Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n believe_v faith_n truth_n 3,438 5 6.0713 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A28581 A brief account of the first rise of the name Protestant and what Protestantism is ... / by a professed enemy to persecution. Bold, S. (Samuel), 1649-1737. 1688 (1688) Wing B3477; ESTC R16825 36,552 49

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

name_n protestant_n be_v a_o common_a title_n to_o discriminate_a all_o those_o who_o renounce_v and_o forsake_v the_o romish_a communion_n because_o of_o its_o contradiction_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o those_o who_o do_v own_o and_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o design_v to_o descriminate_a one_o sort_n of_o people_n renounce_v and_o protest_v against_o that_o communion_n on_o the_o aforesaid_a account_n from_o other_o who_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o point_n and_o therefore_o in_o every_o age_n and_o nation_n other_o name_n have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o discriminate_a protestant_n one_o from_o another_o according_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o true_a protestantism_n than_o consist_v more_o especial_o in_o two_o point_n first_o protest_v against_o and_o renounce_v popish_a corruption_n and_o especial_o all_o such_o infallibility_n supremacy_n and_o authority_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v for_o some_o age_n lay_v a_o claim_n to_o it_o be_v the_o renounce_v the_o thing_n itself_o which_o protestantism_n chief_o respect_v its_o reference_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a person_n be_v only_o accidental_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o audacious_a and_o arrogant_a challenge_v that_o power_n but_o protestantism_n will_v be_v equal_o against_o the_o claim_n if_o that_o bishop_n shall_v lay_v it_o down_o and_o any_o other_o either_o in_o france_n or_o in_o any_o other_o country_n shall_v challenge_v it_o or_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v lodge_v in_o any_o other_o man_n or_o body_n of_o men._n second_o protest_v for_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o safe_a and_o full_a rule_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n needful_a to_o be_v know_v or_o do_v in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n which_o can_v by_o just_a consequence_n be_v prove_v by_o this_o rule_n according_a as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n express_v herself_o article_n 6._o in_o these_o two_o thing_n protestantism_n do_v consist_v the_o denial_n and_o renounce_n of_o the_o pope_n arrogate_a supremacy_n and_o all_o those_o superstruction_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o that_o authority_n and_o the_o own_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a complete_a rule_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o great_a fundamental_a positive_a principle_n in_o protestantism_n for_o protestantism_n do_v not_o take_v away_o a_o andue_a boundless_a power_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o pope_n and_o conser_fw-fr it_o on_o another_o person_n it_o ascribe_v indeed_o to_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o every_o nation_n what_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o government_n protest_v against_o all_o foreign_a and_o every_o unjust_a pretence_n and_o claim_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o rightful_a owner_n and_o it_o assert_n the_o only_a right_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o every_o supreme_a power_n on_o earth_n shall_v observe_v in_o restore_v and_o reform_v religion_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n or_o corruption_n which_o may_v have_v prevail_v the_o bible_n i_o say_v the_o bible_n only_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o protestant_n whatsoever_o else_o 375._o they_o believe_v beside_o it_o and_o the_o plain_a irrefragable_a indubitable_a consequence_n of_o it_o well_o may_v they_o hold_v it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o opinion_n but_o as_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n neither_o can_v they_o with_o coherence_n to_o their_o own_o ground_n believe_v it_o themselves_o nor_o require_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o of_o other_o without_o most_o high_a and_o schismatical_a presumption_n and_o now_o see_v protestantism_n do_v main_o or_o rather_o only_o consist_v in_o assert_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n the_o only_a rule_n by_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v to_o govern_v and_o manage_v themselves_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o