now_o have_v give_v you_o this_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o from_o this_o authority_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o the_o most_o specious_a and_o popular_a exception_n which_o they_o of_o rome_n make_v against_o our_o reformation_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v under_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o in_o this_o church_n whilst_o it_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v notorious_a abuse_n and_o error_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n add_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith._n second_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n we_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o reform_v ourselves_o as_o we_o have_v do_v three_o that_o the_o main_a objection_n which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v bring_v and_o whereby_o they_o seek_v to_o stagger_v those_o of_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o fright_v they_o into_o their_o own_o may_v by_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o message_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v vain_a and_o fallacious_a and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o remove_v we_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n first_o that_o in_o this_o church_n as_o in_o all_o other_o that_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v notorious_a abuse_n and_o error_n introduce_v into_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christian_n and_o first_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n so_o in_o these_o church_n there_o be_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n lead_v to_o idolatry_n i_o wish_v that_o be_v all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o all_o for_o idolatry_n itself_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v be_v practise_v and_o that_o practice_n not_o only_o connive_v at_o but_o encourage_v and_o command_v and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o adore_v the_o host_n pray_v to_o saint_n to_o dead_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o worship_v of_o image_n contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n provide_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o that_o he_o only_o we_o shall_v serve_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o when_o we_o urge_v they_o with_o these_o thing_n they_o defend_v themselves_o from_o idolatry_n by_o the_o use_n of_o such_o distinction_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o save_v themselves_o by_o if_o indeed_o these_o distinction_n will_v do_v the_o business_n as_o for_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o licentiousness_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_o such_o than_o the_o easy_a term_n upon_o which_o they_o promise_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n from_o hell_n confession_n to_o a_o priest_n with_o attrition_n be_v reckon_v sufficient_a to_o receive_v a_o pretorial_n absolution_n which_o shall_v be_v valid_a in_o heaven_n as_o also_o the_o invention_n of_o purgatory_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o shorten_v the_o pain_n of_o it_o by_o indulgence_n by_o apply_v the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n merit_n by_o mass_n and_o prayer_n with_o a_o great_a many_o abuse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o half_a communion_n their_o latin_a service_n their_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n or_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o antiquity_n but_o plain_a and_o full_a consent_n there_o be_v both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o against_o they_o but_o now_o to_o all_o this_o they_o make_v one_o general_a reply_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n mean_v the_o roman_a church_n have_v not_o err_v in_o these_o point_n because_o she_o can_v err_v at_o all_o for_o she_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o faith_n she_o be_v that_o one_o catholic_n church_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o which_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o perpetual_a presence_n and_o assistance_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o she_o and_o of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o she_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o word_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v by_o she_o define_v be_v infallible_o true_a and_o therefore_o that_o these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v neither_o damnable_a error_n and_o sin_n nor_o error_n and_o sin_n at_o all_o now_o if_o indeed_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o that_o church_n we_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o very_a great_a strait_n and_o not_o very_o well_o know_v whether_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n impose_v by_o that_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v as_o that_o church_n require_v but_o first_o of_o all_o we_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o do_v not_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o these_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n and_o that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o she_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o so_o much_o error_n as_o will_v utter_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n not_o from_o all_o error_n whatsoever_o but_o that_o no_o promise_n in_o particular_a be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o much_o as_o to_o secure_v she_o from_o fundamental_a error_n utter_o destructive_a of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n especial_o since_o st._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n plain_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n rom._n 11.21_o 22._o where_n speak_v of_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o have_v these_o word_n for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o which_o have_v be_v vain_a word_n if_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o privilege_n confer_v upon_o the_o see_v of_o peter_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o to_o continue_v in_o god_n goodness_n or_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a truth_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o find_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o we_o can_v find_v it_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o she_o have_v err_v because_o some_o of_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o apparent_o to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n than_o to_o believe_v she_o be_v infallible_a because_o she_o say_v so_o of_o herself_o but_o to_o this_o they_o say_v that_o we_o misinterpret_v those_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v what_o they_o profess_v and_o practice_v and_o in_o short_a that_o we_o can_v arrive_v to_o certainty_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n which_o the_o church_n be_v well_o for_o the_o present_a i_o will_v suppose_v this_o but_o then_o this_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o that_o church_n ever_o to_o convince_v i_o or_o any_o reasonable_a man_n of_o she_o own_o infallibility_n by_o the_o scripture_n for_o when_o she_o tell_v i_o that_o christ_n have_v say_v thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n she_o suppose_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o herself_o be_v so_o plain_o make_v that_o every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n may_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o if_o i_o may_v arrive_v at_o a_o certain_a sense_n of_o these_o scripture_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n then_o why_o may_v i_o not_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o other_o text_n as_o plain_a as_o these_o without_o such_o a_o interpreter_n it_o
