may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o true_a and_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o show_v 1._o negative_o what_o be_v not_o mean_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o and_o i_o mention_v these_o two_o particular_n 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o 2._o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n and_o examination_n man_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n both_o these_o i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n and_o therefore_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n 2._o i_o proceed_v positive_o to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v 1._o to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n of_o which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n in_o his_o baptism_n for_o of_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o context_n not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a church_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o 2._o place_n to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o mention_v these_o follow_v particular_n as_o probable_o imply_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v their_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n against_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o another_o religion_n 5._o against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busiy_n and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n 1._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v their_o confidence_n and_o of_o this_o i_o give_v several_a instance_n as_o in_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n without_o any_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o it_o either_o by_o scripture_n or_o miracle_n i_o mean_v such_o miracle_n as_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v for_o as_o for_o their_o legend_n since_o the_o wise_a among_o themselves_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o they_o i_o hope_v they_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o or_o be_v move_v by_o they_o and_o then_o their_o pretence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n which_o be_v now_o make_v a_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o successor_n of_o saint_n peter_n there_o be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n the_o supreme_a and_o universal_a pastor_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o every_o humane_a creature_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o and_o last_o their_o invocation_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o saint_n depart_v without_o any_o warrant_n or_o example_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o without_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o hear_v the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o to_o they_o 2._o much_o more_o be_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o here_o i_o instance_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n the_o lock_v up_o of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n and_o celebrate_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n and_o their_o daily_a repetition_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v offer_v once_o for_o all_o and_o be_v of_o eternal_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o because_o it_o need_v not_o like_o jewish_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n to_o be_v repeat_v to_o these_o instance_n which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o or_o two_o more_o as_o namely_o that_o to_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n a_o intention_n in_o the_o minister_n at_o least_o to_o do_v what_o the_o church_n do_v be_v requisite_a this_o be_v express_o define_v and_o under_o a_o anathema_n upon_o all_o that_o shall_v say_v otherwise_o by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n sess._n the_o seven_o can._n 11_o which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o minister_n so_o that_o if_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o baptise_v the_o party_n he_o pretend_v to_o baptise_v than_o it_o be_v no_o baptism_n and_o consequent_o the_o person_n baptise_a be_v not_o make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n nor_o be_v any_o grace_n or_o special_a benefit_n confer_v upon_o he_o nor_o be_v he_o a_o christian._n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o the_o priest_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o consecrate_v the_o host_n then_o be_v it_o no_o sacrament_n and_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o it_o and_o which_o according_a to_o their_o opinion_n be_v a_o dreadful_a consequence_n by_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n there_o be_v no_o change_n make_v of_o the_o element_n into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o they_o that_o give_v adoration_n to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o such_o case_n worship_n bread_n and_o wine_n for_o god_n which_o be_v idolatry_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o their_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n though_o the_o priest_n pronounce_v the_o word_n of_o absolution_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o true_o penitent_a and_o god_n on_o his_o part_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v he_o yet_o if_o the_o priest_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v and_o the_o man_n be_v still_o in_o his_o sin_n so_o likewise_o in_o ordination_n which_o be_v another_o of_o their_o sacrament_n if_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o ordain_v the_o man_n he_o be_v no_o priest_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v as_o a_o priest_n afterward_o either_o in_o administration_n of_o baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o the_o absolution_n of_o penitent_n all_o be_v vain_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n nay_o in_o marriage_n which_o they_o will_v needs_o have_v to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n too_o if_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v want_v there_o be_v nothing_o do_v the_o contract_n be_v null_v and_o they_o that_o be_v so_o marry_v do_v real_o live_v in_o adultery_n though_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o nor_o have_v any_o suspicion_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o whole_a tenure_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o promise_v the_o benefit_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o all_o those_o that_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v require_v on_o their_o part_n and_o declare_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n to_o those_o who_o confess_v they_o to_o god_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o administer_v they_o or_o that_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o intention_n or_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n but_o
this_o case_n of_o renounce_v our_o religion_n unless_o it_o be_v very_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v out_o of_o which_o a_o man_n recover_v himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o as_o st._n peter_n do_v or_o the_o suffer_a be_v so_o extreme_a as_o to_o put_v a_o man_n beside_o himself_o for_o the_o time_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n of_o renounce_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n god_n will_v not_o admit_v fear_n for_o a_o just_a excuse_n of_o our_o apostasy_n which_o if_o it_o be_v unrepented_a of_o and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o repentance_n in_o that_o case_n as_o very_o difficult_a will_v be_v our_o ruin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v give_v we_o such_o fair_a warn_v of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o we_o enter_v into_o religion_n upon_o these_o term_n with_o a_o profess_a expectation_n of_o suffer_v and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n if_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v our_o lord_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o again_o he_o that_o love_v life_n itself_o more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o unfaithful_a generation_n of_o he_o will_v i_o be_v ashamed_a before_o