no_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v own_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n on_o any_o account_n but_o what_o have_v very_o plain_a warrant_n and_o sound_a evidence_n from_o the_o scripture_n nor_o no_o instance_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o be_v own_v or_o submit_v to_o as_o necessary_a nor_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v entertain_v as_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o the_o scripture_n do_v appoint_v and_o warrant_n it_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o unuseful_a to_o inquire_v brief_o whether_o this_o principle_n be_v real_o justifiable_a or_o no_o or_o whether_o those_o who_o be_v call_v protestant_n on_o this_o account_n be_v true_o in_o the_o right_n touch_v this_o matter_n for_o if_o we_o be_v right_a in_o this_o point_n than_o the_o great_a fundamental_a opposite_a point_n of_o our_o adversary_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o slaw_n in_o it_o and_o can_v be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a and_o consequent_o all_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o have_v their_o whole_a be_v and_o dependence_n on_o that_o authority_n must_v necessary_o expire_v and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n now_o much_o may_v be_v offer_v to_o evince_v that_o protestant_n have_v very_o good_a ground_n to_o rest_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o i_o will_v only_o offer_v these_o few_o consideration_n which_o be_v well_o consider_v and_o improve_v may_v suffice_v to_o satisfy_v any_o unprejudiced_a and_o impartial_a honest_a meaning_n person_n that_o protestantism_n be_v not_o a_o humoursome_a precarious_a thing_n but_o be_v real_o accompany_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n any_o persuasion_n can_v just_o pretend_v unto_o first_o it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n those_o book_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o receive_v by_o protestant_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v write_v at_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n for_o the_o constant_a use_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v for_o that_o purpose_n second_o suppose_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o those_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v the_o whole_a revelation_n god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n for_o the_o constant_a perpetual_a and_o oblige_v use_v of_o his_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o these_o scripture_n be_v a_o safe_a and_o most_o certain_a rule_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v extend_v they_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n touch_v those_o matter_n of_o which_o they_o do_v treat_v and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v treat_v of_o they_o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a pretence_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o or_o contradictory_n to_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v in_o these_o scripture_n because_o the_o divine_a veracity_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o deity_n can_v permit_v that_o god_n shall_v contradict_v himself_o all_o that_o can_v be_v pretend_v with_o reference_n to_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o god_n may_v make_v more_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o either_o enlarge_v the_o discovery_n he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n touch_v particular_n already_o make_v know_v or_o add_v declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n concern_v matter_n which_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o discourse_n of_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n not_o with_o the_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v any_o way_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o former_a revelation_n by_o a_o latter_a or_o that_o contradiction_n shall_v be_v reconcileable_a in_o his_o will._n for_o any_o man_n to_o affirm_v that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n may_v contradict_v any_o thing_n teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n while_o he_o profess_v these_o scripture_n be_v pure_a divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o only_o to_o involve_v himself_o in_o most_o obvious_a and_o horrid_a absurdity_n but_o to_o contract_v upon_o himself_o to_o burden_n and_o overwhelm_v himself_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o unnatural_a blasphemy_n against_o god._n if_o any_o thing_n that_o plain_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n can_v be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n than_o a_o man_n may_v be_v indispensible_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o not_o to_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o do_v and_o not_o to_o do_v the_o same_o work_n and_o so_o man_n will_v be_v bring_v under_o such_o circumstance_n that_o whether_o he_o believe_v or_o do_v not_o believe_v whether_o he_o practise_v or_o do_v not_o practice_n it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n he_o will_v be_v equal_o guilty_a but_o certain_o if_o our_o adversary_n can_v pretend_v to_o
