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ground_n authority_n church_n reason_n 1,707 5 5.2951 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62616 Sermons, and discourses some of which never before printed / by John Tillotson ... ; the third volume.; Sermons. Selections Tillotson, John, 1630-1694. 1687 (1687) Wing T1253; ESTC R18219 203,250 508

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so_o false_a a_o doctrine_n and_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o monstrous_a absurdity_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o plain_a method_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o pretend_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o this_o doctrine_n ii_o i_o shall_v produce_v our_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o if_o i_o can_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o tolerable_a ground_n for_o it_o and_o that_o there_o be_v invincible_a objection_n against_o it_o than_o every_o man_n be_v not_o only_o in_o reason_n excuse_v from_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n but_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n first_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o pretend_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o this_o doctrine_n which_o must_v be_v one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o five_o either_o 1_o st_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o 2_o lie_v the_o perpetual_a belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o a_o evidence_n that_o they_o always_o understand_v and_o interpret_v our_o saviour_n word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n in_o this_o sense_n or_o 3_o lie_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n to_o make_v and_o declare_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n or_o 4_o lie_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o such_o a_o change_n as_o this_o in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n or_o 5_o lie_v to_o magnify_v the_o power_n of_o the_o priest_n in_o be_v able_a to_o work_v so_o great_a a_o miracle_n one_a they_o pretend_v for_o this_o doctrine_n the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v my_o body_n now_o to_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o this_o pretence_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o understand_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o 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pretend_a demonstration_n of_o reason_n against_o plain_a experience_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n this_o be_v just_a zenoe_n demonstration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o motion_n against_o diogenes_n walk_v before_o his_o eye_n for_o this_o be_v to_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o impossible_a to_o have_v be_v which_o most_o certain_o be_v just_o thus_o the_o servant_n in_o the_o parable_n may_v have_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o tare_n be_v wheat_n because_o they_o be_v sure_a none_o but_o good_a seed_n be_v sow_o at_o first_o and_o no_o man_n can_v give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o punctual_a time_n when_o any_o tare_n be_v sow_o or_o by_o who_o and_o if_o a_o enemy_n have_v come_v to_o do_v it_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v meet_v with_o great_a resistance_n and_o opposition_n but_o no_o such_o resistance_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o tare_n in_o the_o field_n but_o that_o which_o they_o call_v tare_n be_v certain_o good_a wheat_n at_o the_o same_o rate_n 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to_o serve_v the_o lord_n intimate_v that_o upon_o some_o account_n and_o to_o some_o person_n it_o may_v appear_v so_o 4._o that_o the_o true_a religion_n have_v those_o real_a advantage_n on_o its_o side_n that_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v refer_v to_o any_o considerate_a man_n choice_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o joshua_n refer_v it_o to_o they_o not_o that_o he_o think_v the_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o because_o he_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o one_o above_o the_o other_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n that_o any_o prudent_a man_n shall_v make_v a_o wrong_a choice_n if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v intimate_v that_o the_o plain_a difference_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o competition_n will_v direct_v they_o what_o to_o choose_v 5._o the_o example_n of_o prince_n and_o governor_n have_v a_o very_a great_a 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edicta_fw-la valent_fw-la ut_fw-la vita_fw-la regentis_fw-la the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o prince_n have_v usual_o a_o great_a sway_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n than_o their_o law_n all_o these_o observation_n be_v i_o think_v very_o natural_a and_o very_o considerable_a i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v to_o they_o all_o but_o shall_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o the_o time_n and_o your_o patience_n will_v give_v i_o leave_v first_o it_o be_v here_o suppose_a that_o a_o nation_n must_v be_v of_o some_o religion_n or_o other_o joshua_n do_v not_o put_v it_o to_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v worship_v any_o deity_n at_o all_o that_o have_v be_v too_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a a_o supposition_n and_o which_o it_o be_v likely_a in_o those_o day_n have_v never_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n but_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o all_o people_n will_v
that_o for_o our_o great_a assurance_n and_o comfort_n god_n have_v confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o by_o a_o oath_n condescend_v herein_o to_o deal_v with_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n who_o when_o they_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o a_o doubtful_a matter_n confirm_v what_o they_o say_v by_o a_o oath_n and_o general_o when_o any_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n arise_v between_o party_n concern_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n one_o side_n affirm_v and_o the_o other_o deny_v a_o end_n be_v put_v to_o this_o contest_v by_o a_o oath_n a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o great_a assurance_n and_o establishment_n of_o a_o thing_n not_o that_o a_o oath_n be_v always_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a decision_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o truth_n and_o right_n but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a credit_n that_o we_o can_v give_v to_o any_o thing_n and_o the_o last_o 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and_o a_o avenger_n in_o case_n what_o he_o swear_v be_v not_o true_a and_o if_o this_o be_v express_v the_o oath_n be_v a_o formal_a imprecation_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o a_o curse_n upon_o ourselves_o be_v always_o imply_v in_o case_n of_o perjury_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o oath_n assertory_n and_o promissory_a a_o assertory_n oath_n be_v when_o a_o