my_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o therefore_o to_o master_n and_o subdue_v this_o fear_n our_o saviour_n have_v propound_v great_a object_n of_o terror_n to_o we_o and_o a_o danger_n infinite_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v which_o every_o man_n run_v himself_o wilful_o upon_o who_o shall_v quit_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffering_n luke_o 12._o 4_o 5._o fear_v not_o they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o after_o that_o have_v nothing_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o this_o dreadful_a hazard_n every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n venture_v thus_o to_o offend_v god_n these_o be_v the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n speak_v of_o by_o st._n john_n who_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o particular_a namely_o that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v contain_v these_o two_o part_n i._n a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o true_a and_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o show_v i._n negative_o what_o be_v not_o mean_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o and_o i_o mention_v these_o two_o particular_n 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o 2._o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n and_o examination_n man_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n for_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o offer_v be_v always_o to_o be_v hear_v i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n positive_o to_o explain_v the_o mean_v of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n of_o in_o his_o baptism_n not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o procee_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o mention_v these_o follow_v particular_n as_o probable_o imply_v and_o comprehend_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n under_o both_o which_o head_n i_o give_v several_a instance_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n impose_v with_o great_a confidence_n upon_o the_o world_n some_o without_o and_o other_o plain_o against_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o persecution_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o two_o other_o particular_n which_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o 4._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n god_n have_v plain_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o what_o will_v certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o it_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v i._n e._n without_o true_a contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o forsake_v of_o they_o we_o shall_v perish_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o no_o fornicator_n or_o adulterer_n or_o idolater_n or_o covetous_a person_n nor_o any_o one_o that_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o sin_n shall_v have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o christ._n there_o be_v as_o great_a and_o unpassable_a a_o gulf_n fix_v between_o heaven_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o when_o man_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o debauch_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reconcile_v a_o wicked_a life_n with_o any_o reasonable_a and_o wellgrounded_n hope_v of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n no_o church_n have_v that_o privilege_n to_o save_v a_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o those_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n all_o religion_n be_v equal_a in_o this_o that_o a_o bad_a man_n can_v be_v save_v in_o none_o of_o they_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v their_o church_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a concern_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o they_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v in_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o intention_n
we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o communion_n whereof_o a_o man_n may_v be_v safe_a but_o till_o that_o be_v make_v out_o they_o have_v do_v nothing_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v safe_a much_o less_o necessary_a to_o be_v of_o their_o communion_n but_o if_o particular_a point_n must_v be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o enquiry_n after_o the_o true_a church_n then_o they_o must_v allow_v their_o intend_a convert_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n likewise_o of_o particular_a point_n and_o if_o he_o be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o too_o before_o he_o come_v into_o their_o church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v of_o what_o use_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o it_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v by_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n they_o be_v as_o they_o very_o believe_v establish_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o be_v fair_o offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n and_o then_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v positive_o first_o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n of_o which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n in_o his_o baptism_n for_o it_o be_v of_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v as_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o context_n second_o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o this_o i_o give_v account_n in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n of_o which_o i_o give_v you_o particular_a instance_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o 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judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n i._n e._n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o yet_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o judge_v of_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n as_o for_o these_o they_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o will_v certain_o run_v into_o damnable_a error_n and_o mistake_v and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n allow_v they_o the_o first_o a_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n otherwise_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o offer_v they_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o they_o if_o they_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o force_n of_o they_o but_o now_o after_o this_o to_o deny_v they_o all_o ability_n to_o judge_v of_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a pretence_n second_o another_o art_n they_o use_v in_o order_n to_o their_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v earnest_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v only_o the_o argument_n and_o book_n on_o their_o side_n which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v a_o judge_n in_o order_n to_o the_o better_a understanding_n and_o clear_a decision_n of_o a_o cause_n to_o hear_v only_o the_o council_n on_o one_o side_n three_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o only_a thing_n they_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n the_o one_o catholic_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o creed_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o when_o they_o have_v find_v that_o they_o be_v to_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v infallible_a for_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o this_o method_n they_o wise_o take_v to_o avoid_v particular_a dispute_n about_o the_o innovation_n and_o error_n which_o we_o charge_v they_o withal_o but_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a that_o this_o can_v be_v the_o first_o enquiry_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n that_o make_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o make_v the_o true_a church_n beside_o their_o way_n of_o prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n be_v by_o the_o mark_n and_o property_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o which_o the_o chief_a be_v the_o conformity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n with_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n this_o avoidable_a draw_v on_o