and_o assist_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o have_v a_o immediate_a commission_n from_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o require_v from_o man_n absolute_a submission_n to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o dictate_v without_o examination_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a scripture_n this_o be_v st._n paul_n constant_a custom_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v among_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o do_v not_o dictate_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o infallibility_n but_o reason_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o require_v their_o belief_n no_o further_o than_o what_o he_o say_v shall_v upon_o examination_n appear_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n so_o we_o find_v act_n 17._o 2_o 3._o and_o paul_n as_o his_o manner_n be_v go_v in_o unto_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o three_o sabbath_n day_n reason_v with_o they_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n open_v and_o allege_v that_o christ_n must_v needs_o have_v suffer_v and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o this_o jesus_n who_o i_o preach_v unto_o you_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o chap._n 18._o 28._o he_o mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o that_o public_o show_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reprove_v they_o for_o examine_v his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o commend_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a mind_n in_o the_o berean_o that_o they_o do_v not_o give_v full_a assent_n to_o his_o doctrine_n till_o upon_o due_a search_n and_o examination_n they_o be_v satisfy_v that_o what_o he_o have_v say_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n chap._n 17._o 11_o 12._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o berean_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o in_o 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belief_n of_o several_a thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n never_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o yet_o no_o body_n shall_v judge_v of_o this_o but_o every_o man_n ought_v without_o more_o ado_n to_o believe_v blindfold_a and_o to_o resign_v up_o his_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o this_o visible_a infallible_a judge_n but_o sure_o this_o be_v not_o the_o reasonable_a obedience_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o force_a submission_n of_o slave_n to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o their_o master_n christian_n be_v express_o forbid_v to_o call_v any_o man_n father_n or_o master_n upon_o earth_n because_o we_o have_v one_o father_n and_o master_n in_o heaven_n now_o to_o make_v a_o absolute_a submission_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o any_o upon_o earth_n so_o as_o without_o examination_n to_o receive_v their_o dictate_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v sure_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v so_o to_o call_v such_o a_o person_n father_n and_o master_n 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article_n to_o it_o which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v by_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o because_o they_o teach_v so_o now_o st._n paul_n express_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v preach_v another_o gospel_n because_o they_o plain_o alter_v the_o term_n of_o salvation_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v that_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o make_v so_o and_o whatever_o person_n or_o church_n do_v the_o same_o do_v incur_v the_o same_o guilt_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o anathema_n and_o censure_n here_o in_o the_o text_n yea_o though_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o bishop_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n can_v pretend_v either_o to_o a_o equal_a authority_n or_o infallibility_n with_o a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n let_v we_o then_o hear_v what_o st._n paul_n declare_v in_o this_o case_n and_o consider_v 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in_o any_o man_n because_o it_o deserve_v no_o commendation_n to_o believe_v and_o own_o that_o the_o sun_n shine_v at_o noonday_n when_o he_o see_v it_o do_v so_o no_o more_o will_v it_o be_v a_o virtue_n in_o any_o man_n and_o deserve_v praise_n to_o believe_v aright_o who_o be_v in_o a_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v infallible_o secure_v against_o all_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o the_o do_v of_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o virtue_n god_n have_v so_o frame_v religion_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o as_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a security_n to_o man_n of_o honest_a mind_n and_o teachable_a temper_n against_o all_o fatal_a and_o final_a mistake_v concern_v thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o not_o so_o that_o every_o man_n that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v infallible_o secure_v against_o all_o error_n in_o 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of_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n and_o happiness_n now_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v a_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o that_o than_o the_o most_o orthodox_n belief_n the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n i._n e_fw-la of_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v charity_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o which_o main_o avail_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n be_v a_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o charity_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o say_v our_o bless_a lord_n i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o again_o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n i._n e._n make_v profession_n of_o faith_n in_o i_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o again_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o and_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n virtue_n and_o godliness_n and_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o charity_n that_o so_o a_o abundant_a entrance_n may_v be_v minister_v to_o they_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o main_a stress_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v