justice_n and_o continence_n have_v by_o the_o help_n of_o one_o simon_n a_o magician_n 5._o gain_v the_o affection_n of_o drusilla_n the_o wife_n of_o azis_n king_n of_o the_o emisseni_fw-la and_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o adultery_n with_o she_o now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o felix_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o subject_a of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n be_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o he_o his_o injustice_n and_o intemperance_n and_o let_v he_o free_o know_v that_o however_o he_o may_v carry_v it_o out_o by_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n now_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o time_n come_v a_o future_a day_n of_o judgement_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o a_o severe_a account_n for_o all_o his_o wickedness_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o address_n become_v the_o zeal_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o too_o plain_o show_v how_o little_a we_o have_v leave_v in_o we_o of_o that_o primitive_a warmth_n which_o inflame_v this_o holy_a man_n by_o our_o different_a management_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n there_o can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v any_o great_a discouragement_n to_o such_o a_o freedom_n than_o what_o our_o apostle_n here_o labour_v under_o to_o touch_v a_o unjust_a governor_n in_o the_o point_n of_o his_o violence_n and_o injustice_n a_o lustful_a adulterer_n in_o the_o business_n of_o his_o incontinence_n this_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v have_v be_v a_o pretty_a bold_a undertake_n for_o any_o one_o but_o for_o saint_n paul_n a_o prisoner_n one_o that_o be_v to_o appear_v as_o a_o criminal_a before_o he_o for_o he_o instead_o of_o flatter_v this_o great_a man_n as_o his_o adversary_n tertullus_n have_v do_v verse_n 2._o instead_o of_o applaud_v the_o great_a quietness_n which_o the_o people_n enjoy_v under_o his_o government_n 2._o and_o the_o very_a worthy_a deed_n that_o have_v be_v do_v by_o his_o providence_n to_o call_v he_o to_o repent_v of_o his_o rapine_n and_o cruelty_n of_o his_o intemperance_n and_o adultery_n and_o this_o too_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o very_a woman_n who_o he_o much_o love_v 24._o and_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o have_v do_v so_o many_o vile_a thing_n this_o be_v a_o honest_a freedom_n and_o plainness_n become_v a_o apostolical_a age_n but_o which_o i_o fear_v in_o these_o day_n of_o we_o will_v be_v censure_v as_o rudeness_n and_o indiscretion_n any_o thing_n rather_o than_o a_o commendable_a zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n but_o alas_o st._n paul_n have_v not_o learn_v that_o tender_a application_n that_o be_v now_o a-days_o make_v to_o great_a person_n he_o have_v no_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o to_o pursue_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o address_v himself_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o offend_a man_n than_o of_o displease_v god_n and_o of_o disparage_v their_o character_n he_o know_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v seasonable_a to_o felix_n and_o that_o if_o he_o please_v to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v profitable_a too_o and_o he_o never_o stand_v to_o consider_v whether_o felix_n will_v like_v it_o or_o no_o or_o whether_o it_o may_v not_o perhaps_o provoke_v he_o to_o run_v to_o any_o extremity_n against_o he_o for_o his_o freedom_n in_o short_a he_o have_v a_o unjust_a adulterous_a man_n to_o preach_v to_o and_o he_o know_v nothing_o so_o fit_a to_o reason_n of_o before_o he_o as_o of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o have_v we_o but_o the_o same_o honest_a courage_n and_o indifference_n that_o he_o have_v we_o shall_v speak_v not_o only_o with_o the_o same_o freedom_n that_o he_o do_v but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o the_o same_o efficacy_n too_o and_o poor_a and_o despicable_a as_o we_o be_v think_v by_o many_o yet_o in_o the_o power_n of_o that_o divine_a truth_n which_o we_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n make_v the_o great_a sinner_n tremble_v to_o think_v that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o judgement_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o show_v i_o sy_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v be_v so_o high_o reasonable_a that_o the_o great_a infidel_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v the_o probability_n of_o it_o in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o point_n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o show_v what_o ground_n the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o we_o all_o of_o we_o every_o day_n profess_v as_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v suppose_v any_o of_o we_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o what_o else_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o almost_o throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o exhortation_n to_o live_v well_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n 10_o act_v xvii_o 31_o that_o we_o must_v all_o