of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o person_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n moreover_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n to_o reform_v that_o man_n evil_a practice_n who_o persuasion_n make_v he_o secure_a and_o easy_a all_o the_o while_n so_o there_o be_v no_o little_a difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o try_v to_o undeceive_v he_o for_o man_n will_v hold_v comfortable_a error_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v find_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mischief_n of_o this_o offence_n though_o such_o error_n be_v not_o lay_v down_o without_o a_o great_a trouble_n yet_o they_o be_v take_v up_o with_o much_o readiness_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o spread_v far_o and_o wide_o and_o to_o this_o i_o believe_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n agree_v viz._n that_o although_o there_o be_v mistake_n that_o lead_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o overmuch_o restraint_n yet_o for_o one_o that_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o such_o mistake_n a_o hundred_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v comfortable_a lie_n which_o either_o whole_o take_v off_o the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o such_o part_n as_o to_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a 3._o perverse_a dispute_n and_o a_o obstinate_a maintenance_n of_o error_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o sophistry_n have_v this_o lamentable_a evil_n common_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o render_v many_o person_n utter_o careless_a to_o examine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v perhaps_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n or_o by_o education_n must_v force_v their_o temper_n to_o patience_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o themselves_o which_o be_v a_o employment_n that_o man_n soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o and_o common_o they_o break_v off_o pretend_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o search_v any_o far_o but_o that_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o and_o against_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o give_v over_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o indeed_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o real_o disputable_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n this_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v blame_v but_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a consequence_n and_o question_n that_o touch_v the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o man_n grow_v weary_a of_o search_a truth_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o after_o the_o controversy_n be_v stiff_o maintain_v for_o some_o time_n on_o both_o side_n and_o it_o be_v well_o in_o this_o case_n if_o it_o be_v a_o even_o lie_v whether_o they_o choose_v the_o true_a guide_n or_o not_o but_o when_o a_o guide_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o follow_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n the_o false_a guide_n have_v this_o advantage_n always_o that_o he_o exceed_v in_o confidence_n in_o lofty_a pretence_n in_o swell_a title_n in_o positive_a denounce_v damnation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o though_o a_o modest_a man_n that_o speak_v just_o of_o thing_n and_o claim_v not_o to_o be_v infallible_a deserve_v the_o most_o credit_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o that_o the_o other_o have_v most_o follower_n among_o those_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n 4._o the_o same_o cause_n have_v too_o often_o a_o yet_o worse_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v to_o run_v some_o person_n into_o infidelity_n and_o a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o no_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o controversy_n about_o it_o and_o some_o have_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v then_o time_n enough_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o when_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v upon_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o monstrous_a error_n that_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n under_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n and_o the_o fraud_n wherewith_o they_o have_v be_v maintain_v have_v let_v in_o atheism_n like_o a_o deluge_n upon_o the_o world_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v so_o full_a of_o zeal_n for_o their_o own_o way_n that_o they_o have_v no_o tenderness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v rather_o content_a that_o all_o shall_v sink_v together_o than_o that_o their_o own_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o stand_v we_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o hand_n that_o no_o assurance_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n and_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o other_o ground_n have_v as_o good_a have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o one_o article_n that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o same_o exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o story_n of_o latter_a miracle_n and_o final_o that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o any_o of_o their_o tradition_n be_v reject_v the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v reject_v too_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n now_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a offence_n and_o have_v do_v infinite_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n who_o be_v violent_o engage_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n of_o religion_n care_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n what_o they_o venture_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o while_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o false_a or_o at_o least_o disputable_a point_n that_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o show_v that_o no_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v they_o give_v occasion_n to_o man_n that_o will_v fain_o be_v atheist_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o what_o they_o will_v be_v for_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o something_o be_v false_a which_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o as_o a_o object_n of_o their_o faith._n and_o they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v then_o leave_v give_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v true_a 5._o there_o be_v another_o great_a mischief_n of_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o a_o mischief_n that_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v that_o of_o run_v into_o a_o contrary_a extreme_a the_o church_n find_v this_o by_o sad_a experience_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o age_n when_o man_n of_o no_o small_a note_n dispute_v against_o one_o heresy_n fall_v into_o another_o of_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o the_o no_o small_a trouble_n of_o christendom_n truth_n sometime_o as_o well_o as_o virtue_n lie_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o they_o that_o transgress_v on_o any_o one_o side_n do_v not_o only_o this_o mischief_n to_o give_v what_o authority_n they_o can_v to_o the_o wrong_a side_n they_o be_v of_o but_o they_o do_v this_o mischief_n too_o of_o give_v occasion_n to_o other_o to_o offend_v on_o the_o other_o extreme_a thus_o the_o abuse_n of_o church-authority_n on_o the_o one_o side_n have_v breed_v in_o some_o man_n contempt_n of_o all_o such_o authority_n on_o the_o other_o the_o scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v by_o propagate_a opinion_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n have_v produce_v in_o many_o a_o fond_a persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o restraint_n whatsoever_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n superior_n have_v require_v unlawful_a thing_n in_o divine_a service_n and_o to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o that_o abuse_n it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v in_o matter_n of_o prudence_n and_o expedience_n religion_n have_v be_v make_v to_o run_v out_o into_o show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o this_o have_v beget_v prejudices_fw-la against_o all_o appearance_n of_o beauty_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god._n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o excess_n of_o man_n in_o depart_v from_o one_o extreme_a be_v scandalous_a to_o those_o who_o they_o leave_v and_o do_v confirm_v they_o
