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 manâ—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 fiâ—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 fâ—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 â—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
reject_v they_o with_o a_o unspeakable_a horror_n but_o because_o when_o they_o be_v convey_v into_o we_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o natural_a birth_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n therefore_o we_o do_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o hug_v and_o dandle_v they_o in_o our_o thought_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o a_o actual_a complacence_n and_o when_o the_o devil_n can_v convey_v his_o poison_n into_o we_o in_o such_o a_o invisible_a manner_n without_o discover_v his_o devil_n face_n when_o he_o can_v thus_o prompt_v we_o behind_o the_o curtain_n and_o so_o disguise_v his_o whispers_z that_o we_o can_v discern_v they_o from_o the_o secret_a lusting_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n how_o can_v we_o be_v safe_a without_o great_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n from_o the_o malice_n of_o such_o a_o formidable_a enemy_n but_o 6_o we_o be_v also_o liable_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a state_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o eternal_a misery_n from_o the_o plausible_a pretence_n we_o be_v furnish_v with_o to_o excuse_v and_o justify_v our_o compliance_n with_o they_o when_o by_o our_o own_o folly_n and_o the_o devil_n malice_n we_o be_v actual_o betray_v into_o any_o wilful_a sin_n a_o speedy_a repentance_n will_v recover_v we_o immediate_o and_o heal_v the_o wound_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v make_v but_o instead_o of_o that_o we_o have_v a_o thousand_o plausible_a excuse_n to_o palliate_v and_o skin_n it_o over_o but_o alas_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o rot_v inward_o and_o be_v fester_v apace_o into_o a_o incurable_a gangrene_n for_o when_o our_o conscience_n begin_v to_o fly_v in_o our_o face_n we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n but_o either_o present_o to_o repent_v of_o or_o to_o excuse_v and_o cloak_v our_o wickedness_n the_o late_a of_o which_o be_v usual_o pitch_v on_o as_o be_v both_o the_o most_o easy_a and_o the_o most_o agreeable_a with_o our_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v so_o many_o covert_n which_o man_n have_v find_v out_o for_o their_o lust_n to_o shelter_v they_o from_o the_o persecution_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o this_o way_n there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v long_o to_o seek_v for_o either_o they_o may_v blanch_v they_o over_o with_o a_o innocent_a name_n and_o call_v their_o intemperances_n good-fellowship_n their_o knavery_n ingenious_a fetch_n and_o their_o incontinence_n trick_n of_o wit_n or_o else_o they_o may_v extenuate_v and_o mince_v they_o into_o peccadillo_n and_o smooth_a over_o their_o gross_a rebellion_n with_o the_o soft_a name_n of_o humane_a fail_n and_o infirmity_n or_o else_o they_o may_v furnish_v themselves_o with_o some_o show_n of_o argument_n to_o vindicate_v their_o vice_n and_o assert_v they_o lawful_a as_o some_o of_o late_o have_v do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o fornication_n and_o uncleanness_n or_o else_o they_o may_v set_v up_o for_o philosophical_a sinner_n and_o quote_v text_n out_o of_o their_o gospel_n the_o leviathan_n against_o the_o eternal_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o if_o their_o conscience_n will_v not_o be_v put_v off_o with_o such_o poor_a pretence_n as_o these_o there_o be_v religious_a pretence_n enough_o in_o the_o world_n to_o protect_v and_o give_v countenance_n to_o all_o their_o impiety_n and_o they_o may_v either_o fly_v to_o the_o romish_a doctrine_n of_o confession_n and_o penance_n of_o venial_a sin_n and_o of_o probable_a opinion_n with_o any_o one_o of_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o reconcile_v their_o lust_n and_o conscience_n or_o if_o they_o chance_v to_o have_v a_o antipathy_n to_o the_o name_n of_o roman_n catholic_n they_o may_v furnish_v themselves_o with_o such_o doctrine_n out_o of_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a enthusiast_n as_o will_v be_v as_o favourable_a to_o their_o lust_n as_o they_o need_v or_o wish_v or_o desire_v that_o will_v consecrate_v their_o irregular_a passion_n into_o sign_n of_o grace_n and_o dwindle_v their_o gross_a crime_n into_o the_o spot_n of_o god_n people_n that_o will_v exalt_v a_o mechanic_n train_n of_o fancy_n and_o passion_n into_o a_o sincere_a conversion_n and_o improve_v a_o hysterical_a fit_a into_o a_o spiritual_a experience_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a way_n may_v man_n easy_o excuse_v their_o vice_n to_o