foundation_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n will_v proceed_v and_o what_o testimony_n and_o proof_n she_o chief_o intend_v to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o reformation_n of_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n and_o no_o doubt_n all_o man_n do_v see_v very_o plain_o to_o what_o purpose_n this_o foundation_n be_v lay_v of_o so_o large_a a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v admit_v how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o confirm_v and_o prove_v whatever_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o establish_v but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o new_a and_o another_o foundation_n than_o that_o which_o the_o great_a author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v lay_v and_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o viz._n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o they_o build_v upon_o it_o and_o if_o they_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o the_o new_a part_n of_o this_o rule_n by_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o general_a tradition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o by_o their_o pretend_a unwritten_a tradition_n we_o do_v with_o reason_n reject_v this_o kind_n of_o proof_n and_o desire_v they_o first_o to_o prove_v their_o rule_n before_o they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o for_o we_o protest_v against_o this_o rule_n as_o never_o declare_v and_o own_a by_o the_o christian_a church_n nor_o proceed_v upon_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o by_o any_o council_n whatsoever_o before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o vain_a then_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n vaunt_v itself_o of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o religion_n when_o the_o very_a foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o a_o new_a thing_n never_o before_o know_v or_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n whereas_o the_o foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o which_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n have_v appeal_v as_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o 3._o thing_n i_o propose_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o seem_v more_o especial_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v here_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n i_o shall_v first_o speak_v of_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n 1._o of_o fashion_n and_o example_n this_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n be_v no_o strong_a argument_n and_o yet_o in_o experience_n and_o effect_v it_o be_v often_o find_v to_o be_v very_o powerful_a it_o be_v frequent_o see_v that_o this_o have_v many_o time_n too_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o weak_a and_o foolish_a mind_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v carry_v down_o with_o the_o stream_n and_o to_o follow_v a_o multitude_n in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o more_o especial_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o be_v sway_v by_o great_a example_n and_o to_o bend_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o obsequiousness_n to_o their_o superior_n and_o better_n that_o in_o compliance_n with_o they_o they_o be_v ready_a not_o only_o to_o change_v their_o affection_n to_o person_n and_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v but_o even_o their_o judgement_n also_o and_o that_o in_o the_o great_a and_o weight_a matter_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o poor_a and_o mean_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o weak_a understanding_n which_o lean_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o another_o and_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o low_a degree_n of_o servility_n that_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v stoop_v to_o and_o even_o beneath_o that_o of_o a_o slave_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o chain_n and_o fetter_n do_v still_o retain_v the_o freedom_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o judgement_n but_o i_o need_v not_o to_o urge_v this_o upon_o considerate_a person_n who_o know_v better_a how_o to_o value_v their_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o god_n than_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a thereto_o mere_o in_o compliance_n with_o fashion_n and_o example_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o religion_n so_o very_o plain_a that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v stand_v alone_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o not_o be_v move_v in_o the_o least_o by_o the_o contrary_a example_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v a_o brave_a resolution_n of_o joshua_n though_o all_o man_n shall_v forsake_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o run_v aside_o to_o other_o god_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o joshua_n 24._o 15._o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v well_o resolve_v of_o peter_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n when_o he_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i._o 2._o another_o sort_n of_o temptation_n and_o which_o be_v common_o more_o powerful_a than_o example_n be_v worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a bait_n to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o apt_a to_o work_v very_o strong_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o and_o upon_o the_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o other_o some_o man_n be_v tempt_v by_o necessity_n which_o many_o time_n make_v they_o do_v ugly_a and_o reproachful_a thing_n and_o like_o esau_n for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n to_o sell_v their_o birthright_n and_o blessing_n covetousness_n tempt_v other_o to_o be_v of_o that_o religion_n which_o give_v they_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o great_a earthly_a advantage_n either_o for_o the_o increase_n or_o secure_v of_o their_o estate_n when_o they_o find_v that_o they_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n they_o will_v forsake_v the_o one_o and_o cleave_v to_o the_o other_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a temptation_n to_o many_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o a_o frequent_a cause_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n a_o eager_a desire_n of_o riches_n and_o too_o great_a a_o value_n for_o they_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o but_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v or_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n this_o be_v the_o temptation_n which_o draw_v off_o demas_n from_o his_o religion_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n ambition_n be_v likewise_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o proud_a and_o aspire_a mind_n and_o make_v many_o man_n false_a to_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o find_v it_o a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o preferment_n and_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o that_o be_v the_o best_a religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a worldly_a advantage_n and_o will_v raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a dignity_n the_o devil_n understand_v very_o well_o the_o force_n of_o this_o temptation_n when_o he_o set_v upon_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o reserve_v it_o for_o the_o last_o assault_n he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o say_v to_o he_o all_z this_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o and_o when_o he_o see_v this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o give_v he_o over_o in_o despair_n and_o leave_v he_o but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dazzle_a temptation_n yet_o there_o be_v consideration_n of_o that_o weight_n to_o be_v set_v over-against_o it_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o infinite_a concernment_n of_o it_o to_o our_o immortal_a soul_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o quench_v this_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o put_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o to_o render_v all_o the_o riches_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o as_o the_o very_a
of_o the_o true_a ancient_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n or_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o heathen_a persecution_n which_o be_v so_o hot_a against_o they_o at_o that_o time_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v by_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o in_o all_o those_o respect_n upon_o which_o the_o jew_n value_v themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n as_o namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o lawgiver_n their_o high-priest_n and_o their_o sacrifice_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v every_o way_n the_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o have_v make_v this_o clear_a he_o conclude_v with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o great_a highpriest_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o into_o which_o they_o have_v solemn_o be_v initiate_v and_o admit_v by_o baptism_n vers_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o have_v a_o highpriest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v we_o sincere_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n into_o the_o profession_n whereof_o we_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v undoubted_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n the_o water_n with_o which_o our_o body_n be_v wash_v in_o baptism_n signify_v our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v this_o refer_v to_o that_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n call_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o firm_o retain_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 4._o 14._o see_v then_o we_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n which_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v fast_o hold_v of_o our_o profession_n so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n exhort_v christian_n to_o retain_v or_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o everlasting_a life_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o creed_n whereof_o in_o baptism_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inflexible_a unmoveable_a steady_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o continue_v faithful_a and_o steady_a to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v i._o the_o exhortation_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o ii_o the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n use_v to_o enâ—â—â—ce_v it_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v so_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o the_o exhortation_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v remove_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o what_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o imply_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o man_n shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o they_o think_v which_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o exhortation_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o a_o thorough_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o all_o person_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v find_v great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o nor_o indeed_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o