profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v be_v not_o mean_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v blind_o hold_v it_o fast_o against_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v because_o upon_o these_o term_n every_o man_n must_v continue_v in_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v fix_v by_o education_n or_o a_o ill_a choice_n be_v his_o religion_n true_a or_o false_a without_o examine_v and_o look_v into_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n for_o till_o a_o man_n examine_v every_o man_n think_v his_o religion_n right_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o be_v the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n in_o their_o baptism_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n and_o this_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v in_o the_o follow_a instance_n which_o i_o shall_v 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know_v they_o have_v belong_v to_o they_o so_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o mighty_a prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o he_o will_v have_v write_v with_o more_o deference_n and_o submission_n to_o this_o seat_n of_o infallibility_n and_o centre_n of_o unity_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v pay_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o this_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n where_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o vicar_n of_o christ_n either_o be_v already_o seat_v or_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n be_v design_v for_o ever_o to_o fix_v his_o throne_n and_o establish_v his_o residence_n but_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n or_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n throughout_o this_o whole_a epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n beside_o that_o both_o these_o pretend_a
be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o i._o a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v if_o we_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o faithful_a to_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o faithful_a to_o we_o in_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o whether_o of_o aid_n and_o support_v or_o of_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o he_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o handle_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o apoostle_n exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v without_o waver_v signify_v inflexible_a and_o unmovable_a not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o full_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o propound_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o 2._o to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v and_o intend_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o the_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v this_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o last_o day_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n which_o some_o i_o show_v be_v not_o as_o child_n who_o while_o they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n and_o likewise_o such_o grow_a person_n as_o either_o by_o the_o natural_a weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o by_o some_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o education_n be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n these_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o 2._o this_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v do_v not_o imply_v that_o when_o man_n upon_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v aga_v they_o both_o these_o principle_n i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v by_o show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n namely_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a search_n and_o examination_n we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v embrace_v or_o as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o one_a epistle_n 5._o 12._o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v that_o then_o we_o shall_v adhere_v steadfast_o to_o it_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o we_o nor_o ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v from_o it_o by_o any_o pretence_n or_o insinuation_n or_o temptation_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o confidence_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o a_o ignorant_a man_n who_o have_v never_o consider_v thing_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o the_o assurance_n and_o settlement_n of_o one_o who_o have_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n and_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v and_o examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o first_o be_v mere_a wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o man_n have_v entertain_v and_o drink_v in_o such_o principle_n of_o religion_n by_o education_n or_o have_v take_v they_o up_o by_o chance_n but_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o they_o and_o yet_o however_o he_o come_v by_o they_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o the_o other_o be_v the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n of_o a_o wise_a man._n he_o have_v embrace_v his_o religion_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o he_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o steadfast_o to_o the_o end_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v many_o exhortation_n and_o caution_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a establish_v in_o the_o truth_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n that_o we_o shall_v stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v â—n_o nothing_o terrifle_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o that_o if_o occasion_n be_v we_o shall_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o 2._o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v it_o fast_o or_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n i._n e._n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n for_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o this_o profession_n or_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n as_o the_o word_n proper_o signify_v be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v let_v we_o draw_v near_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o make_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o which_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 6._o 17._o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o i._n e._n to_o all_o christian_n and_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n hold_v fast_o say_v he_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o st._n judas_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n
foundation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n will_v proceed_v and_o what_o testimony_n and_o proof_n she_o chief_o intend_v to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o reformation_n of_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o doubt_n all_o man_n do_v see_v very_o plain_o to_o what_o purpose_n this_o foundation_n be_v lay_v of_o so_o large_a a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v admit_v how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o confirm_v and_o prove_v whatever_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o establish_v but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o new_a and_o another_o foundation_n than_o that_o which_o the_o great_a author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v lay_v and_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o viz._n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o they_o build_v upon_o it_o and_o if_o they_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o the_o new_a part_n of_o this_o rule_n by_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o general_a tradition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o by_o their_o pretend_a unwritten_a tradition_n we_o do_v with_o reason_n reject_v this_o kind_n of_o proof_n and_o desire_v they_o first_o to_o prove_v their_o rule_n before_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o for_o we_o protest_v against_o this_o rule_n as_o never_o declare_v and_o own_a by_o the_o christian_a church_n nor_o proceed_v upon_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o by_o any_o council_n whatsoever_o before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o vain_a then_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n vaunt_v itself_o of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n when_o the_o very_a foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o a_o new_a thing_n never_o before_o know_v or_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n whereas_o the_o foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o which_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n have_v appeal_v as_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o 3._o thing_n i_o propose_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o seem_v more_o especial_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v here_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n i_o shall_v first_o speak_v of_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n 1._o of_o fashion_n and_o example_n this_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n be_v no_o strong_a argument_n and_o yet_o in_o experience_n and_o effect_v it_o be_v often_o find_v to_o be_v very_o powerful_a it_o be_v frequent_o see_v that_o this_o have_v many_o time_n too_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o weak_a and_o foolish_a mind_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v down_o with_o the_o stream_n and_o to_o follow_v a_o multitude_n in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o more_o especial_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o be_v sway_v by_o great_a example_n and_o to_o bend_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o obsequiousness_n to_o their_o superior_n and_o better_n that_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o they_o be_v ready_a not_o only_o to_o change_v their_o affection_n to_o person_n and_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v but_o even_o their_o judgement_n also_o and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a and_o weight_a matter_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o poor_a and_o mean_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o weak_a understanding_n which_o lean_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o another_o and_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o low_a degree_n of_o servility_n that_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v stoop_v to_o and_o even_o beneath_o that_o of_o a_o slave_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o chain_n and_o fetter_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o freedom_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o judgement_n but_o i_o need_v not_o to_o urge_v this_o upon_o considerate_a person_n who_o know_v better_a how_o to_o value_v their_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o god_n than_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a thereto_o mere_o in_o compliance_n with_o fashion_n and_o example_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o religion_n so_o very_o plain_a that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o not_o be_v move_v in_o the_o least_o by_o the_o contrary_a example_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v a_o brave_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n though_o all_o man_n shall_v forsake_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o run_v aside_o to_o other_o god_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o joshua_n 24._o 15._o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v well_o resolve_v of_o peter_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n when_o he_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i._o 2._o another_o sort_n of_o temptation_n and_o which_o be_v common_o more_o powerful_a than_o example_n be_v worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a bait_n to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o apt_a to_o work_v very_o strong_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o and_o upon_o the_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o other_o some_o man_n be_v tempt_v by_o necessity_n which_o many_o time_n make_v they_o do_v ugly_a and_o reproachful_a thing_n and_o like_o esau_n for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n to_o sell_v their_o birthright_n and_o blessing_n covetousness_n tempt_v other_o to_o be_v of_o that_o religion_n which_o give_v they_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o great_a earthly_a advantage_n either_o for_o the_o increase_n or_o secure_v of_o their_o estate_n when_o they_o find_v that_o they_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n they_o will_v forsake_v the_o one_o and_o cleave_v to_o the_o other_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a temptation_n to_o many_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o a_o frequent_a cause_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n a_o eager_a desire_n of_o riches_n and_o too_o great_a a_o value_n for_o they_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o but_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v or_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n this_o be_v the_o temptation_n which_o draw_v off_o demas_n from_o his_o religion_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n ambition_n be_v likewise_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o proud_a and_o aspire_a mind_n and_o make_v many_o man_n false_a to_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o find_v it_o a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o preferment_n and_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o that_o be_v the_o best_a religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a worldly_a advantage_n and_o will_v raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a dignity_n the_o devil_n understand_v very_o well_o the_o force_n of_o this_o temptation_n when_o he_o set_v upon_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o reserve_v it_o for_o the_o last_o assault_n he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o say_v to_o he_o all_z this_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o and_o when_o he_o see_v this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o give_v he_o over_o in_o despair_n and_o leave_v he_o but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dazzle_a temptation_n yet_o there_o be_v consideration_n of_o that_o weight_n to_o be_v set_v over-against_o it_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o infinite_a concernment_n of_o it_o to_o our_o immortal_a soul_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o quench_v this_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o put_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o to_o render_v all_o the_o riches_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o as_o the_o very_a
