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doctrine_n and_o true_a betwixt_o tare_n and_o wheat_n betwixt_o the_o devil_n counterfeit_a and_o god_n real_a pearl_n in_o this_o conjuncture_n of_o time_n when_o heretic_n pretend_v to_o be_v evangelist_n when_o wild_a enthusiast_n act_v by_o the_o devil_n pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v of_o god_n when_o at_o the_o same_o season_n and_o in_o the_o selfsame_a place_n divine_a truth_n be_v preach_v by_o some_o and_o devilish_a error_n broach_v by_o other_o the_o servants_z of_o god_n and_o apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n can_v not_o but_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v whatever_o in_o they_o lay_v that_o their_o late_a convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v not_o either_o unwory_o admit_v what_o be_v indeed_o a_o error_n nor_o yet_o unadvised_o reject_v what_o be_v indeed_o a_o truth_n to_o prevent_v this_o double_a hazzard_n saint_n john_n 1_o john_n 4.1_o do_v thus_o command_v they_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v it_o seem_v even_o thus_o early_o in_o the_o church_n a_o great_a variety_n of_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v theophylact_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v oecumenius_n prophet_n true_a and_o prophet_n false_a and_o yet_o even_o these_o impostor_n too_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n well_o what_o must_v the_o christian_n do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o must_v they_o receive_v all_o doctrine_n because_o some_o be_v certain_o true_a or_o must_v they_o reject_v all_o because_o some_o be_v certain_o false_a no_o such_o matter_n the_o apostle_n give_v they_o and_o we_o another_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o that_o be_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d try_v the_o spirit_n be_v not_o rash_a in_o receive_v be_v not_o rash_a in_o reject_v neither_o perhaps_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v by_o such_o and_o such_o
may_v be_v from_o god_n and_o if_o so_o what_o a_o sin_n will_v it_o be_v to_o slight_v they_o but_o withal_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o such_o and_o such_o pretender_n may_v be_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o if_o so_o what_o a_o danger_n must_v it_o be_v to_o entertain_v they_o wherefore_o that_o both_o extreme_n may_v be_v avoid_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n that_o you_o may_v know_v the_o devil_n emissary_n from_o christ_n apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v theophylact_v prove_v examine_v pass_v a_o mature_a and_o deliberate_a judgement_n and_o that_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o that_o advice_n which_o saint_n paul_n give_v we_o in_o the_o text_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prove_v all_o thing_n whatever_o doctrine_n be_v broach_v among_o you_o though_o it_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o the_o fair_a pretence_n imaginable_a yet_o because_o it_o may_v possible_o prove_v too_o light_a put_v it_o in_o the_o balance_n and_o try_v its_o weight_n because_o it_o may_v possible_o prove_v a_o counterfeit_n bring_v it_o to_o the_o touchstone_n and_o try_v its_o sincerity_n and_o if_o upon_o this_o strict_a enquiry_n it_o prove_v not_o right_a let_v it_o go_v but_o if_o it_o be_v find_v orthodox_n sound_n and_o good_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hold_v it_o fast_o so_o then_o the_o text_n commend_v to_o our_o practice_n a_o double_a act_n each_o of_o which_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o 1._o we_o be_v require_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o prove_v they_o to_o examine_v all_o doctrine_n principle_n and_o practice_n whether_o they_o be_v right_a such_o as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n recommend_v or_o at_o least_o allow_v it_o be_v our_o business_n to_o consider_v as_o cornelius_n à _fw-la lapide_fw-la word_v it_o a_o sint_fw-la prophetiae_fw-la a_o instinctus_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la humani_fw-la whether_o they_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n or_o the_o invention_n and_o imagination_n of_o man_n 2._o we_o be_v require_v after_o this_o strict_a examination_n and_o judgement_n pass_v to_o dismiss_v whatever_o be_v naught_o but_o to_o retain_v and_o hold_v fast_o that_o all_o that_o and_o only_o that_o which_o prove_v to_o be_v good_a and_o consequent_o from_o god_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o the_o text_n will_v lie_v in_o these_o two_o conclusion_n 1._o that_o every_o person_n whatsoever_o be_v high_o oblige_v to_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v recommend_v to_o he_o 2._o that_o after_o a_o impartial_a and_o strict_a enquiry_n that_o religion_n and_o only_o that_o which_o prove_v to_o be_v good_a right_a and_o true_a must_v be_v stout_o assert_v constant_o retain_v and_o hold_v fast_o for_o ever_o the_o first_o doctrine_n that_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o do_v high_o stand_v oblige_v to_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v recommend_v to_o they_o but_o here_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v demand_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v demand_v whether_o all_o person_n whatever_o be_v fit_a to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v every_o man_n so_o well_o qualify_v as_o to_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o define_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n shall_v every_o illiterate_a and_o bold_a mechanic_n presume_v so_o far_o as_o to_o suspect_v any_o doctrine_n which_o the_o church_n deliver_v or_o scruple_n any_o practice_n which_o she_o recommend_v i_o answer_v certain_a it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o very_a signal_n respect_n and_o a_o very_a great_a veneration_n due_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o doubtless_o where_o matter_n be_v difficult_a and_o point_n be_v controvert_v it_o be_v our_o safe_a course_n to_o consider_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o her_o judgement_n rather_o than_o in_o our_o own_o but_o in_o other_o case_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v express_v and_o plain_a where_o we_o have_v a_o intelligible_a and_o easy_a rule_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o take_v up_o our_o religion_n upon_o other_o man_n credit_n in_o those_o matter_n wherein_o our_o own_o reason_n can_v best_o secure_v we_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n