be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o i._o a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v if_o we_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o faithful_a to_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o faithful_a to_o we_o in_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o whether_o of_o aid_n and_o support_v or_o of_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o he_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o handle_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o apoostle_n exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v without_o waver_v signify_v inflexible_a and_o unmovable_a not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o full_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o propound_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o 2._o to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v and_o intend_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o the_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v this_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o last_o day_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n which_o some_o i_o show_v be_v not_o as_o child_n who_o while_o they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n and_o likewise_o such_o grow_a person_n as_o either_o by_o the_o natural_a weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o by_o some_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o education_n be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n these_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o 2._o this_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v do_v not_o imply_v that_o when_o man_n upon_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v aga_v they_o both_o these_o principle_n i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v by_o show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n namely_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a search_n and_o examination_n we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v embrace_v or_o as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o one_a epistle_n 5._o 12._o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v that_o then_o we_o shall_v adhere_v steadfast_o to_o it_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o we_o nor_o ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v from_o it_o by_o any_o pretence_n or_o insinuation_n or_o temptation_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o confidence_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o a_o ignorant_a man_n who_o have_v never_o consider_v thing_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o the_o assurance_n and_o settlement_n of_o one_o who_o have_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n and_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v and_o examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o first_o be_v mere_a wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o man_n have_v entertain_v and_o drink_v in_o such_o principle_n of_o religion_n by_o education_n or_o have_v take_v they_o up_o by_o chance_n but_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o they_o and_o yet_o however_o he_o come_v by_o they_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o the_o other_o be_v the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n of_o a_o wise_a man._n he_o have_v embrace_v his_o religion_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o he_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o steadfast_o to_o the_o end_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v many_o exhortation_n and_o caution_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a establish_v in_o the_o truth_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n that_o we_o shall_v stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v â—n_o nothing_o terrifle_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o that_o if_o occasion_n be_v we_o shall_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o 2._o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v it_o fast_o or_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n i._n e._n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n for_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o this_o profession_n or_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n as_o the_o word_n proper_o signify_v be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v let_v we_o draw_v near_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o make_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o which_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 6._o 17._o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o i._n e._n to_o all_o christian_n and_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n hold_v fast_o say_v he_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o st._n judas_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n
this_o case_n of_o renounce_v our_o religion_n unless_o it_o be_v very_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v out_o of_o which_o a_o man_n recover_v himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o as_o st._n peter_n do_v or_o the_o suffer_a be_v so_o extreme_a as_o to_o put_v a_o man_n beside_o himself_o for_o the_o time_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n of_o renounce_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n god_n will_v not_o admit_v fear_n for_o a_o just_a excuse_n of_o our_o apostasy_n which_o if_o it_o be_v unrepented_a of_o and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o repentance_n in_o that_o case_n as_o very_o difficult_a will_v be_v our_o ruin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v give_v we_o such_o fair_a warn_v of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o we_o enter_v into_o religion_n upon_o these_o term_n with_o a_o profess_a expectation_n of_o suffer_v and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n if_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v our_o lord_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o again_o he_o that_o love_v life_n itself_o more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o unfaithful_a generation_n of_o he_o will_v i_o be_v ashamed_a before_o my_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o therefore_o to_o master_n and_o subdue_v this_o fear_n our_o saviour_n have_v propound_v great_a object_n of_o terror_n to_o we_o and_o a_o danger_n infinite_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v which_o every_o man_n run_v himself_o wilful_o upon_o who_o shall_v quit_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffering_n luke_o 12._o 4_o 5._o fear_v not_o they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o after_o that_o have_v nothing_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o this_o dreadful_a hazard_n every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n venture_v thus_o to_o offend_v god_n these_o be_v the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n speak_v of_o by_o st._n john_n who_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o particular_a namely_o that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v contain_v these_o two_o part_n i._n a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o true_a and_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o show_v i._n negative_o what_o be_v not_o mean_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o and_o i_o mention_v these_o two_o particular_n 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o 2._o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n and_o examination_n man_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n for_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o offer_v be_v always_o to_o be_v hear_v i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n positive_o to_o explain_v the_o mean_v of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n of_o in_o his_o baptism_n not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o procee_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o mention_v these_o follow_v particular_n as_o probable_o imply_v and_o comprehend_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n under_o both_o which_o head_n i_o give_v several_a instance_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n impose_v with_o great_a confidence_n upon_o the_o world_n some_o without_o and_o other_o plain_o against_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o persecution_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o two_o other_o particular_n which_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o 4._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n god_n have_v plain_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o what_o will_v certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o it_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v i._n e._n without_o true_a contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o forsake_v of_o they_o we_o shall_v perish_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o no_o fornicator_n or_o adulterer_n or_o idolater_n or_o covetous_a person_n nor_o any_o one_o that_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o sin_n shall_v have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o christ._n there_o be_v as_o great_a and_o unpassable_a a_o gulf_n fix_v between_o heaven_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o when_o man_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o debauch_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reconcile_v a_o wicked_a life_n with_o any_o reasonable_a and_o wellgrounded_n hope_v of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n no_o church_n have_v that_o privilege_n to_o save_v a_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o those_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n all_o religion_n be_v equal_a in_o this_o that_o a_o bad_a man_n can_v be_v save_v in_o none_o of_o they_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v their_o church_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a concern_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o they_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v in_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o intention_n