their_o conscience_n and_o when_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o so_o many_o expedient_n whereby_o to_o enable_v themselves_o to_o sin_n on_o quiet_o in_o how_o much_o danger_n be_v they_o of_o fall_v fast_o asleep_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o guilt_n and_o never_o wake_v again_o till_o they_o flame_n out_o about_o their_o ear_n into_o everlasting_a burn_n for_o whereas_o this_o faculty_n of_o conscience_n be_v implant_v within_o we_o by_o the_o author_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o guard_n to_o our_o innocence_n and_o a_o scourge_n to_o our_o lust_n the_o generality_n of_o man_n have_v invent_v so_o many_o trick_n to_o shift_v and_o evade_v it_o that_o it_o be_v become_v almost_o total_o useless_a to_o they_o and_o when_o they_o have_v thus_o disable_v their_o conscience_n from_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o importunity_n of_o their_o lust_n in_o what_o unspeakable_a danger_n must_v they_o be_v not_o only_o of_o fall_v into_o but_o continue_v in_o they_o till_o they_o have_v utter_o ruin_v and_o destroy_v they_o 7_o and_o last_o we_o be_v also_o liable_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a state_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o eternal_a misery_n from_o the_o extreme_a difficulty_n which_o this_o our_o compliance_n with_o those_o temptation_n bring_v we_o under_o to_o reject_v and_o vanquish_v they_o for_o the_o future_a for_o every_o new_a compliance_n with_o temptation_n to_o evil_a foment_n and_o enrage_v our_o evil_a inclination_n and_o when_o once_o these_o evil_a inclination_n be_v by_o our_o custorâ—â—ary_a compliance_n educate_v into_o finful_a habit_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o without_o a_o mighty_a assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o vanquish_v and_o subdue_v they_o so_o that_o as_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n we_o be_v in_o extreme_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o sinful_a course_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o be_v in_o no_o less_o danger_n of_o continue_v in_o they_o for_o by_o comply_v with_o this_o temptation_n i_o shall_v very_o much_o disable_v myself_o from_o withstand_v the_o next_o and_o if_o i_o yield_v to_o that_o too_o the_o three_o will_v find_v i_o much_o more_o ready_a and_o tractable_a and_o so_o on_o till_o at_o last_o the_o temptation_n grow_v first_o familiar_a and_o then_o natural_a to_o i_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a and_o then_o hard_o and_o then_o almost_o impossible_a to_o reject_v or_o deny_v it_o and_o when_o thing_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o issue_n that_o my_o sin_n be_v naturalize_v to_o i_o and_o grow_v into_o a_o inveterate_a habit_n the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o for_o now_o i_o be_o in_o the_o suburb_n of_o hell_n but_o one_o remove_v from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o be_o so_o far_o go_v in_o a_o confirm_a state_n of_o impiety_n that_o i_o have_v almost_o lose_v my_o liberty_n of_o return_v and_o unless_o i_o be_o speedy_o rescue_v by_o some_o miracle_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a i_o shall_v ever_o escape_v thus_o as_o we_o go_v on_o from_o one_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n to_o another_o we_o do_v as_o it_o be_v break_v down_o the_o bridge_n behind_o we_o and_o do_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o disappoint_v ourselves_o of_o all_o hope_n of_o any_o future_a retreat_n for_o every_o step_v forward_o in_o our_o sinful_a progress_n render_v our_o return_n more_o difficult_a and_o when_o once_o we_o have_v proceed_v into_o a_o custom_n and_o habit_n of_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v repentance_n so_o irksome_a to_o we_o and_o so_o much_o against_o the_o grain_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o will_v utter_o dishearten_v we_o from_o attempt_v it_o and_o so_o rather_o than_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o we_o must_v necessary_o do_v in_o swim_v against_o the_o impetuous_a stream_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o shall_v tame_o yield_v to_o it_o and_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o it_o into_o the_o dead_a sea_n of_o endless_a misery_n when_o therefore_o there_o be_v so_o many_o cause_n conspire_v together_o to_o betray_v we_o into_o sinful_a course_n and_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o difficulty_n when_o once_o we_o be_v in_o to_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v our_o retreat_n what_o eminent_a danger_n be_v we_o in_o of_o fall_v into_o and_o persevere_v in_o sin_n to_o our_o everlasting_a ruin_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o extreme_o liable_a we_o be_v upon_o all_o these_o account_n to_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o that_o be_v to_o plunge_v ourselves_o into_o all_o those_o endless_a misery_n which_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o soul_n imply_v