a_o examination_n of_o their_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n whether_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n before_o their_o great_a enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o issue_n which_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o can_v never_o be_v without_o enter_v into_o the_o ocean_n of_o particular_a dispute_n which_o they_o desire_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o avoid_v so_o that_o they_o be_v never_o the_o near_o by_o this_o method_n they_o can_v neither_o shorten_v their_o work_n by_o it_o nor_o keep_v off_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o particular_a error_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v a_o very_a sore_a place_n and_o they_o can_v endure_v we_o shall_v touch_v it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o discover_v some_o other_o art_n and_o method_n which_o they_o use_v in_o seduce_a people_n to_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o they_o as_o i_o can_v four_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n i._n e._n the_o visible_a society_n of_o all_o christian_n unite_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o visible_a head_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n otherwise_o they_o can_v be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n we_o grant_v the_o consequence_n that_o if_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n because_o out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v ordinary_o no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v but_o how_o do_v they_o prove_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n they_o will_v fain_o have_v we_o so_o civil_a as_o to_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o they_o do_v not_o well_o know_v how_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o and_o indeed_o some_o thing_n be_v obstinate_a and_o
plain_a then_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n nor_o necessity_n to_o extend_v this_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v self-denial_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n and_o therefore_o this_o precept_n must_v be_v limit_v by_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o intendment_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n and_o no_o man_n can_v argue_v thus_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v self-denial_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n require_v it_o of_o his_o disciple_n for_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o require_v all_o kind_n of_o self-denial_n but_o limit_n it_o by_o his_o discourse_n to_o one_o certain_a kind_n beyond_o which_o self-denial_n be_v no_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o text_n and_o therefore_o for_o our_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o remove_v some_o sort_n of_o self-denial_n which_o be_v instance_a in_o by_o some_o as_o intend_v in_o this_o precept_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o kind_n of_o self-denial_n that_o be_v which_o our_o saviour_n here_o intend_v 1._o there_o be_v several_a thing_n bring_v under_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n which_o be_v never_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o insist_v upon_o and_o some_o of_o they_o by_o very_o devout_a and_o well-meaning_a man_n as_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o our_o reason_n nay_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o renounce_v our_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o our_o brethren_n but_o all_o these_o be_v so_o apparent_o and_o gross_o unreasonable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o one_o shall_v ever_o take_v they_o for_o instance_n of_o that_o self-denial_n which_o our_o saviour_n require_v especial_o consider_v that_o in_o all_o his_o discourse_n of_o self-denial_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o glance_v at_o any_o of_o these_o instance_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o to_o they_o 1._o some_o comprehend_v under_o self-denial_n the_o deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o own_o sense_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o precept_n we_o need_v not_o dispute_v any_o of_o the_o other_o instance_n for_o he_o that_o renounce_v the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n so_o as_o not_o to_o believe_v what_o he_o see_v may_v after_o this_o renounce_v and_o deny_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a than_o that_o of_o faith_n as_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o intimate_v as_o john_n 20._o 29._o where_o our_o saviour_n reprove_v thomas_n for_o refuse_v to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o any_o less_o evidence_n than_o that_o of_o sense_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v thou_o have_v believe_v bless_a be_v they_o which_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v which_o plain_o suppose_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n to_o be_v the_o high_a and_o clear_a degree_n of_o evidence_n so_o likewise_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 7._o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n where_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o which_o be_v more_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a be_v oppose_v to_o that_o of_o sight_n as_o more_o clear_a and_o certain_a so_o that_o to_o believe_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o assent_n which_o always_o yield_v to_o the_o great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n beside_o that_o our_o belief_n of_o religion_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n so_o that_o by_o renounce_v that_o we_o destroy_v and_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n one_o of_o the_o plain_a and_o principal_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o all_o religion_n rely_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n namely_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n by_o the_o contemplation_n whereof_o we_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o invisible_a author_n of_o it_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1._o 20._o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o the_o great_a external_a evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v miracle_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n without_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o any_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n likewise_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o our_o sense_n the_o evidence_n whereof_o if_o it_o be_v uncertain_a take_v away_o all_o certainty_n of_o faith_n how_o shall_v they_o believe_v say_v st._n paul_n rom._n 10._o 14._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o ver_fw-la 17._o so_o then_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o to_o deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o sense_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o main_a pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o 2._o other_o almost_o with_o equal_a absurdity_n will_v comprehend_v under_o our_o saviour_n precept_n of_o self-denial_n the_o deny_v and_o renounce_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v self-denial_n with_o a_o witness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o deny_v his_o own_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o man._n this_o sure_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n and_o though_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o may_v be_v innocent_a yet_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o the_o discourse_n upon_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a the_o ground_n of_o the_o mistake_n be_v this_o man_n think_v they_o deny_v their_o own_o reason_n when_o they_o assent_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o their_o own_o reason_n can_v neither_o have_v discover_v nor_o be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o whereas_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deny_v his_o own_o reason_n that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o it_o for_o what_o more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v whatever_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o