there_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o god_n shall_v provide_v for_o the_o infallible_a security_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v much_o strong_a why_o a_o equal_a provision_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o secure_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n of_o life_n because_o without_o this_o faith_n can_v infallible_o attain_v its_o end_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o it_o be_v 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apostle_n express_o declare_v that_o though_o we_o that_o be_v he_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v as_o we_o say_v before_o so_o say_v i_o now_o again_o if_o any_o man_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o that_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v i._o that_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v a_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o instance_n here_o give_v in_o this_o epistle_n for_o the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o false_a apostle_n with_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o preach_v another_o gospel_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n 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he_o do_v at_o first_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v come_v and_o preach_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v neither_o because_o he_o can_v bring_v no_o better_a credential_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o authority_n than_o those_o have_v who_o publish_v the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v credit_v in_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o what_o they_o have_v publish_v before_o for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o dispose_v to_o receive_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o to_o submit_v his_o faith_n to_o it_o 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 that_o be_v to_o believe_v two_o revelation_n plain_o contradictory_n to_o one_o another_o to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v very_o obvious_a because_o every_o man_n do_v first_o and_o more_o firm_o believe_v this_o proposition_n or_o principle_n that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a than_o any_o revelation_n whatsoever_o for_o if_o contradiction_n may_v be_v true_a than_o no_o revelation_n from_o god_n can_v signify_v any_o thing_n because_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v equal_o true_a and_o so_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v all_o one_o the_o apostle_n indeed_o only_o make_v a_o supposition_n when_o he_o say_v though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n unto_o you_o but_o by_o this_o supposition_n he_o plain_o bar_v any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n from_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n any_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o point_n of_o practice_n as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o make_v so_o i_o say_v any_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n whatever_o authority_n or_o infallibility_n they_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o because_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o clear_a commission_n and_o great_a evidence_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n than_o a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o will_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o preach_v another_o gospel_n it_o may_v indeed_o bring_v in_o question_n that_o which_o they_o have_v preach_v before_o but_o can_v not_o give_v credit_n and_o authority_n to_o any_o thing_n plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o iii_o christian_n may_v judge_v and_o discern_v when_o another_o gospel_n be_v preach_v when_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o point_n of_o practice_n not_o enjoin_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v impose_v upon_o christian_n this_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v every_o particular_a church_n and_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v every_o particular_a christian_a that_o be_v due_o instruct_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o and_o to_o be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o
discern_v when_o another_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o new_a term_n and_o condition_n not_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o this_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o vain_a caution_n they_o against_o the_o seduction_n of_o those_o who_o pervert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v they_o from_o he_o that_o have_v call_v they_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o false_a teacher_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o seducer_n when_o he_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o falsehood_n and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o they_o but_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o they_o upon_o another_o supposition_n which_o do_v necessary_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v what_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o not_o for_o he_o put_v the_o case_n that_o if_o he_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v to_o they_o another_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n they_o ought_v to_o reject_v it_o with_o detestation_n but_o this_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v they_o able_a to_o judge_v when_o such_o doctrine_n be_v preach_v and_o consequent_o that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o all_o christian_n be_v clear_o and_o plain_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o doctrine_n whereof_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n be_v so_o plain_o deliver_v that_o any_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n may_v learn_v they_o from_o thence_o and_o the_o mean_a capacity_n by_o the_o help_n and_o direction_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o teacher_n may_v be_v instruct_v in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o the_o principle_n of_o protestant_n but_o the_o express_a and_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o her_o usurp_a authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o that_o man_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v and_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o vain_a preach_v