of_o the_o true_a ancient_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n or_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o heathen_a persecution_n which_o be_v so_o hot_a against_o they_o at_o that_o time_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v by_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o in_o all_o those_o respect_n upon_o which_o the_o jew_n value_v themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n as_o namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o lawgiver_n their_o high-priest_n and_o their_o sacrifice_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v every_o way_n the_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o have_v make_v this_o clear_a he_o conclude_v with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o great_a highpriest_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o into_o which_o they_o have_v solemn_o be_v initiate_v and_o admit_v by_o baptism_n vers_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o have_v a_o highpriest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v we_o sincere_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n into_o the_o profession_n whereof_o we_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v undoubted_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n the_o water_n with_o which_o our_o body_n be_v wash_v in_o baptism_n signify_v our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v this_o refer_v to_o that_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n call_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o firm_o retain_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 4._o 14._o see_v then_o we_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n which_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v fast_o hold_v of_o our_o profession_n so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n exhort_v christian_n to_o retain_v or_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o everlasting_a life_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o creed_n whereof_o in_o baptism_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inflexible_a unmoveable_a steady_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o continue_v faithful_a and_o steady_a to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v i._o the_o exhortation_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o ii_o the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n use_v to_o enâ—â—â—ce_v it_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v so_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o the_o exhortation_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v remove_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o what_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o imply_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o man_n shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o they_o think_v which_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o exhortation_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o a_o thorough_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o all_o person_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v find_v great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o nor_o indeed_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o all_o person_n because_o all_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n incapable_a of_o do_v it_o 1._o child_n 2._o such_o grow_a person_n as_o be_v of_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o low_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n child_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o examine_v but_o only_o to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n instill_v into_o they_o but_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o discern_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o have_v of_o late_o be_v allow_v to_o they_o in_o a_o nation_n not_o far_o from_o we_o and_o by_o public_a edict_n declare_v that_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n old_a be_v fit_a to_o choose_v and_o to_o change_v their_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o law_n i_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o allow_v child_n of_o that_o age_n to_o do_v any_o act_n for_o themselves_o that_o be_v of_o consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o they_o for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o which_o they_o shall_v stand_v oblige_v to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a they_o be_v indeed_o baptise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o their_o infancy_n but_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o this_o obligation_n themselves_o but_o their_o surety_n undertake_v for_o they_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o shall_v take_v this_o promise_n upon_o themselves_o and_o confirm_v and_o make_v it_o good_a but_o sure_o they_o can_v do_v no_o act_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n at_o that_o age_n which_o can_v be_v obligatory_a they_o can_v neither_o make_v any_o contract_n that_o shall_v be_v valid_a nor_o incur_v any_o debt_n nor_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o any_o promise_n nor_o choose_v themselves_o a_o guardian_n nor_o do_v any_o act_n that_o may_v bring_v
they_o under_o a_o inconvenience_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v at_o age._n and_o can_v we_o think_v they_o of_o discretion_n sufficient_a at_o that_o time_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o other_o and_o which_o will_v concern_v they_o to_o all_o eternity_n namely_o to_o choose_v their_o religion_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o part_n of_o one_o religion_n which_o we_o all_o know_v which_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n of_o age_n be_v fit_a i_o do_v not_o say_v to_o judge_v of_o but_o to_o be_v as_o fond_a of_o and_o to_o practice_v to_o as_o good_a purpose_n as_o those_o of_o ripe_a year_n and_o that_o be_v to_o worship_v image_n to_o tell_v their_o bead_n to_o say_v their_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o this_o they_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o choose_v at_o that_o age_n than_o those_o who_o be_v of_o ripe_a and_o more_o improve_v understanding_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v it_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o they_o will_v not_o choose_v it_o afterward_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a extraordinary_a law_n and_o such_o as_o perhaps_o be_v never_o think_v of_o before_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o much_o for_o child_n as_o for_o grow_v person_n who_o be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n of_o understanding_n and_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o other_o disadvantage_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o be_v in_o little_a or_o no_o probability_n of_o improve_n themselves_o these_o be_v always_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n in_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v real_o much_o wise_a and_o safe_a for_o they_o 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instruction_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n permit_v they_o to_o be_v place_v god_n will_v not_o impute_v it_o to_o they_o as_o a_o fault_n because_o in_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v they_o take_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a course_n that_o they_o can_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v what_o they_o can_v of_o those_o who_o they_o take_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o themselves_o but_o for_o such_o person_n who_o by_o the_o maturity_n of_o their_o age_n and_o by_o the_o natural_a strength_n and_o clearness_n of_o their_o understanding_n or_o by_o the_o due_a exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o discern_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o truth_n and_o error_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v in_o unnecessary_a point_n and_o matter_n of_o deep_a learning_n and_o speculation_n but_o in_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v certain_o very_o reasonable_a that_o such_o person_n shall_v examine_v their_o religion_n and_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o this_o must_v either_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v reasonable_a or_o else_o every_o man_n must_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v fix_v by_o education_n or_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n to_o pitch_v upon_o when_o he_o come_v to_o year_n and_o make_v his_o free_a choice_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a principle_n that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n but_o take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o it_o then_o every_o man_n be_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o religion_n which_o he_o first_o light_n upon_o whether_o by_o choice_n or_o the_o chance_n of_o his_o education_n for_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o change_v but_o upon_o reason_n and_o reason_n he_o can_v have_v none_o unless_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o other_o that_o by_o the_o comparison_n he_o may_v discern_v which_o be_v best_a and_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v prefer_v in_o his_o choice_n for_o to_o he_o that_o will_v not_o or_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o search_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o religion_n all_o religion_n be_v alike_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n to_o he_o that_o be_v always_o keep_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o if_o he_o happen_v to_o come_v into_o the_o light_n dare_v not_o open_a his_o eye_n and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o discern_v the_o different_a colour_n of_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v evident_o and_o at_o first_o sight_n unreasonable_a because_o at_o this_o rate_n every_o man_n that_o have_v once_o entertain_v a_o error_n and_o a_o false_a religion_n must_v forever_o continue_v in_o it_o for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o examine_v it_o he_o can_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o change_v and_o to_o make_v a_o change_n without_o reason_n be_v certain_o unreasonable_a and_o mere_a vanity_n and_o inconstancy_n and_o yet_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v see_v this_o be_v the_o principle_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v with_o great_a zeal_n and_o earnestness_n inculcate_v upon_o their_o people_n discourage_v all_o doubt_n and_o inquiry_n about_o their_o religion_n as_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o examination_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o a_o inclination_n and_o dangerous_a step_n towards_o heresy_n for_o what_o else_o can_v they_o mean_v by_o take_v the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n and_o lock_v they_o up_o from_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n by_o require_v they_o absolute_o to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n and_o to_o resign_v they_o up_o to_o that_o which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o implicit_o to_o believe_v as_o she_o believe_v though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o that_o be_v this_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o believe_v as_o their_o priest_n tell_v they_o for_o that_o be_v all_o the_o teach_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o common_a people_n be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o when_o man_n be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o right_a religion_n and_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o true_a church_n they_o ought_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v and_o to_o examine_v and_o inquire_v no_o far_o for_o this_o be_v manifest_o unreasonable_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o three_o account_n 1._o because_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o shameful_a beg_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n and_o that_o which_o every_o church_n and_o every_o religion_n do_v almost_o with_o equal_a confidence_n pretend_v to_o that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a right_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o these_o pretence_n be_v all_o alike_o reasonable_a to_o he_o that_o never_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o of_o they_o nor_o have_v compare_v they_o together_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o pretend_v that_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o be_v examine_v but_o they_o because_o they_o and_o none_o else_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o this_o which_o they_o say_v so_o confident_o of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n no_o man_n can_v know_v till_o he_o have_v examine_v it_o and_o search_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o have_v consider_v the_o objection_n which_o be_v against_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v fond_a partiality_n to_o say_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o people_n that_o profess_v it_o but_o that_o all_o other_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v examine_v or_o