god_n who_o can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v himself_o nor_o deceive_v we_o but_o though_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o mistake_n may_v be_v innocent_a yet_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a for_o if_o we_o be_v to_o renounce_v our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n then_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n which_o 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distrust_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o hear_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o as_o if_o truth_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o in_o every_o conflict_n it_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v baffle_v and_o run_v down_o and_o go_v by_o the_o worst_a and_o as_o if_o the_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o be_v too_o hard_o for_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v encounter_v by_o those_o force_n which_o truth_n have_v on_o its_o side_n we_o have_v that_o honest_a confidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o religion_n that_o we_o do_v not_o fear_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o forbid_v our_o people_n to_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o to_o read_v the_o best_a book_n they_o can_v write_v against_o it_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v so_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n that_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v those_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o hear_v or_o read_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o nay_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o with_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v at_o least_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o tell_v their_o people_n that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o of_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o hear_v any_o reason_n against_o it_o and_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o strong_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o entertain_v any_o doubt_n concern_v it_o because_o all_o doubt_v be_v a_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o mortal_a sin_n but_o sure_o that_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v which_o will_v not_o hear_v reason_n nor_o that_o religion_n to_o be_v much_o admire_v which_o will_v not_o allow_v those_o that_o have_v once_o embrace_v it_o to_o hear_v it_o ever_o after_o debate_v and_o examine_v this_o be_v a_o very_a suspicious_a business_n and_o argue_v that_o either_o they_o have_v not_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n or_o that_o truth_n be_v a_o weak_a and_o pitiful_a and_o sneak_a thing_n and_o not_o able_a to_o make_v its_o party_n good_a against_o error_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o then_o to_o have_v consider_v the_o argument_n and_o encouragement_n hereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o at_o this_o time_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o
of_o the_o true_a ancient_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n or_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o heathen_a persecution_n which_o be_v so_o hot_a against_o they_o at_o that_o time_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v by_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o in_o all_o those_o respect_n upon_o which_o the_o jew_n value_v themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n as_o namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o lawgiver_n their_o high-priest_n and_o their_o sacrifice_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v every_o way_n the_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o have_v make_v this_o clear_a he_o conclude_v with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o great_a highpriest_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o into_o which_o they_o have_v solemn_o be_v initiate_v and_o admit_v by_o baptism_n vers_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o have_v a_o highpriest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v we_o sincere_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n into_o the_o profession_n whereof_o we_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v undoubted_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n the_o water_n with_o which_o our_o body_n be_v wash_v in_o baptism_n signify_v our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v this_o refer_v to_o that_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n call_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o firm_o retain_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 4._o 14._o see_v then_o we_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n which_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v fast_o hold_v of_o our_o profession_n so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n exhort_v christian_n to_o retain_v or_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o everlasting_a life_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o creed_n whereof_o in_o baptism_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inflexible_a unmoveable_a steady_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o continue_v faithful_a and_o steady_a to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v i._o the_o exhortation_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o ii_o the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n use_v to_o enâ—â—â—ce_v it_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v so_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o the_o exhortation_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v remove_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o what_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o imply_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o man_n shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o they_o think_v which_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o exhortation_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o a_o thorough_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o all_o person_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v find_v great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o nor_o indeed_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o all_o person_n because_o all_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n incapable_a of_o do_v it_o 1._o child_n 2._o such_o grow_a person_n as_o be_v of_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o low_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n child_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o examine_v but_o only_o to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n instill_v into_o they_o but_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o discern_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o have_v of_o late_o be_v allow_v to_o they_o in_o a_o nation_n not_o far_o from_o we_o and_o by_o public_a edict_n declare_v that_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n old_a be_v fit_a to_o choose_v and_o to_o change_v their_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o law_n i_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o allow_v child_n of_o that_o age_n to_o do_v any_o act_n for_o themselves_o that_o be_v of_o consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o they_o for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o which_o they_o shall_v stand_v oblige_v to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a they_o be_v indeed_o baptise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o their_o infancy_n but_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o this_o obligation_n themselves_o but_o their_o surety_n undertake_v for_o they_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o shall_v take_v this_o promise_n upon_o themselves_o and_o confirm_v and_o make_v it_o good_a but_o sure_o they_o can_v do_v no_o act_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n at_o that_o age_n which_o can_v be_v obligatory_a they_o can_v neither_o make_v any_o contract_n that_o shall_v be_v valid_a nor_o incur_v any_o debt_n nor_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o any_o promise_n nor_o choose_v themselves_o a_o guardian_n nor_o do_v any_o act_n that_o may_v bring_v