and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v that_o doctrine_n be_v write_v to_o no_o purpose_n some_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a on_o purpose_n to_o exercise_v the_o study_n and_o inquiry_n of_o those_o who_o have_v leisure_n and_o capacity_n for_o it_o but_o all_o thing_n necessary_a be_v sufficient_o plain_a otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o judge_v when_o another_o gospel_n be_v preach_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o suppose_v the_o galatian_n capable_a of_o do_v for_o if_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v than_o christian_n have_v no_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v what_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o not_o for_o a_o obscure_a rule_n be_v of_o no_o use_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n be_v no_o rule_n to_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v obscure_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ivth_o observation_n which_o be_v plain_o consequent_a from_o those_o lay_v down_o before_o namely_o that_o since_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o confirmation_n give_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o impose_v upon_o christian_n any_o thing_n as_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o make_v so_o the_o commission_n give_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o his_o apostle_n be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n or_o as_o st._n matthew_n express_v it_o to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o gospel_n viz._n that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n command_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v exceed_v their_o commission_n and_o add_v any_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n to_o those_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v they_o in_o charge_n to_o teach_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n they_o have_v in_o so_o do_v be_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o st._n paul_n here_o in_o the_o text_n charge_v the_o false_a apostle_n with_o viz._n of_o preach_v another_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v â—o_o authority_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o gospel_n much_o less_o can_v any_o pretend_v to_o it_o since_o they_o have_v neither_o so_o immediate_a a_o commission_n nor_o such_o a_o miraculous_a power_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v teacher_n come_v from_o god_n now_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o christian_n be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o earnest_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o epistle_n exhort_v to_o continue_v in_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v shake_v in_o mind_n by_o every_o wind_n of_o new_a doctrine_n because_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v deliver_v to_o they_o be_v the_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v never_o to_o receive_v any_o addition_n or_o alteration_n this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n peter_n call_v the_o holy_a commandment_n which_o be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 21._o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o speak_v in_o all_o probability_n of_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o error_n of_o the_o gnostic_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n this_o likewise_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o common_a faith_n titus_n 1._o 4._o and_o st._n judas_n ver_fw-la 3._o the_o common_a salvation_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o contain_v the_o common_a term_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o faith_n w_o hich_v be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o publish_v the_o gospel_n once_o deliver_v that_o be_v once_o for_o all_o so_o as_o never_o afterward_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o change_n or_o alteration_n this_o faith_n he_o exhort_v christian_n earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o against_o those_o several_a sect_n of_o seducer_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o do_v endeavour_v by_o several_a art_n to_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o deprave_v the_o faith_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n publish_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o make_v any_o change_n in_o it_o either_o by_o take_v from_o it_o or_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o it_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n v._o it_o follow_v likewise_o from_o the_o forego_n observation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a judge_n how_o much_o soever_o â—e_n may_v pretend_v to_o infallibility_n to_o who_o determination_n and_o decision_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n christian_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v without_o examination_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o not_o when_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n though_o he_o have_v authority_n enough_o to_o exact_a belief_n from_o man_n yet_o because_o there_o be_v a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n make_v to_o the_o jew_n he_o appeal_v to_o that_o revelation_n as_o well_o as_o to_o his_o own_o miracle_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o offer_v himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o prediction_n therein_o concern_v he_o and_o this_o be_v but_o reasonable_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o receive_v two_o revelation_n as_o from_o god_n without_o liberty_n to_o examine_v whether_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o consistent_a with_o one_o another_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n though_o they_o be_v guide_v