of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n declare_v it_o for_o the_o rule_n they_o intend_v to_o proceed_v upon_o and_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o proof_n of_o their_o follow_a determination_n and_o decree_n but_o do_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n lie_v down_o this_o rule_n and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o do_v not_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o as_o the_o only_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v and_o this_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o those_o holy_a father_n that_o be_v assemble_v in_o that_o council_n and_o do_v not_o follow_v council_n proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o rule_n do_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n ever_o mention_v any_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o 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understand_v st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o one_a to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v against_o celebrate_v prayer_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o edification_n and_o indeed_o to_o common_a sense_n for_o he_o say_v if_o one_o shall_v come_v and_o find_v they_o speak_v and_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n will_v they_o not_o say_v you_o be_v mad_a but_o now_o tradition_n which_o only_o know_v how_o to_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n can_v reconcile_v this_o discourse_n of_o st._n paul_n very_o easy_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n with_o offer_v the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mass_n a_o thousand_o time_n every_o day_n and_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o whereas_o a_o man_n 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affection_n and_o reverence_n as_o they_o do_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n this_o we_o must_v declare_v against_o as_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o to_o make_v tradition_n convey_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o one_o to_o another_o through_o so_o many_o age_n and_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o mistake_v and_o miscarriage_n to_o be_v at_o the_o distance_n of_o 1500_o year_n of_o equal_a certainty_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n careful_o preserve_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o because_o this_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v to_o make_v common_a rumour_n and_o report_n of_o equal_a authority_n and_o certainty_n with_o a_o write_a record_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o hereby_o they_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o imperfect_a rule_n contrary_a to_o the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n they_o set_v up_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o change_v the_o 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ancient_a christian_a faith_n to_o which_o be_v add_v in_o pope_n pius_fw-la his_o creed_n twelve_o article_n more_o define_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o support_v only_o by_o tradition_n so_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o old_a article_n which_o be_v plain_o contain_v there_o so_o tradition_n be_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o new_a one_o and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n be_v calculate_v very_o exact_o when_o they_o make_v tradition_n just_a of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n because_o as_o many_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v make_v good_a by_o it_o and_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o those_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o tradition_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o it_o but_o the_o bare_a assertion_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v add_v some_o other_o consideration_n tend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o seduce_v spirit_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o at_o present_a the_o ten_o sermon_n as_o number_v follow_v there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o number_v of_o these_o sermon_n the_o ten_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o nine_o and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o end_n for_o there_o be_v but_o fifteen_o sermon_n in_o this_o volume_n and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o a_o sermon_n heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v these_o word_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v by_o the_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o
profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v be_v not_o mean_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v blind_o hold_v it_o fast_o against_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v because_o upon_o these_o term_n every_o man_n must_v continue_v in_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v fix_v by_o education_n or_o a_o ill_a choice_n be_v his_o religion_n true_a or_o false_a without_o examine_v and_o look_v into_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n for_o till_o a_o man_n examine_v every_o man_n think_v his_o religion_n right_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o be_v the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n in_o their_o baptism_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n and_o this_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v in_o the_o follow_a instance_n which_o i_o shall_v 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know_v they_o have_v belong_v to_o they_o so_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o mighty_a prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o he_o will_v have_v write_v with_o more_o deference_n and_o submission_n to_o this_o seat_n of_o infallibility_n and_o centre_n of_o unity_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v pay_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o this_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n where_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o vicar_n of_o christ_n either_o be_v already_o seat_v or_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n be_v design_v for_o ever_o to_o fix_v his_o throne_n and_o establish_v his_o residence_n but_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n or_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n throughout_o this_o whole_a epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n beside_o that_o both_o these_o pretend_a
priledge_n be_v omit_v by_o plain_a fact_n and_o evidence_n of_o thing_n themselves_o their_o supremacy_n in_o that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n neither_o be_v at_o this_o day_n nor_o can_v be_v show_v by_o the_o record_n of_o any_o age_n ever_o to_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o to_o have_v acknowledge_v his_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n whether_o with_o or_o without_o a_o general_n council_n about_o which_o they_o still_o differ_v though_o infallibility_n be_v devise_v on_o purpose_n to_o determine_v all_o difference_n i_o say_v this_o infallibility_n wherever_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v be_v plain_o confute_v by_o the_o contradictory_n definition_n of_o several_a pope_n and_o council_n for_o if_o they_o have_v contradict_v one_o another_o as_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n in_o several_a instance_n then_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v 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a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o withhold_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v so_o much_o as_o one_o testimony_n of_o any_o father_n for_o the_o first_o 600_o year_n and_o nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o than_o to_o deny_v people_n the_o best_a mean_n of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o what_o prayer_n be_v put_v up_o to_o he_o in_o the_o church_n the_o two_o great_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o purgatory_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o of_o their_o own_o learned_a writer_n to_o have_v no_o certain_a foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v