man_n affirm_v or_o deny_v upon_o oath_n a_o matter_n of_o fact_n past_a or_o present_v when_o he_o swear_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v so_o or_o not_o so_o a_o promissory_a oath_n be_v a_o promise_n confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n which_o always_o respect_v something_o that_o be_v future_a and_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o god_n than_o it_o be_v call_v a_o vow_n if_o to_o man_n a_o oath_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o great_a use_n and_o even_a necessity_n of_o oath_n in_o many_o case_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o humane_a society_n can_v very_o hardly_o if_o at_o all_o subsist_v long_o without_o they_o government_n will_v many_o time_n be_v very_o insecure_a and_o for_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o office_n of_o great_a trust_n in_o which_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a be_v near_o concern_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o find_v any_o security_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n because_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o reach_v to_o the_o most_o secret_a and_o hide_a practice_n of_o man_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o they_o in_o many_o case_n where_o the_o penalty_n of_o no_o humane_a law_n can_v have_v any_o awe_n or_o force_v upon_o they_o and_o especial_o it_o be_v as_o the_o civil_a law_n express_v it_o maximum_fw-la expediendarum_fw-la litium_fw-la remedium_fw-la the_o best_a mean_n of_o end_a controversy_n and_o where_o man_n estate_n or_o life_n be_v concern_v no_o evidence_n but_o what_o be_v assure_v by_o a_o oath_n will_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o give_v full_a and_o general_a satisfaction_n to_o mankind_n for_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n when_o man_n have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o can_v be_v have_v and_o not_o till_o then_o they_o be_v content_v to_o sit_v down_o and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o it_o and_o among_o all_o nation_n a_o oath_n have_v always_o be_v think_v the_o only_a peremptory_a and_o satisfactory_a way_n of_o decide_v such_o controversy_n iii_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n where_o they_o be_v necessary_a and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a inducement_n to_o believe_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o they_o that_o the_o unavoidable_a condition_n of_o humane_a affair_n have_v make_v they_o so_o necessary_a the_o apostle_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o only_o of_o great_a use_n in_o humane_a affair_n but_o in_o many_o case_n of_o great_a necessity_n to_o confirm_v a_o doubtful_a thing_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o controversy_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v decide_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o party_n contend_v a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v hardly_o imaginable_a that_o god_n shall_v not_o have_v leave_v that_o lawful_a which_o be_v so_o evident_o necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o mankind_n but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o sect_n spring_v up_o in_o our_o memory_n which_o have_v call_v in_o question_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o oath_n to_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o disturbance_n of_o humane_a society_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o search_v this_o matter_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o to_o manifest_v how_o unreasonable_a and_o groundless_a this_o opinion_n be_v and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v first_o prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o text_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n plain_o contain_v or_o strong_o imply_v in_o it_o second_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n whether_o from_o reason_n or_o from_o scripture_n which_o last_o they_o principal_o rely_v upon_o and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o from_o thence_o will_v determine_v the_o case_n 1._o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o text_n and_o the_o reason_n plain_o contain_v or_o strong_o imply_v in_o it_o because_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o use_n of_o oath_n among_o man_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o censure_n and_o reproof_n but_o as_o a_o commendable_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o in_o many_o case_n necessary_a for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o doubtful_a matter_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o final_a decision_n of_o controversy_n and_o difference_n among_o man_n for_o first_o he_o speaks_z of_o it_o as_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o mankind_n to_o confirm_v thing_n by_o a_o oath_n in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o have_v more_o universal_o obtain_v in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n than_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o certain_a indication_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o degenerate_a practice_n of_o mankind_n like_o that_o of_o idolatry_n be_v from_o hence_o evident_a that_o when_o god_n separate_v a_o people_n to_o himself_o it_o be_v practise_v among_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o be_v afterward_o not_o only_o allow_v but_o in_o many_o case_n command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v it_o
prophet_n who_o teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n who_o only_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v 5._o nothing_o ought_v to_o he_o receive_v as_o a_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o revelation_n without_o good_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o be_v without_o some_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a man_n now_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o be_v evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n nor_o to_o any_o former_a revelation_n which_o have_v already_o receive_v a_o great_a and_o more_o solemn_a attestation_n from_o god_n miracle_n be_v own_v by_o all_o mankind_n to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o any_o person_n or_o doctrine_n that_o be_v from_o god_n this_o be_v the_o testimony_n which_o god_n give_v to_o moses_n to_o satisfy_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o he_o have_v send_v he_o ex_v 4.1_o 2._o moses_n say_v they_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o nor_o hearken_v unto_o my_o voice_n for_o they_o will_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v not_o appear_v unto_o thou_o upon_o this_o god_n endue_v he_o with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o be_v a_o evidence_n to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v believe_v that_o the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o and_o all_o along_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o god_n send_v his_o prophet_n to_o make_v a_o new_a revelation_n or_o upon_o any_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a message_n he_o