mere_o that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o advance_v we_o to_o that_o glory_n and_o bliss_n which_o for_o our_o sake_n he_o willing_o abandon_v and_o yet_o that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o touch_v and_o affect_v with_o it_o than_o with_o the_o most_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n bless_a god_n what_o be_v we_o make_v of_o what_o kind_n of_o soul_n do_v we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o that_o no_o kindness_n will_v oblige_v we_o no_o not_o the_o most_o endear_n that_o ever_o be_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o doubtless_o shall_v any_o man_n have_v show_v we_o but_o half_o this_o kindness_n shall_v a_o friend_n but_o offer_n to_o die_v for_o we_o or_o a_o prince_n to_o descend_v from_o his_o throne_n and_o put_v himself_o into_o the_o state_n of_o a_o beggar_n to_o enrich_v and_o advance_v we_o in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v have_v think_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o he_o as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v and_o shall_v we_o have_v think_v any_o service_n too_o much_o any_o requital_n too_o dear_a for_o he_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o monster_n of_o ingratitude_n as_o the_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o be_v hiss_v out_o of_o all_o society_n for_o a_o company_n of_o infamous_a villain_n unworthy_a of_o the_o least_o respect_n or_o favour_n from_o mankind_n but_o for_o a_o friend_n to_o die_v or_o a_o prince_n to_o become_v a_o beggar_n for_o our_o sake_n alas_o what_o poor_a inconsiderable_a thing_n be_v they_o compare_v with_o the_o condescension_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o humble_v himself_o much_o low_a in_o become_v a_o man_n than_o the_o most_o glorious_a angel_n in_o heaven_n can_v have_v do_v in_o assume_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o worm_n and_o can_v we_o be_v so_o inhuman_a as_o not_o to_o be_v move_v by_o such_o a_o miracle_n of_o condescend_v love_n be_v it_o the_o less_o because_o it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o do_v it_o less_o deserve_v our_o requital_n what_o excuse_v then_o can_v we_o make_v for_o our_o wretched_a insensibility_n o_o ungrateful_a that_o we_o be_v with_o what_o confidence_n can_v we_o show_v our_o head_n among_o reasonable_a being_n after_o we_o have_v so_o barbarous_o slight_v our_o best_a friend_n and_o behave_v ourselves_o so_o disingenuous_o towards_o our_o great_a benefactor_n how_o can_v we_o pretend_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v modest_a or_o ingenuous_a tender_a or_o apprehensive_a in_o humane_a nature_n when_o nothing_o will_v oblige_v we_o no_o not_o that_o astonish_a love_n that_o make_v the_o son_n of_o god_n leave_v all_o his_o glory_n and_o become_v a_o poor_a miserable_a mortal_n for_o our_o sake_n o_o bless_a jesus_n what_o do_v thy_o holy_a angel_n think_v of_o we_o how_o do_v thy_o bless_a saint_n resent_v our_o unkindness_n towards_o thou_o yea_o how_o just_o will_v the_o devil_n themselves_o reproach_n and_o upbraid_v our_o baseness_n who_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v be_v never_o so_o much_o devil_n yet_o as_o to_o spurn_v the_o love_n of_o a_o redeemer_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o die_v and_o suffer_v for_o their_o sake_n wherefore_o as_o we_o will_v not_o be_v hiss_v at_o by_o all_o the_o reasonable_a world_n and_o become_v spectacle_n of_o horror_n to_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o devil_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o affect_v ourselves_o with_o the_o love_n of_o our_o redeemer_n and_o to_o inflame_v our_o own_o soul_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o kindness_n who_o have_v do_v such_o mighty_a thing_n to_o endear_v and_o oblige_v we_o 4._o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v what_o monstrous_a disingenuity_n it_o will_v be_v in_o we_o to_o think_v much_o of_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n who_o for_o our_o sake_n part_v with_o his_o father_n bosom_n and_o all_o those_o infinite_a delight_n which_o he_o there_o enjoy_v and_o unite_a himself_o to_o our_o miserable_a nature_n that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o good_a and_o happy_a for_o ever_o and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o with_o what_o conscience_n or_o modesty_n can_v we_o grudge_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o shall_v require_v at_o our_o hand_n shall_v he_o command_v i_o to_o descend_v into_o the_o low_a form_n of_o being_n and_o to_o become_v the_o most_o wretched_a and_o contemptible_a of_o all_o