too_o apparent_o destructive_a of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o i_o begin_v 1._o with_o their_o doctrine_n and_o because_o i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o aggravate_v lesser_a matter_n i_o will_v single_a out_o four_o or_o five_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o be_v neither_o teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n nor_o own_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o first_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v and_o which_o be_v once_o admit_v make_v way_n for_o as_o many_o error_n as_o they_o please_v to_o bring_v in_o be_v their_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n and_o this_o they_o be_v very_o stiff_a and_o peremptory_a in_o though_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o where_o this_o infallibility_n be_v seat_v whether_o in_o the_o pope_n alone_o or_o a_o council_n alone_o or_o in_o both_o together_o or_o in_o the_o diffusive_a body_n of_o christian_n but_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o have_v it_o though_o they_o know_v not_o where_o it_o be_v and_o be_v this_o no_o prejudice_n against_o it_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o this_o privilege_n be_v at_o first_o confer_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n do_v believe_v it_o and_o have_v constant_a recourse_n to_o it_o for_o determine_v their_o difference_n and_o yet_o that_o that_o very_a church_n which_o have_v enjoy_v and_o use_v it_o so_o long_o shall_v now_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n where_o to_o find_v it_o nothing_o can_v have_v fall_v out_o more_o unlucky_o than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o difference_n among_o they_o about_o that_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o end_v all_o difference_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n in_o scripture_n of_o this_o privilege_n confer_v upon_o the_o roman_a church_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o epistle_n ever_o so_o much_o as_o give_v the_o least_o direction_n to_o christian_n to_o appeal_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o a_o determination_n of_o the_o many_o difference_n which_o even_o in_o those_o time_n happen_v among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o appoint_v such_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o decide_v the_o difference_n that_o shall_v happen_v among_o christian_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o ancient_a father_n in_o their_o dispute_n with_o heretic_n shall_v never_o appeal_v to_o this_o judge_n nay_o it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v not_o constant_o do_v it_o in_o all_o case_n it_o be_v so_o short_a and_o expedite_v a_o way_n for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n and_o this_o very_a consideration_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o argument_n to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o in_o those_o time_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v believe_v in_o the_o world_n now_o this_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a be_v of_o so_o much_o the_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o christianity_n because_o the_o conceit_n of_o it_o do_v confirm_v they_o that_o think_v they_o have_v it_o in_o all_o their_o other_o error_n and_o give_v they_o a_o pretence_n of_o assume_v a_o authority_n to_o themselves_o to_o impose_v their_o own_o fancy_n and_o mistake_v upon_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n 2._o their_o doctrine_n about_o repentance_n which_o consist_v in_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o the_o priest_n which_o if_o it_o be_v but_o accompany_v with_o any_o degree_n of_o contrition_n do_v upon_o absolution_n receive_v from_o the_o priest_n put_v they_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n though_o they_o have_v live_v the_o most_o lewd_a and_o debauch_a life_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o destructive_a of_o a_o good_a life_n for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a all_o the_o hazard_n that_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n run_v of_o his_o salvation_n be_v only_o the_o danger_n of_o so_o sudden_a a_o death_n as_o give_v he_o no_o space_n for_o confession_n and_o absolution_n a_o case_n that_o happen_v so_o rare_o that_o any_o man_n that_o be_v strong_o addict_v to_o his_o lust_n will_v be_v content_a to_o venture_v his_o salvation_n upon_o this_o hazard_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n will_v be_v very_o insignificant_a to_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v wicked_a when_o remission_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v have_v upon_o such_o cheap_a term_n 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n by_o which_o they_o mean_v a_o state_n of_o temporary_a punishment_n after_o this_o life_n from_o which_o man_n may_v be_v release_v and_o translate_v into_o heaven_n by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o live_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o know_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n we_o have_v the_o free_a acknowledgement_n of_o as_o learned_a and_o eminent_a man_n as_o any_o of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o superstructure_n upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o though_o in_o one_o sense_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o build_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n consider_v the_o vast_a revenue_n which_o this_o doctrine_n and_o that_o of_o indulgence_n which_o depend_v upon_o it_o bring_v into_o that_o church_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v hay_n