they_o under_o a_o inconvenience_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v at_o age._n and_o can_v we_o think_v they_o of_o discretion_n sufficient_a at_o that_o time_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o other_o and_o which_o will_v concern_v they_o to_o all_o eternity_n namely_o to_o choose_v their_o religion_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o part_n of_o one_o religion_n which_o we_o all_o know_v which_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n of_o age_n be_v fit_a i_o do_v not_o say_v to_o judge_v of_o but_o to_o be_v as_o fond_a of_o and_o to_o practice_v to_o as_o good_a purpose_n as_o those_o of_o ripe_a year_n and_o that_o be_v to_o worship_v image_n to_o tell_v their_o bead_n to_o say_v their_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o this_o they_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o choose_v at_o that_o age_n than_o those_o who_o be_v of_o ripe_a and_o more_o improve_v understanding_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v it_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o they_o will_v not_o choose_v it_o afterward_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a extraordinary_a law_n and_o such_o as_o perhaps_o be_v never_o think_v of_o before_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o much_o for_o child_n as_o for_o grow_v person_n who_o be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n of_o understanding_n and_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o other_o disadvantage_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o be_v in_o little_a or_o no_o probability_n of_o improve_n themselves_o these_o be_v always_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n in_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v real_o much_o wise_a and_o safe_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v than_o to_o depend_v upon_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o to_o lean_v to_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o such_o person_n if_o they_o be_v modest_a and_o humble_a and_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o his_o assistance_n and_o direction_n and_o be_v careful_a to_o practice_v what_o they_o know_v and_o to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o best_a light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v shall_v not_o miscarry_v mere_o for_o want_v of_o those_o far_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v no_o capacity_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o attain_v because_o their_o ignorance_n be_v unavoidable_a and_o god_n will_v require_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o will_v not_o call_v they_o to_o account_v for_o the_o improvement_n of_o those_o talent_n which_o he_o never_o commit_v to_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o any_o dangerous_a error_n by_o the_o negligence_n or_o ill_a conduct_n of_o those_o under_o who_o care_n and_o instruction_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n permit_v they_o to_o be_v place_v god_n will_v not_o impute_v it_o to_o they_o as_o a_o fault_n because_o in_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v they_o take_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a course_n that_o they_o can_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v what_o they_o can_v of_o those_o who_o they_o take_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o themselves_o but_o for_o such_o person_n who_o by_o the_o maturity_n of_o their_o age_n and_o by_o the_o natural_a strength_n and_o clearness_n of_o their_o understanding_n or_o by_o the_o due_a exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o discern_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o truth_n and_o error_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v in_o unnecessary_a point_n and_o matter_n of_o deep_a learning_n and_o speculation_n but_o in_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v certain_o very_o reasonable_a that_o such_o person_n shall_v examine_v their_o religion_n and_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o this_o must_v either_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v reasonable_a or_o else_o every_o man_n must_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v fix_v by_o education_n or_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n to_o pitch_v upon_o when_o he_o come_v to_o year_n and_o make_v his_o free_a choice_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a principle_n that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n but_o take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o it_o then_o every_o man_n be_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o religion_n which_o he_o first_o light_n upon_o whether_o by_o choice_n or_o the_o chance_n of_o his_o education_n for_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o change_v but_o upon_o reason_n and_o reason_n he_o can_v have_v none_o unless_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o compare_v it_o with_o other_o that_o by_o the_o comparison_n he_o may_v discern_v which_o be_v best_a and_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v prefer_v in_o his_o choice_n for_o to_o he_o that_o will_v not_o or_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o search_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o religion_n all_o religion_n be_v alike_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n to_o he_o that_o be_v always_o keep_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o if_o he_o happen_v to_o come_v into_o the_o light_n dare_v not_o open_a his_o eye_n and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o discern_v the_o different_a colour_n of_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v evident_o and_o at_o first_o sight_n unreasonable_a because_o at_o this_o rate_n every_o man_n that_o have_v once_o entertain_v a_o error_n and_o a_o false_a religion_n must_v forever_o continue_v in_o it_o for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o examine_v it_o he_o can_v never_o have_v reason_n to_o change_v and_o to_o make_v a_o change_n without_o reason_n be_v certain_o unreasonable_a and_o mere_a vanity_n and_o inconstancy_n and_o yet_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v see_v this_o be_v the_o principle_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v with_o great_a zeal_n and_o earnestness_n inculcate_v upon_o their_o people_n discourage_v all_o doubt_n and_o inquiry_n about_o their_o religion_n as_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o examination_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o a_o inclination_n and_o dangerous_a step_n towards_o heresy_n for_o what_o else_o can_v they_o mean_v by_o take_v the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n and_o lock_v they_o up_o from_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n by_o require_v they_o absolute_o to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n and_o to_o resign_v they_o up_o to_o that_o which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o implicit_o to_o believe_v as_o she_o believe_v though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o that_o be_v this_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o believe_v as_o their_o priest_n tell_v they_o for_o that_o be_v all_o the_o teach_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o common_a people_n be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o when_o man_n be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o right_a religion_n and_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o true_a church_n they_o ought_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v and_o to_o examine_v and_o inquire_v no_o far_o for_o this_o be_v manifest_o unreasonable_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o three_o account_n 1._o because_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o shameful_a beg_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n and_o that_o which_o every_o church_n and_o every_o religion_n do_v almost_o with_o equal_a confidence_n pretend_v to_o that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a right_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o these_o pretence_n be_v all_o alike_o reasonable_a to_o he_o that_o never_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o of_o they_o nor_o have_v compare_v they_o together_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o vain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o pretend_v that_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o be_v examine_v but_o they_o because_o they_o and_o none_o else_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o this_o which_o they_o say_v so_o confident_o of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n no_o man_n can_v know_v till_o he_o have_v examine_v it_o and_o search_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o have_v consider_v the_o objection_n which_o be_v against_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v fond_a partiality_n to_o say_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o people_n that_o profess_v it_o but_o that_o all_o other_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v examine_v or_o
