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conscience_n faith_n good_a timothy_n 1,872 5 11.8568 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58804 The Christian life. Vol. 5 and last wherein is shew'd : I. The worth and excellency of the soul, II. The divinity and incarnation of our Saviour, III. The authority of the Holy Scripture, IV. A dissuasive from apostacy / by John Scott ... Scott, John, 1639-1695. 1699 (1699) Wing S2059; ESTC R3097 251,737 514

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it_o be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o to_o continue_v a_o heretic_n but_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v one_o it_o will_v be_v very_o bad_a and_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o make_v i_o one_o which_o methinks_v look_n very_o odd_a that_o the_o use_v of_o my_o reason_n shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o reduce_v i_o from_o heresy_n and_o the_o disuse_n of_o it_o as_o necessary_a when_o i_o be_o reduce_v to_o preserve_v i_o from_o relapse_v into_o heresy_n it_o be_v a_o memorable_a passage_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o st._n mark_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o secular_o be_v oblige_v humble_o to_o obey_v that_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o church_n without_o dispute_v or_o think_v far_o of_o it_o where_o by_o the_o church_n he_o mean_v the_o clergy_n assemble_v in_o that_o council_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o man●s_n doctrine_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o people_n be_v a_o mere_a beast_n of_o burden_n that_o right_a or_o wrong_n must_v bear_v all_o the_o load_n that_o the_o priest_n shall_v agree_v to_o lay_v upon_o it_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v feel_v itself_o oppress_v by_o they_o with_o never_o such_o gross_a contradiction_n or_o absurdity_n it_o must_v think_v no_o far_o of_o it_o but_o tame_o trudg_n on_o without_o start_v or_o boggle_n at_o this_o rate_n what_o trick_n may_v not_o the_o priest_n play_v with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o people_n let_v they_o invent_v what_o doctrine_n they_o please_v to_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o own_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n the_o people_n must_v believe_v they_o without_o ask_v why_o or_o if_o they_o shall_v ask_v why_o they_o must_v expect_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o this_o because_o we_o have_v think_v to_o define_v and_o declare_v they_o for_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n allowable_a that_o the_o people_n shall_v exercise_v any_o private_a judgement_n of_o their_o own_o about_o matter_n of_o faith_n no_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o where_o the_o matter_n propose_v to_o their_o faith_n be_v false_a and_o erroneus_fw-la because_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o one_o time_n or_o other_o the_o people_n will_v discover_v the_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o will_v spoil_v all_o but_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v true_a in_o all_o probability_n the_o far_o the_o people_n inquire_v into_o they_o the_o better_a they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o they_o and_o if_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o private_a judgement_n they_o shall_v in_o some_o particular_n err_v that_o be_v far_o more_o tolerable_a than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o when_o god_n have_v give_v the_o people_n reasonable_a faculty_n on_o purpose_n that_o by_o they_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v what_o be_v true_a from_o what_o be_v false_a for_o any_o party_n of_o man_n to_o forbid_v they_o the_o use_v of_o these_o faculty_n in_o distinguish_v what_o be_v true_a from_o what_o be_v false_a in_o religion_n in_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n they_o be_v most_o high_o concern_v it_o be_v a_o most_o injurious_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o common_a right_n of_o humane_a nature_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v our_o best_a faculty_n be_v render_v useless_a to_o we_o in_o our_o great_a concern_v and_o whereas_o god_n give_v it_o to_o we_o on_o purpose_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o we_o be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o its_o guidance_n where_o we_o have_v most_o need_v of_o it_o and_o where_o it_o will_v prove_v most_o fatal_a to_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o err_v and_o go_v astray_o a_o dissuasive_a from_o apostasy_n 1_o timothy_n i._n 19_o hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n these_o word_n be_v a_o part_n of_o st._n paul_n charge_n to_o his_o son_n timothy_n wherein_o he_o pathetical_o exhort_v he_o as_o a_o valiant_a bishop_n to_o take_v all_o possible_a care_n to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o his_o diocese_n of_o ephesus_n which_o at_o that_o time_n abound_v with_o false_a teacher_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o sow_v the_o tare_n of_o heresy_n and_o false_a doctrine_n in_o that_o large_a and_o fruitful_a field_n the_o cultivation_n whereof_o st._n paul_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o that_o he_o may_v discharge_v this_o office_n the_o more_o effectual_o the_o apostle_n warn_v he_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v