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not_o concern_v in_o it_o if_o any_o duty_n explain_v or_o encourage_v whether_o that_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o god_n to_o inform_v his_o knowledge_n or_o to_o reprove_v his_o remissness_n if_o it_o set_v forth_o any_o of_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o what_o we_o must_v do_v to_o attain_v to_o they_o to_o remember_v that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n call_v upon_o we_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n and_o to_o celebrate_v his_o goodness_n who_o have_v send_v so_o wonderful_a and_o gracious_a a_o salvation_n to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o true_a way_n whereby_o the_o pious_a christian_a may_v profit_v himself_o even_o by_o the_o mean_a of_o our_o discourse_n but_o without_o such_o a_o disposition_n to_o receive_v instruction_n the_o best_a seed_n will_v in_o vain_a be_v cast_v away_o upon_o we_o 2_o dly_z the_o next_o qualification_n require_v in_o a_o christian_a auditor_n as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o other_o be_v that_o he_o be_v docile_a by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v endue_v with_o quick_a part_n and_o ability_n to_o learn_v that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o which_o sometime_o may_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a but_o i_o mean_v that_o he_o be_v desirous_a of_o instruction_n and_o to_o that_o end_n prepare_v with_o such_o a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o to_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o pursue_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o and_o to_o this_o end_n more_o particular_o 1_o st_z that_o he_o be_v humble_a i._n e._n neither_o vain_o conceit_v of_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o instruction_n nor_o esteem_v himself_o to_o be_v too_o great_a to_o receive_v it_o even_o from_o the_o mean_a preacher_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o great_a a_o enemy_n to_o our_o proficiency_n in_o any_o thing_n as_o pride_n when_o man_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o too_o great_a to_o learn_v and_o as_o such_o neglect_n and_o despise_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n indeed_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v not_o many_o time_n call_v to_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o be_v much_o fit_a to_o become_v our_o teacher_n but_o yet_o neither_o can_v i_o so_o far_o undervalue_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o deliver_v unto_o you_o as_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v ordinary_o any_o sermon_n so_o mean_a and_o despicable_a but_o that_o a_o humble_a mind_n may_v have_v profit_v by_o it_o and_o have_v find_v somewhat_o at_o least_o to_o exercise_v his_o charity_n and_o his_o patience_n if_o not_o to_o excite_v his_o zeal_n and_o improve_v his_o knowledge_n 2._o a_o second_o thing_n require_v to_o this_o docility_n be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v free_a from_o passion_n this_o disturb_v the_o mind_n and_o blind_v the_o reason_n and_o hinder_v many_o time_n the_o best_a doctrine_n from_o produce_v any_o suitable_a effect_n upon_o we_o those_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_n of_o their_o own_o affection_n judge_v more_o according_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o they_o than_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n he_o that_o espouse_n a_o party_n or_o interest_n that_o love_v a_o opinion_n and_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v true_a easy_o approve_v of_o whatsoever_o do_v but_o seem_v to_o make_v for_o it_o and_o reject_v almost_o at_o all_o adventure_n whatsoever_o appear_v against_o it_o how_o do_v the_o hope_n and_o desire_n of_o honour_n or_o favour_n or_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n carry_v man_n away_o to_o the_o vile_a thing_n for_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o and_o so_o all_o the_o other_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n whether_o it_o be_v fear_n or_o pleasure_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v the_o affection_n that_o rule_v we_o they_o hinder_v the_o reason_n from_o judge_v aright_o and_o weigh_v impartial_o what_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o such_o a_o auditor_n receive_v or_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n not_o according_a as_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a sripture_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o right_a reason_n require_v he_o shall_v but_o as_o his_o own_o passion_n and_o inclination_n prompt_v he_o to_o do_v 3._o a_o three_o thing_n require_v to_o docility_n be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v free_a from_o prejudice_n he_o that_o will_v advance_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o find_n out_o of_o truth_n must_v bring_v to_o it_o that_o traveller_n indifference_n which_o the_o heathen_a so_o long_o since_o recommend_v to_o the_o world_n he_o must_v not_o desire_v it_o shall_v lie_v on_o the_o one_o side_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o lest_o his_o desire_n that_o it_o shall_v prompt_v he_o without_o just_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o do_v and_o so_o in_o religion_n too_o he_o that_o will_v make_v a_o right_a judgement_n what_o to_o believe_v or_o what_o to_o practice_n must_v first_o throw_v off_o all_o prejudice_n in_o favour_n of_o his_o own_o opinion_n or_o against_o any_o other_o and_o resolve_v never_o to_o be_v so_o tie_v up_o to_o any_o point_n or_o party_n as_o not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o time_n ready_a impartial_o to_o examine_v whatsoever_o can_v reasonable_o be_v object_v against_o either_o how_o far_o the_o want_n of_o this_o do_v at_o this_o day_n divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o will_v to_o god_n we_o have_v not_o too_o great_a reason_n on_o all_o side_n to_o complain_v there_o be_v many_o among_o we_o so_o strange_o engage_v by_o false_a principle_n to_o a_o ill_a cause_n that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o offer_v they_o the_o clear_a argument_n to_o convince_v they_o if_o you_o bring_v they_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a that_o must_v be_v hear_v but_o then_o be_v it_o never_o so_o plain_a they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o and_o they_o dare_v