imperfect_a state_n we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v many_o thing_n very_o imperfect_o but_o when_o we_o shall_v come_v into_o a_o more_o perfect_a state_n that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n shall_v scatter_v all_o those_o mist_n and_o cloud_n which_o be_v now_o upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o hinder_v we_o from_o a_o clear_a sight_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n we_o shall_v then_o see_v god_n and_o other_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v and_o be_v free_v from_o all_o that_o ignorance_n and_o those_o many_o childish_a mistake_v which_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o here_o below_o and_o till_o then_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v secure_v from_o they_o humility_n under_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o ignorance_n be_v better_a for_o we_o than_o infallibility_n will_v be_v second_o this_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o be_v a_o certain_a security_n against_o fatal_n mistake_v in_o religion_n and_o a_o final_a continuance_n in_o such_o error_n as_o will_v prove_v damnable_a and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o this_o discourse_n pretend_v to_o or_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v in_o this_o text._n and_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n nothing_o be_v more_o improbable_a than_o that_o a_o honest_a mind_n that_o seek_v impartial_o after_o truth_n shall_v miss_v of_o it_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v fundamental_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v such_o a_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o error_n either_o it_o will_v not_o be_v fundamental_a to_o he_o have_v not_o be_v perhaps_o propose_v to_o he_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o will_v be_v forgive_v he_o upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o all_o sin_n and_o error_n know_v or_o unknown_a or_o he_o will_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v find_v out_o some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o may_v be_v save_v god_n will_v rather_o speak_v to_o he_o immediate_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v to_o st._n paul_n than_o suffer_v he_o to_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o error_n as_o will_v infallible_o carry_v he_o to_o hell_n three_o there_o be_v no_o such_o depth_n of_o judgement_n and_o subtlety_n of_o wit_n require_v to_o discern_v between_o gross_a and_o damnable_a error_n in_o religion_n and_o necessary_a and_o save_v truth_n but_o that_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o line_n draw_v between_o great_a truth_n and_o gross_a error_n that_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o every_o capacity_n and_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o be_v not_o under_o a_o violent_a prejudice_n or_o blind_v by_o some_o vice_n or_o fault_n of_o the_o will_n may_v easy_o discern_v it_o indeed_o in_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n and_o concernment_n and_o which_o have_v no_o such_o considerable_a and_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o truth_n and_o error_n be_v not_o always_o so_o gross_a and_o sensible_a as_o to_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o unprejudiced_a eye_n but_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o to_o make_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o any_o man_n which_o by_o the_o help_n of_o due_a instruction_n may_v not_o be_v make_v sufficient_o plain_a to_o a_o common_a understanding_n god_n have_v so_o tender_a a_o care_n of_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o love_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v they_o under_o a_o unavoidable_a mistake_n concern_v those_o matter_n upon_o which_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n do_v depend_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n will_v do_v right_a and_o then_o we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o condemn_v any_o man_n for_o no_o fault_n and_o make_v he_o for_o ever_o miserable_a for_o fall_v into_o a_o error_n which_o with_o all_o his_o care_n and_o diligence_n he_o can_v not_o possible_o either_o discern_v or_o avoid_v four_o god_n have_v make_v abundant_a provision_n for_o our_o security_n from_o fatal_a and_o dangerous_a error_n in_o religion_n by_o these_o three_o way_n i._o by_o a_o a_o infallible_a rule_n sufficient_o plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a ii_o by_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o instruction_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v this_o rule_n iii_o by_o a_o infallible_a promise_n of_o security_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v if_o with_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o due_a diligence_n we_o will_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o understand_v this_o rule_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o that_o purpose_n first_o god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a rule_n sufficient_o plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v give_v at_o first_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n i._n e._n by_o man_n infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o write_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n and_o all_o scripture_n divine_o inspire_v be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o speak_v there_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o inspire_a write_n of_o the_o new_a now_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n and_o profitable_a for_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n i._n e._n to_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v it_o follow_v of_o necessity_n that_o they_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o be_v useful_a for_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n for_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o plain_a to_o we_o in_o these_o thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o we_o that_o be_v in_o truth_n it_o be_v no_o rule_n for_o a_o rule_n must_v have_v these_o two_o property_n it_o must_v be_v perfect_a and_o it_o must_v be_v plain_a the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n because_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v be_v infallible_a and_o they_o must_v likewise_o be_v plain_a otherwise_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o perfect_a they_o can_v be_v of_o no_o more_o use_n to_o direct_v our_o faith_n and_o practice_n than_o a_o sundial_n in_o a_o dark_a room_n be_v to_o tell_v we_o the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n for_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o exact_o make_v unless_o the_o sun_n shine_v clear_o upon_o it_o we_o have_v as_o good_a be_v without_o it_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o plain_a to_o we_o what_o ever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o to_o we_o till_o it_o be_v make_v plain_a and_o we_o understand_v it_o ii_o god_n have_v likewise_o provide_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o