great_a light_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o our_o foot_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o perfect_a fruition_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v we_o command_v only_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n but_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n 12.57_o 1_o thes_n 5.21_o 1_o job_n 1.4_o luk._n 12.57_o and_o to_o judge_v of_o ourselves_o what_o be_v right_o that_o be_v we_o must_v use_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o compare_v matter_n in_o controversy_n with_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o scripture_n for_o some_o rule_n we_o must_v have_v to_o prove_v and_o try_v and_o judge_n by_o and_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o scripture_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o any_o other_o rule_n but_o itself_o and_o that_o of_o modern_a and_o unwritten_a tradition_n as_o opposite_a to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v security_n enough_o against_o any_o dangerous_a error_n consider_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o much_o a_o stand_a revelation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n 5._o we_o find_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o course_n so_o far_o that_o person_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n after_o a_o competent_a trial_n of_o it_o do_v right_o believe_v and_o understand_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o necessary_a article_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o visible_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v for_o a_o ingenious_a reader_n to_o overlook_v they_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o he_o only_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v that_o he_o send_v his_o only_o beget_v to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o he_o die_v and_o rose_n again_o that_o as_o many_o as_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v save_v these_o and_o other_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o full_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n to_o certify_v for_o they_o a_o common_a understanding_n with_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n can_v reach_v the_o discovery_n i_o mean_v without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o roman_a telescope_n or_o stand_v upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o st._n peters_n pretend_a successor_n this_o we_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o we_o feel_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o we_o see_v the_o demonstration_n of_o it_o in_o ten_o thousand_o instance_n and_o do_v not_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o our_o faith_n for_o be_v protestant_n i._n e._n immediate_o ground_v upon_o the_o evidence_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o our_o inviolable_a birth_n right_a to_o judge_v of_o plain_a truth_n when_o we_o see_v they_o and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n on_o our_o side_n and_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o put_v it_o to_o any_o man_n to_o judge_v for_o we_o whether_o or_o no_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o christ_n or_o a_o heaven_n that_o all_o necessary_a truth_n be_v plain_a be_v allow_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o those_o that_o make_v article_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o if_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a be_v plain_a then_o i_o hope_v a_o plain_a man_n may_v judge_v of_o they_o and_o without_o ask_v leave_n of_o any_o other_o man_n may_v believe_v they_o and_o so_o do_v he_o certain_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o then_o the_o church_n that_o declare_v he_o be_v not_o can_v be_v infallible_a unless_o a_o church_n can_v err_v and_o be_v infallible_a at_o the_o same_o instant_n 6._o it_o be_v far_o easy_a for_o man_n who_o implore_v the_o direction_n of_o god_n and_o use_v the_o help_n which_o he_o afford_v they_o to_o find_v their_o way_n to_o heaven_n in_o the_o scripture_n than_o to_o find_v a_o infallible_a guide_n on_o earth_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v obscure_a as_o well_o as_o plain_a passage_n in_o scripture_n some_o place_n so_o very_o dark_a and_o intricate_a that_o they_o even_o pose_v the_o most_o skilful_a and_o judicious_a guide_n but_o than_o our_o happiness_n be_v that_o our_o way_n do_v not_o lie_v through_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v light_a enough_o in_o innumerable_a other_o place_n to_o direct_v our_o step_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o in_o a_o straight_a line_n to_o everlasting_a bliss_n and_o perfection_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v as_o much_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o we_o if_o we_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n beg_v of_o god_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o error_n all_o which_o we_o have_v great_a encouragement_n to_o do_v since_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n indeed_o offer_v to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a method_n of_o find_v out_o truth_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o guide_n that_o will_v infallible_o show_v we_o every_o step_n of_o our_o way_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o any_o tedious_a inquiry_n nor_o any_o long_o in_o danger_n of_o miss_v our_o aim_n in_o they_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o own_o fallible_a judgement_n and_o who_o will_v not_o glad_o embrace_v so_o free_a and_o kind_a a_o offer_n as_o this_o provide_v there_o be_v no_o trick_n or_o fallacy_n it_o it_o the_o trial_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v if_o the_o proposes_n of_o this_o way_n of_o certainty_n be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o a_o few_o reasonable_a case_n without_o which_o as_o great_a as_o the_o courtesy_n seem_v to_o be_v we_o cnnot_v prudent_o accept_v of_o their_o offer_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v free_o proffer_v i_o the_o indies_n i_o must_v say_v it_o be_v a_o very_a noble_a gift_n if_o he_o can_v make_v it_o good_a and_o when_o he_o have_v convince_v i_o that_o he_o can_v i_o will_v thankful_o accept_v it_o from_o he_o but_o before_o he_o can_v give_v i_o satisfaction_n about_o it_o i_o find_v there_o must_v be_v a_o few_o word_n exchange_v between_o we_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o please_v i_o desire_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v the_o owner_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o treasure_n which_o be_v or_o late_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o so_o many_o great_a and_o potent_a prince_n and_o which_o way_n he_o will_v put_v i_o into_o possession_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n if_o he_o can_v answer_v these_o query_n as_o i_o believe_v he_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v never_o convey_v the_o indies_n to_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v never_o trouble_v my_o head_n more_o about_o they_o and_o thus_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n to_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v there_o such_o a_o church_n or_o person_n as_o they_o boast_v of_o at_o rome_n that_o can_v infallible_o solve_v all_o doubt_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n be_v rich_o worth_a both_o the_o indies_n together_o but_o before_o i_o accept_v of_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o guide_n i_o must_v desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o a_o few_o thing_n in_o reference_n to_o he_o as_o 1._o how_o i_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o guide_n or_o judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o i_o find_v there_o be_v a_o great_a controversy_n in_o the_o church_n about_o it_o and_o if_o i_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o till_o he_o have_v end_v all_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o great_a blessing_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n promise_v from_o he_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o this_o age_n of_o controversy_n to_o inquire_v any_o far_a after_o he_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o may_v i_o or_o any_o other_o protestant_n determine_v this_o controversy_n by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o fallible_a judgement_n if_o we_o may_v than_o it_o seem_v a_o fallible_a judgement_n may_v do_v more_o sometime_o than_o a_o infallible_a judg._n however_o a_o fallible_a judgement_n be_v all_o the_o judgement_n that_o we_o have_v and_o if_o by_o it_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n which_o at_o rome_n go_v for_o a_o lead_a article_n of_o faith_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o may_v not_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n be_v certain_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o we_o may_v