animal_n can_v i_o be_v such_o a_o caitif_a as_o to_o deny_v he_o who_o descend_v much_o low_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o i_o shall_v he_o remand_v i_o back_o into_o nonentity_n and_o bid_v i_o cease_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o alas_o the_o distance_n be_v nothing_o so_o great_a between_o i_o and_o nothing_o as_o it_o be_v betwixt_o he_o and_o that_o humane_a nature_n which_o he_o assume_v for_o my_o sake_n shall_v he_o require_v i_o to_o die_v for_o he_o under_o all_o those_o linger_a and_o exquisite_a torture_n which_o the_o bless_a martyr_n suffer_v for_o his_o name_n what_o proportion_n be_v there_o between_o what_o he_o require_v of_o i_o and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o i_o he_o only_o require_v that_o i_o shall_v pass_v through_o death_n to_o heaven_n for_o he_o but_o he_o come_v from_o heaven_n to_o pass_v through_o death_n for_o i_o so_o that_o for_o his_o sake_n i_o shall_v only_o put_v off_o a_o wretched_a garment_n of_o flesh_n that_o i_o may_v be_v inrobe_v with_o glory_n and_o immortality_n but_o for_o my_o sake_n he_o put_v off_o his_o robe_n of_o glory_n and_o majesty_n that_o he_o may_v wear_v my_o frail_a and_o mortal_a flesh_n and_o therein_o reconcile_v i_o to_o god_n and_o make_v i_o everlasting_o happy_a and_o when_o i_o may_v advance_v myself_o into_o a_o equality_n with_o angel_n by_o suffer_v the_o agony_n of_o a_o miserable_a death_n for_o he_o shall_v i_o refuse_v or_o think_v much_o of_o it_o when_o he_o who_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n in_o glory_n and_o happiness_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o be_v bear_v a_o wretched_a miserable_a man_n for_o i_o shall_v he_o require_v i_o to_o give_v my_o substance_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o leave_v myself_o destitute_a of_o all_o supply_n and_o comfort_n can_v i_o deny_v so_o poor_a a_o request_n to_o he_o who_o forsake_v a_o heaven_n of_o infinite_a pleasure_n for_o my_o sake_n and_o expose_v himself_o naked_a to_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o wretched_a wicked_a and_o ill-natured_a world_n from_o who_o he_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o the_o most_o barbarous_a contempt_n and_o cruelty_n sure_o one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o reasonable_a be_v to_o deny_v such_o poor_a such_o inconsiderable_a boon_n to_o such_o a_o great_a and_o deserve_a benefactor_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v much_o more_o than_o what_o he_o ordinary_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n for_o that_o which_o he_o ordinary_o require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o we_o will_v forsake_v those_o vice_n which_o be_v as_o injurious_a to_o we_o as_o they_o be_v hateful_a to_o he_o and_o which_o be_v therefore_o hateful_a to_o he_o because_o they_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o that_o we_o will_v practice_v those_o virtue_n in_o which_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v involve_v and_o which_o we_o can_v no_o more_o be_v happy_a without_o than_o we_o can_v be_v without_o be_v and_o can_v i_o think_v much_o to_o part_v with_o those_o lust_n for_o his_o sake_n which_o be_v my_o shame_n and_o infelicity_n who_o never_o grudge_v to_o part_v with_o heaven_n for_o i_o can_v they_o be_v as_o dear_a to_o i_o as_o his_o father_n bosom_n be_v to_o he_o and_o yet_o he_o leave_v that_o for_o love_n of_o i_o and_o shall_v not_o i_o leave_v these_o for_o love_n of_o he_o methinks_v if_o we_o will_v not_o part_v with_o they_o for_o our_o own_o sake_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o our_o peace_n and_o happiness_n yet_o have_v we_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o ingenuity_n in_o we_o we_o shall_v glad_o part_v with_o they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o for_o we_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o can_v we_o be_v such_o wretch_n as_o to_o refuse_v to_o serve_v he_o when_o he_o require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o what_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o by_o our_o own_o interest_n be_v we_o so_o lose_v to_o all_o that_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o modest_a that_o we_o will_v not_o obey_v he_o when_o he_o only_o require_v we_o to_o be_v kind_a to_o ourselves_o o_o wretched_a mortal_n do_v his_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o save_v you_o deserve_v this_o barbarous_a treatment_n at_o your_o hand_n that_o to_o spite_v he_o you_o shall_v injure_v yourselves_o and_o wound_v his_o authority_n through_o your_o own_o side_n have_v he_o be_v whole_o indifferent_a to_o you_o it_o have_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o reject_v his_o service_n when_o it_o
