they_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n so_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v they_o preach_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o to_o go_v forth_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o teach_v all_o nation_n to_o observe_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v they_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o which_o injunction_n of_o his_o they_o strict_o observe_v for_o so_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o it_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o mark_n 16.20_o and_o that_o their_o preach_v extend_v to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v evident_a from_o their_o own_o testimony_n for_o thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o he_o have_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o they_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n act_v 20.27_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v include_v 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i.e._n those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v believe_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o witten_v neither_o think_v upon_o nor_o inquire_v after_o thus_o also_o st._n austin_n quicquid_fw-la inde_fw-la audieritisè_fw-la scriptura_fw-la sacra_fw-la hoc_fw-la vobis_fw-la bene_fw-la sapiat_fw-la quicquid_fw-la extra_fw-la est_fw-la respuite_o ne_fw-la erretis_fw-la in_o nebula_fw-la whatsoever_o you_o hear_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n let_v it_o savour_v well_o with_o you_o whatsoever_o be_v without_o they_o refuse_v lest_o you_o wander_v in_o a_o cloud_n st._n bazil_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a fall_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o arrogancy_n either_o to_o reject_v any_o point_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v or_o to_o bring_v in_o any_o of_o those_o which_o be_v not_o write_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n to_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o 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be_v no_o necessity_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v inform_v about_o they_o because_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o the_o church_n teach_v be_v true_a implicit_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a see_v the_o church_n teach_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a but_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v that_o this_o compendious_a way_n of_o belief_n be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o do_v no_o way_n comport_v with_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n for_o god_n do_v not_o require_v our_o faith_n mere_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o far_a end_n that_o it_o may_v purify_v our_o heart_n and_o influence_n our_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o be_v that_o the_o matter_n which_o we_o believe_v might_n by_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o affect_v our_o will_n and_o continual_o move_v and_o persuade_v we_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a 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all_o avail_v we_o or_o take_v up_o our_o faith_n upon_o trust_n from_o fallible_a teacher_n who_o may_v mislead_v we_o into_o damnable_a error_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v we_o must_v be_v liable_a to_o answer_v for_o it_o in_o our_o person_n and_o at_o our_o own_o eternal_a peril_n or_o which_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n we_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o inquire_v and_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o at_o least_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n see_v therefore_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o oblige_v i_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o believe_v it_o hence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o it_o teach_v it_o oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v otherwise_o i_o must_v believe_v i_o know_v not_o what_o which_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v it_o must_v oblige_v i_o to_o search_v inquire_v and_o judge_v what_o it_o teach_v because_o i_o can_v understand_v without_o inquire_v and_o judge_v but_o how_o can_v i_o inquire_v what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v if_o i_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o read_v and_o consult_v the_o scripture_n and_o so_o again_o there_o be_v many_o duty_n in_o scripture_n which_o the_o scripture_n itself_o oblige_v i_o to_o practice_v upon_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o how_o can_v it_o oblige_v i_o to_o practise_v what_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v or_o how_o can_v it_o oblige_v i_o to_o understand_v what_o it_o do_v not_o oblige_v i_o to_o inquire_v after_o but_o how_o can_v i_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v i_o to_o practise_v when_o i_o be_o forbid_v all_o access_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o i_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o short_a