and_o that_o there_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v such_o a_o family_n in_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n when_o the_o church_n be_v empale_v in_o his_o little_a family_n and_o ten_o promise_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o be_v and_o know_v that_o they_o be_v sincere_a have_v no_o reason_n to_o value_v the_o censure_n of_o men._n it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o seek_v to_o please_v god_n and_o that_o he_o know_v their_o integrity_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a he_o can_v judge_v otherwise_o of_o we_o and_o then_o we_o be_v safe_a our_o reward_n be_v sure_a and_o will_v be_v great_a in_o heaven_n we_o need_v not_o ask_v leave_n of_o man_n to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o stand_v to_o their_o courtesy_n to_o bring_v we_o into_o favour_n with_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o it_o be_v enough_o in_o all_o reason_n that_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n be_v ready_a to_o acquit_v we_o 4._o last_o the_o success_n of_o this_o trial_n shall_v inspire_v we_o with_o zeal_n and_o resolution_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n in_o all_o instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n too_o hard_o for_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a faith_n there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v discharge_v before_o we_o and_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o our_o great_a example_n have_v do_v and_o consider_v how_o noble_o they_o have_v acquit_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o aspire_v to_o be_v as_o brave_a and_o resolute_a as_o they_o be_v and_o to_o break_v through_o the_o discouragement_n which_o can_v not_o hinder_v they_o from_o run_v and_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n do_v they_o climb_v over_o the_o high_a difficulty_n and_o may_v not_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o couch_v under_o the_o ordinary_a hardship_n in_o religion_n do_v they_o depend_v upon_o god_n when_o nothing_o but_o miracle_n can_v relieve_v their_o hope_n in_o he_o and_o shall_v we_o distrust_v his_o goodness_n and_o protection_n while_o we_o actual_o enjoy_v they_o and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o continue_v so_o many_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o concernment_n for_o we_o do_v they_o leave_v their_o country_n at_o god_n command_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o too_o much_o but_o to_o leave_v the_o vice_n of_o we_o which_o have_v long_o threaten_v to_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o possession_n of_o it_o again_o do_v they_o stick_v at_o nothing_o to_o please_v god_n not_o so_o much_o as_o at_o the_o offer_n of_o a_o only_a son_n and_o shall_v we_o that_o have_v better_a promise_n than_o they_o have_v refuse_v he_o so_o reasonable_a a_o service_n as_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o holy_a flame_n of_o devotion_n and_o love_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o indisputable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v extreme_o acceptable_a to_o he_o it_o be_v ture_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o believe_v and_o so_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o for_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n which_o out_o of_o the_o sacred_a annal_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n present_v we_o with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o many_o eminent_a believer_n who_o become_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n by_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o but_o that_o we_o who_o have_v the_o same_o and_o in_o some_o respect_v much_o great_a advantage_n than_o they_o have_v shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o same_o greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o invincible_a resolution_n in_o god_n service_n to_o conclude_v we_o have_v a_o incomparable_a pattern_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o text_n abraham_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n lay_v himself_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o his_o son_n upon_o his_o altar_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o at_o god_n command_n sacrifice_n our_o darling_n lust_n that_o will_v destroy_v our_o soul_n since_o one_o of_o the_o two_o must_v die_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n much_o cheap_a and_o no_o less_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o abraham_n oblation_n be_v 8._o micah_n 6.7_o 8._o more_o grateful_a to_o he_o than_o thouthousand_n of_o ram_n or_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n than_o if_o thou_o give_v thy_o first-born_a for_o thy_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o soul_n offer_v this_o as_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o thy_o faith_n without_o which_o thy_o very_a prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n then_o shall_v thou_o have_v favour_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n through_o the_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o only_a son_n and_o by_o walk_v before_o he_o as_o abraham_n do_v may_v assure_o hope_v after_o a_o short_a trial_n of_o thy_o faith_n and_o patience_n in_o this_o world_n to_o sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v we_o may_v all_o do_v through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n ii_o on_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o misinformed_a conscience_n or_o mistake_v principle_n in_o religion_n act_n 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o a_o eminent_a convert_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n that_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o of_o great_a natural_a endowment_n and_o that_o make_v a_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a figure_n both_o in_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o former_a he_o be_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n a_o sect_n which_o perhaps_o till_o the_o day_n of_o ignatius_n loyola_n never_o have_v its_o equal_a in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o pharisee_n of_o any_o party_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o keen_a against_o the_o christian_n so_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v as_o errant_a a_o pharisee_fw-mi as_o hearty_a and_o as_o eager_a a_o persecutor_n as_o any_o of_o his_o order_n 10.11_o ver_fw-la 10.11_o he_o be_v the_o man_n by_o his_o own_o confession_n that_o shut_v up_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o their_o religion_n he_o give_v his_o voice_n against_o they_o other_o he_o punish_v often_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_n i.e._n to_o renounce_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n christian_a plin._n ep._n tra._n the_o christian_a and_o to_o curse_v he_o use_v the_o same_o cruelty_n towards_o they_o which_o the_o heathen_a governor_n afterward_o do_v and_o those_o that_o refuse_v this_o horrid_a treachery_n to_o their_o lord_n he_o persecute_v into_o strange_a that_o be_v heathen_a city_n these_o thing_n be_v contracy_n in_o deed_n and_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v always_o so_o esteem_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o st._n paul_n confession_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v strange_a than_o all_o this_o and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n that_o make_v he_o thus_o severe_a to_o the_o christian_n and_o his_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o raise_v the_o persecution_n against_o they_o it_o be_v it_o seem_v the_o prevail_a sense_n of_o his_o mind_n a_o case_n he_o have_v determine_v within_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o run_v down_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n so_o he_o tell_v the_o king_n and_o court_n in_o these_o word_n i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o hearty_a champion_n you_o see_v he_o have_v be_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o how_o come_v he_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o opinion_n and_o to_o espouse_v a_o principle_n that_o the_o worst_a religion_n may_v well_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o true_a account_n of_o it_o be_v st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o right-bred_n pharisee_fw-mi 23.6_o act_n 23.6_o have_v suck_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o superstitious_a
common_o the_o deep_a most_o lasting_a and_o indelible_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v general_o very_o apt_a to_o stick_v to_o their_o first_o principle_n be_v they_o true_a or_o false_a and_o for_o want_v of_o due_a enquiry_n how_o they_o come_v by_o they_o to_o take_v they_o for_o divine_a impression_n and_o eternal_a truth_n and_o thus_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n usurp_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o guide_n the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o which_o be_v a_o zealous_a opposition_n against_o all_o that_o standin_fw-mi its_o way_n or_o presume_v to_o check_v and_o disturb_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o for_o what_o ever_o ought_v to_o be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o man_n present_a thought_n and_o principle_n be_v and_o will_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n and_o that_o the_o worse_a any_o principle_n be_v and_o the_o early_o they_o be_v instil_v into_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a truth_n the_o more_o strong_o they_o impregnate_n their_o mind_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o pursue_v the_o tendency_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o much_o wonder_n at_o those_o who_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o religion_n contrary_n to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o to_o his_o commandment_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o unity_n who_o be_v teach_v from_o their_o cradle_n to_o call_v we_o heretic_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o bitter_a thing_n against_o we_o to_o break_v their_o faith_n with_o we_o and_o to_o mark_v we_o out_o for_o destruction_n if_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o grow_v expert_a in_o all_o the_o art_n of_o confusion_n and_o with_o undaunted_a courage_n undertake_v the_o bold_a crime_n which_o their_o party_n and_o principle_n do_v countenance_n the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v true_a the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n be_v not_o invincible_a if_o man_n will_v take_v a_o right_a course_n to_o overcome_v they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o rare_a case_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o choose_v to_o enjoy_v their_o error_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v a_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o when_o our_o green_a and_o tender_a mind_n be_v once_o warp_a by_o false_a and_o pernicious_a principle_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o bring_v they_o straight_o and_o to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o right_a posture_n again_o it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o consideration_n and_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o bottom_n