command_n matt._n 11.15_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v so_o say_v we_o he_o that_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o see_v let_v he_o see_v methinks_v where_o the_o object_n be_v clear_a and_o visible_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concern_v too_o it_o be_v high_a imprudence_n to_o rely_v upon_o another_o man_n sight_n since_o god_n have_v give_v we_o eye_n of_o our_o own_o that_o may_v see_v as_o well_o and_o be_v trust_v better_a and_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o great_a folly_n to_o depend_v bare_o upon_o other_o man_n judgement_n for_o those_o grand_a concern_v of_o eternity_n about_o which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o rational_a soul_n and_o all_o other_o mean_n that_o be_v sufficient_a and_o requisite_a to_o inform_v ourselves_o but_o if_o perhaps_o through_o sin_n and_o vice_n we_o have_v debauch_v our_o own_o reason_n if_o we_o have_v extinguish_v that_o light_n which_o our_o great_a creator_n set_v up_o within_o we_o and_o by_o so_o do_v have_v disable_v ourselves_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n in_o my_o text_n we_o have_v then_o just_a occasion_n to_o condemn_v ourselves_o but_o none_o to_o blame_v that_o god_n who_o do_v as_o well_o give_v we_o a_o eye_n as_o bid_v we_o see_v and_o doubtless_o since_o god_n have_v give_v to_o every_o man_n a_o understand_a faculty_n and_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v employ_v for_o his_o own_o advantage_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o very_o high_a tyranny_n to_o interdict_v any_o person_n the_o improvement_n and_o exercise_n of_o that_o reason_n but_o especial_o about_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o that_o immortal_a soul_n wherein_o that_o reason_n of_o he_o have_v its_o proper_a seat_n and_o only_a residence_n and_o since_o this_o personal_a and_o private_a examination_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v that_o which_o our_o god_n command_v and_o our_o reason_n do_v enable_v we_o to_o methinks_v no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v ever_o dislike_v or_o quarrel_n at_o it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o a_o true_a church_n shall_v disallow_v what_o god_n require_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o a_o true_a mother_n shall_v rob_v her_o child_n of_o that_o without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o be_v christian_n nor_o men._n no_o it_o be_v for_o the_o whore_n of_o babylon_n to_o close_v up_o her_o bastard_n eye_n lest_o perhaps_o they_o shall_v discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o their_o mother_n it_o be_v for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o deny_v her_o proselyte_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n lest_o perhaps_o they_o shall_v detect_v the_o weakness_n and_o want_n of_o she_o but_o as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o sure_o be_v she_o that_o her_o religion_n be_v right_a that_o she_o do_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o encourage_v her_o son_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o test_n such_o be_v her_o doctrine_n and_o such_o be_v her_o usage_n that_o she_o do_v rather_o provoke_v then_o decline_v the_o strict_a trial_n the_o truth_n which_o she_o teach_v be_v so_o divine_a the_o custom_n which_o she_o retain_v be_v so_o apostolical_a that_o like_o so_o many_o true_a and_o orient_a pearl_n the_o more_o they_o be_v examine_v search_v and_o try_v the_o bright_a do_v they_o shine_v and_o if_o so_o if_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v honour_n to_o our_o church_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o ourselves_o what_o shall_v hinder_v we_o except_o it_o be_v that_o gross_a and_o foul_a ignorance_n of_o we_o which_o will_v indeed_o destroy_v our_o ability_n but_o never_o take_v off_o our_o obligation_n but_o 2._o from_o this_o great_a command_n in_o the_o text_n prove_v all_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v yet_o demand_v thus_o must_v we_o then_o turn_v sceptic_n in_o religion_n must_v we_o always_o hang_v in_o doubt_n and_o never_o fix_v must_v we_o for_o ever_o be_v examine_v and_o so_o come_v to_o no_o settle_a resolution_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o inference_n can_v never_o be_v gather_v from_o that_o which_o god_n require_v in_o the_o text_n our_o prove_v all_o thing_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o introduce_v scepticism_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o sure_a way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o expel_v banish_v and_o root_v they_o out_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o shake_v our_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o most_o likely_a mean_n to_o
satisfaction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o any_o thing_n of_o man_n can_v be_v or_o do_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n once_o teach_v the_o world_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v unchangeable_a for_o ever_o and_o our_o bibles_n which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o measure_v religion_n by_o continue_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o that_o which_o be_v a_o error_n in_o those_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v error_n still_o and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o truth_n in_o those_o day_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o truth_n still_o and_o if_o we_o can_v think_v of_o any_o more_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n than_o the_o deliberate_a and_o unanimous_a judgement_n of_o so_o many_o hundred_o pious_a learned_a and_o unbiased_a man_n assemble_v together_o then_o certain_o the_o determination_n of_o those_o ancient_a council_n be_v very_o considerable_a evidence_n for_o truth_n and_o against_o error_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o they_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n who_o beside_o their_o eminent_a piety_n and_o learning_n have_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o live_v near_o the_o apostle_n age_n and_o thereby_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o inform_v themselves_o and_o we_o too_o what_o be_v certain_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n those_o especial_o that_o live_v within_o the_o first_o six_o century_n wherever_o they_o agree_v and_o be_v not_o since_o corrupt_v or_o maim_v by_o the_o fraud_n and_o forgery_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v of_o singular_a use_n