and_o stubble_n but_o how_o groundless_a soever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v too_o gainful_a a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v easy_o part_v withal_o 4._o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n a_o hard_a word_n but_o i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o the_o thing_n be_v much_o more_o difficult_a i_o have_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o consider_v other_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o must_v free_o declare_v that_o i_o never_o yet_o in_o any_o of_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o article_n or_o proposition_n impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o man_n half_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o this_o be_v and_o yet_o this_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v esteem_v one_o of_o the_o most_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o certain_a foundation_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n than_o for_o our_o saviour_n be_v substantial_o change_v into_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v say_v of_o he_o as_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rock_n a_o vine_n a_o door_n and_o a_o hundred_o other_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o this_o doctrine_n have_v not_o only_o no_o certain_a foundation_n in_o scripture_n but_o i_o have_v a_o far_o heavy_a charge_n against_o it_o namely_o that_o it_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o and_o sure_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o destroy_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n do_v so_o will_v appear_v evident_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o main_a argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o author_n of_o this_o doctrine_n wrought_v such_o and_o such_o miracle_n and_o particular_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o they_o prove_v because_o they_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o have_v see_v he_o and_o converse_v with_o he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o what_o if_o their_o sense_n do_v deceive_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n then_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o main_a proof_n of_o christianity_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n well!_o we_o will_v now_o suppose_v as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v transubstantiation_n to_o have_v be_v one_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v but_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a than_o all_o man_n sense_n be_v deceive_v in_o a_o plain_a sensible_a matter_n wherein_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a for_o they_o to_o be_v deceive_v as_o in_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o two_o thing_n can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v more_o different_a than_o a_o little_a bit_n of_o water_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o man_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n persuade_v they_o not_o to_o trust_v their_o sense_n and_o yet_o the_o argument_n which_o they_o use_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o direct_a contrary_a principle_n that_o man_n sense_n be_v to_o
scripture_n do_v our_o saviour_n anywhere_o speak_v one_o word_n concern_v the_o worship_v of_o she_o nay_o do_v he_o not_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o restrain_v all_o extravagant_a apprehension_n and_o imagination_n concern_v the_o honour_n due_a to_o she_o as_o foresee_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o thing_n when_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o his_o mother_n and_o brethren_n be_v without_o who_o say_v he_o be_v my_o mother_n and_o my_o brethren_n he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n the_o same_o be_v my_o mother_n and_o sister_n and_o brother_n and_o when_o the_o woman_n break_v forth_o into_o that_o rapture_n concern_v the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n blessed_n be_v the_o womb_n that_o bear_v thou_o and_o the_o pap_n that_o give_v thou_o suck_v our_o saviour_n divert_v to_o another_o thing_n yea_o rather_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o do_v either_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o particular_a precept_n and_o direction_n concern_v prayer_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o by_o who_o we_o be_v to_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o pray_v to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n or_o make_v use_n of_o her_o mediation_n and_o can_v any_o man_n believe_v that_o if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o beginning_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n will_v have_v be_v so_o silent_a about_o so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n insomuch_o that_o in_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o her_o name_n be_v so_o much_o as_o once_o mention_v and_o yet_o the_o worship_n of_o she_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o have_v be_v so_o for_o several_a age_n a_o main_a part_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n yea_o and_o of_o their_o private_a devotion_n too_o in_o which_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o they_o to_o say_v ten_o ave_fw-la mary_n for_o one_o pater_fw-la noster_fw-la that_o be_v for_o one_o prayer_n they_o make_v to_o almighty_a god_n they_o make_v ten_o address_n to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n for_o that_o be_v the_o proportion_n observe_v in_o their_o rosary_n he_o that_o consider_v this_o and_o have_v never_o see_v the_o bible_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o