of_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n want_v ability_n of_o mind_n other_o leisure_n humility_n patience_n and_o integrity_n to_o carry_v they_o through_o and_o the_o want_n of_o any_o of_o these_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v for_o their_o obstinate_a persist_v in_o their_o first_o error_n and_o unreasonable_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n 2._o affect_a ignorance_n of_o the_o truth_n natural_o harden_v man_n in_o their_o evil_a principle_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o approve_v of_o any_o rugged_a and_o violent_a course_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o they_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n have_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o ever_o man_n enjoy_v of_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o chain_n and_o fetter_n of_o a_o ill_a education_n 1.18_o i_o pet._n 1.18_o or_o as_o st._n peter_n call_v it_o from_o their_o vain_a conversation_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n they_o have_v the_o bright_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n that_o ever_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o those_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o their_o own_o messiah_n who_o they_o have_v long_o expect_v in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_v concern_v that_o infinite_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n be_v exact_o fulfil_v who_o wrought_v the_o great_a and_o most_o astonish_a miracle_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n behold_v who_o give_v they_o a_o perfect_a comment_n on_o the_o law_n which_o have_v be_v miserable_o corrupt_v by_o the_o gloss_n of_o their_o scribe_n and_o doctor_n and_o lay_v open_v their_o hypocrisy_n to_o themselves_o and_o all_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o so_o blind_a and_o sottish_a be_v they_o as_o to_o reject_v all_o his_o admonition_n with_o spite_n and_o scorn_n to_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n to_o admire_v their_o deluder_n and_o to_o crucify_v their_o guide_n to_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n our_o saviour_n himself_o testify_v of_o they_o in_o the_o height_n of_o their_o rage_n and_o malice_n against_o he_o 23.34_o luke_n 23.34_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v they_o have_v be_v teach_v their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o glorious_a king_n and_o conqueror_n and_o such_o a_o one_o they_o must_v have_v or_o none_o they_o have_v be_v long_o wont_v to_o a_o pompous_a and_o ceremonious_a service_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o bear_v the_o thought_n of_o have_v the_o stately_a fabric_n of_o their_o religion_n erect_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o support_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n take_v down_o by_o the_o carpenter_n son_n as_o they_o style_v our_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o fatal_a chain_n that_o hold_v they_o fast_o in_o that_o dungeon_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o paradise_n itself_o can_v not_o tempt_v they_o nor_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v not_o redeem_v they_o from_o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o wilful_a and_o affect_a ignorance_n still_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n some_o think_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a and_o universal_a head_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o such_o a_o one_o they_o will_v have_v what_o ever_o it_o cost_v they_o other_o that_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o christ_n personal_a reign_n upon_o earth_n think_v they_o ought_v to_o fight_v for_o king_n jesus_n against_o all_o opposer_n and_o why_o be_v ignorance_n so_o much_o cherish_v and_o applaud_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o that_o it_o give_v the_o guide_n of_o that_o church_n a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o mislead_v the_o people_n and_o embolden_v they_o to_o act_v any_o illth_v they_o be_v please_v to_o impose_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a use_n they_o make_v of_o it_o they_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n to_o invert_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o fix_v the_o cross_a name_n they_o can_v devise_v upon_o they_o and_o then_o prosecute_v they_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o intrinsic_a merit_n just_o as_o the_o heathen_n clothe_v the_o christian_n in_o beast_n skin_n and_o then_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v worry_v by_o wild_a beast_n to_o death_n they_o first_o teach_v they_o to_o call_v our_o religion_n on_o heresy_n which_o natural_o create_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n of_o it_o and_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o they_o easy_o persuade_v they_o they_o can_v be_v too_o zealous_a to_o suppress_v it_o the_o next_o step_n to_o which_o persuasion_n be_v to_o think_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v lawful_a that_o will_v do_v it_o or_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v it_o shall_v be_v meritorious_a and_o then_o to_o destroy_v heretic_n follow_v of_o course_n to_o be_v a_o glorious_a work_n but_o sure_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o think_v so_o when_o he_o confess_v the_o contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o do_v our_o saviour_n think_v so_o when_o he_o reprove_v the_o rash_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n of_o his_o disciple_n who_o will_v have_v consume_v the_o samaritan_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o and_o after_o this_o 9.55_o luke_n 9.55_o shall_v i_o presume_v to_o say_v that_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v manage_v with_o invincible_a strength_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o our_o side_n or_o shall_v i_o say_v that_o no_o cause_n since_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o that_o of_o our_o common_a christianity_n be_v ever_o better_a defend_v than_o our_o departure_n from_o that_o church_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o confidence_n of_o boast_v 3._o secular_a interest_n have_v great_a power_n to_o distort_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n and_o to_o inflame_v their_o passion_n against_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v they_o place_v their_o chief_a satisfaction_n in_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v for_o the_o port_n of_o gain_n or_o honour_n or_o liberty_n we_o common_o find_v they_o make_v all_o the_o sail_n that_o ever_o they_o can_v to_o come_v speedy_o to_o it_o if_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v their_o end_n be_v to_o appear_v stout_o for_o this_o or_o that_o party_n or_o persuasion_n they_o will_v ready_o do_v it_o and_o serve_v the_o cause_n to_o the_o utmost_a if_o they_o happen_v to_o thrive_v by_o it_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a
of_o christianity_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a trouble_n and_o dishonour_n of_o the_o church_n to_o give_v you_o one_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o germany_n 10._o sleid._n come_v lib._n 10._o they_o who_o first_o scruple_v only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o infant_n baptism_n by_o degree_n so_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o new_a and_o great_a error_n that_o in_o a_o few_o year_n they_o grow_v the_o high_a enthusiast_n vent_v the_o rank_a blasphemy_n and_o the_o most_o fulsome_a opinion_n and_o after_o the_o fair_a show_n of_o sanctity_n and_o self-denial_n throw_v off_o all_o humanity_n indulge_v themselves_o in_o the_o most_o beastial_a and_o impudent_a vice_n in_o fine_a they_o renounce_v all_o allegiance_n to_o their_o lawful_a superior_n set_v up_o a_o puppet_n king_n of_o their_o own_o dignify_v he_o with_o the_o title_n of_o universal_a monarch_n and_o to_o complete_a the_o tragedy_n baptise_a one_o another_o with_o their_o own_o blood_n 3._o that_o the_o great_a zeal_n be_v no_o evidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n or_o principle_n while_o some_o contend_v as_o earnest_o against_o as_o other_o do_v for_o the_o truth_n their_o zeal_n can_v determine_v nothing_o on_o either_o side_n it_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o principle_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n that_o can_v only_o justify_v our_o zeal_n for_o they_o if_o they_o be_v want_v zeal_n be_v no_o better_a than_o rage_n and_o frenzy_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n 4.18_o gal._n 4.18_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v always_o in_o a_o good_a thing_n which_o imply_v that_o when_o our_o zeal_n be_v not_o thus_o qualify_v it_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o or_o if_o it_o rise_v above_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o object_n it_o so_o far_o overshoots_a itself_o and_o degenerate_v into_o vice_n and_o folly_n and_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o those_o that_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o religion_n upon_o slender_a thing_n that_o can_v find_v nothing_o to_o spend_v their_o zeal_n upon_o but_o a_o innocent_a phrase_n or_o ceremony_n that_o despise_v communion_n with_o a_o church_n that_o do_v not_o hit_v their_o fancy_n in_o every_o punctilio_n and_o seem_v almost_o content_v the_o protestant_a religion_n shall_v fink_v rather_o than_o the_o best_a support_n of_o it_o shall_v stand_v i_o mean_v the_o union_n of_o protestant_n in_o our_o establish_v national_a religion_n these_o be_v humour_n that_o charity_n itself_o can_v hardly_o excuse_v in_o they_o or_o look_v upon_o as_o any_o other_o than_o the_o excess_n of_o a_o mistake_v and_o intemperate_a zeal_n in_o short_a zeal_n be_v either_o the_o best_a friend_n or_o the_o keen_a enemy_n to_o religion_n for_o which_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v narrow_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o 4._o we_o see_v what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v aware_a of_o those_o person_n who_o teach_v and_o promote_v such_o