rather_o because_o they_o be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o presume_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n aught_o to_o be_v condemn_v at_o all_o adventure_n without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n this_o i_o say_v be_v fond_a partiality_n because_o every_o religion_n and_o every_o church_n may_v for_o aught_o that_o appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v thing_n impartial_o say_v the_o same_o for_o themselves_o and_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n and_o if_o so_o then_o either_o every_o religion_n ought_v to_o permit_v itself_o to_o be_v examine_v or_o else_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o consequent_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_n and_o heretic_n ought_v all_o to_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v and_o none_o of_o they_o to_o change_v because_o they_o can_v reasonable_o change_v without_o examine_v both_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o leave_v and_o that_o which_o they_o embrace_v instead_o of_o it_o 2._o admit_v this_o pretence_n be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o have_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o they_o shall_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o why_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o they_o shall_v permit_v it_o to_o be_v try_v that_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a reason_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v because_o if_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v firm_a and_o good_a i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o but_o i_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ill_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v solid_a and_o firm_a and_o such_o as_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n that_o they_o be_v so_o very_o loath_a to_o have_v they_o search_v into_o and_o examine_v this_o can_v but_o tempt_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o suspect_v that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o know_v something_o that_o be_v amiss_o in_o their_o religion_n which_o make_v they_o so_o loath_a to_o have_v it_o try_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o touch._n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a among_o all_o christian_n that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o never_o forbid_v the_o christian_n to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o frequent_o exhort_v they_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o whether_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ._n so_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n and_o again_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o prove_v and_o try_v it_o and_o so_o likewise_o st._n john_n ep._n 1._o 4._o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o he_o give_v a_o very_a notable_a mark_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n carry_v on_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o tend_v to_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n vers_fw-la 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n therefore_o speak_v they_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n hear_v they_o act_n 17._o 11._o st._n luke_n commend_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o the_o beroean_n that_o they_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o without_o disparagement_n to_o their_o infallibility_n these_o say_v he_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o word_n but_o not_o blind_o and_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o use_v due_a care_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o have_v before_o receive_v it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o admit_v and_o swallow_v contradiction_n in_o their_o faith_n and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o that_o they_o will_v encourage_v the_o people_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o and_o to_o examine_v whether_o their_o doctrine_n be_v according_a to_o they_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v the_o pope_n and_o a_o general_n council_n commend_v to_o the_o people_n the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o try_v their_o definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o worship_n by_o that_o rule_n to_o see_v whether_o what_o they_o have_v define_v and_o decree_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o their_o worship_n of_o image_n their_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n depart_v the_o sacrament_n under_o one_o kind_n only_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n in_o the_o mass._n have_v the_o beroean_n be_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o plead_v their_o right_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v very_o troublesome_a and_o impertinent_a and_o will_v not_o have_v be_v praise_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n for_o their_o pain_n as_o they_o be_v by_o st._n luke_n you_o see_v then_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a groundless_a and_o suspicious_a pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o because_o they_o be_v infallible_o in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o their_o people_n must_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o examine_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v undoubted_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o not_o only_o permit_v the_o people_n to_o examine_v it_o but_o exhort_v and_o encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o commend_v they_o for_o it_o and_o any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n must_v abhor_v to_o submit_v to_o this_o slavery_n not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v free_o into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o will_v break_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o single_a point_n and_o will_v tell_v they_o plain_o if_o your_o religion_n be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v examine_v i_o doubt_v it_o be_v too_o bad_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o allow_v of_o this_o liberty_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v people_n perpetual_o doubt_v and_o unsettled_a i_o do_v utter_o deny_v this_o and_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a with_o good_a reason_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v the_o contrary_a effect_n there_o be_v in_o reason_n no_o better_a way_n to_o establish_v any_o man_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o there_o be_v very_o good_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o believe_v which_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o see_v that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o reason_n or_o not_o so_o that_o beside_o the_o reasonablness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v of_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o account_n 1._o to_o arm_v we_o against_o seducer_n he_o that_o have_v examine_v his_o religion_n and_o try_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v most_o able_a to_o maintain_v they_o and_o make_v they_o good_a against_o all_o assault_n that_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o we_o to_o move_v we_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n whereas_o he_o that_o have_v not_o examine_v and_o consequent_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o to_o