the_o former_a of_o these_o the_o consideration_n i_o sy_n of_o those_o device_n whereby_o the_o devil_n be_v wont_a to_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o those_o common_a and_o obvious_a method_n which_o every_o one_o know_v though_o few_o be_v so_o careful_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o prevent_v they_o such_o as_o carelessness_n and_o indifference_n in_o the_o concern_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n of_o it_o and_o which_o upon_o this_o account_n st._n paul_n call_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a 1_o tim._n vi_o 10_o and_o st._n james_n plain_o tell_v we_o be_v enmity_n with_o god_n james_n four_o 4_o the_o device_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v be_v such_o as_o have_v more_o of_o subtlety_n and_o contrivance_n in_o they_o and_o which_o by_o a_o show_n of_o somewhat_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v good_a seduce_v man_n many_o time_n into_o a_o neglect_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o alone_o real_o and_o true_o be_v so_o now_o four_o thing_n especial_o there_o be_v by_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v wont_a to_o discourage_v and_o hinder_v weak_a mind_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n viz_o 1_o sy_n by_o throw_v prejudices_fw-la in_o their_o way_n against_o it_o 2_o dly_z by_o instil_v into_o their_o mind_n false_a principle_n whereby_o to_o corrupt_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o 3_o dly_z by_o fill_v they_o with_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o discourage_v they_o in_o their_o piety_n 4_o thly_a by_o engage_v their_o zeal_n in_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a strife_n and_o dispute_n about_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 1_o sy_n it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o of_o the_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o hinder_v man_n piety_n by_o throw_v of_o false_a prejudices_fw-la in_o their_o way_n against_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o a_o frightful_a thing_n many_o look_n upon_o a_o christian_a course_n of_o life_n to_o be_v and_o how_o difficult_a and_o sometime_o even_o impossible_a they_o think_v it_o to_o fulfil_v that_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o they_o regard_v he_o as_o a_o hard_a and_o severe_a taskmaster_n that_o lay_v intolerable_a burden_n upon_o his_o servant_n and_o have_v prepare_v eternal_a punishment_n for_o the_o least_o defailure_n under_o they_o all_o their_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o with_o those_o strict_a command_n of_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n of_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o forgive_a and_o love_a enemy_n of_o despise_v any_o loss_n shame_n or_o other_o difficulty_n they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n be_v expose_v to_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n thus_o they_o look_v upon_o christianity_n to_o be_v a_o religion_n make_v up_o of_o nothing_o but_o melancholy_a fear_n and_o amaze_a danger_n that_o allow_v of_o no_o pleasure_n suffer_v not_o the_o least_o appetite_n to_o be_v gratify_v but_o deny_v even_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o reasonable_a enjoyment_n nor_o promise_v any_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n but_o upon_o the_o severe_a condition_n of_o be_v despise_v and_o miserable_a in_o this_o and_o now_o when_o such_o be_v man_n apprehension_n of_o christianity_n what_o wonder_v if_o we_o see_v so_o few_o care_n to_o enter_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n who_o have_v not_o thus_o deal_v with_o we_o 14_o straight_o indeed_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o impassable_a from_o the_o very_a first_o enter_v it_o dilate_v its_o self_n and_o in_o a_o little_a while_n become_v no_o less_o pleasant_a but_o much_o more_o secure_a than_o that_o high_a road_n which_o so_o many_o prefer_v before_o it_o to_o be_v plain_a i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o a_o state_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o four_o disagreeable_a state_n man_n common_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v the_o only_a state_n that_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o real_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n godliness_n be_v its_o own_o reward_n even_o in_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o it_o 8_o it_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v but_o serious_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o will_v soon_o be_v convince_v upon_o how_o good_a ground_n the_o wise_a man_n once_o pronounce_v concern_v it_o 17_o that_o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n as_o for_o that_o frightful_a idea_n which_o so_o many_o entertain_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v whole_o found_v on_o their_o own_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o it_o for_o 1_o st_z it_o be_v utter_o false_a that_o christianity_n deny_v we_o any_o of_o those_o enjoyment_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v even_o desire_v to_o indulge_v it_o allow_v whatever_o be_v true_o fit_v for_o we_o and_o restrain_v only_o those_o brutish_a excess_n which_o even_o natural_a reason_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a morality_n forbid_v we_o to_o pursue_v nor_o 2_o dly_a do_v man_n any_o more_o true_o represent_v god_n than_o they_o do_v his_o religion_n they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o one_o who_o require_v great_a thing_n of_o we_o but_o they_o forget_v that_o he_o who_o require_v these_o thing_n do_v also_o promise_v that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v in_o our_o own_o endeavour_n he_o will_v give_v we_o grace_n and_o strength_n and_o ability_n to_o fulfil_v they_o they_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o most_o severe_a and_o just_a judge_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o his_o mercy_n be_v as_o infinite_a as_o his_o justice_n and_o that_o he_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o make_v allowance_n for_o our_o infirmity_n and_o pardon_v those_o sin_n we_o unwilling_o commit_v as_o to_o punish_v those_o offence_n which_o our_o malice_n and_o our_o negligence_n expose_v we_o to_o that_o for_o this_o he_o have_v send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v himself_o the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o open_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o a_o gospel_n of_o repentance_n see_v we_o can_v not_o attain_v to_o it_o by_o any_o way_n of_o a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n so_o that_o now_o then_o let_v a_o christian_a be_v but_o upright_a and_o sincere_a let_v he_o but_o love_n god_n and_o delight_n in_o his_o service_n and_o strive_v and_o labour_v as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v it_o if_o he_o sin_v let_v he_o repent_v of_o it_o let_v he_o confess_v his_o wickedness_n and_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n and_o humble_o implore_v god_n mercy_n to_o forgive_v he_o and_o then_o how_o weak_a and_o impotent_a soever_o he_o be_v he_o shall_v certain_o find_v not_o only_a pardon_n but_o acceptance_n too_o with_o his_o bless_a saviour_n for_o ever_o and_o then_o 3_o dly_z for_o what_o concern_v those_o severe_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o upon_o which_o the_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la be_v common_o raise_v against_o it_o beside_o that_o they_o be_v thing_n