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 a_o few_o moment_n can_v have_v enable_v a_o company_n of_o tender_a virgin_n delicate_a matron_n infirm_a and_o age_a bishop_n to_o endure_v those_o long_a and_o dolorous_a martyrdom_n as_o many_o time_n they_o do_v when_o their_o tormentor_n take_v their_o turn_v from_o morn_n to_o night_n and_o ply_v they_o with_o all_o kind_n of_o torture_n till_o oftentimes_o they_o be_v force_v to_o give_v over_o and_o confess_v themselves_o overcome_v either_o through_o weariness_n or_o compassion_n but_o now_o by_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n we_o throw_v away_o this_o sovereign_a cordial_n and_o leave_v ourselves_o naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o all_o the_o mighty_a support_v it_o be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o under_o any_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n for_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v for_o any_o good_a from_o god_n and_o much_o less_o for_o so_o great_a a_o good_a as_o a_o heaven_n of_o immortal_a joy_n amount_v to_o whilst_o we_o persist_v in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o especial_o when_o he_o have_v express_o suspend_v this_o mighty_a recompense_n upon_o our_o constant_a and_o faithful_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o tell_v we_o plain_o beforehand_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o trust_v to_o that_o if_o we_o fail_v of_o this_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o admit_v we_o into_o that_o place_n and_o state_n of_o blessedness_n that_o he_o will_v banish_v we_o for_o ever_o from_o his_o presence_n into_o outer_a darkness_n and_o eternal_a wretchedness_n and_o despair_n when_o by_o wilful_a sin_n therefore_o we_o have_v cast_v away_o our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n what_o have_v we_o leave_v to_o support_v our_o constancy_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o ever_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o it_o how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o rather_o than_o renounce_v our_o religion_n we_o shall_v be_v content_v to_o part_v with_o our_o good_n or_o liberty_n or_o life_n when_o all_o our_o hope_n be_v shut_v up_o in_o this_o life_n 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 it_o and_o follow_v its_o direction_n this_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v secure_v his_o steadfastness_n to_o the_o truth_n against_o all_o temptation_n whilst_o this_o have_v any_o power_n over_o he_o he_o will_v as_o soon_o eat_v fire_n as_o sacrifice_v his_o faith_n to_o his_o interest_n for_o for_o a_o man_n to_o renounce_v his_o religion_n upon_o any_o prospect_n of_o temporal_a gain_n or_o loss_n be_v such_o a_o flagitious_a violation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a such_o a_o monstrous_a instance_n of_o high-treason_n against_o god_n such_o a_o open_a blasphemy_n of_o his_o truth_n such_o a_o bold_a defiance_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o in_o a_o word_n such_o a_o complication_n of_o vile_a perfidy_n base_a ingratitude_n and_o impious_a falsehood_n that_o but_o to_o think_v of_o it_o be_v like_o look_v down_o from_o a_o stupendous_a precipice_n that_o swim_v the_o head_n and_o strike_v the_o mind_n with_o horror_n and_o amazement_n so_o that_o while_o a_o man_n conscience_n have_v 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
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 fulsome_a contradiction_n he_o have_v no_o principle_n in_o he_o strong_a enough_o to_o withhold_v he_o from_o a_o base_a compliance_n his_o conscience_n be_v lay_v fast_o asleep_a which_o whilst_o awake_a will_v have_v tremble_v at_o such_o a_o horrid_a proposal_n and_o though_o by_o thus_o prostitute_v his_o faith_n to_o his_o interest_n he_o at_o once_o renounce_v his_o god_n his_o saviour_n and_o all_o his_o hope_n of_o future_a immortality_n yet_o his_o insensible_a and_o remorseless_a heart_n be_v no_o more_o touch_v or_o affect_v with_o it_o than_o if_o it_o be_v the_o slight_a peccadillo_n thus_o by_o let_v go_v a_o good_a conscience_n man_n pave_v themselves_o a_o easy_a way_n to_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o craggy_a and_o difficult_a passage_n in_o all_o the_o highway_n to_o hell_n 5._o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n do_v very_o much_o strengthen_v and_o enforce_v the_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n he_o who_o live_v under_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n take_v care_n to_o regulate_v his_o affection_n towards_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n so_o as_o neither_o to_o fear_v the_o evil_n of_o it_o too_o much_o nor_o love_v the_o good_n of_o it_o too_o well_o but_o make_v a_o just_a and_o equal_a estimate_n of_o both_o and_o by_o that_o proportion_n his_o affection_n towards_o they_o and_o he_o who_o do_v this_o disarm_v they_o