seven_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o it_o be_v now_o make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v show_v in_o any_o council_n or_o father_n for_o above_o a_o 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and_o always_o do_v deny_v that_o she_o have_v any_o authority_n or_o supremacy_n over_o they_o now_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o if_o these_o point_n and_o a_o few_o more_o be_v pare_v off_o from_o popery_n that_o which_o remain_v of_o their_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o that_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_n christianity_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o our_o religion_n have_v many_o clear_a advantage_n of_o they_o not_o only_o very_o considerable_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o obvious_a and_o discernible_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n upon_o the_o very_a first_o proposal_n of_o they_o as_o 1._o that_o our_o religion_n agree_v perfect_o with_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o point_n both_o of_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n esteem_v by_o we_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v there_o contain_v even_o our_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judge_n we_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o he_o only_o do_v we_o serve_v we_o do_v not_o fall_v down_o before_o image_n and_o worship_n they_o we_o address_v all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n alone_o by_o the_o only_a mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v we_o commandment_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n do_v plain_o direct_v give_v we_o this_o plain_a and_o substantial_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v perform_v by_o we_o in_o a_o language_n which_o we_o understand_v according_a to_o st._n paul_n express_a order_n and_o direction_n and_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o we_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o both_o kind_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n example_n and_o plain_a institution_n and_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n 2._o we_o believe_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v own_v in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v acknowlege_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o and_o we_o receive_v the_o whole_a faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n viz._n what_o ever_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o that_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v mere_a innovation_n and_o plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_a christian_n faith_n but_o all_o that_o we_o believe_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o to_o be_v undoubted_o the_o ancient_a christian_n faith_n 3._o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o our_o church_n and_o religion_n whether_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n which_o either_o the_o scripture_n make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o be_v so_o esteem_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o first_o five_o hundred_o year_n and_o we_o trust_v that_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n for_o five_o hundred_o year_n together_o may_v be_v so_o still_o and_o we_o be_v very_o well_o content_a to_o venture_v our_o salvation_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o they_o do_v 4._o our_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o free_a from_o all_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o even_o from_o all_o suspicion_n and_o probable_a charge_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o her_o most_o learned_a champion_n and_o as_o no_o man_n of_o ingenuity_n can_v deny_v and_o
be_v discover_v 3._o the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o ancient_a pope_n a_o large_a volume_n of_o forgery_n compile_v by_o isidore_n mercator_n to_o countenance_v the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v great_a use_n for_o several_a age_n and_o pertinacious_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o till_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o their_o own_o church_n have_v at_o last_o be_v force_v for_o very_a shame_n to_o disclaim_v they_o and_o to_o confess_v the_o imposture_n of_o they_o a_o like_a instance_n whereto_o be_v not_o i_o hope_v to_o be_v show_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o slight_a of_o man_n such_o as_o gamester_n use_v at_o dice_n for_o to_o allege_v false_a and_o forge_a author_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o play_v with_o false_a dice_n when_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n lie_v at_o stake_n 11._o our_o religion_n have_v this_o mighty_a advantage_n that_o it_o do_v not_o decline_v trial_n and_o examination_n which_o to_o any_o man_n of_o ingenuity_n must_v needs_o appear_v a_o very_a good_a sign_n of_o a_o honest_a cause_n but_o if_o any_o church_n be_v shy_a of_o have_v her_o religion_n examine_v and_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n bring_v into_o the_o open_a light_n this_o give_v just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o she_o have_v some_o distrust_n of_o they_o for_o truth_n do_v not_o seek_v corner_n nor_o shun_v the_o light_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o who_o they_o be_v that_o love_n darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v viz._n they_o who_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o say_v he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v he_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v and_o make_v manifest_a there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o render_v a_o religion_n suspect_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o to_o see_v those_o who_o profess_v it_o and_o make_v such_o proud_a boast_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o so_o fearful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o and_o that_o their_o people_n shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o hear_v and_o read_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o 12._o we_o persuade_v man_n to_o our_o reliligion_n by_o human_n and_o christian_a way_n such_o as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v by_o urge_v man_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o with_o argument_n fetch_v from_o another_o world_n the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a argument_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o alone_o be_v fit_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o terror_n and_o torture_n of_o death_n may_v make_v man_n hypocrite_n and_o awe_v they_o to_o profess_v with_o their_o mouth_n what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o this_o be_v no_o proper_a mean_n of_o convert_v the_o soul_n and_o convince_a the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o these_o violent_a and_o cruel_a way_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o set_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n and_o great_o countenance_v and_o encourage_v by_o pope_n themselves_o witness_v the_o many_o croisades_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n the_o stand_a cruelty_n of_o their_o inquisition_n their_o occasional_a massacre_n and_o persecution_n of_o which_o we_o have_v fresh_a instance_n in_o every_o age._n but_o these_o method_n of_o conversion_n be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o they_o either_o distur_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o else_o that_o they_o think_v truth_n and_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n when_o dragoon_n be_v their_o ratio_fw-la ultima_fw-la the_o last_o reason_n which_o their_o cause_n rely_v upon_o and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a it_o can_v afford_v again_o we_o hold_v no_o doctrine_n in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v now_o declare_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v of_o that_o religion_n unless_o he_o will_v renounce_v his_o sense_n and_o believe_v against_o the_o clear_a verdict_n of_o they_o in_o a_o plain_a sensible_a matter_n but_o after_o this_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o thing_n because_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n he_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n if_o any_o man_n forbid_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v i_o forbid_v he_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o better_a and_o sure_a evidence_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v but_o if_o i_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n than_o the_o mean_n whereby_o faith_n be_v convey_v be_v uncertain_a and_o we_o may_v say_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o another_o case_n then_o be_v our_o preach_a vain_a and_o your_o faith_n also_o be_v vain_a last_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o particular_n as_o to_o several_a thing_n use_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o be_v on_o the_o much_o safe_a side_n if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o than_o they_o be_v if_o they_o shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o