instruction_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v this_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o a_o rule_n shall_v be_v so_o plain_a that_o we_o shall_v perfect_o understand_v it_o at_o first_o sight_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o those_o of_o better_a capacity_n and_o understanding_n may_v with_o due_a diligence_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o those_o of_o a_o low_a and_o more_o ordinary_a capacity_n by_o the_o help_n and_o instruction_n of_o a_o teacher_n euclid_n element_n be_v a_o book_n sufficient_o plain_a to_o teach_v a_o man_n geometry_n but_o yet_o not_o so_o plain_a that_o any_o man_n at_o first_o read_v shall_v understand_v it_o perfect_o but_o that_o by_o diligent_a read_n by_o a_o due_a application_n and_o steady_a attention_n of_o mind_n a_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n and_o understanding_n may_v come_v to_o understand_v the_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n of_o it_o and_o those_o of_o a_o more_o ordinary_a capacity_n with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o teacher_n may_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o so_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o every_o man_n at_o first_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o these_o thing_n in_o it_o shall_v perfect_o understand_v they_o but_o by_o diligent_a read_n and_o consideration_n if_o he_o be_v of_o good_a apprehension_n and_o capacity_n he_o may_v come_v to_o a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o
to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n holy_a man_n have_v good_a hope_n of_o it_o before_o but_o they_o have_v no_o sure_a distinct_a apprehension_n of_o it_o no_o such_o full_a assurance_n concern_v it_o no_o such_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_n of_o it_o as_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v we_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o those_o great_a promise_n be_v which_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v we_o namely_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o free_a pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o obedience_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n to_o reward_v it_o these_o be_v the_o three_o eminent_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n those_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o consider_v namely_o why_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v exceed_o great_a and_o precious_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o valuable_a promise_n and_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o they_o be_v such_o the_o very_a consideration_n of_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n that_o they_o carry_v in_o they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o condition_n that_o mankind_n be_v in_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v these_o gracious_a declaration_n to_o we_o we_o shall_v see_v great_a reason_n to_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o every_o one_o of_o these_o promise_n mankind_n be_v extreme_o degenerate_v all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v guilty_a before_o god_n and_o liable_a to_o all_o that_o misery_n which_o the_o sinner_n have_v reason_n to_o apprehend_v from_o the_o incense_a justice_n of_o the_o almighty_a we_o have_v forfeit_v that_o happiness_n to_o which_o our_o immortal_a nature_n be_v design_v and_o which_o make_v our_o condition_n more_o sad_a we_o be_v without_o strength_n to_o recover_v ourselves_o out_o of_o it_o by_o our_o repentance_n for_o what_o be_v pass_v if_o god_n will_v have_v accept_v of_o it_o and_o by_o our_o future_a obedience_n now_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n offer_v relief_n to_o we_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o thereby_o obviate_v all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o disâ—ouragements_n which_o mankind_n lie_v under_o the_o gracious_a promise_n of_o pardon_n free_v we_o from_o guilt_n and_o sâ—cures_v we_o from_o the_o terrible_a wrath_n of_o god_n which_o our_o guilty_a conscience_n do_v so_o much_o dread_n and_o without_o this_o promise_n mankind_n will_v have_v be_v under_o the_o great_a doubt_n and_o discouragement_n for_o when_o man_n be_v afraid_a their_o sin_n be_v great_a than_o will_v be_v forgive_v they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o despair_n and_o despair_n be_v a_o effectual_a bar_n to_o repentance_n for_o when_o man_n think_v their_o condition_n be_v desperate_a they_o care_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assist_v and_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n do_v full_o answer_v all_o the_o discouragement_n and_o objection_n from_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n we_o may_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v we_o and_o how_o weak_a soever_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o or_o what_o can_v stand_v against_o we_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o very_a powerful_a enemy_n and_o much_o too_o strong_a for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o encounter_n in_o its_o own_o strength_n but_o there_o be_v another_o principle_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v mighty_a and_o more_o powerful_a than_o he_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o help_v when_o we_o do_v not_o repulse_v and_o refuse_v his_o assistance_n greâ—ter_n be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 4._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwellâ—_n in_o all_o those_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o admit_v he_o and_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o assist_v those_o who_o comply_v with_o his_o bless_a motion_n and_o do_v vigorous_o put_v forth_o their_o own_o endeavour_n and_o then_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n that_o answer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o set_v we_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o world_n can_v threaten_v we_o withal_o for_o our_o constancy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o trâ—th_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n or_o to_o quit_v any_o thing_n upon_o term_n of_o far_o great_a advantage_n and_o what_o great_a consideration_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o encourage_v our_o constancy_n and_o obedience_n than_o a_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v reason_n to_o call_v these_o exceed_a