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church_n according_a time_n true_a 2,905 5 4.0606 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A31858 Sermons preached upon several occasions by Benjamin Calamy ...; Sermons. Selections Calamy, Benjamin, 1642-1686. 1687 (1687) Wing C221; ESTC R22984 185,393 504

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be_v bring_v to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o or_o rather_o a_o privilege_n belong_v to_o none_o but_o great_a and_o exemplary_a saint_n to_o strong_a and_o well-grounded_n christian_n that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o food_n proper_a for_o babe_n and_o novice_n for_o those_o who_o often_o fail_v in_o their_o duty_n who_o be_v still_o only_o wrestle_v with_o their_o lust_n but_o have_v not_o yet_o get_v the_o mastery_n or_o victory_n over_o they_o that_o we_o ought_v first_o to_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o our_o salvation_n before_o we_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a table_n that_o this_o ordinance_n serve_v only_o to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n but_o not_o to_o beget_v any_o of_o they_o in_o we_o now_o here_o thus_o much_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o this_o sacrament_n do_v belong_v only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o visible_a church_n only_o 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and_o thus_o much_o concern_v be_v entice_v to_o wicked_a practice_n and_o now_o i_o may_v discourse_v at_o large_a of_o another_o sort_n of_o entice_a which_o be_v to_o erroneous_a and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o of_o such_o as_o go_v about_o to_o inveigle_v and_o corrupt_v our_o judgement_n and_o debauch_v our_o understanding_n by_o seduce_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o opinion_n no_o less_o wicked_a than_o false_a but_o i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o crave_v leave_v brief_o to_o show_v 1._o what_o danger_n man_n be_v in_o of_o be_v seduce_v by_o such_o temptation_n 2._o what_o be_v our_o best_a armour_n and_o security_n against_o they_o 1._o what_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o of_o be_v entice_v from_o that_o profession_n and_o belief_n which_o be_v public_o teach_v and_o own_a among_o we_o which_o danger_n arise_v partly_o from_o the_o earnestness_n importunity_n or_o the_o art_n that_o subtle_a man_n use_v to_o bring_v we_o off_o but_o most_o especial_o from_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o which_o they_o will_v learn_v we_o and_o instill_v into_o we_o which_o be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o please_a and_o grateful_a to_o one_o who_o delight_v in_o his_o sin_n such_o as_o can_v but_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o he_o as_o give_v he_o hope_n of_o heaven_n though_o he_o deny_v himself_o very_o little_a for_o it_o such_o as_o lay_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o sin_v cheerful_o without_o any_o fear_n or_o remorse_n and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n love_v vice_n and_o ease_n will_v succeed_v and_o be_v greedy_o entertain_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o beforehand_o wish_v be_v true_a and_o there_o need_v no_o great_a store_n of_o proof_n or_o argument_n to_o recommend_v those_o opinion_n to_o the_o sensual_a and_o profane_a which_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o fulfil_v their_o lust_n without_o any_o regret_n of_o conscience_n or_o dread_n of_o punishment_n be_v it_o not_o a_o comfortable_a doctrine_n and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v ready_o embrace_v by_o every_o resolve_a sinner_n that_o after_o a_o long_a wicked_a life_n at_o the_o last_o gasp_n a_o bare_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n out_o of_o fear_n of_o hell_n with_o the_o priest_n absolution_n shall_v at_o least_o free_a he_o from_o eternal_a pain_n and_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o sin_n so_o that_o he_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o any_o thing_n beside_o a_o sudden_a death_n which_o happen_v but_o seldom_o when_o he_o be_v at_o any_o time_n disturb_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o dangerous_a condition_n when_o the_o force_a remembrance_n of_o his_o sin_n do_v gall_n and_o fret_v his_o mind_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o fear_n and_o melancholy_a thought_n what_o a_o relief_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o he_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v but_o go_v to_o a_o priest_n and_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o undergo_a some_o small_a penance_n and_o he_o be_v safe_a for_o than_o he_o may_v 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error_n by_o their_o lust_n and_o secular_a interest_n and_o carnal_a design_n and_o love_n to_o gain_v sloth_n or_o sensuality_n and_o by_o this_o chief_o be_v