rather_o because_o they_o be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o presume_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n aught_o to_o be_v condemn_v at_o all_o adventure_n without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n this_o i_o say_v be_v fond_a partiality_n because_o every_o religion_n and_o every_o church_n may_v for_o aught_o that_o appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v thing_n impartial_o say_v the_o same_o for_o themselves_o and_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n and_o if_o so_o then_o either_o every_o religion_n ought_v to_o permit_v itself_o to_o be_v examine_v or_o else_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o consequent_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_n and_o heretic_n ought_v all_o to_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v and_o none_o of_o they_o to_o change_v because_o they_o can_v reasonable_o change_v without_o examine_v both_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o leave_v and_o that_o which_o they_o embrace_v instead_o of_o it_o 2._o admit_v this_o pretence_n be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o have_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o they_o shall_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o why_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o they_o shall_v permit_v it_o to_o be_v try_v that_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a reason_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v because_o if_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v firm_a and_o good_a i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o but_o i_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ill_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v solid_a and_o firm_a and_o such_o as_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n that_o they_o be_v so_o very_o loath_a to_o have_v they_o search_v into_o and_o examine_v this_o can_v but_o tempt_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o suspect_v that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o know_v something_o that_o be_v amiss_o in_o their_o religion_n which_o make_v they_o so_o loath_a to_o have_v it_o try_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o touch._n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a among_o all_o christian_n that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o never_o forbid_v the_o christian_n to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o frequent_o exhort_v they_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o whether_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ._n so_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n and_o again_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o prove_v and_o try_v it_o and_o so_o likewise_o st._n john_n ep._n 1._o 4._o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o he_o give_v a_o very_a notable_a mark_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n carry_v on_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o tend_v to_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n vers_fw-la 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n therefore_o speak_v they_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n hear_v they_o act_n 17._o 11._o st._n luke_n commend_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o the_o beroean_n that_o they_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o without_o disparagement_n to_o their_o infallibility_n these_o say_v he_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o word_n but_o not_o blind_o and_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o use_v due_a care_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o have_v before_o receive_v it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o admit_v and_o swallow_v contradiction_n in_o their_o faith_n and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o that_o they_o will_v encourage_v the_o people_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o and_o to_o examine_v whether_o their_o doctrine_n be_v according_a to_o they_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v the_o pope_n and_o a_o general_n council_n commend_v to_o the_o people_n the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o try_v their_o definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o worship_n by_o that_o rule_n to_o see_v whether_o what_o they_o have_v define_v and_o decree_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o their_o worship_n of_o image_n their_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n depart_v the_o sacrament_n under_o one_o kind_n only_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n in_o the_o mass._n have_v the_o beroean_n be_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o plead_v their_o right_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v very_o troublesome_a and_o impertinent_a and_o will_v not_o have_v be_v praise_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n for_o their_o pain_n as_o they_o be_v by_o st._n luke_n you_o see_v then_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a groundless_a and_o suspicious_a pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o because_o they_o be_v infallible_o in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o their_o people_n must_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o examine_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v undoubted_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o not_o only_o permit_v the_o people_n to_o examine_v it_o but_o exhort_v and_o encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o commend_v they_o for_o it_o and_o any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n must_v abhor_v to_o submit_v to_o this_o slavery_n not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v free_o into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o will_v break_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o single_a point_n and_o will_v tell_v they_o plain_o if_o your_o religion_n be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v examine_v i_o doubt_v it_o be_v too_o bad_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o allow_v of_o this_o liberty_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v people_n perpetual_o doubt_v and_o unsettled_a i_o do_v utter_o deny_v this_o and_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a with_o good_a reason_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v the_o contrary_a effect_n there_o be_v in_o reason_n no_o better_a way_n to_o establish_v any_o man_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o there_o be_v very_o good_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o 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and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o 2._o the_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v do_v not_o imply_v that_o man_n shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n against_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o think_v to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o man_n shall_v examine_v before_o they_o choose_v so_o after_o they_o have_v choose_v they_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o be_v better_o inform_v if_o better_a reason_n can_v be_v offer_v no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v himself_o so_o infallible_a as_o to_o be_v privilege_v from_o hear_v reason_n and_o from_o have_v his_o doctrine_n and_o dictate_v try_v by_o that_o test._n our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o the_o most_o infallible_a person_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o who_o declare_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o god_n yet_o he_o offer_v 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distrust_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o hear_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o as_o if_o truth_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o in_o every_o conflict_n it_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v baffle_v and_o run_v down_o and_o go_v by_o the_o worst_a and_o as_o if_o the_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o be_v too_o hard_o for_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v encounter_v by_o those_o force_n which_o truth_n have_v on_o its_o side_n we_o have_v that_o honest_a confidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o religion_n that_o we_o do_v not_o fear_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o forbid_v our_o people_n to_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o to_o read_v the_o best_a book_n they_o can_v write_v against_o it_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v so_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n that_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v those_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o hear_v or_o read_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o nay_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o with_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v at_o least_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o tell_v their_o people_n that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o of_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o hear_v any_o reason_n against_o it_o and_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o strong_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o entertain_v any_o doubt_n concern_v it_o because_o all_o doubt_v be_v a_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o mortal_a sin_n but_o sure_o that_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v which_o will_v not_o hear_v reason_n nor_o that_o religion_n to_o be_v much_o admire_v which_o will_v not_o allow_v those_o that_o have_v once_o embrace_v it_o to_o hear_v it_o ever_o after_o debate_v and_o examine_v this_o be_v a_o very_a suspicious_a business_n and_o argue_v that_o either_o they_o 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and_o by_o consequence_n all_o those_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o those_o article_n and_o be_v imply_v in_o they_o and_o by_o plain_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o they_o it_o be_v not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o partial_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n since_o the_o primitive_a time_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o have_v be_v since_o declare_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o be_v either_o to_o profess_v or_o to_o hold_v fast_o because_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o admit_v the_o pretence_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o those_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v impose_v be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a and_o have_v effectual_o do_v it_o that_o those_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o primitive_a antiquity_n and_o that_o the_o church_n which_o propose_v they_o have_v no_o more_o claim_n to_o infallibility_n than_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v none_o at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n no_o other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o sufficient_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n either_o in_o express_a term_n or_o by_o plain_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n nor_o any_o rite_n of_o worship_n nor_o matter_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v not_o command_v in_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v any_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n in_o re-religion_n the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n here_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o without_o waver_v much_o less_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o 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i_o can_v 1._o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n all_o religion_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o institute_v the_o rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n the_o rule_n of_o institute_v religion_n be_v divine_a revelation_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o all_o christian_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v agree_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v religion_n but_o what_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v so_o one_o or_o both_o of_o those_o way_n either_o by_o scripture_n or_o by_o reason_n or_o by_o both_o and_o how_o confident_a soever_o man_n may_v be_v of_o opinion_n destitute_a of_o this_o proof_n any_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n will_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n reject_v they_o for_o want_v of_o this_o proof_n and_o notwithstanding_o any_o pretend_a authority_n or_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n that_o impose_v they_o will_v have_v no_o more_o consideration_n and_o regard_n of_o they_o than_o of_o the_o confident_a dictate_v and_o assertion_n of_o any_o enthusiast_n whatsoever_o because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o any_o man_n confidence_n if_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n which_o he_o bring_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o it_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n that_o confidence_n be_v general_o ill_o ground_v and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o passion_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o be_v common_o make_v use_n of_o like_o fury_n and_o force_n to_o supply_v for_o the_o weakness_n and_o want_n of_o argument_n if_o a_o man_n can_v prove_v what_o he_o say_v by_o good_a argument_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o confidence_n to_o back_n and_o support_v it_o we_o may_v at_o any_o time_n trust_v a_o plain_a and_o substantial_a reason_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o make_v its_o own_o way_n and_o to_o bear_v out_o its_o self_n but_o if_o the_o man_n reason_n and_o argument_n be_v not_o good_a his_o confidence_n add_v nothing_o of_o real_a force_n to_o they_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o wise_a man_n and_o tend_v only_o to_o its_o own_o confusion_n argument_n be_v like_o powder_n which_o will_v carry_v and_o do_v execution_n according_a to_o its_o true_a strength_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o noise_n and_o general_o none_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o error_n or_o a_o design_n to_o deceive_v as_o those_o that_o pretend_v most_o confident_o to_o inspiration_n and_o infallibility_n as_o we_o see_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o enthusiast_n who_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n although_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o word_n for_o it_o for_o they_o work_v no_o miracle_n and_o all_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n and_o infallibility_n without_o miracle_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a person_n or_o in_o whole_a church_n be_v enthusiastical_a i._n e._n a_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n without_o any_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o boast_v and_o confidence_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n because_o they_o give_v no_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o commission_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o which_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o wrought_v great_a miracle_n which_o the_o false_a apostle_n have_v not_o do_v though_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o give_v out_o themselves_o to_o be_v apostle_n as_o well_o as_o he_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 11_o 12._o i_o be_o say_v he_o become_v a_o fool_n in_o glory_v you_o have_v compel_v i_o and_o true_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v among_o you_o in_o all_o patience_n in_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n and_o rev._n 2._o 2._o christ_n there_o commend_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n because_o she_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n but_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n and_o as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o say_v he_o be_v a_o apostle_n so_o neither_o every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n that_o they_o be_v for_o these_o also_o when_o they_o be_v try_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o not_o may_v be_v find_v liar_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n caution_n christian_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n that_o be_v every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o and_o therefore_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n