former_a age_n be_v acquaint_v with_o devise_v new_a way_n to_o satisfy_v for_o sin_n and_o undertake_v to_o save_v man_n soul_n after_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n hence_o there_o be_v something_o man_n call_v religion_n that_o must_v certain_o please_v the_o careless_a and_o as_o some_o tell_v we_o as_o certain_o save_o they_o if_o you_o be_v melancholy_a and_o incline_v to_o strictness_n and_o corporal_a mortification_n they_o will_v humour_v you_o in_o that_o they_o can_v provide_v you_o pennance_n and_o security_n which_o shall_v sufficient_o vex_v and_o macerate_v your_o flesh_n if_o you_o be_v soft_a and_o tender_a if_o you_o will_v have_v a_o jovial_a religion_n and_o will_v allow_v yourselves_o in_o wantonness_n and_o excess_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o not_o miscarry_v at_o last_o they_o can_v fit_v you_o with_o indulgency_n and_o pardon_n and_o will_v not_o question_v to_o send_v you_o safe_o to_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o merit_n and_o righteousness_n of_o some_o of_o their_o ancient_a friend_n who_o never_o have_v a_o be_v in_o the_o world_n or_o of_o other_o who_o though_o they_o may_v have_v a_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n in_o all_o probability_n never_o get_v to_o heaven_n themselves_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o never_o have_v righteousness_n enough_o of_o their_o own_o to_o carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n however_o it_o be_v grow_v so_o bulky_a since_o they_o leave_v it_o behind_o they_o and_o have_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n treasury_n but_o the_o apostle_n acquaint_v we_o that_o antichrist_n will_v come_v with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v 2_o thes_n 2._o 10._o s●condly_o decline_a from_o their_o love_n to_o and_o zeal_n for_o the_o faith_n grow_v cold_a and_o indifferent_a concern_v the_o faith_n when_o people_n have_v not_o that_o affection_n and_o concern_v for_o the_o faith_n with_o which_o they_o seem_v at_o first_o to_o entertain_v and_o welcome_v it_o see_v rev._n 2._o 4_o 5._o people_z be_v too_o prone_a thus_o to_o apostatise_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n after_o that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o if_o matter_n be_v well_o consider_v there_o be_v not_o much_o ground_n to_o wonder_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o 1._o people_z do_v too_o ordinary_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n upon_o unsuitable_a motive_n and_o principle_n not_o because_o they_o understand_v it_o and_o have_v their_o conscience_n convince_v of_o its_o truth_n and_o excellency_n but_o mere_o because_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o people_n where_o they_o live_v to_o make_v such_o a_o profession_n or_o it_o be_v a_o profession_n that_o have_v get_v into_o repute_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o such_o mean_a and_o fickle_a account_n man_n that_o have_v no_o sound_a principle_n will_v ever_o be_v for_o that_o profession_n which_o be_v uppermost_a and_o be_v attend_v with_o most_o pomp_n and_o pleasure_n etc._n etc._n christ_n have_v follower_n in_o abundance_n while_o he_o feed_v they_o with_o loaf_n but_o how_o do_v they_o fall_v off_o and_o slink_v away_o when_o they_o fail_v of_o their_o expectation_n joh._n 6._o 26._o 2._o multitude_n content_v themselves_o with_o a_o mere_a notional_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o take_v no_o due_a care_n to_o digest_v truth_n and_o turn_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n into_o solid_a nourishment_n now_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o do_v not_o sink_v down_o into_o our_o heart_n if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o powerful_a efficacy_n on_o our_o affection_n if_o they_o do_v not_o put_v we_o invincible_o upon_o such_o a_o course_n of_o life_n as_o bear_v some_o proportion_n with_o their_o nature_n and_o tendency_n they_o have_v no_o fast_o hold_v on_o we_o they_o will_v soon_o evaporate_v we_o shall_v easy_o part_v with_o they_o luke_n 