the_o several_a dissent_v party_n among_o we_o maintain_v and_o do_v increase_v their_o number_n to_o wit_n by_o level_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o man_n corrupt_a inclination_n and_o passion_n whilst_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n dare_v not_o be_v so_o false_a either_o to_o our_o own_o trust_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o to_o give_v they_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a bliss_n on_o any_o other_o condition_n but_o that_o of_o live_v godly_o righteous_o and_o sober_o in_o this_o present_a world_n from_o all_o which_o follow_v 2._o that_o our_o security_n against_o such_o temptation_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o much_o read_n and_o great_a learning_n in_o our_o skill_n in_o controversy_n or_o cunning_a in_o manage_v a_o dispute_n or_o ability_n of_o discern_v between_o good_a argument_n and_o sophistry_n so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o humble_a heart_n a_o unfeigned_a desire_n of_o know_v and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o who_o be_v thus_o mind_a god_n by_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v engage_v not_o to_o suffer_v to_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n of_o mischievous_a effect_n and_o as_o for_o other_o mistake_v wherein_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o concern_v god_n be_v ready_a to_o overlook_v and_o pardon_v what_o be_v the_o result_n only_o of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n beside_o which_o honesty_n of_o mind_n or_o love_n to_o virtue_n be_v in_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o nature_n our_o best_a preservative_n against_o be_v infect_v with_o any_o bad_a opinion_n i_o be_o far_o from_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o judge_v or_o condemn_v those_o that_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v up_o and_o have_v live_v well_o under_o any_o form_n of_o religion_n different_a from_o what_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o for_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o hold_v opinion_n very_o wicked_a and_o yet_o not_o perceive_v nor_o acknowledge_v the_o just_a consequence_n of_o they_o to_o live_v very_o good_a life_n yet_o this_o be_v true_a that_o one_o that_o design_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o please_a god_n and_o save_v his_o soul_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v any_o pain_n for_o it_o and_o have_v no_o byend_n to_o serve_v will_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v from_o the_o mortification_n of_o his_o lust_n subdue_a his_o appetite_n crucify_a his_o flesh_n and_o from_o the_o severity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n by_o substitute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o pilgrimage_n vain_a oblation_n bodily_a austerity_n or_o such_o formal_a devotion_n as_o very_o bad_a man_n may_v perform_v and_o be_v very_o bad_a still_o those_o principle_n which_o most_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n by_o lay_v the_o strict_a obligation_n on_o man_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o goodness_n he_o will_v hearken_v to_o and_o ready_o believe_v but_o if_o they_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o avarice_n or_o ambition_n if_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v man_n dissolute_a or_o licentious_a lazy_a or_o presumptuous_a this_o alone_a to_o such_o a_o one_o will_v be_v reason_n sufficient_a utter_o to_o reject_v they_o let_v they_o be_v propound_v to_o he_o with_o never_o so_o much_o advantage_n or_o subtlety_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o this_o that_o do_v i_o know_v any_o constitute_v church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o do_v teach_v a_o religion_n more_o holy_a and_o useful_a that_o deliver_v doctrine_n in_o themselves_o more_o reasonable_a or_o in_o their_o consequence_n tend_v more_o direct_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o society_n and_o the_o good_a of_o every_o particular_a person_n to_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n and_o true_a morality_n and_o
the_o discountenance_v of_o sin_n and_o vice_n that_o do_v give_v more_o forcible_a argument_n for_o the_o one_o and_o against_o the_o other_o that_o do_v lay_v great_a stress_n upon_o a_o pure_a mind_n and_o a_o blameless_a life_n and_o less_o upon_o voluntary_a strictness_n and_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n than_o we_o do_v i_o will_v very_o soon_o be_v of_o that_o church_n and_o even_o entice_v all_o i_o can_v to_o it_o but_o till_o such_o a_o one_o can_v be_v find_v nay_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o the_o zealous_a opposer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v hold_v opinion_n either_o destructive_a of_o or_o in_o their_o plain_a tendency_n weaken_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o encourage_v man_n