of_o their_o tempt_a power_n which_o be_v chief_o owe_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o false_a estimate_n we_o make_v of_o they_o it_o be_v our_o own_o imagination_n that_o give_v life_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o charm_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n and_o render_v they_o so_o successful_a and_o victorious_a we_o fancy_v that_o to_o be_v in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o and_o so_o be_v affect_v not_o so_o much_o with_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o with_o the_o false_a representation_n that_o we_o make_v of_o they_o but_o he_o who_o by_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o a_o good_a conscience_n have_v reduce_v his_o wild_a affection_n within_o the_o list_n of_o reason_n and_o sobriety_n can_v from_o thence_o defy_v the_o world_n and_o maintain_v his_o post_n against_o all_o its_o temptation_n he_o love_v its_o good_n no_o better_o than_o they_o deserve_v and_o consequent_o he_o love_v they_o not_o so_o well_o as_o to_o part_v with_o his_o virtue_n his_o innocence_n and_o his_o soul_n for_o they_o he_o dread_v its_o evil_n no_o far_o than_o they_o be_v true_o dreadful_a and_o consequent_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o to_o sin_n be_v much_o more_o dreadful_a than_o to_o suffer_v and_o he_o have_v find_v by_o often_o experience_n that_o in_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n there_o be_v far_o more_o peace_n more_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o in_o all_o the_o vain_a allurement_n of_o this_o world_n he_o have_v find_v another_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n beside_o these_o temporary_a enjoyment_n a_o heaven_n within_o his_o own_o breast_n compose_v of_o joyous_a hope_n and_o bless_a expectation_n and_o in_o this_o heaven_n have_v often_o find_v himself_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o happy_a than_o among_o all_o the_o festivity_n of_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n and_o therefore_o know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o be_v bid_v to_o his_o loss_n when_o ever_o he_o be_v tempt_v to_o exchange_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o he_o be_v thorough_o sensible_a have_v already_o find_v it_o to_o his_o smart_n that_o by_o sin_v he_o shall_v sustain_v a_o much_o heavy_a loss_n and_o expose_v himself_o to_o far_o more_o exquisite_a agony_n of_o mind_n than_o any_o this_o world_n can_v threaten_v he_o with_o all_o and_o therefore_o certain_o reckon_v upon_o it_o that_o when_o ever_o to_o avoid_v a_o sin_n he_o incur_v a_o suffer_a he_o wise_o choose_v of_o two_o evil_n the_o least_o and_o while_o his_o soul_n stand_v thus_o affect_v it_o be_v shot-proof_n against_o all_o temptation_n 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 world_n power_n to_o be_v command_v and_o dispose_v of_o as_o it_o please_v and_o now_o if_o any_o worldly_a good_a beckon_v and_o invite_v he_o his_o mad_a affection_n will_v present_o hurry_v he_o after_o it_o though_o it_o be_v through_o thick_a and_o thin_a through_o the_o most_o flagitious_a and_o enormous_a course_n if_o any_o worldly_a evil_n threaten_v and_o alarm_n he_o he_o must_v immediate_o fly_v though_o it_o be_v from_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n from_o god_n and_o heaven_n and_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a in_o religion_n his_o affection_n have_v render_v he_o a_o mere_a lackey_n to_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n that_o be_v without_o he_o and_o whither_o ever_o they_o send_v he_o he_o must_v go_v wherever_o they_o lead_v he_o he_o must_v follow_v let_v their_o vagary_n be_v never_o so_o wild_a or_o wicked_a if_o therefore_o while_o his_o soul_n be_v thus_o enslave_v to_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v be_v tempt_v by_o it_o to_o apostatise_v from_o his_o religion_n what_o 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persist_v in_o any_o wilful_a course_n of_o sin_n we_o do_v not_o only_o violate_v our_o own_o conscience_n but_o also_o repel_v those_o good_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o strive_v to_o reduce_v and_o reclaim_v we_o in_o do_v which_o we_o continual_o grieve_v he_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o forbear_v shall_v at_o length_n provoke_v he_o whole_o to_o forsake_v and_o abandon_v we_o to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n lust_n as_o desperate_a wretch_n with_o who_o he_o have_v hitherto_o strive_v and_o struggle_v in_o vain_a and_o of_o who_o future_a recovery_n there_o remain_v no_o far_a hope_n or_o prospect_n and_o when_o he_o have_v forsake_v we_o our_o mind_n will_v not_o only_o be_v leave_v naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o all_o those_o help_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o