there_o have_v be_v more_o say_v concern_v she_o in_o scripture_n than_o either_o concern_v god_n or_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v full_a from_o one_o end_n to_o the_o other_o of_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n to_o the_o worship_v of_o she_o and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o show_v i_o so_o much_o as_o one_o sentence_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n that_o sound_v that_o way_n and_o there_o be_v as_o little_a in_o the_o christian_a writer_n of_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o practice_n begin_v to_o creep_v in_o among_o some_o superstitious_a people_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o four_o century_n and_o i_o remember_v particular_o that_o epiphanius_n who_o live_v about_o that_o time_n call_v it_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o some_o instance_n of_o several_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n much_o more_o may_v have_v be_v say_v of_o they_o but_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v any_o man_n may_v easy_o discern_v how_o dangerous_a they_o be_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n ii_o to_o consider_v whether_o our_o grant_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n though_o with_o great_a hazard_n to_o those_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o their_o deny_v it_o to_o we_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o any_o man_n to_o quit_v our_o church_n and_o go_v to_o they_o and_o there_o be_v the_o more_o need_n to_o consider_v this_o because_o this_o be_v the_o great_a popular_a argument_n wherewith_o the_o emissary_n and_o agent_n of_o that_o church_n be_v wont_a to_o assault_v our_o people_n your_o church_n say_v they_o grant_v that_o a_o papist_n may_v be_v save_v we_o deny_v that_o a_o protestant_n can_v be_v save_v therefore_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o be_v of_o our_o church_n in_o which_o salvation_n by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o both_o side_n be_v possible_a for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v so_o intolerable_o weak_a and_o sophistical_a that_o any_o considerate_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v catch_v by_o it_o for_o either_o it_o be_v good_a of_o itself_o and_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o relinquish_v our_o church_n and_o to_o pass_v over_o to_o they_o without_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n on_o either_o side_n and_o without_o compare_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o both_o the_o church_n together_o or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o leave_v our_o church_n without_o compare_v the_o doctrine_n on_o both_o side_n than_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o get_v by_o it_o for_o if_o upon_o examination_n and_o compare_v of_o doctrine_n the_o one_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a and_o the_o other_o false_a this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a inducement_n to_o any_o man_n to_o cleave_v to_o that_o church_n where_o the_o true_a doctrine_n be_v find_v and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o this_o argument_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o argument_n be_v good_a in_o itself_o without_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o both_o church_n this_o seem_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o a_o man_n to_o be_v of_o any_o church_n whatever_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v if_o she_o do_v but_o damn_v those_o that_o differ_v from_o she_o and_o if_o the_o church_n that_o differ_v from_o she_o do_v but_o allow_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n in_o her_o communion_n but_o they_o who_o use_v this_o argument_n pretend_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o to_o show_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v the_o miserable_a weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o it_o to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n conscience_n or_o prudence_n to_o change_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v 1._o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o this_o argument_n rely_v 2._o give_v some_o parallel_a instance_n by_o which_o it_o will_v clear_o appear_v that_o it_o conclude_v false_a 3._o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o some_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o follow_v from_o it_o 4._o show_v how_o unfit_a it_o be_v to_o work_v upon_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v and_o 5._o how_o improper_a it_o be_v to_o be_v urge_v by_o those_o that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o i._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o this_o argument_n rely_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o whatever_o different_a party_n in_o religion_n agree_v in_o be_v safe_a to_o be_v choose_v the_o true_a consequence_n of_o which_o principle_n if_o it_o be_v drive_v to_o the_o head_n be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o forsake_v christianity_n and_o to_o make_v they_o take_v up_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o in_o these_o all_o religion_n do_v agree_v for_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v true_a and_o signify_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o embrace_v any_o thing_n wherein_o the_o several_a party_n in_o religion_n differ_v because_o that_o only_o be_v safe_a and_o prudent_a to_o be_v choose_v wherein_o all_o agree_v so_o that_o this_o argument_n if_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v good_a will_v persuade_v further_o