to_o yet_o at_o least_o furnish_v they_o with_o plea_n and_o excuse_n for_o their_o wickedness_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v our_o interest_n no_o less_o than_o our_o duty_n if_o we_o sincere_o love_v god_n and_o our_o soul_n and_o have_v any_o real_a desire_n of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o welfare_n faithful_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o church_n we_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v member_n of_o and_o vigorous_o to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v it_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n the_o four_o sermon_n rom_n xii_o 16._o be_v not_o wise_a in_o your_o own_o conceit_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o vice_n that_o man_n do_v so_o ready_o condemn_v in_o other_o and_o yet_o so_o easy_o overlook_v and_o excuse_v in_o themselves_o as_o this_o of_o self-conceit_n or_o a_o fond_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o great_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n none_o of_o we_o can_v endure_v that_o another_o shall_v assume_v to_o himself_o continual_o to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o or_o usurp_v so_o far_o upon_o we_o as_o to_o be_v always_o impose_v on_o we_o his_o own_o private_a custom_n humour_n or_o manner_n as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o wit_n or_o judgement_n of_o our_o own_o whereby_o to_o govern_v and_o order_v our_o own_o affair_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v most_o of_o we_o who_o call_v this_o intolerable_a pride_n in_o another_o be_v so_o deep_o in_o love_n with_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o way_n that_o we_o can_v forbear_v to_o censure_v and_o despise_v to_o charge_v with_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n all_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o practice_v just_a as_o we_o ourselves_o do_v every_o one_o thus_o in_o his_o own_o vain_a imagination_n presume_v himself_o wise_a and_o good_a enough_o to_o set_v a_o pattern_n and_o give_v law_n to_o all_o round_a about_o he_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o great_a french_a philosopher_n that_o the_o most_o equal_a distribution_n god_n have_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n because_o every_o man_n be_v content_a with_o his_o own_o and_o think_v he_o have_v enough_o and_o though_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a gift_n of_o nature_n or_o fortune_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o yield_v to_o other_o yet_o he_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o himself_o be_v as_o far_o remove_v from_o a_o fool_n have_v as_o large_a a_o share_n of_o reason_n and_o discretion_n be_v as_o able_a to_o manage_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o business_n as_o any_o other_o whatever_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o man_n be_v apt_a so_o confident_o to_o lean_v unto_o and_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o understanding_n so_o peremptory_o to_o trust_v to_o and_o follow_v their_o own_o judgement_n so_o resolute_o and_o inflexible_o to_o adhere_v to_o their_o first_o choice_n and_o determination_n scorn_v and_o take_v it_o in_o great_a snuff_n and_o dudgeon_n to_o be_v teach_v advise_v check_a or_o control_v by_o any_o now_o this_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o our_o own_o conceit_n against_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o in_o my_o text_n caution_n we_o when_o any_o man_n have_v a_o vast_a and_o undue_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o think_v of_o himself_o above_o what_o be_v meet_v when_o he_o will_v hearken_v to_o none_o other_o nor_o believe_v any_o one_o but_o just_a himself_o when_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n do_v all_o thing_n be_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o and_o within_o himself_o alone_o not_o need_v at_o least_o in_o his_o own_o big_a thought_n any_o one_o help_n counsel_n or_o assistence_n in_o short_a when_o he_o rate_v and_o value_v himself_o above_o his_o true_a worth_n and_o despise_v other_o and_o judge_n mean_o of_o his_o better_n than_o a_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n which_o self-conceit_n undoubted_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o atheism_n and_o sceptical_a dispute_n against_o providence_n and_o religion_n of_o all_o undutiful_a carriage_n towards_o governor_n and_o superior_n and_o of_o all_o those_o uncharitable_a separation_n and_o unchristian_a division_n that_o be_v so_o rife_o among_o we_o and_o do_v so_o sad_o threaten_v the_o ruin_n both_o of_o our_o church_n and_o state_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o civil_a order_n the_o only_a effectual_a mean_n of_o procure_v and_o advance_v peace_n real_a wisdom_n and_o truth_n among_o man_n be_v a_o humble_a and_o lowly_a esteem_n of_o ourselves_o a_o modest_a diffidence_n of_o our_o