may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o true_a and_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o show_v 1._o negative_o what_o be_v not_o mean_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o and_o i_o mention_v these_o two_o particular_n 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o 2._o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n and_o examination_n man_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n both_o these_o i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n and_o therefore_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n 2._o i_o proceed_v positive_o to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v 1._o to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n of_o which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n in_o his_o baptism_n for_o of_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o context_n not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a church_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o 2._o place_n to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o mention_v these_o follow_v particular_n as_o probable_o imply_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v their_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n against_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o another_o religion_n 5._o against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busiy_n and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n 1._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v their_o confidence_n and_o of_o this_o i_o give_v several_a instance_n as_o in_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n without_o any_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o it_o either_o by_o scripture_n or_o miracle_n i_o mean_v such_o miracle_n as_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v for_o as_o for_o their_o legend_n since_o the_o wise_a among_o themselves_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o they_o i_o hope_v they_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o or_o be_v move_v by_o they_o and_o then_o their_o pretence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n which_o be_v now_o make_v a_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o successor_n of_o saint_n peter_n there_o be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n the_o supreme_a and_o universal_a pastor_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o every_o humane_a creature_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o and_o last_o their_o invocation_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o saint_n depart_v without_o any_o warrant_n or_o example_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o without_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o hear_v the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o to_o they_o 2._o much_o more_o be_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o here_o i_o instance_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n the_o lock_v up_o of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n and_o celebrate_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n and_o their_o daily_a repetition_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v offer_v once_o for_o all_o and_o be_v of_o eternal_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o because_o it_o need_v not_o like_o jewish_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n to_o be_v repeat_v to_o these_o instance_n which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o or_o two_o more_o as_o namely_o that_o to_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n a_o intention_n in_o the_o minister_n at_o least_o to_o do_v what_o the_o church_n do_v be_v requisite_a this_o be_v express_o define_v and_o under_o a_o anathema_n upon_o all_o that_o shall_v say_v otherwise_o by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n sess._n the_o seven_o can._n 11_o which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o minister_n so_o that_o if_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o baptise_v the_o party_n he_o pretend_v to_o baptise_v than_o it_o be_v no_o baptism_n and_o consequent_o the_o person_n baptise_a be_v not_o make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n nor_o be_v any_o grace_n or_o special_a benefit_n confer_v upon_o he_o nor_o be_v he_o a_o christian._n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o the_o priest_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o consecrate_v the_o host_n then_o be_v it_o no_o sacrament_n and_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o it_o and_o which_o according_a to_o their_o opinion_n be_v a_o dreadful_a consequence_n by_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n there_o be_v no_o change_n make_v of_o the_o element_n into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o they_o that_o give_v adoration_n to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o such_o case_n worship_n bread_n and_o wine_n for_o god_n which_o be_v idolatry_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o their_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n though_o the_o priest_n pronounce_v the_o word_n of_o absolution_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o true_o penitent_a and_o god_n on_o his_o part_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v he_o yet_o if_o the_o priest_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v and_o the_o man_n be_v still_o in_o his_o sin_n so_o likewise_o in_o ordination_n which_o be_v another_o of_o their_o sacrament_n if_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o ordain_v the_o man_n he_o be_v no_o priest_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v as_o a_o priest_n afterward_o either_o in_o administration_n of_o baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o the_o absolution_n of_o penitent_n all_o be_v vain_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n nay_o in_o marriage_n which_o they_o will_v needs_o have_v to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n too_o if_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v want_v there_o be_v nothing_o do_v the_o contract_n be_v null_v and_o they_o that_o be_v so_o marry_v do_v real_o live_v in_o adultery_n though_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o nor_o have_v any_o suspicion_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o whole_a tenure_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o promise_v the_o benefit_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o all_o those_o that_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v require_v on_o their_o part_n and_o declare_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n to_o those_o who_o confess_v they_o to_o god_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o administer_v they_o or_o that_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o intention_n or_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n but_o
only_o upon_o the_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o the_o penitent_a and_o sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n than_o that_o when_o man_n have_v perform_v all_o the_o condition_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v yet_o they_o shall_v notwithstanding_o this_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o intend_v to_o confer_v upon_o they_o because_o the_o priest_n have_v not_o the_o same_o intention_n so_o that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n he_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o near_o only_o for_o want_v of_o that_o which_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o his_o power_n the_o right_a intention_n of_o the_o priest_n beside_o that_o after_o all_o their_o boast_n of_o the_o safe_a condition_n of_o man_n in_o their_o church_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v in_o it_o this_o one_o principle_n that_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n put_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o great_a hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o such_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n either_o to_o discover_v or_o prevent_v unless_o he_o have_v some_o certain_a way_n to_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n for_o upon_o these_o term_n who_o can_v know_v whether_o any_o man_n be_v a_o priest_n and_o real_o ordain_v or_o not_o nay_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o have_v be_v true_o baptize_v or_o not_o and_o consequent_o whether_o any_o of_o his_o admistration_n be_v valid_a and_o we_o have_v any_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o they_o because_o all_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o which_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v know_v so_o that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v conscientious_o do_v all_o that_o god_n require_v of_o any_o man_n to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o salvation_n yet_o without_o any_o fault_n of_o he_o the_o want_n of_o intention_n in_o a_o idle-minded_n man_n may_v frustrate_v all_o and_o though_o the_o man_n have_v be_v baptize_v and_o do_v true_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o have_v sincere_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o live_v a_o most_o holy_a life_n yet_o all_o this_o may_v signify_v nothing_o and_o after_o all_o he_o may_v be_v no_o christian_n because_o his_o baptism_n be_v invalid_a and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n which_o his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n have_v prescribe_v may_v be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n if_o the_o priest_n do_v not_o intend_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n and_o the_o church_n intend_v now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v certain_o no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n run_v so_o many_o hazard_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n have_v its_o rise_n from_o a_o scholastical_a point_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n of_o mankind_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o clear_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o to_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o be_v never_o assert_v by_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n much_o less_o define_v by_o any_o council_n before_o that_o of_o trent_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n new_a and_o needless_a and_o in_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o it_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n the_o last_o instance_n i_o shall_v mention_v be_v their_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n universal_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v therefore_o by_o the_o church_n call_v canonical_a because_o they_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o when_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v grow_v to_o the_o height_n and_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o council_n at_o trent_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o retrench_v and_o reform_v they_o they_o see_v it_o necessary_a to_o enlarge_v and_o lengthen_v out_o their_o rule_n because_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n reach_v several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v and_o make_v good_a by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o as_o namely_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n of_o purgatory_n and_o of_o the_o seven_o sacracrament_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n of_o indulgence_n and_o the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n and_o several_a other_o superstitious_a practice_n in_o use_n among_o they_o now_o to_o enlarge_v their_o rule_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o take_v these_o two_o way_n 1._o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n i_o say_v to_o these_o they_o have_v add_v several_a apocryphal_a book_n not_o warrant_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n because_o they_o be_v write_v after_o prophecy_n and_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n malachi_n be_v the_o last_o of_o their_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o general_a tradition_n of_o that_o church_n but_o because_o the_o addition_n of_o these_o book_n do_v not_o make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n large_a enough_o for_o their_o purpose_n in_o imitation_n of_o 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lay_v in_o their_o first_o decree_n all_o the_o rest_n will_v afterward_o go_v on_o very_o smooth_o for_o do_v but_o give_v man_n the_o make_n of_o their_o rule_n and_o they_o can_v make_v good_a any_o thing_n by_o it_o and_o according_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v thus_o fix_v and_o fit_v a_o rule_n to_o their_o own_o purpose_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o decree_n they_o give_v the_o world_n fair_a warning_n upon_o what_o ground_n and_o in_o what_o way_n they_o intend_v to_o proceed_v in_o their_o follow_a decree_n of_o practice_n and_o definition_n of_o faith_n omnes_fw-la itaque_fw-la intelligant_fw-la quo_fw-la ordine_fw-la &_o via_fw-la ipsa_fw-la synodus_fw-la post_fw-la jactum_fw-la fidei_fw-la confessionis_fw-la fundamentum_fw-la sit_fw-la progressura_fw-la etc._n etc._n be_v it_o know_v therefore_o to_o all_o man_n in_o what_o order_n and_o way_n the_o synod_n after_o have_v lay_v this_o