in_o this_o matter_n too_o that_o ignatius_n clemens_n origen_n athanasius_n cyril_n nazianzen_n basil_n chrysostom_n hierom_n augustine_n and_o some_o other_o be_v indeed_o person_n of_o great_a devotion_n and_o excellent_a part_n can_v be_v deny_v and_o although_o some_o of_o these_o great_a name_n in_o some_o particular_a 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offer_v to_o their_o decision_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o stand_v or_o fall_v as_o they_o determine_v but_o alas_o there_o be_v no_o tribunal_n like_o saint_n peter_n chair_n one_o pope_n be_v of_o more_o value_n with_o they_o then_o ten_o saint_n augustine_n nor_o indeed_o can_v we_o blame_v they_o for_o where_o the_o cause_n be_v notorious_o bad_a it_o be_v strange_a imprudence_n to_o refer_v it_o to_o any_o other_o vmpire_n and_o arbitratour_n save_v only_o such_o who_o be_v prepossess_v with_o the_o strong_a prejudice_n and_o oblige_v by_o the_o great_a interest_n to_o defend_v and_o own_v it_o and_o thus_o stand_v the_o case_n with_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o as_o for_o we_o where_o matter_n be_v doubtful_a and_o scripture_n be_v not_o clear_a we_o dare_v not_o run_v to_o uncertain_a tradition_n and_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o pope_n but_o rather_o to_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n from_o who_o we_o do_v rational_o expect_v more_o satisfactory_a resolution_n and_o far_o better_a comment_n but_o 4._o there_o be_v several_a system_n of_o divinity_n confession_n of_o faith_n short_a abridgement_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v especial_o to_o unlearned_a person_n great_a help_n in_o this_o matter_n too_o and_o here_o methinks_v those_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o apostle_n nice_n and_o athanasius_n which_o be_v so_o general_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a authority_n to_o settle_v our_o judgement_n in_o the_o main_a and_o most_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n whatever_o contradict_v any_o one_o article_n deliver_v and_o contain_v therein_o may_v be_v just_o suspect_v of_o heresy_n error_n and_o innovation_n and_o as_o for_o other_o doctrine_n practice_n and_o matter_n of_o discipline_n we_o may_v have_v recourse_n and_o that_o with_o good_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o know_a article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o book_n of_o homily_n and_o that_o excellent_a liturgy_n of_o we_o which_o that_o of_o saint_n chrysostom_n or_o basil_n do_v not_o transcend_v and_o perhaps_o not_o match_v beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o choice_n and_o excellent_a catechism_n compose_v by_o man_n that_o be_v pious_a learned_a and_o judicious_a acquaint_v with_o scripture_n well_o verse_v in_o the_o primitive_a council_n and_o father_n these_o short_a catechism_n compile_v by_o person_n of_o singular_a endowment_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n be_v little_o less_o than_o so_o many_o contract_a bibles_n contain_v in_o they_o whatever_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o know_v and_o deliver_v enough_o in_o plain_a and_o easy_a term_n to_o inform_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o error_n and_o confirm_v our_o judgement_n in_o all_o the_o great_a point_n of_o faith_n so_o then_o the_o sum_z of_o all_o be_v this_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o examine_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n but_o because_o this_o word_n in_o some_o material_a case_n according_a to_o the_o different_a fancy_n or_o interest_n of_o man_n have_v different_a interpretation_n give_v concern_v its_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n it_o be_v our_o only_a way_n for_o our_o better_a satisfaction_n to_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o most_o able_a faithful_a and_o unbiased_a judge_n and_o they_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a council_n the_o primitive_a father_n public_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o orthodox_n catechism_n set_v forth_o or_o approve_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n use_v i._o consider_v how_o much_o to_o blame_v those_o person_n be_v who_o without_o any_o examination_n whatsoever_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n bare_o upon_o trust_n we_o be_v thus_o command_v in_o the_o text_n prove_v all_o thing_n but_o alas_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o we_o will_v prove_v nothing_o and_o although_o perhaps_o we_o pretend_v to_o abhor_v the_o religion_n of_o rome_n yet_o so_o far_o do_v we_o act_v like_o papist_n that_o a_o implicit_a faith_n serve_v our_o turn_n it_o be_v the_o great_a imprudence_n and_o crime_n of_o many_o person_n who_o be_v so_o supine_n and_o careless_a that_o they_o will_v not_o examine_v their_o religion_n but_o withal_o it_o be_v the_o sad_a calamity_n of_o some_o other_o who_o be_v so_o sottish_a and_o ignorant_a that_o indeed_o they_o can_v that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o prove_v our_o faith_n and_o of_o what_o concern_v it_o be_v so_o to_o do_v we_o have_v already_o see_v and_o that_o all_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n to_o be_v expound_v by_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n have_v be_v already_o show_v yea_o but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o man_n that_o be_v utter_o unlearned_a and_o ignorant_a can_v that_o man_n prove_v his_o religion_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o know_v it_o not_o can_v that_o man_n help_v himself_o in_o