all_o person_n because_o all_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n incapable_a of_o do_v it_o 1._o child_n 2._o such_o grow_a person_n as_o be_v of_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o low_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n child_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o examine_v but_o only_o to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n instill_v into_o they_o but_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o discern_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o have_v of_o late_o be_v allow_v to_o they_o in_o a_o nation_n not_o far_o from_o we_o and_o by_o public_a edict_n declare_v that_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n old_a be_v fit_a to_o choose_v and_o to_o change_v their_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o law_n i_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o allow_v child_n of_o that_o age_n to_o do_v any_o act_n for_o themselves_o that_o be_v of_o consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o they_o for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o which_o they_o shall_v stand_v oblige_v to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a they_o be_v indeed_o baptise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o their_o infancy_n but_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o this_o obligation_n themselves_o but_o their_o surety_n undertake_v for_o they_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o shall_v take_v this_o promise_n upon_o themselves_o and_o confirm_v and_o make_v it_o good_a but_o sure_o they_o can_v do_v no_o act_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n at_o that_o age_n which_o can_v be_v obligatory_a they_o can_v neither_o make_v any_o contract_n that_o shall_v be_v valid_a nor_o incur_v any_o debt_n nor_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o any_o promise_n nor_o choose_v themselves_o a_o guardian_n nor_o do_v any_o act_n that_o may_v bring_v
rather_o because_o they_o be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o presume_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n aught_o to_o be_v condemn_v at_o all_o adventure_n without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n this_o i_o say_v be_v fond_a partiality_n because_o every_o religion_n and_o every_o church_n may_v for_o aught_o that_o appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v thing_n impartial_o say_v the_o same_o for_o themselves_o and_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n and_o if_o so_o then_o either_o every_o religion_n ought_v to_o permit_v itself_o to_o be_v examine_v or_o else_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o consequent_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_n and_o heretic_n ought_v all_o to_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v and_o none_o of_o they_o to_o change_v because_o they_o can_v reasonable_o change_v without_o examine_v both_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o leave_v and_o that_o which_o they_o embrace_v instead_o of_o it_o 2._o admit_v this_o pretence_n be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o have_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o they_o shall_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o why_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o they_o shall_v permit_v it_o to_o be_v try_v that_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a reason_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v because_o if_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v firm_a and_o good_a i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o but_o i_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ill_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v solid_a and_o firm_a and_o such_o as_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n that_o they_o be_v so_o very_o loath_a to_o have_v they_o search_v into_o and_o examine_v this_o can_v but_o tempt_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o suspect_v that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o know_v something_o that_o be_v amiss_o in_o their_o religion_n which_o make_v they_o so_o loath_a to_o have_v it_o try_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o touch._n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a among_o all_o christian_n that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o never_o forbid_v the_o christian_n to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o frequent_o exhort_v they_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o whether_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ._n so_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n and_o again_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o prove_v and_o try_v it_o and_o so_o likewise_o st._n john_n ep._n 1._o 4._o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o he_o give_v a_o very_a notable_a mark_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n carry_v on_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o tend_v to_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n vers_fw-la 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n therefore_o speak_v they_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n hear_v they_o act_n 17._o 11._o st._n luke_n commend_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o the_o beroean_n that_o they_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o without_o disparagement_n to_o their_o infallibility_n these_o say_v he_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o word_n but_o not_o blind_o and_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o use_v due_a care_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o have_v before_o receive_v it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o admit_v and_o swallow_v contradiction_n in_o their_o faith_n and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o that_o they_o will_v encourage_v the_o people_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o and_o to_o examine_v whether_o their_o doctrine_n be_v according_a to_o they_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v the_o pope_n and_o a_o general_n council_n commend_v to_o the_o people_n the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o try_v their_o definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o worship_n by_o that_o rule_n to_o see_v whether_o what_o they_o have_v define_v and_o decree_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o their_o worship_n of_o image_n their_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n depart_v the_o sacrament_n under_o one_o kind_n only_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n in_o the_o mass._n have_v the_o beroean_n be_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o plead_v their_o right_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v very_o troublesome_a and_o impertinent_a and_o will_v not_o have_v be_v praise_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n for_o their_o pain_n as_o they_o be_v by_o st._n luke_n you_o see_v then_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a groundless_a and_o suspicious_a pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o because_o they_o be_v infallible_o in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o their_o people_n must_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o examine_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v undoubted_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o not_o only_o permit_v the_o people_n to_o examine_v it_o but_o exhort_v and_o encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o commend_v they_o for_o it_o and_o any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n must_v abhor_v to_o submit_v to_o this_o slavery_n not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v free_o into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o will_v break_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o single_a point_n and_o will_v tell_v they_o plain_o if_o your_o religion_n be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v examine_v i_o doubt_v it_o be_v too_o bad_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o allow_v of_o this_o liberty_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v people_n perpetual_o doubt_v and_o unsettled_a i_o do_v utter_o deny_v this_o and_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a with_o good_a reason_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v the_o contrary_a effect_n there_o be_v in_o reason_n no_o better_a way_n to_o establish_v any_o man_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o there_o be_v very_o good_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o believe_v which_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o see_v that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o reason_n or_o not_o so_o that_o beside_o the_o reasonablness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v of_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o account_n 1._o to_o arm_v we_o against_o seducer_n he_o that_o have_v examine_v his_o religion_n and_o try_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v most_o able_a to_o maintain_v they_o and_o make_v they_o good_a against_o all_o assault_n that_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o we_o to_o move_v we_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n whereas_o he_o that_o have_v not_o examine_v and_o consequent_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o to_o
may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o true_a and_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o show_v 1._o negative_o what_o be_v not_o mean_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o and_o i_o mention_v these_o two_o particular_n 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o 2._o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n and_o examination_n man_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n both_o these_o i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n and_o therefore_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n 2._o i_o proceed_v positive_o to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v 1._o to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n of_o which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n in_o his_o baptism_n for_o of_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o context_n not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a church_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o 2._o place_n to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o mention_v these_o follow_v particular_n as_o probable_o imply_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v their_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n against_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o another_o religion_n 5._o against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busiy_n and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n 1._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v their_o confidence_n and_o of_o this_o i_o give_v several_a instance_n as_o in_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n without_o any_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o it_o either_o by_o scripture_n or_o miracle_n i_o mean_v such_o miracle_n as_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v for_o as_o for_o their_o legend_n since_o the_o wise_a among_o themselves_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o they_o i_o hope_v they_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o or_o be_v move_v by_o they_o and_o then_o their_o