this_o case_n of_o renounce_v our_o religion_n unless_o it_o be_v very_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v out_o of_o which_o a_o man_n recover_v himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o as_o st._n peter_n do_v or_o the_o suffer_a be_v so_o extreme_a as_o to_o put_v a_o man_n beside_o himself_o for_o the_o time_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n of_o renounce_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n god_n will_v not_o admit_v fear_n for_o a_o just_a excuse_n of_o our_o apostasy_n which_o if_o it_o be_v unrepented_a of_o and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o repentance_n in_o that_o case_n as_o very_o difficult_a will_v be_v our_o ruin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v give_v we_o such_o fair_a warn_v of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o we_o enter_v into_o religion_n upon_o these_o term_n with_o a_o profess_a expectation_n of_o suffer_v and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n to_o 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to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v contain_v these_o two_o part_n i._n a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o true_a and_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o show_v i._n negative_o what_o be_v not_o mean_v and_o 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of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n then_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o run_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n upon_o more_o and_o great_a hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o such_o as_o by_o no_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o man_n in_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o prevent_v as_o for_o the_o easy_a term_n of_o salvation_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o man_n they_o signify_v nothing_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v they_o good_a which_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o believe_v they_o can_v do_v that_o have_v read_v the_o bible_n and_o do_v in_o any_o good_a measure_n understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n for_o instance_n that_o after_o the_o long_a course_n of_o a_o most_o lewd_a and_o flagitious_a life_n a_o man_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o have_v his_o sin_n forgive_v at_o the_o last_o gasp_n upon_o 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we_o propose_v to_o man_n viz._n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n manifest_v in_o the_o tenure_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n be_v not_o only_o perfect_o agreeable_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a declaration_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o do_v likewise_o natural_o tend_v to_o engage_v man_n most_o effectual_o to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o thereby_o to_o make_v they_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o therefore_o every_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o religion_n which_o make_v such_o lavish_a offer_v of_o salvation_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o they_o for_o if_o after_o all_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v give_v of_o salvation_n upon_o such_o and_o such_o term_n the_o sinner_n do_v real_o miscarry_v and_o miss_v of_o heaven_n it_o be_v but_o very_o ill_a comfort_n to_o he_o to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n for_o a_o minute_n or_o two_o before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o the_o next_o moment_n after_o to_o find_v himself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o particular_a i_o mention_v as_o imply_v in_o the_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v several_a caution_n give_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n matth._n 24._o 4._o take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o eph._n 4._o 14._o that_o you_o henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n signify_v the_o cunning_a of_o gamester_n at_o dice_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o chap._n 5._o 6._o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n col._n 2._o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v by_o sophistry_n and_o vain_a reason_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n heb._n 13._o 9_o be_v not_o carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n and_o this_o caution_n be_v enforce_v by_o a_o express_a prediction_n of_o a_o great_a apostasy_n which_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o which_o many_o shall_v be_v seduce_v by_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n and_o by_o several_a art_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n this_o apostasy_n st._n paul_n express_o foretell_v 2_o thess._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n or_o be_v trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n nor_o by_o word_n or_o message_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o by_o any_o mean_n for_o that_o day_n shall_v not_o come_v except_o there_o come_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v reveal_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n and_o after_o a_o particular_a description_n of_o he_o he_o add_v v_o 9_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o in_o all_o deceitfulness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v v_o 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o kind_n of_o this_o apostasy_n the_o same_o apostle_n describe_v more_o full_o 1_o tim_n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o now_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n i._n e._n under_o a_o great_a pretence_n of_o sanctity_n spread_v their_o pernicious_a error_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n this_o be_v a_o very_a lively_a and_o pat_o description_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o it_o and_o have_v spread_v itself_o far_o and_o wide_o for_o there_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o falsehood_n have_v prevail_v under_o a_o hypocritical_a pretence_n of_o their_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n there_o marriage_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o meat_n be_v forbid_v to_o several_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o men._n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n and_o these_o certain_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o idolatry_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o do_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n ascribe_v to_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o inventor_n and_o great_a promoter_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v very_o much_o confirm_v by_o what_o we_o find_v add_v in_o some_o ancient_a greek_a copy_n in_o this_o text_n which_o run_v thus_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n for_o they_o shall_v worship_v the_o dead_a as_o some_o also_o in_o israel_n worship_v and_o then_o it_o follow_v
give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n so_o that_o the_o particular_a kind_n of_o idolatry_n into_o which_o some_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v apostatise_v be_v here_o point_a at_o that_o they_o shall_v worship_v soul_n depart_v or_o the_o spirit_n of_o dead_a man_n which_o be_v part_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n into_o which_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v frequent_o relapse_n so_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v here_o foretell_v such_o a_o apostasy_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o fall_v into_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n they_o shall_v be_v worshipper_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o israelite_n also_o be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o dangerous_a seduction_n which_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o caution_v against_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o charge_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n against_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o seduce_a spirit_n not_o but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o we_o be_v always_o to_o have_v a_o ear_n open_a to_o reason_n and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o hearken_v and_o to_o yield_v to_o that_o whenever_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v but_o to_o be_v overreach_v and_o rook_v out_o of_o one_o religion_n by_o little_a sophistical_a art_n and_o trick_n be_v childish_a and_o silly_a after_o we_o be_v upon_o due_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o religion_n settle_v and_o establish_v in_o it_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o by_o the_o groundless_a pretence_n of_o confident_a people_n to_o infallibility_n and_o to_o be_v practise_v upon_o by_o cunning_a man_n who_o lie_v at_o catch_n to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n this_o be_v to_o be_v like_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o 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ask_v the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o his_o friend_n concern_v what_o they_o have_v be_v persuade_v he_o to_o because_o they_o for_o their_o own_o interest_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o it_o just_o thus_o do_v these_o seducer_n practise_v upon_o weak_a people_n they_o charge_v they_o not_o to_o acquaint_v their_o minister_n with_o who_o they_o have_v be_v nor_o what_o discourse_n they_o have_v have_v about_o religion_n nor_o what_o book_n have_v be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n because_o then_o all_o their_o kind_a design_n and_o intention_n towards_o they_o will_v be_v defeat_v but_o above_o all_o they_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o read_v no_o book_n on_o the_o other_o side_n because_o they_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o read_n on_o both_o side_n will_v rather_o confound_v than_o clear_a their_o understanding_n they_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v state_v the_o matter_n true_o and_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n deceive_v they_o and_o they_o may_v easy_o perceive_v by_o their_o earnest_a application_n to_o they_o that_o nothing_o but_o charity_n and_o a_o passionate_a desire_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n make_v they_o take_v all_o these_o pain_n with_o they_o but_o this_o be_v so_o gross_a a_o way_n of_o proceed_v that_o any_o man_n of_o common_a understanding_n must_v needs_o discern_v by_o this_o kind_a treatment_n that_o these_o man_n can_v have_v no_o honest_a design_n upon_o they_o to_o come_v then_o to_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o art_n and_o method_n which_o they_o use_v i_o mean_v particular_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n as_o 1._o in_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v very_o competent_a and_o sufficient_a judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o yet_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o judge_v of_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n but_o for_o these_o they_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n when_o they_o be_v in_o it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v certain_o run_v into_o damnable_a error_n and_o mistake_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n allow_v they_o to_o be_v sufficient_a judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o consider_v in_o what_o method_n they_o proceed_v with_o their_o intend_a proselyte_n they_o propose_v to_o he_o to_o change_v his_o church_n and_o his_o religion_n because_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o they_o will_v show_v he_o a_o better_a and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o and_o in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o persuade_v he_o hereto_o they_o offer_v he_o some_o reason_n and_o argument_n or_o give_v he_o book_n to_o read_v contain_v argument_n to_o move_v he_o to_o make_v this_o change_n to_o satisfy_v he_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o now_o by_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v and_o they_o can_v take_v no_o other_o they_o do_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o make_v the_o person_n who_o they_o be_v endeavour_v to_o convert_v a_o judge_n for_o himself_o which_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v best_a that_o which_o they_o will_v have_v he_o embrace_v and_o come_v over_o to_o or_o that_o which_o they_o will_v persuade_v he_o to_o forsake_v for_o to_o what_o end_n else_o do_v they_o offer_v he_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o leave_v our_o church_n and_o to_o come_v over_o to_o they_o but_o that_o he_o may_v consider_v the_o force_n and_o weight_n of_o they_o and_o have_v consider_v they_o may_v judge_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o force_n sufficient_a to_o over-rule_v he_o to_o make_v this_o change_n so_o that_o as_o unwilling_a as_o they_o be_v to_o make_v particular_a person_n judge_v for_o themselves_o about_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n confirm_v those_o point_n because_o this_o be_v to_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o private_a spirit_n and_o fancy_n and_o giddy_a brain_n yet_o they_o be_v compel_v by_o necessity_n and_o against_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o allow_v a_o man_n in_o this_o case_n of_o choose_v his_o religion_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o induce_v he_o thereto_o so_o that_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o they_o must_v permit_v he_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n for_o himself_o for_o this_o once_o but_o not_o to_o make_v a_o practice_n of_o it_o or_o to_o pretend_v this_o privilege_n ever_o after_o for_o in_o acknowledgement_n of_o this_o great_a favour_n of_o be_v permit_v to_o judge_v for_o himself_o this_o once_o which_o they_o do_v unwilling_o grant_v he_o and_o upon_o mere_a necessity_n he_o be_v for_o ever_o after_o to_o resign_v up_o his_o judgement_n to_o the_o church_n and_o though_o this_o liberty_n be_v allow_v pro_fw-la hâc_fw-la vice_fw-la and_o proper_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n i._n e._n in_o order_n to_o the_o change_n of_o his_o religion_n yet_o he_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v no_o fit_a and_o competent_a judge_n of_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n these_o he_o must_v all_o learn_v from_o the_o true_a church_n when_o he_o be_v in_o it_o and_o take_v they_o upon_o her_o authority_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v do_v very_o prudent_o because_o she_o be_v infallible_a and_o can_v be_v deceive_v but_o he_o may_v but_o be_v there_o any_o sense_n in_o all_o this_o that_o
a_o man_n shall_v be_v very_o fit_a and_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o that_o which_o they_o esteem_v the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o all_o namely_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n whereby_o they_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o and_o of_o the_o true_a mean_v of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n whereby_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v whole_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o point_n be_v it_o so_o very_o prudent_a in_o all_o the_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n for_o a_o man_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n because_o she_o be_v infallible_a and_o not_o to_o trust_v his_o own_o judgement_n about_o they_o because_o he_o be_v fallible_a and_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o be_v it_o prudent_a likewise_o for_o this_o man_n to_o trust_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o the_o main_a business_n of_o all_o namely_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n concern_v which_o he_o be_v as_o fallible_a in_o his_o judgement_n and_o as_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v as_o in_o the_o particular_a point_n and_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o main_a point_n they_o must_v grant_v his_o mistake_n to_o be_v fatal_a because_o his_o sincerity_n as_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n depend_v upon_o it_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n and_o riddle_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n shall_v have_v so_o sufficient_a a_o judgement_n as_o to_o this_o main_a and_o fundamental_a business_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v have_v no_o judgement_n at_o all_o about_o particular_a point_n fit_a to_o be_v trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a judgement_n and_o prudence_n quoad_fw-la hoc_fw-la and_o as_o if_o all_o man_n understanding_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o be_v very_o judicious_a and_o discern_a in_o this_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o be_v weak_a and_o dangerous_a and_o blind_a as_o to_o all_o particular_a point_n or_o as_o if_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o very_a good_a judgement_n and_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o before_o he_o come_v into_o their_o church_n but_o from_o the_o very_a moment_n he_o enter_v into_o it_o his_o judgement_n be_v quite_o lose_v and_o good_a for_o nothing_o for_o this_o in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n they_o say_v when_o they_o allow_v a_o