to_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o other_o man_n soul_n who_o be_v not_o well_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n second_o that_o the_o consequence_n of_o these_o scandal_n will_v be_v very_o sad_a and_o pernicious_a that_o be_v that_o very_o many_o will_v stumble_v at_o they_o and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n for_o this_o must_v be_v imply_v in_o those_o word_n woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v no_o ordinary_a misery_n or_o calamity_n which_o be_v express_v in_o denounce_v a_o woe_n and_o this_o woe_n must_v likewise_o refer_v to_o those_o that_o be_v turn_v aside_o by_o the_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n that_o other_o lay_v before_o they_o because_o if_o offence_n be_v not_o take_v as_o well_o as_o give_v it_o seem_v not_o easy_a to_o say_v why_o they_o shall_v produce_v so_o much_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o be_v imply_v in_o denounce_v woe_n upon_o their_o account_n beside_o our_o saviour_n do_v afterward_o express_v the_o guilt_n and_o misery_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v give_v offence_n by_o itself_o but_o woe_n be_v to_o the_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v that_o be_v to_o every_o man_n that_o by_o his_o own_o wickedness_n laith_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o his_o brother_n way_n and_o draw_v he_o into_o sin._n so_o that_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n that_o mischief_n be_v express_v which_o will_v come_v of_o offence_n because_o they_o will_v be_v take_v and_o then_o 2._o it_o be_v also_o imply_v that_o the_o mischief_n will_v not_o only_o be_v in_o itself_o great_a but_o likewise_o of_o a_o very_a large_a extent_n for_o it_o be_v say_v woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n where_o by_o the_o world_n we_o can_v understand_v less_o than_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o shall_v be_v divert_v by_o offence_n either_o from_o receive_v the_o gospel_n at_o all_o or_o from_o entertain_v it_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n thereof_o there_o be_v therefore_o these_o two_o head_n which_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o i._o that_o offence_n will_v certain_o be_v give_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v ii_o that_o they_o will_v do_v very_o great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n woe_n be_v to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n which_o two_o point_n be_v illustrate_v i_o intend_v to_o apply_v they_o in_o order_n to_o far_a instruction_n 1._o that_o offence_n will_v certain_o be_v give_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v by_o which_o word_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a but_o offence_n must_v come_v for_o god_n have_v not_o necessitate_v any_o man_n to_o sin_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o probable_a and_o that_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o offence_n will_v come_v and_o moreover_o god_n certain_o foresee_v that_o they_o will_v arise_v if_o he_o do_v not_o interpose_v his_o almighty_a power_n to_o hinder_v they_o which_o he_o determine_v not_o to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prediction_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v now_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o offence_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o occasion_n give_v whereby_o man_n be_v either_o discourage_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o encourage_v practice_n in_o contrary_a to_o it_o i_o shall_v 1._o lay_v before_o you_o some_o instance_n under_o this_o general_a head_n and_o 2._o show_n why_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o offence_n will_v be_v give_v the_o principal_a instance_n be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o oppose_v the_o gospel_n with_o outward_a violence_n and_o make_v it_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n to_o renounce_v the_o truth_n as_o they_o love_v their_o fortune_n and_o their_o life_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o famous_a parable_n of_o the_o sour_a where_o he_o explain_v he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o thorny_a place_n to_o be_v one_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o and_o not_o be_v fortify_v with_o deep_a resolution_n he_o dure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o he_o be_v offend_v matth._n 13.20_o 21._o this_o be_v that_o offence_n which_o our_o saviour_n warn_v his_o disciple_n of_o more_o than_o of_o any_o other_o he_o tell_v they_o plain_o beforehand_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v deliver_v up_o to_o council_n and_o bring_v before_o governor_n and_o be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o his_o name_n be_v sake_n but_o say_v he_o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o mat._n 10._o and_o this_o be_v in_o itself_o so_o great_a a_o offence_n or_o stumbling-block_n to_o put_v man_n out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n that_o sometime_o the_o general_a word_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v this_o particular_a instance_n only_o thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v bless_a be_v he_o whoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o mat._n 11.6_o the_o meaning_n be_v bless_a be_v he_o who_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n suffering_n do_v not_o fright_v from_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o thus_o when_o peter_n say_v though_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o never_o be_v offend_v matth._n 26.33_o he_o explaim_v his_o own_o meaning_n afterward_o by_o say_v though_o i_o shall_v die_v with_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o deny_v thou_o v._o 35._o but_o then_o 2._o doctrine_n that_o give_v liberty_n to_o lust_n and_o that_o give_v ease_n to_o guilty_a mind_n without_o reformation_n be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a offence_n for_o they_o be_v frame_v at_o once_o to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o reconcile_v they_o to_o wicked_a practice_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o strong_a inclination_n to_o sin_n and_o need_v the_o most_o powerful_a restraint_n be_v most_o forward_o to_o receive_v they_o i._n e._n they_o who_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v the_o worst_a use_n of_o they_o he_o that_o offer_v a_o key_n to_o let_v sinner_n into_o heaven_n without_o repentance_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v sure_o to_o meet_v with_o sufficient_a