infinite_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o by_o a_o divine_a assistance_n far_o from_o be_v burdensome_a to_o we_o nay_o when_o put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a glory_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o duty_n be_v not_o require_v either_o of_o all_o christian_n or_o at_o all_o time_n how_o few_o be_v there_o for_o instance_n now_o a_o day_n that_o have_v any_o occasion_n to_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o severe_a precept_n of_o all_o which_o our_o religion_n require_v of_o we_o viz_o 24_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n these_o be_v the_o trial_n only_o of_o some_o singular_a person_n and_o at_o 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all_o hot_a and_o furious_a for_o their_o several_a particular_a opinion_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o eternity_n depend_v on_o they_o but_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o gospel-life_n for_o that_o devotion_n that_o charity_n that_o humility_n and_o integrity_n which_o be_v once_o the_o great_a care_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n these_o god_n know_v be_v but_o little_o regard_v by_o the_o most_o of_o we_o if_o 1_o sy_n we_o consider_v the_o public_a effect_n of_o these_o controversy_n to_o a_o decay_n of_o piety_n what_o a_o desolation_n shall_v we_o find_v too_o often_o occasion_v by_o they_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o how_o many_o country_n have_v be_v ruin_v what_o king_n and_o prince_n have_v be_v murder_v and_o banish_v and_o depose_v by_o their_o own_o people_n what_o blood_n have_v be_v spill_v what_o number_n of_o honest_a and_o innocent_a people_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n have_v be_v lose_v and_o 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that_o epidemical_a vncharitableness_n that_o be_v from_o hence_o diffuse_v into_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n while_o every_o one_o seem_v to_o reckon_v his_o enemy_n no_o better_o than_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n and_o have_v by_o their_o uncharitable_a censure_n cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n hereafter_o think_v themselves_o afterward_o disengage_v from_o all_o obligation_n even_o of_o common_a humanity_n towards_o he_o now_o i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o if_o i_o mean_v to_o accuse_v those_o of_o our_o church_n who_o have_v so_o generous_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n and_o sacrifice_v their_o peace_n their_o quiet_n and_o their_o interest_n to_o the_o defence_n of_o a_o excellent_a cause_n and_o a_o true_o orthodox_n catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o much_o less_o will_v i_o be_v think_v hereby_o to_o discourage_v you_o from_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o the_o faith_n and_o as_o constant_a in_o its_o defence_n as_o both_o your_o duty_n require_v and_o as_o i_o bless_v god_n you_o all_o of_o you_o be_v this_o day_n and_o i_o hope_v and_o be_o persuade_v will_v ever_o be_v so_o but_o i_o speak_v this_o to_o deplore_v the_o sad_a state_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o bewail_v â—â—â—se_a division_n than_o which_o nothing_o haâ—_n 〈◊〉_d â—ore_o destructive_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n i_o speak_v it_o earnest_o to_o beseech_v and_o exhort_v you_o even_o by_o the_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o you_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o add_v to_o your_o faith_n work_v to_o adorn_v your_o holy_a profession_n by_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n to_o live_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o dispute_v for_o it_o and_o see_v you_o know_v what_o danger_n these_o controversy_n be_v apt_a to_o bring_v to_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n that_o you_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o prevent_v they_o and_o not_o suffer_v your_o zeal_n for_o your_o faith_n ever_o to_o carry_v you_o 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but_o too_o fatal_o successful_a for_o many_o say_v he_o shall_v follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n 2._o by_o reason_n of_o who_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v evil_o speak_v of_o and_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n he_o go_v on_o to_o foretell_v the_o near_a approach_n of_o those_o judgement_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v so_o often_o denounce_v against_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o which_o those_o comply_a christian_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o be_v involve_v and_o by_o both_o these_o consideration_n he_o final_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o stir_v they_o up_o both_o to_o a_o care_n of_o themselves_o and_o to_o a_o constancy_n in_o their_o profession_n you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o 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mean_v or_o that_o i_o will_v now_o recommend_v to_o you_o this_o will_v be_v to_o make_v a_o plea_n for_o obstinacy_n rather_o than_o constancy_n while_o by_o such_o a_o rule_n it_o will_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o jew_n to_o remain_v a_o jew_n a_o heathen_a a_o heathen_a for_o a_o papist_n or_o socinian_n to_o continue_v all_o their_o life_n papist_n or_o socinian_n no_o less_o than_o for_o one_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a to_o the_o faith_n and_o communion_n of_o it_o that_o which_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o true_a steadfastness_n be_v this_o when_o a_o man_n be_v upon_o rational_a and_o good_a ground_n evident_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o religion_n then_o to_o resolve_v to_o stick_v close_o to_o it_o and_o not_o suffer_v any_o base_a unworthy_a motive_n to_o draw_v he_o aside_o from_o it_o our_o religion_n must_v first_o be_v well_o ground_v and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v true_a steadfastness_n to_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o give_v such_o necessary_a direction_n as_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o must_v distinct_o consider_v it_o in_o both_o its_o respect_n and_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o middle_a between_o the_o two_o extreme_n of_o a_o blind_a obstinacy_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o of_o a_o weak_a instability_n on_o the_o other_o and_o by_o either_o of_o which_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o will_v become_v equal_o destroy_v first_o then_o he_o that_o will_v be_v true_o steadfast_a in_o his_o religion_n must_v take_v heed_n that_o he_o do_v not_o mistake_v obstinacy_n for_o steadfastness_n this_o be_v a_o error_n so_o much_o the_o rather_o to_o be_v remark_v on_o this_o occasion_n in_o that_o a_o daily_a experience_n sad_o show_v we_o at_o once_o both_o the_o danger_n and_o easiness_n of_o such_o a_o mistake_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a perverseness_n in_o