care_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v not_o suffer_v his_o own_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o be_v deprave_v and_o corrupt_v by_o those_o lewd_a and_o irreligious_a principle_n which_o those_o antichristian_a seminary_n be_v then_o scatter_v among_o his_o people_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o flock_n as_o well_o as_o a_o teacher_n of_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n and_o this_o v_o 18._o he_o press_v upon_o he_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v foretell_v of_o he_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n before_o ever_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n viz._n that_o he_o shall_v war_v a_o good_a warfare_n that_o be_v prove_v a_o constant_a and_o courageous_a champion_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o prophecy_n he_o exhort_v he_o to_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o verify_v both_o in_o his_o profession_n and_o practice_n by_o hold_v or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v or_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o late_a viz._n a_o good_a conscience_n some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v the_o former_a viz._n faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o design_n of_o these_o word_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a brief_o to_o explain_v some_o term_n in_o they_o as_o 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o faith_n 2._o what_o by_o a_o good_a conscience_n 3._o what_o by_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o 4._o what_o by_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o fi●st_n what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o keep_v the_o faith_n i_o answer_v by_o this_o phrase_n faith_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o christian_a creed_n or_o summary_n of_o those_o necessary_a and_o essential_a doctrine_n whereof_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v compose_v for_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v little_a else_o profess_v and_o teach_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o only_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n together_o with_o the_o near_a and_o most_o immediate_a inference_n from_o they_o so_o that_o few_o then_o misbelieved_n but_o such_o as_o misbelieved_n in_o fundamental_o and_o every_o error_n in_o doctrine_n be_v general_o a_o heresy_n the_o christian_a faith_n in_o those_o day_n lay_v within_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o so_o it_o continue_v till_o the_o wantonness_n and_o curiosity_n of_o succeed_a age_n start_v disputable_a opinion_n and_o as_o they_o prevail_v adopt_v they_o into_o the_o family_n of_o faith_n insomuch_o that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n sundry_a opinion_n be_v receive_v that_o be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v receive_v they_o be_v present_o declare_v necessary_a article_n and_o as_o for_o the_o contradictory_n opinion_n though_o christianity_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a yet_o they_o seldom_o undergo_v any_o mild_a name_n than_o heresy_n or_o gentle_a doom_n than_o damnation_n which_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o grand_a occasion_n of_o all_o the_o rupture_n and_o division_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o as_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v of_o a_o much_o less_o bulk_n than_o what_o it_o be_v now_o arrive_v to_o by_o roll_v through_o the_o wild_a opiniatry_n of_o sixteen_o disputation_n age_n which_o by_o degree_n have_v swell_v it_o from_o a_o short_a script_n into_o a_o large_a volume_n for_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a father_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a faith_n therein_o contain_v consist_v of_o very_a few_o article_n and_o those_o such_o only_a as_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a religion_n and_o such_o as_o wherein_o almost_o all_o the_o differ_a persuasion_n of_o christian_n do_v to_o this_o day_n concentre_v to_o hold_v the_o faith_n therefore_o be_v to_o persevere_v immovable_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o desert_n or_o forsake_v it_o
either_o through_o fear_n of_o persecution_n or_o hope_v of_o temporal_a advantage_n or_o the_o knavish_a art_n and_o sly_a insinuation_n of_o false_a teacher_n 2._o the_o second_o term_n to_o be_v here_o explain_v be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n conscience_n in_o general_n be_v nothing_o but_o our_o practical_a judgement_n direct_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v and_o approve_v or_o reprove_v according_a as_o we_o follow_v its_o direction_n or_o run_v counter_a to_o they_o the_o conscience_n therefore_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a according_a as_o the_o direction_n be_v which_o it_o give_v for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n if_o our_o judgement_n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o direct_v we_o to_o do_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o avoid_v or_o to_o avoid_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o bad_a conscience_n that_o instead_o of_o be_v a_o light_n to_o guide_v our_o step_n in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n be_v only_o a_o wander_a night-fire_n that_o lead_v we_o into_o bog_n and_o