own_o apprehension_n a_o hearty_a and_o serious_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o own_o defect_n and_o a_o willingness_n to_o be_v instruct_v direct_v rule_v and_o govern_v by_o other_o who_o be_v better_a and_o wise_a than_o ourselves_o i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n propound_v to_o you_o some_o plain_a instance_n wherein_o this_o sort_n of_o pride_n or_o self-conceit_n do_v show_v itself_o particular_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n together_o with_o the_o folly_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o i._o this_o self-conceit_n show_v itself_o in_o be_v confident_a and_o positive_a about_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o in_o intermeddle_v with_o affair_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o ii_o in_o be_v obstinate_a and_o pertinacious_a in_o some_o singular_a fancy_n and_o opinion_n though_o upon_o never_o so_o slight_a ground_n at_o first_o believe_v and_o entertain_v iii_o in_o affect_v to_o impose_v our_o own_o humour_n and_o conceit_n upon_o other_o and_o in_o despise_v and_o condemn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n just_a of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o persuasion_n i._o this_o self-conceit_n appear_v in_o be_v confident_a and_o positive_a about_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o in_o intermeddle_v with_o affair_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o when_o we_o reject_v every_o thing_n as_o false_a which_o we_o can_v present_o comprehend_v and_o damn_v every_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o can_v easy_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n when_o we_o speak_v evil_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v not_o as_o st._n judas_n say_v of_o some_o in_o his_o day_n when_o nothing_o shall_v escape_v we_o which_o we_o do_v not_o straight_o arraign_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o bar_n nor_o any_o thing_n pass_v with_o we_o for_o wise_a good_a or_o decent_a but_o what_o be_v exact_o fit_v to_o our_o own_o palate_n and_o suit_v to_o our_o raw_a and_o unwary_a notion_n of_o thing_n when_o we_o measure_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o counsel_n of_o heaven_n the_o method_n of_o providence_n the_o constitution_n of_o our_o governor_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o approve_a teacher_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o public_a law_n the_o design_n and_o undertake_n of_o other_o man_n truth_n and_o falsehood_n good_a and_o evil_n only_o according_a to_o the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o thing_n with_o our_o private_a fancy_n childish_a prejudices_fw-la and_o rash_a judgement_n but_o more_o particular_o 1._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o endeavour_n either_o to_o dispute_v or_o rally_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n into_o this_o one_o principle_n i_o think_v may_v be_v resolve_v the_o most_o considerable_a if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v nay_o almost_o all_o the_o objection_n that_o ever_o be_v frame_v against_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n common_o teach_v and_o believe_v which_o some_o pert_a young_a sinner_n can_v by_o any_o mean_n understand_v and_o therefore_o all_o of_o it_o must_v present_o be_v false_a they_o can_v possible_o frame_v a_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n or_o immaterial_a substance_n every_o thing_n they_o think_v of_o be_v clothe_v with_o corporeal_a accident_n they_o can_v conceive_v a_o infinite_a be_v nor_o solve_v all_o the_o difficulty_n about_o eternity_n omnipresence_n
as_o that_o all_o his_o providence_n must_v needs_o serve_v only_o to_o vindicate_v and_o countenance_v our_o side_n and_o disparage_v those_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o we_o this_o be_v busy_o to_o pry_v into_o god_n secret_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a affront_n we_o can_v put_v upon_o he_o thus_o unwarrantable_o to_o pronounce_v concern_v his_o action_n as_o if_o we_o be_v of_o his_o cabinet-council_n and_o have_v particular_a revelation_n of_o all_o the_o design_n he_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o great_a matter_n and_o such_o as_o be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o for_o what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o can_v know_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n or_o who_o can_v think_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v for_o the_o thought_n of_o mortal_a man_n be_v miserable_a and_o our_o device_n be_v but_o uncertain_a and_o hardly_o do_v we_o guess_v aright_o at_o thing_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o with_o labour_n do_v we_o find_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n who_o have_v search_v out_o and_o god_n counsel_n who_o have_v know_v 3._o another_o instance_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o