pretence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n which_o be_v now_o make_v a_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o successor_n of_o saint_n peter_n there_o be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n the_o supreme_a and_o universal_a pastor_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o every_o humane_a creature_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o and_o last_o their_o invocation_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o saint_n depart_v without_o any_o warrant_n or_o example_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o without_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o hear_v the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o to_o they_o 2._o much_o more_o be_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o here_o i_o instance_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n the_o lock_v up_o of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n and_o celebrate_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n and_o their_o daily_a repetition_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v offer_v once_o for_o all_o and_o be_v of_o eternal_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o because_o it_o need_v not_o like_o jewish_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n to_o be_v repeat_v to_o these_o instance_n which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o or_o two_o more_o as_o namely_o that_o to_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n a_o intention_n in_o the_o minister_n at_o least_o to_o do_v what_o the_o church_n do_v be_v requisite_a this_o be_v express_o define_v and_o under_o a_o anathema_n upon_o all_o that_o shall_v say_v otherwise_o by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n sess._n the_o seven_o can._n 11_o which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o minister_n so_o that_o if_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o baptise_v the_o party_n he_o pretend_v to_o baptise_v than_o it_o be_v no_o baptism_n and_o consequent_o the_o person_n baptise_a be_v not_o make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n nor_o be_v any_o grace_n or_o special_a benefit_n confer_v upon_o he_o nor_o be_v he_o a_o christian._n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o the_o priest_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o consecrate_v the_o host_n then_o be_v it_o no_o sacrament_n and_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o it_o and_o which_o according_a to_o their_o opinion_n be_v a_o dreadful_a consequence_n by_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n there_o be_v no_o change_n make_v of_o the_o element_n into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o they_o that_o give_v adoration_n to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o such_o case_n worship_n bread_n and_o wine_n for_o god_n which_o be_v idolatry_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o their_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n though_o the_o priest_n pronounce_v the_o word_n of_o absolution_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o true_o penitent_a and_o god_n on_o his_o part_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v he_o yet_o if_o the_o priest_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v and_o the_o man_n be_v still_o in_o his_o sin_n so_o likewise_o in_o ordination_n which_o be_v another_o of_o their_o sacrament_n if_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o ordain_v the_o man_n he_o be_v no_o priest_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v as_o a_o priest_n afterward_o either_o in_o administration_n of_o baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o the_o absolution_n of_o penitent_n all_o be_v vain_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n nay_o in_o marriage_n which_o they_o will_v needs_o have_v to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n too_o if_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v want_v there_o be_v nothing_o do_v the_o contract_n be_v null_v and_o they_o that_o be_v so_o marry_v do_v real_o live_v in_o adultery_n though_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o nor_o have_v any_o suspicion_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o whole_a tenure_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o promise_v the_o benefit_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o all_o those_o that_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v require_v on_o their_o part_n and_o declare_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n to_o those_o who_o confess_v they_o to_o god_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o administer_v they_o or_o that_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o intention_n or_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n but_o
this_o case_n of_o renounce_v our_o religion_n unless_o it_o be_v very_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v out_o of_o which_o a_o man_n recover_v himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o as_o st._n peter_n do_v or_o the_o suffer_a be_v so_o extreme_a as_o to_o put_v a_o man_n beside_o himself_o for_o the_o time_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n of_o renounce_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n god_n will_v not_o admit_v fear_n for_o a_o just_a excuse_n of_o our_o apostasy_n which_o if_o it_o be_v unrepented_a of_o and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o repentance_n in_o that_o case_n as_o very_o difficult_a will_v be_v our_o ruin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v give_v we_o such_o fair_a warn_v of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o we_o enter_v into_o religion_n upon_o these_o term_n with_o a_o profess_a expectation_n of_o suffer_v and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n if_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v our_o lord_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o again_o he_o that_o love_v life_n itself_o more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o unfaithful_a generation_n of_o he_o will_v i_o be_v ashamed_a before_o my_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o therefore_o to_o master_n and_o subdue_v this_o fear_n our_o saviour_n have_v propound_v great_a object_n of_o terror_n to_o we_o and_o a_o danger_n infinite_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v which_o every_o man_n run_v himself_o wilful_o upon_o who_o shall_v quit_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffering_n luke_o 12._o 4_o 5._o fear_v not_o they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o after_o that_o have_v nothing_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o this_o dreadful_a hazard_n every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n venture_v thus_o to_o offend_v god_n these_o be_v the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n speak_v of_o by_o st._n john_n who_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o particular_a namely_o that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v contain_v these_o two_o part_n i._n a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o true_a and_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o show_v i._n negative_o what_o be_v not_o mean_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o and_o i_o mention_v these_o two_o particular_n 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o 2._o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n and_o examination_n man_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n for_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o offer_v be_v always_o to_o be_v hear_v i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n positive_o to_o explain_v the_o mean_v of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n of_o in_o his_o baptism_n not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o procee_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o mention_v these_o follow_v particular_n as_o probable_o imply_v and_o comprehend_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n under_o both_o which_o head_n i_o give_v several_a instance_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n impose_v with_o great_a confidence_n upon_o the_o world_n some_o without_o and_o other_o plain_o against_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o persecution_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o two_o other_o particular_n which_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o 4._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n god_n have_v plain_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o what_o will_v certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o it_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v i._n e._n without_o true_a contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o forsake_v of_o they_o we_o shall_v perish_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o no_o fornicator_n or_o adulterer_n or_o idolater_n or_o covetous_a person_n nor_o any_o one_o that_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o sin_n shall_v have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o christ._n there_o be_v as_o great_a and_o unpassable_a a_o gulf_n fix_v between_o heaven_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o when_o man_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o debauch_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reconcile_v a_o wicked_a life_n with_o any_o reasonable_a and_o wellgrounded_n hope_v of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n no_o church_n have_v that_o privilege_n to_o save_v a_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o those_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n all_o religion_n be_v equal_a in_o this_o that_o a_o bad_a man_n can_v be_v save_v in_o none_o of_o they_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v their_o church_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a concern_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o they_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v in_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o intention_n