number_n that_o will_v not_o be_v overforward_a to_o examine_v how_o he_o come_v by_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v all_o doctrine_n of_o this_o nature_n offence_n that_o they_o be_v grateful_a to_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n not_o that_o they_o carry_v any_o appearance_n of_o truth_n it_o have_v be_v long_o enough_o ere_o man_n can_v have_v be_v persuade_v that_o particular_a confession_n of_o sin_n to_o a_o man_n in_o secret_a with_o a_o bare_a purpose_n not_o to_o do_v the_o like_a again_o will_v at_o any_o time_n suffice_v for_o the_o effect_n of_o absolution_n if_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v not_o as_o much_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o people_n as_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o that_o bodily_a exercise_n mere_a external_a work_n shall_v either_o be_v godliness_n or_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n bear_v so_o hard_o against_o what_o we_o know_v of_o god_n by_o reason_n and_o by_o scripture_n that_o nothing_o but_o carnal_a interest_n and_o a_o desire_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v true_a can_v make_v way_n for_o they_o and_o provide_v they_o entertainment_n and_o what_o wonder_v that_o can_v do_v be_v too_o evident_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n when_o the_o gnostic_n seduce_v no_o small_a number_n of_o disciple_n by_o give_v liberty_n to_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o discharge_v they_o from_o all_o obligation_n to_o confess_v christ_n when_o they_o be_v to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n 3._o the_o mix_n of_o falsehood_n with_o truth_n be_v another_o great_a offence_n tend_v to_o much_o evil_n as_o it_o meet_v with_o person_n dispose_v either_o to_o overmuch_a credulity_n or_o too_o much_o distrust_n by_o the_o former_a the_o false_a doctrine_n or_o unlawful_a practice_n be_v embrace_v because_o find_v in_o the_o company_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o latter_a truth_n itself_o suspect_v and_o perhaps_o throw_v off_o because_o it_o be_v disgrace_v with_o the_o company_n of_o folly_n and_o lie_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n recommend_v their_o absurd_a tradition_n to_o the_o people_n because_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n they_o teach_v they_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thus_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v ready_a to_o reject_v christianity_n when_o they_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v it_o necessary_a for_o they_o also_o to_o observe_v the_o moysaicall_a law_n if_o they_o will_v
the_o faith_n that_o will_v either_o dispense_v with_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n or_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o that_o be_v this_o must_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o man_n shall_v arise_v from_o among_o themselves_o speak_v perverse_a thing_n and_o thus_o also_o st._n peter_n foretell_v there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o you_o who_o privy_o shall_v bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n 2_o pet._n 2.1_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v do_v it_o privy_o or_o sly_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v not_o thereby_o a_o opportunity_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o piety_n and_o care_n of_o christian_a truth_n to_o slip_v their_o innovation_n into_o the_o church_n by_o degree_n whereas_o it_o be_v add_v that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a the_o meaning_n be_v that_o honest_a man_n may_v more_o and_o more_o appear_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v so_o that_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n observable_a i._o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o ii_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v heresy_n that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a 1._o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o by_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o heresy_n shall_v arise_v for_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o liberty_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o religion_n and_o god_n deal_n with_o mankind_n in_o give_v we_o law_n and_o make_v we_o to_o expect_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v but_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v in_o itself_o high_o probable_a that_o heresy_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o god_n certain_o foresee_v that_o they_o will_v come_v in_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o that_o liberty_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v abuse_v and_o under_o that_o grace_n that_o may_v be_v resist_v all_o therefore_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o head_n will_v be_v this_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o probability_n of_o the_o come_n in_o of_o heresy_n which_o the_o text_n suppose_v of_o heresy_n i_o say_v which_o god_n see_v will_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o he_o interpose_v not_o his_o irresistible_a power_n to_o prevent_v it_o now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o heresy_n will_v be_v if_o we_o consider_v on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o revelation_n of_o christian_a truth_n and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o temper_n and_o circumstance_n of_o mankind_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o revelation_n of_o christian_a truth_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o tendency_n and_o design_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o and_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o 1._o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o rectify_v the_o ill_a manner_n and_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o mankind_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o liberty_n which_o most_o man_n desire_v how_o unreasonable_a and_o hurtful_a soever_o they_o be_v and_o to_o tie_v they_o up_o to_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n moreover_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n true_o represent_v be_v equal_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n frame_v to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o ambition_n and_o to_o advance_v one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o slavery_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n last_o it_o teach_v a_o worship_n of_o great_a simplicity_n that_o have_v but_o very_o few_o mystery_n and_o nothing_o of_o that_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v so_o please_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o place_v the_o weight_n of_o religion_n in_o any_o outward_a show_n and_o performance_n but_o in_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o to_o such_o a_o course_n of_o life_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n it_o oblige_v we_o by_o all_o that_o it_o teach_v concern_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v our_o creed_n serve_v no_o other_o turn_n but_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o live_v a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a life_n but_o then_o 2._o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o be_v not_o so_o irresistible_a as_o to_o over-rule_v all_o contradiction_n and_o perverseness_n though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o wise_a and_o honest_a man_n nor_o be_v the_o manner_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v testify_v and_o declare_v to_o we_o so_o enlighten_v as_o to_o make_v it_o absolute_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o mistake_v about_o