settle_v and_o confirm_v it_o for_o when_o once_o a_o man_n have_v due_o measure_v the_o ground_n principle_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o religion_n by_o that_o rule_n which_o can_v fail_v he_o and_o there_o find_v it_o straight_o and_o right_a all_o his_o jealousy_n and_o doubt_n be_v over_o what_o doctrine_n soever_o he_o find_v warrant_v by_o the_o write_a word_n that_o he_o may_v most_o safe_o embrace_v and_o for_o ever_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v with_o he_o that_o suspect_v some_o piece_n of_o money_n that_o be_v offer_v he_o as_o current_a coin_n if_o he_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o touchstone_n scales_z or_o standard_n and_o there_o find_v it_o right_a metal_n and_o full_a weight_n he_o receive_v it_o without_o far_a scruple_n and_o lay_v it_o up_o as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o treasure_n so_o here_o suppose_v some_o novice_n in_o christianity_n such_o as_o these_o in_o the_o text_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o well_o ground_v in_o his_o religion_n be_v not_o sufficient_o assure_v whether_o such_o and_o such_o a_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v commend_v to_o he_o or_o require_v from_o he_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n if_o he_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a standard_n in_o this_o case_n and_o there_o find_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o from_o some_o prophet_n evangelist_n or_o apostle_n with_o what_o confidence_n may_v he_o then_o receive_v it_o and_o for_o ever_o most_o just_o count_v it_o one_o part_n of_o his_o faith_n well_o such_o ignorant_a novice_n in_o christianity_n we_o all_o be_v or_o have_v be_v and_o upon_o that_o score_n if_o we_o have_v not_o already_o examine_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o be_v oblige_v now_o to_o do_v it_o see_v why_o in_o some_o particular_n 1._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o examine_v the_o nature_n and_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o all_o that_o respect_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o great_a frequent_a and_o peremptory_a command_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o text_n require_v in_o term_n as_o express_v as_o can_v be_v prove_v all_o thing_n what_o all_o thing_n do_v he_o mean_a matter_n of_o religion_n sure_a doctrinas_fw-la revelationes_fw-la etc._n etc._n so_o estius_n whatever_o doctrine_n be_v recommend_v to_o you_o as_o revelation_n give_v from_o god_n discernite_fw-la dijudicate_v examine_v search_n and_o judge_v they_o so_o much_o do_v saint_n john_n require_v too_o when_o he_o thus_o command_v we_o 1_o john_n 4.1_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o thus_o saint_n paul_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n nay_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o do_v in_o effect_n enjoin_v the_o same_o thing_n too_o when_o he_o give_v we_o this_o command_n matt._n 7.15_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n god_n almighty_a by_o these_o command_v have_v reveal_v his_o pleasure_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v we_o take_v up_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n at_o a_o venture_n lest_o perhaps_o they_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v none_o of_o he_o nor_o will_v he_o have_v we_o unadvised_o close_a with_o such_o and_o such_o religious_a practice_n lest_o peradventure_o they_o shall_v prove_v such_o as_o have_v no_o warrant_n that_o god_n who_o high_o deserve_v and_o most_o just_o expect_v whatever_a service_n man_n can_v do_v he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o which_o that_o be_v and_o where_o it_o lie_v he_o bid_v we_o go_v to_o his_o own_o book_n and_o learn_v and_o methinks_v have_v we_o no_o other_o motive_n in_o the_o world_n to_o examine_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n save_v only_o this_o yet_o this_o shall_v be_v enough_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o duty_n which_o man_n owe_v his_o maker_n the_o strict_a examination_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o command_n of_o god_n have_v make_v a_o considerable_a part_n thereof_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o take_v up_o any_o religion_n upon_o trust_n but_o we_o must_v by_o so_o do_v disobey_v our_o god_n and_o thereby_o show_v that_o in_o truth_n we_o have_v none_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v a_o certain_a rule_n and_o standard_n to_o measure_v all_o religion_n by_o it_o be_v the_o signal_n mercy_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o that_o standard_n it_o be_v the_o great_a command_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o great_a obligation_n of_o man_n too_o 2._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o examine_v our_o religion_n by_o all_o that_o respect_n which_o we_o owe_v our_o neighbour_n our_o friend_n our_o child_n that_o we_o be_v concern_v not_o only_o to_o profess_v a_o religion_n but_o promote_v it_o too_o no_o man_n i_o think_v that_o have_v one_o jot_n thereof_o will_v ever_o deny_v we_o be_v bind_v by_o several_a obligation_n to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v our_o brother_n the_o principle_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o we_o own_v ourselves_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n require_v over_o and_o over_o thus_o saint_n paul_n 1_o thess_n 5.11_o edify_v one_o another_o and_o so_o again_o col._n 3.16_o teach_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o we_o be_v engage_v by_o the_o frequent_a command_n of_o god_n and_o that_o eternal_a law_n of_o charity_n in_o our_o capacity_n and_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v to_o propagate_v our_o religion_n to_o plant_v it_o where_o it_o be_v not_o and_o to_o water_v it_o where_o it_o be_v but_o then_o methinks_v we_o be_v deep_o concern_v to_o secure_v ourselves_o and_o other_o too_o that_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o advance_v in_o the_o world_n be_v indeed_o the_o religion_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o plant_v not_o weed_n in_o stead_n of_o flower_n that_o we_o sow_v not_o tare_n in_o stead_n of_o wheat_n for_o to_o promote_v a_o religion_n that_o possible_o may_v be_v false_a be_v a_o desperate_a venture_n indeed_o and_o he_o that_o do_v it_o hazard_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o find_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v no_o doctrine_n but_o what_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o thus_o christ_n tell_v nicodemus_n john_n 3.11_o we_o speak_v that_o we_o know_v and_o thus_o saint_n john_n tell_v the_o world_n 1_o john_n 3.19_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n certain_o whosoever_o undertake_v or_o be_v oblige_v to_o instruct_v another_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v need_v very_o well_o be_v inform_v himself_o it_o be_v with_o we_o in_o our_o present_a case_n as_o with_o the_o physician_n in_o he_o who_o doubtless_o stand_v bind_v by_o whatsoever_o be_v dear_a unto_o he_o to_o prescribe_v no_o remedy_n but_o such_o as_o he_o thorough_o understand_v that_o mountebank_n deserve_v a_o check_n rather_o than_o a_o fee_n who_o dare_v administer_v he_o know_v not_o what_o and_o by_o so_o do_v be_v more_o like_a to_o kill_v then_o cure_n the_o case_n be_v we_o we_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o 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religion_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o instruct_v