6._o 49._o let_v the_o food_n we_o eat_v be_v never_o so_o good_a and_o wholesome_a for_o the_o kind_n if_o we_o do_v not_o digest_v it_o if_o our_o stomach_n do_v not_o turn_v it_o into_o good_a chyle_n and_o nutriment_n it_o will_v soon_o become_v nauseous_a and_o the_o least_o provocation_n will_v make_v we_o vomit_v it_o up_o again_o 3._o god_n do_v often_o in_o just_a judgement_n leave_v those_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o a_o evil_a spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o impiety_n who_o have_v long_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o settlement_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n have_v make_v no_o careful_a improvement_n of_o the_o same_o for_o those_o end_n god_n ordinary_o suffer_v such_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o satan_n and_o his_o lie_a emissary_n into_o opinion_n drametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o plain_a truth_n as_o well_o as_o to_o those_o vile_a affection_n which_o prompt_v to_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v inconvenient_a even_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light._n such_o be_v a_o ready_a and_o self-prepared_n prey_n to_o he_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n etc._n etc._n 2_o thes_n 2._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o 4._o over-loading_a ecclesiastical_a office_n with_o worldly_a revenue_n temporal_a power_n and_o dignity_n have_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o christianity_n too_o true_a do_v that_o voice_n prove_v this_o day_n be_v poison_v pour_v into_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v powerful_a bait_n and_o strong_a temptation_n to_o ambitious_a covetous_a domineer_a person_n those_o who_o have_v such_o office_n so_o dress_v up_o and_o beautine_v to_o confer_v and_o bestow_v need_v not_o doubt_n but_o they_o shall_v find_v advocate_n enough_o for_o their_o own_o particular_a opinion_n and_o way_n though_o never_o so_o erroneous_a and_o when_o error_n and_o superstition_n be_v back_v with_o power_n greatness_n wealth_n etc._n etc._n oh_o what_o multitude_n will_v they_o draw_v after_o they_o beside_o when_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o mighty_a concern_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o real_a religion_n be_v too_o much_o advance_v in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n and_o raise_v above_o themselves_o it_o too_o usual_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o arbitrary_a imperiousness_n start_v up_o and_o prevail_v and_o then_o thing_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o for_o which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n think_v not_o fit_a to_o engage_v their_o authority_n or_o lay_v any_o stress_n of_o religion_n on_o get_v into_o their_o head_n and_o must_v needs_o be_v make_v term_n of_o christian_a communion_n that_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a their_o authority_n be_v acknowledge_v what_o contest_v and_o division_n have_v be_v raise_v and_o create_v by_o this_o mean_n what_o heat_n and_o animosity_n have_v be_v this_o way_n occasion_v hereby_o difference_n have_v be_v carry_v to_o such_o height_n that_o at_o last_o religion_n itself_o be_v even_o lose_v in_o the_o quarrel_n commence_v about_o its_o vestment_n and_o trappings_o how_o have_v people_n zeal_n or_o fury_n about_o thing_n call_v indifferent_a extirpated_a or_o quench_v all_o serious_a and_o due_a concernment_n for_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o hence_o there_o be_v occasion_v a_o indifferency_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o multitude_n touch_v the_o great_a substantial_o of_o religion_n which_o do_v surpass_v the_o indifferency_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o which_o we_o have_v so_o desperate_o contend_v the_o love_n of_o worldly_a grandeur_n carry_v demas_n away_o from_o the_o faith_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o and_o over_o much_o concernedness_n for_o little_a extra-religious_a matter_n give_v the_o apostle_n ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o affect_v will_v not_o be_v so_o honest_a firm_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v how_o he_o expostulate_v with_o they_o and_o lay_v down_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o fear_n touch_v they_o gal._n 4._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o 5._o god_n permit_v affliction_n persecution_n and_o suffering_n to_o be_v bring_v on_o they_o who_o profess_v his_o truth_n not_o only_o to_o try_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o make_v their_o grace_n appear_v more_o illustrious_a