always_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o by_o some_o sign_n or_o wonder_v which_o they_o foretell_v or_o wrought_v and_o when_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n he_o give_v testimony_n to_o he_o by_o innumerable_a great_a and_o unquestionable_a miracle_n more_o and_o grear_a than_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n have_v wrought_v and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o this_o because_o our_o saviour_n come_v not_o only_o to_o publish_v a_o new_a religion_n to_o the_o world_n but_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v before_o and_o now_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v have_v the_o confirmation_n of_o such_o miracle_n as_o never_o be_v wrought_v upon_o any_o other_o occasion_n no_o evidence_n inferior_a to_o this_o can_v in_o reason_n control_v this_o revelation_n or_o give_v credit_n to_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o antichrist_n foretell_v by_o our_o saviour_n do_v real_o work_v miracle_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o deserve_v no_o credit_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o revelation_n which_o have_v so_o clear_a a_o testimony_n give_v to_o it_o from_o heaven_n by_o miracle_n beside_o all_o other_o concur_v argument_n to_o confirm_v it_o 6._o and_o last_o no_o argument_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o doctrine_n or_o revelation_n to_o be_v from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o strong_a than_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o because_o all_o assent_n be_v ground_v upon_o evidence_n and_o the_o strong_a and_o clear_a evidence_n always_o carry_v it_o but_o where_o the_o evidence_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n that_o can_v produce_v nothing_o but_o a_o suspense_n and_o doubt_n in_o the_o mind_n whether_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o not_o if_o moses_n have_v not_o confute_v pharaoh_n magician_n by_o work_a miracle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o work_v they_o may_v reasonable_o have_v dispute_v it_o with_o he_o who_o have_v be_v the_o true_a prophet_n but_o when_o he_o do_v work_n plain_o above_o the_o power_n of_o their_o magic_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o do_v than_o they_o submit_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n so_o likewise_o though_o a_o person_n work_v a_o miracle_n which_o ordinary_o be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n yet_o if_o the_o doctrine_n he_o bring_v be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o better_a objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n than_o the_o other_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o it_o as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n which_o moses_n put_v deut._n 13._o which_o i_o mention_v before_o upon_o the_o same_o account_v no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n to_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n because_o every_o man_n have_v as_o great_a evidence_n that_o transubstantiation_n be_v false_a as_o any_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o have_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v any_o such_o thing_n suppose_v transubstantiation_n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n it_o must_v have_v the_o same_o confirmation_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o be_v miracle_n but_o of_o all_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v peculiar_o incapable_a of_o be_v prove_v by_o a_o miracle_n for_o if_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o the_o very_a same_o assurance_n which_o a_o man_n have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n he_o have_v of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o his_o sense_n for_o both_o for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o prove_v that_o what_o he_o see_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o bread_n but_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n he_o have_v only_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o he_o have_v the_o very_a same_o evidence_n to_o prove_v that_o what_o he_o see_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o bread_n so_o that_o here_o arise_v a_o new_a controversy_n whether_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v his_o sense_n give_v testimony_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n or_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v that_o doctrine_n for_o there_o be_v just_a the_o same_o evidence_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o there_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n so_o that_o the_o argument_n for_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o do_v just_o balance_v one_o another_o and_o where_o the_o weight_n in_o both_o scale_n be_v equal_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o one_o shall_v weigh_v down_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o transubstantiation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o a_o miracle_n for_o that_o will_v be_v to_o prove_v to_o a_o man_n by_o something_o that_o he_o see_v that_o he_o do_v not_o see_v what_o he_o see_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v as_o brief_o and_o clear_o as_o i_o can_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o first_o enquiry_n i_o propound_v viz._n how_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a revelation_n and_o doctrine_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o two_o to_o who_o this_o judgement_n of_o discern_v do_v appertain_v whether_o 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be_v lose_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o perish_v in_o the_o very_a road_n to_o salvation_n but_o if_o we_o will_v in_o good_a earnest_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n holy_a law_n his_o grace_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o we_o to_o so_o good_a a_o purpose_n i_o have_v not_o time_n to_o recommend_v religion_n to_o you_o at_o large_a with_o all_o its_o advantage_n i_o will_v comprise_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v in_o a_o few_o word_n and_o mind_n they_o at_o your_o peril_n let_v that_o which_o be_v our_o great_a concernment_n be_v our_o great_a care_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v it_o to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o piety_n arid_a virtue_n nothing_o can_v be_v wise_a and_o consider_v the_o mighty_a assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o and_o the_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n and_o delight_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n nothing_o can_v be_v easy_o nothing_o will_v give_v we_o that_o pleasure_n while_o we_o live_v nothing_o can_v minister_v that_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n to_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v there_o be_v probable_o no_v such_o way_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o way_n but_o this_o to_o escape_v the_o intolerable_a and_o endless_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n now_o god_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v all_o know_v