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 1._o 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 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 both_o these_o 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 and_o therefore_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n 2._o i_o proceed_v positive_o to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v 1._o to_o consider_v 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 of_o which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n in_o his_o baptism_n for_o of_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o context_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 not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a church_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 propose_v or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o 2._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 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 their_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n 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 terror_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o 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 another_o religion_n 5._o against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busiy_n and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n 1._o we_o be_v to_o 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 their_o confidence_n and_o of_o this_o i_o give_v several_a instance_n as_o in_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n without_o any_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o it_o either_o by_o scripture_n or_o miracle_n i_o mean_v such_o miracle_n as_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v for_o as_o for_o their_o legend_n since_o the_o wise_a among_o themselves_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o they_o i_o hope_v they_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o or_o be_v move_v by_o they_o and_o then_o their_o pretence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n which_o be_v now_o make_v a_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o successor_n of_o saint_n peter_n there_o be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n the_o supreme_a and_o universal_a pastor_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o every_o humane_a creature_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o and_o last_o their_o invocation_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o saint_n depart_v without_o any_o warrant_n or_o example_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o without_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o hear_v the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o to_o they_o 2._o much_o more_o be_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o here_o i_o instance_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n the_o lock_v up_o of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n and_o celebrate_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n and_o their_o daily_a repetition_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v offer_v once_o for_o all_o and_o be_v of_o eternal_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o because_o it_o need_v not_o like_o jewish_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n to_o be_v repeat_v to_o these_o instance_n which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o or_o two_o more_o as_o namely_o that_o to_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n a_o intention_n in_o the_o minister_n at_o least_o to_o do_v what_o the_o church_n do_v be_v requisite_a this_o be_v express_o define_v and_o under_o a_o anathema_n upon_o all_o that_o shall_v say_v otherwise_o by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n sess._n the_o seven_o can._n 11_o which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o minister_n so_o that_o if_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o baptise_v the_o party_n he_o pretend_v to_o baptise_v than_o it_o be_v no_o baptism_n and_o consequent_o the_o person_n baptise_a be_v not_o make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n nor_o be_v any_o grace_n or_o special_a benefit_n confer_v upon_o he_o nor_o be_v he_o a_o christian._n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o the_o priest_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o consecrate_v the_o host_n then_o be_v it_o no_o sacrament_n and_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o it_o and_o which_o according_a to_o their_o opinion_n be_v a_o dreadful_a consequence_n by_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n there_o be_v no_o change_n make_v of_o the_o element_n into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o they_o that_o give_v adoration_n to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o such_o case_n worship_n bread_n and_o wine_n for_o god_n which_o be_v idolatry_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o their_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n though_o the_o priest_n pronounce_v the_o word_n of_o absolution_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o true_o penitent_a and_o god_n on_o his_o part_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v he_o yet_o if_o the_o priest_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v and_o the_o man_n be_v still_o in_o his_o sin_n so_o likewise_o in_o ordination_n which_o be_v another_o of_o their_o sacrament_n if_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o ordain_v the_o man_n he_o be_v no_o priest_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v as_o a_o priest_n afterward_o either_o in_o administration_n of_o baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o the_o absolution_n of_o penitent_n all_o be_v vain_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n nay_o in_o marriage_n which_o they_o will_v needs_o have_v to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n too_o if_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v want_v there_o be_v nothing_o do_v the_o contract_n be_v null_v and_o they_o that_o be_v so_o marry_v do_v real_o live_v in_o adultery_n though_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o nor_o have_v any_o suspicion_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o whole_a tenure_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o promise_v the_o benefit_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o all_o those_o that_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v require_v on_o their_o part_n and_o declare_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n to_o those_o who_o confess_v they_o to_o god_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o administer_v they_o or_o that_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o intention_n or_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n but_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
they_o under_o a_o inconvenience_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v at_o age._n and_o can_v we_o think_v they_o of_o discretion_n sufficient_a at_o that_o time_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o other_o and_o which_o will_v concern_v they_o to_o all_o eternity_n namely_o to_o choose_v their_o religion_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o part_n of_o one_o religion_n which_o we_o all_o know_v which_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n of_o age_n be_v fit_a i_o do_v not_o say_v to_o judge_v of_o but_o to_o be_v as_o fond_a of_o and_o to_o practice_v to_o as_o good_a purpose_n as_o those_o of_o ripe_a year_n and_o that_o be_v to_o worship_v image_n to_o tell_v their_o bead_n to_o say_v their_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o this_o they_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o choose_v at_o that_o age_n than_o those_o who_o be_v of_o ripe_a and_o more_o improve_v understanding_n and_o if_o they_o do_v 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certain_o very_o reasonable_a that_o such_o person_n shall_v examine_v their_o religion_n and_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o this_o must_v either_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v reasonable_a or_o else_o every_o man_n must_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v fix_v by_o education_n or_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n to_o pitch_v upon_o when_o he_o come_v to_o year_n and_o make_v his_o free_a choice_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a principle_n that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n but_o take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o it_o then_o every_o man_n be_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o religion_n which_o he_o first_o light_n upon_o whether_o by_o choice_n or_o the_o chance_n of_o his_o education_n for_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o change_v but_o upon_o reason_n and_o reason_n he_o can_v have_v none_o unless_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o other_o that_o by_o the_o comparison_n he_o may_v discern_v which_o be_v best_a and_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v prefer_v in_o his_o choice_n for_o to_o he_o that_o will_v not_o or_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o search_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o religion_n all_o religion_n be_v alike_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n to_o he_o that_o be_v always_o keep_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o if_o he_o happen_v to_o come_v into_o the_o light_n dare_v not_o open_a his_o eye_n and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o discern_v the_o different_a colour_n of_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v evident_o and_o at_o first_o sight_n unreasonable_a because_o at_o this_o rate_n every_o man_n that_o have_v once_o entertain_v a_o error_n and_o a_o false_a religion_n must_v forever_o continue_v in_o it_o for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o examine_v it_o he_o can_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o change_v and_o to_o make_v a_o change_n without_o reason_n be_v certain_o 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believe_v as_o their_o priest_n tell_v they_o for_o that_o be_v all_o the_o teach_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o common_a people_n be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o when_o man_n be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o right_a religion_n and_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o true_a church_n they_o ought_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v and_o to_o examine_v and_o inquire_v no_o far_o for_o this_o be_v manifest_o unreasonable_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o three_o account_n 1._o because_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o shameful_a beg_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n and_o that_o which_o every_o church_n and_o every_o religion_n do_v almost_o with_o equal_a confidence_n pretend_v to_o that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a right_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o these_o pretence_n be_v all_o alike_o reasonable_a to_o he_o that_o never_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o 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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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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 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to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o intricate_a and_o perplex_v a_o case_n the_o constancy_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o obstinate_a and_o stubborn_a persuasion_n but_o the_o result_n of_o the_o wise_a reason_n and_o sober_a consideration_n so_o the_o text_n say_v that_o he_o count_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o he_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o himself_o and_o give_v himself_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n and_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a command_n he_o resolve_v to_o obey_v it_o as_o for_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v mention_v 1._o the_o horrid_a appearance_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o father_n shall_v slay_v his_o innocent_a son_n why_o shall_v abraham_n scruple_n the_o do_v this_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o life_n 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god_n only_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o objection_n from_o the_o horrible_a consequence_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v that_o the_o slay_v of_o isaac_n seem_v to_o overthrow_v the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v before_o to_o abraham_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v this_o seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o here_o he_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n to_o reconcile_v the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o this_o command_n of_o god_n to_o his_o former_a promise_n so_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o though_o isaac_n be_v put_v to_o death_n yet_o he_o see_v how_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n may_v still_o be_v make_v good_a by_o his_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o live_v afterward_o to_o have_v a_o numerous_a posterity_n there_o 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to_o be_v render_v in_o the_o past_a time_n from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n so_o that_o this_o expression_n plain_o refer_v to_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o isaac_n when_o his_o parent_n be_v pass_v the_o age_n of_o have_v child_n which_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o rom._n 4._o 17._o abraham_n believe_v god_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a and_o call_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v and_o not_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n which_o be_v dead_a and_o a_o little_a before_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o isaac_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o and_o he_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n from_o whence_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o abraham_n reason_v thus_o that_o god_n who_o give_v he_o isaac_n at_o first_o in_o so_o miraculous_a 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have_v something_o of_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o it_o and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n therein_o contain_v from_o one_o of_o the_o most_o specious_a objection_n of_o infidelity_n but_o i_o have_v a_o far_a design_n in_o this_o text_n and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n and_o inference_n from_o it_o that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o as_o first_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o clear_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o if_o abraham_n have_v not_o be_v full_o and_o past_o all_o doubt_n assure_v that_o this_o be_v a_o command_n from_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v spare_v his_o son_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v that_o those_o to_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v immediate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v divine_a otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o how_o man_n be_v assure_v concern_v divine_a revelation_n make_v to_o they_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o to_o other_o only_a these_o two_o thing_n we_o be_v sure_a of_o 1._o that_o god_n can_v work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o reveal_v and_o that_o such_o a_o revelation_n be_v from_o he_o this_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o that_o consider_v the_o great_a power_n and_o influence_n which_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o perfect_o know_v our_o frame_n must_v needs_o have_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n 2._o that_o god_n never_o offer_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o man_n belief_n that_o plain_o contradict_v the_o natural_a and_o essential_a notion_n of_o his_o mind_n because_o this_o will_v be_v for_o god_n to_o destroy_v his_o own_o workmanship_n and_o to_o impose_v that_o upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n which_o whilst_o it_o remain_v what_o it_o be_v it_o can_v 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a_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o first_o time_n god_n appear_v to_o abraham_n because_o it_o be_v a_o new_a thing_n that_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o future_a revelation_n god_n do_v show_v himself_o to_o he_o in_o so_o glorious_a a_o manner_n as_o be_v abundant_o to_o his_o conviction_n and_o this_o st._n stephen_n do_v seem_v to_o intimate_v act_n 7._o 2._o the_o god_n of_o glory_n appear_v to_o our_o father_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v in_o mesopotamia_n now_o by_o this_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o he_o at_o first_o he_o be_v so_o prepare_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o after_o revelation_n that_o he_o be_v not_o stagger_v even_o at_o this_o concern_v the_o sacrifice_a of_o his_o son_n be_v both_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o the_o assurance_n that_o accompany_v it_o full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n second_o i_o observe_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o we_o see_v here_o that_o abraham_n reason_n be_v a_o mighty_a strengthen_n and_o help_n to_o his_o faith_n here_o be_v two_o revelation_n make_v to_o abraham_n which_o seem_v to_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o and_o if_o abraham_n reason_n can_v not_o have_v reconcile_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o they_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v believe_v they_o both_o to_o be_v from_o god_n because_o this_o natural_a notion_n or_o principle_n that_o god_n can_v contradict_v himself_o every_o man_n do_v first_o and_o more_o firm_o believe_v than_o any_o revelation_n whatsoever_o now_o abraham_n reason_n relieve_v he_o in_o this_o strait_a so_o the_o text_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o be_v admit_v the_o command_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o slay_v of_o isaac_n be_v very_o well_o consistent_a with_o his_o former_a promise_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v i_o know_v there_o have_v a_o very_a rude_a clamour_n be_v raise_v by_o some_o person_n but_o of_o more_o zeal_n i_o think_v than_o judgement_n against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o how_o very_o unreasonable_a this_o be_v will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v but_o have_v patience_n to_o consider_v these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o it_o do_v not_o endow_v man_n with_o new_a faculty_n but_o propound_v new_a object_n to_o the_o faculty_n which_o they_o have_v before_o reason_n be_v the_o faculty_n whereby_o revelation_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v for_o when_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o he_o reveal_v it_o to_o our_o understanding_n and_o by_o that_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o it_o therefore_o st._n john_n caution_n we_o 1_o jo._n 4._o 1._o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n that_o be_v there_o be_v many_o that_o false_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n but_o how_o can_v these_o pretender_n be_v try_v and_o discern_v from_o those_o that_o be_v true_o inspire_v but_o by_o use_v our_o reason_n in_o compare_v the_o evidence_n for_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o 2._o this_o will_v far_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n faith_n as_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o something_o as_o reveal_v by_o god_n now_o all_o assent_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o evidence_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o thing_n unless_o he_o have_v or_o think_v he_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o for_o to_o be_v confident_a of_o a_o thing_n without_o reason_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o a_o presumptuous_a persuasion_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n 3._o this_o will_v yet_o be_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o 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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 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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
word_n with_o joy_n and_o endure_v for_o a_o while_n but_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v not_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o word_n but_o their_o faith_n have_v take_v no_o deep_a root_n and_o therefore_o it_o wither_v the_o weakness_n and_o waver_v of_o man_n faith_n make_v they_o unstable_a and_o inconstant_a in_o their_o course_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o divide_v betwixt_o two_o interest_n that_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o the_o double_a mind_a man_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n it_o be_v general_o a_o true_a rule_n so_o much_o waver_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o man_n so_o much_o weakness_n there_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o any_o man_n firm_o believe_v let_v he_o attend_v to_o his_o action_n more_o than_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o any_o man_n live_v so_o as_o no_o man_n that_o hearty_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n can_v live_v it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v he_o do_v but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n than_o word_n there_o be_v testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o man_n action_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o do_v best_a declare_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o man._n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v it_o in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v short_o appear_v before_o he_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o action_n to_o he_o and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v unspeakable_o and_o eternal_o happy_a but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a those_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n or_o interest_n have_v desert_v the_o faith_n or_o live_v wicked_a life_n 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 i_o say_v be_v man_n firm_o persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o wrong_a choice_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n upon_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o i'faith_o even_o in_o temporal_a matter_n be_v a_o mighty_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o will_v make_v man_n to_o attempt_v and_o undergo_v strange_a and_o difficult_a thing_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o operative_a and_o powerful_a because_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o it_o present_v to_o we_o be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v tempt_v or_o terrify_v we_o withal_o will_v we_o but_o by_o faith_n make_v present_a to_o our_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n and_o be_v we_o as_o very_o persuade_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o our_o view_n how_o shall_v we_o despise_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n and_o with_o what_o ease_n shall_v we_o resist_v and_o repel_v all_o those_o temptation_n which_o will_v seduce_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n or_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n which_o man_n fancy_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o most_o thing_n will_v be_v easy_a 2._o another_o reason_n of_o this_o wrong_a choice_n be_v want_n of_o consideration_n for_o this_o will_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v it_o more_o vigorous_a and_o powerful_a and_o indeed_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o root_v and_o establishould_n do_v suppose_v a_o wise_a and_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o themselves_o serious_o how_o much_o religion_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o to_o be_v true_a to_o it_o and_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o sense_n and_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o present_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o consider_v our_o future_a and_o last_a interest_n and_o the_o whole_a duration_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o man_n be_v hurry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a and_o sensible_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o take_v time_n to_o think_v of_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v serious_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o its_o punishment_n shall_v resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n if_o man_n do_v but_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o the_o dreadful_a punishment_n of_o another_o world_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n as_o we_o see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o do_v they_o can_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n to_o renounce_v the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v nay_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o forsake_v our_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o consideration_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o ever_o any_o of_o we_o be_v tempt_v in_o this_o kind_n let_v that_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o judge_n be_v continual_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosever_v shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o thank_v god_n to_o see_v so_o many_o in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o hour_n of_o temptation_n to_o adhere_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o earthly_a consideration_n and_o advantage_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o hold_v their_o religion_n so_o fast_o and_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o it_o gives_z great_a hope_n that_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n whilst_o we_o live_v and_o comfort_v when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n secure_a to_o we_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n 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 have_v promise_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o either_o by_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o possession_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