than_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o desire_v it_o shall_v do_v for_o it_o will_v not_o only_o make_v man_n forsake_v the_o protestant_a religion_n but_o popery_n too_o and_o which_o be_v much_o more_o considerable_a christianity_n itself_o ii_o i_o will_v give_v some_o parallel_a instance_n by_o which_o it_o will_v clear_o be_v see_v that_o this_o argument_n conclude_v false_a the_o donatist_n deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o catholic_n to_o be_v good_a but_o the_o catholic_n acknowledge_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o donatist_n to_o be_v valid_a so_o that_o both_o side_n be_v agree_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o donatist_n be_v good_a therefore_o the_o safe_a way_n for_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o catholic_n according_a to_o this_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a again_o by_o the_o donatist_n
from_o the_o error_n of_o thy_o way_n be_v well_o save_v thyself_o as_o soon_o as_o possible_o thou_o can_v when_o happiness_n present_v itself_o to_o thou_o do_v not_o turn_v it_o off_o and_o bid_v it_o come_v again_o to_o morrow_n perhaps_o thou_o may_v never_o be_v so_o fair_o offer_v again_o perhaps_o the_o day_n of_o salvation_n may_v not_o come_v again_o to_o morrow_n nay_o perhaps_o to_o thou_o to_o morrow_n may_v never_o come_v but_o if_o we_o be_v sure_o that_o happiness_n will_v come_v again_o yet_o why_o shall_v we_o put_v it_o off_o do_v any_o man_n know_v how_o to_o be_v safe_a and_o happy_a to_o day_n and_o can_v he_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o tarry_v till_o to_o morrow_n now_o the_o god_n of_o all_o mercy_n and_o patience_n give_v every_o one_o of_o we_o the_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n to_o know_v and_o to_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n febr._n 25_o the_o 1675_o 6._o 1_o john_n iii_o 10_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n to_o we_o both_o in_o order_n to_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a happiness_n true_o to_o understand_v our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o whether_o we_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o be_v his_o child_n or_o not_o and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o arrive_v at_o this_o knowledge_n if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o will_v but_o deal_v impartial_o with_o ourselves_o for_o the_o text_n give_v we_o a_o plain_a mark_n and_o character_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v it_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o god_n assistance_n to_o lay_v man_n open_a to_o themselves_o and_o to_o represent_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n serious_a consideration_n to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n to_o consider_v brief_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n and_o this_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o attend_v steadfast_o to_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o i_o think_v that_o no_o man_n that_o read_v it_o with_o attention_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v particular_o design_v against_o the_o impious_a sect_n of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o as_o the_o father_n tell_v we_o spring_v from_o simon_n magus_n and_o pretend_v to_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n and_o illumination_n from_o whence_o they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o gnostic_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o glitter_a pretence_n they_o do_v allow_v themselves_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o impious_a and_o vicious_a practice_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n as_o st._n judas_n speak_v of_o they_o and_o that_o st._n john_n particular_o aim_v at_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v very_o evident_a from_o the_o frequent_a and_o plain_a allusion_n throughout_o this_o epistle_n to_o those_o name_n and_o title_n which_o this_o sect_n assume_v to_o themselves_o as_o chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 4_o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o vers_fw-la 9_o he_o that_o say_v he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v in_o darkness_n even_o until_o now_o which_o passage_n and_o many_o more_o in_o this_o epistle_n do_v plain_o refer_v to_o the_o pretence_n of_o this_o sect_n to_o more_o than_o ordinary_a knowledge_n and_o illumination_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v so_o notorious_o contradict_v these_o glorious_a pretence_n by_o the_o impiety_n of_o their_o life_n and_o particular_o by_o their_o hatred_n and_o enmity_n to_o their_o fellow-christians_a for_o as_o the_o ancient_a father_n tell_v we_o they_o pretend_v that_o whatever_o they_o do_v they_o can_v not_o sin_n and_o this_o our_o apostle_n intimate_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o they_o hold_v it_o lawful_a to_o renounce_v christianity_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o to_o join_v with_o the_o heathen_a in_o persecute_v the_o christian_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n so_o often_o tax_v they_o for_o hatred_n to_o their_o brethren_n and_o call_v they_o murderer_n now_o to_o show_v the_o inconsistence_n of_o these_o principle_n and_o practice_n with_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n use_v many_o argument_n among_o which_o he_o particular_o insist_v upon_o this_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o essential_a to_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o child_n of_o god_n by_o which_o title_n christian_n be_v common_o know_v than_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n vers_fw-la 6._o