be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o i._o a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v if_o we_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o faithful_a to_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o faithful_a to_o we_o in_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o whether_o of_o aid_n and_o support_v or_o of_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o he_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o handle_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o apoostle_n exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v without_o waver_v signify_v inflexible_a and_o unmovable_a not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o full_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o propound_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o 2._o to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v and_o intend_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o the_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v this_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o last_o day_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n which_o some_o i_o show_v be_v not_o as_o child_n who_o while_o they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n and_o likewise_o such_o grow_a person_n as_o either_o by_o the_o natural_a weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o by_o some_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o education_n be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n these_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o 2._o this_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v do_v not_o imply_v that_o when_o man_n upon_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v aga_v they_o both_o these_o principle_n i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v by_o show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n namely_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a search_n and_o examination_n we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v embrace_v or_o as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o one_a epistle_n 5._o 12._o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v that_o then_o we_o shall_v adhere_v steadfast_o to_o it_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o we_o nor_o ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v from_o it_o by_o any_o pretence_n or_o insinuation_n or_o temptation_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o confidence_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o a_o ignorant_a man_n who_o have_v never_o consider_v thing_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o the_o assurance_n and_o settlement_n of_o one_o who_o have_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n and_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v and_o examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o first_o be_v mere_a wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o man_n have_v entertain_v and_o drink_v in_o such_o principle_n of_o religion_n by_o education_n or_o have_v take_v they_o up_o by_o chance_n but_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o they_o and_o yet_o however_o he_o come_v by_o they_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o the_o other_o be_v the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n of_o a_o wise_a man._n he_o have_v embrace_v his_o religion_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o he_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o steadfast_o to_o the_o end_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v many_o exhortation_n and_o caution_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a establish_v in_o the_o truth_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n that_o we_o shall_v stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v â—n_o nothing_o terrifle_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o that_o if_o occasion_n be_v we_o shall_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o 2._o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v it_o fast_o or_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n i._n e._n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n for_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o this_o profession_n or_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n as_o the_o word_n proper_o signify_v be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v let_v we_o draw_v near_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o make_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o which_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 6._o 17._o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o i._n e._n to_o all_o christian_n and_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n hold_v fast_o say_v he_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o st._n judas_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n
and_o by_o consequence_n all_o those_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o those_o article_n and_o be_v imply_v in_o they_o and_o by_o plain_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o they_o it_o be_v not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o partial_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n since_o the_o primitive_a time_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o have_v be_v since_o declare_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o be_v either_o to_o profess_v or_o to_o hold_v fast_o because_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o admit_v the_o pretence_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o those_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v impose_v be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a and_o have_v effectual_o do_v it_o that_o those_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o primitive_a antiquity_n and_o that_o the_o church_n which_o propose_v they_o have_v no_o more_o claim_n to_o infallibility_n than_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v none_o at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n no_o other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o sufficient_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n either_o in_o express_a term_n or_o by_o plain_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n nor_o any_o rite_n of_o worship_n nor_o matter_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v not_o command_v in_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v any_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n in_o re-religion_n the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n here_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o without_o waver_v much_o less_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n of_o which_o kind_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n in_o my_o follow_a discourse_n to_o instance_n in_o several_a particular_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o which_o by_o god_n grace_n we_o have_v ever_o hold_v fast_o be_v that_o which_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o have_v be_v the_o ancient_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o can_v as_o to_o any_o part_n or_o tittle_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o even_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o two_o d_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v namely_o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o what_o be_v imply_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o think_v these_o follow_a particular_n may_v very_o well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o it_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v their_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o another_o religion_n 5._o against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o own_o party_n and_o faction_n i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o with_o as_o much_o clearness_n and_o brevity_n as_o i_o can_v 