a_o man_n shall_v be_v very_o fit_a and_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o that_o which_o they_o esteem_v the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o all_o namely_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n whereby_o they_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o and_o of_o the_o true_a mean_v of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n whereby_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v whole_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o point_n be_v it_o so_o very_o prudent_a in_o all_o the_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n for_o a_o man_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n because_o she_o be_v infallible_a and_o not_o to_o trust_v his_o own_o judgement_n about_o they_o because_o he_o be_v fallible_a and_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o be_v it_o prudent_a likewise_o for_o this_o man_n to_o trust_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o the_o main_a business_n of_o all_o namely_o which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n concern_v which_o he_o be_v as_o fallible_a in_o his_o judgement_n and_o as_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v as_o in_o the_o particular_a point_n and_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o main_a point_n they_o must_v grant_v his_o mistake_n to_o be_v fatal_a because_o his_o sincerity_n as_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n depend_v upon_o it_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n and_o riddle_n that_o every_o particular_a man_n shall_v have_v so_o sufficient_a a_o judgement_n as_o to_o this_o main_a and_o fundamental_a business_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v have_v no_o judgement_n at_o all_o about_o particular_a point_n fit_a to_o be_v trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a judgement_n and_o prudence_n quoad_fw-la hoc_fw-la and_o as_o if_o all_o man_n understanding_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o be_v very_o judicious_a and_o discern_a in_o this_o main_a point_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o be_v weak_a and_o dangerous_a and_o blind_a as_o to_o all_o particular_a point_n or_o as_o if_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o very_a good_a judgement_n and_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o before_o he_o come_v into_o their_o church_n but_o from_o the_o very_a moment_n he_o enter_v into_o it_o his_o judgement_n be_v quite_o lose_v and_o good_a for_o nothing_o for_o this_o in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n they_o say_v when_o they_o allow_v a_o man_n to_o be_v very_o able_a to_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v discover_v and_o embrace_v that_o to_o have_v no_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o afterward_o of_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n whatsoever_o and_o a_o very_a tempt_a argument_n it_o be_v to_o any_o man_n that_o have_v judgement_n to_o enter_v into_o that_o church_n 2._o another_o art_n they_o use_v with_o their_o intend_a proselyte_n in_o order_n to_o his_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o caution_n he_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v only_o the_o argument_n and_o book_n which_o be_v on_o one_o side_n but_o now_o admit_v their_o design_a proselyte_n to_o be_v just_o such_o a_o judge_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o will_v allow_v he_o to_o be_v and_o no_o far_o viz._n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n but_o to_o have_v no_o fitness_n and_o ability_n at_o all_o to_o judge_v of_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n yet_o methinks_v they_o put_v a_o very_a odd_a condition_n and_o untoward_a restraint_n upon_o this_o judge_n in_o tell_v he_o as_o they_o certain_o use_v to_o do_v those_o who_o they_o will_v pervert_v that_o he_o must_v have_v no_o discourse_n nor_o read_v any_o book_n but_o only_o on_o that_o side_n which_o they_o will_v gain_v he_o to_o because_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o perplex_v and_o confound_v he_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a judgement_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o matter_n but_o will_v any_o man_n admit_v this_o way_n of_o proceed_v in_o a_o temporal_a case_n this_o be_v just_a as_o if_o in_o a_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n the_o council_n on_o one_o side_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v the_o judge_n that_o it_o be_v only_o fit_a to_o hear_v what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v in_o the_o case_n that_o he_o will_v open_v it_o very_o plain_o and_o state_n the_o matter_n in_o difference_n of_o clear_o and_o impartial_o and_o bring_v such_o strong_a reason_n and_o proof_n for_o what_o he_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o hear_v any_o thing_n on_o the_o other_o side_n but_o may_v proceed_v to_o judgement_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n but_o if_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v thus_o lay_v before_o he_o so_o plain_o and_o be_v even_o ripe_a for_o judgement_n he_o will_v trouble_v himself_o needless_o to_o hear_v the_o other_o side_n this_o will_v cast_v he_o back_o where_o they_o first_o begin_v and_o bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o endless_a wrangle_n and_o so_o confound_v and_o puzzle_v his_o understanding_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o pass_v any_o clear_a judgement_n in_o the_o cause_n what_o think_v we_o will_v a_o judge_n say_v to_o such_o a_o bold_a and_o senseless_a pleader_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o absurdity_n every_o whit_n as_o gross_a and_o palpable_a in_o press_v any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o judgement_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o infinite_o more_o concern_v he_o upon_o hear_v only_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n on_o one_o side_n 3._o another_o art_n which_o they_o use_v in_o make_v proselyte_n be_v to_o possess_v they_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v main_o concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o that_o be_v this_o since_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n out_o of_o 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of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n of_o their_o seven_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o then_o several_a of_o their_o practice_n as_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n of_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_a and_o several_a other_o thing_n so_o plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o almost_o the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v easy_o be_v make_v sensible_a and_o convince_v of_o it_o these_o be_v sore_a place_n which_o they_o desire_v not_o to_o have_v touch_v and_o therefore_o they_o use_v all_o possible_a artifice_n to_o keep_v man_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o partly_o because_o the_o particular_a discussion_n of_o they_o 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be_v visible_o and_o at_o first_o sight_n very_o great_a and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n they_o be_v so_o steady_a and_o constant_a to_o it_o and_o do_v so_o obstinate_o insist_v upon_o it_o but_o how_o convenient_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o they_o it_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a very_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o account_n 1._o because_o the_o true_a church_n do_v not_o constitute_v and_o make_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n the_o profession_n whereof_o make_v the_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n the_o first_o enquiry_n must_v be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o by_o he_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o their_o write_n transmit_v and_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v find_v every_o society_n of_o christian_n which_o hold_v this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o true_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o all_o the_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n that_o agree_v in_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n 2._o the_o enquiry_n about_o the_o true_a church_n can_v have_v no_o issue_n even_o according_a to_o their_o own_o way_n of_o proceed_v without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n the_o communion_n whereof_o they_o will_v persuade_v a_o man_n to_o embrace_v we_o will_v admit_v at_o present_a this_o to_o be_v the_o first_o enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n let_v we_o now_o see_v in_o what_o way_n they_o manage_v this_o to_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o their_o church_n they_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ._n the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n we_o will_v particular_o examine_v afterward_o when_o we_o come_v 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their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n without_o show_v the_o conformity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o this_o will_v give_v they_o work_v enough_o and_o will_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o their_o hold_n and_o fastness_n which_o be_v to_o amuse_v people_n with_o a_o general_a enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n without_o descend_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n but_o this_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n come_v to_o before_o they_o can_v prove_v by_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o their_o method_n of_o satisfaction_n as_o it_o be_v unnatural_a and_o unreasonable_a so_o it_o can_v serve_v the_o purpose_n they_o aim_v at_o by_o it_o which_o be_v to_o divert_v man_n from_o the_o 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we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o communion_n whereof_o a_o man_n may_v be_v safe_a but_o till_o that_o be_v make_v out_o they_o have_v do_v nothing_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v safe_a much_o less_o necessary_a to_o be_v of_o their_o communion_n but_o if_o particular_a point_n must_v be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o enquiry_n after_o the_o true_a church_n then_o they_o must_v allow_v their_o intend_a convert_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n likewise_o of_o particular_a point_n and_o if_o he_o be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o too_o before_o he_o come_v into_o their_o church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v of_o what_o use_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o it_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 i_o have_v already_o make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_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 promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_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 by_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o intend_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 not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n they_o be_v as_o they_o very_o believe_v establish_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 be_v fair_o offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n and_o then_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v positive_o first_o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_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 of_o which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n in_o his_o baptism_n for_o it_o be_v of_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v