by_o their_o eminent_a exercise_n but_o that_o hypocrite_n and_o mere_a formalist_n who_o have_v no_o real_a love_n for_o his_o truth_n nor_o give_v any_o hearty_a assent_n unto_o they_o may_v be_v discover_v and_o have_v their_o disguise_n take_v away_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o quiet_a and_o while_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v on_o the_o thrive_a hand_n in_o the_o world_n many_o pretend_v to_o it_o who_o too_o much_o resemble_v erasmus_n good_a christian_n who_o appear_v a_o very_a zealous_a professor_n he_o will_v always_o have_v a_o new_a testament_n hang_v at_o his_o girdle_n on_o one_o side_n but_o then_o he_o must_v have_v a_o bottle_n of_o good_a sack_n hang_v on_o the_o other_o side_n as_o long_o as_o the_o true_a
if_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o impose_v upon_o they_o why_o can_v man_n that_o will_v be_v teacher_n now_o a_o day_n be_v as_o open_a and_o plain_a as_o the_o prophet_n and_o as_o christ_n and_o as_o his_o apostle_n be_v these_o come_v not_o to_o vent_v any_o counterfeit_n false_a ware_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v wil_v the_o people_n shall_v examine_v and_o try_v what_o they_o teach_v they_o they_o be_v for_o the_o people_n read_v and_o search_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o those_o holy_a scripture_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v unto_o they_o they_o come_v to_o deliver_v people_n out_o of_o darkness_n not_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o or_o lead_v they_o unto_o darkness_n and_o those_o who_o be_v their_o true_a successor_n and_o follower_n will_v do_v the_o like_a if_o man_n have_v no_o notion_n to_o scatter_v about_o and_o persuade_v people_n to_o swallow_v and_o submit_v to_o but_o what_o be_v sound_a and_o true_a and_o good_a and_o which_o be_v authorise_v by_o jesus_n christ_n they_o will_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o be_v ashamed_a or_o afraid_a that_o people_n shall_v examine_v they_o by_o the_o scripture_n none_o flee_v from_o the_o light_n but_o those_o who_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o light._n christ_n doctrine_n do_v accord_v very_o well_o with_o those_o divine_a revelation_n those_o jew_n have_v among_o they_o but_o the_o unscriptural_a tradition_n they_o have_v get_v among_o they_o and_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n can_v not_o stand_v together_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isaiah_n 8._o 20._o second_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o protestant_n aught_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v well_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o apostle_n often_o require_v their_o follower_n and_o disciple_n and_o those_o they_o write_v unto_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 13._o and_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3_o and_o to_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n phil._n 1._o 27._o now_o by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n which_o you_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o apostolic_a write_v they_o plain_o first_o warn_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n there_o be_v of_o people_n apostarize_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o and_o second_o excite_v and_o stir_v those_o up_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n may_v be_v thorough_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o faith_n lest_o they_o shall_v yield_v and_o waver_v and_o decline_v when_o storm_n and_o trial_n shall_v arise_v and_o their_o constancy_n shall_v be_v assault_v and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o too_o much_o ground_n to_o fear_n that_o many_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v apostatise_v and_o forsake_v it_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o in_o some_o instance_n which_o be_v ungrateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood._n it_o high_o concern_v all_o who_o at_o present_a profess_v true_a christianity_n to_o look_v well_o to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v so_o establish_v and_o confirm_v in_o what_o they_o profess_v that_o if_o a_o day_n of_o trial_n shall_v come_v they_o may_v not_o loose_v their_o crown_n destroy_v their_o soul_n or_o betray_v the_o truth_n first_o those_o who_o do_v profess_v the_o true_a religion_n may_v afterward_o apostatise_v from_o and_o relinquish_v it_o and_o there_o be_v too_o great_a occasion_n to_o fear_v that_o many_o however_o forward_o they_o appear_v in_o profession_n will_v do_v so_o shall_v they_o be_v try_v in_o any_o difficult_a and_o belove_a