and_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n 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 now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o kingston_n upon_o thames_n july_n 21._o 1681._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a and_o my_o honour_a friend_n joseph_n reeve_n esq_n high_a sheriff_n of_o the_o county_n of_o surrey_z sir_n when_o i_o have_v perform_v the_o service_n which_o you_o be_v please_v to_o call_v i_o to_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o this_o sermon_n i_o have_v no_o thought_n of_o make_v it_o more_o public_a and_o yet_o in_o this_o also_o i_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o induce_v to_o comply_v with_o your_o desire_n because_o of_o the_o suitableness_n of_o the_o argument_n to_o the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v wherein_o as_o man_n have_v run_v into_o the_o wild_a extremity_n in_o other_o thing_n so_o particular_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o oath_n some_o make_v conscience_n of_o take_v any_o oath_n at_o all_o and_o too_o many_o none_o at_o all_o of_o break_v they_o to_o convince_v the_o great_a mistake_n of_o the_o one_o extreme_a and_o to_o check_v the_o grow_a evil_a and_o mischief_n of_o the_o other_o be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a if_o by_o god_n blessing_n it_o may_v prove_v any-wise_a serviceable_a i_o be_o sir_n your_o very_a faithful_a and_o humble_a servant_n jo._n tillotson_n the_o lawfulness_n and_o obligation_n of_o oath_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o kingston_n upon_o thames_n july_n 21._o 1681._o heb._n vi_o 16._o and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o support_n of_o humane_a society_n in_o nothing_o appear_v more_o evident_o than_o in_o this_o that_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o peace_n and_o justice_n among_o man_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o sense_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n for_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o any_o man_n that_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n shall_v make_v the_o least_o conscience_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o solemn_a appeal_n to_o god_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v so_o that_o whoever_o promote_v atheism_n and_o infidelity_n do_v the_o most_o destructive_a thing_n imaginable_a to_o human_a society_n because_o he_o take_v away_o the_o reverence_n and_o obligation_n of_o oath_n and_o whenever_o that_o be_v general_o cast_v off_o human_a society_n must_v disband_v and_o all_o thing_n run_v into_o disorder_n the_o just_a sense_n whereof_o make_v david_n cry_v out_o to_o god_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n as_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v crack_v and_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o ready_a to_o break_v in_o piece_n psal_n 12._o help_v lord_n for_o the_o righteous_a man_n cease_v and_o the_o faithful_a fail_n from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n intimate_v that_o when_o faith_n fail_v from_o among_o man_n nothing_o but_o a_o particular_a and_o immediate_a interposition_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v preserve_v the_o world_n from_o fall_v into_o confusion_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v this_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o approach_a dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o faith_n and_o truth_n shall_v hardly_o be_v find_v among_o man_n luke_n 18.8_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n this_o state_n of_o thing_n do_v loud_o call_v for_o his_o come_n to_o destroy_v the_o world_n which_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o dissolve_v and_o fall_v in_o piece_n of_o itself_o when_o these_o band_n and_o pillar_n of_o humane_a society_n do_v break_v and_o fail_v and_o sure_o never_o in_o any_o age_n be_v this_o sign_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n more_o glare_a and_o terrible_a than_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n wherein_o we_o live_v when_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n seem_v to_o have_v break_v loose_a from_o all_o obligation_n to_o faith_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o argument_n more_o proper_a and_o useful_a to_o be_v treat_v of_o upon_o this_o occasion_n than_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a security_n that_o one_o man_n can_v give_v to_o another_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v the_o strong_a tie_n of_o fideility_n the_o sure_a ground_n of_o judicial_a proceed_n and_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o sacred_a bond_n that_o can_v be_v lay_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a justice_n upon_o judge_n and_o jury_n and_o witness_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n of_o oath_n among_o man_n a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n he_o have_v say_v before_o
be_v a_o thing_n evil_n in_o itself_o and_o forbid_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n will_v not_o have_v be_v do_v second_o another_o undeniable_a argument_n from_o the_o text_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n be_v that_o god_n himself_o in_o condescension_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o man_n who_o use_v to_o confirm_v and_o give_v credit_n to_o what_o they_o say_v by_o a_o oath_n be_v represent_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o by_o a_o oath_n verse_n 13._o when_o god_n make_v the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n because_o he_o can_v swear_v by_o none_o great_a he_o swear_v by_o himself_o for_o man_n very_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n wherein_o god_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n which_o he_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v a_o oath_n be_v unlawful_a in_o itself_o for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o comply_v with_o man_n in_o a_o evil_a practice_n and_o by_o his_o own_o example_n to_o give_v countenance_n to_o it_o in_o the_o high_a manner_n but_o though_o god_n condescend_v to_o represent_v himself_o to_o we_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o never_o do_v it_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o sinful_a three_o from_o the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o oath_n in_o humane_a affair_n to_o give_v credit_n and_o confirmation_n to_o our_o word_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o contestation_n now_o that_o which_o serve_v to_o such_o excellent_a purpose_n and_o be_v so_o convenient_a for_o humane_a society_n and_o for_o mutual_a security_n and_o confidence_n among_o man_n ought_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v presume_v unlawful_a till_o it_o be_v plain_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o every_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o have_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o evil_n in_o it_o there_o be_v sure_o no_o evil_a in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n nor_o as_o it_o be_v a_o appeal_n to_o god_n as_o a_o witness_n and_o avenger_n in_o case_n we_o swear_v false_o nor_o as_o