stand_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n rom._n fourteen_o 10_o that_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n every_o one_o to_o receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a 2_o cor._n v_o 10_o 10_o what_o revelation_n have_v there_o ever_o be_v more_o clear_o make_v i_o do_v not_o say_v than_o this_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o final_a judgement_n but_o of_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o xv_o how_o the_o trumpet_n shall_v sound_v and_o the_o dead_a arise_v and_o those_o that_o be_v alive_a be_v change_v how_o the_o just_a shall_v be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o air_n and_o the_o sinner_n lie_v grovel_v below_o in_o vain_a cry_v out_o to_o the_o mountain_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o the_o hill_n to_o cover_v they_o how_o the_o judgement_n shall_v be_v set_v and_o the_o book_n open_v and_o every_o man_n judge_v out_o of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n according_a to_o his_o work_n etc._n then_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o his_o glory_n and_o sit_v down_o upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o before_o he_o shall_v be_v gather_v all_o nation_n and_o he_o shall_v separate_v they_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o as_o a_o shepherd_n divide_v his_o sheep_n from_o the_o goat_n and_o he_o shall_v set_v his_o sheep_n on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o goat_n on_o his_o left_a and_o he_o shall_v say_v to_o they_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o those_o on_o the_o left_a depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o these_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a in_o a_o word_n so_o particular_a be_v the_o account_n which_o we_o here_o find_v of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o great_a audit_n that_o i_o scarce_o know_v any_o thing_n leave_v unrevealed_a to_o we_o but_o only_o the_o day_n and_o hour_n when_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v and_o which_o indeed_o god_n have_v in_o mercy_n keep_v up_o from_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v always_o live_v in_o apprehension_n of_o that_o which_o we_o can_v never_o tell_v how_o soon_o it_o may_v arrive_v but_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o my_o text_n lead_v i_o to_o consider_v and_o indeed_o however_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a enough_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o most_o faithful_a christian_n to_o think_v sometime_o on_o this_o future_a judgement_n yet_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o very_a needless_a undertake_n to_o reason_n with_o such_o person_n concern_v it_o and_o use_v any_o long_a argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o futurity_n of_o it_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o to_o do_v be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n it_o be_v to_o offer_v such_o reason_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v as_o may_v convince_v the_o great_a infidel_n of_o the_o probability_n of_o it_o and_o show_v they_o that_o whether_o they_o will_v believe_v we_o in_o other_o thing_n or_o no_o yet_o here_o at_o least_o they_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o doctrine_n but_o must_v resolve_v to_o become_v good_a man_n if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o become_v faithful_a christian_n and_o indeed_o in_o this_o sceptical_a age_n in_o which_o we_o now_o live_v it_o may_v not_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v altogether_o unseasonable_a to_o argue_v sometime_o with_o man_n upon_o their_o own_o principle_n to_o show_v they_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o
be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o here_o have_v i_o the_o time_n to_o insist_v upon_o they_o i_o will_v not_o doubt_v to_o rank_n in_o the_o very_a first_o front_n those_o atheistical_a conclusion_n which_o the_o brisk_a disputer_n of_o our_o age_n so_o much_o abound_v with_o who_o not_o content_a with_o the_o psalmist_n fool_n 1_o to_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n dare_v open_o dispute_v against_o his_o be_v and_o with_o their_o mouth_n deny_v that_o god_n who_o yet_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o acknowledge_v nay_o who_o their_o fear_n and_o terror_n into_o which_o every_o the_o least_o accident_n throw_v they_o even_o testify_v to_o the_o world_n that_o for_o all_o their_o gallantry_n they_o can_v disbelieve_v or_o because_o this_o be_v the_o presumption_n only_o of_o a_o few_o desperate_a man_n i_o will_v beg_v leave_n rather_o to_o argue_v a_o little_a with_o some_o of_o our_o more_o refine_a sceptic_n the_o great_a assertor_n of_o human_a reason_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n who_o allow_v of_o a_o god_n nevertheless_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o wickedness_n by_o their_o ungrounded_a notion_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o justice_n whilst_o they_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o either_o of_o those_o attribute_n for_o he_o to_o punish_v a_o temporal_a and_o transient_a sin_n with_o everlasting_a torment_n though_o commit_v against_o a_o infinite_a