instance_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o people_n who_o have_v long_o habituate_v themselves_o to_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n will_v easy_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o open_a and_o avow_v renounce_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christianity_n as_o though_o none_o can_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o apostasy_n from_o the_o truth_n but_o those_o who_o can_v vie_v with_o julian_n for_o impudence_n in_o contemn_v and_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o very_a name_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god._n the_o estate_n of_o those_o who_o proceed_v so_o far_o be_v beyond_o measure_n dreadful_a heb._n 6._o 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n more_o especial_o insist_v on_o as_o import_v by_o people_n apostatise_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o which_o people_n be_v general_o too_o prone_a unto_o and_o both_o which_o be_v very_o displease_v unto_o and_o great_o provoke_v of_o god._n 1._o depart_v from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n espouse_v and_o embrace_v together_o with_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o christ_n have_v authorize_v in_o his_o holy_a scripture_n other_o opinion_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n christianity_n be_v as_o real_o impair_v and_o injure_v by_o evil_a mixture_n as_o by_o open_a profess_a opposition_n the_o apostasy_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o which_o be_v to_o accompany_v or_o rather_o constitute_v that_o great_a antichristian_a state_n they_o foretell_v will_v have_v such_o a_o vast_a and_o large_a and_o durable_a empire_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v of_o this_o kind_n the_o great_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v retain_v in_o outward_a profession_n but_o yet_o other_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v introduce_v and_o be_v so_o vehement_o impose_v and_o insist_v on_o that_o thereby_o the_o main_a essential_a of_o religion_n shall_v be_v slight_v oppress_v and_o become_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a and_o way_n have_v be_v make_v for_o these_o innovation_n by_o first_o forge_v some_o gross_a imposture_n and_o counterfeit_v some_o strange_a thing_n to_o which_o they_o have_v give_v the_o name_n of_o miracle_n and_o so_o unwary_a ignorant_a people_n have_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o entertain_v no_o better_o than_o diabolical_a delusion_n as_o divine_a instruction_n and_o command_n very_o agreeable_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v of_o antichrist_n come_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 9_o 2._o alter_a the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v innovate_v by_o the_o pious_a ancient_n without_o any_o divine_a authority_n and_o pure_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o warm_a zeal_n and_o a_o devout_a intention_n have_v no_o further_o progress_v be_v make_v in_o those_o instance_n than_o those_o ancient_n make_v little_a prejudice_n will_v thence_o have_v happen_v to_o religion_n but_o god_n be_v so_o jealous_a of_o his_o own_o honour_n that_o usual_o when_o people_n manifest_v they_o have_v a_o opinion_n that_o god_n have_v not_o careful_o enough_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v guard_v and_o sense_n and_o provide_v more_o effectual_o for_o it_o he_o blast_v all_o those_o device_n and_o suffer_v such_o humane_a invention_n to_o be_v occasion_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a trouble_n and_o sometime_o to_o be_v prosecute_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v a_o formal_a and_o mortal_a opposition_n to_o the_o vital_n of_o religion_n 3._o depress_v the_o office_n and_o devotional_a duty_n of_o religion_n with_o unreasonable_a heap_n of_o outward_a formality_n and_o ritual_a observation_n that_o so_o the_o sense_n may_v be_v superfluous_o care_v and_o by_o accommodate_v the_o matter_n of_o religion_n too_o much_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o carnal_a policy_n by_o this_o mean_n inward_a seriousness_n and_o the_o spirituality_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v dispense_v with_o and_o people_n mind_n have_v be_v render_v lax_n and_o vain_a airy_a and_o garish_a and_o have_v be_v thus_o enure_v for_o some_o time_n to_o these_o mere_a external_n which_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o trust_n they_o have_v at_o last_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o swallow_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v offer_v they_o whole_a than_o put_v themselves_o to_o the_o trouble_n to_o inquire_v into_o its_o nature_n rise_v and_o ground_n 4._o find_v out_o way_n to_o reconcile_v what_o they_o style_v religion_n to_o man_n carnal_a lust_n and_o natural_a temper_n and_o constitution_n devise_v easy_o way_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o heaven_n than_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o