principle_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o interest_n of_o christianity_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v worse_o of_o any_o religion_n than_o that_o it_o inspire_v man_n with_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekmess_n and_o represent_v god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n a_o humourous_a and_o discontent_a be_v that_o be_v never_o please_v long_o with_o his_o own_o prescription_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v soothe_v and_o flatter_v with_o something_o that_o be_v new_a and_o fanciful_a that_o look_v like_o a_o excess_n or_o transport_v of_o devotion_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o goodwill_n or_o iii-nature_n of_o man_n such_o religion_n as_o this_o can_v never_o reconcile_v itself_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n but_o will_v be_v supplant_n it_o wherever_o it_o come_v and_o the_o zeal_n it_o infuse_v into_o man_n will_v if_o not_o effectual_o restrain_v act_n over_o all_o those_o dismal_a tragedy_n again_o of_o which_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v be_v almost_o the_o constant_a scene_n ever_o since_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v therefore_o be_v jealous_a of_o it_o in_o all_o shape_n whether_o it_o plead_v for_o unity_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v who_o take_v herself_o to_o be_v the_o only_a church_n and_o therefore_o reprobate_n all_o that_o will_v not_o be_v unite_v to_o she_o or_o whether_o it_o declare_v for_o freegrace_n i.e._n a_o gospel_n without_o a_o sanction_n as_o the_o german_a antinomian_o and_o ranter_n do_v who_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n and_o live_v as_o if_o it_o teach_v they_o to_o deny_v themselves_o no_o ungodliness_n or_o worldly_a lust_n whether_o it_o pretend_v to_o vision_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o lord_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n receive_v and_o deliver_v by_o his_o apostle_n from_o he_o or_o whether_o it_o set_v up_o for_o purity_n of_o worship_n in_o mistake_v or_o doubtful_a instance_n against_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o which_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a 3.17_o jam._n 3.17_o gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v not_o peevish_a or_o implacable_a not_o apt_a to_o quarrel_v with_o shadow_n and_o much_o less_o to_o put_v three_o kingdom_n into_o a_o flame_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o three_o harmless_a ceremony_n 5._o last_o since_o christianity_n be_v liable_a to_o and_o have_v endure_v so_o much_o opposition_n from_o man_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o adore_v god_n infinite_a widsom_a and_o goodness_n in_o preserve_v his_o truth_n and_o protect_v his_o church_n against_o the_o zealous_a endeavour_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o stifle_v and_o destroy_v they_o and_o certain_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n have_v see_v as_o extraordinary_a evidence_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o ever_o any_o christian_a nation_n do_v our_o deliverance_n have_v have_v so_o many_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o peculiar_a providence_n upon_o they_o that_o one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v at_o once_o clear_a the_o nation_n of_o all_o atheistical_a dotage_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o its_o divide_a inhabitant_n and_o discourage_v its_o most_o zealous_a adversary_n from_o dare_v any_o long_a that_o all-seeing_a eye_n that_o have_v so_o often_o discover_v from_o struggle_v any_o more_o with_o that_o omnipotent_a hand_n that_o have_v so_o seasonable_o baffle_v their_o closet_n and_o most_o perfidious_a design_n and_o practice_n and_o doubtless_o be_v we_o as_o sensible_a as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o god_n singular_a goodness_n towards_o we_o in_o cast_v we_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o church_n where_o we_o have_v all_o advantage_n for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o in_o lengthen_v out_o our_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o despite_n of_o our_o enemy_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o out_o interest_n to_o leave_v ourselves_o still_o in_o his_o hand_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o sit_v still_o and_o neglect_v our_o guard_n but_o by_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o welldoing_a by_o attempt_v nothing_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o our_o excellent_a religion_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o genuine_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n by_o our_o unfeigned_a thankfulness_n to_o he_o for_o his_o wonderful_a mercy_n by_o confide_v in_o his_o goodness_n and_o protection_n by_o the_o fervency_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o intercession_n with_o he_o and_o by_o mutual_a exchange_n of_o kindness_n and_o condescension_n to_o one_o another_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v true_o promote_v our_o common_a interest_n in_o a_o word_n by_o adhere_v to_o the_o old_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o avoid_v the_o two_o dangerous_a rock_n of_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n and_o what_o ever_o else_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n grant_v o_o lord_n we_o beseech_v thou_o that_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n may_v be_v so_o peaceable_o order_v by_o thy_o governance_n that_o thy_o church_n may_v joyful_o serve_v thou_o in_o all_o godly_a quietness_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n iii_o of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o impenitency_n under_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o salvation_n matthew_z 11.21_o 22._o wo_n unto_o thou_o chorazin_n woe_n unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o you_o chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n be_v city_n of_o galilee_n situate_v on_o the_o sea-shore_n not_o very_o far_o from_o the_o coast_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o profess_v the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o hear_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o behold_v his_o miracle_n but_o
he_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n train_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n instruct_v in_o all_o the_o minute_n instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o preserve_v by_o wonderful_a providence_n against_o all_o the_o malice_n and_o fury_n of_o all_o the_o fierce_a and_o mighty_a nation_n that_o be_v round_o about_o they_o the_o jew_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v the_o very_a darling_n of_o providence_n they_o live_v in_o a_o land_n of_o light_n when_o darkness_n cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n a_o land_n who_o least_o happiness_n be_v that_o it_o flow_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n as_o moses_n tell_v they_o 8._o deut._n 4.7_o 8._o when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o inhabit_v that_o have_v god_n so_o nigh_o unto_o they_o in_o all_o that_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o or_o that_o have_v statute_n and_o judgement_n so_o righteous_a as_o all_o the_o law_n which_o he_o set_v before_o they_o for_o a_o lamp_n to_o their_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o their_o path_n and_o which_o if_o they_o careful_o follow_v they_o will_v assure_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o celestial_a canaan_n to_o they_o say_v st._n paul_n speak_v of_o god_n distinguish_a grace_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o jew_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 9.4_o rom._n 3.2_o rom._n 9.4_o to_o they_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n or_o divine_a presence_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o as_o the_o jew_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n stand_v the_o fair_a for_o eternal_a life_n so_o those_o of_o they_o that_o live_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n have_v fair_a opportunity_n of_o be_v happy_a than_o all_o that_o live_v before_o they_o in_o expectation_n of_o his_o come_v and_o of_o all_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o age_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o great_a city_n of_o galilee_n such_o as_o corazin_n bethsaida_n and_o capernaum_n live_v in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o neighbourhood_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v have_v the_o great_a advantage_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n they_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o fame_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o echo_n of_o his_o doctrine_n from_o distant_a place_n but_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o in_o the_o most_o affect_v and_o immediate_a manner_n they_o behold_v the_o son_n of_o god_n clothe_v with_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o hear_v he_o preach_v in_o their_o street_n many_o of_o they_o that_o never_o see_v or_o hear_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o life_n before_o he_o they_o hear_v his_o divine_a say_n even_o the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n from_o he_o they_o feast_v on_o his_o miracle_n be_v feed_v heal_v and_o enlighten_v by_o they_o and_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o his_o divinity_n in_o their_o rescue_n from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o evil_a spirit_n thus_o salvation_n come_v home_o to_o the_o jew_n throw_v itself_o as_o it_o be_v into_o their_o arm_n and_o without_o wait_v for_o their_o entreaty_n urge_v and_o obtrude_v itself_o upon_o they_o 17._o mat._n 1â—_n 16_o 17._o and_o bless_v be_v the_o eye_n which_o see_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v and_o the_o ear_n which_o hear_v the_o word_n that_o they_o hear_v it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o such_o person_n to_o enter_v into_o life_n as_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o instruction_n they_o receive_v from_o they_o so_o that_o the_o jew_n