scripture_n or_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n any_o command_n or_o example_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n for_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n which_o do_v now_o make_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n nay_o be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n plain_o against_o all_o these_o practice_n with_o what_o face_n then_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v a_o constant_a visible_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n or_o will_v the_o primitive_a church_n of_o rome_n if_o it_o shall_v now_o visit_v the_o earth_n again_o own_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n that_o it_o be_v when_o they_o leave_v it_o and_o whereas_o they_o demand_v of_o we_o to_o show_v a_o visible_a church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o have_v always_o oppose_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o those_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o we_o object_n to_o they_o what_o can_v be_v more_o impertinent_a than_o this_o demand_n when_o they_o know_v that_o in_o all_o these_o point_n we_o charge_v they_o with_o innovation_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o say_v that_o those_o thing_n come_v in_o by_o degree_n several_a age_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n some_o soon_o some_o late_a as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a and_o have_v do_v it_o and_o will_v they_o have_v we_o show_v they_o a_o visible_a church_n that_o oppose_v these_o error_n and_o corruption_n in_o their_o church_n before_o ever_o they_o appear_v this_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o show_v and_o suppose_v they_o have_v not_o be_v at_o all_o oppose_a when_o they_o appear_v nor_o a_o long_a time_n after_o not_o till_o the_o reformation_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v no_o prescription_n against_o truth_n it_o be_v never_o too_o late_o for_o any_o church_n to_o reject_v those_o error_n and_o corruption_n and_o to_o reform_v itself_o from_o they_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o this_o matter_n be_v they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o show_v they_o a_o society_n of_o christian_n that_o in_o all_o age_n have_v preserve_v itself_o free_a from_o all_o such_o error_n and_o corruption_n as_o we_o charge_v they_o withal_o or_o else_o we_o deny_v the_o perpetual_a visibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n no_o such_o matter_n we_o say_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v always_o be_v visible_a in_o every_o age_n since_o christ_n time_n and_o that_o the_o several_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n have_v make_v up_o the_o catholic_n church_n some_o part_n whereof_o have_v in_o several_a age_n fall_v into_o great_a error_n and_o corruption_n and_o no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n into_o more_o and_o great_a than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o that_o it_o require_v the_o utmost_a of_o our_o charity_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v a_o true_a though_o a_o very_a unsound_a and_o corrupt_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ._n we_o acknowledge_v likewise_o that_o we_o be_v once_o involve_v in_o the_o like_a degeneracy_n but_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o pious_a care_n and_o prudence_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n be_v happy_o rescue_v out_o of_o it_o and_o though_o we_o be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n before_o yet_o since_o our_o reformation_n from_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o be_v in_o it_o upon_o better_a term_n and_o be_v a_o much_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o and_o i_o hope_v by_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v for_o ever_o continue_v so_o so_o that_o to_o the_o perpetual_a visibility_n of_o christ_n church_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n or_o indeed_o that_o any_o part_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o all_o error_n and_o corruption_n even_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v not_o so_o st._n paul_n reprove_v several_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o of_o colosse_n and_o of_o galatia_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n several_a thing_n in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o be_v true_a part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o these_o fault_n and_o error_n because_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o main_n and_o essential_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o when_o more_o and_o great_a corruption_n grow_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o the_o great_a reason_n and_o need_v there_o be_v of_o a_o reformation_n and_o as_o every_o particular_a person_n have_v a_o right_a to_o reform_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o find_v amiss_o in_o himself_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v himself_o so_o much_o more_o every_o national_a church_n have_v a_o power_n within_o itself_o to_o reform_v itself_o from_o all_o error_n and_o corruption_n and_o by_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o catholic_n authority_n to_o confirm_v that_o reformation_n which_o be_v our_o case_n here_o in_o england_n and_o whatever_o part_n of_o the_o church_n how_o great_a and_o eminent_a soever_o exclude_v from_o her_o communion_n such_o a_o national_a church_n for_o reform_v herself_o from_o plain_a error_n and_o corruption_n clear_o condemn_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n be_v undoubted_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o no_o blind_a talk_n about_o a_o perpetual_a visible_a church_n can_v render_v we_o guilty_a of_o schism_n for_o make_v a_o real_a reformation_n or_o acquit_v they_o of_o it_o for_o cast_v we_o out_o of_o their_o communion_n for_o that_o cause_n 7._o and_o last_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o they_o pretend_v that_o we_o delude_v the_o people_n by_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n upon_o scripture_n and_o make_v it_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n whereas_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n together_o make_v up_o the_o entire_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o every_o man_n private_a fancy_n but_o by_o tradition_n careful_o preserve_v in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o several_a of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n can_v be_v so_o clear_o make_v out_o by_o scripture_n or_o perhaps_o seem_v contrary_a to_o it_o as_o it_o may_v be_v expound_v by_o a_o private_a spirit_n but_o not_o as_o interpret_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v only_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o several_a of_o those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o we_o object_n against_o be_v most_o clear_o prove_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n which_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o scripture_n in_o this_o objection_n of_o they_o which_o they_o design_v for_o the_o cover_n of_o all_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n distinct_o to_o be_v consider_v which_o i_o shall_v do_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v first_o whereas_o it_o be_v suggest_v that_o we_o delude_v the_o people_n by_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n upon_o the_o scripture_n which_o certain_o we_o can_v well_o do_v if_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o delude_v and_o abuse_v they_o infinite_o more_o in_o 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understand_v st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o one_a to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v against_o celebrate_v prayer_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o edification_n and_o indeed_o to_o common_a sense_n for_o he_o say_v if_o one_o shall_v come_v and_o find_v they_o speak_v and_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n will_v they_o not_o say_v you_o be_v mad_a but_o now_o tradition_n which_o only_o know_v how_o to_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n can_v reconcile_v this_o discourse_n of_o st._n paul_n very_o easy_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n with_o offer_v the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mass_n a_o thousand_o time_n every_o day_n and_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o whereas_o a_o man_n by_o his_o private_a spirit_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o understand_v the_o second_o commandment_n to_o forbid_v all_o worship_n of_o image_n tradition_n discover_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o commandment_n to_o be_v that_o due_a veneration_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o that_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n by_o tradition_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fix_v any_o objection_n from_o scripture_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o maintain_v four_o whereas_o they_o pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n deliver_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n or_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o bring_v down_o to_o they_o and_o preserve_v by_o continnal_a succession_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o so_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v that_o the_o holy_a synod_n do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v these_o tradition_n with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n as_o they_o do_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n this_o we_o must_v declare_v against_o as_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o to_o make_v tradition_n convey_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o one_o to_o another_o through_o so_o many_o age_n and_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o mistake_v and_o miscarriage_n to_o be_v at_o the_o distance_n of_o 1500_o year_n of_o equal_a certainty_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n careful_o preserve_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o because_o this_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v to_o make_v common_a rumour_n and_o report_n of_o equal_a authority_n and_o certainty_n with_o a_o write_a record_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o hereby_o they_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o imperfect_a rule_n contrary_a to_o the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n they_o set_v up_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o change_v the_o 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ancient_a christian_a faith_n to_o which_o be_v add_v in_o pope_n pius_fw-la his_o creed_n twelve_o article_n more_o define_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o support_v only_o by_o tradition_n so_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o old_a article_n which_o be_v plain_o contain_v there_o so_o tradition_n be_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o new_a one_o and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n be_v calculate_v very_o exact_o when_o they_o make_v tradition_n just_a of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n because_o as_o many_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v make_v good_a by_o it_o and_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o those_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o tradition_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o it_o but_o the_o bare_a assertion_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v add_v some_o other_o consideration_n tend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o seduce_v spirit_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o at_o present_a the_o ten_o sermon_n as_o number_v follow_v there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o number_v of_o these_o sermon_n the_o ten_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o nine_o and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o end_n for_o there_o be_v but_o fifteen_o sermon_n in_o this_o volume_n and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o a_o sermon_n heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v these_o word_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v by_o the_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o