therefore_o see_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v of_o the_o high_a moment_n to_o the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o their_o soul_n be_v worth_a not_o to_o believe_v and_o practise_v what_o it_o teach_v and_o see_v they_o can_v neither_o believe_v nor_o practise_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o be_v of_o infinite_a concern_v to_o they_o so_o far_o at_o least_o to_o read_v consult_v and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o stand_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o practise_v its_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n 6._o and_o last_o from_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o people_n be_v oblige_v to_o read_v or_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o above_o six_o hundred_o year_n be_v so_o far_o from_o debar_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o continual_o urge_v and_o press_v it_o upon_o they_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o indispensable_a obligation_n for_o so_o origen_n wish_n that_o all_o will_v do_v as_o it_o be_v write_v viz._n search_v the_o scripture_n so_o also_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n harken_v you_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o harken_v you_o that_o be_v near_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v hide_v from_o no_o man_n it_o be_v a_o light_n common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n in_o it_o so_o also_o st._n austin_n gent._n austin_n in_o orat._n adhort_a ad_fw-la gent._n think_v it_o not_o sufficient_a that_o you_o hear_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o church_n but_o do_v you_o also_o read_v the_o scripture_n yourselves_o in_o your_o own_o house_n or_o get_v some_o other_o to_o read_v they_o to_o you_o so_o also_o st._n jerom_n 86._o jerom_n in_o psal_n 86._o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o his_o gospel_n not_o that_o a_o few_o but_o all_o shall_v understand_v and_o elsewhere_o speak_v of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v at_o bethlehem_n with_o paula_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a say_v he_o for_o any_o one_o of_o all_o the_o sister_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o psalm_n nor_o to_o pass_v over_o any_o day_n without_o learning_n some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o elsewhere_o 3._o elsewhere_o ep._n ad_fw-la coloss_n c._n 3._o we_o be_v teach_v say_v he_o that_o the_o lay-people_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o only_o sufficient_o but_o also_o with_o abundance_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v and_o counsel_v other_o so_o also_o st._n chrysostome_n 9_o chrysostome_n ep._n ad_fw-la colos_n hom._n 9_o hear_v i_o o_o laity_n get_v you_o the_o bible_n the_o most_o wholesome_a remedy_n for_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o you_o will_v no_o more_o at_o least_o get_v the_o new_a testament_n st._n paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o act_n that_o they_o may_v be_v your_o continual_a and_o earnest_a teacher_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o affirm_v 3._o affirm_v in_o matth._n hom._n 3._o that_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o the_o lay-people_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n than_o either_o for_o 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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 what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o be_v serious_o affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o danger_n we_o present_o awake_v out_o of_o our_o security_n and_o with_o the_o deep_a concern_v for_o our_o immortal_a soul_n cry_v out_o with_o st._n peter_n auditor_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v veris_o when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o the_o strange_a unconcernedness_n of_o man_n about_o their_o future_a condition_n i_o be_o tempt_v to_o think_v either_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n in_o they_o or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v they_o believe_v it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v for_o ever_o miscarry_v for_o how_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o man_n who_o in_o other_o matter_n be_v so_o solicitous_a when_o their_o interest_n be_v at_o stake_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o least_o hazard_n shall_v believe_v that_o they_o have_v soul_n in_o danger_n of_o perish_v for_o ever_o and_o yet_o take_v no_o more_o care_n or_o regard_v of_o they_o but_o like_o the_o forgetful_a mother_n who_o when_o her_o house_n be_v on_o fire_n to_o save_v her_o good_n forget_v her_o child_n lie_v out_o all_o their_o thought_n upon_o the_o little_a concern_v of_o this_o frail_a and_o mortal_a life_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n forget_v their_o precious_a soul_n and_o leave_v they_o perish_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o perdition_n o_o stupid_a creature_n what_o be_v thou_o make_v of_o that_o can_v consider_v that_o thou_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n surround_v