quagmire_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o good_a conscience_n be_v our_o practical_a judgement_n well_o inform_v and_o true_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o action_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v for_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v the_o true_a echo_n of_o god_n within_o we_o that_o faithful_o resound_v his_o voice_n and_o upon_o all_o opportunity_n of_o action_n repeat_v after_o he_o to_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n therefore_o imply_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o maintain_v in_o our_o mind_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o preserve_v our_o practical_a judgement_n pure_a from_o all_o false_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v either_o our_o vicious_a inclination_n or_o worldly_a interest_n to_o warp_v and_o seduce_v it_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o mistake_v evil_a for_o good_a and_o good_a for_o evil._n second_o it_o imply_v our_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n our_o do_v what_o it_o bid_v and_o abstain_v from_o what_o it_o forbid_v and_o faithful_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o its_o conduct_n and_o government_n and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o to_o act_v counter_a to_o its_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n in_o short_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o well-informed_n judgement_n and_o not_o to_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o any_o course_n of_o action_n which_o this_o vice-god_n within_o we_o forbid_v or_o disapprove_v 3._o the_o three_o term_n to_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o text_n be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v direct_o oppose_v here_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n must_v denote_v the_o contrary_n to_o it_o to_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n therefore_o be_v either_o f●rst_o to_o corrupt_v our_o own_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o action_n out_o of_o vicious_a affection_n or_o worldly_a interest_n and_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o false_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o second_o to_o act_v direct_o contrary_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n to_o leave_v undo_v those_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o conscience_n tell_v we_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o it_o tell_v we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v in_o short_a to_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n either_o of_o omission_n or_o commission_n to_o practice_v contradiction_n to_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o our_o will_n against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n 4._o the_o last_o enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v here_o set_v in_o opposition_n to_o hold_v or_o keep_v the_o faith_n must_v signify_v opposite_o and_o consequent_o must_v denote_v not_o hold_v and_o keep_v it_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n lose_v and_o abandon_v it_o for_o in_o this_o allegory_n the_o true_a christian_a faith_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o ship_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o pilot_n that_o steer_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o indeed_o in_o that_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o other_o pilot_n but_o purity_n of_o conscience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v able_a to_o conduct_v and_o preserve_v this_o ship_n and_o carry_v it_o safe_a through_o those_o incessant_a storm_n of_o persecution_n wherein_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v toss_v and_o agitate_a for_o when_o christian_n have_v once_o throw_v off_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n by_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o a_o wicked_a and_o dissolute_a life_n what_o be_v there_o left_a to_o restrain_v they_o from_o abandon_v their_o faith_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o worldly_a ease_n and_o interest_n and_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o competition_n between_o their_o faith_n and_o interest_n but_o they_o may_v free_o enjoy_v they_o both_o without_o any_o disturbance_n yet_o their_o wicked_a life_n will_v natural_o tempt_v they_o to_o corrupt_v their_o faith_n with_o wicked_a principle_n of_o which_o late_a in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o give_v a_o eminent_a instance_n in_o hymenaeus_n who_o have_v not_o whole_o desert_v christianity_n but_o only_o renounce_v one_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o of_o the_o former_a he_o give_v another_o instance_n in_o alexander_n who_o as_o it_o seem_v probable_a have_v through_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n desert_v christianity_n itself_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o sense_n that_o man_n live_v wicked_o against_o the_o conviction_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o conscience_n ●oth_v very_o much_o expose_v they_o to_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n into_o gross_a and_o impious_a error_n thus_o to_o the_o love_n of_o money_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a the_o apostle_n attribute_n man_n err_v from_o the_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 