of_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o especial_o those_o of_o his_o own_o province_n and_o acquaintance_n have_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o salvation_n of_o any_o people_n upon_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_v of_o his_o to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n john_n 4.22_o that_o salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v true_a after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_a world_n all_o those_o nation_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n come_v stand_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o the_o jew_n i_o mean_v have_v as_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v the_o tender_v of_o it_o as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o have_v those_o only_o except_v that_o see_v our_o saviour_n when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o some_o nation_n have_v never_o yet_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o myriad_o there_o be_v of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o never_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n or_o the_o holy_a bible_n other_o that_o once_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v a_o considerable_a figure_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v by_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o corrupt_v themselves_o with_o lewd_a error_n and_o practice_n lose_v all_o the_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o of_o this_o number_n be_v the_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n from_o who_o christ_n have_v recall_v his_o angel_n and_o fetchr_n away_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o leave_v they_o in_o a_o dark_a night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o this_o show_v that_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o entail_v upon_o particular_a nation_n and_o that_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n may_v stand_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o which_o be_v once_o the_o most_o orthodox_n and_o flourish_a church_n in_o short_a if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n at_o this_o day_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n of_o grace_n in_o several_a church_n of_o the_o great_a name_n and_o the_o high_a pretence_n to_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o there_o be_v one_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n where_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v wrest_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v discern_v the_o wrong_n that_o be_v do_v they_o in_o deny_v they_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n see_v the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n now_o by_o all_o these_o instance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a inequality_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v they_o to_o all_o man_n or_o in_o all_o age_n alike_o but_o to_o some_o he_o give_v more_o and_o to_o other_o less_o according_a to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n etc._n mat._n 25.14_o 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v very_o plain_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n which_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v travel_v into_o a_o far_a country_n distribute_v to_o his_o servant_n to_o one_o he_o give_v five_o to_o another_o two_o and_o to_o a_o three_o but_o a_o single_a talon_n with_o this_o general_n charge_n that_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o shall_v employ_v to_o his_o advantage_n till_o his_o occasion_n shall_v permit_v his_o return_n to_o they_o 2._o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a dispensation_n of_o it_o by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o injustice_n in_o the_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o happiness_n to_o clear_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o desire_v its_o own_o happiness_n may_v expect_v from_o a_o just_a and_o faithful_a creator_n and_o sure_o he_o may_v expect_v that_o the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v and_o of_o his_o desire_n of_o be_v happy_a hold_v once_o at_o least_o put_v it_o into_o his_o power_n to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o not_o improve_n any_o advantage_n for_o it_o which_o he_o never_o enjoy_v these_o two_o thing_n i_o say_v he_o may_v promise_v himself_o because_o a_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o just_a as_o god_n be_v can_v not_o make_v he_o only_o to_o make_v he_o miserable_a as_o he_o must_v have_v do_v shall_v he_o either_o deny_v he_o all_o power_n to_o be_v happy_a or_o punish_v he_o eternal_o for_o not_o improve_n the_o power_n which_o he_o never_o give_v he_o but_o then_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o justice_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o man_n than_o this_o because_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v he_o happy_a if_o he_o be_v not_o want_v
of_o his_o person_n which_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o it_o have_v be_v all_o along_o in_o possession_n of_o they_o hear_v the_o gracious_a word_n that_o proceed_v from_o he_o but_o certain_o neither_o chorazin_n nor_o bethsaida_n nor_o jerusalem_n itself_o hear_v so_o much_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o four_o gospel_n have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o jew_n indeed_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v but_o beside_o that_o we_o have_v invincible_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o person_n too_o good_a and_o too_o know_v to_o deceive_v we_o insert_v into_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o sacred_a record_n of_o our_o religion_n receive_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o declare_a enemy_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o do-doctrine_n i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o the_o gospel_n have_v since_o receive_v as_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a confirmation_n as_o it_o do_v by_o all_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v see_v in_o galilee_n i_o mean_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n himself_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o by_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n which_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n have_v wrought_v in_o the_o world_n by_o its_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o all_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n by_o its_o thrive_n under_o the_o hot_a persecution_n and_o plant_v itself_o in_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o those_o that_o command_v the_o force_n that_o be_v employ_v against_o it_o in_o short_a by_o the_o gradual_a fulfil_v of_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o reprobation_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n the_o come_v of_o antichrist_n and_o the_o strange_a figure_n and_o havoc_n which_o he_o shall_v make_v in_o the_o world_n these_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v since_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o we_o and_o our_o father_n have_v see_v they_o and_o in_o these_o respect_v we_o have_v apparent_o as_o much_o advantage_n of_o the_o city_n in_o the_o text_n as_o they_o have_v of_o we_o in_o point_n of_o miracle_n now_o since_o we_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o impenitent_a jew_n have_v if_o we_o resist_v it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o persist_v in_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n to_o it_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o they_o shall_v fall_v with_o its_o full_a weight_n and_o terror_n upon_o we_o p1_n 1._o for_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o threaten_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n and_o that_o the_o more_o and_o the_o great_a sin_n any_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o more_o punishment_n he_o deserve_v and_o who_o shall_v tell_v we_o what_o punishment_n we_o deserve_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o he_o that_o be_v our_o natural_a lawgiver_n and_o our_o rightful_a judge_n 2._o god_n have_v express_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n accond_v to_o his_o deed_n rom._n 2.6_o and_o then_o he_o will_v certain_o punish_v a_o wicked_a christian_a not_o only_o for_o such_o sin_n as_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o common_a with_o wicked_a jew_n and_o heathen_n that_o never_o receive_v the_o gospel_n but_o also_o for_o the_o abuse_n of_o gospel-grace_n the_o violation_n of_o his_o sacred_a vow_n and_o promise_n and_o the_o neglect_n of_o all_o opportunity_n and_o advantage_n he_o have_v have_v of_o improve_n himself_o in_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o grace_n it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o declaration_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v judge_v we_o according_a to_o our_o work_n be_v part_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v he_o understand_v in_o a_o gospel_n sense_n i.e._n so_o as_o to_o leave_v room_n for_o repentance_n but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o this_o veru_a aâ—â—_n of_o grace_n if_o we_o do_v not_o repent_v will_v only_o inflame_v our_o account_n and_o make_v our_o condemnation_n the_o more_o just_a and_o terrible_a 3._o to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n or_o continue_v impenitent_a under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o be_v to_o frustuate_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o salvation_n the_o most_o extraordinary_a kindness_n that_o ever_o be_v show_v to_o man_n and_o therefore_o deserve_v the_o severe_a punishment_n and_o the_o sore_a damnation_n we_o can_v never_o hope_v for_o better_a mean_n of_o get_v to_o heaven_n than_o what_o the_o gospel_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o unless_o god_n have_v a_o dear_a son_n and_o a_o more_o prevail_a mediator_n than_o the_o belove_a and_o holy_a jesus_n to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o our_o refusal_n therefore_o of_o such_o a_o favour_n in_o the_o