some_o man_n that_o they_o make_v it_o no_o less_o than_o a_o mortal_a sin_n to_o have_v any_o doubt_n though_o never_o so_o reasonable_a of_o any_o the_o least_o doctrine_n they_o have_v once_o be_v teach_v to_o profess_v and_o there_o be_v hardly_o a_o immorality_n so_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a so_o contrary_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o so_o destructive_a of_o salvation_n which_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n will_v not_o soon_o overpass_v than_o such_o a_o scruple_n insomuch_o that_o by_o the_o express_a order_n of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o man_n solemn_a reception_n into_o their_o communion_n etc._n the_o very_a condition_n of_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o state_n of_o proselytism_n with_o they_o not_o only_o to_o abjure_v for_o the_o present_a all_o those_o tenet_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v heretical_a but_o also_o to_o imprecate_v upon_o their_o head_n all_o the_o misery_n of_o eternal_a torment_n if_o ever_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o by_o any_o occasion_n or_o argument_n 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whether_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v at_o present_a a_o member_n be_v not_o mistake_v in_o some_o point_n it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v absolute_o free_a from_o all_o kind_n of_o error_n but_o whether_o those_o mistake_n be_v of_o such_o a_o consequence_n that_o he_o can_v communicate_v any_o long_o with_o it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o when_o this_o be_v do_v the_o great_a difficulty_n will_v still_o remain_v to_o examine_v with_o the_o same_o diligence_n every_o article_n of_o that_o other_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v tempt_v for_o else_o tho'_o he_o shall_v have_v reason_n to_o forsake_v his_o own_o church_n he_o will_v yet_o be_v but_o little_a advantage_v if_o he_o go_v to_o another_o that_o be_v as_o bad_a or_o it_o may_v be_v worse_o than_o that_o if_o there_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o most_o part_n well_o yet_o so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o any_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n so_o erroneous_a as_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o profess_v what_o he_o think_v to_o be_v false_a or_o to_o practise_v what_o be_v unlawful_a even_o this_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o hinder_v he_o from_o reconcile_n himself_o to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o this_o there_o must_v be_v a_o serious_a and_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n there_o must_v be_v no_o prejudice_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o one_o or_o against_o the_o other_o no_o desire_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v on_o this_o side_n rather_o than_o on_o that_o in_o short_a nothing_o must_v be_v omit_v whereby_o he_o may_v reasonable_o have_v get_v a_o better_a information_n and_o to_o all_o this_o care_n there_o must_v be_v add_v fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o assistance_n he_o who_o fall_v away_o from_o his_o first_o faith_n on_o any_o lesser_a convicton_n than_o this_o can_v never_o excuse_v himself_o from_o a_o criminal_a lightness_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o concern_n and_o for_o he_o that_o sincere_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v for_o my_o part_n be_v content_a that_o he_o shall_v leave_v the_o church_n of_o england_n whenever_o he_o can_v be_v thus_o convince_v that_o any_o other_o but_o especial_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o safe_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o particular_a what_o that_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o which_o our_o text_n exhort_v we_o i_o go_v on_o 2_o dly_a to_o show_v ii_o upon_o what_o motive_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o stir_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o that_o i_o be_o now_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o exhort_v you_o to_o such_o a_o steadfastness_n now_o these_o our_o text_n reduce_v to_o this_o one_o general_a consideration_n that_o they_o both_o understand_v their_o danger_n and_o be_v express_o forewarn_v by_o his_o epistle_n how_o careful_a it_o will_v behoove_v they_o to_o be_v to_o arm_v themselves_o against_o it_o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o 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but_o one_o god_n 5_o and_o one_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n christ_n jesus_n but_o our_o new-master_n be_v not_o thus_o content_a they_o set_v up_o if_o not_o more_o god_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_o more_o object_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n more_o mediator_n than_o one_o and_o teach_v man_n to_o address_v their_o prayer_n more_o frequent_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o their_o new_a advocate_n to_o who_o patronage_n they_o have_v commit_v themselves_o than_o through_o his_o who_o be_v the_o true_a christian_n only_o advocate_n christ_n bless_v for_o ever_o *_o christianity_n forbid_v we_o to_o make_v any_o grave_a image_n com._n the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o heaven_n above_o to_o bow_v down_o before_o it_o and_o worship_v it_o these_o false_a prophet_n set_v up_o their_o image_n in_o every_o church_n and_o bow_v down_o to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n for_o this_o end_n they_o consecrate_v they_o with_o many_o abomination_n 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undergo_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o but_o what_o now_o do_v our_o new_a instructor_n they_o tell_v we_o here_o be_v neither_o bread_n nor_o wine_n to_o be_v eat_v or_o drink_v that_o they_o be_v i_o know_v not_o how_o convert_v into_o the_o very_a natural_a substance_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n that_o he_o be_v not_o offer_v up_o once_o for_o all_o but_o be_v here_o again_o as_o true_o offer_v as_o ever_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n that_o thereby_o a_o new_a expiation_n be_v make_v for_o the_o sin_n both_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o live_n and_o tho'_o our_o saviour_n have_v as_o express_o command_v both_o kind_n as_o either_o yet_o they_o declare_v that_o one_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o people_n to_o partake_v of_o and_o according_o they_o give_v no_o more_o to_o they_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o very_a little_a a_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o religion_n will_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o just_a cause_n for_o any_o one_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n to_o plunge_v himself_o into_o such_o a_o abyss_n of_o error_n and_o superstition_n as_o this_o and_o then_o if_o he_o be_v but_o equal_o advance_v 2_o dly_a in_o grace_n too_o this_o will_v