priledge_n be_v omit_v by_o plain_a fact_n and_o evidence_n of_o thing_n themselves_o their_o supremacy_n in_o that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n neither_o be_v at_o this_o day_n nor_o can_v be_v show_v by_o the_o record_n of_o any_o age_n ever_o to_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o to_o have_v acknowledge_v his_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n whether_o with_o or_o without_o a_o general_n council_n about_o which_o they_o still_o differ_v though_o infallibility_n be_v devise_v on_o purpose_n to_o determine_v all_o difference_n i_o say_v this_o infallibility_n wherever_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v be_v plain_o confute_v by_o the_o contradictory_n definition_n of_o several_a pope_n and_o council_n for_o if_o they_o have_v contradict_v one_o another_o as_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n in_o several_a instance_n then_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v 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a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o withhold_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v so_o much_o as_o one_o testimony_n of_o any_o father_n for_o the_o first_o 600_o year_n and_o nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o than_o to_o deny_v people_n the_o best_a mean_n of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o understand_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o what_o prayer_n be_v put_v up_o to_o he_o in_o the_o church_n the_o two_o great_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o purgatory_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o many_o of_o their_o own_o learned_a writer_n to_o have_v no_o certain_a foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v seven_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o it_o be_v now_o make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v show_v in_o any_o council_n or_o father_n for_o above_o a_o 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and_o always_o do_v deny_v that_o she_o have_v any_o authority_n or_o supremacy_n over_o they_o now_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o if_o these_o point_n and_o a_o few_o more_o be_v pare_v off_o from_o popery_n that_o which_o remain_v of_o their_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o that_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_n christianity_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o our_o religion_n have_v many_o clear_a advantage_n of_o they_o not_o only_o very_o considerable_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o obvious_a and_o discernible_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n upon_o the_o very_a first_o proposal_n of_o they_o as_o 1._o that_o our_o religion_n agree_v perfect_o with_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o point_n both_o of_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n esteem_v by_o we_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v there_o contain_v even_o our_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judge_n we_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o he_o only_o do_v we_o serve_v we_o do_v not_o fall_v down_o before_o image_n and_o worship_n they_o we_o address_v all_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n alone_o by_o the_o only_a mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v give_v we_o commandment_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n do_v plain_o direct_v give_v we_o this_o plain_a and_o substantial_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n so_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n the_o public_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v perform_v by_o we_o in_o a_o language_n which_o we_o understand_v according_a to_o st._n paul_n express_a order_n and_o direction_n and_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o we_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o both_o kind_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n example_n and_o plain_a institution_n and_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n 2._o we_o believe_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v own_v in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v acknowlege_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o and_o we_o receive_v the_o whole_a faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n viz._n what_o ever_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o that_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v mere_a innovation_n and_o plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_a christian_n faith_n but_o all_o that_o we_o believe_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o they_o to_o be_v undoubted_o the_o ancient_a christian_n faith_n 3._o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o our_o church_n and_o religion_n whether_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n which_o either_o the_o scripture_n make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o be_v so_o esteem_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o first_o five_o hundred_o year_n and_o we_o trust_v that_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o best_a age_n of_o christianity_n for_o five_o hundred_o year_n together_o may_v be_v so_o still_o and_o we_o be_v very_o well_o content_a to_o venture_v our_o salvation_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o they_o do_v 4._o our_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o free_a from_o all_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o even_o from_o all_o suspicion_n and_o probable_a charge_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o her_o most_o learned_a champion_n and_o as_o no_o man_n of_o ingenuity_n can_v deny_v and_o
the_o reason_n which_o the_o learned_a man_n give_v why_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v be_v not_o practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v a_o plain_a acknowledgement_n that_o these_o practice_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o idolatry_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n do_v then_o forbear_v those_o practice_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o come_v too_o near_o to_o the_o pagan_a idolatry_n and_o lest_o the_o heathen_a shall_v have_v take_v occasion_n to_o have_v justify_v themselves_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v practise_v among_o christian_n and_o they_o can_v now_o be_v ignorant_a what_o scandal_n they_o give_v by_o these_o practice_n both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o how_o much_o they_o alienate_v they_o from_o christianity_n by_o this_o scandal_n nor_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v sensible_a upon_o how_o great_a disadvantage_n they_o be_v in_o defend_v these_o practice_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n and_o that_o by_o all_o their_o blind_a distinction_n with_o which_o they_o raise_v such_o a_o cloud_n and_o dust_n they_o can_v hardly_o make_v any_o plausible_a and_o tolerable_a defence_n of_o themselves_o from_o this_o charge_n insomuch_o that_o to_o secure_v their_o own_o people_n from_o discern_v their_o gild_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o that_o shameful_a shift_n of_o leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o their_o common_a catechism_n and_o manual_n lest_o the_o people_n see_v so_o plain_a a_o law_n of_o god_n against_o so_o common_a a_o practice_n of_o their_o church_n shall_v upon_o that_o discovery_n have_v break_v off_o from_o they_o 5._o nor_o be_v our_o religion_n encumber_a with_o such_o a_o endless_a number_n of_o superstitious_a and_o troublesome_a observance_n as_o they_o infiinte_o be_v even_o beyond_o the_o number_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n to_o the_o great_a burden_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o divert_v of_o man_n mind_n from_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n a_o devout_a pastor_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o little_a observance_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o have_v little_a or_o no_o time_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o good_a man_n and_o to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v his_o mind_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n 6._o our_o religion_n be_v evident_o more_o charitable_a to_o all_o christian_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o particular_o to_o they_o who_o by_o their_o uncharitableness_n to_o we_o have_v do_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o discharge_v and_o damp_n our_o charity_n towards_o they_o and_o charity_n as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a so_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o best_a mark_n and_o ornament_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o methinks_v the_o want_n of_o charity_n in_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o no_o man_n to_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o and_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o its_o communion_n 7._o our_o religion_n do_v not_o clash_n and_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o the_o great_a moral_a duty_n to_o which_o all_o mankind_n stand_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o fidelity_n mercy_n and_o truth_n we_o do_v not_o teach_v man_n to_o break_v faith_n with_o heretic_n or_o infidel_n nor_o to_o destroy_v and_o extirpate_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n no_o such_o thing_n as_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n or_o any_o other_o artificial_a way_n of_o falsehood_n be_v either_o teach_v or_o maintain_v either_o by_o the_o doctrine_n or_o by_o the_o casuist_n of_o our_o church_n 8._o our_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v perfect_o consistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o humane_a society_n we_o neither_o exempt_v the_o clergy_n from_o subjection_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n nor_o absolve_v subject_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o from_o allegiance_n to_o their_o prince_n both_o which_o point_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o other_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o stiff_o maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o by_o private_a doctor_n but_o by_o pope_n and_o general_a council_n 9_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n whereas_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n with_o which_o we_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v plain_o calculate_v to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o dominion_n the_o pope_n kingdom_n be_v plain_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o maxim_n of_o it_o like_v so_o many_o servant_n be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o fight_v for_o he_o for_o most_o of_o they_o do_v plain_o tend_v either_o to_o the_o establishment_n and_o enlargement_n of_o his_o authority_n or_o to_o the_o magnify_v of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o give_v they_o a_o perfect_a power_n over_o the_o conscienees_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o slavish_a subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o they_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v plain_o tend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o exempt_n the_o clergy_n from_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o priest_n a_o great_a man_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o people_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v make_v god_n as_o they_o love_v to_o express_v it_o without_o all_o reason_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o like_a tendency_n be_v the_o communicate_v of_o the_o laity_n only_o in_o one_o kind_n thereby_o make_v it_o the_o sole_a privilege_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o both_o the_o withhold_a the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n and_o celebrate_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o their_o teacher_n these_o do_v all_o direct_o tend_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o teacher_n so_o likewise_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o the_o