10._o and_o that_o which_o expose_v those_o silly_a woman_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 6._o to_o the_o seduction_n of_o false_a teacher_n be_v their_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n and_o lead_v away_o with_o divers_a lust_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n ascribe_v demas_n apostasy_n to_o his_o covetousness_n or_o inordinate_a love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o but_o that_o i_o may_v evince_v this_o truth_n more_o full_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o particular_a instance_n of_o the_o mighty_a tendency_n there_o be_v in_o every_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n to_o error_n and_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n 1._o it_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_n man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n 2._o it_o render_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n uneasy_a to_o their_o mind_n 3._o it_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o high_a encouragement_n to_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 4._o it_o weaken_v the_o natural_a force_n of_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o great_a restraint_n from_o apostasy_n 5._o it_o strengthen_v the_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n 6._o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n 1._o live_v in_o any_o know_v and_o wilful_a course_n of_o sin_n corrupt_v and_o debauch_n mens_fw-la reason_n and_o understanding_n so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n he_o do_v not_o only_o live_v without_o but_o against_o his_o reason_n which_o instead_o of_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o his_o action_n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o like_o a_o idle_a spectator_n do_v only_o behold_v the_o brutish_a scene_n without_o any_o part_n or_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o whilst_o a_o man_n thus_o abandon_v himself_o to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o own_o blind_a will_n and_o live_v not_o only_o in_o the_o perpetual_a neglect_n but_o contempt_n of_o his_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o not_o to_o waste_v and_o impair_v it_o for_o as_o our_o rational_a faculty_n be_v improve_v and_o perfect_v by_o exercise_n so_o they_o natural_o languish_v and_o decay_n through_o disuse_n and_o inactivity_n and_o consequent_o the_o less_o use_v we_o make_v of_o they_o in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n which_o be_v their_o proper_a office_n and_o employment_n like_o stand_v water_n they_o must_v corrupt_v and_o putrisie_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o impure_a lust_n but_o do_v by_o its_o own_o natural_a efficacy_n disable_v man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o these_o body_n our_o mind_n be_v fain_o
more_o or_o less_o subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o present_a convenience_n he_o can_v blaspheme_v and_o pray_v oppress_v and_o give_v alm_n with_o the_o same_o unconcernedness_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o act_v the_o devil_n or_o the_o saint_n be_v part_n so_o indifferent_a to_o he_o that_o he_o can_v perform_v they_o both_o with_o the_o same_o remorslessness_n and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o get_v loose_a from_o the_o restraint_n of_o his_o conscience_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o bad_a that_o can_v come_v amiss_o to_o he_o if_o therefore_o while_o he_o stand_v in_o this_o posture_n his_o temporal_a interest_n shall_v chance_v to_o beckon_v he_o to_o change_v the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o worst_a to_o pray_v to_o insensible_a image_n and_o dead_a man_n ghost_n instead_o of_o the_o everliving_a god_n to_o let_v go_v substance_n to_o catch_v at_o shadow_n and_o ceremony_n and_o to_o part_v with_o the_o most_o rational_a truth_n for_o the_o most_o palpable_a and_o 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and_o much_o more_o against_o those_o temptation_n which_o solicit_v he_o to_o renounce_v his_o religion_n and_o in_o which_o he_o know_v by_o experience_n there_o be_v far_o more_o good_a than_o the_o world_n can_v propose_v to_o he_o in_o exchange_n for_o it_o he_o know_v both_o how_o little_a the_o world_n and_o how_o much_o true_a religion_n be_v worth_a and_o have_v make_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o both_o to_o propose_v to_o he_o any_o worldly_a hope_n as_o a_o price_n for_o his_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o offer_v a_o miser_n dross_n for_o his_o gold_n his_o mind_n be_v fix_v in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o all_o the_o mischief_n this_o world_n can_v do_v he_o be_v inconsiderable_a to_o one_o who_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o in_o another_o unspeakable_o happy_a or_o miserable_a and_o therefore_o to_o threaten_v he_o into_o apostasy_n with_o any_o worldly_a fear_n be_v to_o attempt_v to_o blow_v up_o a_o rock_n of_o marble_n with_o a_o squib_n of_o wildfire_n but_o when_o once_o a_o man_n have_v take_v off_o the_o restraint_n of_o his_o conscience_n from_o his_o wild_a affection_n and_o let_v they_o loose_v to_o the_o world_n they_o will_v aid_v and_o assist_v its_o temptation_n against_o he_o and_o animate_v they_o with_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o