and_o help_v our_o brother_n for_o if_o not_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o that_o we_o may_v be_v cheat_v what_o we_o rash_o take_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n may_v perhaps_o upon_o a_o review_n prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n what_o we_o unadvised_o take_v for_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n may_v perhaps_o upon_o a_o strict_a survey_n prove_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o imposture_n of_o man_n and_o if_o once_o we_o come_v to_o propagate_v these_o what_o great_a pleasure_n can_v we_o do_v the_o devil_n what_o great_a disservice_n can_v we_o do_v the_o church_n of_o god_n what_o great_a injury_n can_v we_o do_v our_o neighbour_n our_o bosom_n friend_n our_o darling_n child_n certain_a it_o be_v we_o be_v much_o engage_v to_o sift_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v to_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n and_o teach_v our_o brother_n lest_o otherwise_o through_o our_o own_o mistake_n and_o idle_a confidence_n we_o become_v guilty_a of_o cruel_a charity_n and_o prove_v instrumental_a to_o damn_v that_o soul_n who_o we_o inâ—end_v and_o be_v oblige_v to_o save_v 3._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o examine_v our_o religion_n and_o see_v it_o be_v right_a by_o all_o that_o kind_a respect_n which_o we_o owe_v the_o church_n and_o nation_n where_o we_o dwell_v that_o the_o welfare_n of_o kingdom_n do_v but_o little_o depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v from_o that_o know_a example_n of_o the_o turk_n and_o some_o other_o nation_n where_o idolatry_n reign_v and_o yet_o success_n power_n and_o wealth_n attend_v they_o but_o sure_o that_o such_o nation_n flourish_v it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o covenant_n or_o promise_n but_o from_o the_o general_a providence_n and_o perhaps_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o rather_o from_o the_o want_n of_o we_o solomon_n tell_v we_o prov._n 14.34_o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n yea_o where_o virtue_n thrive_v where_o true_a religion_n flourish_v it_o be_v sure_a that_o kingdom_n will_v do_v so_o too_o we_o read_v that_o while_o the_o jew_n retain_v their_o religious_a worship_n in_o its_o purity_n they_o be_v a_o rich_a and_o thrive_a nation_n belove_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o fear_v of_o man_n but_o when_o once_o they_o suffer_v idolatry_n and_o superstition_n to_o steal_v in_o among_o they_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o this_o very_a sin_n prove_v the_o subversion_n of_o their_o state_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o church_n methinks_v this_o dreadful_a instance_n shall_v make_v we_o exceed_o wary_a what_o religion_n we_o admit_v among_o we_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v our_o wisdom_n not_o to_o permit_v much_o less_o to_o establish_v by_o law_n any_o doctrine_n whatever_o that_o have_v already_o be_v not_o only_o suspect_v but_o upon_o mature_a advice_n condemn_v too_o except_o we_o be_v now_o full_o satisfy_v by_o clear_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v at_o least_o reconcilable_a to_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v and_o our_o god_n approve_v for_o if_o we_o do_v otherwise_o if_o our_o folly_n carelessness_n ignorance_n or_o vice_n shall_v prove_v a_o mean_n to_o retrieve_v those_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a practice_n which_o the_o wisdom_n piety_n and_o zeal_n of_o our_o forefather_n have_v just_o banish_v it_o we_o shall_v reduce_v those_o superfluous_a vain_a and_o burdensome_a ceremony_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o our_o noble_a progenitour_n have_v so_o deserve_o explode_v if_o we_o shall_v base_o let_v go_v those_o great_a and_o concern_v truth_n which_o our_o heroical_a ancestor_n have_v derive_v unto_o we_o seal_v with_o their_o dear_a blood_n if_o we_o shall_v exchange_v a_o good_a religion_n for_o a_o bad_a what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o our_o holy_a god_n who_o be_v so_o jealous_a of_o his_o great_a name_n shall_v be_v angry_a with_o we_o even_o till_o he_o have_v quite_o conjume_v we_o it_o be_v true_a god_n indeed_o may_v bear_v with_o the_o idolatry_n of_o poor_a ignorant_a turk_n and_o pagan_n who_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v know_v what_o be_v better_a but_o as_o for_o this_o nation_n of_o we_o we_o have_v his_o law_n and_o his_o prophet_n we_o have_v his_o evangelist_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o gospel_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n to_o confirm_v and_o settle_v we_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o if_o so_o shall_v we_o turn_v apostate_n shall_v we_o embrace_v a_o false_a religion_n and_o become_v idolater_n so_o dreadful_a will_v the_o consequence_n be_v that_o we_o may_v just_o tremble_v so_o much_o as_o once_o to_o name_v they_o if_o therefore_o we_o have_v any_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n towards_o the_o womb_n that_o bear_v we_o if_o we_o have_v any_o kindness_n for_o the_o breast_n that_o feed_v we_o if_o we_o have_v any_o compassion_n for_o the_o nation_n that_o warm_v and_o clothes_v we_o let_v we_o never_o close_v with_o any_o other_o religion_n except_o it_o produce_v some_o better_a warrant_n than_o our_o present_a church_n can_v show_v and_o that_o not_o from_o a_o priest_n not_o from_o a_o jesuit_n not_o from_o some_o pretend_a forge_a and_o abuse_a father_n but_o from_o a_o prophet_n from_o a_o evangelist_n from_o a_o apostle_n one_o of_o who_o be_v of_o more_o value_n and_o great_a credit_n than_o the_o whole_a romish_a conclave_n and_o all_o their_o council_n though_o every_o member_n thereof_o be_v a_o better_a man_n and_o more_o infallible_a even_o the_o best_a of_o pope_n 4._o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o examine_v our_o religion_n by_o all_o that_o respect_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o ourselves_o see_v why_o in_o 2_o particular_n 1._o that_o man_n who_o never_o trouble_v himself_o to_o search_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o by_o infallible_a argument_n to_o secure_v himself_o that_o his_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v sound_a and_o right_a must_v needs_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o no._n for_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o the_o report_n which_o he_o hear_v concern_v it_o may_v be_v false_a the_o person_n that_o recommend_v it_o to_o he_o may_v be_v mistake_v his_o