they_o or_o for_o those_o that_o wilful_o pervert_v they_o to_o delude_v other_o with_o put_v false_a colour_n upon_o they_o although_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o we_o must_v be_v extraordinary_o to_o blame_v if_o we_o run_v into_o any_o error_n against_o sound_a faith_n or_o good_a life_n one_o will_v think_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n have_v be_v plain_o enough_o deliver_v first_o by_o our_o saviour_n then_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o order_n which_o the_o apostle_n observe_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a enough_o and_o yet_o in_o this_o very_a church_n of_o corinth_n there_o be_v divers_a foul_o mistake_v as_o to_o the_o one_o and_o still_o want_v instruction_n as_o to_o the_o other_o one_o will_v think_v that_o those_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o need_n for_o our_o lord_n to_o have_v add_v present_o after_o that_o say_n but_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o mean_v this_o be_v my_o body_n by_o deputation_n or_o representation_n or_o in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n any_o more_o than_o to_o have_v so_o explain_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o door_n i_o be_o the_o vine_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o because_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o leave_v a_o express_a caution_n against_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n we_o know_v it_o have_v be_v insist_v upon_o against_o plain_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n sense_n and_o reason_n again_o let_v a_o man_n consider_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o have_v no_o prejudice_n upon_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o will_v never_o desire_v that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v more_o plain_o express_v that_o the_o cup_n be_v administer_v to_o all_o than_o it_o be_v especial_o since_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o cup_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o and_o they_o all_o drink_v of_o it_o but_o yet_o because_o these_o word_n be_v not_o add_v or_o the_o like_a and_o let_v no_o man_n ever_o presume_v to_o administer_v the_o bread_n without_o administer_a the_o cup_n to_o the_o same_o person_n the_o cup_n have_v be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o people_n for_o the_o great_a reverence_n of_o administration_n when_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o language_n in_o which_o prayer_n or_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v be_v not_o edify_v it_o can_v hardly_o have_v be_v think_v necessary_a to_o have_v add_v this_o let_v therefore_o all_o form_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v make_v in_o the_o tongue_n that_o the_o people_n understand_v and_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o some_o such_o conclusion_n public_a prayer_n have_v be_v make_v in_o a_o language_n that_o the_o people_n understand_v not_o and_o the_o practice_n maintain_v as_o confident_o as_o if_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v itself_o in_o a_o language_n that_o we_o can_v not_o understand_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o god_n can_v have_v add_v such_o explication_n and_o caution_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o will_v have_v make_v it_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o difficult_a and_o troublesome_a to_o bring_v in_o those_o error_n than_o it_o have_v be_v and_o perhaps_o utter_o impossible_a to_o maintain_v they_o among_o christian_n without_o destroy_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o such_o caution_n have_v be_v necessary_a thousand_o time_n as_o many_o more_o have_v be_v necessary_a too_o for_o so_o many_o addition_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n must_v have_v be_v make_v as_o there_o be_v way_n of_o elude_v and_o pervert_v a_o
than_o they_o have_v before_o and_o be_v better_a able_a to_o lead_v other_o into_o it_o 2._o by_o this_o mean_n also_o the_o constancy_n of_o sincere_a person_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v manifest_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o opposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o that_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o this_o not_o only_o because_o a_o man_n steadfastness_n can_v be_v prove_v but_o by_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n but_o likewise_o because_o they_o be_v but_o few_o good_a man_n in_o comparison_n who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o diligent_a examination_n of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n if_o contrary_a doctrine_n be_v not_o advance_v they_o will_v rely_v most_o upon_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o instead_o of_o believe_a truth_n upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o argument_n but_o if_o as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o instance_n the_o spread_a of_o heresy_n put_v they_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n after_o the_o reason_n of_o truth_n their_o steadfastness_n in_o it_o afterward_o be_v manifest_v to_o be_v the_o true_a virtue_n of_o constancy_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n not_o to_o change_v our_o opinion_n let_v what_o will_v be_v produce_v against_o it_o but_o in_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a after_o the_o most_o diligent_a examination_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o thus_o heresy_n make_v good_a man_n more_o constant_a in_o the_o truth_n by_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n of_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o it_o by_o better_a argument_n and_o clear_a evidence_n and_o they_o manifest_v their_o constancy_n to_o the_o world_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o adversary_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o want_v to_o shake_v the_o dfastness_n of_o true_a believer_n by_o all_o way_n of_o temptation_n imaginable_a 3._o their_o charity_n to_o other_o be_v manifest_v also_o by_o mean_n of_o heresy_n and_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o here_o be_v occasion_n give_v to_o show_v their_o care_n of_o one_o another_o in_o satisfy_v the_o doubtful_a in_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a in_o give_v caution_n to_o the_o confident_a and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o weak_a all_o which_o be_v noble_a instance_n of_o christian_a charity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o since_o their_o care_n to_o recover_v other_o from_o the_o way_n of_o error_n to_o reduce_v those_o that_o be_v go_v aside_o together_o with_o their_o endure_a contradiction_n their_o instruct_n in_o much_o patience_n their_o meekness_n towards_o those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o be_v likewise_o manifest_v upon_o all_o such_o occasion_n 4._o their_o sincerity_n do_v likewise_o appear_v in_o another_o respect_n viz._n of_o defend_v truth_n with_o truth_n only_o and_o a_o good_a cause_n by_o innocence_n and_o honest_a mean_n without_o make_v use_n of_o fraud_n of_o lie_n of_o false_a accusation_n of_o false_a principle_n of_o unconcluding_a argument_n of_o any_o disingenuous_a art_n without_o make_v advantage_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n of_o other_o which_o one_o thing_n make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o those_o that_o be_v honest_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o all_o which_o instance_n do_v express_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o reason_n for_o which_o god_n have_v still_o suffer_v heresy_n to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i._n e._n