it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o a_o doubtful_a matter_n nor_o as_o it_o put_v a_o end_n to_o strife_n and_o controversy_n and_o these_o be_v all_o the_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o they_o be_v all_o so_o good_a that_o they_o rather_o commend_v it_o than_o give_v the_o least_o colour_n of_o ground_n to_o condemn_v it_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n whether_o from_o reason_n or_o from_o scripture_n first_o from_o reason_n they_o say_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o want_n of_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n among_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o demean_v himself_o with_o that_o faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n as_o may_v give_v credit_n and_o confirmation_n to_o his_o word_n and_o then_o oath_n will_v be_v needless_a this_o pretence_n will_v be_v full_o answer_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n no_o other_o obligation_n beside_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n have_v be_v think_v sufficient_a among_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o man_n to_o assert_v their_o fidelity_n to_o one_o another_o even_o the_o best_a man_n to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o great_a author_n have_v not_o trust_v the_o best_a man_n without_o it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o very_o remarkable_a instance_n where_o oath_n have_v pass_v between_o those_o who_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v the_o great_a confidence_n in_o one_o another_o as_o between_o abraham_n and_o his_o old_a faithful_a servant_n eliezer_n concern_v the_o choice_n of_o a_o wife_n for_o his_o son_n between_o father_n and_o son_n jacob_n and_o joseph_n concern_v the_o burial_n of_o his_o father_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n between_o two_o of_o the_o dear_a and_o most_o intimate_a friend_n david_n and_o jonathan_n to_o assure_v their_o friendship_n to_o one_o another_o and_o it_o have_v its_o effect_n long_o after_o jonathans_n death_n in_o the_o save_n of_o mephibosheth_n when_o reason_n of_o state_n and_o the_o security_n of_o his_o throne_n seem_v to_o move_v david_n strong_o to_o the_o contrary_a for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v 2_o sam._n 21.7_o that_o david_n spare_v mephibosheth_n jonathan_n son_n because_o of_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v between_o they_o imply_v that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o his_o oath_n other_o consideration_n may_v probable_o have_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o have_v permit_v he_o to_o have_v be_v cut_v off_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o saul_n child_n 2._o this_o reason_n which_o be_v allege_v against_o oath_n among_o man_n be_v much_o strong_a against_o god_n confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o by_o a_o oath_n for_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o be_v sure_o of_o all_o other_o most_o to_o be_v credit_v upon_o his_o bare_a word_n and_o his_o oath_n needless_a to_o give_v confirmation_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o he_o condescend_v to_o add_v his_o oath_n to_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o that_o reason_n be_v evident_o of_o no_o force_n second_o from_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n seem_v altogether_o to_o forbid_v swear_v in_o any_o case_n matth._n 5.33_o 34._o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v say_v to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o by_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n but_o let_v your_o communication_n be_v yea_o yea_o and_o nay_o nay_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v more_o than_o these_o come_v of_o evil_a and_o this_o law_n st._n james_n recite_v chap._n 5._o vers_fw-la 12._o as_o that_o which_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o very_a particular_a and_o principal_a regard_n to_o above_o all_o thing_n my_o brethren_n swear_v not_o and_o he_o make_v the_o breach_n of_o this_o law_n a_o damn_v sin_n lest_o you_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o consider_v that_o text._n and_o because_o here_o lie_v the_o main_a strength_n of_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o oath_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o this_o text_n be_v full_o consider_v and_o that_o it_o be_v make_v very_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n by_o this_o prohibition_n whole_o to_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o oath_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o matter_n i_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o error_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v a_o more_o plausible_a colour_n from_o scripture_n than_o this_o which_o make_v the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v into_o it_o the_o more_o pityable_a but_o than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v how_o much_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o oath_n reflect_v upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n since_o it_o be_v so_o evident_o prejudicial_a both_o to_o humane_a society_n in_o general_n and_o particular_o to_o those_o person_n that_o entertain_v it_o neither_o of_o which_o ought_v rash_o to_o be_v suppose_v and_o take_v for_o grant_v concern_v any_o law_n deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n because_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o we_o to_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o humane_a society_n i_o have_v speak_v already_o but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o they_o that_o hold_v it_o it_o render_v they_o suspect_v to_o government_n and_o in_o many_o case_n incapable_a of_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o justice_n and_o other_o privilege_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o expose_v they_o to_o great_a penalty_n as_o the_o constitution_n of_o all_o law_n and_o government_n at_o present_a be_v and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o and_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o this_o matter_n it_o set_v those_o who_o refuse_v oath_n upon_o very_o unequal_a term_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n if_o where_o the_o estate_n and_o life_n of_o man_n be_v equal_o concern_v their_o bare_a testimony_n shall_v be_v admit_v without_o a_o oath_n and_o other_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o speak_v upon_o oath_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a in_o experience_n than_o that_o many_o man_n will_v lie_v for_o their_o interest_n when_o they_o will_v not_o be_v perjure_v god_n have_v plant_v in_o the_o natural_a conscience_n of_o