save_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o doctrine_n the_o people_n do_v upon_o the_o matter_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o priest_n as_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o their_o salvation_n but_o above_o all_o their_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a and_o private_a confession_n of_o all_o mortal_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o direction_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v and_o forgive_v by_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o people_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o fault_n scire_fw-la volunt_fw-la secreta_fw-la domus_fw-la atque_fw-la inde_fw-la timeri_fw-la or_o else_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n and_o the_o enrich_n of_o their_o church_n as_o their_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o indulgence_n and_o their_o prayer_n and_o mass_n for_o the_o dead_a and_o many_o more_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n plain_o do_v 10._o our_o religion_n be_v free_a from_o all_o disingenuous_a and_o dishonest_a art_n of_o maintain_v and_o support_v itself_o such_o be_v clip_v of_o ancient_a author_n nay_o and_o even_o the_o author_n and_o writer_n of_o their_o own_o church_n when_o they_o speak_v too_o free_o of_o any_o point_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o indices_fw-la expurgatorii_n which_o much_o against_o their_o will_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v these_o three_o gross_a forgery_n which_o lie_v all_o at_o their_o door_n and_o they_o can_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v so_o 1._o the_o pretend_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o the_o case_n of_o appeal_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o african_a church_n upon_o which_o they_o insist_v a_o great_a while_n very_o confident_o till_o at_o last_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o authentic_a copy_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o that_o council_n 2._o constantine_n donation_n to_o the_o pope_n which_o they_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n with_o till_o the_o forgery_n of_o it_o
be_v discover_v 3._o the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o ancient_a pope_n a_o large_a volume_n of_o forgery_n compile_v by_o isidore_n mercator_n to_o countenance_v the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v great_a use_n for_o several_a age_n and_o pertinacious_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o till_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o their_o own_o church_n have_v at_o last_o be_v force_v for_o very_a shame_n to_o disclaim_v they_o and_o to_o confess_v the_o imposture_n of_o they_o a_o like_a instance_n whereto_o be_v not_o i_o hope_v to_o be_v show_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o slight_a of_o man_n such_o as_o gamester_n use_v at_o dice_n for_o to_o allege_v false_a and_o forge_a author_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o play_v with_o false_a dice_n when_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n lie_v at_o stake_n 11._o our_o religion_n have_v this_o mighty_a advantage_n that_o it_o do_v not_o decline_v trial_n and_o examination_n which_o to_o any_o man_n of_o ingenuity_n must_v needs_o appear_v a_o very_a good_a sign_n of_o a_o honest_a cause_n but_o if_o any_o church_n be_v shy_a of_o have_v her_o religion_n examine_v and_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n bring_v into_o the_o open_a light_n this_o give_v just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o she_o have_v some_o distrust_n of_o they_o for_o truth_n do_v not_o seek_v corner_n nor_o shun_v the_o light_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o who_o they_o be_v that_o love_n darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v viz._n they_o who_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o say_v he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v he_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v and_o make_v manifest_a there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o render_v a_o religion_n suspect_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o to_o see_v those_o who_o profess_v it_o and_o make_v such_o proud_a boast_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o so_o fearful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o and_o that_o their_o people_n shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o hear_v and_o read_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o 12._o we_o persuade_v man_n to_o our_o reliligion_n by_o human_n and_o christian_a way_n such_o as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v by_o urge_v man_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o with_o argument_n fetch_v from_o another_o world_n the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a argument_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o alone_o be_v fit_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o terror_n and_o torture_n of_o death_n may_v make_v man_n hypocrite_n and_o awe_v they_o to_o profess_v with_o their_o mouth_n what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o this_o be_v no_o proper_a mean_n of_o convert_v the_o soul_n and_o convince_a the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o these_o violent_a and_o cruel_a way_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o set_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n and_o great_o countenance_v and_o encourage_v by_o pope_n themselves_o witness_v the_o many_o croisades_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n the_o stand_a cruelty_n of_o their_o inquisition_n their_o occasional_a massacre_n and_o persecution_n of_o which_o we_o have_v fresh_a instance_n in_o every_o age._n but_o these_o method_n of_o conversion_n be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o they_o either_o distur_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o else_o that_o they_o think_v truth_n and_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n when_o dragoon_n be_v their_o ratio_fw-la ultima_fw-la the_o last_o reason_n which_o their_o cause_n rely_v upon_o and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a it_o can_v afford_v again_o we_o hold_v no_o doctrine_n in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v now_o declare_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v of_o that_o religion_n unless_o he_o will_v renounce_v his_o sense_n and_o believe_v against_o the_o clear_a verdict_n of_o they_o in_o a_o plain_a sensible_a matter_n but_o after_o this_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o thing_n because_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n he_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n if_o any_o man_n forbid_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v i_o forbid_v he_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o better_a and_o sure_a evidence_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v but_o if_o i_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n than_o the_o mean_n whereby_o faith_n be_v convey_v be_v uncertain_a and_o we_o may_v say_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o another_o case_n then_o be_v our_o preach_a vain_a and_o your_o faith_n also_o be_v vain_a last_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o particular_n as_o to_o several_a thing_n use_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o be_v on_o the_o much_o safe_a side_n if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o than_o they_o be_v if_o they_o shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o lawful_a to_o permit_v to_o the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n otherwise_o we_o must_v condemn_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o allow_v this_o liberty_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o have_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n celebrate_v in_o a_o language_n which_o all_o that_o join_v in_o it_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o people_n in_o both_o kind_n otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v not_o have_v do_v it_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a not_o to_o worship_n image_n not_o to_o pray_v to_o angel_n or_o saint_n or_o the_o bless_a virgin_n otherwise_o the_o primitive_a church_n will_v not_o have_v forbear_v these_o practice_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v pray_v to_o god_n only_o and_o offer_v up_o all_o his_o prayer_n to_o he_o only_o by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o rely_v herein_o upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v our_o high_a priest_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n heb._n 7_o 25._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a who_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o i._n e._n by_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n since_o he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o may_v not_o a_o man_n reasonable_o hope_v to_o obtain_v of_o god_n all_o the_o blessing_n he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o by_z addressing_z himself_z only_o to_o he_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o that_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n nay_o why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n reasonable_o think_v that_o this_o be_v both_o a_o short_a and_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v our_o request_n than_o by_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o importune_v they_o to_o solicit_v god_n for_o we_o especial_o if_o we_o shall_v order_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o make_v ten_o time_n more_o frequent_a address_n to_o these_o than_o we_o do_v to_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o to_o neglect_v these_o we_o can_v certain_o think_v any_o more_o able_a to_o help_v we_o and_o do_v we_o good_a than_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n style_v he_o that_o hear_v prayer_n and_o therefore_o unto_o he_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v we_o can_v certain_o think_v any_o intercessor_n so_o powerful_a and_o prevalent_a with_o god_n as_o his_o only_a and_o dear_o belove_a son_n offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o most_o acceptable_a and_o invaluable_a sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v to_o he_o on_o earth_n we_o can_v sure_o think_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o goodness_n any_o where_o as_o in_o god_n that_o in_o any_o of_o the_o angel_n or_o saint_n or_o even_o in_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n there_o be_v more_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n for_o sinner_n and_o a_o tender_a sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n