certain_o secure_v he_o that_o no_o base_a motive_n no_o danger_n or_o interest_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o he_o so_o to_o do_v let_v the_o seducer_n display_v all_o the_o seem_a advantage_n of_o such_o a_o change_n let_v he_o with_o his_o master_n the_o devil_n set_v we_o up_o upon_o the_o high_a mountain_n of_o our_o own_o vain_a imagination_n there_o let_v he_o show_v we_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n 8_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o to_o complete_a the_o parallel_n let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v add_v too_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v i_o and_o to_o whosoever_o i_o will_v i_o can_v give_v they_o if_o thou_o will_v therefore_o renounce_v thy_o faith_n and_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o all_o shall_v be_v thou_o by_o grace_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o despise_v they_o all_o this_o will_v convince_v we_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a honour_n in_o dissemble_v a_o man_n conscience_n and_o prostitute_v his_o soul_n his_o religion_n and_o his_o god_n to_o a_o little_a present_a advantage_n that_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n be_v but_o vanity_n that_o the_o true_a treasure_n be_v in_o heaven_n in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o great_a monarch_n be_v not_o worth_a the_o purchase_n if_o to_o obtain_v that_o we_o must_v lose_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o let_v he_o shift_v the_o scene_n instead_o of_o all_o these_o advantage_n let_v he_o set_v forth_o all_o the_o danger_n that_o either_o the_o devil_n can_v suggest_v or_o his_o own_o more_o furious_a zeal_n invent_v by_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o despise_v even_o those_o too_o this_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n who_o shall_v laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v and_o who_o counsel_n it_o be_v that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v shall_v stand_v that_o if_o he_o please_v to_o protect_v we_o it_o be_v not_o all_o their_o malice_n that_o can_v do_v we_o the_o least_o injury_n but_o that_o shall_v he_o either_o for_o our_o punishment_n or_o our_o trial_n expose_v we_o to_o their_o rage_n yet_o still_o we_o ought_v with_o moses_n 26._o to_o esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n beyond_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n this_o be_v the_o brave_a resolution_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a they_o be_v torture_v 35_o not_o accept_v deliverance_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n iii._o when_o nabuchadnezzar_n command_v the_o three_o child_n in_o daniel_n 15._o to_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o they_o regard_v neither_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o king_n nor_o the_o threat_n of_o his_o fiery_a furnace_n 16._o they_o tell_v he_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o in_o that_o matter_n 17._o that_o their_o god_n if_o he_o please_v both_o can_v and_o will_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n but_o if_o not_o yet_o be_v it_o know_v to_o thou_o o_o king_n 18_o that_o we_o will_v not_o serve_v thy_o god_n nor_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v up_o and_o the_o same_o have_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o our_o forerunner_n in_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v overcome_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n whilst_o that_o bless_a saviour_n who_o first_o give_v the_o command_n have_v ever_o since_o inspire_v his_o follower_n with_o strength_n and_o resolution_n to_o fulfil_v it_o 28_o fear_v not_o they_o who_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o fear_v he_o who_o can_v cast_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o hellfire_n 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to_o and_o the_o great_a infidel_n must_v be_v force_v at_o least_o to_o confess_v the_o probability_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o however_o wicked_a man_n may_v endeavour_v to_o dissemble_v their_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o live_v so_o as_o if_o they_o true_o do_v not_o give_v the_o least_o credit_n to_o they_o yet_o be_v their_o fear_n many_o time_n too_o strong_a for_o they_o and_o discover_v their_o apprehension_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n this_o be_v the_o next_o point_n i_o propose_v iii_o dly_a that_o however_o sinner_n may_v live_v as_o if_o they_o believe_v nothing_o â—f_o all_o this_o yet_o the_o great_a of_o they_o can_v choose_v but_o tremble_v sometime_o at_o the_o appprehension_n of_o it_o so_o felix_n do_v and_o so_o we_o have_v be_v tell_v of_o many_o other_o that_o have_v do_v likewise_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o outbrave_v hell_n and_o eternity_n at_o a_o distance_n may_v laugh_v at_o our_o discourse_n concern_v another_o world_n and_o the_o 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a_o future_a prospect_n of_o resolve_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o but_o like_o felix_n in_o the_o text_n they_o put_v off_o this_o work_n to_o another_o time_n without_o ever_o fix_v when_o that_o time_n be_v to_o come_v and_o it_o happen_v to_o they_o as_o it_o do_v to_o he_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o never_o come_v at_o all_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o the_o world_n so_o wicked_a as_o never_o to_o have_v have_v their_o lucid_a interval_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n nor_o occasion_n both_o to_o consider_v of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v import_v they_o to_o provide_v for_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v the_o great_a part_n of_o sinner_n go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n now_o with_o a_o confidence_n and_o resolution_n of_o repent_v some_o time_n or_o other_o but_o still_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v their_o do_v of_o it_o and_o death_n 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here_o present_a who_o wickedness_n and_o infidelity_n render_v this_o discourse_n as_o seasonable_a to_o they_o now_o as_o st._n paul_n once_o be_v to_o felix_n i_o can_v but_o hope_v they_o may_v meet_v with_o somewhat_o in_o this_o reason_n that_o may_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o they_o but_o with_o a_o better_a consequence_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v upon_o that_o wretched_a man_n may_v serve_v not_o only_o to_o awaken_v their_o fear_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v but_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o a_o immediate_a provision_n for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o remember_v that_o i_o be_o speak_v all_o this_o while_n to_o a_o christian_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o to_o such_o as_o will_v admit_v of_o yet_o more_o lively_a persuasive_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o