forefather_n from_o who_o he_o derive_v his_o religion_n may_v be_v deceive_v nay_o that_o particular_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n may_v possible_o be_v in_o a_o error_n too_o for_o tell_v i_o how_o gross_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n mistake_v though_o they_o have_v all_o the_o prophet_n to_o inform_v they_o concern_v that_o which_o they_o be_v most_o oblige_v to_o know_v the_o person_n doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o their_o own_o messiah_n and_o how_o stiff_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n this_o day_n contend_v for_o those_o foul_a error_n and_o abominable_a superstition_n for_o which_o there_o be_v very_o little_a to_o be_v plead_v save_v only_o the_o practice_n and_o tradition_n of_o their_o predecessor_n among_o who_o ambition_n pride_n avarice_n luxury_n and_o ignorance_n do_v so_o prevail_v that_o they_o have_v little_a of_o true_a religion_n leave_v to_o transmit_v and_o bequeath_v to_o their_o posterity_n so_o that_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v be_v to_o believe_v at_o best_a but_o at_o a_o venture_n and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v right_a now_o what_o inconvenience_n will_v arise_v from_o bare_a doubt_n jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o may_v see_v in_o 2_o particular_n 1._o that_o person_n who_o be_v thus_o uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a of_o his_o religion_n can_v never_o expect_v any_o great_a satisfaction_n comfort_n pleasure_n in_o any_o of_o those_o religious_a act_n which_o he_o do_v perform_v doubtless_o that_o joy_n which_o arise_v to_o a_o good_a man_n and_o know_v christian_n from_o the_o true_a service_n of_o god_n be_v very_o considerable_a and_o exceed_o great_a my_o soul_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n say_v holy_a david_n who_o well_o know_v what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o serve_v his_o god_n thus_o and_o thus_o and_o without_o all_o controversy_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o delight_n to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o thing_n whatever_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n special_a presence_n his_o favourable_a interpretation_n of_o our_o desire_n his_o kind_a acceptance_n of_o our_o poor_a endeavour_n the_o smile_n of_o his_o countenance_n the_o testimony_n of_o his_o spirit_n how_o do_v they_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o joy_n but_o withal_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v expect_v by_o that_o soul_n who_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o his_o religion_n be_v right_a if_o a_o man_n be_v uncertain_a whether_o he_o present_v to_o god_n a_o sheep_n
o_o what_o a_o dangerous_a person_n be_v every_o mistake_a zealot_n sure_o it_o be_v of_o all_o villain_n in_o the_o world_n the_o religious_a villain_n be_v the_o worst_a as_o for_o other_o villain_n who_o be_v inward_o convince_v that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v naught_o and_o wicked_a they_o can_v choose_v but_o now_o and_o then_o find_v some_o remorse_n regret_n and_o such_o check_n within_o they_o as_o must_v needs_o damp_n their_o spirit_n and_o gall_v their_o soul_n and_o put_v some_o little_a stop_n to_o their_o iniquity_n but_o as_o for_o the_o devout_a and_o pious_a villain_n what_o trouble_v can_v possible_o invade_v his_o spirit_n what_o pang_n of_o soul_n can_v he_o feel_v within_o he_o what_o can_v make_v he_o so_o much_o as_o once_o demur_v and_o pause_v in_o the_o least_o when_o his_o own_o conscience_n be_v misinform_v and_o sad_o delude_v do_v so_o far_o cheer_v he_o as_o to_o bid_v he_o expect_v a_o reward_n for_o that_o sin_n which_o it_o do_v not_o only_o represent_v but_o commend_v and_o applaud_v as_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v and_o will_v certain_o bless_v we_o need_v no_o other_o instance_n in_o this_o case_n but_o that_o great_a one_o of_o saint_n paul_n while_o he_o believe_v the_o old_a religion_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o while_o he_o be_v possess_v with_o prejudice_n against_o christianity_n and_o take_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a juggle_v a_o new_a imposture_n and_o a_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n what_o strange_a havoc_n do_v he_o make_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o a_o wrong_a religion_n and_o the_o persecution_n of_o a_o right_a all_o the_o excuse_n which_o he_o plead_v for_o himself_o be_v only_o this_o i_o do_v it_o through_o ignorance_n yea_o have_v but_o saint_n paul_n knowledge_n then_o be_v as_o great_a as_o his_o zeal_n he_o will_v rather_o have_v lay_v himself_o then_o other_o in_o the_o gaol_n have_v he_o but_o examine_v matter_n a_o right_a and_o find_v christianity_n to_o be_v indeed_o the_o religion_n of_o god_n he_o will_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o shed_v other_o man_n blood_n that_o in_o the_o defence_n thereof_o he_o will_v ten_o thousand_o time_n rather_o have_v lose_v his_o own_o but_o o_o the_o direful_a effect_n of_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o which_o we_o must_v ascribe_v the_o most_o inhuman_a action_n that_o the_o world_n ever_o see_v from_o hence_o proceed_v that_o bloody_a massacre_n of_o paris_n and_o that_o unparalleled_a and_o hellish_a powder-treason_n from_o hence_o have_v proceed_v the_o assassination_n of_o prince_n the_o subversion_n of_o empire_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o church_n and_o what_o if_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o misapprehension_n of_o religion_n have_v hang_v the_o son_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o lay_v his_o servant_n in_o the_o flame_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o the_o jew_n will_v ever_o have_v crucify_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o messiah_n too_o have_v not_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n incline_v they_o to_o it_o nor_o can_v we_o reasonable_o conceive_v that_o the_o papist_n be_v such_o monster_n rather_o than_o man_n that_o they_o will_v ever_o have_v burn_v so_o many_o martyr_n have_v they_o not_o think_v that_o religion_n do_v require_v it_o and_o if_o so_o if_o the_o consequence_n of_o a_o mistake_a religion_n be_v so_o dreadful_a then_o sure_o we_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o make_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o we_o lest_o perhaps_o a_o error_n in_o our_o choice_n shall_v put_v we_o upon_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o horrid_a crime_n