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 matter_n have_v their_o peculiar_a mistake_v and_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v but_o man_n yet_o in_o all_o point_n where_o we_o find_v a_o unanimous_a consent_n among_o they_o we_o be_v to_o have_v so_o much_o veneration_n for_o their_o authority_n as_o not_o easy_o to_o suspect_v or_o contradict_v it_o true_a it_o be_v if_o we_o take_v these_o father_n single_o man_n by_o man_n where_o we_o find_v any_o of_o they_o alone_o in_o their_o opinion_n as_o origen_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o hell_n and_o saint_n augustine_n in_o reference_n to_o infant_n that_o die_v unbaptise_v we_o be_v not_o in_o this_o case_n much_o more_o oblige_v to_o accept_v their_o judgement_n then_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o person_n yet_o alive_a who_o perhaps_o may_v be_v as_o pious_a and_o learned_a as_o some_o of_o they_o but_o if_o we_o take_v all_o the_o father_n that_o live_v within_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n together_o and_o in_o the_o lump_n where_o we_o find_v 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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
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 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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
the_o trial_n of_o religion_n with_o caution_n to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n against_o defection_n to_o the_o roman_z by_o fran._n gregory_n d._n d._n rectour_n of_o hambleton_n in_o the_o county_n of_o buck_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n be_v chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a london_n print_v by_o e._n flesher_n for_o r._n royston_n bookseller_n to_o his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n anno_fw-la 1674._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n walter_n lord_n bishop_n of_o worcester_n and_o dean_n of_o his_o majesty_n be_v chappel_n etc._n etc._n my_o lord_n it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o every_o man_n that_o have_v the_o least_o acquaintance_n with_o our_o late_a and_o modern_a historian_n or_o divine_n that_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v be_v very_o industrious_a and_o active_a ever_o since_o the_o happy_a reformation_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o reduce_v the_o superstition_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n once_o more_o into_o we_o that_o such_o attempt_n may_v not_o only_o be_v still_o continue_v but_o prosecute_v with_o great_a vigour_n the_o emissary_n of_o rome_n take_v occasion_n from_o our_o late_a confusion_n and_o present_a indulgence_n have_v encourage_v themselves_o to_o come_v among_o we_o as_o all_o man_n believe_v in_o unusual_a number_n though_o not_o without_o their_o wont_a disguise_n and_o vizard_n what_o their_o business_n be_v no_o man_n be_v ignorant_a and_o that_o they_o want_v no_o art_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o design_n who_o do_v not_o know_v if_o flattery_n and_o courtship_n can_v prevail_v with_o person_n of_o quality_n if_o external_a pomp_n and_o pageantry_n can_v prevail_v with_o our_o lady_n of_o honour_n if_o ostentation_n and_o show_v of_o devotion_n can_v prevail_v with_o religious_a and_o pious_a soul_n if_o indulgence_n and_o liberty_n can_v move_v the_o man_n of_o pleasure_n if_o gold_n and_o silver_n can_v tempt_v the_o poor_a if_o promise_v of_o pardon_n can_v work_v upon_o and_o win_v over_o the_o guilty_a if_o sophistry_n and_o fallacy_n can_v persuade_v the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a they_o want_v they_o not_o but_o certain_o that_o which_o give_v our_o enemy_n the_o great_a advantage_n against_o we_o be_v the_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o desperate_a debauchery_n of_o this_o unhappy_a age_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o ignorant_a person_n do_v not_o know_v the_o debauch_a person_n do_v not_o care_n what_o religion_n be_v best_a it_o be_v no_o difficult_a task_n for_o some_o subtle_a priest_n or_o jesuit_n to_o reason_v a_o ignorant_a man_n out_o of_o his_o faith_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v a_o vicious_a person_n that_o have_v no_o religion_n indeed_o to_o pretend_v any_o even_o the_o roman_a if_o some_o secular_a advantage_n do_v so_o require_v these_o consideration_n may_v well_o give_v i_o just_a occasion_n to_o compose_v these_o sermon_n wherein_o my_o present_a design_n