god_n and_o against_o the_o plain_a term_n of_o a_o covenant_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o we_o do_v well_o and_o of_o everlasting_a punishment_n if_o we_o do_v ill_a enter_v into_o by_o we_o at_o our_o baptism_n and_o at_o confirmation_n make_v our_o own_o act_n by_o our_o own_o express_a consent_n to_o it_o or_o last_o because_o such_o too_o there_o be_v among_o we_o i_o will_v reason_v with_o those_o who_o argue_v against_o the_o malignity_n even_o of_o sin_n itâ—_n self_n and_o will_v by_o their_o dispute_n turn_v the_o great_a vice_n into_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a action_n whilst_o from_o the_o strong_a inclination_n which_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o to_o evil_a they_o conclude_v that_o certain_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v so_o very_o great_a a_o fault_n to_o pursue_v the_o dictate_v of_o that_o nature_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v implant_v in_o we_o and_o that_o doubtless_o our_o passion_n be_v never_o design_v to_o be_v mere_o a_o snare_n and_o a_o torment_n to_o we_o as_o yet_o they_o conclude_v they_o must_v be_v unless_o we_o will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o as_o free_o to_o indulge_v they_o as_o they_o unreasonable_o contend_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o all_o these_o and_o a_o few_o other_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n how_o destructive_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v of_o true_a piety_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o man_n not_o yet_o beginning_n to_o be_v religious_a and_o by_o consequence_n such_o as_o i_o ought_v to_o suppose_v be_v needless_a to_o be_v obviate_v in_o this_o assembly_n those_o i_o will_v now_o remark_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n principle_n upon_o which_o even_o good_a christian_n do_v sometime_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o wickedness_n or_o at_o least_o neglect_n to_o live_v up_o to_o that_o exactness_n of_o christian_a practice_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v now_o such_o i_o esteem_v first_o of_o all_o that_o popular_a mistake_n by_o which_o many_o person_n too_o easy_o delude_v themselves_o of_o a_o good_a mind_n a_o desire_n and_o a_o intention_n to_o live_v well_o and_o which_o they_o hope_v shall_v atone_v for_o all_o their_o miscarriage_n which_o notwithstanding_o their_o good_a intention_n they_o still_o continue_v to_o commit_v this_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o i_o fear_n deceive_v very_o many_o in_o the_o world_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o very_o great_a sinner_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o and_o they_o desire_v to_o live_v better_o but_o alas_o what_o shall_v they_o do_v they_o be_v weak_a and_o impotent_a as_o other_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o thousand_o temptation_n every_o day_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o either_o do_v or_o can_v withstand_v they_o all_o and_o indeed_o where_o the_o intention_n be_v so_o good_a as_o to_o make_v man_n careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o their_o duty_n if_o they_o sin_v only_o by_o surprise_n or_o incogitancy_n and_o when_o they_o do_v so_o repent_v they_o true_o and_o watch_v themselves_o more_o diligent_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o here_o their_o good_a intention_n may_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n almighty_a but_o otherwise_o to_o think_v that_o a_o weak_a desire_n and_o a_o vain_a resolution_n and_o a_o transient_a sorrow_n the_o usual_a piety_n of_o those_o who_o rely_v upon_o this_o excuse_n shall_v find_v favour_n at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n this_o be_v that_o device_n which_o the_o devil_n i_o fear_v deceive_v many_o withal_o but_o for_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n or_o colour_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o and_o from_o this_o proceed_v another_o mistake_n and_o that_o not_o at_o all_o less_o dangerous_a than_o the_o forego_n which_o be_v to_o reckon_v all_o those_o sin_n which_o after_o such_o a_o good_a intention_n they_o commit_v to_o be_v sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o which_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n now_o and_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n hereafter_o thus_o if_o when_o they_o commit_v a_o sin_n their_o conscience_n check_v they_o and_o they_o parley_v with_o the_o temptation_n and_o strive_v a_o little_a and_o then_o yield_v and_o then_o they_o be_v sorry_a and_o make_v some_o transient_a ineffectual_a resolution_n of_o do_v better_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o which_o all_o vanish_v at_o the_o very_a next_o trial_n this_o they_o call_v infirmity_n and_o so_o god_n know_v it_o be_v but_o such_o a_o infirmity_n as_o will_n by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v the_o sin_n which_o they_o commit_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n they_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a sin_n when_o we_o be_v either_o surprise_v into_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o or_o otherwise_o hurry_v on_o by_o some_o sudden_a fear_n