true_a construction_n of_o it_o 13.46_o act._n 13.46_o judge_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n shall_v judge_v otherwise_o of_o we_o but_o more_o than_o this_o we_o apparent_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a severity_n he_o have_v threaten_v to_o use_v with_o the_o most_o insolent_a and_o incorrigible_a offender_n that_o servant_n say_v our_o saviour_n that_o know_v his_o lord_n will_v 12.47_o luk._n 12.47_o and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neithet_n do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o thus_o hypocrite_n and_o unbeliever_n be_v mark_v out_o for_o the_o most_o dismal_a and_o intolerable_a destruction_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v justen_n when_o god_n have_v make_v the_o great_a condescension_n to_o man_n that_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o holiness_n than_o that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o stoop_v to_o his_o mercy_n shall_v fall_v under_o his_o high_a displeasure_n and_o feel_v the_o heavy_a stroke_n of_o his_o mighty_a indignation_n if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a 3._o heb._n 2.2_o 3._o and_o every_o transgression_n receive_v a_o just_a reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n as_o be_v tender_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o now_o the_o use_n we_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o admonition_n be_v to_o consider_v the_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o as_o to_o the_o public_a and_o our_o own_o concern_v and_o to_o hasten_v our_o escape_n out_o of_o it_o 1._o let_v we_o then_o reflect_v upon_o the_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o by_o our_o great_a impenitency_n and_o abuse_v of_o those_o excellent_a mean_n of_o grace_n we_o have_v long_o enjoy_v through_o god_n transcendent_a goodness_n and_o patience_n towards_o we_o be_v for_o people_n more_o high_o favour_v by_o divine_a providence_n be_v ever_o any_o church_n adorn_v with_o more_o burn_a and_o shm_v light_n in_o one_o age_n than_o the_o present_a church_n of_o england_n be_v we_o can_v plead_v that_o we_o have_v want_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v plain_a we_o have_v want_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o hear_a ear_n and_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n and_o for_o want_v of_o these_o many_o have_v snuff_v at_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o kick_v at_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n while_o other_o have_v for_o many_o year_n sit_v content_o under_o they_o this_o if_o we_o add_v to_o it_o the_o badnese_n of_o our_o principle_n and_o the_o debauchery_n of_o our_o life_n be_v a_o very_a sad_a and_o melancholy_a consideration_n especial_o in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v in_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v clean_o forget_v that_o the_o gospel_n come_v into_o this_o island_n to_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o judgement_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n be_v and_o must_v be_v in_o this_o world_n because_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o society_n in_o the_o next_o and_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o near_o the_o day_n of_o our_o particular_a judgement_n may_v be_v but_o sure_o it_o hasten_v as_o fast_o as_o we_o do_v to_o make_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v cure_v by_o any_o method_n of_o grace_n or_o any_o revelation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n from_o heaven_n it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n for_o god_n to_o bereave_v a_o sinful_a nation_n at_o once_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n for_o a_o better_a and_o since_o the_o gospel_n have_v already_o take_v leave_n of_o some_o church_n that_o hourisht_v in_o their_o time_n as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v at_o this_o day_n how_o
the_o jew_n who_o be_v not_o call_v into_o the_o vineyard_n till_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n be_v over_o and_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o life_n and_o peace_n many_o age_n after_o it_o be_v ratify_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n shall_v yet_o enjoy_v the_o full_a benefit_n of_o it_o and_o assure_o receive_v the_o same_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a israelite_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o whenever_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o call_v in_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n or_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o never_o yet_o behold_v the_o great_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n their_o late_a entrance_n into_o the_o vineyard_n shall_v not_o bar_v they_o of_o a_o equal_a reward_n with_o those_o that_o have_v finish_v their_o work_n and_o be_v long_o since_o go_v to_o heaven_n before_o they_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v and_o importance_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o to_o have_v in_o many_o respect_v the_o advanvantage_n of_o that_o which_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o which_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v if_o we_o try_v they_o by_o the_o rule_v before_o mention_v and_o consider_v 1._o the_o rise_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o parable_n or_o the_o dependence_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o word_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v immediate_o before_o it_o ult_n chap._n 19_o ult_n many_o that_o be_v first_o shall_v be_v last_o and_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o whereupon_o it_o follow_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n that_o go_v out_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o hire_v labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n 16._o chap._n 20._o 16._o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n close_v his_o parable_n with_o the_o same_o say_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o it_o and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o can_v be_v no_o good_a interpretation_n of_o it_o which_o do_v not_o square_a with_o this_o say_n and_o certain_o the_o true_a if_o any_o choice_n there_o be_v be_v that_o which_o sall_n in_o most_o natural_o with_o it_o now_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n upon_o this_o issue_n by_o the_o labourer_n we_o understand_v the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n and_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n tell_v that_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o the_o first_o last_o so_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v hire_v last_o into_o the_o vineyard_n be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v first_o call_v will_v be_v the_o last_o be_v cast_v off_o for_o reject_v the_o son_n 21.38_o mat._n 21.38_o who_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n send_v to_o receive_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o their_o season_n 25._o rom._n 11_o 25._o till_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o and_o thus_o our_o lord_n himself_o interpret_v this_o very_a passage_n mat._n 8.11_o 12._o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o unbelieve_a jew_n that_o reject_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o outer_a darkness_n thus_o far_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a congruity_n between_o the_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o this_o text_n and_o that_o remarkable_a sentence_n which_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v place_v at_o both_o end_n of_o the_o parable_n purposely_o to_o guide_v we_o through_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o let_v we_o see_v now_o how_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o that_o expound_v it_o of_o die_v penitent_n will_v suit_v with_o their_o be_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o christian_n can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v first_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n unless_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o judas_n be_v who_o be_v traitor_n to_o he_o till_o their_o last_o hour_n or_o do_v they_o do_v he_o better_o or_o long_a service_n than_o other_o that_o defer_v their_o repentance_n till_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o ask_v his_o forgiveness_n for_o what_o they_o have_v always_o do_v in_o contradiction_n to_o he_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o there_o be_v man_n that_o for_o many_o year_n from_o their_o youth_n to_o their_o die_a day_n have_v live_v in_o the_o sear_n of_o god_n and_o a_o constant_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o the_o best_a of_o these_o come_v behind_o those_o who_o live_v as_o long_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o very_a edge_n and_o point_n of_o eternity_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v imagine_v what_o construction_n these_o man_n can_v make_v of_o our_o saviour_n prophecy_n so_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o the_o first_o last_v unless_o they_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n who_o begin_v not_o to_o look_v towards_o god_n and_o religion_n till_o their_o last_o sickness_n be_v before_o other_o in_o his_o faviour_n and_o may_v therefore_o expect_v a_o great_a reward_n than_o such_o as_o spend_v their_o whole_a life_n in_o his_o service_n which_o be_v it_o true_a i_o grant_v will_v be_v a_o mighty_a credit_n and_o encouragement_n to_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n 2._o if_o we_o view_v the_o context_n and_o follow_v the_o thread_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n 12._o v._o 11_o 12._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o labourer_n that_o come_v first_o into_o the_o vineyard_n murmur_v at_o the_o goodman_n of_o the_o house_n for_o make_v the_o last_o equal_a with_o themselves_o who_o have_v bear_v the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n now_o this_o be_v exact_o true_a of_o the_o jew_n who_o repine_v mighty_o at_o the_o gentile_n come_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o