of_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a torment_n that_o await_v the_o wicked_a after_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v how_o much_o our_o religion_n have_v discover_v to_o we_o 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convenient_a season_n i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o such_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o st._n paul_n reason_v at_o this_o time_n before_o felix_n and_o i_o will_v to_o god_n we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v that_o such_o be_v too_o often_o the_o consequence_n of_o our_o preach_v to_o you_o that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v and_o the_o belief_n which_o we_o profess_v of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v be_v so_o efficacious_a to_o our_o amendment_n that_o we_o none_o of_o we_o need_v to_o be_v call_v upon_o no_o long_o to_o defer_v it_o but_o to_o begin_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o consider_v how_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o eternity_n but_o alas_o i_o fear_v i_o have_v here_o pitch_v upon_o a_o subject_n never_o like_v to_o be_v out-dated_n and_o though_o it_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a contradiction_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n but_o to_o our_o own_o interest_n too_o and_o to_o 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the_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n to_o stir_v up_o such_o a_o auditory_a as_o this_o both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o this_o wretched_a man_n in_o the_o text_n and_o from_o the_o just_a cause_n we_o may_v have_v to_o fear_v lest_o if_o we_o continue_v with_o he_o to_o put_v off_o still_o the_o time_n of_o our_o repentance_n we_o final_o perish_v with_o he_o in_o his_o impenitence_n to_o hasten_v with_o all_o the_o speed_n we_o can_v to_o return_v to_o our_o duty_n that_o our_o iniquity_n may_v not_o be_v our_o ruin_n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n wherein_o i_o shall_v first_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n that_o move_v so_o many_o to_o delay_v their_o repentance_n and_o be_v still_o put_v off_o their_o provision_n for_o another_o world_n to_o some_o more_o convenient_a season_n and_o second_o shall_v show_v the_o danger_n of_o so_o do_v and_o by_o both_o endeavour_n what_o i_o can_v to_o engage_v every_o one_o that_o now_o hear_v 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everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n 41_o and_o yet_o still_o to_o continue_v careless_a and_o unconcern_v and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o spend_v a_o thought_n how_o they_o be_v prepare_v to_o stand_v before_o the_o great_a tribunal_n this_o be_v doubtless_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o indiscretion_n as_o may_v well_o deserve_v our_o pity_n and_o our_o wonder_n but_o certain_o will_v not_o need_v that_o i_o shall_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o expose_v the_o desperate_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o 2_o dly_z another_o cause_n of_o man_n delay_v their_o repentance_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o repent_v as_o we_o say_v there_o be_v
we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v either_o upon_o the_o one_o or_o upon_o the_o other_o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o unless_o we_o will_v overthrow_v all_o the_o measure_n of_o christian_a charity_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o common_a truth_n i_o do_v not_o say_v both_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o of_o our_o own_o but_o even_o of_o christianity_n itself_o nay_o and_o of_o all_o religion_n and_o reason_n in_o general_a we_o must_v conclude_v that_o good_a christian_n may_v differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n without_o any_o just_a reflection_n either_o upon_o themselves_o or_o their_o religion_n but_o here_o therefore_o i_o must_v desire_v not_o to_o be_v misunderstand_v for_o when_o i_o say_v that_o christian_n may_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o themselves_o or_o disparagement_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n differ_v with_o one_o another_o i_o mean_v only_o as_o the_o term_n of_o my_o proposition_n express_o show_v in_o 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in_o both_o kind_n they_o command_v it_o to_o be_v administer_v but_o in_o one_o and_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n though_o s._n paul_n have_v spend_v almost_o a_o whole_a chapter_n to_o show_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o these_o be_v error_n in_o which_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v and_o though_o i_o shall_v be_v unwilling_a even_o here_o at_o all_o adventure_n to_o pronounce_v any_o sentence_n against_o the_o man_n yet_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o religion_n can_v be_v very_o sound_a which_o stand_v corrupt_v with_o so_o many_o and_o such_o fundamental_a abuse_n and_o this_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o those_o error_n for_o which_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o controversy_n which_o sometime_o arise_v among_o protestant_n themselves_o the_o former_a be_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n such_o as_o tend_v direct_o to_o overthrow_v the_o integrity_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n destructive_a of_o the_o very_a essential_o of_o christianity_n whereas_o our_o difference_n do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v the_o foundation_n either_o of_o faith_n or_o worship_n and_o be_v therefore_o such_o in_o which_o good_a man_n if_o they_o be_v otherwise_o diligent_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o enquiry_n may_v differ_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o themselves_o or_o any_o just_a reflection_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o common_a profession_n which_o be_v thus_o clear_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o little_a endeavour_n of_o one_o of_o the_o late_a of_o our_o adversary_n against_o we_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o go_v on_o second_o to_o show_v 2._o second_o that_o such_o difference_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v such_o person_n from_o agree_v together_o not_o only_o in_o a_o common_a charity_n but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o a_o common_a worship_n of_o god_n too_o this_o be_v what_o s._n paul_n here_o express_o exhort_v these_o dissent_v christian_n to_o and_o earnest_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o may_v see_v accomplish_v in_o they_o that_o when_o they_o come_v together_o to_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o their_o common_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o they_o may_v do_v it_o not_o only_o in_o the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n but_o with_o the_o same_o affection_n