lawful_a to_o permit_v to_o the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n otherwise_o we_o must_v condemn_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o allow_v this_o liberty_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o have_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n celebrate_v in_o a_o language_n which_o all_o that_o join_v in_o it_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o people_n in_o both_o kind_n otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v not_o have_v do_v it_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a not_o to_o worship_n image_n not_o to_o pray_v to_o angel_n or_o saint_n or_o the_o bless_a virgin_n otherwise_o the_o primitive_a church_n will_v not_o have_v forbear_v these_o practice_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v pray_v to_o god_n only_o and_o offer_v up_o all_o his_o prayer_n to_o he_o only_o by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o rely_v herein_o upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v our_o high_a priest_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n heb._n 7_o 25._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a who_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o i._n e._n by_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n since_o he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o may_v not_o a_o man_n reasonable_o hope_v to_o obtain_v of_o god_n all_o the_o blessing_n he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o by_z addressing_z himself_z only_o to_o he_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o that_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n nay_o why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n reasonable_o think_v that_o this_o be_v both_o a_o short_a and_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v our_o request_n than_o by_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o importune_v they_o to_o solicit_v god_n for_o we_o especial_o if_o we_o shall_v order_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o make_v ten_o time_n more_o frequent_a address_n to_o these_o than_o we_o do_v to_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o to_o neglect_v these_o we_o can_v certain_o think_v any_o more_o able_a to_o help_v we_o and_o do_v we_o good_a than_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n style_v he_o that_o hear_v prayer_n and_o therefore_o unto_o he_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v we_o can_v certain_o think_v any_o intercessor_n so_o powerful_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n as_o his_o only_a and_o dear_o belove_a son_n offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o most_o acceptable_a and_o invaluable_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o he_o on_o earth_n we_o can_v sure_o think_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o goodness_n any_o where_o as_o in_o god_n that_o in_o any_o of_o the_o angel_n or_o saint_n or_o even_o in_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n there_o be_v more_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n for_o sinner_n and_o a_o tender_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n
it_o but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o fall_v off_o and_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n when_o some_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v whereby_o in_o effect_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n be_v overthrow_v of_o this_o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o they_o err_v concern_v the_o truth_n say_v that_o tbe_n resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o and_o thereby_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 17_o 18._o that_o be_v they_o turn_v the_o resurrection_n into_o a_o allegory_n and_o do_v thereby_o real_o destroy_v a_o most_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o apostate_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v solemn_o renounce_v his_o baptism_n and_o declare_v christianity_n to_o be_v false_a there_o be_v several_a other_o way_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v bring_v himself_o under_o this_o guilt_n as_o by_o a_o silent_a quit_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o withdraw_a himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o that_o profess_v it_o by_o deny_v a_o essential_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n by_o undermine_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o by_o teach_v doctrine_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o encourage_v man_n in_o impenitence_n and_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n nay_o to_o authorize_v all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o vice_n in_o tell_v man_n that_o whatever_o they_o do_v they_o can_v sin_n for_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v look_v upon_o the_o gnostic_n as_o no_o better_a than_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n and_o though_o they_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v true_o and_o real_o so_o and_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_n religion_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v under_o the_o ii_o head_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o several_a sort_n and_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n the_o high_a of_o all_o be_v the_o renounce_n and_o forsake_v of_o christianity_n or_o of_o some_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o virtual_a apostafie_n from_o it_o but_o there_o be_v several_a tendency_n towards_o this_o which_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n as_o 1._o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o want_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o concernment_n for_o it_o when_o a_o man_n though_o he_o never_o quit_v his_o religion_n yet_o be_v so_o little_o concern_v for_o it_o that_o a_o very_a small_a occasion_n or_o temptation_n will_v make_v he_o do_v it_o he_o be_v content_v to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n and_o he_o find_v no_o great_a inconvenience_n by_o it_o but_o be_v so_o indifferent_a in_o his_o mind_n about_o it_o like_a gallio_n who_o mind_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v turn_v himself_o into_o any_o other_o shape_n when_o his_o interest_n require_v it_o so_o that_o though_o he_o never_o actual_o desert_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v 2_o kind_n of_o apostate_n in_o the_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o to_o such_o person_n that_o title_n which_o solomon_n give_v to_o some_o may_v fit_o enough_o be_v apply_v they_o be_v backslider_n in_o heart_n 2._o another_o tendency_n to_o this_o sin_n and_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o it_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a mark_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n by_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o those_o for_o fear_v of_o danger_n or_o suffer_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o denial_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o persecution_n grow_v hot_a and_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n dangerous_a to_o avoid_v this_o danger_n many_o appear_v not_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v observe_v and_o bring_v into_o trouble_n for_o it_o this_o the_o apostle_n tax_v some_o for_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o let_v go_v our_o profession_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o desert_v of_o christianity_n v_o 23_o 35._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v they_o have_v quit_v their_o profession_n but_o they_o have_v but_o a_o loose_a hold_n of_o it_o and_o be_v silent_o steal_v away_o from_o it_o 3._o a_o light_a temper_n of_o mind_n which_o easy_o receive_v impression_n from_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o truth_n when_o man_n be_v not_o well_o root_v and_o establish_v in_o religion_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v inveigle_v by_o the_o crafty_a insinuation_n of_o seducer_n to_o be_v move_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o to_o be_v easy_o shake_v in_o mind_n by_o every_o trifle_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n that_o be_v confident_o obtrude_v upon_o they_o for_o a_o weighty_a argument_n now_o this_o be_v a_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o dispose_v man_n to_o apostasy_n and_o render_v they_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o one_o that_o take_v a_o pleasure_n and_o a_o pride_n in_o make_v proselyte_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o a_o man_n shall_v always_o have_v a_o mind_n ready_a to_o entertain_v truth_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v to_o he_o but_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o plain_o reveal_v and_o lie_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n that_o every_o man_n may_v discern_v they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v once_o entertain_v they_o aught_o to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o they_o and_o not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v whiffle_v out_o of_o they_o by_o any_o insignificant_a noise_n