life_n and_o vigour_n than_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o as_o for_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n they_o can_v never_o bewitch_v we_o as_o they_o do_v do_v we_o not_o give_v a_o dress_n to_o they_o we_o paint_v their_o face_n and_o varnish_v they_o over_o with_o a_o artificial_a beauty_n and_o then_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o our_o own_o fucus_n and_o so_o much_o as_o we_o value_v and_o affect_v they_o beyond_o their_o natural_a worth_n so_o much_o power_n we_o give_v they_o to_o conquer_v and_o enslave_v we_o when_o therefore_o by_o lead_v a_o sensual_a and_o wicked_a life_n a_o man_n have_v whole_o devote_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n he_o have_v put_v himself_o into_o the_o 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have_v he_o to_o restrain_v or_o secure_v he_o for_o ever_o since_o he_o get_v loose_a from_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v whole_o lead_v by_o his_o affection_n and_o these_o be_v chain_v and_o fasten_v to_o the_o world_n hale_v he_o after_o it_o which_o way_n soever_o it_o move_v so_o long_o as_o his_o religion_n and_o his_o worldly_a interest_n consist_v and_o go_v hand_n in_o hand_n he_o be_v very_o well_o content_a to_o own_o and_o follow_v it_o but_o if_o ever_o a_o storm_n of_o persecution_n shall_v part_v they_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o will_v follow_v his_o interest_n and_o like_o the_o treacherous_a orpha_n give_v his_o religion_n a_o part_a kiss_n and_o leave_v it_o for_o his_o heart_n be_v now_o so_o wed_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o esteem_v nothing_o so_o good_a as_o its_o good_n and_o nothing_o
sense_n of_o it_o but_o to_o impose_v a_o sense_n on_o it_o which_o be_v never_o in_o it_o for_o how_o can_v she_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o book_n which_o have_v no_o sense_n in_o it_o if_o the_o church_n be_v to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n must_v have_v a_o certain_a determinate_a sense_n in_o it_o before_o she_o expound_v it_o for_o to_o expound_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o which_o have_v no_o sense_n be_v nonsense_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o certain_a sense_n in_o it_o antecedent_o to_o the_o church_n exposition_n of_o it_o why_o do_v they_o call_v it_o a_o parcel_n of_o vnsense_v character_n if_o their_o mean_v be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a that_o without_o the_o infallible_a exposition_n of_o the_o church_n we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a what_o it_o be_v beside_o that_o this_o be_v notorious_o false_a the_o scripture_n in_o all_o necessary_a point_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v so_o very_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o any_o man_n that_o read_v it_o with_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n may_v be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o he_o can_v be_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o write_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o write_a exposition_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o whatever_o these_o man_n pretend_v it_o be_v not_o mere_o because_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n that_o they_o oblige_v man_n to_o ground_n their_o faith_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o own_o as_o well_o as_o we_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o clear_a and_o yet_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v man_n to_o ground_n their_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o all_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o 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for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o content_v themselves_o to_o see_v with_o the_o church_n eye_n where_o they_o be_v able_a to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v these_o man_n but_o to_o have_v all_o man_n as_o well_o wise_a as_o simple_a surrender_v up_o their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o church_n and_o wink_v hard_a and_o believe_v whatever_o the_o church_n believe_v pure_o because_o the_o church_n believe_v it_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n not_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a though_o this_o they_o pretend_v for_o be_v it_o never_o so_o plain_a the_o case_n will_v be_v the_o same_o but_o because_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o this_o will_v inevitable_o subvert_v their_o usurp_a dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n but_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o be_v this_o church_n i_o beseech_v you_o why_o they_o themselves_o be_v this_o church_n so_o that_o whereas_o god_n have_v publish_v a_o book_n call_v the_o bible_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n here_o be_v start_v up_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n who_o very_o grave_o tell_v we_o sir_n you_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o look_v into_o this_o book_n or_o if_o you_o do_v must_v not_o believe_v any_o one_o word_n in_o it_o upon_o its_o own_o credit_n and_o authority_n for_o though_o we_o do_v confess_v it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o we_o declare_v be_v its_o sense_n how_o unlikely_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o you_o