that_o their_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o their_o diligence_n in_o inquire_v after_o it_o that_o their_o constancy_n in_o profess_v it_o that_o their_o charity_n to_o those_o that_o be_v and_o to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o mislead_v and_o their_o sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n in_o assert_v truth_n and_o appear_v for_o it_o by_o none_o but_o lawful_a method_n and_o just_a argument_n may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n which_o as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o praise_n of_o good_a man_n so_o there_o be_v other_o benefit_n arise_v from_o it_o for_o instance_n 1._o that_o the_o belief_n of_o true_a doctrine_n come_v hereby_o to_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a and_o firm_a ground_n than_o in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v be_v discover_v if_o opposition_n have_v not_o oblige_v honest_a man_n to_o dig_v the_o deep_a for_o they_o and_o this_o we_o have_v note_v already_o 2._o that_o by_o the_o way_n many_o profitable_a truth_n come_v to_o be_v discover_v which_o have_v otherwise_o lie_v hide_v the_o scripture_n come_v to_o be_v better_o understand_v and_o the_o more_o obscure_a passage_n of_o it_o to_o be_v reasonable_o well_o interpret_v all_o which_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n opposition_n whet_v the_o industry_n and_o set_v a_o edge_n upon_o the_o wit_n of_o all_o man_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o whilst_o bad_a man_n be_v concern_v to_o find_v out_o all_o the_o way_n of_o support_a error_n the_o good_a and_o honest_a be_v no_o less_o employ_v to_o arm_v themselves_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o can_v fail_v of_o arrive_v at_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a compass_n of_o understanding_n in_o divine_a matter_n than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v constrain_v to_o countermine_v the_o approach_n of_o error_n last_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o all_o man_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n to_o maintain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o all_o heresy_n whatsoever_o show_v they_o also_o the_o necessity_n of_o recommend_v true_a opinion_n to_o the_o world_n by_o more_o orthodox_n live_v by_o walk_v more_o wary_o and_o circumspect_o by_o set_v better_a example_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n by_o show_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o true_a doctrine_n to_o make_v man_n live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o when_o god_n suffer_v heresy_n to_o prevail_v most_o in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n to_o all_o that_o be_v friend_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n to_o justify_v his_o cause_n by_o the_o strong_a argument_n and_o the_o best_a life_n and_o now_o he_o be_v something_o to_o blame_v that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v 1._o that_o heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god._n 2._o that_o they_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o church_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n since_o they_o have_v their_o good_a use_n and_o consequence_n for_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o permit_v they_o and_o this_o especial_o to_o try_v the_o honesty_n of_o man_n and_o to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v to_o the_o world_n which_o will_v in_o the_o end_n make_v extreme_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o common_o the_o more_o heresy_n there_o be_v the_o more_o certain_o be_v this_o trial_n make_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dissemble_v that_o yet_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n have_v its_o manifold_a mischief_n and_o misery_n attend_v upon_o it_o it_o breed_v scandal_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o diversion_n of_o atheist_n and_o unbeliever_n it_o nourish_v discord_n and_o animosity_n it_o remove_v the_o contentious_a far_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o make_v the_o study_n of_o good_a manner_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n forget_v it_o lessen_v the_o reverence_n of_o authority_n it_o produce_v fraud_n and_o force_n unfaithfulness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o have_v make_v man_n and_o which_o be_v worse_a christian_n fox_n and_o wolf_n to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o heresy_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o consequence_n very_o great_a evil_n but_o then_o they_o be_v such_o evil_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n permit_v for_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n such_o as_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o have_v their_o good_a consequence_n as_o well_o as_o their_o bad_a one_o and_o the_o good_a that_o be_v wrought_v out_o of_o they_o be_v weighty_a enough_o to_o overbalance_n the_o evil_a for_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o be_v discernible_a in_o they_o be_v but_o this_o that_o they_o do_v effectual_o draw_v forth_o that_o wickedness_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v lie_v more_o undiscovered_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o then_o also_o they_o manifest_v more_o clear_o that_o integrity_n that_o piety_n that_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n and_o virtue_n and_o charity_n of_o good_a man_n which_o otherwise_o have_v not_o so_o much_o appear_v bad_a man_n do_v by_o mean_n of_o heresy_n grow_v worse_o and_o the_o good_a
compare_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o eye_n can_v say_v unto_o the_o hand_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o again_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o you_o v._o 21._o now_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o press_v the_o christian_n to_o charity_n and_o unity_n and_o mutual_a serviceableness_n one_o to_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n he_o assure_v they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n which_o i_o have_v choose_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o member_n of_o one_o body_n and_o he_o tell_v they_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v they_o so_o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n say_v he_o we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o have_v be_v make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o be_v baptise_a they_o be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o unite_a one_o to_o another_o under_o he_o the_o head_n and_o this_o whether_o they_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a i._n e._n whatever_o worldly_a circumstance_n make_v any_o distinction_n between_o they_o yet_o all_o they_o be_v one_o in_o christ_n who_o profess_v his_o faith_n and_o be_v by_o baptism_n admit_v into_o his_o church_n and_o this_o union_n of_o one_o to_o another_o under_o christ_n be_v testify_v and_o declare_v by_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o by_o one_o spirit_n they_o be_v baptize_v into_o this_o one_o body_n and_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v in_o baptism_n and_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o do_v not_o receive_v unprofitable_a sign_n but_o one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o receive_v the_o quicken_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o make_v they_o live_v member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n so_o that_o although_o there_o be_v a_o diversity_n and_o a_o equality_n in_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n that_o be_v distribute_v among_o the_o faithful_a in_o those_o