self-conceit_n may_v be_v in_o private_a and_o illiterate_a person_n pretend_v to_o expound_v the_o most_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o unfold_v and_o determine_v the_o most_o nice_a and_o curious_a question_n in_o theology_n there_o be_v enough_o in_o holy_a scripture_n plain_a and_o easy_a to_o employ_v the_o thought_n and_o life_n of_o private_a christian_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o true_a that_o these_o part_n of_o it_o though_o they_o alone_o contain_v our_o necessary_a duty_n be_v quite_o overlook_v at_o least_o not_o near_o so_o much_o study_v or_o regard_v as_o those_o that_o be_v most_o mysterious_a and_o dark_a and_o thus_o even_o among_o common_a people_n you_o will_v find_v not_o a_o few_o that_o be_v more_o positive_a and_o dogmatical_a in_o their_o interpretation_n of_o prophecy_n mystical_a speech_n and_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n than_o any_o sober_a divine_a that_o have_v make_v the_o bible_n his_o study_n for_o many_o year_n whether_o this_o arise_v from_o the_o increase_n or_o decay_v of_o knowledge_n among_o we_o i_o shall_v not_o stand_v now_o to_o inquire_v but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o many_o a_o zealous_a mechanic_n among_o we_o set_v up_o for_o a_o judge_n of_o orthodoxy_n and_o have_v learn_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o scripture_n by_o rote_n and_o a_o few_o term_n of_o art_n shall_v dictate_v as_o magisterial_o concern_v the_o difficult_a point_n in_o divinity_n as_o if_o he_o have_v sit_v all_o his_o life_n long_o in_o the_o infallible_a chair_n and_o indeed_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v this_o be_v peculiar_a to_o we_o in_o england_n at_o least_o that_o we_o be_v more_o notorious_a for_o it_o than_o those_o who_o live_v in_o other_o country_n and_o that_o not_o only_o now_o in_o our_o day_n but_o that_o we_o have_v be_v so_o in_o former_a time_n for_o i_o find_v it_o among_o the_o observation_n make_v by_o a_o italian_a in_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n of_o glorious_a memory_n that_o the_o common_a people_n of_o england_n be_v wise_a or_o at_o least_o thought_n themselves_o so_o than_o the_o wise_a of_o other_o nation_n for_o that_o here_o the_o very_a woman_n and_o shopkeeper_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o predestination_n freewill_n perseverance_n and_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o a_o lay-elder_n and_o be_v better_a able_a to_o raise_v and_o answer_v perplex_v case_n of_o conscience_n than_o the_o most_o learned_a college_n in_o other_o part_n of_o europe_n and_o he_o conclude_v with_o this_o serious_a remark_n that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v most_o busy_a in_o disputation_n and_o controversy_n and_o find_v out_o the_o mistake_v of_o their_o governor_n and_o teacher_n have_v always_o the_o least_o of_o humility_n mortification_n or_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n of_o all_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o fop_n that_o be_v there_o be_v none_o more_o impertinent_a troublesome_a and_o just_o ridiculous_a than_o a_o gift_a brother_n full_a of_o his_o vision_n and_o illumination_n who_o can_v split_v a_o hair_n and_o smell_v out_o a_o heresy_n i_o know_v not_o how_o far_o off_o who_o think_v that_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n know_v nothing_o yet_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v it_o be_v good_a advice_n therefore_o of_o the_o wise_a son_n of_o sirach_n be_v not_o curious_a in_o unnecessary_a matter_n for_o more_o thing_n be_v show_v unto_o thou_o than_o man_n understand_v 4._o this_o sort_n of_o self-conceit_n which_o consist_v in_o meddle_v with_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o appear_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o oppose_v our_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n to_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o governor_n and_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o superior_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o public_a peace_n and_o order_n and_o a_o great_a many_o such_o there_o be_v who_o be_v never_o satisfy_v unless_o every_o thing_n be_v decree_v and_o appoint_v just_a as_o they_o themselves_o think_v best_o and_o most_o fit_a hence_o they_o spend_v most_o of_o their_o time_n and_o discourse_n in_o canvas_v and_o descant_v upon_o the_o action_n of_o their_o superior_n of_o which_o they_o be_v yet_o most_o incompetent_a judge_n in_o tax_v and_o inveigh_v against_o their_o proceed_n though_o never_o so_o far_o out_o of_o their_o sphere_n and_o capacity_n in_o find_v fault_n with_o their_o conduct_n and_o pick_v quarrel_n with_o their_o order_n and_o command_n what_o a_o happy_a world_n will_v there_o soon_o be_v think_v such_o a_o grave_a politician_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v settle_v according_a to_o that_o model_n which_o