be_v to_o confirm_v my_o own_o parishioner_n in_o their_o present_a faith_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o against_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o roman_a that_o i_o have_v now_o make_v they_o public_a it_o be_v not_o as_o if_o i_o think_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n want_v they_o no_o whosoever_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o work_n of_o our_o learned_a and_o reverend_a divine_n already_o extant_a hooker_n whitaker_n reynolds_n jewel_n laud_n morton_n davenant_n feat_o and_o many_o other_o decease_a or_o yet_o alive_a must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o church_n so_o capable_a of_o a_o sound_a defence_n as_o we_o so_o there_o be_v none_o better_o provide_v with_o it_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o as_o the_o very_a little_a finger_n may_v afford_v some_o help_n even_o to_o the_o strong_a arm_n so_o perhaps_o the_o weak_a of_o god_n servant_n may_v lend_v some_o small_a assistance_n towards_o the_o establishment_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v already_o so_o well_o maintain_v with_o the_o strong_a argument_n and_o those_o 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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
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
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rather_o than_o with_o his_o present_a hope_n i_o remember_v what_o a_o complaint_n saint_n paul_n make_v of_o this_o to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 4.10_o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o but_o what_o move_v he_o thus_o to_o forsake_v his_o friend_n and_o his_o religion_n both_o at_o once_o the_o account_n be_v this_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n the_o sinner_n consider_v that_o the_o main_a reward_n of_o religion_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n do_v lie_v elsewhere_o and_o be_v but_o in_o reversion_n yea_o but_o the_o world_n have_v something_o for_o he_o in_o hand_n and_o this_o consideration_n tempt_v and_o overcome_v o_o how_o many_o soul_n and_o with_o this_o kind_n of_o vermin_n do_v the_o roman_a church_n bait_v her_o hook_n and_o catch_v her_o most_o considerable_a fish_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o some_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o nation_n have_v now_o and_o then_o desert_v our_o church_n and_o run_v away_o to_o rome_n but_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o matter_n what_o drive_v man_n hence_o and_o what_o invite_v they_o thither_o alas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o well_o soever_o it_o seem_v provide_v yet_o it_o have_v be_v so_o curtail_v and_o pinch_v that_o it_o have_v not_o a_o estate_n leave_v for_o every_o son_n it_o be_v otherwise_o at_o rome_n their_o monastery_n be_v flourish_v their_o abbey_n be_v fat_a their_o bishopric_n be_v numerous_a and_o rich_a and_o what_o be_v more_o what_o hypocrite_n will_v not_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o cardinal_n cap_n and_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o triple_a crown_n certain_a it_o be_v so_o direful_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o discontent_n and_o pride_n and_o so_o invite_v be_v the_o promise_v of_o some_o secular_a and_o great_a advantage_n that_o man_n who_o grow_v too_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o merit_n from_o their_o want_n of_o preferment_n at_o home_n and_o their_o hope_n thereof_o abroad_o will_v even_o quit_v their_o religion_n forsake_v their_o mother_n bosom_n and_o accept_v the_o embrace_n of_o that_o roman_a whore_n because_o she_o be_v better_a able_a to_o lap_v up_o in_o scarlet_n but_o be_v this_o indeed_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o change_n of_o our_o religion_n do_v it_o indeed_o make_v for_o our_o honour_n to_o prove_v so_o have_v and_o so_o mercenary_a as_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o true_a service_n of_o god_n and_o accept_v the_o devil_n drudgery_n and_o that_o bare_o in_o hope_n of_o some_o better_a and_o present_a vail_n sure_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o practice_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v gentile_a and_o honourable_a and_o as_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o practice_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n be_v sordid_a base_a and_o vile_a and_o if_o so_o then_o methinks_v no_o ingenuous_a soul_n no_o man_n that_o