or_o other_o the_o like_o powerful_a passion_n or_o overbear_a temptation_n before_o we_o have_v time_n to_o consider_v what_o we_o do_v or_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o firmness_n and_o resolution_n against_o it_o but_o otherwise_o where_o the_o sin_n be_v know_v and_o the_o will_v free_v and_o there_o be_v time_n for_o deliberation_n and_o yet_o we_o agree_v to_o it_o this_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v call_v a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n and_o here_o the_o frequency_n of_o the_o commission_n or_o the_o easiness_n of_o fall_v may_v serve_v to_o aggravate_v indeed_o but_o sure_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n extenuate_v and_o much_o less_o excuse_v the_o guilt_n of_o it_o i_o may_v to_o these_o add_v 3_o dly_a those_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o i_o be_o persuade_v have_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o man_n neglect_n of_o true_a piety_n viz._n of_o be_v save_v by_o other_o performance_n of_o purgatory_n and_o indulgence_n mass_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o absolve_v sin_n and_o of_o a_o imperfect_a ineffectual_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n sufficient_a to_o dispose_v a_o man_n to_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o absolution_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o obtain_v their_o end_n though_o the_o person_n be_v not_o otherwise_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o obtain_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n without_o they_o and_o in_o which_o some_o of_o they_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o declare_v contrition_n to_o be_v rather_o a_o hindrance_n than_o a_o benefit_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n and_o one_o add_v plain_o 26._o that_o the_o excellence_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o general_n above_o those_o of_o the_o law_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o have_v free_v we_o from_o the_o intolerable_a yoke_n of_o love_a god_n and_o be_v true_o sorry_a for_o our_o sin_n i_o need_v not_o after_o this_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o extravagance_n of_o their_o late_a private_a casuist_n remark_v and_o censure_v by_o many_o of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o not_o long_o since_o by_o the_o pope_n himself_o yet_o still_o continue_v notwithstanding_o both_o to_o be_v but_o too_o much_o applaud_v by_o very_o great_a number_n among_o they_o but_o these_o be_v principle_n against_o which_o i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o prepare_v any_o one_o of_o our_o communion_n i_o will_v instead_o of_o all_o these_o mention_v only_o one_o principle_n more_o 4_o thly_a by_o which_o man_n often_o hinder_v
to_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o right_a faith_n he_o may_v deserve_v indeed_o to_o be_v pity_v now_o but_o i_o fear_v he_o will_v hardly_o be_v hereafter_o excuse_v but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o secure_v ourselves_o against_o this_o danger_n he_o that_o will_v be_v constant_a in_o his_o religion_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v must_v see_v 2_o dly_a that_o he_o be_v not_o too_o apt_a to_o entertain_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v obstinacy_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o conviction_n thò_fw-la never_n so_o clear_a and_o reasonable_a it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a weakness_n on_o the_o other_o to_o be_v affright_v at_o every_o shadow_n of_o a_o argument_n and_o to_o put_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o little_a disputer_n to_o prejudice_v we_o against_o our_o religion_n because_o one_o who_o be_v its_o profess_a enemy_n rail_v against_o it_o and_o pretend_v it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a one_o he_o will_v i_o believe_v be_v think_v a_o very_a credulous_a person_n indeed_o who_o shall_v begin_v to_o stagger_v and_o fall_v into_o a_o tremble_a tho'_o he_o see_v himself_o upon_o plain_a and_o even_a ground_n because_o a_o bold_a and_o fanciful_a man_n be_v very_o positive_a that_o it_o be_v a_o precipice_n and_o doubtless_o that_o man_n be_v no_o less_o to_o be_v pity_v that_o be_v fright_v for_o fear_n he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o wrong_n tho'_o he_o have_v the_o undoubted_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n nay_o and_o even_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n too_o on_o his_o side_n as_o often_o as_o every_o common-place_n trifler_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o run_v over_o his_o division_n upon_o the_o church_n the_o antiquity_n succession_n infallibility_n of_o it_o and_o without_o either_o modesty_n or_o proof_n call_v we_o heretic_n if_o man_n have_v reason_n on_o their_o side_n if_o they_o have_v scripture_n for_o what_o they_o say_v let_v they_o on_o god_n name_n produce_v it_o we_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o consider_v and_o to_o submit_v to_o such_o conviction_n but_o otherwise_o to_o think_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o utter_a darkness_n when_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n shine_v in_o our_o face_n that_o