man_n to_o be_v very_o able_a to_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v discover_v and_o embrace_v that_o to_o have_v no_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o afterward_o of_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n whatsoever_o and_o a_o very_a tempt_a argument_n it_o be_v to_o any_o man_n that_o have_v judgement_n to_o enter_v into_o that_o church_n 2._o another_o art_n they_o use_v with_o their_o intend_a proselyte_n in_o order_n to_o his_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o caution_n he_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v only_o the_o argument_n and_o book_n which_o be_v on_o one_o side_n but_o now_o admit_v their_o design_a proselyte_n to_o be_v just_o such_o a_o judge_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o will_v allow_v he_o to_o be_v and_o no_o far_o viz._n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n but_o to_o have_v no_o fitness_n and_o ability_n at_o all_o to_o judge_v of_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n yet_o methinks_v they_o put_v a_o very_a odd_a condition_n and_o untoward_a restraint_n upon_o this_o judge_n in_o tell_v he_o as_o they_o certain_o use_v to_o do_v those_o who_o they_o will_v pervert_v that_o he_o must_v have_v no_o discourse_n nor_o read_v any_o book_n but_o only_o on_o that_o side_n which_o they_o will_v gain_v he_o to_o because_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o perplex_v and_o confound_v he_o 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their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n without_o show_v the_o conformity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o this_o will_v give_v they_o work_v enough_o and_o will_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o their_o hold_n and_o fastness_n which_o be_v to_o amuse_v people_n with_o a_o general_a enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n without_o descend_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n but_o this_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n come_v to_o before_o they_o can_v prove_v by_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o their_o method_n of_o satisfaction_n as_o it_o be_v unnatural_a and_o unreasonable_a so_o it_o can_v serve_v the_o purpose_n they_o aim_v at_o by_o it_o which_o be_v to_o divert_v man_n from_o the_o 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we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o communion_n whereof_o a_o man_n may_v be_v safe_a but_o till_o that_o be_v make_v out_o they_o have_v do_v nothing_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v safe_a much_o less_o necessary_a to_o be_v of_o their_o communion_n but_o if_o particular_a point_n must_v be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o enquiry_n after_o the_o true_a church_n then_o they_o must_v allow_v their_o intend_a convert_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n likewise_o of_o particular_a point_n and_o if_o he_o be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o too_o before_o he_o come_v into_o their_o church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v of_o what_o use_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o it_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v by_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n they_o be_v as_o they_o very_o believe_v establish_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o be_v fair_o offer_v against_o their_o present_a 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their_o pernicious_a way_n but_o now_o if_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n either_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v infallible_a or_o infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o certain_a remedy_n against_o they_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o step_v they_o make_v viz._n 6_o that_o christ_n have_v always_o a_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n and_o that_o they_o can_v show_v a_o church_n which_o from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v always_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v now_o believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o that_o we_o can_v show_v no_o visible_a church_n that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v always_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o we_o now_o revile_v and_o find_v fault_n with_o in_o their_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v always_o have_v and_o ever_o shall_v have_v to_o the_o 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scripture_n or_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n any_o command_n or_o example_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n for_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n which_o do_v now_o make_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n nay_o be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n plain_o against_o all_o these_o practice_n with_o what_o face_n then_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v a_o constant_a visible_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n or_o will_v the_o primitive_a church_n of_o rome_n if_o it_o shall_v now_o visit_v the_o earth_n again_o own_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n that_o it_o be_v when_o they_o leave_v it_o and_o whereas_o they_o demand_v 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understand_v st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o one_a to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v against_o celebrate_v prayer_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o edification_n and_o indeed_o to_o common_a sense_n for_o he_o say_v if_o one_o shall_v come_v and_o find_v they_o speak_v and_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n will_v they_o not_o say_v you_o be_v mad_a but_o now_o tradition_n which_o only_o know_v how_o to_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n can_v reconcile_v this_o discourse_n of_o st._n paul_n very_o easy_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n with_o offer_v the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mass_n a_o thousand_o time_n every_o day_n and_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o whereas_o a_o man_n by_o his_o private_a spirit_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o understand_v the_o second_o commandment_n to_o forbid_v all_o worship_n of_o image_n tradition_n discover_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o commandment_n to_o be_v that_o due_a veneration_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o that_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n by_o tradition_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fix_v any_o objection_n from_o scripture_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o maintain_v four_o whereas_o they_o pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n deliver_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n or_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o bring_v down_o to_o they_o and_o preserve_v by_o continnal_a succession_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o so_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v that_o the_o holy_a synod_n do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v these_o tradition_n with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n as_o they_o do_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n this_o we_o must_v declare_v against_o as_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o to_o make_v tradition_n convey_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o one_o to_o another_o through_o so_o many_o age_n and_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o mistake_v and_o miscarriage_n to_o be_v at_o the_o distance_n of_o 1500_o year_n of_o equal_a certainty_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n careful_o preserve_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o because_o this_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v to_o make_v common_a rumour_n and_o report_n of_o equal_a authority_n and_o certainty_n with_o a_o write_a record_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o hereby_o they_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o imperfect_a rule_n contrary_a to_o the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n they_o set_v up_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o change_v the_o christian_a religion_n for_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n make_v a_o new_a faith_n and_o religion_n this_o we_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o and_o do_v challenge_v they_o to_o show_v this_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o consequent_o where_o their_o religion_n be_v before_o that_o council_n to_o show_v a_o religion_n consist_v of_o all_o those_o article_n which_o be_v define_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o establish_v upon_o this_o new_a rule_n profess_v by_o any_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o time_n and_o as_o they_o have_v pitch_v upon_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v to_o what_o end_n for_o take_v pope_n pius_n iu._n his_o creed_n and_o we_o may_v see_v where_o the_o old_a and_o new_a religion_n part_n even_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o aplostle_n creed_n which_o be_v the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n to_o which_o be_v add_v in_o pope_n pius_fw-la his_o creed_n twelve_o article_n more_o define_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o support_v only_o by_o tradition_n so_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o old_a article_n which_o be_v plain_o contain_v there_o so_o tradition_n be_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o new_a one_o and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n be_v calculate_v very_o exact_o when_o they_o make_v tradition_n just_a of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n because_o as_o many_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v make_v good_a by_o it_o and_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o those_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o tradition_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o it_o but_o the_o bare_a assertion_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v add_v some_o other_o consideration_n tend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o seduce_v spirit_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o at_o present_a the_o ten_o sermon_n as_o number_v follow_v there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o number_v of_o these_o sermon_n the_o ten_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o nine_o and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o end_n for_o there_o be_v but_o fifteen_o sermon_n in_o this_o volume_n and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o a_o sermon_n heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v these_o word_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v by_o the_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o
priledge_n be_v omit_v by_o plain_a fact_n and_o evidence_n of_o thing_n themselves_o their_o supremacy_n in_o that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n neither_o be_v at_o this_o day_n nor_o can_v be_v show_v by_o the_o record_n of_o any_o age_n ever_o to_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o to_o have_v acknowledge_v his_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n whether_o with_o or_o without_o a_o general_n council_n about_o which_o they_o still_o differ_v though_o infallibility_n be_v devise_v on_o purpose_n to_o determine_v all_o difference_n i_o say_v this_o infallibility_n wherever_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v be_v plain_o confute_v by_o the_o contradictory_n definition_n of_o several_a pope_n and_o council_n for_o if_o they_o have_v contradict_v one_o another_o as_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n in_o several_a instance_n then_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o error_n on_o one_o side_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o so_o certain_a demonstration_n that_o any_o one_o be_v infallible_a as_o evident_a error_n and_o mistake_n be_v of_o the_o contrary_n next_o their_o conceal_v both_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n from_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o their_o administer_a the_o communion_n to_o the_o people_n in_o one_o kind_n only_o contrary_a to_o clear_a scripture_n and_o the_o plain_a institution_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o then_o their_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o the_o same_o solemn_a manner_n and_o for_o the_o same_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o we_o beg_v of_o god_n himself_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o god_n which_o command_v we_o to_o worship_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o which_o declare_v that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n christ_n jesus_n but_o one_o mediator_n not_o only_o of_o redemption_n but_o of_o intercession_n too_o for_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v of_o a_o mediator_n of_o intercession_n by_o who_o only_o we_o be_v to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n which_o be_v to_o be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n only_o and_o which_o express_o forbid_v man_n to_o worship_v any_o image_n or_o likeness_n and_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o their_o own_o church_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o example_n for_o these_o practice_n in_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o several_a age_n and_o this_o acknowledgement_n we_o think_v very_o considerable_a since_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v among_o the_o people_n be_v contain_v in_o these_o point_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o withhold_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v so_o much_o as_o one_o testimony_n of_o any_o father_n for_o the_o first_o 600_o year_n and_o nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o than_o to_o deny_v people_n the_o best_a mean_n of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o what_o prayer_n be_v put_v up_o to_o he_o in_o the_o church_n the_o two_o great_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o purgatory_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o of_o their_o own_o learned_a writer_n to_o have_v no_o certain_a foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v seven_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o it_o be_v now_o make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v show_v in_o any_o council_n or_o father_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o christ._n and_o we_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o this_o number_n of_o the_o sacrament_n till_o the_o age_n of_o peter_n lombard_n the_o father_n of_o the_o schoolman_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n though_o that_o also_o be_v one_o of_o the_o new_a article_n of_o pope_n pius_n the_o iv._o his_o creed_n which_o their_o priest_n be_v by_o a_o solemn_a oath_n oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o