of_o mind_n too_o both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o one_o another_o now_o the_o god_n of_o patience_n and_o consolation_n grant_v you_o to_o be_v likeminded_a one_o towards_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n such_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o then_o and_o we_o ought_v certain_o no_o less_o to_o esteem_v the_o same_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n towards_o one_o another_o now_o and_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o business_n of_o charity_n god_n forbid_v that_o any_o difference_n in_o religion_n whatsoever_o much_o less_o such_o little_a one_o as_o those_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o shall_v ever_o make_v we_o deny_v that_o to_o our_o fellow_n christian_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o our_o saviour_n christ_n once_o foretell_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o there_o shall_v rise_v up_o man_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n who_o shall_v upon_o this_o account_n not_o only_o put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n 2_o but_o even_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o kill_v they_o but_o they_o be_v jew_n not_o christian_n who_o be_v to_o do_v this_o and_o he_o express_o add_v that_o it_o be_v their_o ignorance_n of_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n that_o shall_v carry_v they_o on_o to_o so_o furious_a and_o intemperate_a a_o zeal_n for_o these_o thing_n 3._o say_v he_o shall_v they_o do_v unto_o you_o because_o they_o have_v not_o know_v the_o father_n nor_o me._n and_o we_o must_v confess_v it_o to_o the_o scandal_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n now_o that_o still_o continue_v to_o fulfil_v this_o prophecy_n in_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o it_o who_o not_o only_o cast_v we_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o much_o complain_v of_o and_o as_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v cut_v we_o off_o from_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n too_o but_o to_o complete_a the_o parallel_n open_o arm_v the_o whole_a world_n against_o we_o and_o teach_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o piety_n to_o root_v we_o out_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o whosoever_o kill_v we_o do_v do_v god_n service_n but_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o error_n they_o give_v we_o but_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o understand_v how_o little_o they_o have_v in_o they_o of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n for_o sure_a such_o thing_n as_o these_o they_o can_v never_o do_v but_o only_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o other_o case_n before_o say_v they_o have_v not_o know_v the_o father_n nor_o he_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v need_v no_o argument_n to_o persuade_v you_o not_o to_o be_v mislead_v by_o that_o which_o we_o all_o of_o we_o so_o just_o lament_v as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o deplorable_a corruption_n even_o of_o popery_n itself_o christianity_n command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o sure_a than_o we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o very_o high_o reasonable_a not_o to_o hate_v our_o brethren_n but_o especial_o on_o such_o a_o account_n as_o if_o it_o be_v once_o admit_v will_v in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n utter_o drive_v the_o very_a name_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n out_o of_o it_o see_v by_o whatsoever_o argument_n we_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o justify_v our_o uncharitableness_n to_o any_o other_o they_o will_v all_o equal_o warrant_v they_o to_o withhold_v in_o like_a manner_n their_o charity_n from_o we_o there_o be_v no_o honest_a sincere_a christian_a how_o erroneous_a soever_o he_o may_v be_v but_o what_o at_o least_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a and_o look_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v as_o far_o from_o the_o truth_n by_o differ_v from_o he_o as_o we_o esteem_v he_o for_o not_o agree_v with_o we_o now_o if_o upon_o the_o sole_a account_n of_o such_o difference_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o hate_v another_o we_o must_v for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n allow_v it_o to_o be_v as_o lawful_a for_o he_o also_o to_o hate_n us._n thus_o shall_v we_o at_o once_o invert_v the_o characteristic_a of_o our_o religion_n 35_o 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 have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o and_o turn_v it_o into_o the_o quite_o contrary_a note_n
charity_n to_o think_v they_o do_v not_o themselves_o know_v they_o to_o be_v so_o i_o fear_v the_o best_a account_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v that_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n blind_v their_o eye_n and_o that_o their_o error_n be_v as_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o gross_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o will_v man_n indeed_o lay_v aside_o all_o humane_a consideration_n as_o in_o thing_n wherein_o eternity_n be_v at_o stake_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v will_v they_o with_o charity_n and_o humility_n seek_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o discover_v their_o own_o as_o they_o be_v but_o too_o forward_o to_o censure_v other_o man_n fault_n in_o plain_a term_n will_v they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o seek_v nothing_o but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o most_o of_o our_o controversy_n will_v present_o vanish_v and_o we_o shall_v yet_o recover_v that_o truth_n which_o i_o fear_v some_o man_n have_v too_o long_o detain_v in_o unrighteousness_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n but_o especial_o will_v they_o to_o this_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n add_v 4_o thly_a the_o apostle_n next_o direction_n of_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o assistance_n for_o certain_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o great_a a_o good_a and_o so_o please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n almighty_a to_o be_v implore_v of_o he_o that_o a_o pious_a and_o upright_a man_n earnest_o pray_v and_o hearty_o seek_v after_o it_o shall_v hardly_o be_v deny_v the_o happiness_n of_o be_v constant_a to_o the_o faith_n if_o he_o be_v already_o in_o the_o right_a way_n or_o of_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v the_o true_a votary_n not_o to_o refuse_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a or_o but_o expedient_a for_o he_o if_o he_o ask_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v will_n never_o fail_v to_o answer_v he_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o moment_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v himself_o while_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n but_o use_v such_o care_n