of_o this_o chap._n whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o whosoever_o sin_v have_v not_o see_v he_o neither_o know_v he_o whatever_o knowledge_n they_o may_v pretend_v to_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o vers_fw-la 7_o little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a and_o vers_fw-la 8_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o vers_fw-la 9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v wickedness_n be_v a_o plain_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o one_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o devil_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a righteousness_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o word_n and_o then_o consider_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o by_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v mean_v good_a and_o bad_a man_n it_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n to_o call_v person_n or_o thing_n which_o partake_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n or_o quality_n the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eminent_o endue_v with_o that_o nature_n and_o disposition_n thus_o they_o who_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o abraham_n be_v call_v abraham_n child_n in_o like_a manner_n those_o who_o in_o their_o disposition_n and_o action_n imitate_v god_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o addict_v themselves_o to_o sin_n and_o impiety_n be_v count_v of_o another_o race_n and_o descent_n they_o resemble_v the_o devil_n and_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o head_n of_o that_o faction_n by_o righteousness_n be_v here_o mean_v universal_a goodness_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o sin_v which_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o that_o law_n by_o be_v manifest_a be_v mean_v that_o hereby_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v real_o distinguish_v so_o that_o every_o one_o that_o will_v examine_v his_o condition_n by_o this_o mark_n may_v know_v of_o which_o number_n he_o be_v and_o to_o what_o party_n he_o belong_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o main_a argument_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o give_v we_o a_o certain_a character_n and_o mark_v of_o distinction_n between_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o character_n and_o mark_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n which_o be_v here_o lay_v down_o whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o by_o this_o mark_n every_o man_n may_v with_o due_a care_n and_o diligence_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o spiritual_a
person_n but_o be_v rather_o the_o effect_n of_o melancholy_n than_o any_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o trouble_n some_o think_v that_o every_o deliberate_a sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o after_o conviction_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v aknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o such_o as_o call_v for_o a_o great_a and_o particular_a repentance_n but_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n render_v a_o man_n incapable_a of_o forgiveness_n other_o be_v trouble_v with_o blasphemous_a thought_n and_o those_o they_o think_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o this_o be_v general_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o melancholy_n and_o the_o person_n that_o be_v trouble_v with_o these_o black_a thought_n be_v no_o way_n consent_v to_o they_o but_o they_o rise_v in_o their_o mind_n perfect_o against_o their_o will_n and_o without_o any_o approbation_n of_o they_o and_o in_o this_o case_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n that_o i_o hope_v yea_o and_o very_o believe_v they_o be_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o but_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o a_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o no_o more_o impute_v to_o we_o than_o the_o wild_a and_o idle_a rave_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o frenzy_n or_o a_o fever_n and_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o bodily_a disease_n shall_v bring_v guilt_n upon_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o these_o person_n have_v reason_n enough_o for_o comfort_n but_o the_o misery_n be_v their_o present_a distemper_n render_v they_o incapable_a of_o it_o 2._o second_o the_o other_o use_v i_o will_v make_v of_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o caution_n man_n against_o the_o degree_n and_o approach_n of_o this_o sin_n for_o if_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v of_o such_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o so_o unpardonable_a than_o all_o approach_n to_o it_o be_v very_o dreadful_a such_o as_o be_v profane_a scoff_a at_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v in_o good_a man_n abuse_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n perverse_a infidelity_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o credible_a history_n though_o we_o be_v not_o eye-witness_n of_o they_o obstinacy_n in_o a_o sinful_a and_o vicious_a course_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n sin_v against_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o contrary_a malicious_a oppose_a of_o the_o truth_n when_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o any_o impartial_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o when_o he_o that_o oppose_v the_o truth_n have_v no_o clear_a satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v furious_o and_o heady_o carry_v on_o in_o his_o opposition_n to_o it_o these_o be_v all_o sin_n