teach_v yet_o be_v it_o most_o evident_o false_a that_o she_o be_v not_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o church_n be_v plain_a because_o jerusalem_n be_v certain_o so_o for_o there_o certain_o be_v the_o first_o christian_a church_n and_o from_o thence_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n derive_v themselves_o that_o she_o be_v not_o though_o she_o fain_o will_v be_v the_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n be_v as_o evident_a because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v at_o this_o day_n and_o always_o do_v deny_v that_o she_o have_v any_o authority_n or_o supremacy_n over_o they_o now_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o if_o these_o point_n and_o a_o few_o more_o be_v pare_v off_o from_o popery_n that_o which_o remain_v of_o their_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o that_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_n christianity_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o our_o religion_n have_v many_o clear_a advantage_n of_o they_o not_o only_o very_o considerable_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o obvious_a and_o discernible_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n upon_o the_o very_a first_o proposal_n of_o they_o as_o 1._o that_o our_o religion_n agree_v perfect_o with_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o point_n both_o of_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n esteem_v by_o we_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v there_o contain_v even_o our_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judge_n we_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o he_o only_o do_v we_o serve_v we_o do_v not_o fall_v down_o before_o image_n and_o worship_n they_o we_o address_v all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n alone_o by_o the_o only_a mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v we_o commandment_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n do_v plain_o direct_v give_v we_o this_o plain_a and_o substantial_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v perform_v by_o we_o in_o a_o language_n which_o we_o understand_v according_a to_o st._n paul_n express_a order_n and_o direction_n and_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o we_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o both_o kind_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n example_n and_o plain_a institution_n and_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n 2._o we_o believe_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v own_v in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v acknowlege_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o and_o we_o receive_v the_o whole_a faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n viz._n what_o ever_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o that_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v mere_a innovation_n and_o plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_a christian_n faith_n but_o all_o that_o we_o believe_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o to_o be_v undoubted_o the_o ancient_a christian_n faith_n 3._o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o our_o church_n and_o religion_n whether_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n which_o either_o the_o scripture_n make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o be_v so_o esteem_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o first_o five_o hundred_o year_n and_o we_o trust_v that_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n for_o five_o hundred_o year_n together_o may_v be_v so_o still_o and_o we_o be_v very_o well_o content_a to_o venture_v our_o salvation_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o they_o do_v 4._o our_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o free_a from_o all_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o even_o from_o all_o suspicion_n and_o probable_a charge_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o her_o most_o learned_a champion_n and_o as_o no_o man_n of_o ingenuity_n can_v deny_v and_o
the_o reason_n which_o the_o learned_a man_n give_v why_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v be_v not_o practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v a_o plain_a acknowledgement_n that_o these_o practice_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o idolatry_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n do_v then_o forbear_v those_o practice_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o come_v too_o near_o to_o the_o pagan_a idolatry_n and_o lest_o the_o heathen_a shall_v have_v take_v occasion_n to_o have_v justify_v themselves_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v practise_v among_o christian_n and_o they_o can_v now_o be_v ignorant_a what_o scandal_n they_o give_v by_o these_o practice_n both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o how_o much_o they_o alienate_v they_o from_o christianity_n by_o this_o scandal_n nor_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v sensible_a upon_o how_o great_a disadvantage_n they_o be_v in_o defend_v these_o practice_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n and_o that_o by_o all_o their_o blind_a distinction_n with_o which_o they_o raise_v such_o a_o cloud_n and_o dust_n they_o can_v hardly_o make_v any_o plausible_a and_o tolerable_a defence_n of_o themselves_o from_o this_o charge_n insomuch_o that_o to_o secure_v their_o own_o people_n from_o discern_v their_o gild_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o that_o shameful_a shift_n of_o leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o their_o common_a catechism_n and_o manual_n lest_o the_o people_n see_v so_o plain_a a_o law_n of_o god_n against_o so_o common_a a_o practice_n of_o their_o church_n shall_v upon_o that_o discovery_n have_v break_v off_o from_o they_o 5._o nor_o be_v our_o religion_n encumber_a with_o such_o a_o endless_a number_n of_o superstitious_a and_o troublesome_a observance_n as_o they_o infiinte_o be_v even_o beyond_o the_o number_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n to_o the_o great_a burden_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o divert_v of_o man_n mind_n from_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n a_o devout_a pastor_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o little_a observance_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o have_v little_a or_o no_o time_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o good_a man_n and_o to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v his_o mind_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n 6._o our_o religion_n be_v evident_o more_o charitable_a to_o all_o christian_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o particular_o to_o they_o who_o by_o their_o uncharitableness_n to_o we_o have_v do_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o discharge_v and_o damp_n our_o charity_n towards_o they_o and_o charity_n as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a so_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o best_a mark_n and_o ornament_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o methinks_v the_o want_n of_o charity_n in_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o no_o man_n to_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o and_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o its_o communion_n 7._o our_o religion_n do_v not_o clash_n and_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o the_o great_a moral_a duty_n to_o which_o all_o mankind_n stand_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o fidelity_n mercy_n and_o truth_n we_o do_v not_o teach_v man_n to_o break_v faith_n with_o heretic_n or_o infidel_n nor_o to_o destroy_v and_o extirpate_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n no_o such_o thing_n as_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n or_o any_o other_o artificial_a way_n of_o falsehood_n be_v either_o teach_v or_o maintain_v either_o by_o the_o doctrine_n or_o by_o the_o casuist_n of_o our_o church_n 8._o our_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v perfect_o consistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o humane_a society_n we_o neither_o exempt_v the_o clergy_n from_o subjection_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n nor_o absolve_v subject_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o from_o allegiance_n to_o their_o prince_n both_o which_o point_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o other_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o stiff_o maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o by_o private_a doctor_n but_o by_o pope_n and_o general_a council_n 9_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n whereas_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n with_o which_o we_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v plain_o calculate_v to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o dominion_n the_o pope_n kingdom_n be_v plain_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o maxim_n of_o it_o like_v so_o many_o servant_n be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o fight_v for_o he_o for_o most_o of_o they_o do_v plain_o tend_v either_o to_o the_o establishment_n and_o enlargement_n of_o his_o authority_n or_o to_o the_o magnify_v of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o give_v they_o a_o perfect_a power_n over_o the_o conscienees_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o slavish_a subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o they_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v plain_o tend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o exempt_n the_o clergy_n from_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o priest_n a_o great_a man_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o people_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v make_v god_n as_o they_o love_v to_o express_v it_o without_o all_o reason_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o like_a tendency_n be_v the_o communicate_v of_o the_o laity_n only_o in_o one_o kind_n thereby_o make_v it_o the_o sole_a privilege_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o both_o the_o withhold_a the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n and_o celebrate_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o their_o teacher_n these_o do_v all_o direct_o tend_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o teacher_n so_o likewise_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o the_o save_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o doctrine_n the_o people_n do_v upon_o the_o matter_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o priest_n as_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o their_o salvation_n but_o above_o all_o their_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a and_o private_a confession_n of_o all_o mortal_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o direction_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v and_o forgive_v by_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o people_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o fault_n scire_fw-la volunt_fw-la secreta_fw-la domus_fw-la atque_fw-la inde_fw-la timeri_fw-la or_o else_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n and_o the_o enrich_n of_o their_o church_n as_o their_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o indulgence_n and_o their_o prayer_n and_o mass_n for_o the_o dead_a and_o many_o more_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n plain_o do_v 10._o our_o religion_n be_v free_a from_o all_o disingenuous_a and_o dishonest_a art_n of_o maintain_v and_o support_v itself_o such_o be_v clip_v of_o ancient_a author_n nay_o and_o even_o the_o author_n and_o writer_n of_o their_o own_o church_n when_o they_o speak_v too_o free_o of_o any_o point_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o indices_fw-la expurgatorii_n which_o much_o against_o their_o will_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v these_o three_o gross_a forgery_n which_o lie_v all_o at_o their_o door_n and_o they_o can_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v so_o 1._o the_o pretend_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o the_o case_n of_o appeal_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o african_a church_n upon_o which_o they_o insist_v a_o great_a while_n very_o confident_o till_o at_o last_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o authentic_a copy_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o that_o council_n 2._o constantine_n donation_n to_o the_o pope_n which_o they_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n with_o till_o the_o forgery_n of_o it_o
be_v discover_v 3._o the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o ancient_a pope_n a_o large_a volume_n of_o forgery_n compile_v by_o isidore_n mercator_n to_o countenance_v the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v great_a use_n for_o several_a age_n and_o pertinacious_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o till_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o their_o own_o church_n have_v at_o last_o be_v force_v for_o very_a shame_n to_o disclaim_v they_o and_o to_o confess_v the_o imposture_n of_o they_o a_o like_a instance_n whereto_o be_v not_o i_o hope_v to_o be_v show_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o slight_a of_o man_n such_o as_o gamester_n use_v at_o dice_n for_o to_o allege_v false_a and_o forge_a author_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o play_v with_o false_a dice_n when_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n lie_v at_o stake_n 11._o our_o religion_n have_v this_o mighty_a advantage_n that_o it_o do_v not_o decline_v trial_n and_o examination_n which_o to_o any_o man_n of_o ingenuity_n must_v needs_o appear_v a_o very_a good_a sign_n of_o a_o honest_a cause_n but_o if_o any_o church_n be_v shy_a of_o have_v her_o religion_n examine_v and_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n bring_v into_o the_o open_a light_n this_o give_v just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o she_o have_v some_o distrust_n of_o they_o for_o truth_n do_v not_o seek_v corner_n nor_o shun_v the_o light_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o who_o they_o be_v that_o love_n darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v viz._n they_o who_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o say_v he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v he_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v and_o make_v manifest_a there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o render_v a_o religion_n suspect_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o to_o see_v those_o who_o profess_v it_o and_o make_v such_o proud_a boast_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o so_o fearful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o and_o that_o their_o people_n shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o hear_v and_o read_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o 12._o we_o persuade_v man_n to_o our_o reliligion_n by_o human_n and_o christian_a