we_o must_v be_v damn_v for_o not_o believe_v that_o what_o we_o see_v and_o taste_v and_o know_v to_o be_v but_o a_o bit_n of_o bread_n be_v not_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n that_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_a who_o be_v actual_o involve_v in_o the_o gross_a error_n in_o a_o word_n that_o our_o church_n have_v no_o be_v before_o luther_n every_o article_n of_o who_o faith_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o have_v be_v profess_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o day_n this_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o what_o ought_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o stagger_v our_o steadfastness_n and_o now_o have_v secure_v ourselves_o on_o both_o these_o side_n it_o only_o remain_v to_o preserve_v our_o constancy_n 3_o dly_a that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n any_o argument_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o we_o that_o may_v deserve_v our_o regard_n we_o then_o be_v sure_a to_o give_v they_o that_o due_a and_o wise_a examination_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a weakness_n and_o indeed_o a_o very_a great_a fault_n in_o many_o person_n that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v in_o their_o belief_n of_o any_o part_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o profess_v they_o present_o abandon_v their_o own_o guide_n and_o run_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o those_o who_o be_v the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o their_o religion_n from_o henceforth_o they_o hear_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v ill_a of_o their_o church_n they_o be_v teach_v more_o and_o more_o to_o suspect_v the_o way_n that_o they_o be_v in_o and_o then_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o a_o very_a little_a examination_n suffice_v to_o make_v they_o leave_v it_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a great_a fault_n and_o will_v one_o day_n prove_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n what_o such_o person_n may_v think_v of_o change_v their_o religion_n i_o can_v tell_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o our_o great_a charity_n will_v hardly_o enable_v we_o to_o entertain_v any_o very_a comfortable_a opinion_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v they_o such_o as_o those_o that_o we_o either_o say_v or_o believe_v may_v be_v save_v notwithstanding_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n with_o which_o they_o communicate_v he_o that_o will_v make_v a_o safe_a change_n from_o one_o religion_n to_o another_o must_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o inquire_v into_o one_o or_o two_o point_n and_o have_v receive_v a_o satisfaction_n in_o they_o embrace_v all_o the_o rest_n at_o a_o venture_n for_o their_o sake_n but_o he_o must_v pass_v distinct_o through_o every_o article_n in_o debate_n he_o must_v inquire_v not_o only_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v at_o present_a a_o member_n be_v not_o mistake_v in_o some_o point_n it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v absolute_o free_a from_o all_o kind_n of_o error_n but_o whether_o those_o mistake_n be_v of_o such_o a_o consequence_n that_o he_o can_v communicate_v any_o long_o with_o it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o when_o this_o be_v do_v the_o great_a difficulty_n will_v still_o remain_v to_o examine_v with_o the_o same_o diligence_n every_o article_n of_o that_o other_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v tempt_v for_o else_o tho'_o he_o shall_v have_v reason_n to_o forsake_v his_o own_o church_n he_o will_v yet_o be_v but_o little_a advantage_v if_o he_o go_v to_o another_o that_o be_v as_o bad_a or_o it_o may_v be_v worse_o than_o that_o if_o there_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o most_o part_n well_o yet_o so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o any_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n so_o erroneous_a as_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o profess_v what_o he_o think_v to_o be_v false_a or_o to_o practise_v what_o be_v unlawful_a even_o this_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o hinder_v he_o from_o reconcile_n himself_o to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o this_o there_o must_v be_v a_o serious_a and_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n there_o must_v be_v no_o prejudice_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o one_o or_o against_o the_o other_o no_o desire_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v on_o this_o side_n rather_o than_o on_o that_o in_o short_a nothing_o must_v be_v omit_v whereby_o he_o may_v reasonable_o have_v get_v a_o better_a information_n and_o to_o all_o this_o care_n there_o must_v be_v add_v fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o assistance_n he_o who_o fall_v away_o from_o his_o first_o faith_n on_o any_o lesser_a convicton_n than_o this_o can_v never_o excuse_v himself_o from_o a_o criminal_a lightness_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o concern_n and_o for_o he_o that_o sincere_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v for_o my_o part_n be_v content_a that_o