about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n much_o less_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v move_v by_o any_o man_n uncharitableness_n and_o positiveness_n in_o damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n so_o very_o plain_a not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o no_o subtlety_n of_o discourse_n no_o pretend_a authority_n or_o even_o infallibility_n of_o any_o church_n aught_o to_o stagger_v we_o in_o the_o least_o about_o they_o as_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o or_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o a_o language_n which_o they_o understand_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o our_o saviour_n institute_v and_o appoint_v it_o that_o be_v in_o both_o kind_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v our_o duty_n nor_o lawful_a to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n as_o plain_o as_o word_n can_v do_v it_o upon_o any_o one_o of_o these_o point_n a_o man_n will_v fix_v his_o foot_n and_o stand_v alone_o against_o the_o whole_a world_n 4._o another_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n be_v a_o departure_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n in_o a_o gross_a and_o notorious_a manner_n this_o be_v a_o partial_a though_o not_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v just_o charge_v with_o this_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n namely_o such_o as_o though_o they_o retain_v and_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n yet_o have_v great_o pervert_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o superinduce_v and_o add_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o gross_a corruption_n and_o superstition_n in_o worship_n and_o impose_v upon_o man_n the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o these_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o st._n paul_n be_v my_o warrant_n for_o this_o censure_n who_o charge_v those_o who_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o thereby_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o guilty_a in_o some_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n for_o he_o call_v it_o preach_v another_o gospel_n gal._n 1._o 7_o 8._o there_o be_v some_o that_o trouble_v
plain_a then_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n nor_o necessity_n to_o extend_v this_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v self-denial_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n and_o therefore_o this_o precept_n must_v be_v limit_v by_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o intendment_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n and_o no_o man_n can_v argue_v thus_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v self-denial_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n require_v it_o of_o his_o disciple_n for_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o require_v all_o kind_n of_o self-denial_n but_o limit_n it_o by_o his_o discourse_n to_o one_o certain_a kind_n beyond_o which_o self-denial_n be_v no_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o text_n and_o therefore_o for_o our_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o remove_v some_o sort_n of_o self-denial_n which_o be_v instance_a in_o by_o some_o as_o intend_v in_o this_o precept_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o kind_n of_o self-denial_n that_o be_v which_o our_o saviour_n here_o intend_v 1._o there_o be_v several_a thing_n bring_v under_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n which_o be_v never_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o insist_v upon_o and_o some_o of_o they_o by_o very_o devout_a and_o well-meaning_a man_n as_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o our_o reason_n nay_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o renounce_v our_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o our_o brethren_n but_o all_o these_o be_v so_o apparent_o and_o gross_o unreasonable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o one_o shall_v ever_o take_v they_o for_o instance_n of_o that_o self-denial_n which_o our_o saviour_n require_v especial_o consider_v that_o in_o all_o his_o discourse_n of_o self-denial_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o glance_v at_o any_o of_o these_o instance_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o to_o they_o 1._o some_o comprehend_v under_o self-denial_n the_o deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o own_o sense_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o precept_n we_o need_v not_o dispute_v any_o of_o the_o other_o instance_n for_o he_o that_o renounce_v the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n so_o as_o not_o to_o believe_v what_o he_o see_v may_v after_o this_o renounce_v and_o deny_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a than_o that_o of_o faith_n as_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o intimate_v as_o john_n 20._o 29._o where_o our_o saviour_n reprove_v thomas_n for_o refuse_v to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o any_o less_o evidence_n than_o that_o of_o sense_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v thou_o have_v believe_v bless_a be_v they_o which_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v which_o plain_o suppose_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n to_o be_v the_o high_a and_o clear_a degree_n of_o evidence_n so_o likewise_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 7._o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n where_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o which_o be_v more_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a be_v oppose_v to_o that_o of_o sight_n as_o more_o clear_a and_o certain_a so_o that_o to_o believe_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o assent_n which_o always_o yield_v to_o the_o great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n beside_o that_o our_o belief_n of_o religion_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n so_o that_o by_o renounce_v that_o we_o destroy_v and_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n one_o of_o the_o plain_a and_o principal_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o all_o religion_n rely_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n namely_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n by_o the_o contemplation_n whereof_o we_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o invisible_a author_n of_o it_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1._o 20._o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o the_o great_a external_a evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v miracle_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n without_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o any_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n likewise_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o our_o sense_n the_o evidence_n whereof_o if_o it_o be_v uncertain_a take_v away_o all_o certainty_n of_o faith_n how_o shall_v they_o believe_v say_v st._n paul_n rom._n 10._o 14._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o ver_fw-la 17._o so_o then_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o to_o deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o sense_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o main_a pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o 2._o other_o almost_o with_o equal_a absurdity_n will_v comprehend_v under_o our_o saviour_n precept_n of_o self-denial_n the_o deny_v and_o renounce_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v self-denial_n with_o a_o witness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o deny_v his_o own_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o man._n this_o sure_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n and_o though_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o may_v be_v innocent_a yet_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o the_o discourse_n upon_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a the_o ground_n of_o the_o mistake_n be_v this_o man_n think_v they_o deny_v their_o own_o reason_n when_o they_o assent_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o their_o own_o reason_n can_v neither_o have_v discover_v nor_o be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o whereas_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deny_v his_o own_o reason_n that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o it_o for_o what_o more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v whatever_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o god_n who_o can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v himself_o nor_o deceive_v we_o but_o though_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o mistake_n may_v be_v innocent_a yet_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a for_o if_o we_o be_v to_o renounce_v our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n then_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v or_o if_o he_o can_v than_o faith_n will_v be_v unreasonable_a and_o infidelity_n reasonable_a so_o that_o this_o instance_n likewise_o of_o self-denial_n to_o renounce_v and_o deny_v our_o own_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v