with_o so_o many_o danger_n of_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o and_o yet_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v for_o its_o preservation_n methinks_v if_o thou_o have_v any_o sense_n in_o thou_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o such_o endless_a misery_n before_o thou_o the_o remote_a possibility_n of_o fall_v into_o they_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o startle_v and_o awake_v thou_o but_o when_o thou_o be_v so_o near_o the_o brink_n of_o those_o misery_n and_o have_v so_o many_o cause_n round_o about_o thou_o shove_v thou_o forward_o and_o thrust_v thou_o headlong_o down_o into_o they_o and_o yet_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v at_o it_o be_v such_o a_o prodigy_n of_o senseless_a stupidity_n as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n may_v just_o be_v astonish_v at_o it_o be_v true_a if_o the_o danger_n thou_o be_v in_o be_v such_o as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v evade_v it_o will_v then_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n thou_o can_v take_v to_o concern_v thyself_o as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v about_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o live_v merry_o whilst_o thou_o may_v and_o not_o antedate_v thy_o misery_n by_o think_v of_o the_o dismal_a futurity_n but_o god_n be_v praise_v this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n though_o our_o condition_n be_v dangerous_a yet_o it_o be_v far_o from_o desperate_a for_o if_o we_o will_v use_v our_o honest_a endeavour_n and_o vigorous_o exert_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o not_o only_o may_v but_o shall_v escape_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a many_o cause_n of_o our_o danger_n a_o great_a many_o enemy_n concur_v to_o our_o ruin_n but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v it_o unless_o we_o ourselves_o join_v hand_n in_o the_o fatal_a conspiracy_n if_o we_o will_v be_v but_o faithful_a friend_n to_o ourselves_o and_o true_a to_o our_o own_o eternal_a interest_n it_o will_v be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o all_o those_o cause_n together_o to_o do_v we_o any_o material_a injury_n for_o bless_a be_v the_o good_a god_n those_o that_o be_v for_o we_o be_v far_o great_a and_o mighty_a than_o those_o that_o be_v against_o we_o against_o we_o we_o have_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n the_o weak_a of_o which_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o dangerous_a and_o puissant_a enemy_n but_o for_o we_o we_o have_v god_n and_o angel_n and_o our_o own_o reason_n assist_v with_o the_o most_o invincible_a motive_n with_o vast_a and_o glorious_a promise_n that_o stand_v beckon_v to_o we_o with_o crown_n of_o immortality_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o call_v we_o off_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o our_o lust_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n with_o direful_a threaten_n that_o be_v continual_o alarm_v and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o dreadful_a consequent_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o sundry_a other_o such_o mighty_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v almighty_a motive_n as_o if_o we_o will_v serious_o attend_v to_o will_v certain_o render_v our_o soul_n impregnable_a against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o vice_n and_o beside_o our_o reason_n thus_o arm_v and_o accounter_v we_o have_v on_o our_o side_n the_o holy_a angel_n of_o god_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o prompt_v we_o to_o and_o assist_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o second_v we_o in_o all_o our_o spiritual_a combat_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o we_o have_v with_o we_o the_o almighty_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o upon_o our_o sincere_a desire_n and_o honest_a endeavour_n be_v engage_v to_o aid_v we_o and_o cooperate_v with_o we_o in_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n who_o grace_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o our_o weakness_n to_o support_v we_o under_o our_o great_a difficulty_n and_o carry_v we_o on_o victorious_o through_o the_o most_o violent_a temptation_n and_o be_v back_v with_o such_o mighty_a auxiliary_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v miscarry_v unless_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o betray_v ourselves_o and_o give_v fire_n to_o the_o fatal_a train_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o if_o we_o be_v so_o bend_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o our_o obstinacy_n and_o it_o be_v just_a and_o fit_a we_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o dismal_a and_o pitiless_a effect_n of_o our_o own_o folly_n and_o madness_n for_o if_o when_o we_o see_v our_o sleve_n in_o so_o much_o danger_n and_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o power_n to_o escape_v if_o we_o please_v we_o will_v notwithstanding_o precipitate_v ourselves_o into_o ruin_n all_o the_o world_n must_v agree_v upon_o a_o impartial_a inquisition_n