great_a and_o valuable_a promise_n so_o valuable_a that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v want_v our_o redemption_n and_o recovery_n have_v either_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a or_o extreme_o difficult_a i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v which_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o tenor_n of_o these_o promise_n that_o be_v whether_o god_n have_v make_v they_o absolute_o to_o we_o without_o require_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v on_o our_o part_n oâ—_n upon_o certain_a term_n and_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o that_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n of_o any_o blessing_n or_o benefit_n to_o we_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n and_o that_o god_n grace_n do_v prevent_v many_o and_o be_v beforehand_o with_o they_o be_v as_o little_a to_o be_v doubt_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n go_v along_o with_o the_o gospel_n move_v and_o incline_v man_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o it_o many_o time_n before_o any_o inclination_n and_o disposition_n thereto_o on_o their_o part_n but_o as_o to_o this_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n the_o great_a question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o it_o but_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o assistance_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o think_v may_v safe_o be_v affirm_v be_v promise_v only_o conditional_o as_o also_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o concern_v each_o of_o these_o the_o matter_n may_v quick_o be_v decide_v by_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o two_o condition_n first_o that_o we_o beg_v it_o earnest_o of_o god_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n express_v by_o ask_v seek_v and_o knock_v which_o signify_v the_o importunity_n of_o our_o request_n our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o thus_o ask_v it_o and_o then_o second_o that_o we_o improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o grace_n which_o god_n afford_v we_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v that_o be_v as_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o parable_n to_o he_o that_o use_v that_o grace_n and_o those_o advantage_n which_o god_n afford_v he_o more_o shall_v be_v give_v but_o from_o he_o that_o make_v no_o use_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o that_o which_o he_o but_o seem_v to_o have_v because_o he_o make_v no_o use_n of_o it_o concern_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n the_o scripture_n plain_o suspend_v that_o upon_o the_o general_a condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o change_n of_o our_o life_n repent_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v forgive_v you_o and_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o forgive_a other_o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n then_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n also_o forgive_v you_o but_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n say_v our_o saviour_n mat._n 6._o 14_o 15._o and_o then_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v every_o where_o in_o scripture_n suspend_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o well_o do_v he_o that_o believe_v say_v our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v save_v which_o indeed_o imply_v the_o whole_a condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o believe_v that_o be_v he_o that_o effectual_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v so_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o obedience_n be_v not_o include_v in_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o faith_n yet_o the_o scripture_n
chap._n ver_fw-la 14._o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v here_o promise_a to_o strengthen_v and_o support_v all_o that_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o very_a conspicuous_a and_o glorious_a manner_n according_a to_o that_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n col._n 1._o 11._o that_o christian_n may_v be_v strengthen_v with_o all_o might_n according_a to_o god_n glorious_a power_n unto_o all_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a with_o joyfulness_n for_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o exercise_v good_a man_n with_o trial_n more_o than_o humane_a and_o such_o suffering_n as_o be_v beyond_o the_o common_a rate_n of_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v he_o have_v engage_v himself_o to_o endue_v and_o assist_v they_o with_o more_o than_o humane_a courage_n and_o resolution_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n who_o have_v not_o then_o feel_v the_o utmost_a rage_n of_o persecution_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 13._o no_o temptation_n or_o trial_n have_v yet_o befall_v you_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n that_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v frequent_o incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o what_o by_o humane_a strength_n with_o a_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n may_v be_v grapple_v withal_o but_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v call_v you_o to_o extraordinary_a suffering_n he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o that_o be_v as_o he_o have_v order_v and_o appoint_v so_o great_a a_o temptation_n or_o trial_n to_o befall_v you_o so_o he_o will_v take_v care_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o happy_a issue_n by_o enable_v you_o to_o bear_v it_o by_o afford_v you_o grace_n and_o strength_n equal_a to_o the_o violence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o temptation_n for_o as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o fall_v into_o temptation_n that_o be_v conquer_a by_o it_o so_o he_o be_v say_v to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o or_o escape_v it_o who_o be_v enable_v to_o bear_v it_o and_o in_o so_o do_v get_v the_o better_a of_o it_o and_o for_o this_o we_o may_v rely_v upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v try_v above_o our_o strength_n either_o not_o above_o the_o strength_n which_o we_o have_v or_o not_o above_o the_o strength_n which_o he_o will_v afford_v we_o in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v daunt_v at_o the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o suffer_v whatsoever_o if_o we_o be_v secure_v that_o our_o comfort_n shall_v