no_o where_o express_v so_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o be_v intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o precept_n 3._o nor_o do_v this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n require_v man_n to_o be_v content_a to_o renounce_v their_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n if_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n we_o may_v just_o say_v as_o the_o disciple_n do_v to_o our_o saviour_n in_o another_o case_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n and_o who_o can_v hear_v it_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v humane_a nature_n to_o tremble_v at_o its_o very_a foundation_n for_o the_o deep_a principle_n that_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o our_o nature_n be_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n and_o into_o this_o the_o force_n of_o all_o law_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o our_o duty_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o man_n duty_n in_o any_o case_n to_o renounce_v his_o own_o happiness_n and_o to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a because_o if_o once_o this_o be_v make_v a_o duty_n there_o will_v be_v no_o argument_n leave_v to_o persuade_v any_o man_n to_o it_o for_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n that_o god_n ever_o use_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o any_o thing_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o everlasting_a torment_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o man_n duty_n to_o be_v content_a to_o
this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n than_o we_o do_v and_o must_v call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o religion_n 4._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v far_o that_o the_o high_a commendation_n that_o be_v give_v in_o scripture_n to_o any_o one_o faith_n be_v give_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o abraham_n faith_n be_v famous_a and_o make_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o generation_n because_o he_o reason_v himself_o into_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o he_o do_v not_o blind_o break_v through_o these_o objection_n and_o wink_v hard_a at_o they_o but_o he_o look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n and_o give_v himself_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n concern_v they_o the_o centurian's_n faith_n be_v commend_v by_o our_o saviour_n math._n 8._o 11._o because_o when_o his_o servant_n be_v sick_a he_o do_v not_o desire_v he_o to_o come_v to_o his_o house_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n only_o and_o his_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v for_o he_o reason_v thus_o i_o be_o a_o man_n under_o authority_n have_v soldier_n under_o i_o and_o i_o say_v to_o this_o man_n go_v and_o he_o go_v and_o to_o another_o come_v and_o he_o come_v and_o to_o my_o servant_n do_v this_o and_o he_o do_v it_o now_o if_o he_o that_o be_v himself_o under_o authority_n can_v thus_o command_v those_o that_o be_v under_o he_o much_o more_o can_v he_o that_o have_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o commission_n do_v what_o he_o please_v by_o his_o word_n and_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reprehend_v he_o for_o reason_v himself_o into_o this_o belief_n that_o he_o admire_v his_o faith_n so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o v_o 10._o when_o jesus_n hear_v this_o he_o marvel_v and_o say_v to_o they_o that_o follow_v he_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o have_v not_o find_v so_o great_a faith_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n inlike_a manner_n our_o saviour_n commend_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n faith_n because_o she_o enforce_v it_o so_o reasonable_o matthew_n 15._o 22._o she_o sue_v to_o he_o to_o help_v her_o daughter_n but_o he_o answer_v she_o not_o a_o word_n and_o when_o his_o disciple_n can_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o mind_v she_o yet_o still_o the_o press_v he_o say_v lord_n help_v i_o and_o when_o he_o repulse_v she_o with_o this_o severe_a answer_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o take_v the_o child_n bread_n and_o cast_v it_o to_o dog_n she_o make_v this_o quick_a and_o modest_a reply_n truth_n lord_n yet_o the_o dog_n eat_v of_o the_o crumb_n which_o fall_v from_o their_o master_n table_n she_o acknowledge_v she_o own_o unworthiness_n but_o yet_o believe_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v not_o utter_o reject_v those_o who_o humble_o seek_v to_o he_o upon_o which_o he_o give_v she_o this_o testimony_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n the_o apostle_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o yet_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v because_o they_o inquire_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o belief_n before_o they_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o even_o by_o teacher_n that_o certain_o be_v infallible_a 5._o none_o be_v reprove_v in_o scripture_n for_o their_o unbelief_n but_o where_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o the_o israelite_n be_v general_o blame_v for_o their_o infidelity_n but_o than_o it_o be_v after_o such_o mighty_a wonder_n have_v be_v wrought_v for_o their_o conviction_n the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v not_o condemn_v simple_o for_o their_o unbelief_n but_o for_o not_o believe_v when_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n offer_v to_o they_o so_o our_o saviour_n himself_o say_v if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o no_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n thomas_n indeed_o be_v blame_v for_o the_o perverseness_n of_o his_o unbelief_n because_o he_o will_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o himself_o see_v last_o to_o show_v this_o yet_o more_o plain_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n of_o decline_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a prejudice_n to_o religion_n than_o to_o decline_v this_o trial_n to_o say_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o religion_n be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a indeed_o it_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o any_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o because_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o cogent_a reason_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o we_o say_v god_n have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n we_o must_v be_v ready_a to_o prove_v it_o or_o else_o we_o say_v nothing_o if_o we_o turn_v off_o reason_n here_o we_o level_v the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o wild_a and_o most_o absurd_a enthusiams_n and_o it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n much_o to_o give_v reason_n ill_a name_n to_o call_v it_o blind_a and_o carnal_a reason_n our_o best_a reason_n be_v but_o very_o short_a and_o imperfect_a but_o since_o it_o be_v no_o better_o we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o before_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o both_o the_o extreme_n of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o our_o church_n be_v general_o great_a declamer_n against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n if_o they_o find_v their_o account_n in_o it_o it_o be_v well_o for_o our_o part_n we_o apprehend_v no_o manner_n of_o inconvenience_n in_o have_v reason_n on_o our_o side_n nor_o need_v we_o to_o desire_v a_o better_a evidence_n that_o any_o man_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n than_o to_o hear_v he_o declare_v against_o reason_n and_o thereby_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o reason_n be_v against_o he_o man_n may_v vilify_v reason_n as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v and_o though_o be_v revile_v she_o revile_v not_o again_o yet_o in_o a_o more_o still_a and_o gentle_a way_n she_o common_o have_v her_o full_a revenge_n upon_o all_o those_o that_o rail_v at_o she_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o people_n can_v with_o patience_n endure_v to_o hear_v their_o teacher_n and_o guide_n talk_v against_o reason_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o pay_v they_o the_o great_a submission_n and_o veneration_n for_o it_o one_o will_v think_v this_o but_o a_o odd_a way_n to_o gain_v authority_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o some_o skilful_a and_o design_v man_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a way_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o ignorant_a as_o nurse_n use_v to_o endear_v themselves_o to_o child_n by_o perpetual_a noise_n and_o nonsense_n iii_o i_o observe_v that_o god_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v plain_a and_o evident_a contradiction_n as_o matter_n of_o faith_n abraham_n can_v not_o reasonable_o have_v believe_v this_o second_o revelation_n to_o have_v be_v from_o god_n if_o he_o have_v not_o find_v some_o way_n to_o reconcile_v it_o with_o the_o first_o for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o dispose_v to_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o divine_a revelation_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v