for_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o murder_v ourselves_o that_o god_n be_v just_a and_o that_o his_o hand_n be_v clean_a from_o any_o stain_n of_o our_o blood_n and_o that_o our_o own_o ruin_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o invincible_a obstinacy_n iii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o proposition_n that_o our_o renounce_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n will_v most_o certain_o infer_v the_o loss_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o these_o word_n be_v urge_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o motive_n to_o deter_v his_o disciple_n from_o forsake_v he_o as_o be_v plain_a from_o ver._n 24_o 25._o which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o upon_o their_o forsake_v he_o this_o loss_n will_v most_o certain_o and_o inevitable_o follow_v in_o the_o prosecution_n therefore_o of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v you_o what_o that_o forsake_v of_o christ_n be_v which_o infer_v this_o loss_n 2._o upon_o what_o account_v our_o thus_o forsake_v he_o infer_v it_o 1._o what_o that_o forsake_v of_o christ_n be_v which_o infer_v this_o loss_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a forsake_v of_o christ_n which_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o as_o capital_a and_o damnable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n 1._o when_o we_o forsake_v he_o by_o a_o total_a apostasy_n 2_o when_o we_o cowardly_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o we_o still_o believe_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 3._o when_o by_o obstinate_a heresy_n we_o either_o add_v to_o or_o subtract_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n 4_o when_o by_o any_o wilful_a course_n of_o disobedience_n we_o do_v virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n 1._o we_o lose_v and_o forfeit_v our_o soul_n when_o we_o forsake_v christ_n by_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o he_o when_o after_o we_o have_v be_v baptise_a into_o his_o name_n and_o thereby_o have_v make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n and_o obey_v his_o law_n we_o turn_v runagadoe_n and_o cast_v off_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o and_o disow_v our_o obligation_n to_o the_o other_o we_o do_v most_o just_o incur_v the_o loss_n and_o forfeiture_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o so_o strong_a and_o cogent_a be_v the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o profess_a christian_n can_v be_v either_o innocent_o or_o excusable_o seduce_v into_o a_o disbelief_n of_o it_o for_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o vast_a moment_n and_o concern_v
he_o be_v a_o traitor_n to_o himself_o that_o either_o take_v up_o his_o religion_n without_o examination_n or_o that_o upon_o examination_n refuse_v to_o be_v sway_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o turn_v infidel_n that_o be_v but_o so_o honest_a to_o himself_o as_o first_o to_o examine_v careful_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o then_o to_o resolve_v sincere_o not_o to_o reject_v it_o till_o better_a reason_n appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o if_o either_o through_o their_o wilful_a ignorance_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n or_o vicious_a prejudice_n against_o the_o purity_n of_o it_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v into_o apostasy_n they_o be_v false_a traitor_n to_o themselves_o and_o as_o such_o be_v just_o liable_a to_o all_o those_o eternal_a damage_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v of_o those_o that_o draw-back_a that_o be_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n not_o only_o that_o god_n soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o but_o also_o that_o they_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n heb._n 10.38_o 39_o and_o 2_o pet._n 2.20_o it_o be_v say_v of_o those_o apostate_n that_o their_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n which_o imply_v that_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o forfeit_v their_o soul_n but_o that_o without_o repentance_n they_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o forfeit_v to_o the_o most_o wretched_a condition_n even_o to_o the_o nethermost_a degree_n of_o perdition_n 2_o we_o lose_v our_o soul_n when_o notwithstanding_o we_o do_v still_o believe_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n we_o do_v cowardly_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o for_o when_o once_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v thereby_o oblige_v not_o to_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o hazard_v it_o may_v expose_v we_o to_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o before_o man_n he_o will_v also_o deny_v we_o before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 10.33_o and_o st._n paul_n also_o have_v warn_v we_o that_o if_o we_o deny_v christ_n he_o will_v also_o dany_v we_o 2_o tim._n 2.12_o that_o be_v that_o he_o will_v reject_v and_o abandon_v we_o before_o god_n and_o angel_n to_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o