he_o have_v frame_v in_o his_o own_o conceit_n how_o well_o will_v the_o state_n be_v secure_v how_o quiet_o will_v the_o church_n be_v govern_v how_o decent_o will_v divine_a service_n be_v perform_v how_o will_v all_o interest_n and_o party_n be_v please_v how_o soon_o will_v all_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n vanish_v if_o he_o have_v but_o the_o management_n of_o affair_n or_o his_o counsel_n may_v be_v hear_v how_o soon_o will_v there_o be_v a_o thorough_a reformation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v amiss_o will_v the_o king_n but_o please_v to_o think_v he_o worthy_a of_o such_o a_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o short_a let_v thing_n be_v well_o or_o ill_o administer_v still_o if_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o in_o it_o he_o find_v matter_n of_o dislike_n and_o complaint_n or_o if_o it_o do_v chance_n that_o he_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o object_n yet_o he_o will_v give_v you_o a_o grave_a shrug_n or_o nod_v and_o shake_v his_o empty_a head_n as_o if_o all_o be_v not_o well_o and_o he_o know_v some_o great_a matter_n which_o he_o dare_v not_o utter_v alas_o what_o a_o unhappy_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o such_o a_o prodigious_a wise_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o regard_v thus_o every_o one_o almost_o conceit_v of_o his_o own_o politic_n invade_v the_o office_n of_o a_o counsellor_n of_o state_n and_o act_v a_o prince_n or_o bishop_n and_o positive_o determine_v what_o law_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v repeal_v what_o new_a one_o to_o be_v make_v what_o ceremony_n in_o god_n worship_n ought_v to_o be_v retain_v what_o to_o be_v abrogate_a and_o thus_o we_o confound_v and_o disturb_v that_o order_n and_o subordination_n which_o god_n have_v place_v in_o the_o world_n and_o render_v the_o magistrate_n office_n altogether_o useless_a and_o as_o it_o be_v dethrone_v and_o depose_v those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o our_o governor_n to_z take_v care_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o safety_n and_o to_o make_v such_o law_n as_o shall_v seem_v to_o they_o most_o conduce_v thereto_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o whether_o we_o judge_v they_o expedient_a or_o not_o for_o if_o no_o law_n or_o constitution_n of_o our_o governor_n be_v to_o take_v place_n but_o only_o such_o as_o every_o one_o shall_v approve_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n will_v signify_v nothing_o but_o every_o man_n will_v be_v his_o own_o lord_n and_o master_n which_o will_v necessary_o introduce_v the_o great_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n 5._o and_o last_o hence_o it_o be_v man_n be_v so_o busy_a and_o pragmatical_a in_o intermeddle_v and_o interpose_v in_o the_o concern_v and_o private_a affair_n of_o their_o neighbour_n or_o any_o other_o they_o have_v the_o least_o knowledge_n of_o put_v their_o sickle_n into_o every_o man_n corn_n peep_v into_o every_o man_n house_n listen_v at_o every_o one_o window_n to_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o matter_n for_o censure_n and_o observation_n and_o by_o
the_o world_n 6._o that_o which_o mighty_o aggravate_v this_o madness_n and_o folly_n be_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o we_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o commit_v nothing_o to_o move_v or_o sway_v we_o towards_o it_o it_o gratify_v no_o natural_a inclination_n it_o produce_v no_o pleasure_n no_o gain_n or_o worldly_a profit_n accrue_v to_o we_o by_o it_o it_o afford_v we_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o short_a temporal_a recompense_n for_o the_o venture_n we_o run_v and_o the_o dangerous_a hazard_n we_o expose_v ourselves_o unto_o other_o sort_n of_o sin_n have_v something_o to_o excuse_v they_o our_o nature_n and_o bodily_a temper_n may_v strong_o incline_v we_o to_o some_o other_o sin_n the_o covetous_a man_n have_v his_o full_a bag_n and_o great_a estate_n to_o plead_v in_o his_o behalf_n and_o as_o for_o the_o voluptuous_a epicure_n his_o appetite_n and_o lust_n be_v tickle_v with_o the_o variety_n of_o sensual_a delight_n and_o the_o ambitious_a man_n have_v the_o contentment_n he_o take_v in_o his_o honour_n and_o advancement_n to_o answer_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o drunkard_n plead_v the_o goodness_n of_o his_o wine_n and_o company_n the_o unclean_a person_n talk_v of_o the_o resistless_a charm_n of_o beauty_n but_o the_o swearer_n sell_v his_o soul_n for_o nothing_o so_o that_o of_o all_o wicked_a man_n he_o be_v the_o most_o silly_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o make_v the_o worst_a and_o mad_a bargain_n for_o himself_o nay_o other_o way_n of_o sin_v may_v be_v almost_o call_v wisdom_n if_o compare_v to_o this_o for_o other_o sinner_n either_o project_n something_o future_a and_o be_v delight_v with_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o