as_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o context_n second_o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o this_o i_o give_v account_n in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._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 of_o which_o i_o give_v you_o particular_a instance_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o 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 i_o be_o now_o upon_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o particular_a i_o mention_v namely_o that_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 the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n i_o have_v already_o mention_v some_o of_o the_o art_n which_o they_o use_v i_o mean_v particular_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o i_o have_v show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o as_o first_o in_o allow_v man_n to_o be_v very_o competent_a and_o sufficient_a judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n i._n e._n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o yet_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o judge_v of_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n as_o for_o these_o they_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o will_v certain_o run_v into_o damnable_a error_n and_o mistake_v and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n allow_v they_o the_o first_o a_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n otherwise_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o offer_v they_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o they_o if_o they_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o force_n of_o they_o but_o now_o after_o this_o to_o deny_v they_o all_o ability_n to_o judge_v of_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a pretence_n second_o another_o art_n they_o use_v in_o order_n to_o their_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v earnest_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v only_o the_o argument_n and_o book_n on_o their_o side_n which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v a_o judge_n in_o order_n to_o the_o better_a understanding_n and_o clear_a decision_n of_o a_o cause_n to_o hear_v only_o the_o council_n on_o one_o side_n three_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o only_a thing_n they_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n the_o one_o catholic_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o creed_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o when_o they_o have_v find_v that_o they_o be_v to_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v infallible_a for_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o this_o method_n they_o wise_o take_v to_o avoid_v particular_a dispute_n about_o the_o innovation_n and_o error_n which_o we_o charge_v they_o withal_o but_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a that_o this_o can_v be_v the_o first_o enquiry_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n that_o make_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o make_v the_o true_a church_n beside_o their_o way_n of_o prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n be_v by_o the_o mark_n and_o property_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o which_o the_o chief_a be_v the_o conformity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n with_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n this_o avoidable_a draw_v on_o a_o examination_n of_o their_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n whether_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n before_o their_o great_a enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o issue_n which_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o can_v never_o be_v without_o enter_v into_o the_o ocean_n of_o particular_a dispute_n which_o they_o desire_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o avoid_v so_o that_o they_o be_v never_o the_o near_o by_o this_o method_n they_o can_v neither_o shorten_v their_o work_n by_o it_o nor_o keep_v off_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o particular_a error_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v a_o very_a sore_a place_n and_o they_o can_v endure_v we_o shall_v touch_v it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o discover_v some_o other_o art_n and_o method_n which_o they_o use_v in_o seduce_a people_n to_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o they_o as_o i_o can_v four_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n i._n e._n the_o visible_a society_n of_o all_o christian_n unite_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o visible_a head_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n otherwise_o they_o can_v be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n we_o grant_v the_o consequence_n that_o if_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n because_o out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v ordinary_o no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v but_o how_o do_v they_o prove_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n they_o will_v fain_o have_v we_o so_o civil_a as_o to_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o they_o do_v not_o well_o know_v how_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o and_o indeed_o some_o thing_n be_v obstinate_a 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
they_o by_o faith_n for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o he_o resume_v the_o same_o argument_n again_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n for_o we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o building_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n that_o be_v we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o when_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v but_o exchange_v these_o earthly_a and_o perish_a body_n these_o house_n of_o clay_n for_o a_o heavenly_a mansion_n which_o will_v never_o decay_v nor_o come_v to_o ruin_v from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v verse_n 6._o therefore_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o what_o ever_o happen_v to_o we_o we_o be_v always_o of_o good_a courage_n and_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n know_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v since_o our_o continuance_n in_o the_o body_n be_v to_o our_o disadvantage_n and_o while_o we_o live_v we_o be_v absent_a from_o our_o happiness_n and_o when_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v then_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o that_o which_o give_v we_o this_o confidence_n and_o good_a courage_n be_v our_o faith_n for_o though_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o possess_v of_o this_o happiness_n which_o we_o speak_v of_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o support_v our_o spirit_n and_o keep_v up_o our_o courage_n under_o all_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n whatsoever_o verse_n 7._o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n these_o word_n come_v in_o by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o general_a what_o be_v the_o sway_v and_o govern_v principle_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n but_o under_o all_o event_n and_o in_o every_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o sight_n and_o present_a enjoyment_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n what_o ever_o principle_n sway_v and_o govern_v a_o man_n life_n and_o action_n he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v and_o live_v by_o it_o and_o as_o here_o a_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o walk_v by_o faith_n so_o elsewhere_o the_o just_a be_v say_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n which_o animate_v all_o his_o resolution_n and_o action_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o thing_n itself_o in_o present_a view_n and_o possession_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n future_a and_o invisible_a sight_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o hand_n and_o faith_n the_o thing_n only_o in_o hope_n and_o expectation_n sight_n be_v a_o clear_a view_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n present_a and_o near_o to_o we_o faith_n a_o obscure_a discovery_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 12._o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o this_o be_v faith_n but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n this_o be_v present_a sight_n as_o one_o man_n see_v another_o face_n to_o face_n and_o thus_o likewise_o the_o same_o apostle_n distinguish_v betwixt_o hope_n and_o sight_n rom._n 8._o 24._o 25._o hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v not_o hope_n for_o what_o a_o man_n see_v why_o do_v he_o yet_o hope_v for_o it_o but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o that_o which_o we_o see_v not_o then_o do_v we_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o sight_n be_v possession_n and_o enjoyment_n faith_n be_v the_o firm_a persuasion_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o govern_v principle_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v observe_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o govern_v principle_n and_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a we_o walk_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o order_v and_o govern_v our_o life_n in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o principle_n ii_o faith_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o assent_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o sense_n this_o be_v sufficient-intimated_n in_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o sight_n he_o have_v say_v before_o that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n and_o proof_n of_o our_o absence_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o enjoy_v but_o believe_v and_o expect_v if_o we_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n than_o faith_n will_v cease_v and_o be_v turn_v into_o sight_n but_o though_o we_o have_v not_o that_o assurance_n of_o another_o world_n which_o we_o shall_v have_v when_o we_o come_v to_o see_v and_o enjoy_v these_o thing_n yet_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o they_o iii_o notwithstanding_o faith_n be_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o assurance_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v such_o a_o assurance_n as_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n i._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o govern_v principle_n and_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o order_v and_o govern_v our_o life_n in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o principle_n a_o christian_n life_n consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o in_o a_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v what_o he_o call_v we_o to_o and_o the_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n hereto_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o sense_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v absent_a and_o future_a and_o not_o present_a and_o in_o possession_n for_o instance_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o invisible_a god_n of_o a_o secret_a power_n and_o providence_n that_o order_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v bless_v or_o blast_v we_o and_o all_o our_o design_n and_o undertake_n according_a as_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o secret_a aid_n and_o influence_n always_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o evil_a and_o to_o strengthen_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a more_o especial_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o world_n which_o though_o they_o be_v now_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o invisible_a to_o we_o yet_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v shall_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a and_o this_o faith_n this_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o absent_a and_o invisible_a thing_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o he_o call_v ch._n 11._o verse_n 1._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v viz._n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abel_n he_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o faithful_o serve_v he_o such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o noah_n who_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o not_o see_v as_o yet_o notwithstanding_o believe_v the_o divine_a prediction_n concern_v the_o flood_n and_o prepare_v a_o ark_n such_o also_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n concern_v a_o numerous_a posterity_n by_o isaac_n and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o such_o likewise_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v as_o firm_o believe_v the_o invisible_a god_n and_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n as_o if_o he_o have_v behold_v they_o with_o his_o eye_n and_o of_o this_o recompense_n of_o reward_n we_o christian_n have_v