damnation_n for_o so_o st._n john_n assure_v we_o rev._n 2.8_o that_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a i.e._n the_o fainthearted_a coward_n that_o for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n not_o that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n we_o be_v always_o bind_v to_o make_v a_o actual_a profession_n and_o publication_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o run_v to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o our_o persecutor_n before_o we_o be_v send_v for_o and_o accuse_v ourselves_o of_o those_o doctrine_n for_o which_o we_o be_v persecute_v but_o whenever_o we_o be_v apprehend_v accuse_v and_o examine_v by_o they_o either_o upon_o knowledge_n or_o suspicion_n we_o be_v bind_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o forfeit_v our_o soul_n to_o own_o and_o confess_v our_o faith_n and_o not_o to_o deny_v any_o doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o the_o consequence_n may_v be_v for_o in_o this_o case_n to_o deny_v our_o belief_n be_v not_o only_o a_o wilful_a lie_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o damnable_a crime_n but_o a_o act_n of_o high-treason_n against_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n for_o by_o renounce_v any_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o commit_v to_o we_o we_o do_v not_o only_o betray_v his_o trust_n but_o blaspheme_v his_o veracity_n to_o deny_v what_o we_o believe_v he_o have_v reveal_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o declare_v he_o a_o cheat_n and_o a_o impostor_n and_o have_v thus_o incur_v the_o gild_n of_o so_o black_a a_o treason_n against_o our_o saviour_n and_o wilful_o persist_v in_o it_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o the_o eternal_a loss_n and_o perdition_n of_o our_o soul_n 3_o we_o forsake_v christ_n to_o the_o loss_n and_o forfeiture_n of_o our_o soul_n when_o by_o obstinate_a heresy_n we_o add_v to_o or_o subtract_v from_o that_o heavenly_a doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o heresy_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v bare_o a_o false_a opinion_n in_o our_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a moment_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o same_o error_n may_v be_v a_o innocent_a mistake_n in_o one_o man_n and_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n in_o another_o that_o in_o the_o one_o it_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o weak_a understanding_n but_o in_o the_o other_o of_o a_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a will_n and_o when_o the_o understanding_n mislead_v the_o will_v it_o be_v weakness_n but_o when_o the_o will_n mislead_v the_o understanding_n it_o be_v wickedness_n for_o simple_a error_n be_v only_o a_o defect_n of_o understanding_n which_o in_o a_o fallible_a creature_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o inculpable_a as_o sickness_n in_o a_o mortal_a one_o but_o heresy_n be_v a_o fault_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v the_o only_a subject_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n when_o therefore_o by_o the_o wicked_a prejudice_n of_o our_o corrupt_a will_n against_o the_o purity_n of_o christianity_n our_o understanding_n be_v betray_v into_o loose_a and_o erroneous_a principle_n when_o we_o understand_v by_o our_o vicious_a affection_n and_o adapt_v our_o opinion_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o lust_n when_o we_o believe_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o darling_n vice_n and_o suffer_v our_o own_o factious_a covetous_a and_o extravagant_a passion_n either_o to_o tempt_v we_o to_o profess_v those_o erreneous_a opinion_n which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v or_o to_o prejudice_v we_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o they_o then_o be_v our_o error_n no_o long_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o our_o will_n which_o improve_v our_o error_n into_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n for_o he_o will_v be_v a_o wicked_a man_n though_o he_o be_v not_o a_o heretic_n that_o harbour_v those_o sinful_a lust_n which_o betray_v he_o into_o heresy_n but_o by_o be_v a_o heretic_n he_o be_v much_o more_o wicked_a because_o now_o he_o be_v wicked_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o cloak_n his_o impiety_n with_o the_o garment_n of_o righteousness_n and_o what_o great_a profaneness_n can_v any_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o than_o to_o make_v his_o religion_n a_o bawd_n to_o procure_v for_o his_o lust_n so_o that_o if_o out_o of_o a_o vicious_a propension_n of_o will_n we_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o any_o religious_a error_n we_o be_v not_o only_o guilty_a of_o that_o wicked_a propension_n which_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o ruin_v our_o soul_n but_o we_o be_v also_o accountable_a for_o vitiate_a our_o religion_n with_o those_o erroneous_a mixture_n by_o which_o we_o have_v render_v it_o a_o shelter_n and_o protection_n to_o our_o lust_n and_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o will_v be_v st._n judas_n