he_o shall_v leave_v the_o church_n of_o england_n whenever_o he_o can_v be_v thus_o convince_v that_o any_o other_o but_o especial_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o safe_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o particular_a what_o that_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o which_o our_o text_n exhort_v we_o i_o go_v on_o 2_o dly_a to_o show_v ii_o upon_o what_o motive_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o stir_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o that_o i_o be_o now_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o exhort_v you_o to_o such_o a_o steadfastness_n now_o these_o our_o text_n reduce_v to_o this_o one_o general_a consideration_n that_o they_o both_o understand_v their_o danger_n and_o be_v express_o forewarn_v by_o his_o epistle_n how_o careful_a it_o will_v behoove_v they_o to_o be_v to_o arm_v themselves_o against_o it_o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a security_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v also_o a_o great_a engagement_n to_o such_o a_o vigilance_n to_o be_v thus_o express_o forewarn_v of_o our_o danger_n and_o he_o who_o either_o neglect_v or_o despise_v the_o admonition_n suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v seduce_v from_o his_o own_o steadfastness_n must_v certain_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a both_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n for_o his_o inconstancy_n but_o that_o which_o will_v aggravate_v this_o neglect_n yet_o much_o more_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o those_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o caution_n they_o to_o beware_v and_o which_o therefore_o i_o must_v lay_v a_o little_a more_o distinct_o before_o you_o now_o such_o
of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o some_o violence_n that_o they_o break_v through_o the_o restraint_n of_o shame_n and_o modesty_n to_o pursue_v it_o sometime_o it_o set_v before_o they_o the_o obligation_n which_o their_o duty_n lay_v upon_o they_o to_o fulfil_v it_o how_o worthy_a and_o honourable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o live_v virtuous_o what_o a_o credit_n and_o respect_v it_o gain_v a_o man_n here_o and_o what_o a_o glorious_a reward_n shall_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o hereafter_o sometime_o it_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o force_v they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o to_o think_v of_o that_o time_n 9_o when_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o judgement_n and_o how_o they_o shall_v then_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v a_o eternity_n of_o torment_n in_o that_o wretched_a place_n 4â—_n where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o where_o the_o fire_n never_o shall_v be_v quench_v now_o all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o hindrance_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o the_o sinner_n meet_v with_o in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o his_o evil_a course_n be_v not_o only_o so_o many_o barrier_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o set_v in_o our_o way_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o ruin_n but_o so_o many_o help_v too_o to_o assist_v we_o if_o we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v entice_v to_o do_v wicked_o to_o recover_v ourselves_o again_o out_o of_o it_o but_o by_o a_o long_a continuance_n in_o sin_n all_o these_o be_v overcome_v and_o we_o be_v not_o only_o thereby_o more_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o wickedness_n but_o have_v lose_v all_o these_o assistance_n our_o retreat_n be_v also_o render_v infinite_o more_o difficult_a than_o whilst_o we_o lie_v under_o the_o restraint_n of_o shame_n and_o fear_v and_o conscience_n to_o reclaim_v we_o but_o this_o be_v not_o yet_o all_o for_o by_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o put_v off_o the_o time_n of_o our_o repentance_n we_o do_v not_o only_o diminish_v our_o own_o natural_a strength_n and_o thereby_o render_v ourselves_o still_o less_o able_a to_o encounter_v with_o it_o but_o what_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v we_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n too_o without_o which_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o ever_o to_o overcome_v it_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o by_o isaiah_n as_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n forsake_v his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n chap._n lxiii_o vers_fw-la 10._o that_o they_o rebel_v and_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o be_v he_o turn_v to_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o he_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o his_o gospel_n everywhere_o proceed_v upon_o this_o measure_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o etc._n to_o he_o who_o have_v i._n e._n who_o make_v use_v of_o and_o improve_v what_o god_n have_v already_o bestow_v upon_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundant_o but_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o i._n e._n that_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o and_o improve_v what_o he_o have_v