faith_n have_v outward_a honour_n preferment_n carnal_a pleasure_n and_o ease_n accompany_v it_o it_o will_v not_o want_v follower_n and_o attendant_n but_o when_o storm_n and_o persecution_n do_v arise_v and_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o these_o external_a allurement_n they_o will_v soon_o shake_v hand_n with_o religion_n and_o court_v whatsoever_o shall_v be_v dress_v up_o in_o its_o former_a robe_n such_o as_o espouse_v the_o true_a religion_n not_o for_o its_o native_a excellency_n but_o for_o its_o gorgeous_a attire_n and_o great_a dowry_n in_o this_o world_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n when_o persecution_n arise_v part_n with_o their_o faith_n rather_o than_o their_o pleasure_n wealth_n and_o ease_n they_o will_v soon_o throw_v away_o their_o bibles_n rather_o than_o their_o bottle_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 19_o mat._n 13._o 20_o 21._o now_o if_o there_o be_v such_o danger_n of_o people_n apostatise_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n after_o they_o have_v make_v a_o profession_n of_o it_o it_o must_v certain_o very_o important_o concern_v all_o who_o profess_v the_o protestant_a religion_n that_o be_v true_a christianity_n as_o teach_v and_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o as_o purge_v and_o reform_v by_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o this_o divine_a rule_n from_o all_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n which_o have_v either_o through_o people_n heedlessness_n creep_v into_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n or_o through_o design_n have_v be_v sly_o usher_v into_o it_o or_o by_o imperiousness_n have_v be_v force_v upon_o it_o i_o say_v it_o very_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n be_v so_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v never_o be_v remove_v from_o their_o constancy_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v as_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v eph._n 4._o 14._o it_o shall_v therefore_o be_v our_o care_n to_o get_v our_o mind_n furnish_v with_o clear_a distinct_a notion_n of_o those_o truth_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n do_v instruct_v people_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o can_v talk_v over_o in_o a_o general_a way_n the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o labour_v for_o a_o explicit_a knowledge_n of_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v and_o confirm_v every_o part_n of_o our_o profession_n by_o express_a and_o clear_a scripture_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o the_o ignorant_a man_n will_v be_v always_o waver_v yea_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o get_v the_o truth_n we_o profese_v and_o understand_v very_o strong_o endear_v unto_o our_o heart_n so_o as_o to_o prefer_v they_o above_o all_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o to_o have_v our_o affection_n yea_o our_o whole_a soul_n bring_v under_o their_o power_n and_o influence_n their_o government_n and_o sovereignty_n our_o soul_n shall_v so_o cleave_v unto_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o precious_a and_o dear_a unto_o we_o that_o neither_o frown_n nor_o smile_n promise_n nor_o threat_n may_v make_v any_o unhappy_a impression_n on_o we_o but_o the_o more_o bluster_a any_o storm_n may_v be_v which_o can_v arise_v the_o deep_a root_n we_o may_v take_v and_o grow_v the_o more_o firm_a and_o stable_a phil._n 1._o 27_o 28._o for_o 1._o we_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o trial_n and_o suffering_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o will_v overwhelm_v and_o ruin_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o well_o provide_v against_o they_o our_o passage_n to_o glory_n be_v through_o many_o tribulation_n we_o have_v many_o and_o various_a enemy_n who_o will_v mischief_n we_o and_o obstruct_v we_o all_o they_o can_v who_o will_v do_v their_o utmost_a to_o prevail_v with_o we_o both_o by_o fair_a and_o foul_a mean_n to_o make_v shipwreck_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o be_v not_o only_o expose_v to_o the_o malice_n rage_n and_o spite_n of_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n but_o to_o the_o craft_n and_o fury_n too_o of_o those_o infernal_a fiend_n who_o prompt_a and_o