will_v inform_v we_o who_o speak_v of_o certain_a heretic_n who_o to_o gratify_v their_o own_o wicked_a inclination_n have_v sophisticated_a christianity_n with_o sundry_a black_a and_o poisonous_a principle_n pronounce_v this_o fearful_a doom_n on_o they_o for_o who_o be_v reserve_v the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n for_o ever_o ver_fw-la 13._o 4_o and_o last_o we_o forsake_v christ_n to_o the_o loss_n and_o forfeiture_n of_o our_o soul_n when_o by_o any_o wilful_a course_n of_o disobedience_n we_o do_v virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n for_o whilst_o we_o continue_v in_o any_o course_n of_o wilful_a sin_n we_o live_v in_o a_o open_a rebellion_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o do_v by_o our_o action_n declare_v that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o reign_v over_o we_o and_o according_o tit._n 1.16_o the_o abominable_a and_o disobedient_a be_v say_v to_o deny_v god_n in_o their_o work_n even_o while_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v he_o and_o what_o the_o fate_n of_o such_o will_v be_v st._n paul_n have_v forewarn_v we_o rom._n 2.8_o 9_o but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a and_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v of_o these_o obstinate_a
single_a man_n will_v open_o testify_v a_o know_a lie_n without_o some_o temptation_n induce_v he_o thereunto_o much_o less_o that_o so_o many_o hundred_o of_o person_n as_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v shall_v conspire_v to_o cheat_v the_o world_n not_o only_a when_o they_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o it_o but_o when_o they_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n against_o it_o for_o they_o see_v their_o master_n suffer_v a_o shameful_a death_n before_o their_o eye_n by_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o divine_v what_o their_o own_o fate_n will_v be_v if_o they_o persevere_v to_o preach_v up_o his_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n which_o they_o can_v not_o resolve_v to_o do_v without_o bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o their_o temporal_a hope_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o undergo_v all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o testify_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a they_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o thereby_o forfeit_v all_o their_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o report_n and_o testify_v the_o miracle_n of_o a_o man_n who_o they_o have_v late_o see_v crucify_v before_o their_o eye_n when_o they_o know_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v all_o a_o mere_a forgery_n and_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v that_o by_o persist_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v incur_v a_o inevitable_a ruin_n in_o this_o life_n and_o a_o eternal_a damnation_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o desperate_a piece_n of_o madness_n hear_v of_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n and_o yet_o this_o monstrous_a thing_n which_o be_v by_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o must_v not_o only_o imagine_v may_v be_v but_o believe_v that_o it_o real_o be_v or_o else_o confess_v that_o st._n john_n say_v true_a here_o that_o they_o do_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o undoubted_a a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n wherefore_o since_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o by_o a_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a faith_n adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o quick_a and_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o the_o cast_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o our_o vicious_a habit_n and_o implant_n in_o we_o all_o those_o divine_a disposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o those_o endless_a joy_n which_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v promise_v to_o and_o prepare_v for_o we_o 3._o they_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o divine_a and_o incomparable_a doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v from_o whence_o i_o infer_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o man_n entertain_v mean_a and_o contemptible_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n since_o it_o be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o we_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o will_v fain_o be_v account_v the_o wit_n and_o virtuoso_n of_o the_o age_n who_o pretend_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o yet_o open_o profess_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o contemptible_a opinion_n of_o christianity_n and_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o ridiculous_a fiction_n fit_a only_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o credulous_a vulgar_a but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o these_o mighty_a man_n of_o reason_n what_o plausible_a pretence_n they_o can_v urge_v for_o this_o their_o bold_a and_o blasphemous_a censure_n be_v it_o because_o christianity_n