you_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o we_o declare_v it_o in_o short_a you_o must_v resign_v up_o your_o eye_n your_o faith_n your_o reason_n and_o understand_n to_o we_o and_o see_v only_o with_o our_o eye_n and_o believe_v only_o with_o our_o faith_n and_o judge_v only_o with_o our_o judgement_n and_o whithersoever_o we_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o lead_v you_o you_o must_v tame_o follow_v we_o without_o presume_v to_o examine_v whether_o we_o lead_v you_o right_n or_o wrong_n but_o yet_o after_o all_o to_o induce_v we_o thus_o to_o enslave_v our_o understanding_n to_o they_o they_o themselves_o be_v fain_o to_o appeal_v to_o scripture_n and_o allow_v we_o in_o some_o thing_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o to_o believe_v those_o thing_n upon_o its_o authority_n for_o no_o wise_a and_o honest_a man_n will_v ever_o believe_v either_o that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n or_o the_o infallible_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n without_o some_o proof_n and_o evidence_n and_o for_o this_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o 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certain_a sign_n in_o nature_n of_o its_o falsehood_n 3._o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n deprive_v man_n of_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n for_o doubtless_o the_o high_a encouragement_n to_o perservance_n in_o the_o truth_n against_o all_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n be_v the_o hope_n of_o those_o glorious_a reward_n that_o await_v they_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o be_v this_o that_o guard_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o ancient_a martyr_n safe_a through_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o their_o persecutor_n their_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n the_o sight_n of_o which_o inspire_v the_o droop_a soul_n with_o a_o invincible_a courage_n make_v they_o despise_v rack_n and_o wheel_n and_o flame_n and_o exalt_v and_o triumph_v under_o the_o most_o exqisite_a torment_n and_o indeed_o what_o less_o encouragement_n than_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v eternal_o happy_a within_o 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and_o we_o have_v no_o prospect_n of_o compensation_n either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o if_o ever_o therefore_o we_o will_v be_v steadfast_a to_o the_o truth_n against_o all_o temptation_n we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n take_v care_n by_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o cherish_v and_o keep_v alive_a the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n in_o our_o breast_n which_o be_v the_o only_a anchor_n that_o can_v hold_v and_o secure_v we_o in_o a_o stormy_a sea_n from_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o our_o faith_n 4._o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n weaken_v the_o natural_a force_n of_o man_n conscience_n which_o be_v the_o great_a restraint_n from_o apostasy_n indeed_o for_o man_n to_o apostatise_v from_o their_o religion_n to_o secure_v their_o worldly_a interest_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o base_a and_o infamous_a so_o foul_a a_o instance_n of_o a_o cowardly_a degenerous_a and_o prostitute_v soul_n that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v under_o no_o other_o restraint_n but_o only_o that_o sense_n of_o honour_n that_o be_v lodge_v in_o all_o brave_a mind_n he_o will_v scorn_v so_o mean_a so_o poor_a a_o condescension_n but_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o such_o powerful_a restraint_n upon_o man_n as_o that_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a bridle_n by_o which_o god_n curb_v our_o headstrong_a nature_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o fly_v out_o into_o all_o the_o wild_a extravagancy_n it_o be_v incline_v to_o for_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o in_o god_n stead_n that_o conscience_n act_n who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a be_v in_o the_o world_n when_o it_o command_v it_o be_v with_o god_n authority_n when_o it_o rebuke_n it_o be_v with_o god_n majesty_n when_o it_o applaud_v it_o be_v with_o god_n complacency_n it_o proceed_v not_o upon_o principle_n of_o mere_a policy_n or_o prudence_n which_o require_v we_o to_o act_v this_o way_n now_o and_o anon_o the_o contrary_a as_o circumstance_n alter_v but_o upon_o the_o awful_a principle_n of_o divinity_n which_o oblige_v we_o by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v hope_v or_o fear_v for_o ever_o and_o require_v of_o we_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n and_o action_n in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o the_o sole_a reason_n it_o insist_o on_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o pleasure_n or_o displeasure_n can_v make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o this_o i_o judge_v most_o expedient_a for_o thou_o to_o do_v and_o this_o to_o avoid_v but_o this_o thou_o must_v do_v and_o this_o avoid_v as_o thou_o tender_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o dread_a his_o everlasting_a hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o eternal_a bliss_n that_o conscience_n allure_v our_o hope_n with_o and_o eternal_a vengeance_n that_o it_o alarm_n our_o fear_n with_o