a_o much_o clear_a revelation_n and_o much_o great_a assurance_n than_o former_a age_n and_o generation_n have_v and_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o this_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o hope_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o of_o obtain_v the_o happiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o incur_v the_o misery_n of_o another_o world_n this_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n with_o so_o much_o patience_n to_o bear_v the_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n with_o so_o much_o constancy_n to_o venture_v upon_o the_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n expose_v they_o to_o under_o the_o former_a dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n though_o good_a man_n receive_v good_a hope_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n yet_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o obscure_o reveal_v to_o they_o and_o the_o great_a inducement_n of_o obedience_n be_v temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o promise_n of_o long_a life_n and_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o prosperity_n in_o that_o good_a land_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o and_o the_o threaten_n of_o war_n and_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n and_o be_v deliver_v into_o captivity_n but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n and_o the_o great_a argument_n that_o bear_v sway_n with_o christian_n be_v the_o promise_v of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a misery_n and_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o these_o be_v now_o the_o great_a principle_n that_o govern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o good_a man_n for_o what_o will_v not_o man_n do_v that_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o as_o they_o do_v demean_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n it_o will_v fare_v with_o they_o in_o the_o other_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o observation_n namely_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o assent_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o sense_n this_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o sight_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o though_o we_o never_o see_v they_o and_o consequent_o can_v possible_o have_v that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n which_o those_o have_v who_o enjoy_v the_o one_o and_o endure_v the_o other_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v thing_n arise_v from_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o they_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o any_o thing_n be_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n and_o this_o be_v so_o firm_a and_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o the_o utmost_a pretence_n of_o a_o rational_a demonstration_n man_n will_v trust_v their_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n against_o any_o subtlety_n of_o reason_n whatsoever_o but_o there_o be_v inferior_a degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v thing_n as_o the_o testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o person_n every_o way_n credible_a and_o this_o assurance_n we_o have_v in_o this_o state_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n we_o believe_v with_o great_a reason_n that_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o which_o be_v the_o high_a kind_n of_o evidence_n in_o itself_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reasonable_a assurance_n we_o can_v desire_v that_o god_n have_v testify_v these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n which_o thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n to_o deny_v that_o this_o fall_v very_o much_o short_a of_o that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n which_o those_o person_n have_v concern_v these_o thing_n who_o be_v now_o in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o have_v the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o intimate_v here_o in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o opposition_n of_o faith_n and_o sight_n but_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 10._o we_o know_v now_o but_o in_o part_n but_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o that_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v in_o this_o life_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o comparison_n to_o what_o we_o shall_v have_v hereafter_o and_o verse_n 12._o we_o now_o see_v as_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o a_o riddle_n in_o which_o there_o be_v always_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o obscurity_n all_o which_o expression_n be_v certain_o intend_v by_o way_n of_o abatement_n and_o diminution_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n or_o imperfect_a the_o apostle_n mean_v faith_n and_o hope_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o shall_v cease_v when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a meaning_n vision_n and_o sight_n be_v come_v we_o see_v likewise_o in_o experience_n that_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o best_a christian_n in_o this_o life_n be_v accompany_v with_o doubt_v concern_v these_o thing_n and_o all_o doubt_v be_v a_o degree_n of_o uncertainty_n but_o those_o bless_a soul_n who_o be_v enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o those_o miserable_a wretch_n who_o lie_v groan_v under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n can_v possible_o if_o they_o will_v have_v any_o doubt_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o however_o contentious_a man_n may_v dispute_v against_o common_a sense_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o truth_n that_o i_o will_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o reasonable_a while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o state_n to_o expect_v that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n concern_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n which_o the_o sight_n and_o sensible_a experience_n of_o they_o will_v give_v we_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o our_o present_a state_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o and_o 2._o if_o it_o will_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v have_v it_o 1._o our_o present_a state_n will_v not_o admit_v it_o for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a we_o shall_v have_v that_o sensible_a experiment_n and_o trial_n how_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o other_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v remote_a from_o we_o and_o far_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o we_o can_v have_v any_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o they_o till_o we_o ourselves_o enter_v into_o that_o state_n those_o who_o be_v already_o past_a into_o it_o know_v how_o thing_n be_v those_o happy_a soul_n who_o live_v in_o the_o revive_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v possess_v of_o those_o joy_n which_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v understand_v these_o thing_n in_o another_o manner_n and_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a assurance_n concern_v they_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a spirit_n who_o feel_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o horror_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n do_v believe_v upon_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o have_v other_o kind_n of_o conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o state_n and_o the_o insupportable_a misery_n of_o it_o than_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n 2._o if_o our_o present_a state_n will_v admit_v of_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o such_o a_o overpower_v evidence_n will_v quite_o take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o much_o lessen_v that_o of_o obedience_n put_v the_o case_n that_o every_o man_n some_o considerable_a time_n before_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n be_v permit_v to_o visit_v the_o other_o world_n to_o assure_v he_o how_o thing_n be_v there_o to_o view_v the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o to_o survey_v the_o dark_a and_o loathsome_a prison_n of_o the_o damn_a to_o hear_v the_o lamentable_a outcry_n of_o miserable_a and_o despair_v soul_n and_o to_o see_v the_o inconceivable_a anguish_n and_o torment_n they_o be_v in_o after_o this_o what_o virtue_n will_v it_o be_v in_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n he_o that_o have_v be_v there_o and_o see_v they_o can_v not_o disbelieve_v they_o if_o he_o will_v faith_n in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o be_v virtue_n but_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o pronounce_v
they_o bless_v who_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o the_o forcible_a evidence_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v they_o may_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v not_o praise_n no_o reward_n belong_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o so_o violent_a and_o irresistible_a a_o evidence_n it_o be_v the_o great_a commendation_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o against_o hope_n he_o believe_v in_o hope_n he_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o improbable_a but_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n at_o all_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v because_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o dispute_n no_o objection_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o shake_v our_o assent_n unless_o we_o will_v run_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o scepticism_n for_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o we_o must_v yield_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n this_o do_v so_o violent_o enforce_v our_o assent_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o as_o this_o will_v take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o will_v very_o much_o lessen_v that_o of_o our_o obedience_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n who_o have_v see_v the_o bless_a condition_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n and_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o intolerable_a torment_n of_o sinner_n shall_v ever_o after_o be_v tempt_v know_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v deprive_v he_o of_o that_o happiness_n or_o bring_v he_o into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n such_o a_o sight_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o affect_v a_o man_n as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v and_o leave_v such_o impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n of_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o wicked_a course_n that_o we_o may_v soon_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v conspire_v to_o kill_v one_o another_o than_o that_o such_o a_o man_n by_o consent_v to_o any_o deliberate_a act_n of_o sin_n shall_v wilful_o throw_v himself_o into_o those_o flame_n no_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v continual_o haunt_v with_o those_o fury_n he_o have_v see_v torment_v sinner_n in_o another_o world_n and_o the_o fearful_a shriek_n and_o outcry_n of_o miserable_a soul_n will_v be_v perpetual_o ring_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o the_o man_n will_v have_v so_o lively_a and_o terrible_a a_o imagination_n of_o the_o danger_n he_o be_v run_v himself_o upon_o that_o no_o temptation_n will_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o conquer_v his_o fear_n and_o to_o make_v he_o careless_a of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n after_o he_o have_v once_o see_v how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n the_o reason_n of_o man_n obedience_n will_v be_v so_o violent_a that_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o must_v be_v very_o little_a for_o what_o praise_n be_v due_a to_o any_o man_n not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o none_o but_o a_o perfect_a mad_a man_n will_v do_v for_o certain_o that_o man_n must_v be_v beside_o himself_o that_o can_v by_o any_o temptation_n be_v seduce_v to_o live_v a_o wicked_a life_n after_o he_o have_v see_v the_o state_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o dismal_a event_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o sinful_a course_n god_n have_v design_v this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o there_o will_v hardly_o be_v any_o place_n for_o this_o if_o there_o