even_o that_o which_o he_o once_o have_v shall_v be_v take_v away_o and_o however_o it_o may_v sometime_o please_v god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o raise_v up_o sinner_n at_o the_o last_o and_o though_o they_o continue_v long_o in_o their_o wickedness_n yet_o nevertheless_o still_o continue_v his_o divine_a assistance_n to_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n yet_o can_v this_o be_v any_o ground_n for_o any_o one_o to_o rely_v upon_o in_o this_o matter_n see_v it_o be_v plain_a both_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o mankind_n that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n providence_n his_o grace_n be_v withdraw_v in_o proportion_n to_o man_n neglect_n of_o it_o till_o at_o last_o they_o be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o it_o 26_o and_o give_v up_o to_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o the_o devil_n at_o his_o will._n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o sometime_o read_v in_o holy_a scripture_n of_o person_n deliver_v up_o to_o a_o hardness_n and_o impenitence_n of_o heart_n 5_o not_o that_o i_o think_v god_n ordain_v any_o man_n to_o destruction_n or_o deny_v he_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v he_o from_o it_o but_o when_o man_n neglect_v his_o offer_n and_o despise_v and_o grieve_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o method_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n when_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n be_v now_o fill_v up_o and_o they_o be_v become_v ripe_a for_o vengeance_n then_o god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o seal_v they_o up_o unto_o destruction_n and_o though_o he_o may_v sometime_o permit_v they_o for_o other_o end_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o continue_v still_o in_o this_o world_n yet_o he_o no_o long_o continue_v the_o power_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n this_o i_o take_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n after_o the_o six_o judgement_n till_o then_o 32._o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o harden_v his_o herd_n or_o that_o his_o heart_n be_v harden_v but_o when_o his_o own_o magician_n confess_v that_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n plain_o show_v itself_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o yet_o he_o still_o continue_v obstinate_a then_o god_n declare_v that_o he_o harden_v he_o exod._n ix_o 12_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o stand_v i._n e._n keep_v he_o alive_a when_o he_o have_v deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o a_o quick_a destruction_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o he_o may_v show_v in_o he_o his_o power_n exod._n ix_o 16_o many_o be_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o confirm_v this_o to_o we_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o old_a world_n before_o the_o flood_n god_n himself_o declare_v gen._n vi_fw-la 3_o that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n yet_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n and_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o in_o that_o time_n than_o he_o will_v bring_v a_o utter_a destruction_n upon_o they_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o find_v holy_a david_n speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o rebellious_a israelite_n and_o which_o i_o the_o rather_o remark_n because_o saint_n paul_n apply_v it_o hebr._n iii._o 12_o to_o the_o very_a purpose_n of_o what_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v that_o because_o they_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o tempt_v and_o grieve_a god_n forty_o year_n therefore_o he_o at_o last_o swear_v to_o they_o in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o the_o application_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v be_v this_o plain_a conclusion_n take_v heed_n 11._o brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n 12._o but_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n and_o last_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o the_o same_o be_v the_o declaration_n which_o solomon_n make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o harden_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n prov._n i._n where_o have_v first_o set_v forth_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n ready_a to_o assist_v they_o if_o they_o will_v repent_v verse_n 22_o 23._o how_o long_o you_o simple_a one_o will_v you_o love_v simplicity_n and_o you_o scorner_n delight_v in_o their_o scorn_v and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o you_o i_o will_v make_v know_v my_o word_n unto_o you_o he_o afterward_o declare_v the_o just_a indignation_n of_o god_n against_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v still_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a verse_n 24_o 25_o 26._o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v have_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v and_o again_o verse_n 28_o 29_o 30._o then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o for_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n they_o despise_v all_o my_o reproof_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o