be_v increase_v in_o proportion_n to_o our_o trouble_n and_o our_o strength_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o sharpness_n and_o weight_n of_o our_o suffering_n or_o else_o three_o in_o case_n of_o temporary_a fall_n the_o providence_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o grace_n and_o opportunity_n of_o recover_v themselves_o from_o their_o fall_n by_o repentance_n for_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v sometime_o for_o wise_a end_n and_o reason_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o leave_v good_a man_n to_o their_o own_o frailty_n and_o to_o faint_v and_o fall_v shameful_o under_o suffering_n so_o as_o to_o renounce_v and_o deny_v the_o truth_n sometime_o to_o punish_v their_o vain_a confidence_n in_o themselves_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o peter_n who_o declare_v more_o resolution_n and_o bear_v it_o out_o with_o a_o great_a confidence_n than_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n when_o he_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i_o and_o yet_o after_o this_o he_o fall_v more_o shameful_o than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v his_o master_n with_o horrid_a oath_n and_o imprecation_n and_o this_o though_o our_o saviour_n have_v pray_v particular_o for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v from_o which_o instance_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o god_n do_v not_o engage_v himself_o absolute_o to_o secure_v good_a man_n from_o fall_v in_o case_n of_o a_o great_a temptation_n and_o trial_n but_o if_o they_o be_v sincere_a he_o will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o fall_v final_o though_o he_o may_v suffer_v they_o to_o miscarry_v grievous_o for_o a_o time_n to_o covince_n they_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o strength_n sometime_o god_n my_o suffer_v good_a man_n to_o fall_v in_o order_n to_o their_o more_o glorious_a recovery_n and_o the_o great_a demonstration_n and_o triumph_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o constancy_n afterward_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o happy_a instrument_n of_o our_o reformation_n here_o in_o england_n archbishop_n cranmer_n who_o after_o he_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o champion_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v so_o overcome_v with_o fear_n upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o approach_a suffering_n as_o to_o subscribe_v those_o error_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o he_o have_v so_o stout_o oppose_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n but_o he_o do_v not_o long_o continue_v in_o this_o state_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v not_o forsake_v he_o be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o suffer_v give_v such_o a_o testimony_n of_o it_o and_o of_o his_o faith_n and_o constancy_n as_o be_v more_o glorious_a and_o more_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o other_o than_o a_o simple_a martyrdom_n can_v have_v be_v if_o he_o have_v not_o fall_v for_o when_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o stake_n he_o put_v his_o right_a hand_n withwhich_v he_o have_v sign_v his_o recantation_n into_o the_o fire_n and_o with_o a_o undaunted_a constancy_n hold_v it_o there_o till_o it_o be_v quite_o burn_v for_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o true_a repentance_n for_o that_o foul_a miscarriage_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v give_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v which_o he_o endure_v with_o great_a courage_n and_o cheerfulness_n to_o the_o last_o so_o that_o he_o make_v all_o the_o amends_o possible_a for_o so_o great_a a_o fault_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v more_o glorify_v in_o his_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n than_o if_o he_o have_v never_o fall_v but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v when_o notwithstanding_o these_o promise_n of_o extraordinary_a comfort_n and_o support_v in_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a suffering_n so_o great_a number_n be_v see_v to_o faint_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o to_o fall_v off_o from_o their_o steadfastness_n of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o sad_a instance_n among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o have_v likewise_o be_v of_o late_a in_o our_o own_o time_n and_o n_o place_n near_o to_o we_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a melancholy_a consideration_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v be_v capable_a of_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n and_o first_o of_o all_o let_v this_o be_v establish_v for_o a_o firm_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o god_n be_v faithful_a to_o his_o promise_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v much_o rather_o to_o suppose_v in_o all_o these_o case_n that_o there_o be_v some_o default_n on_o our_o part_n than_o any_o failure_n and_o unfaithfulness_n on_o god_n part._n thus_o st._n paul_n determine_v in_o a_o like_a case_n when_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v make_v good_a to_o the_o jew_n he_o lay_v the_o blame_v of_o it_o on_o their_o unbelief_n but_o acquit_v god_n of_o any_o unfaithfulness_n in_o his_o promise_n rom._n 3._o 3_o 4._o for_o what_o if_o some_o do_v not_o believe_v shall_v their_o unbelief_n make_v the_o faith_n or_o fidelity_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n god_n forbid_v yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n this_o i_o confess_v do_v not_o answer_v the_o difficulty_n but_o yet_o it_o ought_v to_o incline_v and_o dispose_v we_o to_o interpret_v what_o can_v fair_o be_v offer_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o with_o all_o the_o favour_n that_o may_v be_v on_o god_n side_n i_o say_v then_o second_o that_o when_o good_a man_n fall_v in_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a temptation_n and_o recover_v again_o by_o repentance_n and_o give_v great_a demonstration_n afterward_o of_o their_o constancy_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n be_v sufficient_o vindicate_v as_o in_o the_o case_n i_o mention_v because_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v not_o absolute_a that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o fall_v but_o that_o the_o temptation_n shall_v have_v a_o hâ—ppy_a issue_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o final_o