be_v a_o free_a and_o easy_a passage_n for_o we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n to_o see_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n there_o what_o argument_n will_v it_o be_v of_o any_o man_n virtue_n to_o forbear_v sin_v after_o he_o have_v be_v in_o hell_n and_o see_v the_o miserable_a end_n of_o sinner_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o and_o last_o observation_n namely_o that_o notwithstanding_o faith_n be_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o assent_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o power_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n now_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n may_v have_v its_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v satisfy_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o of_o the_o certainty_n and_o of_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v altogether_o uncertain_a it_o will_v not_o move_v we_o at_o all_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v good_a nor_o for_o the_o avoid_n and_o prevent_v of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v evil_a and_o if_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o thing_n yet_o if_o we_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o slight_v it_o as_o not_o worth_a our_o regard_n but_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n which_o the_o gospel_n propound_v to_o our_o faith_n be_v fit_v to_o work_v upon_o our_o mind_n both_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o concernment_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v well_o capable_a of_o in_o this_o state_n concern_v thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n we_o have_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n argue_v we_o into_o this_o persuasion_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o from_o the_o promiscuous_a and_o unequal_a administration_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n from_o whence_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o state_n of_o thing_n after_o this_o life_n wherein_o reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v be_v equal_o distribute_v we_o have_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o these_o reason_n be_v true_a we_o have_v a_o most_o credible_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n from_o heaven_n to_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o and_o give_v we_o a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o visible_a aseension_n into_o heaven_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o evidence_n want_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o only_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a in_o this_o present_a state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o all_o this_o but_o what_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o uncertainty_n which_o do_v not_o come_v under_o our_o sense_n and_o which_o we_o ourselves_o have_v not_o see_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o considerable_a interest_n to_o hinder_v man_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o to_o make_v they_o hesitate_n about_o they_o for_o as_o for_o the_o other_o world_n if_o at_o last_o there_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n our_o condition_n after_o death_n will_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n because_o all_o will_v be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n but_o if_o thing_n fall_v out_o otherwise_o as_o most_o undoubted_o they_o will_v and_o our_o soul_n after_o this_o life_n do_v pass_v into_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o misery_n than_o our_o great_a interest_n plain_o lie_v in_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o this_o state_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o secure_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o by_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o govern_v all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n by_o this_o belief_n for_o as_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o life_n they_o be_v but_o short_a and_o transitory_a and_o consequent_o of_o no_o consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o as_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o set_v aside_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o real_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n but_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o promote_v and_o pursue_v to_o as_o great_a advantage_n nay_o usual_o to_o a_o far_o great_a by_o he_o that_o believe_v these_o thing_n and_o live_v according_o than_o by_o any_o other_o person_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n and_o as_o all_o vice_n be_v natural_o attend_v with_o some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n so_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a
virtue_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v both_o to_o the_o welfare_n of_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o weigh_v very_o much_o with_o we_o be_v that_o we_o have_v abundant_o more_o assurance_n of_o the_o recompense_n of_o another_o world_n than_o we_o have_v of_o many_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n which_o yet_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o action_n and_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a men._n man_n general_o hazard_v their_o life_n and_o estate_n upon_o term_n of_o great_a uncertainty_n than_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o another_o world_n man_n venture_v to_o take_v physic_n upon_o probable_a ground_n of_o the_o integrity_n and_o skill_n of_o their_o physician_n and_o yet_o the_o want_n of_o either_o of_o these_o may_v hazard_v their_o life_n and_o man_n take_v physic_n upon_o great_a odds_o for_o it_o certain_o cause_v pain_n and_o sickness_n and_o do_v but_o uncertain_o procure_v and_o recover_v health_n the_o patient_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v make_v sick_a but_o not_o certain_a to_o be_v make_v well_o and_o yet_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v worse_o if_o not_o of_o die_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o success_n and_o recovery_n on_o the_o other_o make_v this_o hazard_n and_o trouble_v reasonable_a man_n venture_v their_o whole_a estate_n to_o place_n which_o they_o never_o see_v and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n they_o have_v only_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n and_o agreement_n of_o man_n nay_o perhaps_o have_v only_o speak_v with_o they_o that_o have_v speak_v with_o those_o that_o have_v be_v there_o no_o merchant_n ever_o insist_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o the_o east_n and_o west-indies_n before_o he_o will_v venture_v to_o trade_n thither_o and_o yet_o this_o assurance_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v the_o world_n of_o a_o state_n beyond_o the_o grave_a and_o of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o life_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o so_o slender_a evidence_n so_o small_a a_o degree_n of_o assurance_n will_v serve_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o seek_v after_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n with_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n and_o yet_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o put_v they_o effectual_o upon_o look_v after_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o considerable_a no_o other_o reason_n of_o this_o can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o man_n be_v partial_a in_o their_o affection_n towards_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o love_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v for_o this_o world_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o assurance_n will_v engage_v they_o to_o seek_v after_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o the_o reason_n be_v much_o strong_a on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o the_o great_a the_o benefit_n and_o good_a be_v which_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o eager_a to_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o venture_v upon_o less_o probability_n upon_o excessive_a odds_o a_o man_n will_v venture_v upon_o very_o small_a hope_n for_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n a_o man_n will_v be_v content_a to_o run_v a_o great_a hazard_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o pain_n upon_o little_a assurance_n where_o a_o man_n life_n be_v concern_v every_o suspicion_n of_o danger_n will_v make_v a_o man_n careful_a to_o avoid_v it_o and_o will_v nothing_o affright_v man_n from_o hell_n unless_o god_n carry_v they_o thither_o and_o show_v they_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n and_o the_o flame_n of_o that_o fire_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v quench_v i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o abundant_a evidence_n i_o have_v show_v that_o they_o have_v but_o to_o convince_v man_n how_o unreasonable_a and_o cruel_o partial_a they_o be_v about_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n 2._o suppose_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v real_a and_o certain_a they_o be_v of_o infinite_a concernment_n to_o we_o for_o what_o can_v concern_v we_o more_o than_o that_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n in_o which_o we_o must_v be_v fix_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o if_o so_o vast_a a_o concern_v will_v not_o move_v we_o and_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n we_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n what_o consideration_n can_v be_v set_v before_o man_n who_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o great_a a_o interest_n as_o that_o of_o our_o happy_a or_o miserable_a be_v to_o all_o eternity_n can_v we_o be_v so_o solicitous_a and_o careful_a about_o the_o concernment_n of_o a_o few_o day_n and_o be_v it_o nothing_o to_o we_o what_o become_v of_o we_o for_o ever_o be_v we_o so_o tender_o concern_v to_o avoid_v poverty_n and_o disgrace_n persecution_n and_o suffer_v in_o this_o world_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o much_o more_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o endeavour_v to_o escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n be_v the_o slight_a and_o transitory_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n worth_a so_o much_o thought_n and_o care_n and_o be_v a_o eternal_a inheritance_n in_o the_o heaven_n not_o worth_a the_o look_v after_o as_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n betwixt_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v temporal_a and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v eternal_a so_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v infinite_o more_o concern_v for_o the_o one_o than_o for_o the_o other_o the_o proper_a inference_n from_o all_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o strengthen_v in_o ourselves_o this_o great_a principle_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n the_o belief_n of_o another_o world_n by_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o all_o those_o argument_n and_o consideration_n which_o may_v confirm_v we_o in_o this_o persuasion_n the_o more_o reasonable_a our_o faith_n be_v and_o the_o sure_a ground_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o more_o firm_a it_o will_v abide_v when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n against_o all_o the_o impression_n of_o temptation_n and_o assault_n of_o persecution_n if_o our_o faith_n of_o another_o world_n be_v only_o a_o strong_a imagination_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o soon_o as_o tribulation_n arise_v it_o will_v wither_v because_o it_o have_v no_o root_n in_o itself_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n so_o often_o exhort_v christian_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o when_o persecution_n come_v they_o may_v continue_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a the_o firmness_n of_o our_o belief_n will_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n if_o we_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o our_o persuasion_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v be_v abundant_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o apostle_n join_v these_o together_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o what_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n which_o the_o more_o firm_o any_o man_n believe_v the_o more_o active_a and_o industrious_a will_v he_o be_v in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o that_o our_o faith_n may_v have_v a_o constant_a and_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v frequent_o revolve_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o of_o that_o vast_a eternity_n which_o we_o shall_v short_o launch_v into_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o argument_n fetch_v from_o another_o world_n be_v this_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o we_o and_o not_o sensible_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v so_o affect_v with_o they_o present_v and_o sensible_a thing_n weigh_v down_o all_o other_o consideration_n and_o therefore_o to_o balance_v this_o disadvantage_n we_o shall_v often_o have_v these_o thought_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o inculcate_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o infinite_a concernment_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v reason_v thus_o with_o ourselves_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o will_v certain_o be_v why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v to_o i_o as_o if_o they_o be_v actual_o present_a why_o shall_v not_o i_o always_o live_v as_o if_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o my_o view_n and_o i_o see_v