way_n such_o as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v by_o urge_v man_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o with_o argument_n fetch_v from_o another_o world_n the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a argument_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o alone_o be_v fit_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o terror_n and_o torture_n of_o death_n may_v make_v man_n hypocrite_n and_o awe_v they_o to_o profess_v with_o their_o mouth_n what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o this_o be_v no_o proper_a mean_n of_o convert_v the_o soul_n and_o convince_a the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o these_o violent_a and_o cruel_a way_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o set_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n and_o great_o countenance_v and_o encourage_v by_o pope_n themselves_o witness_v the_o many_o croisades_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n the_o stand_a cruelty_n of_o their_o inquisition_n their_o occasional_a massacre_n and_o persecution_n of_o which_o we_o have_v fresh_a instance_n in_o every_o age._n but_o these_o method_n of_o conversion_n be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o they_o either_o distur_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o else_o that_o they_o think_v truth_n and_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n when_o dragoon_n be_v their_o ratio_fw-la ultima_fw-la the_o last_o reason_n which_o their_o cause_n rely_v upon_o and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a it_o can_v afford_v again_o we_o hold_v no_o doctrine_n in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v now_o declare_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v of_o that_o religion_n unless_o he_o will_v renounce_v his_o sense_n and_o believe_v against_o the_o clear_a verdict_n of_o they_o in_o a_o plain_a sensible_a matter_n but_o after_o this_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o thing_n because_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n he_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n if_o any_o man_n forbid_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v i_o forbid_v he_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o better_a and_o sure_a evidence_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v but_o if_o i_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n than_o the_o mean_n whereby_o faith_n be_v convey_v be_v uncertain_a and_o we_o may_v say_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o another_o case_n then_o be_v our_o preach_a vain_a and_o your_o faith_n also_o be_v vain_a last_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o particular_n as_o to_o several_a thing_n use_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o be_v on_o the_o much_o safe_a side_n if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o than_o they_o be_v if_o they_o shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o lawful_a to_o permit_v to_o the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n otherwise_o we_o must_v condemn_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o allow_v this_o liberty_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o have_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n celebrate_v in_o a_o language_n which_o all_o that_o join_v in_o it_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o people_n in_o both_o kind_n otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v not_o have_v do_v it_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a not_o to_o worship_n image_n not_o to_o pray_v to_o angel_n or_o saint_n or_o the_o bless_a virgin_n otherwise_o the_o primitive_a church_n will_v not_o have_v forbear_v these_o practice_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v pray_v to_o god_n only_o and_o offer_v up_o all_o his_o prayer_n to_o he_o only_o by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o rely_v herein_o upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v our_o high_a priest_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n heb._n 7_o 25._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a who_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o i._n e._n by_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n since_o he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o may_v not_o a_o man_n reasonable_o hope_v to_o obtain_v of_o god_n all_o the_o blessing_n he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o by_z addressing_z himself_z only_o to_o he_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o that_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n nay_o why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n reasonable_o think_v that_o this_o be_v both_o a_o short_a and_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v our_o request_n than_o by_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o importune_v they_o to_o solicit_v god_n for_o we_o especial_o if_o we_o shall_v order_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o make_v ten_o time_n more_o frequent_a address_n to_o these_o than_o we_o do_v to_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o to_o neglect_v these_o we_o can_v certain_o think_v any_o more_o able_a to_o help_v we_o and_o do_v we_o good_a than_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n style_v he_o that_o hear_v prayer_n and_o therefore_o unto_o he_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v we_o can_v certain_o think_v any_o intercessor_n so_o powerful_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n as_o his_o only_a and_o dear_o belove_a son_n offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o most_o acceptable_a and_o invaluable_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o he_o on_o earth_n we_o can_v sure_o think_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o goodness_n any_o where_o as_o in_o god_n that_o in_o any_o of_o the_o angel_n or_o saint_n or_o even_o in_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n there_o be_v more_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n for_o sinner_n and_o a_o tender_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n
to_o turn_v they_o into_o jest_n and_o raillery_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o renounce_v of_o christianity_n the_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v but_o even_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o the_o principle_n and_o notion_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n mind_n this_o be_v a_o impiety_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o not_o to_o be_v mention_v without_o grief_n and_o horror_n and_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v have_v have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o i_o pray_v god_n it_o do_v not_o draw_v down_o still_o more_o and_o great_a judgement_n upon_o this_o nation_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v none_o here_o that_o need_v to_o be_v caution_v against_o this_o horrible_a impiety_n and_o high_a degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o which_o people_n be_v much_o more_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v apostasy_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n so_o happy_o recover_v by_o a_o regular_a reformation_n and_o establish_v among_o we_o by_o all_o the_o authority_n that_o law_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a can_v give_v it_o and_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o ancient_n and_o primitive_a christianity_n i_o say_v a_o defection_n from_o this_o to_o those_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n which_o the_o reformation_n have_v pair_v off_o and_o free_v we_o from_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v a_o partial_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n and_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o and_o that_o those_o who_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n fall_v off_o from_o it_o into_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n be_v highe_o guilty_a before_o god_n and_o their_o condition_n certain_o worse_o and_o more_o dangerous_a than_o of_o those_o who_o where_o bring_v up_o in_o those_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o never_o know_v better_o for_o there_o be_v terrible_a threaten_n in_o scripture_n against_o those_o who_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o once_o embrace_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o god_n consider_v every_o man_n advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o their_o disadvantage_n likewise_o and_o make_v all_o reasonable_a allowance_n for_o they_o and_o for_o man_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o error_n they_o have_v be_v always_o bring_v up_o in_o or_o which_o come_v much_o to_o one_o in_o error_n which_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o by_o principle_n early_o infuse_v into_o they_o before_o they_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n competent_a judge_n of_o those_o matter_n i_o say_v for_o such_o person_n to_o continue_v in_o these_o error_n and_o to_o oppose_v and_o reject_v the_o contrary_a truth_n against_o which_o by_o their_o education_n they_o have_v receive_v so_o strong_a and_o violent_a a_o prejudice_n this_o may_v be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n excusable_a and_o find_v pardon_n with_o god_n upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o all_o sin_n both_o know_v and_o unknown_a and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o charge_v with_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o great_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n but_o not_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v entertain_v and_o profess_v it_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o know_v it_o have_v no_o excuse_n i_o will_v not_o be_v rash_a in_o condemn_v particular_a person_n of_o any_o society_n or_o communion_n of_o christian_n provide_v they_o be_v sincere_o devout_a and_o just_a and_o sober_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n i_o have_v much_o rather_o leave_v they_o to_o god_n who_o mercy_n be_v great_a than_o to_o pass_v a_o uncharitable_a censure_n upon_o they_o as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n and_o condition_n but_o the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o where_o the_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n be_v afford_v to_o man_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v for_o they_o who_o have_v the_o mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o know_v their_o master_n will_n be_v answerable_a to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v know_v it_o because_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v gross_o negligent_a and_o want_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v have_v know_v it_o and_o this_o i_o fear_n be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o year_n of_o consideration_n and_o choice_n in_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o forsake_v it_o because_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o there_o be_v invincible_a objection_n against_o it_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n because_o every_o one_o among_o we_o know_v or_o may_v know_v upon_o very_o little_a enquiry_n that_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o into_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v baptize_v that_o we_o inculcate_v upon_o man_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o of_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o perfect_a contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v follow_v with_o real_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v by_o any_o device_n whatsoever_o now_o what_o reason_n can_v any_o man_n have_v to_o question_v whether_o he_o may_v be_v save_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o save_v the_o first_o christian_n and_o by_o believe_v the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n though_o he_o can_v swallow_v the_o twelve_o article_n which_o be_v add_v to_o it_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n iu._n every_o one_o of_o which_o beside_o many_o and_o great_a corruption_n and_o superstition_n in_o worship_n be_v so_o many_o and_o invincible_a objection_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o i_o can_v particular_o show_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v already_o do_v in_o so_o many_o learned_a treatise_n upon_o this_o argument_n what_o be_v there_o then_o that_o shall_v move_v any_o reasonable_a man_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o to_o quit_v the_o reform_a religion_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n chief_o with_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o amuse_v and_o affright_v weak_a mind_n 1._o a_o great_a noise_n of_o infallibility_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o mean_n to_o determine_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o difference_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a only_a object_n this_o prejudice_n that_o there_o be_v not_o wide_o and_o hot_a difference_n among_o we_o about_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o than_o be_v among_o they_o about_o this_o admirable_a mean_n of_o end_v all_o difference_n as_o where_o this_o infallibility_n be_v feat_v that_o man_n may_v know_v how_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o it_o for_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n 2._o they_o endeavour_v to_o fright_v man_n with_o the_o danger_n of_o schism_n but_o every_o man_n know_v that_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n lie_v at_o their_o door_n who_o impose_v sinful_a article_n of_o communion_n and_o not_o upon_o they_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n can_v submit_v to_o those_o article_n which_o we_o have_v do_v and_o be_v still_o ready_a to_o make_v good_a to_o be_v the_o case_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o 3._o the_o terrible_a engine_n of_o all_o be_v their_o positive_a and_o confident_a damn_v of_o all_o that_o live_v and_o die_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n this_o i_o have_v full_o speak_v to_o upon_o another_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o say_v at_o present_a that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v better_a thought_n of_o god_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o delighteh_n not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v confirm_v the_o sentence_n of_o such_o uncharitable_a man_n as_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o condemn_v man_n for_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o gospel_n condemn_v no_o man._n and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o uncharitableness_n of_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o no_o man_n to_o run_v into_o its_o communion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n ver_fw-la 23._o of_o this_o chapter_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o charity_n and_o good_a work_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o day_n approach_v in_o which_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o faith_n