day_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o equal_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o his_o body_n and_o be_v all_o equal_o partaker_n of_o his_o table_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text_n with_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n that_o which_o remain_v be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o particular_a design_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o christian_n be_v one_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n and_o wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v and_o what_o our_o part_n be_v to_o maintain_v it_o and_o how_o we_o may_v in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o christianity_n be_v satisfy_v that_o we_o be_v within_o that_o unity_n before_o i_o enter_v upon_o which_o i_o may_v well_o make_v two_o observation_n upon_o the_o text_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o our_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o that_o st._n paul_n think_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o two_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n viz._n baptism_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o holy_a table_n be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o believer_n be_v one_o body_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o if_o he_o have_v know_v there_o be_v other_o sacrament_n or_o outward_a badge_n of_o christian_a profession_n institute_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o body_n he_o will_v not_o have_v omit_v the_o mention_n of_o they_o here_o where_o he_o prove_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n we_o know_v that_o the_o evangelist_n mention_v no_o other_o outward_a sign_n and_o visible_a token_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o god_n grace_n but_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o it_o be_v something_o to_o our_o purpose_n that_o st._n paul_n own_v no_o more_o than_o these_o where_o he_o industrious_o prove_v that_o christian_n be_v one_o body_n by_o these_o 2._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v describe_v by_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n i._n e._n by_o one_o part_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o sometime_o it_o be_v by_o the_o other_o of_o break_v of_o bread_n but_o then_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a from_o such_o expression_n than_o that_o one_o part_n or_o kind_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o other_o because_o sometime_o one_o sometim_n the_o other_o be_v put_v for_o both_o which_o have_v be_v against_o all_o rule_n of_o speak_v if_o it_o have_v be_v allowable_a to_o separate_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o as_o to_o that_o of_o drink_v the_o cup_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o it_o belong_v to_o all_o for_o say_v st._n paul_n we_o have_v all_o be_v make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n all_o who_o all_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n only_a no_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a but_o now_o if_o st_n paul_n have_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o christian_a people_n to_o drink_v of_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o communion_n but_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o bread_n only_o can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v have_v describe_v their_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n by_o receive_v a_o part_n of_o it_o which_o do_v not_o necessary_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o not_o rather_o by_o that_o which_o do_v i_o do_v not_o make_v this_o observation_n to_o prove_v only_o that_o the_o people_n do_v at_o first_o universal_o receive_v the_o cup_n for_o that_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o any_o but_o by_o those_o who_o have_v dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o all_o modesty_n and_o even_o these_o may_v be_v convince_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n by_o this_o very_a place_n that_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o st._n paul_n day_n receive_v the_o cup_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v he_o with_o truth_n have_v say_v that_o they_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n but_o that_o which_o i_o chief_o observe_v be_v this_o that_o though_o the_o faithful_a do_v in_o those_o day_n drink_v as_o well_o as_o eat_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n yet_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v know_v and_o sure_o he_o know_v it_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o however_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n then_o yet_o it_o may_v without_o injury_n be_v alter_v in_o after_o time_n he_o will_v not_o have_v use_v a_o argument_n to_o satisfy_v the_o faithful_a of_o his_o time_n that_o they_o all_o belong_v to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v afterward_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o door_n viz._n when_o the_o church_n shall_v please_v to_o alter_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o he_o will_v rather_o have_v insist_v upon_o receive_v in_o that_o kind_n which_o can_v not_o be_v just_o take_v away_o from_o they_o and_o have_v say_v that_o all_o have_v be_v baptise_a into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o make_v member_n of_o his_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o his_o body_n may_v claim_v to_o eat_v of_o that_o one_o bread._n this_o by_o the_o bye_n i_o now_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o main_a business_n i_o propound_v which_o be_v to_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o shâ—w_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o to_o make_v some_o inference_n from_o it_o for_o our_o far_a instruction_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o st._n paul_n here_o speak_v not_o of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o society_n of_o all_o christian_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v baptise_a and_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o holy_a communion_n whether_o they_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o unity_n of_o this_o church_n that_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v or_o what_o that_o be_v which_o make_v it_o one_o body_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v it_o to_o which_o purpose_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v distinct_o what_o be_v the_o several_a ground_n or_o notion_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v that_o belong_v in_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n as_o their_o duty_n or_o their_o privilege_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o joint_a performance_n of_o the_o former_a of_o which_o and_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o latter_a they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v one._n 1._o therefore_o all_o christian_n do_v unite_v in_o their_o profession_n to_o submit_v to_o one_o head_n who_o be_v our_o
lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o that_o he_o who_o make_v not_o this_o profession_n be_v in_o no_o respect_n within_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o other_o reason_n of_o unity_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o to_o be_v one_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o profess_v subjection_n to_o one_o lord_n ephes_n 4.5_o and_o in_o the_o three_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o mark_n of_o distinction_n between_o the_o impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o impulse_n of_o a_o evil_a spirit_n that_o whosoever_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o former_a do_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n they_o be_v also_o one_o in_o profess_v the_o common_a faith_n that_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n which_o begin_v to_o be_v preach_v when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o summary_o express_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n and_o therefore_o to_o one_o lord_n the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n add_v one_o faith_n thus_o we_o find_v in_o rom._n 6.17_o that_o one_o form_n of_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v to_o christian_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n phil._n 1.27_o thus_o st_n paul_n charge_v timothy_n that_o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesn_v christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n he_o shall_v from_o such_o withdraw_v himself_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o not_o look_v upon_o they_o any_o long_a as_o christian_n or_o as_o such_o conversi_n with_o they_o which_o together_o with_o many_o other_o like_o passage_n manifest_o show_v that_o he_o who_o in_o any_o point_n depart_v from_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n be_v break_v off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v one_o by_o a_o common_a profession_n of_o certain_a point_n of_o grand_a importance_n teach_v at_o first_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n cyprian_n doubt_v not_o to_o say_v he_o can_v seem_v a_o christian_n who_o do_v not_o persist_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n gospel_n and_o faith._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o unity_n of_o sacrament_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n one_o baptism_n by_o which_o we_o be_v all_o admit_v into_o the_o same_o state_n of_o duty_n and_o privilege_n undertake_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o gain_v a_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n add_v also_o one_o baptism_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n he_o express_o affirm_v that_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v baptise_a into_o one_o body_n into_o one_o body_n of_o people_n profess_v one_o common_a faith_n and_o claim_v the_o privilege_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o profession_n the_o like_a unity_n be_v infer_v from_o the_o other_o sacrament_n since_o we_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o 10_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n v._o 16_o 17._o he_o say_v the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread._n 4._o there_o be_v also_o a_o unity_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o law_n and_o institution_n for_o to_o all_o christian_n it_o equal_o belong_v to_o govern_v themselves_o effectual_o by_o the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o observe_v his_o ordinance_n and_o command_n by_o the_o do_n of_o which_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o his_o flock_n in_o that_o they_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o that_o they_o live_v by_o his_o law_n and_o that_o as_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o obligation_n so_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o correspondent_a practice_n one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o obedience_n that_o run_v through_o all_o 5._o there_o be_v also_o a_o unity_n of_o affection_n or_o mutual_a charity_n prescribe_v to_o the_o church_n thus_o say_v our_o saviour_n by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o thus_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o member_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o and_o whether_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n suffer_v with_o it_o or_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n rejoice_v with_o it_o which_o kind_n of_o unity_n appear_v most_o visible_o after_o the_o church_n be_v begin_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n for_o it_o be_v observe_v present_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul._n act_n 4.32_o 6._o there_o be_v also_o a_o unity_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o prayer_n and_o in_o sacrament_n and_o in_o glorify_v god_n with_o one_o mouth_n moreover_o in_o the_o common_a defence_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o joint_a opposition_n of_o every_o dangerous_a error_n in_o propagate_a and_o promote_a the_o same_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o 7._o there_o be_v also_o a_o unity_n of_o discipline_n or_o government_n which_o be_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o every_o member_n keep_v in_o his_o place_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n the_o people_n of_o christ_n receive_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n from_o their_o pastor_n and_o these_o confederate_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o common_a christianity_n without_o invade_v each_o other_o liberty_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o accommodate_v as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v all_o rite_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n to_o one_o another_o and_o assist_v each_o other_o by_o advice_n and_o correspondence_n and_o give_v no_o occasion_n to_o breach_n of_o charity_n and_o christian_a communion_n by_o abuse_v a_o lawful_a or_o by_o claim_v a_o undue_a authority_n other_o more_o particular_a instance_n may_v be_v mention_v but_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o these_o believe_v that_o upon_o these_o ground_n of_o unity_n which_o i_o have_v note_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o satisfy_v those_o scruple_n which_o have_v be_v throw_v into_o some_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o be_v of_o that_o one_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v chief_o two_o 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v one_o church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a church_n of_o christ_n exclusive_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o she_o 2._o that_o where_o there_o be_v most_o unity_n there_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v the_o true_a church_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o society_n or_o communion_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o communion_n whatsoever_o for_o thus_o they_o argue_v the_o apostle_n here_o and_o the_o new_a testament_n elsewhere_o affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o body_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v as_o there_o be_v several_a body_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o christendom_n that_o be_v not_o unite_v in_o communion_n in_o worship_n in_o government_n no_o nor_o in_o doctrine_n neither_o these_o can_v all_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v that_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o true_a church_n and_o from_o hence_o they_o proceed_v far_o since_o we_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v a_o church_n we_o do_v in_o effect_n grant_v that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n ourselves_o because_o we_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o they_o and_o we_o and_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o one_o another_o as_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v which_o kind_n of_o reason_v how_o likely_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o confound_v and_o amuse_v a_o man_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o unsettle_v a_o prudent_a nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o honest_a person_n if_o he_o will_v give_v himself_o leave_v to_o consider_v the_o plain_a answer_n to_o