for_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o call_v the_o age_n of_o the_o messiah_n seculum_fw-la futurum_fw-la or_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o to_o be_v renew_v again_o unto_o repentance_n where_o the_o least_o we_o can_v understand_v by_o impossible_a be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o so_o the_o word_n impossible_a be_v sometime_o use_v as_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o ch._n 10._o 26._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n say_v if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v they_o who_o renounce_v christianity_n since_o they_o reject_v the_o only_a way_n of_o expiation_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o their_o sin_n st._n peter_n likewise_o express_v himself_o very_o severe_o concern_v this_o sort_n of_o person_n 2_o epist._n 2._o 20_o 21._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v after_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v from_o heathenism_n to_o christianity_n they_o be_v entangle_v therein_o again_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n he_o seem_v loath_a to_o say_v how_o sad_a the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n be_v but_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o when_o they_o be_v heathen_n before_o and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o and_o st._n john_n call_v this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o forbid_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v pray_v for_o they_o 1_o epist._n 5._o 16._o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o they_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o this_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o idolatry_n be_v most_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v verse_n 18._o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v this_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o the_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o be_v preserve_v from_o idolatry_n unto_o which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o viz._n the_o devil_n who_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o call_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v have_v bring_v we_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o caution_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o dependence_n upon_o what_o go_v before_o unless_o we_o understand_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v because_o apostasy_n be_v so_o often_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o it_o be_v here_o by_o st._n john_n whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o so_o that_o at_o the_o very_o best_a the_o scripture_n speak_v doubtful_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o this_o sin_n however_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o unrepented_a of_o shall_v be_v very_o dreadful_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v mild_o express_v here_o in_o the_o text_n if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v the_o more_o severe_a for_o be_v express_v so_o mild_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o figure_n here_o use_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o word_n this_o expression_n of_o god_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o such_o person_n be_v explain_v by_o their_o utter_a ruin_n and_o perdition_n but_o we_o be_v not_o of_o they_o that_o draw_v back_o unto_o perdition_n and_o in_o several_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n there_o be_v very_o severe_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n ch._n 2._o 2_o 3._o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n and_o ch._n 10._o 26_o 27._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n he_o that_o despise_v moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n for_o we_o know_v he_o who_o have_v say_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v recompense_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o again_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v his_o people_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o severe_a and_o terrible_a than_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o and_o that_o be_v rev._n 21._o 8._o where_o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o great_a sinner_n those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o religion_n out_o of_o fear_n do_v lead_v the_o van_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o this_o book_n express_v by_o continue_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n and_o i_o will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a and_o the_o abominable_a and_o whoremonger_n and_o sorcerer_n and_o idolater_n and_o all_o liar_n shall_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n and_o liar_n that_o be_v they_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n relapse_n into_o infidelity_n and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v reckon_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o offender_n and_o be_v punish_v according_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o four_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n the_o nature_n of_o apostasy_n the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o this_o sin_n the_o danger_n of_o it_o and_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n in_o expose_v man_n to_o and_o be_v there_o any_o need_n now_o to_o exhort_v man_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n when_o the_o danger_n of_o draw_v back_o be_v so_o evident_a and_o so_o terrible_a or_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n and_o occasion_n for_o it_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n among_o we_o of_o man_n apostatise_v from_o christianity_n and_o turn_v jew_n or_o turk_n or_o heathen_n i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n not_o of_o man_n apostatise_v from_o one_o religion_n to_o another_o but_o from_o religion_n to_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n and_o of_o this_o worst_a kind_n of_o apostasy_n of_o all_o other_o i_o wish_v the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o have_v not_o afford_v we_o too_o many_o instance_n it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v profess_v christianity_n any_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o shall_v make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o undermine_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o most_o serious_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n into_o contempt_n and_o
and_o terror_n of_o sense_n our_o faith_n and_o hope_n have_v not_o their_o due_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o we_o if_o they_o do_v not_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o make_v we_o steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o in_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n reason_v himself_o into_o this_o holy_a resolution_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n act_n 24._o 15_o 16._o i_o have_v hope_n say_v he_o towards_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o i_o exercise_v myself_o always_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n vi_o and_o last_o if_o we_o be_v sojourner_n and_o traveller_n in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v often_o think_v of_o our_o end_n and_o careful_o mind_v the_o way_n to_o it_o our_o end_n be_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o it_o be_v by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o in_o itself_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o way_n that_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a man_n can_v hardly_o err_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v and_o train_v out_o of_o it_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o not_o by_o the_o wildfire_n of_o pretend_a illumination_n and_o enthusiasm_n nor_o by_o the_o confident_a pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n that_o will_v needs_o show_v we_o another_o way_n and_o persuade_v we_o to_o follow_v he_o blindfold_a in_o it_o let_v we_o not_o quit_v the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n to_o follow_v any_o guide_n whatsoever_o if_o a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n and_o way_n to_o heaven_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v he_o who_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n when_o he_o be_v consult_v with_o about_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n know_v no_o other_o but_o this_o for_o when_o the_o young_a man_n ask_v he_o good_a master_n what_o good_a thing_n shall_v i_o do_v that_o i_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n his_o answer_n be_v if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o corrupt_a inclination_n within_o and_o powerful_a temptation_n without_o this_o way_n especial_o at_o our_o first_o set_v out_o be_v rugged_a and_o difficult_a so_o our_o lord_n have_v forewarn_v we_o tell_v we_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o that_o there_o be_v few_o that_o find_v it_o therefore_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o take_v great_a care_n and_o pain_n to_o discern_v the_o right_a way_n and_o to_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o and_o shall_v often_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o david_n do_v psalm_n 119._o 19_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n hide_v not_o thy_o commandment_n from_o i_o and_o psalm_n 139._o 23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a thus_o if_o we_o will_v always_o have_v our_o end_n in_o our_o eye_n it_o will_v both_o be_v a_o direction_n to_o we_o in_o our_o way_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o quicken_v our_o pace_n in_o it_o there_o be_v no_o more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o a_o good_a life_n than_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 16._o l._n 26._o r._n compliment_n p._n 28._o l._n 6._o r._n nathanael_n p._n 63._o l._n 20._o after_o so_o deal_n p._n 78._o l._n 19_o r._n providence_n p._n 80._o l._n 4._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 88_o l._n 11._o after_o comparison_n put_v p._n 97._o l._n 26._o r._n farther_z p._n 98._o l._n 16._o r._n fare_v p._n 104._o l._n 15._o r._n establish_v p._n 110._o l._n ult_n deal_n p._n 130._o l._n 15._o r._n sleight_n p._n 142._o l._n 13._o r._n against_o p._n 292._o l._n 1._o r._n infinite_o p._n 295._o l._n 18._o after_o confession_n deal_n p._n 298._o l._n 24._o after_o world_n put_v l._n ult_n after_o man_n put_v a_o full_a point_n p._n 299._o l._n 21._o r._n distrust_n p._n 303._o l._n 9_o after_o god_n put_v l._n 11._o after_o we_o put_v a_o full_a point_n p._n 313._o l._n 8._o r._n sufficient_o p._n 426._o l._n 7._o r._n go_v off_o book_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n dr_n thomas_n tenison_n now_o lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n his_o sermon_n concern_v discretion_n in_o give_v alms._n 1668._o his_o sermon_n against_o self-love_n before_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o 1689._o his_o sermon_n of_o do_v good_a to_o posterity_n before_o their_o majesty_n 1690._o his_o sermon_n concern_v the_o wander_v of_o the_o mind_n in_o god_n service_n before_o the_o queen_n feb._n 15._o 1690._o his_o sermon_n of_o the_o folly_n of_o atheism_n before_o the_o queen_n feb._n 22._o 1690._o his_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o anniversary_n meet_v of_o the_o clergyman_n son_n decemb._n 3._o 1691._o his_o sermon_n concern_v the_o celestial_a body_n of_o a_o christian_a before_o the_o queen_n on_o easter-day_n 1694._o his_o sermon_n concern_v holy_a resolution_n before_o the_o king_n at_o kensington_n decemb._n 30._o 1694_o on_o psal._n 119._o 106._o his_o sermon_n at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o queen_n in_o the_o abby-church_n in_o westminster_n march_v 5._o 1694_o 5._o dr._n burnet_n lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n his_o discourse_n of_o the_o pastoral_n care_n 8vo_fw-la his_o four_o discourse_n deliver_v to_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o sarum_n concern_v i._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ii_o the_o divinity_n and_o death_n of_o christ._n iii_o the_o infallibility_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n iv._o the_o obligation_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 8vo_fw-la 1694._o his_o sermon_n at_o the_o