of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n and_o of_o the_o near_a affinity_n with_o this_o great_a and_o unpardonable_a sin_n of_o any_o that_o can_v easy_o be_v instance_a in_o and_o though_o god_n to_o encourage_v the_o repentance_n of_o man_n have_v not_o declare_v they_o unpardonable_a yet_o they_o be_v great_a provocation_n and_o if_o they_o be_v long_o continue_v in_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o god_n may_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n be_v ready_a then_o to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n whenever_o it_o be_v fair_o propound_v to_o thou_o and_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o accept_v in_o other_o matter_n where_o thou_o have_v no_o prejudice_n nor_o interest_n to_o the_o contrary_n do_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o thy_o know_a duty_n but_o be_v careful_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o conviction_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o good_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v secret_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o inspire_v we_o many_o time_n gentle_o with_o good_a thought_n and_o inclination_n and_o be_v grieve_v when_o we_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o after_o many_o repulse_n will_v at_o last_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o we_o and_o leave_v we_o to_o be_v assault_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o our_o own_o lust_n into_o ruin_n and_o perdition_n a_o sermon_n of_o charity_n and_o alm_n act_n x._o 38_o who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a when_o almighty_a god_n design_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o man_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o pattern_n after_o which_o he_o be_v first_o make_v he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o give_v we_o the_o most_o perfect_a law_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n but_o have_v likewise_o set_v before_o we_o a_o live_a pattern_n and_o a_o familiar_a example_n to_o excite_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o go_v before_o we_o and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n in_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o law_n such_o be_v the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o god_n over_o man_n that_o he_o may_v if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v only_o give_v we_o a_o law_n write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o mount_n sinai_n but_o such_o be_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o have_v send_v a_o great_a ambassador_n from_o heaven_n to_o we_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o declare_v and_o interpret_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o fulfil_v that_o law_n himself_o the_o observation_n whereof_o he_o require_v of_o we_o the_o bare_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v a_o very_a dead_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o live_a example_n which_o show_v we_o the_o possibility_n and_o practicableness_n of_o our_o duty_n both_o that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v and_o how_o to_o do_v it_o religion_n indeed_o do_v always_o consist_v in_o a_o imitation_n of_o god_n and_o in_o our_o resemblance_n of_o those_o excellency_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v but_o we_o may_v imitate_v he_o now_o with_o much_o great_a ease_n and_o advantage_n since_o god_n be_v please_v to_o become_v man_n on_o purpose_n to_o show_v we_o how_o man_n may_v become_v like_a to_o god_n and_o this_o be_v one_o great_a end_n for_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o converse_v so_o long_o and_o familiar_o with_o mankind_n that_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o life_n he_o may_v give_v we_o the_o example_n of_o all_o that_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n which_o his_o law_n require_v of_o we_o and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o nothing_o like_a the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o in_o be_v and_o do_v good_a so_o be_v he_o in_o nothing_o a_o fit_a pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n than_o in_o that_o excellent_a character_n give_v of_o he_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a in_o which_o word_n two_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o our_o saviour_n great_a work_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o do_v good_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o employ_v himself_o in_o be_v a_o benefactor_n to_o mankind_n this_o refer_v more_o especial_o to_o his_o heal_v the_o bodily_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n god_n anoint_a jesus_n of_o nazareth_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n intimate_v to_o we_o by_o this_o instance_n of_o his_o do_v good_a that_o he_o who_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o rescue_v man_n body_n from_o the_o power_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o let_v their_o soul_n remain_v under_o his_o tyranny_n but_o though_o the_o text_n instance_v only_o in_o one_o particular_a yet_o this_o general_a expression_n of_o do_v good_a comprehend_v all_o those_o several_a way_n whereby_o he_o be_v beneficial_a to_o mankind_n second_o here_o be_v his_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o this_o work_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a he_o make_v it_o the_o great_a business_n and_o constant_a employment_n of_o his_o life_n i_o shall_v propound_v to_o you_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o both_o these_o particular_n i._o his_o great_a work_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o do_v good_a