be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n or_o because_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n who_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o revealer_n of_o it_o or_o because_o there_o want_v credible_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o if_o they_o pretend_v to_o reject_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n i_o will_v beseech_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o it_o can_v have_v comport_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n never_o to_o make_v any_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v lose_v in_o such_o a_o midnight_n of_o ignorance_n in_o respect_n of_o natural_a religion_n how_o even_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v corrupt_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o folly_n and_o vanity_n and_o man_n have_v form_v religion_n not_o only_o hateful_a to_o god_n but_o nauseous_a to_o all_o that_o be_v wise_a among_o themselves_o and_o how_o defective_a also_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a precept_n of_o morality_n have_v at_o last_o consecrate_v their_o vice_n and_o enthrone_v they_o among_o the_o grace_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o miserable_a state_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v a_o revelation_n that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o vindicate_v god_n goodness_n without_o suppose_v it_o for_o shall_v he_o have_v for_o ever_o leave_v mankind_n in_o this_o bewildered_a state_n without_o revelation_n he_o will_v have_v be_v more_o want_v to_o man_n who_o be_v the_o noble_a of_o all_o his_o earthly_a creature_n than_o he_o be_v to_o the_o most_o contemptible_a animal_n for_o to_o his_o mean_a creature_n he_o have_v give_v sufficient_a ability_n to_o attain_v the_o high_a end_n of_o their_o being_n which_o mankind_n can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v in_o his_o corrupt_a degegenerate_a state_n without_o suppose_v a_o new_a revelation_n from_o heaven_n for_o we_o have_v a_o innate_a notion_n within_o we_o of_o a_o supreme_a be_v above_o we_o that_o be_v superlative_o good_a and_o endue_v with_o all_o possible_a perfection_n our_o natural_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o that_o to_o converse_v with_o and_o enjoy_v he_o for_o ever_o be_v the_o high_a good_a that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o the_o most_o suitable_a to_o our_o rational_a nature_n but_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o this_o state_n of_o revolt_n whereinto_o we_o be_v fall_v and_o how_o at_o length_n we_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o can_v never_o have_v be_v sufficient_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o this_o maze_n of_o ignorance_n wherein_o we_o be_v involve_v without_o some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v revelation_n unreasonable_a in_o our_o miserable_a state_n and_o circumstance_n be_v to_o suppose_v it_o unreasonable_a for_o the_o great_a and_o good_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n to_o furnish_v his_o noble_a creature_n man_n with_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o obtain_v his_o most_o excellent_a end_n and_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v so_o high_o reasonable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v let_v we_o consider_v which_o of_o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o we_o impartial_o compare_v they_o but_o our_o reason_n will_v soon_o give_v its_o vote_n for_o christianity_n if_o you_o inquire_v for_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o enthusiastic_a poet_n of_o the_o heathen_a how_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a be_v that_o religion_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o theology_n of_o hesiod_n the_o hymn_n of_o orpheus_n the_o ode_n of_o pindar_n and_o the_o poem_n of_o homer_n virgil_n and_o ovid_n if_o you_o consult_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n of_o delphos_n dodona_n and_o jupiter_n hammon_n how_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a how_o uncertain_a and_o fallacious_a be_v all_o their_o response_n beside_o that_o the_o book_n and_o record_n of_o they_o be_v long_o since_o perish_v and_o consume_v if_o you_o inquire_v for_o this_o revelation_n in_o the_o old_a roman_a theology_n which_o numa_n pretend_v to_o receive_v from_o his_o goddess_n egeria_n that_o also_o be_v lose_v be_v burn_v by_o the_o roman_a senate_n as_o valerius_n maximus_n tell_v we_o for_o that_o it_o contain_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o not_o only_o destructive_a to_o the_o god_n and_o religion_n of_o other_o country_n but_o also_o to_o his_o own_o and_o the_o roman_a profession_n or_o shall_v we_o confront_v christianity_n with_o the_o koran_n of_o mahomet_n which_o he_o often_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n there_o we_o shall_v find_v every_o page_n almost_o abound_v with_o monstrous_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n the_o whole_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o confuse_a medley_n of_o impious_a and_o contemptible_a foppery_n heap_v