1._o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n all_o religion_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o institute_v the_o rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n the_o rule_n of_o institute_v religion_n be_v divine_a revelation_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o all_o christian_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v agree_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v religion_n but_o what_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v so_o one_o or_o both_o of_o those_o way_n either_o by_o scripture_n or_o by_o reason_n or_o by_o both_o and_o how_o confident_a soever_o man_n may_v be_v of_o opinion_n destitute_a of_o this_o proof_n any_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n will_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n reject_v they_o for_o want_v of_o this_o proof_n and_o notwithstanding_o any_o pretend_a authority_n or_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n that_o impose_v they_o will_v have_v no_o more_o consideration_n and_o regard_n of_o they_o than_o of_o the_o confident_a dictate_v and_o assertion_n of_o any_o enthusiast_n whatsoever_o because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o any_o man_n confidence_n if_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n which_o he_o bring_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o it_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n that_o confidence_n be_v general_o ill_o ground_v and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o passion_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o be_v common_o make_v use_n of_o like_o fury_n and_o force_n to_o supply_v for_o the_o weakness_n and_o want_n of_o argument_n if_o a_o man_n can_v prove_v what_o he_o say_v by_o good_a argument_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o confidence_n to_o back_n and_o support_v it_o we_o may_v at_o any_o time_n trust_v a_o plain_a and_o substantial_a reason_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o make_v its_o own_o way_n and_o to_o bear_v out_o its_o self_n but_o if_o the_o man_n reason_n and_o argument_n be_v not_o good_a his_o confidence_n add_v nothing_o of_o real_a force_n to_o they_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o wise_a man_n and_o tend_v only_o to_o its_o own_o confusion_n argument_n be_v like_o powder_n which_o will_v carry_v and_o do_v execution_n according_a to_o its_o true_a strength_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o noise_n and_o general_o none_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o error_n or_o a_o design_n to_o deceive_v as_o those_o that_o pretend_v most_o confident_o to_o inspiration_n and_o infallibility_n as_o we_o see_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o enthusiast_n who_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n although_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o word_n for_o it_o for_o they_o work_v no_o miracle_n and_o all_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n and_o infallibility_n without_o miracle_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a person_n or_o in_o whole_a church_n be_v enthusiastical_a i._n e._n a_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n without_o any_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o boast_v and_o confidence_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n because_o they_o give_v no_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o commission_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o which_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o wrought_v great_a miracle_n which_o the_o false_a apostle_n have_v not_o do_v though_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o give_v out_o themselves_o to_o be_v apostle_n as_o well_o as_o he_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 11_o 12._o i_o be_o say_v he_o become_v a_o fool_n in_o glory_v you_o have_v compel_v i_o and_o true_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v among_o you_o in_o all_o patience_n in_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n and_o rev._n 2._o 2._o christ_n there_o commend_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n because_o she_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n but_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n and_o as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o say_v he_o be_v a_o apostle_n so_o neither_o every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n that_o they_o be_v for_o these_o also_o when_o they_o be_v try_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o not_o may_v be_v find_v liar_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n caution_n christian_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n that_o be_v every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o and_o therefore_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n
profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v be_v not_o mean_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v blind_o hold_v it_o fast_o against_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v because_o upon_o these_o term_n every_o man_n must_v continue_v in_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v fix_v by_o education_n or_o a_o ill_a choice_n be_v his_o religion_n true_a or_o false_a without_o examine_v and_o look_v into_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n for_o till_o a_o man_n examine_v every_o man_n think_v his_o religion_n right_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o be_v the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n in_o their_o baptism_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n and_o this_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v in_o the_o follow_a instance_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o mention_v without_o enlarge_n upon_o they_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o all_o terror_n and_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n than_o the_o gospel_n have_v propose_v in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n last_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n but_o without_o enter_v into_o these_o particular_n i_o shall_v in_o order_n to_o establishment_n in_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n apply_v myself_o at_o this_o time_n to_o make_v a_o short_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v on_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n lie_v and_o in_o make_v this_o comparison_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o three_o thing_n which_o will_v bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o issue_n and_o be_v i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v every_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n which_o of_o these_o he_o ought_v in_o reason_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o embrace_v and_o they_o be_v these_o i._o that_o we_o govern_v our_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o true_a ancient_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v force_v to_o devise_v a_o new_a rule_n never_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n or_o destitute_a of_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o be_v plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_a christianity_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o iii_o that_o our_o religion_n have_v many_o clear_a advantage_n of_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o very_o considerable_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o obvious_a and_o discernible_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n upon_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o these_o as_o i_o can_v i._o that_o we_o govern_v our_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o true_a ancient_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v force_v to_o devise_v a_o new_a rule_n never_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o by_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n of_o it_o that_o be_v they_o have_v join_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o their_o church_n concern_v several_a point_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o these_o they_o call_v the_o 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