v one_o that_o a_o part_n be_v the_o whole_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o th●●_n the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n for_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o the_o best_a part_n neither_o but_o perhaps_o the_o very_o worst_a and_o most_o corrupt_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o prove_v and_o have_v be_v often_o do_v but_o now_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v the_o whole_a society_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n these_o follow_v particular_n ought_v to_o be_v clear_o show_v and_o make_v out_o 1._o a_o plain_a constitution_n of_o our_o saviour_n whereby_o st._n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n at_o rome_n be_v make_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n for_o st._n peter_n first_o can_v they_o show_v any_o such_o constitution_n in_o the_o gospel_n or_o can_v they_o produce_v the_o least_o proof_n and_o evidence_n out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o st._n peter_n be_v acknowledge_v for_o such_o by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o be_v there_o not_o clear_a evidence_n there_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o in_o the_o first_o council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n st._n james_n the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v if_o not_o superior_a at_o least_o equal_a to_o he_o do_v st._n paul_n acknowledge_v any_o superiority_n of_o st._n peter_n over_o he_o nay_o do_v he_o not_o upon_o several_a occasion_n declare_v himself_o equal_a to_o the_o chief_a apostle_n even_o to_o st._n peter_n himself_o and_o be_v this_o consistent_a with_o a_o plain_a constitution_n of_o our_o lord_n make_v st._n peter_n supreme_a head_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o suppose_v this_o to_o have_v be_v so_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v by_o any_o constitution_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o this_o authority_n be_v derive_v to_o his_o successor_n and_o if_o it_o be_v why_o to_o his_o successor_n at_o rome_n rather_o than_o at_o antioch_n where_o he_o be_v first_o and_o unquestionable_o bishop_n they_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o when_o he_o be_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n he_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o then_o the_o style_n must_v have_v be_v the_o antiochian_a catholic_n church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o the_o roman_n catholic_n but_o do_v they_o find_v any_o footstep_n of_o such_o a_o style_n in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n 2._o to_o make_v good_a this_o proposition_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n they_o be_v in_o consequence_n oblige_v to_o affirm_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n which_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o not_o keep_v easter_n as_o they_o do_v and_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o africa_n who_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o same_o bishop_n upon_o the_o point_n of_o rebaptise_v heretic_n that_o all_o these_o by_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v also_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o from_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n themselves_o will_v not_o affirm_v and_o yet_o if_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a and_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v all_o one_o they_o must_v affirm_v it_o 3._o in_o consequence_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n they_o ought_v to_o hold_v that_o all_o baptism_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n be_v void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n for_o if_o it_o be_v good_a than_o it_o make_v the_o person_n baptize_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o then_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n may_v be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o then_o the_o roman_a and_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o all_o one_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n hold_v the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n and_o of_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n to_o be_v good_a which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n neither_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o if_o she_o believe_v consistent_o can_v she_o think_v herself_o to_o be_v so_o 4._o in_o consequence_n of_o this_o proposition_n all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o yield_v subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o supremacy_n be_v no_o true_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n and_o this_o do_v not_o only_o exclude_v those_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n from_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o eastern_a church_n i._n e._n four_o of_o the_o five_o patriarchal_a church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o take_v together_o be_v real_o great_a than_o those_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v affirm_v concern_v all_o those_o church_n and_o christian_n which_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o a_o capacity_n of_o salvation_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n can_v have_v so_o little_a charity_n as_o this_o come_v to_o and_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n there_o need_v no_o other_o demonstration_n than_o this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a arrogant_a and_o uncharitable_a part_n of_o it_o five_o and_o last_o in_o consequence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o of_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o ought_v to_o produce_v express_a mention_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o if_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n be_v true_a it_o be_v always_o so_o and_o always_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o and_o always_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o they_o pretend_v 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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 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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
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 may_v know_v how_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o it_o for_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n 2._o they_o endeavour_v to_o fright_v man_n with_o the_o danger_n of_o schism_n but_o every_o man_n know_v that_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n lie_v at_o their_o door_n who_o impose_v sinful_a article_n of_o communion_n and_o not_o upon_o they_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n can_v submit_v to_o those_o article_n which_o we_o have_v do_v and_o be_v still_o ready_a to_o make_v good_a to_o be_v the_o case_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o 3._o the_o terrible_a engine_n of_o all_o be_v their_o positive_a and_o confident_a damn_v of_o all_o that_o live_v and_o die_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n this_o i_o have_v full_o speak_v to_o upon_o another_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o say_v at_o present_a that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v better_a thought_n of_o god_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o delighteh_n not_o in_o 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
foundation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n will_v proceed_v and_o what_o testimony_n and_o proof_n she_o chief_o intend_v to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o reformation_n of_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o doubt_n all_o man_n do_v see_v very_o plain_o to_o what_o purpose_n this_o foundation_n be_v lay_v of_o so_o large_a a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v admit_v how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o confirm_v and_o prove_v whatever_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o establish_v but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o new_a and_o another_o foundation_n than_o that_o which_o the_o great_a author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v lay_v and_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o viz._n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o they_o build_v upon_o it_o and_o if_o they_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o the_o new_a part_n of_o this_o rule_n by_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o general_a tradition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o by_o their_o pretend_a unwritten_a tradition_n we_o do_v with_o reason_n reject_v this_o kind_n of_o proof_n and_o desire_v they_o first_o to_o prove_v their_o rule_n before_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o for_o we_o protest_v against_o this_o rule_n as_o never_o declare_v and_o own_a by_o the_o christian_a church_n nor_o proceed_v upon_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o by_o any_o council_n whatsoever_o before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o vain_a then_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n vaunt_v itself_o of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n when_o the_o very_a foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o a_o new_a thing_n never_o before_o know_v or_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n whereas_o the_o foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o which_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n have_v appeal_v as_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o 3._o thing_n i_o propose_v viz._n that_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 temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o seem_v more_o especial_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v here_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n i_o shall_v first_o speak_v of_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v chief_o these_o two_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 1._o of_o fashion_n and_o example_n this_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n be_v no_o strong_a argument_n and_o yet_o in_o experience_n and_o effect_v it_o be_v often_o find_v to_o be_v very_o 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