and_o live_v of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o his_o gospel_n a_o sermon_n on_o matth_n xvi_o 24._o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o than_o say_v jesus_n to_o his_o disciple_n that_o be_v upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o former_a discourse_n with_o they_o wherein_o he_o have_v acquaint_v they_o with_o his_o approach_a passion_n that_o he_o must_v short_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o suffer_v many_o thing_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o they_o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o or_o follow_v i_o that_o be_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o undertake_v the_o profession_n of_o my_o religion_n if_o any_o man_n choose_v and_o resolve_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a he_o must_v be_v so_o upon_o these_o term_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o he_o must_v follow_v i_o in_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o way_n and_o method_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v in_o make_v proselyte_n and_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o his_o religion_n he_o offer_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o compel_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o fair_o offer_v it_o to_o their_o consideration_n and_o choice_n and_o tell_v they_o plain_o upon_o what_o term_n they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o if_o they_o be_v content_v and_o resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o these_o term_n well_o if_o not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o follow_v he_o any_o long_o for_o they_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n ii_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v this_o duty_n of_o self-denial_n express_v in_o these_o word_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 iii_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o strict_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o it_o whenever_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o without_o this_o we_o can_v be_v christ_n disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o or_o be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o iv._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n for_o christ_n which_o at_o first_o appearance_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a and_o i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o particular_n as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v i._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o way_n and_o method_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o use_v in_o make_v proselyte_n and_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o his_o religion_n he_o offer_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o fair_o propose_v it_o to_o their_o consideration_n and_o choice_n tell_v they_o plain_o upon_o what_o term_n they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n if_o they_o like_v they_o and_o be_v content_a and_o resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o well_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v they_o and_o own_v they_o for_o his_o disciple_n if_o not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o follow_v he_o any_o long_o for_o they_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n he_o offer_v they_o no_o worldly_a preferment_n and_o advantage_n to_o entice_v they_o into_o his_o religion_n and_o to_o tempt_v they_o outward_o to_o profess_v what_o they_o do_v not_o inward_o believe_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o do_v not_o hale_v and_o drag_v they_o by_o force_n and_o awe_v they_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o torture_n and_o death_n to_o sign_v the_o christian_a faith_n though_o most_o undoubted_o true_a and_o to_o confess_v with_o their_o mouth_n and_o subscribe_v with_o their_o hand_n what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n he_o do_v not_o obtrude_v his_o sacrament_n upon_o they_o and_o plunge_v they_o into_o the_o water_n to_o baptise_v they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o and_o thrust_v the_o sacrament_n of_o bread_n into_o their_o mouth_n as_o if_o man_n may_v be_v worthy_a receiver_n of_o that_o bless_a sacrament_n whether_o they_o receive_v it_o willing_o or_o no._n our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n make_v use_v of_o none_o of_o these_o way_n of_o violence_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o of_o all_o religion_n and_o especial_o of_o christianity_n and_o fit_v only_o to_o make_v man_n hypocrite_n but_o not_o convert_v he_o only_o say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n he_o use_v no_o argument_n but_o such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o proper_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n for_o as_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o induce_v man_n to_o be_v his_o subject_n take_v from_o this_o world_n but_o from_o the_o endless_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o the_o weapon_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o subdue_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o carnal_a and_o yet_o they_o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n to_o conquer_v the_o obstinacy_n and_o infidelity_n of_o man_n this_o great_a and_o infallible_a teacher_n who_o certain_o come_v from_o god_n all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v to_o propose_v his_o religion_n to_o man_n with_o such_o evidence_n and_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o he_o acquaint_v they_o likewise_o with_o all_o the_o worldly_a disadvantage_n of_o it_o and_o the_o hazard_n and_o suffering_n that_o will_v attend_v it_o and_o now_o if_o upon_o full_a consideration_n they_o will_v make_v his_o religion_n their_o free_a choice_n and_o become_v his_o disciple_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o he_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n better_o than_o to_o go_v about_o to_o force_v it_o upon_o man_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n ii_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v this_o duty_n or_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n express_v in_o these_o word_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n these_o be_v difficult_a term_n for_o a_o man_n to_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o own_o cross_n that_o be_v willing_o to_o submit_v to_o all_o those_o suffering_n which_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n may_v inflict_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n for_o this_o expression_n of_o take_v up_o one_o cross_n be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o roman_a custom_n which_o be_v this_o that_o he_o that_o be_v condemn_v to_o be_v crucify_a be_v to_o take_v his_o cross_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n this_o the_o jew_n make_v our_o saviour_n to_o do_v as_o we_o read_v joh._n 19_o 17._o till_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v under_o it_o and_o lest_o he_o shall_v die_v away_o before_o he_o be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n they_o compel_v simon_n of_o cyrene_n to_o carry_v it_o for_o he_o as_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n and_o yet_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n must_v follow_v he_o bear_v their_o own_o cross_n that_o be_v be_v ready_a if_o god_n call_v they_o to_o it_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o like_a suffering_n for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n which_o he_o be_v short_o to_o undergo_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o their_o sake_n but_o though_o these_o term_n seem_v very_o hard_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n some_o indeed_o have_v make_v they_o so_o by_o extend_v this_o self-denial_n too_o far_o attend_v more_o to_o the_o latitude_n of_o the_o word_n than_o to_o the_o meaning_n and_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n which_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v call_v self-denial_n which_o yet_o our_o saviour_n never_o intend_v to_o oblige_v christian_n to_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n great_a self-denial_n for_o a_o man_n without_o any_o necessity_n to_o deny_v himself_o the_o necessary_a support_v of_o life_n for_o a_o man_n to_o starve_v and_o make_v away_o himself_o but_o no_o man_n certain_o ever_o imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n ever_o intend_v by_o this_o precept_n to_o enjoin_v this_o kind_n of_o self-denial_n it_o be_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
name_n sake_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o self-denial_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v of_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o a_o readiness_n and_o willingness_n when_o ever_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o to_o quit_v all_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o the_o dear_a of_o all_o other_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o any_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffering_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o precept_n here_o in_o the_o text._n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o strict_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n rather_o than_o to_o forsake_v and_o renounce_v they_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o or_o be_v my_o disciple_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 that_o be_v upon_o these_o term_n he_o must_v be_v my_o disciple_n in_o this_o manner_n he_o must_v follow_v i_o and_o in_o the_o text_n i_o mention_v before_o he_o declare_v again_o that_o he_o that_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o quit_v all_o his_o relation_n and_o even_a life_n itself_o for_o his_o sake_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o and_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n so_o that_o we_o can_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n if_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a thus_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o if_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o of_o any_o temporal_a suffering_n we_o shall_v renounce_v and_o deny_v he_o he_o threaten_v to_o deny_v we_o before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n i._n e._n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o sentence_n we_o to_o everlasting_a misery_n matth._n 10._o 32._o whosoever_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o mark_v 8._o 38._o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n that_o be_v when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o that_o judgement_n for_o that_o by_o his_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o he_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o go_v before_o v._o 26_o 27._o what_o shall_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o than_o it_o follow_v whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n but_o because_o some_o have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o require_v thus_o much_o of_o christian_n but_o all_o that_o he_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o our_o heart_n but_o not_o to_o make_v any_o outward_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n when_o the_o magistrate_n forbid_v it_o and_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o suffer_v for_o it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o examine_v what_o be_v pretend_v for_o so_o strange_a a_o assertion_n and_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v the_o leviathan_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o not_o bind_v to_o confess_v christ_n but_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o deny_v he_o in_o case_n the_o magistrate_n require_v