and_o caution_n as_o st._n judas_n here_o direct_v we_o to_o do_v for_o our_o security_n he_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a though_o he_o be_v encompass_v with_o seducer_n on_o every_o side_n but_o be_v confident_a that_o he_o shall_v either_o still_o go_v on_o in_o the_o right_a way_n or_o obtain_v god_n pardon_n if_o after_o all_o this_o he_o shall_v chance_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o there_o be_v yet_o one_o mean_n more_o whereby_o st._n judas_n exhort_v the_o christian_n earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v 5_o thly_a by_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o future_a state_n keep_v yourselves_o say_v he_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n look_v for_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o eternal_a life_n ver_fw-la 21._o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o this_o great_a consideration_n which_o so_o high_o influence_n all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n must_v here_o also_o prove_v of_o a_o singular_a advantage_n to_o keep_v we_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o our_o faith_n this_o will_v make_v we_o diligent_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v awaken_v our_o care_n will_v perfect_v our_o piety_n and_o inflame_v our_o devotion_n by_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v secure_a that_o no_o worldly_a consideration_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v upon_o we_o to_o forsake_v our_o religion_n we_o shall_v neither_o be_v move_v for_o any_o terror_n to_o renounce_v it_o nor_o be_v cajol_v by_o any_o interest_n or_o persuasion_n to_o give_v it_o up_o but_o we_o shall_v resolve_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v diligent_o into_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o profession_n to_o judge_v impartial_o and_o steadfast_o follow_v what_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v the_o right_a faith_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o comfortable_a account_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n when_o we_o shall_v appear_v at_o his_o tribunal_n no_o matter_n how_o severe_o we_o may_v be_v censure_v by_o man_n for_o our_o so_o do_v we_o know_v that_o truth_n very_o often_o meet_v with_o and_o make_v enemy_n to_o the_o best_a men._n christianity_n itself_o be_v once_o every_o where_o speak_v against_o and_o st._n paul_n arraign_v as_o a_o heretic_n but_o whilst_o with_o that_o apostle_n we_o know_v wherefore_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o censure_n or_o ashamed_a of_o our_o profession_n that_o shall_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v be_v bring_v even_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o our_o enemy_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a with_o assurance_n to_o answer_v for_o ourselves_o as_o he_o do_v that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n 14_o so_o worship_v we_o the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n such_o a_o power_n will_v this_o great_a consideration_n of_o eternal_a life_n have_v over_o we_o to_o secure_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n that_o it_o will_v actuate_v all_o the_o other_o mean_n that_o have_v before_o be_v offer_v to_o establish_v our_o faith_n and_o itself_o become_v a_o new_a defence_n and_o such_o as_o all_o the_o sophistry_n and_o malice_n of_o our_o enemy_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a ever_o to_o overcome_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o as_o full_a a_o account_n as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v of_o the_o several_a thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v and_o however_o i_o have_v not_o so_o close_o confine_v my_o reflection_n to_o the_o particular_a concern_v of_o those_o christian_n to_o who_o st._n judas_n write_v as_o not_o to_o have_v observe_v somewhat_o in_o general_a the_o use_n that_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o this_o caution_n yet_o i_o will_v now_o in_o the_o close_o crave_v leave_v to_o offer_v two_o or_o three_o reflection_n more_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v our_o own_o more_o immediate_a concern_v in_o it_o and_o first_o let_v we_o from_o hence_o learn_v with_o what_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n we_o ought_v to_o contend_v for_o our_o religion_n which_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v do_v if_o any_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o best_a deserve_v the_o character_n of_o the_o text_n of_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o without_o mixture_n of_o any_o thing_n corruptive_a of_o or_o contrary_a thereunto_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n either_o upon_o your_o belief_n or_o practice_n but_o what_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o faith_n the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o prescribe_v or_o at_o least_o allow_v we_o to_o do_v we_o give_v no_o other_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n than_o what_o be_v either_o so_o apparent_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o that_o no_o impartial_a person_n can_v doubt_v of_o it_o or_o else_o have_v be_v so_o universal_o receive_v by_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n and_o be_v otherwise_o so_o agreeable_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v it_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n be_v the_o same_o now_o which_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v and_o profess_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o evident_o found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n that_o they_o neither_o can_v nor_o do_v admit_v of_o any_o dispute_n among_o christian_n those_o who_o the_o most_o pretend_v we_o to_o be_v defective_a in_o our_o faith_n yet_o dare_v not_o say_v we_o be_v erroneous_a in_o what_o we_o do_v profess_v they_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o we_o believe_v be_v right_a only_o they_o think_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o we_o ought_v because_o not_o all_o that_o they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v and_o certain_o then_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o can_v but_o deserve_v to_o be_v earnest_o contend_v for_o as_o be_v without_o all_o controversy_n true_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o second_o at_o this_o time_n when_o so_o many_o seducer_n for_o i_o shall_v spare_v the_o rest_n of_o st._n jude_n character_n ver_fw-la 4._o be_v creep_v in_o among_o we_o and_o make_v it_o their_o great_a endeavour_n by_o any_o mean_n to_o draw_v we_o away_o from_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o repeat_v either_o the_o manner_n how_o i_o have_v show_v we_o ought_v to_o contend_v for_o our_o faith_n against_o they_o or_o the_o direction_n which_o from_o the_o apostle_n i_o have_v before_o offer_v for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o let_v we_o only_o resolve_v