which_o none_o but_o a_o religious_a and_o zealous_a sinner_n dare_v attempt_v 2._o that_o person_n who_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o religion_n be_v very_o like_a to_o lose_v that_o which_o be_v the_o bless_a fruit_n reward_n and_o end_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v sound_a true_a and_o right_o it_o be_v such_o a_o consideration_n as_o methinks_v shall_v mighty_o quicken_v we_o to_o the_o duty_n in_o the_o text_n prove_v all_o thing_n but_o why_o so_o why_o alas_o a_o mistake_n here_o will_v utter_o undo_v we_o that_o the_o consequence_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o the_o great_a concern_v imaginable_a it_o be_v beyond_o dispute_n so_o great_a that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a whether_o our_o religion_n be_v right_a or_o wrong_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a too_o whether_o we_o be_v bless_v or_o curse_a whether_o we_o shall_v to_o heaven_n or_o hell_n that_o religion_n which_o be_v right_o be_v the_o only_a way_n through_o christ_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n and_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v wrong_n be_v one_o of_o the_o near_a and_o quick_a way_n to_o hell_n i_o remember_v the_o scripture_n mention_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v embrace_v and_o obey_v will_v sure_o make_v we_o happy_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o same_o scripture_n mention_v other_o doctrine_n strange_a doctrine_n the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n yea_o and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n too_o which_o be_v entertain_v will_v sure_o make_v we_o miserable_a but_o you_o will_v say_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v they_o how_o shall_v we_o pass_v a_o judgement_n whether_o such_o and_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v indeed_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n devil_n or_o man_n i_o answer_v 1._o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v examine_v prove_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a balance_n to_o weigh_v and_o touchstone_n to_o try_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n to_o this_o the_o prophet_n direct_v isa_n 8.20_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n to_o this_o our_o saviour_n send_v his_o hearer_n joh._n 5.39_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o again_o how_o read_v thou_o and_o which_o be_v remarkable_a the_o ignorance_n of_o scripture_n do_v he_o make_v the_o only_a occasion_n and_o ground_n of_o error_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n so_o he_o tell_v the_o sadducee_n you_o err_v but_o why_o not_o know_v the_o scripture_n it_o seem_v that_o it_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o must_v be_v our_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v this_o which_o be_v the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n and_o unalterable_a standard_n to_o measure_v all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o such_o or_o such_o a_o church_n do_v teach_v recommend_v or_o require_v from_o we_o but_o 2._o the_o decree_n of_o general_a council_n those_o i_o mean_v that_o be_v convene_v in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n before_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o rome_n that_o creep_v in_o by_o degree_n through_o carelessness_n vice_n and_o ignorance_n have_v overspread_v the_o church_n be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o this_o case_n too_o true_a it_o be_v the_o scripture_n be_v man_n only_a authentic_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o this_o 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against_o the_o heresy_n of_o eutyches_n these_o council_n occasion_v by_o these_o early_a heresy_n and_o consist_v of_o some_o hundred_o bishop_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n the_o settlement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o the_o bible_n in_o their_o hand_n do_v establish_v several_a canon_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o error_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o most_o concern_v truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o certain_o the_o determination_n of_o these_o council_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o great_a or_o some_o less_o concern_v of_o our_o religion_n be_v make_v up_o of_o person_n so_o exemplary_a for_o their_o piety_n and_o so_o eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n who_o resolve_v on_o nothing_o but_o with_o mature_a advice_n and_o deliberation_n be_v of_o as_o great_a authority_n and_o afford_v as_o much_o
bring_v they_o to_o your_o minister_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a bishop_n of_o our_o church_n those_o that_o be_v now_o alive_a or_o those_o that_o be_v go_v but_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o such_o excellent_a book_n which_o our_o adversary_n can_v never_o answer_v and_o if_o you_o find_v as_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n you_o certain_o will_v that_o your_o bible_n do_v contradict_v their_o tenant_n if_o it_o appear_v that_o our_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v against_o their_o pope_n and_o his_o council_n if_o our_o divine_n have_v satisfactory_o answer_v whatever_a they_o have_v sophistical_o object_v if_o we_o can_v produce_v such_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o any_o wise_a and_o impartial_a judge_n shall_v appear_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v our_o doctrine_n and_o disprove_v they_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v evident_a that_o the_o reform_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a religion_n which_o christ_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n let_v i_o then_o allude_v to_o the_o word_n of_o elijah_n if_o god_n be_v god_n then_o follow_v he_o if_o our_o present_a religion_n be_v right_a let_v we_o then_o embrace_v and_o own_v it_o still_o remember_v that_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o establish_a religion_n we_o do_v in_o some_o case_n appeal_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o other_o case_n we_o appeal_v to_o sound_v reason_n and_o in_o all_o case_n we_o appeal_v to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o if_o our_o own_o sense_n which_o we_o trust_v without_o all_o jealousy_n in_o other_o concern_v do_v not_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o which_o be_v the_o main_a if_o all_o that_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o