consider_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o show_v the_o fitness_n and_o force_n of_o it_o to_o convince_v those_o with_o who_o our_o saviour_n dispute_v second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o if_o it_o be_v wherein_o the_o real_a and_o absolute_a force_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v apply_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n to_o the_o present_a occasion_n i._o first_n we_o will_v consider_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o show_v the_o fitness_n and_o force_n of_o it_o to_o convince_v those_o with_o who_o our_o saviour_n dispute_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o careful_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o what_o our_o saviour_n intend_v direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o prove_v by_o this_o argument_n 2._o the_o extraordinary_a veneration_n which_o the_o jew_n in_o general_n have_v for_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n above_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n 3._o the_o peculiar_a notion_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v concern_v the_o use_n of_o this_o phrase_n or_o expression_n of_o god_n be_v any_o one_o be_v god_n 4._o the_o great_a respect_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v for_o these_o three_o father_n of_o their_o nation_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacoh_n for_o each_o of_o these_o make_v our_o saviour_n argument_n more_o forcible_a against_o those_o with_o who_o he_o dispute_v first_o we_o will_v consider_v what_o our_o saviour_n intend_v direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o prove_v by_o this_o argument_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n wherein_o man_n shall_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a according_a as_o they_o have_v live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o this_o do_v not_o only_o suppose_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o body_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o man_n do_v by_o consequence_n infer_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n because_o otherwise_o the_o man_n will_v not_o be_v happy_a or_o misererable_a in_o the_o other_o world_n but_o i_o can_v see_v any_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v by_o this_o argument_n direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n but_o only_o by_o consequence_n and_o as_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o future_a state_n wherein_o man_n shall_v be_v reward_v or_o punish_v for_o that_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o god_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o of_o the_o live_n if_o it_o do_v direct_o prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n it_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o body_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o at_z or_o before_o that_o time_n when_o god_n speak_v to_o moses_n and_o call_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n but_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n direct_o and_o immediate_o to_o prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n but_o only_o as_o i_o say_v before_o a_o future_a state_n and_o that_o this_o be_v all_o our_o saviour_n intend_v will_n more_o plain_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o that_o error_n of_o the_o sadducee_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n here_o confute_v and_o josephus_n who_o very_o well_o understand_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o sect_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o they_o make_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o any_o controversy_n between_o the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o sadducee_n about_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n all_o that_o he_o say_v be_v this_o that_o the_o pharisee_n hold_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o there_o be_v reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n but_o the_o sadducee_n deny_v all_o this_o and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o state_n after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a same_o account_n with_o that_o which_o be_v give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n vers_fw-la 27._o of_o this_o chapt._n the_o sadducee_n who_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o resurrection_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v more_o full_o declare_v act._n 23.8_o the_o sadducee_n say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n neither_o angel_n nor_o spirit_n but_o the_o pharisee_n confess_v both_o that_o be_v the_o sadducee_n deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o state_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n and_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o immortal_a spirit_n either_o angel_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n survive_v their_o body_n and_o as_o dr._n hammond_n have_v judicious_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o true_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n a_o future_a or_o another_o state_n unless_o in_o such_o text_n where_o the_o context_n do_v restrain_v it_o to_o the_o raise_n again_o of_o the_o body_n or_o where_o some_o word_n that_o denote_v the_o body_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v add_v to_o it_o second_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n against_o those_o with_o who_o our_o saviour_n dispute_v will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a veneration_n which_o the_o jew_n in_o general_n have_v for_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n above_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o they_o especial_o the_o sadducee_n look_v upon_o only_a as_o explication_n and_o comment_n upon_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o they_o esteem_v nothing_o as_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v not_o some_o foundation_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n choose_v to_o confute_v they_o out_o of_o moses_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o not_o as_o many_o learned_a man_n have_v imagine_v because_o the_o sadducee_n do_v not_o receive_v any_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o only_o the_o five_o book_n of_o m_o ses_fw-fr so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o argue_v against_o they_o out_o of_o any_o other_o this_o i_o know_v have_v be_v a_o general_a opinion_n ground_v i_o think_v upon_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o passage_n in_o josephus_n who_o say_v the_o sadducee_n only_o receive_v the_o write_v law_n but_o if_o we_o careful_o consider_v that_o passage_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o josephus_n do_v not_o there_o oppose_v the_o law_n to_o the_o other_o b●●ks_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v also_o write_v but_o to_o oral_a tradition_n for_o he_o say_v express_o that_o the_o sadducee_n only_o receive_v the_o write_a law_n but_o the_o pharisee_n over_o and_o beside_o what_o be_v write_v receive_v the_o oral_n which_o they_o call_v tradition_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o in_o the_o late_a prophet_n there_o be_v more_o express_a text_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o future_a state_n than_o any_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o daniel_n 12.2_o and_o many_o of_o they_o that_o sleep_n in_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v awake_v s_o i_o to_o everlasting_a life_n and_o some_o to_o shame_n and_o everlasting_a