all_o advantage_n imaginable_a be_v entitele_v to_o the_o same_o reward_n without_o observe_v the_o rite_n or_o feel_v any_o of_o the_o burden_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v so_o many_o age_n labour_v under_o nay_o this_o raise_v their_o envy_n so_o high_a that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o the_o great_a impediment_n to_o their_o conversion_n the_o main_a thing_n that_o hinder_v their_o effectual_a close_n with_o the_o gospel_n but_o still_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o what_o be_v do_v suppose_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v the_o early_a and_o the_o gentile_n the_o late_a comer_n into_o the_o vineyard_n for_o though_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v old_a when_o the_o gentile_n be_v call_v yet_o be_v we_o general_o call_v as_o young_a as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v and_o may_v work_v as_o long_o in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o perform_v as_o much_o and_o as_o faithful_a service_n as_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o our_o come_n after_o they_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o our_o great_a master_n shall_v not_o reward_v we_o as_o liberal_o to_o the_o full_a as_o they_o he_o that_o do_v a_o days-work_n the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o year_n if_o he_o be_v call_v to_o it_o no_o soon_o deserve_v a_o days-wage_n as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o be_v hire_v the_o first_o but_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v say_v there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o a_o deathbed_n sorrow_n after_o ten_o thousand_o call_n to_o repentance_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v equal_o reward_v with_o the_o long_a holy_a and_o most_o religious_a life_n however_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o of_o this_o mind_n may_v appear_v 3._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o plain_a scope_n and_o meaning_n of_o other_o parable_n such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n who_o want_v oil_n in_o their_o lamp_n at_o the_o bridegroom_n come_v 12._o mat._n 25.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o while_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v be_v bar_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n which_o the_o wise_a be_v admit_v into_o and_o when_o they_o cry_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o methinks_v i_o hear_v the_o sorrowful_a deathbed_n cry_v receive_v this_o dreadful_a answer_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o and_o as_o little_a coherence_n will_v be_v find_v between_o a_o die_a penitent_n be_v equal_o reward_v with_o the_o most_o eminent_a christian_n as_o he_o must_v be_v if_o we_o rank_v he_o with_o the_o labourer_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o parable_n concern_v the_o talent_n the_o moral_a of_o which_o be_v apparent_o this_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v and_o the_o several_a advantage_n they_o be_v entrust_v with_o and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v none_o but_o squander_v away_o their_o life_n and_o opportuity_n of_o grace_n shall_v feel_v the_o high_a displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n be_v cast_v into_o outer_a darkness_n let_v man_n impartial_o
to_o premise_v 1._o that_o by_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n i_o understand_v as_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v the_o way_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o gospel_n the_o same_o which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n 10.20_o mat._n 7.14.22.16_o act._n 16.17_o 2_o pet._n 2.15_o heb._n 10.20_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n the_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o right_a way_n the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o christ_n have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o that_o be_v the_o method_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o incarnation_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v put_v we_o into_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n 2._o by_o the_o sure_a find_v of_o this_o way_n upon_o a_o due_a and_o careful_a enquiry_n i_o mean_v that_o ordinary_a christian_n by_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o sacred_a record_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o honest_a intention_n by_o implore_v the_o divine_a asssistance_n and_o make_v that_o use_n they_o ought_v of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n may_v certain_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n that_o be_v sincere_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n can_v desire_v for_o who_o that_o be_v so_o can_v desire_v to_o be_v more_o than_o certain_a of_o his_o way_n thither_o or_o to_o have_v a_o better_a foundation_n for_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n in_o man_n must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o that_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o direct_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o in_o this_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v even_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o allow_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n though_o they_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o usefulness_n or_o perfection_n of_o it_o but_o still_o we_o have_v a_o great_a authority_n than_o this_o i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v write_v ult_n joh._n 10._o ult_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n i._n e._n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o believe_v we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o that_o they_o teach_v we_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o hence_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o the_o first_o general_n council_n appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o true_a standard_n of_o christianity_n and_o condemn_v the_o ancient_a heretic_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o in_o those_o day_n the_o manner_n be_v to_o set_v the_o holy_a oracle_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o council_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v consult_v in_o all_o their_o debate_n and_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n or_o decree_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v so_o determine_v by_o that_o infallible_a rule_n 2._o christ_n have_v leave_v such_o a_o rule_n to_o his_o church_n it_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v intelligible_a i._n e._n capable_a of_o be_v understand_v and_o apply_v by_o those_o that_o be_v to_o use_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n otherwise_o it_o can_v never_o serve_v the_o great_a end_v it_o be_v give_v for_o to_o say_v which_o be_v the_o high_a reflection_n that_o can_v be_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o he_o that_o give_v it_o the_o gospel_n pretend_v to_o show_v we_o a_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n if_o we_o can_v never_o find_v it_o by_o its_o direction_n if_o we_o must_v use_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n we_o must_v learn_v from_o it_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v and_o if_o we_o must_v do_v so_o i_o think_v that_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o unanswerable_a argument_n that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o for_o assure_o god_n will_v never_o make_v a_o show_n of_o bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n by_o a_o mean_n which_o he_o certain_o know_v will_v fail_v we_o if_o we_o trust_v to_o it_o 3._o the_o institution_n of_o pastor_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o private_a person_n in_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n undeniable_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n be_v that_o all_o christian_n shall_v understand_v it_o themselves_o and_o then_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o may_v do_v it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v and_o be_v qualify_v to_o judge_v in_o other_o matter_n for_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o teacher_n but_o to_o assist_v and_o inform_v our_o understanding_n and_o help_v we_o to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o thing_n or_o what_o benefit_n be_v there_o of_o be_v teach_v if_o we_o may_v not_o use_v our_o judgement_n when_o it_o be_v right_o inform_v and_o be_v permit_v to_o know_v when_o it_o be_v and_o when_o not_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o natural_a privilege_n of_o mankind_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v one_o natural_a right_n that_o our_o saviour_n by_o any_o institution_n of_o he_o deprive_v we_o of_o and_o certain_o of_o all_o other_o he_o will_v never_o bar_v we_o of_o this_o because_o his_o doctrine_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o we_o without_o it_o for_o what_o sway_n be_v the_o gospel_n like_v to_o bear_v upon_o our_o mind_n or_o which_o way_n can_v it_o influence_n our_o life_n till_o we_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o use_v of_o it_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v unless_o we_o may_v exercise_v our_o own_o judgement_n upon_o they_o let_v my_o guide_n be_v never_o so_o know_v or_o infallible_a it_o be_v not_o he_o without_o my_o own_o knowledge_n that_o can_v make_v i_o sure_o of_o my_o way_n and_o therefore_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o way_n to_o convey_v his_o great_a knowledge_n into_o i_o and_o if_o he_o have_v it_o be_v sure_o through_o my_o understanding_n i_o be_o but_o just_a where_o i_o be_v without_o he_o and_o never_o like_a to_o make_v any_o spiritual_a improvement_n by_o he_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n i_o confess_v of_o some_o teacher_n that_o their_o disciple_n shall_v not_o see_v which_o way_n they_o lead_v they_o but_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v ordain_v to_o this_o office_n be_v send_v to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v see_v the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n 4._o christian_n without_o distinction_n be_v express_o require_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o as_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o imply_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o treasure_n in_o the_o scripture_n a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n so_o it_o may_v be_v certain_o find_v by_o those_o that_o due_o search_v for_o it_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o direct_v his_o disciple_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n we_o shall_v despair_v of_o find_v it_o in_o the_o new_a be_v infallible_o assure_v 1.10_o 2_o tim._n 1.10_o that_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n i.e._n be_v more_o emphatical_o discover_v be_v set_v in_o a_o better_a light_n to_o we_o christian_n by_o the_o new_a and_o bright_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o they_o be_v of_o old_a to_o the_o jew_n by_o all_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o then_o if_o we_o seek_v for_o life_n and_o immortality_n and_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o this_o