god_n against_o god_n himself_o some_o man_n seem_v to_o think_v that_o they_o oblige_v god_n mighty_o by_o believe_v plain_a contradiction_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o he_o that_o make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v take_v it_o kind_o from_o any_o man_n to_o debase_v his_o workmanship_n by_o make_v himself_o unreasonable_a and_o therefore_o as_o no_o service_n or_o obedience_n so_o no_o faith_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o may_v be_v confidence_n or_o presumption_n but_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n for_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v plain_a contradiction_n may_v believe_v any_o thing_n how_o absurd_a soever_o because_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o plain_a contradiction_n and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n believe_v nothing_o upon_o good_a ground_n because_o to_o he_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v all_o one_o 4._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o man_n obedience_n be_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n do_v we_o believe_v the_o command_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o firm_o as_o abraham_n believe_v god_n in_o this_o case_n what_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v or_o suffer_v in_o obedience_n to_o he_o if_o our_o faith_n be_v but_o as_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a as_o he_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v as_o
church_n and_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a privilege_n indeed_o if_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o have_v it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o certain_a a_o remedy_n against_o heresy_n and_o give_v a_o final_a decision_n to_o all_o controversy_n but_o there_o be_v not_o one_o tittle_n of_o all_o this_o of_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o tenable_a proof_n for_o 1._o all_o the_o pretence_n for_o their_o infallibility_n rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a proposition_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o they_o say_v be_v infallible_a and_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o that_o proposition_n be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o any_o good_a proof_n but_o be_v as_o evident_o false_a as_o that_o a_o part_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v the_o whole_a 2._o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o it_o be_v neither_o evident_a in_o itself_o nor_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o they_o that_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o every_o age_n be_v infallible_a in_o decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o they_o prove_v their_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n and_o this_o be_v necessary_a at_o first_o for_o the_o security_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o this_o doctrine_n be_v once_o deliver_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v infallible_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o have_v now_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o with_o the_o assistance_n and_o instruction_n of_o those_o guide_n and_o pastor_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o guide_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o age_n which_o follow_v the_o apostle_n because_o miracle_n be_v long_o since_o cease_v so_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n because_o god_n have_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o that_o by_o that_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a and_o able_a to_o make_v both_o pastor_n and_o people_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n 3._o as_o for_o a_o certain_a remedy_n against_o heresy_n it_o be_v certain_a god_n never_o intend_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v provide_v a_o certain_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o vice_n which_o sure_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o as_o fit_a to_o be_v provide_v against_o as_o heresy_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a in_o experience_n that_o god_n have_v provide_v no_o certain_a and_o effectual_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o vice_n for_o which_o i_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o god_n do_v that_o which_o he_o think_v best_a and_o fit_a and_o not_o what_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v to_o be_v so_o beside_o that_o infallibility_n be_v not_o a_o certain_a remedy_n against_o heresy_n the_o apostle_n be_v certain_o infallible_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v neither_o prevent_v nor_o extinguish_v heresy_n which_o never_o more_o abound_v than_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o saint_n paul_n express_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 19_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o st._n peter_n the_o 2_o epist._n 2._o 1._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o christian_n who_o shall_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o that_o many_o shall_v follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n but_o now_o if_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n either_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v infallible_a or_o infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o certain_a remedy_n against_o they_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o step_v they_o make_v viz._n 6_o that_o christ_n have_v always_o a_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n and_o that_o they_o can_v show_v a_o church_n which_o from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v always_o make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v now_o believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o that_o we_o can_v show_v no_o visible_a church_n that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v always_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o we_o now_o revile_v and_o find_v fault_n with_o in_o their_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v always_o have_v and_o ever_o shall_v have_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n a_o visible_a church_n profess_v and_o practise_v his_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n be_v agree_v on_o both_o side_n but_o we_o say_v that_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o error_n and_o corruption_n in_o faith_n and_o practice_n this_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v not_o even_o in_o their_o time_n and_o during_o their_o abode_n among_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v true_a part_n of_o the_o christian_n catholic_n church_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n error_n and_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n do_v by_o degree_n creep_v in_o and_o grow_v up_o in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o of_o the_o father_n complain_v of_o their_o time_n since_o that_o several_a famous_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n both_o in_o asia_n and_o africa_n have_v not_o only_o be_v great_o corrupt_v but_o have_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n so_o that_o in_o many_o place_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o footstep_n of_o christianity_n among_o they_o but_o yet_o still_o christ_n have_v have_v in_o all_o these_o age_n a_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n though_o perhaps_o no_o part_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n free_a from_o some_o error_n and_o corruption_n and_o in_o several_a part_n of_o it_o great_a corruption_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o in_o none_o i_o think_v more_o and_o long_o than_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o all_o she_o boast_v herself_o like_o old_a babylon_n isa._n 47._o 7_o 8._o that_o she_o be_v a_o lady_n for_o ever_o and_o say_v in_o her_o heart_n i_o be_o and_o none_o else_o beside_o i_o and_o like_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n revel_v 3._o 17._o which_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o increase_v with_o good_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n say_v that_o she_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a and_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a and_o know_v it_o not_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n boast_v that_o she_o have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o none_o beside_o she_o free_a from_o all_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o corruption_n in_o practice_n and_o that_o from_o the_o age_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n she_o have_v always_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o she_o do_v at_o this_o day_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o shameless_a than_o this_o do_v they_o always_o believe_v transubstantiation_n let_v their_o pope_n gelasius_n speak_v for_o they_o who_o express_o deny_v that_o in_o the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v any_o substantial_a change_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ._n be_v this_o always_o a_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o christian_n let_v scotus_n and_o several_a other_o of_o their_o schoolman_n and_o learned_a writer_n speak_v for_o they_o be_v purgatory_n always_o believe_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o define_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n let_v several_a of_o their_o learned_a man_n speak_v in_o what_o father_n in_o what_o council_n before_o that_o of_o trent_n do_v they_o find_v christ_n to_o have_v institute_v just_o seven_o sacrament_n neither_o more_o nor_o less_o and_o for_o practice_n in_o their_o religion_n they_o themselves_o will_v not_o say_v that_o in_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n the_o scripture_n be_v withhold_v from_o the_o people_n and_o lock_v up_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o that_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n the_o prayer_n and_o lesson_n be_v read_v and_o the_o sacrament_n celebrate_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v give_v to_o the_o people_n only_o in_o one_o kind_a where_o do_v they_o find_v in_o holy_a