and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o be_v witheld_a by_o such_o powerful_a restraint_n as_o these_o what_o can_v withhold_v they_o whilst_o therefore_o a_o man_n cherish_v his_o conscience_n by_o comply_v with_o 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any_o power_n over_o he_o he_o will_v no_o more_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o himself_o to_o commit_v the_o one_o than_o to_o throw_v himself_o headlong_a down_o from_o the_o other_o whilst_o he_o be_v under_o the_o horror_n of_o the_o prospect_n and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o much_o more_o easy_a to_o endure_v the_o worst_a of_o persecution_n than_o to_o commit_v such_o a_o outrage_n and_o violence_n on_o his_o conscience_n and_o undergo_v those_o horrible_a reflection_n and_o sting_a remorse_n that_o must_v follow_v it_o but_o after_o a_o man_n by_o wilful_a sin_v have_v often_o wound_v his_o conscience_n the_o natural_a tenderness_n of_o it_o will_v by_o degree_n wear_v off_o till_o at_o length_n it_o grow_v quite_o callous_a and_o insensible_a for_o what_o be_v report_v of_o methridates_n that_o by_o often_o drink_v of_o poison_n he_o have_v so_o familiarize_v it_o to_o his_o constitution_n that_o at_o length_n it_o sit_v quiet_o on_o his_o stomach_n and_o give_v he_o no_o disturbance_n be_v true_a of_o conscience_n which_o at_o first_o recoil_v at_o every_o sinful_a potion_n and_o can_v swallow_v it_o without_o suffer_v violent_a spasm_n and_o convulsion_n but_o have_v be_v awhile_o accustom_v to_o it_o it_o by_o degree_n grow_v more_o and_o more_o natural_a till_o at_o length_n it_o go_v glib_o down_o without_o strain_v and_o go_v quiet_o off_o without_o remorse_n or_o reluctance_n and_o when_o once_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v freeze_v over_o by_o a_o custom_n of_o sin_v it_o will_v every_o day_n grow_v hard_a and_o hard_o and_o at_o length_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o heavy_a load_v of_o gild_n without_o relent_a and_o when_o once_o thing_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o state_n good_a and_o evil_a virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a to_o he_o which_o he_o choose_v or_o refuse_v as_o they_o come_v to_o hand_n and_o be_v
pilgrimage_n or_o the_o like_a this_o be_v a_o religion_n for_o your_o tooth_n with_o which_o your_o naughty_a heart_n will_v be_v ready_a enough_o to_o fall_v in_o love_n upon_o the_o first_o interview_n and_o when_o once_o it_o have_v gain_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n if_o we_o do_v not_o take_v the_o great_a heed_n they_o will_v quick_o gain_v our_o faith_n and_o judgement_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v angry_a with_o his_o own_o religion_n because_o it_o sit_v uneasy_a on_o his_o conscience_n if_o a_o more_o easy_a religion_n present_v itself_o to_o he_o he_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v wish_v it_o be_v true_a though_o as_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o then_o a_o very_a slender_a evidence_n will_v suffice_v to_o induce_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n earnest_o wish_n and_o desire_n if_o in_o this_o ill_a temper_n of_o mind_n therefore_o you_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o change_v your_o religion_n it_o concern_v you_o as_o much_o as_o your_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o look_v about_o you_o for_o you_o have_v a_o seducer_n in_o your_o breast_n a_o prevalent_a insinuate_a seducer_n viz._n some_o vile_a and_o sinful_a affection_n who_o if_o you_o listen_v to_o his_o charm_a persuasion_n will_v certain_o betray_v you_o into_o a_o most_o damnable_a apostasy_n wherefore_o before_o you_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n consider_v serious_o with_o yourselves_o that_o that_o disturbance_n which_o your_o present_a religion_n give_v to_o your_o vicious_a affection_n for_o which_o you_o be_v so_o angry_a with_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o its_o holiness_n which_o be_v a_o inseparable_a concomitant_a of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o for_o you_o to_o desert_n it_o upon_o this_o motive_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o 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palpable_a truth_n or_o falsehood_n it_o be_v but_o honest_a prudence_n when_o a_o man_n be_v temporal_a interest_n lie_v at_o stake_n to_o take_v care_n that_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o his_o hand_n that_o he_o do_v not_o throw_v it_o away_o upon_o a_o false_a persuasion_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o blind_a humour_n or_o obstinacy_n and_o sacrifice_n that_o to_o a_o erroneus_fw-la judgement_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o no_o other_o altar_n but_o truth_n be_v and_o indeed_o before_o i_o throw_v myself_o upon_o any_o suffer_a whether_o it_o be_v loss_n or_o pain_n i_o be_o bind_v in_o conscience_n diligent_o to_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v for_o truth_n or_o righteousness_n sake_n lest_o instead_o of_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n i_o be_o send_v away_o to_o seek_v my_o reward_n in_o the_o paradise_n of_o fool_n but_o if_o mere_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o present_a loss_n or_o advantage_n i_o find_v myself_o strong_o incline_v to_o change_v my_o religion_n before_o ever_o 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