it_o or_o enjoy_v something_o present_a that_o please_v they_o and_o satisfy_v some_o crave_v inordinate_a desire_n but_o this_o be_v pure_a sin_v for_o sinning_n sake_n only_o in_o compliance_n with_o a_o ugly_a imperious_a custom_n too_o much_o in_o vogue_n and_o fashion_n 7._o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o sin_n whatever_o that_o do_v so_o high_o provoke_v god_n almighty_a to_o inflict_v some_o remarkable_a exemplary_a judgement_n on_o a_o person_n or_o nation_n even_o in_o this_o life_n as_o this_o practice_n of_o vain_a swear_n by_o his_o name_n this_o almost_o necessitate_v he_o to_o thunder_v from_o heaven_n after_o some_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o vindicate_v his_o power_n and_o justice_n and_o authority_n all_o which_o be_v so_o notorious_o abuse_v blaspheme_v and_o challenge_v by_o such_o hideous_a oath_n and_o dire_a imprecation_n he_o be_v even_o force_v by_o such_o horrid_a defiance_n and_o outrageous_a dare_n of_o he_o to_o show_v his_o strength_n and_o might_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n by_o send_v some_o grievous_a plague_n and_o sore_a calamity_n among_o they_o by_o which_o they_o may_v perceive_v he_o will_v not_o always_o bear_v such_o bold_a profanation_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o honour_n and_o majesty_n but_o will_v at_o length_n return_v those_o curse_n upon_o man_n which_o they_o have_v so_o often_o wish_v to_o themselves_o that_o he_o will_v at_o last_o punish_v and_o avenge_v himself_o of_o those_o who_o have_v so_o open_o and_o frequent_o provoke_v he_o to_o it_o by_o their_o dreadful_a appeal_n to_o he_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o forlorn_a and_o forsake_v people_n the_o scorn_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o this_o day_n a_o stand_a monument_n of_o god_n implacable_a anger_n and_o wrath_n upon_o a_o like_a occasion_n when_o they_o so_o solemn_o curse_v themselves_o and_o pray_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n may_v be_v upon_o their_o head_n and_o the_o head_n of_o their_o child_n god_n be_v jealous_a and_o tender_a of_o his_o name_n and_o will_v not_o always_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v scorn_v and_o reproach_v because_o of_o swear_v say_v the_o prophet_n the_o land_n mourn_v god_n be_v engage_v in_o honour_n to_o right_v himself_o and_o maintain_v his_o name_n from_o such_o foul_a contempt_n lest_o man_n shall_v begin_v to_o think_v either_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o or_o that_o he_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o their_o loud_a call_v and_o impudent_a invocation_n 8._o last_o i_o only_o add_v this_o one_o peculiar_a consideration_n to_o you_o who_o now_o hear_v i_o assemble_v in_o this_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o great_a god_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o who_o name_n i_o be_o plead_v that_o this_o custom_n of_o vain_a swear_n be_v the_o great_a scandal_n to_o our_o church_n of_o england_n and_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o it_o in_o its_o present_a establishment_n this_o be_v of_o old_a and_o be_v still_o the_o great_a objection_n against_o those_o of_o the_o churchway_n as_o they_o ordinary_o call_v we_o that_o so_o many_o among_o we_o allow_v themselves_o in_o this_o sinful_a practice_n nay_o not_o only_o use_v it_o but_o look_v on_o it_o as_o their_o credit_n so_o to_o do_v you_o see_v the_o fruit_n say_v they_o of_o your_o common-prayer_n of_o your_o read_a devotion_n of_o your_o decent_a and_o orderly_a worship_n which_o you_o so_o much_o plead_v for_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o goodness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o that_o way_n by_o those_o oath_n and_o curse_n that_o abound_v so_o much_o in_o those_o of_o your_o profession_n and_o real_o what_o can_v we_o answer_v to_o this_o charge_n can_v we_o absolute_o deny_v it_o must_v we_o not_o rather_o confess_v among_o friend_n at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n true_a that_o the_o separatist_n and_o dissenter_n do_v more_o general_o restrain_v themselves_o from_o this_o lewd_a practice_n and_o do_v not_o so_o ordinary_o allow_v themselves_o in_o this_o vice_n as_o too_o many_o among_o we_o do_v now_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o to_o recriminate_a and_o tell_v they_o of_o as_o great_a sin_n that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o they_o can_v lie_v cheat_n and_o dissemble_v be_v factious_a and_o ungovernable_a though_o they_o will_v not_o swear_v which_o be_v sometime_o reply_v in_o this_o case_n for_o this_o though_o never_o so_o true_a be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o wipe_v off_o this_o disgrace_n and_o reflection_n from_o our_o church_n but_o the_o true_a answer_n to_o this_o be_v that_o thus_o it_o always_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o ever_o will_v be_v that_o where_o