distinguish_v man_n from_o a_o brute_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o nay_o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v infallible_a in_o it_o self_n and_o as_o it_o be_v expound_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a unprejudiced_a and_o wise_a council_n and_o father_n can_v fail_v we_o we_o 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and_o hold_v fast_o for_o ever_o see_v why_o upon_o 3_o account_n 1._o to_o let_v go_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v good_a be_v matter_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v the_o great_a command_n of_o god_n in_o the_o text_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v that_o which_o saint_n paul_n press_v again_o heb._n 10.13_o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o which_o christ_n command_v from_o heaven_n apoc._n 3.11_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o thou_o have_v we_o have_v precept_n upon_o precept_n god_n be_v so_o jealous_a of_o his_o name_n and_o so_o much_o concern_v for_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o give_v we_o one_o command_n after_o another_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o oblige_v we_o not_o to_o quit_v it_o and_o certain_a it_o be_v we_o may_v with_o as_o little_a offence_n to_o heaven_n with_o as_o little_a injury_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o with_o as_o little_a prejudice_n to_o ourselves_o make_v bold_a with_o many_o other_o command_v as_o with_o this_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dispute_v but_o we_o may_v with_o less_o gild_n become_v false_a to_o man_n then_o treacherous_a to_o god_n it_o be_v safe_a to_o prove_v a_o thief_n then_o to_o prove_v a_o apostate_n we_o may_v with_o great_a innocence_n squander_v away_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n than_o that_o religion_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v to_o our_o trust_n and_o that_o with_o this_o severe_a injunction_n even_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o jewel_n of_o his_o crown_n hold_v it_o fast_o but_o 2._o to_o let_v go_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v good_a be_v matter_n of_o shame_n and_o great_a dishonour_n and_o here_o methinks_v if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o good_a christian_n as_o to_o value_v the_o command_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o man_n as_o to_o respect_v our_o own_o reputation_n and_o credit_n if_o we_o will_v not_o hold_v fast_o our_o true_a religion_n for_o fear_n of_o sin_n yet_o let_v we_o do_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o shame_n to_o renounce_v that_o faith_n that_o be_v right_a and_o sound_a be_v not_o only_o to_o disobey_v our_o god_n but_o to_o reproach_n and_o vilify_v ourselves_o too_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n to_o be_v name_v no_o motive_n to_o be_v imagine_v for_o our_o cast_v off_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o dishonour_v and_o shame_n attend_v it_o see_v this_o in_o 4_o particular_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o person_n that_o forsake_v the_o true_a religion_n bare_o for_o want_n of_o discretion_n judgement_n knowledge_n and_o better_a ability_n to_o defend_v it_o certain_o imprudence_n ignorance_n and_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o any_o man_n whatever_o but_o especial_o to_o such_o as_o want_v no_o mean_n to_o inform_v themselves_o much_o better_o so_o think_v saint_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 6.5_o i_o speak_v to_o your_o shame_n be_v it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n among_o you_o the_o expression_n be_v tart_a and_o it_o clear_o import_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o humane_a nature_n but_o much_o more_o to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n than_o the_o defect_n of_o prudence_n and_o the_o want_n of_o understanding_n it_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n that_o make_v we_o man_n and_o the_o more_o we_o fail_v in_o this_o the_o more_o do_v we_o degenerate_v into_o brute_n and_o thus_o stand_v the_o case_n with_o every_o man_n that_o part_n with_o a_o true_a religion_n bare_o because_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v it_o whosoever_o manage_v the_o better_a cause_n and_o yet_o be_v baffle_v do_v plain_o discover_v to_o his_o adversary_n and_o may_v just_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o want_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o therefore_o be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o a_o man._n true_a it_o be_v to_o be_v overthrow_v and_o worsted_n in_o the_o patronage_n of_o a_o bad_a matter_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o be_v happy_o beat_v with_o safety_n and_o great_a advantage_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o our_o quarrel_n be_v good_a and_o yet_o we_o be_v foil_v if_o we_o stand_v on_o the_o high_a ground_n but_o can_v keep_v it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o its_o sorry_a champion_n that_o must_v be_v blame_v and_o that_o be_v our_o case_n this_o day_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o have_v all_o advantage_n on_o our_o side_n the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a council_n the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o father_n for_o six_o hundred_o year_n together_o and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o than_o all_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o serve_v god_n by_o be_v certain_o for_o we_o and_o if_o so_o what_o a_o dishonour_n will_v it_o be_v if_o any_o of_o we_o for_o want_v of_o skill_n to_o use_v these_o weapon_n which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n shall_v suffer_v his_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o we_o to_o receive_v a_o blow_n and_o be_v defeat_v what_o will_v become_v of_o our_o reputation_n shall_v we_o suffer_v some_o crafty_a jesuit_n by_o mere_a sophistry_n and_o fallacy_n to_o captivate_v our_o reason_n and_o to_o lead_v we_o with_o pomp_n and_o triumph_n as_o so_o many_o prisoner_n rather_o than_o proselyte_n to_o rome_n what_o will_v the_o world_n say_v shall_v we_o suffer_v the_o best_a religion_n that_o it_o ever_o see_v to_o be_v lose_v not_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o mere_a fraud_n and_o cheat_n shall_v we_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v not_o extort_a from_o we_o for_o want_v of_o strong_a arm_n but_o surprise_v and_o steal_v for_o want_v of_o clear_a eye_n and_o better_a brain_n it_o will_v be_v