excite_v their_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a tool_n and_o instrument_n to_o vent_v and_o vomit_v forth_o their_o rancour_n and_o spleen_n against_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o its_o professor_n see_v eph._n 6._o 12_o 13._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 8_o 9_o rev._n 2._o 10._o if_o you_o be_v not_o well_o fix_v in_o the_o truth_n how_o can_v you_o expect_v to_o hold_v out_o when_o temptation_n and_o suffering_n shall_v come_v when_o you_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o lose_v estate_n liberty_n all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o you_o in_o the_o world_n yea_o life_n itself_o for_o your_o religion_n do_v not_o the_o house_n build_v upon_o the_o sand_n fall_v when_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o it_o mat._n 7._o 26_o 27._o 2._o apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v a_o very_a heinous_a provoke_a sin_n be_v not_o this_o to_o offer_v god_n the_o utmost_a affront_n we_o can_v and_o in_o effect_n to_o say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n of_o he_o do_v we_o not_o hereby_o charge_v he_o with_o be_v the_o great_a impostor_n that_o ever_o be_v be_v not_o this_o to_o throw_v the_o foul_a dirt_n that_o be_v possible_a upon_o religion_n yea_o open_o to_o avow_v that_o satan_n and_o his_o drudgery_n be_v much_o better_a more_o ligible_a than_o christ_n and_o his_o most_o holy_a faith_n that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v and_o that_o his_o religion_n be_v not_o what_o he_o represent_v it_o o_o what_o abominable_a what_o innumerable_a what_o monstrous_a wickedness_n be_v breed_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o apostasy_n and_o what_o direful_a consequence_n and_o fruit_n may_v those_o expect_v who_o thus_o affront_n and_o incense_v the_o almighty_a god_n against_o themselves_o he_o will_v not_o have_v a_o gracious_a regard_n for_o such_o he_o will_v cast_v off_o and_o punish_v severe_o all_o those_o that_o cast_v he_o off_o and_o deal_v treacherous_o with_o him._n the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n but_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o heb._n 10._o 38._o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v reject_v they_o and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v in_o all_o his_o glory_n whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n mark_v 8._o 38._o though_o you_o set_v no_o value_n on_o christ_n love_n at_o present_a and_o care_v for_o no_o more_o but_o that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o countenance_n of_o great_a person_n and_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n and_o wealth_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o remember_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o before_o you_o shall_v have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n than_o now_o you_o have_v it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o before_o you_o shall_v perceive_v all_o these_o thing_n you_o prefer_v before_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v very_o empty_a and_o void_a of_o all_o satisfaction_n and_o full_a of_o torment_n and_o horror_n when_o christ_n shall_v appear_v in_o glory_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v fail_v you_o and_o how_o you_o will_v howl_v and_o roar_v and_o complain_v then_o what_o tear_n will_v you_o then_o shed_v how_o will_v you_o curse_v your_o apostasy_n and_o all_o that_o help_v it_o forward_o and_o now_o when_o your_o case_n be_v thus_o helpless_a thus_o dreadful_a and_o all_o your_o comforter_n be_v go_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o mercy_n will_v fail_v you_o too_o he_o will_v send_v you_o to_o they_o who_o favour_n you_o prefer_v before_o he_o who_o will_v tremble_v and_o quake_v as_o much_o as_o you_o and_o to_o your_o wealth_n which_o will_v then_o disappear_v and_o to_o your_o belove_a pleasure_n which_o will_v then_o be_v bitter_a than_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n you_o must_v only_o expect_v to_o behold_v his_o frown_n and_o to_o feel_v the_o terrible_a discovery_n of_o his_o insupportable_a displeasure_n you_o can_v expect_v no_o favour_n at_o his_o hand_n see_v prov._n 1._o 24._o to_o the_o end_n 2_o thes_n 1._o 7_o 8_o 9_o nay_o you_o have_v no_o good_a ground_n to_o hope_v you_o shall_v prosper_v in_o any_o of_o those_o design_n you_o intend_v to_o drive_v forward_o by_o or_o under_o your_o apostasy_n god_n do_v very_o often_o notable_o blast_v such_o project_n he_o cause_v some_o remarkable_a and_o very_a fatal_a curse_n to_o accompany_v those_o who_o relinquish_v his_o cause_n and_o truth_n what_o be_v judas_n