in_o favour_n of_o st._n peter_n or_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n to_o understend_v it_o and_o more_o than_o it_o imply_v as_o these_o man_n will_v have_v we_o of_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o why_o may_v not_o st._n peter_n be_v a_o rock_n and_o pope_n honorius_n a_o monothelite_n and_o liberius_n the_o arrian_n no_o better_a than_o wave_n must_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n need_v prevail_v against_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o the_o bishop_n of_o one_o diocese_n prove_v not_o so_o orthodox_n as_o he_o shall_v be_v and_o why_o may_v not_o christ_n be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n though_o he_o take_v no_o great_a care_n to_o preserve_v it_o from_o error_n than_o from_o sinful_a practice_n and_o be_v it_o not_o modest_o do_v of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o engross_v all_o the_o promise_n to_o herself_o which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o to_o argue_v all_o along_o as_o she_o do_v upon_o the_o ciedit_n of_o this_o no_o tabel_n principle_n that_o a_o part_n be_v the_o whole_a which_o bid_v defiance_n to_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n now_o since_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o our_o guide_n we_o must_v do_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v for_o ourselves_o wemu_v judge_n of_o thing_n by_o such_o faculity_n as_o god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o if_o they_o be_v fallible_a be_v not_o help_v that_o but_o find_v it_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o judge_v at_o all_o if_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a either_o till_o we_o be_v infallible_a or_o till_o we_o can_v meet_v with_o a_o infallible_a judge_n but_o the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v we_o may_v shift_v well_o enough_o without_o he_o have_v a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o plasn_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o those_o that_o be_v due_o instruct_v by_o it_o in_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o for_o doubtful_a case_n as_o they_o require_v a_o narrow_a search_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o better_a judgement_n perhaps_o than_o our_o own_o so_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o destitute_a of_o these_o advantage_n he_o have_v appoint_v man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o be_v our_o guide_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o assist_v both_o they_o and_o we_o in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v direct_v by_o they_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o our_o level_n we_o may_v satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o this_o that_o we_o take_v the_o best_a course_n we_o can_v to_o meek_a our_o path_n straight_o and_o to_o secure_v our_o progress_n tcward_v heaven_n in_o a_o word_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o bless_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o that_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o either_o he_o will_v not_o fuffer_v we_o to_o err_v or_o he_o will_v not_o lay_v our_o involuntary_a error_n to_o our_o charge_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o observation_n which_o be_v this_o 3._o obs_n that_o have_v find_v the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o exact_a in_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o not_o yield_v to_o any_o temptation_n to_o forsake_v it_o the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o advantage_n we_o have_v of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o we_o may_v ready_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o if_o we_o stop_v at_o it_o be_v we_o certain_o lose_v all_o our_o labour_n in_o inquire_v after_o it_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v reach_v to_o heaven_n mere_o by_o know_v the_o straight_a way_n or_o beginning_n to_o walk_v in_o it_o unless_o we_o hold_v on_o our_o course_n and_o maintain_v it_o to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o we_o be_v all_o satisfy_v in_o our_o religion_n and_o that_o we_o know_v why_o we_o be_v so_o have_v measure_v the_o several_a doctrine_n and_o institution_n of_o it_o by_o the_o line_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o have_v do_v this_o with_o good_a care_n and_o judgement_n let_v those_o that_o take_v another_o course_n be_v as_o confident_a as_o they_o will_v there_o will_v be_v confident_a man_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n we_o may_v be_v certain_a the_o while_n that_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n nad_z hope_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o persevere_v in_o it_o but_o then_o i_o can_v promise_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v meet_v with_o no_o discouragement_n in_o this_o way_n there_o be_v no_o road_n upon_o earth_n more_o infest_a with_o treacherous_a and_o deceitful_a man_n that_o with_o great_a civility_n will_v offer_v to_o show_v you_o a_o ready_a and_o a_o fine_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o tell_v you_o if_o you_o will_v but_o step_v a_o little_a out_o of_o your_o way_n to_o a_o friend_n house_n of_o they_o they_o will_v bring_v you_o to_o a_o infallible_a man_n that_o will_v save_v you_o many_o a_o weary_a step_n and_o prevent_v a_o multitude_n of_o error_n provide_v you_o will_v but_o be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o suffer_v he_o first_o to_o pull_v out_o your_o eye_n which_o they_o say_v only_o serve_v to_o mislead_v you_o but_o if_o you_o will_v be_v so_o unreason_n able_a as_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o you_o must_v look_v to_o yourselves_o for_o though_o the_o good_a man_n prosess_v a_o very_a deep_a compassion_n for_o the_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a yet_o they_o do_v think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o keep_v faith_n with_o man_n that_o have_v their_o eye_n in_o their_o head_n i_o wish_v we_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o understand_v the_o moral_a of_o this_o but_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v you_o profess_v a_o religion_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o trial_n and_o have_v past_o the_o ordeal_o already_o wherefore_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o your_o faith_n without_o waver_v look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o it_o who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o it_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o like_a 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 through_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o tbose_n that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v lift_v up_o the_o hand_n that_o hang_v down_o and_o the_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v straight_a pat_n for_o your_o foot_n look_v diligent_o lest_o any_o man_n sail_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o way_n to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o our_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o this_o will_v give_v it_o a_o grace_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o perhaps_o convince_v the_o adversary_n of_o it_o soon_o than_o the_o best_a argument_n we_o can_v urge_v they_o with_o and_o this_o will_v secure_v we_o from_o sail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o our_o great_a trial_n and_o exigency_n and_o from_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o reveal_v i_o shall_v therefore_o enforce_v the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n as_o it_o reser_n to_o our_o practice_n with_o these_o two_o consideration_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o how_o much_o the_o protestant_a religion_n stand_v upon_o its_o reputation_n at_o this_o day_n and_o how_o watchful_a the_o enemy_n of_o it_o be_v to_o improve_v all_o advantage_n against_o it_o i_o will_v to_o god_n we_o will_v all_o serious_o consider_v this_o and_o not_o betray_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o best_a religion_n by_o the_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v our_o happiness_n to_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n which_o afford_v we_o all_o advantage_n of_o know_v the_o direct_a and_o perfect_a way_n to_o life_n and_o salvation_n we_o enjoy_v the_o just_a freedom_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o have_v as_o much_o liberty_n as_o we_o can_v desire_v to_o consult_v the_o scripture_n ourselves_o we_o may_v go_v to_o the_o fountain_n head_n and_o try_v the_o purity_n of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o thence_o even_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o a_o whole_a stream_n of_o interpreter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o our_o religio_fw-la have_v approve_v itself_o to_o our_o judgement_n and_o that_o we_o call_v it_o we_o not_o because_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o father_n or_o have_v the_o good_a turn_n to_o be_v the_o