we_o so_o to_o do_v his_o word_n be_v these_o what_o if_o the_o sovereign_n forbid_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n he_o answer_v such_o forbid_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n because_o belief_n and_o unbelief_n never_o follow_v man_n command_n but_o what_o say_v he_o if_o we_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a prince_n to_o say_v with_o our_o tongue_n we_o believe_v not_o must_v we_o obey_v such_o command_n to_o this_o he_o answer_v that_o profession_n with_o the_o tongue_n be_v but_o a_o external_n thing_n and_o no_o more_o than_o any_o other_o gesture_n whereby_o we_o signify_v our_o obedience_n and_o wherein_o a_o christian_a hold_v firm_o in_o his_o heart_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n which_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n allow_v to_o naaman_n but_o what_o then_o say_v he_o shall_v i_o answer_v to_o our_o saviour_n say_v whosoever_o deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n his_o answer_n be_v this_o we_o may_v say_v that_o whatsoever_o a_o subject_a be_v compel_v to_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o sovereign_n and_o do_v it_o not_o in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n the_o action_n be_v not_o he_o but_o his_o sovereign_n nor_o be_v it_o he_o that_o in_o this_o case_n deny_v christ_n before_o man_n but_o his_o governor_n and_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n but_o can_v any_o man_n that_o in_o good_a earnest_n pay_v any_o degree_n of_o reverence_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n think_v to_o baffle_v such_o plain_a word_n by_o so_o frivolous_a a_o answer_n there_o be_v no_o man_n doubt_n but_o if_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v command_v man_n to_o deny_v christ_n he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a sin_n in_o so_o do_v but_o if_o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o every_o man_n must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n how_o will_v this_o excuse_v he_o that_o deny_v christ_n or_o break_v any_o other_o commandment_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n that_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o deny_v he_o though_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v command_v they_o to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o in_o that_o very_a place_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o confess_v or_o deny_v he_o before_o man_n he_o put_v this_o very_a case_n of_o their_o be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n for_o confess_v he_o matth._n 10._o 17._o beware_v say_v he_o of_o man_n for_o they_o will_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o the_o council_n and_o they_o will_v scourge_v you_o in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n but_o what_o testimony_n will_v this_o be_v against_o they_o if_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o deny_v christ_n at_o their_o command_n but_o our_o saviour_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o demean_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n v_o 19_o but_o when_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o take_v you_o no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o very_a hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v but_o what_o need_v of_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a assistance_n in_o the_o case_n if_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o deny_v he_o when_o they_o be_v require_v by_o the_o magistrate_n to_o do_v it_o and_o then_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o discourse_n he_o bid_v they_o v_o 28._o not_o to_o fear_v they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v that_o be_v not_o to_o deny_v he_o for_o fear_v of_o any_o temporal_a punishment_n or_o suffer_v the_o magistrate_n can_v inflict_v upon_o they_o but_o to_o fear_v and_o obey_v he_o who_o can_v destroy_v body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n and_o upon_o this_o discourse_n our_o saviour_n conclude_v v_o 32_o 33._o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o now_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_a than_o that_o our_o saviour_n require_v his_o disciple_n to_o make_v confession_n of_o he_o before_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o not_o to_o deny_v he_o for_o fear_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v do_v
to_o they_o but_o let_v we_o inquire_v a_o little_a far_o and_o see_v how_o the_o apostle_n who_o receive_v this_o precept_n from_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v understand_v it_o act_n 4._o 14._o we_o find_v peter_n and_o john_n summon_v before_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n who_o strict_o command_v they_o not_o to_o speak_v at_o all_o nor_o teach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o peter_n and_o john_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o you_o more_o than_o unto_o god_n judge_v you_o and_o when_o they_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o course_n notwithstanding_o the_o command_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o be_v call_v again_o before_o the_o council_n ch._n 5._o 28._o and_o the_o high_a priest_n ask_v they_o say_v do_v we_o not_o strait_o command_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o teach_v in_o this_o name_n and_o behold_v you_o have_v fill_v jerusalem_n with_o your_o doctrine_n they_o return_v they_o again_o the_o same_o answer_n v_o 29._o then_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n answer_v and_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o let_v any_o man_n now_o judge_n whether_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o oblige_v man_n to_o confess_v he_o even_o before_o magistrate_n and_o to_o obey_v he_o rather_o than_o men._n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v any_o man_n in_o reason_n think_v that_o the_o great_a king_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v invest_v any_o man_n with_o a_o power_n to_o control_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o disobey_v and_o renounce_v he_o by_o who_o king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v judgement_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o unreasonable_a that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o thing_n but_o downright_a malice_n against_o god_n and_o religion_n can_v prompt_v any_o man_n to_o advance_v such_o a_o assertion_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v for_o christ_n which_o at_o first_o appearance_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a but_o this_o together_o with_o the_o application_n of_o this_o discourse_n shall_v be_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n a_o sermon_n on_o matth_n xvi_o 24._o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o than_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n that_o be_v upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o former_a discourse_n with_o they_o concern_v his_o approach_a passion_n and_o that_o he_o must_v short_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o suffer_v many_o thing_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o they_o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o that_o be_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o undertake_v the_o profession_n of_o my_o religion_n he_o must_v do_v it_o upon_o these_o term_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o i_o consider_v the_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o use_v in_o make_v proselyte_n and_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o his_o religion_n he_o offer_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o fair_o propose_v it_o to_o their_o consideration_n and_o choice_n tell_v they_o plain_o upon_o what_o term_n they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n if_o they_o like_v they_o and_o be_v resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o well_o if_o not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o follow_v he_o any_o long_o for_o they_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o to_o use_v any_o other_o way_n than_o this_o to_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o religion_n be_v contrary_a both_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n who_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o free_a choice_n can_v be_v religion_n second_o i_o explain_v his_o duty_n or_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n express_v in_o these_o word_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n which_o phrase_n of_o take_v up_o one_o cross_n be_v a_o allusion_n to_o the_o roman_a custom_n which_o be_v that_o the_o malefactor_n that_o be_v to_o be_v crucify_a be_v to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n now_o for_o our_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n but_o to_o 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 therefore_o i_o do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n remove_v several_a thing_n which_o be_v instance_a in_o by_o some_o as_o intend_v and_o require_v by_o this_o precept_n as_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o own_o sense_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o this_o i_o show_v to_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o we_o see_v or_o will_v believe_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o see_v we_o destroy_v all_o certainty_n there_o be_v no_o great_a than_o that_o of_o sense_n beside_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n be_v less_o clear_a and_o certain_a than_o that_o of_o sense_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n which_o be_v always_o sway_v and_o bear_v down_o by_o the_o great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n so_o that_o we_o can_v assent_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n 2._o other_o will_v comprehend_v under_o this_o precept_n the_o deny_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o the_o next_o degree_n of_o absurdity_n to_o the_o other_o because_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o thing_n but_o upon_o some_o reason_n or_o other_o and_o to_o believe_v without_o any_o reason_n or_o against_o reason_n be_v to_o make_v faith_n unreasonable_a and_o infidelity_n reasonable_a 3._o other_o pretend_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o precept_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v content_a to_o renounce_v their_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o brethren_n but_o this_o i_o show_v can_v be_v a_o duty_n for_o this_o plain_a reason_n because_o if_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o argument_n leave_v powerful_a enough_o to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o two_o scripture_n instance_n allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n moses_n his_o wish_n of_o be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o temporal_a death_n and_o st._n paul_n of_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o his_o brethren_n be_v only_o a_o hyperbolical_a expression_n of_o his_o great_a passion_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o countryman_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o form_n of_o the_o expression_n such_o as_o be_v common_o use_v to_o usher_v in_o a_o hyperbole_n i_o can_v wish_v and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o show_v positive_o that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n be_v this_o and_o nothing_o but_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o all_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n this_o be_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o then_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o bear_v any_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o suffer_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n this_o be_v to_o take_v up_o our_o cross._n and_o this_o i_o show_v from_o the_o instance_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o self-denial_n whenever_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o discourse_v of_o it_o three_o i_o consider_v the_o strict_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n rather_o than_o to_o forsake_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n without_o this_o disposition_n and_o resolution_n of_o mind_n we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o before_o man_n he_o will_v also_o deny_v we_o before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o this_o confession_n of_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o make_v before_o king_n and_o governor_n and_o notwithstanding_o their_o command_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v of_o no_o force_n against_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o god_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v there_o remain_v only_o