it_o receive_v from_o he_o but_o also_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o cheat_n and_o fallacy_n of_o evil_a spirit_n who_o recreation_n it_o be_v to_o put_v trick_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o banter_n and_o play_n upon_o our_o easy_a faith_n to_o cast_v mist_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o therein_o to_o juggle_v away_o all_o true_a religion_n from_o we_o and_o foist_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o the_o most_o fulsome_a error_n and_o mistake_v for_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o antichrist_n the_o great_a deceiver_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n to_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o that_o for_o that_o cause_n viz._n their_o not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o be_v by_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o cheat_v and_o delude_a spirit_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o god_n grant_v that_o this_o at_o last_o prove_v not_o our_o fate_n that_o because_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o go_v astray_o in_o all_o unrighteousness_n under_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v not_o at_o length_n give_v up_o by_o god_n to_o follow_v the_o wild_a delusion_n of_o antichrist_n and_o to_o believe_v all_o those_o fulsome_a lie_n and_o imposture_n which_o he_o from_o age_n to_o age_n have_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o whether_o it_o prove_v thus_o or_o no_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o by_o persist_v in_o any_o vicious_a course_n against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n we_o high_o provoke_v almighty_a god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o give_v we_o up_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v our_o own_o heart_n lust_n will_v soon_o betray_v and_o give_v up_o our_o faith_n to_o false_a and_o vicious_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o now_o have_v show_v at_o large_a what_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a tendency_n there_o be_v in_o a_o wicked_a life_n to_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o argument_n with_o two_o or_o three_o inference_n 1._o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v what_o a_o great_a malignity_n there_o be_v in_o man_n be_v inconstant_a to_o and_o apostatise_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o sinful_a affection_n it_o be_v as_o you_o see_v the_o ill_a daughter_n of_o a_o bad_a mother_n a_o debauch_a and_o a_o dissolute_a conscience_n and_o consequent_o partake_v of_o all_o its_o natural_a bane_n and_o malignity_n even_o as_o all_o other_o bad_a effect_n do_v of_o the_o malignant_a nature_n of_o their_o bad_a cause_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o particular_a evil_n which_o man_n inconstancy_n to_o and_o proneness_n to_o revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n imply_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o these_o five_o instance_n 1._o the_o great_a impiety_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o foul_a dishonesty_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o shameful_a cowardice_n of_o it_o 5._o the_o vast_a hazard_n and_o insecurity_n of_o it_o 1._o consider_v the_o great_a impiety_n of_o it_o he_o who_o can_v part_v with_o his_o religion_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o be_v either_o a_o downright_a atheist_n who_o believe_v no_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a govern_v himself_o by_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o wise_a course_n be_v to_o profess_v none_o but_o that_o which_o be_v uppermost_a and_o most_o for_o his_o interest_n or_o a_o profane_a and_o impious_a
some_o good_a warm_a place_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o gain_v some_o important_a station_n or_o preferment_n and_o if_o this_o be_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o case_n when_o he_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n it_o have_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o for_o he_o that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v for_o than_o he_o will_v be_v find_v a_o base_a deserter_n of_o his_o god_n a_o treacherous_a judas_n to_o his_o saviour_n and_o a_o perfidious_a renegado_n from_o his_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o gild_n receive_v his_o portion_n of_o damnation_n 4._o consider_v whether_o before_o you_o entertain_v any_o intention_n to_o change_v you_o be_v full_o resolve_v impartial_o to_o consult_v both_o side_n of_o the_o question_n i_o doubt_v there_o be_v too_o many_o among_o we_o that_o first_o resolve_v to_o change_v their_o religion_n and_o then_o begin_v to_o inquire_v after_o reason_n and_o argument_n against_o it_o 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