there_o be_v different_a opinion_n and_o party_n in_o religion_n and_o one_o be_v favour_v by_o the_o public_a law_n and_o countenance_v by_o the_o government_n all_o those_o who_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v of_o that_o side_n which_o be_v uppermost_a which_o the_o king_n and_o court_n be_v of_o which_o be_v free_a from_o danger_n so_o that_o all_o the_o profane_a wicked_a dissolute_a liver_n will_v be_v of_o our_o church_n as_o long_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v the_o establish_a own_a religion_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o if_o ever_o the_o tide_n shall_v 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to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v design_v for_o the_o open_n of_o man_n eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n and_o this_o the_o holy_a scripture_n often_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v redeem_v we_o from_o our_o vain_a conversation_n renew_v our_o mind_n and_o form_v they_o over_o again_o and_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n and_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o towards_o the_o procure_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o peace_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o will_v not_o be_v in_o the_o least_o available_a for_o our_o benefit_n unless_o he_o first_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n by_o wash_v and_o cleanse_v our_o nature_n and_o subdue_a all_o our_o lust_n and_o inordinate_a passion_n and_o make_v we_o conformable_a to_o his_o own_o image_n in_o true_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n it_o will_v be_v no_o advantage_n to_o we_o that_o he_o be_v bear_v into_o this_o world_n unless_o he_o be_v form_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o we_o become_v new_a creature_n such_o as_o he_o require_v we_o to_o be_v now_o in_o all_o this_o our_o saviour_n deal_v with_o man_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n as_o rational_a governable_a creature_n move_v they_o by_o hope_n and_o fear_n draw_v they_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n and_o will_v have_v heaven_n and_o happiness_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o own_o virtuous_a choice_n and_o free_a obedience_n the_o short_a of_o all_o be_v this_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o as_o at_o this_o time_n he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v to_o man_n god_n almighty_a out_o of_o his_o infinite_a compassion_n to_o his_o degenerate_a creature_n have_v prescribe_v such_o method_n appoint_v such_o mean_n give_v such_o example_n encouragement_n assistence_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v think_v fit_a and_o likely_a to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n but_o what_o his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n have_v therein_o most_o abundant_o supply_v we_o with_o unless_o we_o will_v have_v he_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n and_o force_v we_o to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o happy_a whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o which_o will_v be_v to_o alter_v our_o nature_n and_o make_v we_o another_o sort_n of_o creature_n but_o such_o care_n be_v take_v such_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o our_o happiness_n that_o we_o have_v nothing_o leave_v we_o but_o only_o the_o power_n of_o be_v miserable_a if_o it_o be_v our_o resolve_a mind_n notwithstanding_o all_o possible_a obligation_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v so_o if_o man_n will_v stop_v their_o ear_n against_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o charmer_n though_o he_o charm_v never_o so_o wise_o if_o they_o will_v choose_v court_n and_o embrace_v sin_n and_o ruin_n if_o the_o strong_a argument_n will_v not_o prevail_v if_o the_o most_o forcible_a engagement_n will_v not_o persuade_v if_o neither_o the_o most_o glorious_a promise_n nor_o the_o severe_a threaten_n nor_o interest_n nor_o self-love_n nor_o any_o of_o those_o consideration_n by_o which_o man_n be_v sway_v in_o other_o affair_n will_v at_o all_o move_v they_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n they_o must_v perish_v and_o that_o most_o deserve_o and_o inrecoverable_o if_o after_o all_o this_o sinner_n will_v die_v and_o be_v damn_v even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o spite_n of_o heaven_n maugre_o all_o that_o god_n or_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o they_o they_o must_v even_o thank_v themselves_o for_o it_o and_o be_v only_o to_o charge_v it_o upon_o their_o own_o wilful_a and_o incurable_a folly_n and_o base_a contempt_n of_o such_o infinite_a love_n and_o kindness_n thus_o i_o have_v brief_o show_v you_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n the_o son_n of_o god_n true_o become_v our_o jesus_n or_o saviour_n 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