contempt_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o holy_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n towards_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n have_v still_o clear_a and_o more_o express_a apprehension_n concern_v a_o future_a state_n than_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n or_o of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n the_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n do_v suppose_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o as_o principle_n of_o religion_n in_o some_o degree_n natural_o know_v but_o make_v no_o new_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o occasion_n for_o it_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v a_o political_a law_n not_o intend_v for_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n but_o of_o one_o particular_a nation_n and_o therefore_o be_v establish_v as_o political_a law_n be_v upon_o temporal_a promise_n and_o threaten_n promise_v temporal_a prosperity_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o threaten_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o with_o temporal_a judgement_n and_o calamity_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o argument_n fetch_v from_o another_o world_n be_v so_o obscure_o insist_v upon_o under_o that_o dispensation_n not_o but_o that_o another_o life_n after_o this_o be_v always_o suppose_v and_o be_v undoubted_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o good_a man_n under_o the_o law_n but_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o it_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o as_o
off_o all_o religion_n he_o that_o unworthy_o use_v or_o perform_v any_o part_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a condition_n but_o he_o that_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n plunge_v himself_o into_o a_o most_o desperate_a state_n and_o do_v certain_o damn_v himself_o to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o damnation_n because_o he_o that_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n throw_v off_o all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v reclaim_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o better_a state_n i_o can_v more_o fit_o illustrate_v this_o matter_n than_o by_o this_o plain_a similitude_n he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v intemperate_o endanger_v his_o health_n and_o his_o life_n but_o he_o that_o to_o avoid_v this_o danger_n will_v not_o eat_v at_o all_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o what_o will_v certain_o become_v of_o he_o in_o a_o very_a short_a space_n there_o be_v some_o conscientious_a person_n who_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o shall_v commit_v afterward_o be_v unpardonable_a but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n our_o saviour_n have_v so_o plain_o declare_v that_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n mall_n be_v forgive_v man_n except_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v those_o great_a miracle_n which_o they_o see_v he_o work_v and_o which_o he_o real_o wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n indeed_o to_o sin_n deliberate_o after_o so_o solemn_a a_o engagement_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n but_o not_o such_o as_o to_o make_v it_o unpardonable_a but_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v these_o sin_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o constant_a receive_n of_o it_o with_o the_o best_a preparation_n we_o can_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v sin_n for_o the_o future_a and_o to_o obtain_v the_o assistence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o that_o end_n and_o if_o we_o fall_v into_o sin_n afterward_o we_o may_v be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n for_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a who_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o as_o such_o be_v in_o a_o very_a lively_a and_o affect_a manner_n exhibit_v to_o we_o in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o so_o frequent_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n do_v never_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o fall_v into_o any_o deliberate_a sin_n undoubted_o many_o of_o they_o do_v but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o think_v that_o such_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a and_o that_o so_o many_o good_a man_n shall_v because_v of_o their_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o our_o lord_n institution_n unavoidable_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o matter_n such_o groundless_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n as_o these_o may_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a meaning_n but_o they_o be_v certain_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o injudicious_a mind_n for_o if_o we_o stand_v upon_o these_o scruple_n no_o man_n perhaps_o be_v ever_o so_o worthy_o prepare_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o any_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v still_o some_o defect_n or_o other_o in_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o preparation_n but_o if_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v this_o be_v all_o god_n expect_v and_o for_o our_o fear_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n afterward_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a answer_n to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n be_v not_o prevent_v by_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n but_o encrcase_v because_o a_o powerful_a and_o probable_a mean_n of_o preserve_a man_n from_o sin_n be_v neglect_v and_o why_o shall_v not_o every_o sincere_a christian_a by_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o god_n rather_o hope_v to_o be_v confirm_v in_o goodness_n and_o to_o receive_v far_a assistence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o strengthen_v he_o against_o sin_n and_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o subdue_v it_o than_o trouble_n himself_o with_o fear_n which_o be_v either_o without_o ground_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o keep_v any_o man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n we_o can_v sure_o entertain_v so_o unworthy_a a_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o do_v institute_v the_o sacrament_n not_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o as_o a_o snare_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o our_o ruin_n and_o damnation_n this_o be_v to_o pervert_v the_o gracious_a design_n of_o god_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n into_o a_o cup_n of_o deadly_a poison_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n all_o then_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v that_o upon_o this_o consideration_n man_n shall_v be_v quicken_v to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o fortify_v their_o resolution_n of_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o holy_a covenant_n which_o they_o solemn_o renew_v every_o time_n they_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n but_o not_o to_o deter_v we_o from_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n