to_o turn_v they_o into_o jest_n and_o raillery_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o renounce_v of_o christianity_n the_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v but_o even_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o the_o principle_n and_o notion_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n mind_n this_o be_v a_o impiety_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o not_o to_o be_v mention_v without_o grief_n and_o horror_n and_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v have_v have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o i_o pray_v god_n it_o do_v not_o draw_v down_o still_o more_o and_o great_a judgement_n upon_o this_o nation_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v none_o here_o that_o need_v to_o be_v caution_v against_o this_o horrible_a impiety_n and_o high_a degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o which_o people_n be_v much_o more_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v apostasy_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n so_o happy_o recover_v by_o a_o regular_a reformation_n and_o establish_v among_o we_o by_o all_o the_o authority_n that_o law_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a can_v give_v it_o and_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o ancient_n and_o primitive_a christianity_n i_o say_v a_o defection_n from_o this_o to_o those_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n which_o the_o reformation_n have_v pair_v off_o and_o free_v we_o from_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v a_o partial_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n and_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o and_o that_o those_o who_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n fall_v off_o from_o it_o into_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n be_v highe_o guilty_a before_o god_n and_o their_o condition_n certain_o worse_o and_o more_o dangerous_a than_o of_o those_o who_o where_o bring_v up_o in_o those_o error_n and_o 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and_o reject_v the_o contrary_a truth_n against_o which_o by_o their_o education_n they_o have_v receive_v so_o strong_a and_o violent_a a_o prejudice_n this_o may_v be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n excusable_a and_o find_v pardon_n with_o god_n upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o all_o sin_n both_o know_v and_o unknown_a and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o charge_v with_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o great_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n but_o not_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v entertain_v and_o profess_v it_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o know_v it_o have_v no_o excuse_n i_o will_v not_o be_v rash_a in_o condemn_v particular_a person_n of_o any_o society_n or_o communion_n of_o christian_n provide_v they_o be_v sincere_o devout_a and_o just_a and_o sober_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n i_o have_v much_o rather_o leave_v they_o to_o god_n who_o mercy_n be_v great_a than_o to_o pass_v a_o uncharitable_a censure_n upon_o they_o as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n and_o condition_n but_o the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o where_o the_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n be_v afford_v to_o man_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v for_o they_o who_o have_v the_o mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o know_v their_o master_n will_n be_v answerable_a to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v know_v it_o because_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v gross_o negligent_a and_o want_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v have_v know_v it_o and_o this_o i_o fear_n be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o year_n of_o consideration_n and_o choice_n in_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o forsake_v it_o because_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o there_o be_v invincible_a objection_n against_o it_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n because_o every_o one_o among_o we_o know_v or_o may_v know_v upon_o very_o little_a enquiry_n that_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o into_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v baptize_v that_o we_o inculcate_v upon_o man_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o of_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o perfect_a contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v follow_v with_o real_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v by_o any_o device_n whatsoever_o now_o what_o reason_n can_v any_o man_n have_v to_o question_v whether_o he_o may_v be_v save_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o save_v the_o first_o christian_n and_o by_o believe_v the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n though_o he_o can_v swallow_v the_o twelve_o article_n which_o be_v add_v to_o it_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n iu._n every_o one_o of_o which_o beside_o many_o and_o great_a corruption_n and_o superstition_n in_o worship_n be_v so_o many_o and_o invincible_a objection_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o i_o can_v particular_o show_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v already_o do_v in_o so_o many_o learned_a treatise_n upon_o this_o argument_n what_o be_v there_o then_o that_o shall_v move_v any_o reasonable_a man_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o to_o quit_v the_o reform_a religion_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n chief_o with_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o amuse_v and_o affright_v weak_a mind_n 1._o a_o great_a noise_n of_o infallibility_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o mean_n to_o determine_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o difference_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a only_a object_n this_o prejudice_n that_o there_o be_v not_o wide_o and_o hot_a difference_n among_o we_o about_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o than_o be_v among_o they_o about_o this_o admirable_a mean_n of_o end_v all_o difference_n as_o where_o this_o infallibility_n be_v feat_v that_o man_n may_v know_v how_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o it_o for_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n 2._o they_o endeavour_v to_o fright_v man_n with_o the_o danger_n of_o schism_n but_o every_o man_n know_v that_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n lie_v at_o their_o door_n who_o impose_v sinful_a article_n of_o communion_n and_o not_o upon_o they_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n can_v submit_v to_o those_o article_n which_o we_o have_v do_v and_o be_v still_o ready_a to_o make_v good_a to_o be_v the_o case_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o 3._o the_o terrible_a engine_n of_o all_o be_v their_o positive_a and_o confident_a damn_v of_o all_o that_o live_v and_o die_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n this_o i_o have_v full_o speak_v to_o upon_o another_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o say_v at_o present_a that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v better_a thought_n of_o god_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o delighteh_n not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v confirm_v the_o sentence_n of_o such_o uncharitable_a man_n as_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o condemn_v man_n for_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o gospel_n condemn_v no_o man._n and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o uncharitableness_n of_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o no_o man_n to_o run_v into_o its_o communion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n ver_fw-la 23._o of_o this_o chapter_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o charity_n and_o good_a work_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o day_n approach_v in_o which_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o faith_n