which_o may_v contribute_v to_o make_v we_o good_a therefore_o as_o a_o learned_a divine_a say_v very_o well_o this_o sacrament_n can_v be_v neglect_v by_o none_o but_o those_o that_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o but_o those_o who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v tie_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v engage_v to_o use_v their_o best_a diligence_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o person_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n since_o they_o be_v already_o in_o so_o bad_a a_o state_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o objection_n concern_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 2._o second_o objection_n 2._o obj._n 2._o which_o be_v this_o that_o so_o much_o preparation_n and_o worthiness_n be_v require_v to_o our_o worthy_a receive_n the_o more_o timorus_a sort_n of_o christian_n can_v never_o think_v themselves_o due_o enough_o qualify_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o clear_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o every_o degree_n of_o imperfection_n in_o our_o preparation_n for_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o man_n to_o refrain_v from_o it_o second_o that_o a_o total_a want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n not_o only_o in_o the_o degree_n but_o in_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o it_o render_v we_o unfit_a at_o present_a to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v our_o neglect_n of_o it_o three_o that_o the_o proper_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o the_o total_a want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o thought_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o immediate_o to_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o preparation_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o if_o i_o can_v clear_o make_v out_o these_o three_o thing_n i_o hope_v this_o objection_n be_v full_o answer_v 1._o that_o every_o degree_n of_o imperfection_n in_o our_o preparation_n for_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o for_o than_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o receive_v it_o for_o who_o be_v every_o way_n worthy_a and_o in_o all_o degree_n and_o respect_n due_o qualify_v to_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n who_o can_v wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v perfect_o fit_a to_o approach_v god_n altar_n there_o be_v not_o man_n on_o earth_n that_o live_v and_o sin_n not_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o best_a man_n be_v imperfect_a and_o every_o imperfection_n in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n be_v a_o imperfection_n in_o the_o disposition_n and_o preparation_n of_o out_o mind_n for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n but_o if_o we_o do_v hearty_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o sincere_o resolve_v to_o obey_v and_o perform_v the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o
long_o before_o his_o death_n great_a love_n than_o this_o have_v no_o man_n that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a love_n which_o he_o have_v express_v to_o we_o and_o worthy_a to_o be_v have_v in_o perpetual_a remembrance_n and_o all_o that_o he_o expect_v from_o we_o by_o way_n of_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o frequent_a participation_n of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o shall_v this_o charge_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o he_o who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o the_o solemn_a remembrance_n of_o that_o unparalleled_a kindness_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n we_o have_v no_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o benefit_n when_o we_o be_v so_o unmindful_a of_o our_o benefactor_n as_o to_o forget_v he_o day_n without_o number_n the_o obligation_n he_o have_v lay_v upon_o we_o be_v so_o vast_o great_a not_o only_o beyond_o all_o requital_n but_o beyond_o all_o expression_n that_o if_o he_o have_v command_v we_o some_o very_a grievous_a thing_n we_o ought_v with_o all_o the_o readiness_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o so_o easy_a a_o commandment_n a_o thing_n of_o no_o burden_n but_o of_o immense_a benefit_n when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v to_o we_o eat_v o_o friend_n and_o drink_v o_o belove_v when_o he_o only_o invite_v we_o to_o his_o table_n to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o delicious_a feast_n that_o we_o can_v partake_v of_o on_o this_o side_n heaven_n if_o we_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a blessing_n which_o be_v there_o exhibit_v to_o we_o and_o ready_a to_o be_v confer_v upon_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o neglect_v they_o that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o thank_v god_n for_o every_o opportunity_n he_o offer_v to_o we_o of_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o such_o benefit_n when_o such_o a_o price_n be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n shall_v we_o want_v heart_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o methinks_v we_o shall_v long_o with_o david_n who_o see_v but_o the_o shadow_n of_o these_o blessing_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n house_n and_o to_o draw_v near_o his_o altar_n and_o shall_v cry_v out_o with_o he_o o_o when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o thou_o my_o soul_n long_v yea_o even_o faint_v for_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o my_o flesh_n cry_v out_o for_o the_o live_a god_n and_o if_o we_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o thing_n we_o shall_v account_v it_o the_o great_a infelicity_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v debar_v of_o this_o privilege_n which_o yet_o we_o do_v deliberate_o and_o frequent_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o we_o exclaim_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o great_a impatience_n and_o with_o a_o very_a just_a indignation_n for_o rob_v the_o people_n of_o half_a of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o take_v from_o they_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v patient_o endure_v for_o some_o month_n nay_o year_n to_o exclude_v ourselves_o whole_o from_o it_o if_o no_o such_o great_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n belong_v to_o it_o why_o do_v we_o complain_v of_o they_o for_o hinder_v we_o of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o if_o there_o do_v why_o do_v we_o by_o our_o own_o neglect_n deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o whole_a in_o vain_a do_v we_o bemoan_v the_o decay_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o our_o slow_a progress_n and_o improvement_n in_o christianity_n whilst_o we_o wilful_o despise_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o goodness_n well_o do_v we_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v send_v leanness_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o make_v they_o to_o consume_v and_o pine_v away_o in_o perpetual_a doubt_v and_o 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