funeral_n of_o archbishop_n tillotson_n 1694._o his_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o st._n james_n chapel_n on_o the_o 10_o of_o february_n 1694_o 5_o be_v the_o first_o sunday_n in_o lent_n on_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 1._o dr._n patrick_n now_o lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_n his_o hearts-ease_n or_o a_o remedy_n against_o all_o trouble_n with_o a_o consolatory_a discourse_n particular_o direct_v to_o those_o who_o have_v lose_v their_o friend_n and_o relation_n to_o which_o be_v add_v two_o paper_n print_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a plague_n the_o six_o edition_n correct_v 12mo_fw-la 1695._o his_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n spread_v abroad_o by_o the_o romish_a priest_n entitle_v the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o reform_a gospel_n wherein_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o many_o text_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v faithful_o explain_v 8vo_fw-la 1692._o his_o eight_o several_a occasional_a sermon_n since_o the_o revolution_n 4to_fw-la his_o exposition_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n 8vo_fw-la a_o vindication_n of_o their_o majesty_n authority_n to_o fill_v the_o see_v of_o deprive_v bishop_n in_o a_o letter_n occasion_v by_o dr._n b_o be_v refusal_n of_o the_o bishopric_n of_o bath_n and_o wells_n 4to_fw-la rushworth_n historical_a collection_n the_o three_o part_n in_o two_o volume_n contain_v the_o principal_a matter_n which_o happen_v from_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o parliament_n nou._n 3._o 1640._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o year_n 1644._o wherein_o be_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o civil_a war_n to_o that_o period_n fol._n 1692._o the_o letter_n of_o the_o reverend_a father_n paul_n counsellor_n of_o state_n to_o the_o most_o serene_a republic_n of_o venice_n and_o author_n of_o the_o excellent_a history_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n 1693._o a_o impartial_a history_n of_o the_o late_a war_n of_o ireland_n in_o two_o part_n from_o the_o time_n that_o duke_n schomberg_n land_v with_o a_o army_n in_o that_o kingdom_n to_o the_o 23d_o of_o march_n 1692._o when_o their_o majesty_n proclamation_n be_v publish_v declare_v the_o war_n to_o be_v end_v illustrate_v with_o copper_n sculpture_n describe_v the_o most_o important_a place_n of_o action_n write_a by_o george_n story_n a_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n 4to_fw-la 1693._o dr._n john_n conant_n sermon_n publish_a by_o dr._n williams_n 1693._o 8vo_fw-la of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n the_o second_o edition_n by_o geo._n tully_n subdean_n of_o york_n 8vo_fw-la 1694._o origo_fw-la legum_n or_o a_o treatise_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o law_n and_o their_o oblige_a power_n as_o also_o of_o their_o great_a variety_n and_o why_o some_o law_n be_v immutable_a and_o some_o not_o but_o may_v suffer_v change_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v or_o be_v suspend_v or_o abrogate_a in_o seven_o book_n by_o george_n dawson_n fol._n 1694._o a_o brief_a discourse_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o worship_v god_n by_o the_o common-prayer_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_fw-la brief_a discourse_n of_o the_o vnlawfulness_n of_o common-prayer-worship_n by_o john_n williams_n d._n d._n 4to_o 1694._o a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o absurd_a and_o mischievous_a principle_n of_o the_o sect_n common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o muggletonian_n 4to_fw-la 1694._o memoirs_fw-fr of_o the_o most_o reverend_a thomas_n cranmer_z archbishop_n of_o canterbury_z wherein_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o it_o during_o the_o primacy_n of_o the_o say_a archbishop_n be_v great_o illustrate_v and_o many_o singular_a matter_n relate_v thereunto_o now_o first_o publish_v in_o three_o book_n collect_v chief_o from_o record_n register_n authentic_a letter_n and_o other_o original_a manuscript_n by_o john_n stripe_n m._n a._n fol._n 1694._o a_o commentary_n on_o the_o first_o book_n of_o moses_n call_v genesis_n by_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n simon_n lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_n 4to_o 1695._o the_o history_n of_o the_o trouble_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n william_n laud_v lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n write_v by_o himself_o during_o his_o imprisonment_n in_o the_o tower_n to_o which_o be_v prefix_v the_o diary_n of_o his_o own_o life_n faithful_o and_o entire_o publish_v from_o the_o original_a copy_n and_o subjoin_v a_o supplement_n to_o the_o precede_a history_n the_o archbishop_n last_o will_n his_o large_a answer_n to_o the_o lord_n say_v speech_n concern_v liturgy_n his_o annual_a account_n of_o his_o province_n deliver_v to_o the_o king_n and_o some_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o history_n publish_a by_o henry_n wharton_n chaplain_n to_o archbishop_n sancroft_n fol._n the_o possibility_n and_o expediency_n and_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n martin_n in_o the_o field_n january_n 7._o 1694_o 5._o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o lecture_n for_o the_o ensue_a year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a rob._n boyle_n esq_n by_o john_n williams_n d._n d._n the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v his_o second_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o say_a lecture_n feb._n 4._o 1695._o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o sermon_n of_o his_o grace_n john_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n concern_v the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n bishop_n of_o worcester_n sermon_n on_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n from_o the_o exception_n of_o a_o late_a socinian_n book_n entitle_v consideration_n on_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o which_o be_v annex_v a_o letter_n from_o the_o lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o say_a vindication_n on_o the_o same_o subject_a 1695._o 4to_fw-la historia_fw-la de_fw-la episcopis_fw-la &_o decanis_fw-la londinensibus_fw-la necnon_fw-la de_fw-la episcopis_fw-la &_o decanis_fw-la assavensibus_fw-la à _fw-la prima_fw-la utriusque_fw-la fundatione_fw-la ad_fw-la annum_fw-la mdxl._n accessit_fw-la appendix_n instrumentorum_fw-la quorundam_fw-la insignium_fw-la duplex_fw-la autore_fw-la henrico_n whartono_n a._n m._n 8vo_fw-la 1695._o a_o essay_n on_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o late_a queen_n by_o gilbert_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n 8vo_fw-la advertisement_n there_o will_v be_v publish_v several_a sermon_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n by_o order_n of_o his_o administratrix_n faithful_o transcribe_v from_o his_o own_o paper_n by_o dr._n ralph_n barker_n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v dispose_v of_o to_o richard_n chiswell_n and_o his_o assign_v if_o any_o person_n print_v any_o other_o except_o those_o publish_v in_o the_o author_n life-time_n they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o spurious_a and_o false_a and_o the_o publisher_n will_v be_v proceed_v against_o according_a to_o law_n
and_o honour_v he_o and_o that_o the_o outward_a expression_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o genuine_a issue_n of_o our_o inward_a apprehension_n of_o he_o and_o affection_n towards_o he_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n our_o saviour_n intend_v in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o the_o character_n of_o this_o good_a man_n that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n and_o in_o truth_n what_o he_o appear_v to_o be_v that_o he_o do_v sincere_o love_n god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v it_o whenever_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v to_o he_o as_o do_v plain_o appear_v in_o his_o carriage_n towards_o our_o saviour_n for_o when_o philip_n invite_v he_o to_o come_v and_o see_v he_o he_o do_v not_o conceal_v the_o prejudice_n and_o objection_n he_o have_v against_o he_o ground_v upon_o a_o common_a but_o uncharitable_a proverb_n that_o out_o of_o nazareth_n arise_v no_o prophet_n but_o have_v a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n he_o be_v not_o so_o carry_v away_o by_o a_o popular_a prejudice_n as_o not_o to_o have_v patience_n to_o be_v better_o inform_v and_o therefore_o be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o go_v and_o see_v our_o saviour_n and_o to_o discourse_v with_o he_o himself_o and_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o present_o own_v he_o for_o such_o call_v he_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o because_o sincerity_n be_v the_o very_a heart_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n it_o concern_v we_o not_o only_o to_o endeavour_v after_o this_o temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v know_v when_o we_o have_v it_o and_o may_v have_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v mention_v five_o or_o six_o property_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n by_o which_o man_n may_v sufficient_o know_v the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n towards_o god_n 1._o our_o piety_n be_v then_o sincere_a when_o the_o chief_a reason_n and_o predominant_a motive_n of_o it_o be_v religious_a and_o i_o call_v that_o a_o religious_a or_o rational_a motive_n which_o regard_v god_n and_o another_o world_n in_o opposition_n to_o man_n and_o to_o our_o present_a temporal_a advantage_n when_o the_o principal_a and_o sway_a motive_n of_o our_o piety_n be_v a_o sense_n of_o god_n authority_n over_o we_o and_o of_o our_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o he_o a_o fear_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o threaten_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o obedience_n these_o motive_n be_v proper_o religious_a because_o they_o respect_v god_n and_o be_v the_o argument_n to_o obedience_n which_o he_o himself_o offer_v to_o we_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sincere_a piety_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o these_o consideration_n how_o unequal_o soever_o mix_v for_o even_o in_o the_o most_o of_o man_n fear_v do_v many_o time_n prevail_v more_o than_o love_n and_o in_o case_n of_o great_a temptation_n may_v preserve_v man_n from_o sin_n when_o perhaps_o no_o other_o consideration_n will_v do_v it_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v a_o unsincere_a piety_n to_o which_o we_o be_v move_v mere_o by_o the_o regard_n of_o man_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o temporal_a advantage_n and_o when_o these_o have_v the_o chief_a influence_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o any_o man_n to_o discern_v in_o himself_o for_o he_o that_o will_v careful_o observe_v himself_o can_v hardly_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a spring_n and_o motive_n of_o his_o own_o action_n but_o there_o be_v one_o sign_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v certain_o know_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a towards_o god_n and_o that_o be_v if_o when_o these_o motive_n be_v absent_a our_o piety_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v either_o cease_v or_o be_v sensible_o cool_v and_o abate_v as_o if_o impiety_n or_o popery_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v bad_a begin_v to_o be_v in_o fashion_n and_o to_o have_v the_o countenance_n of_o great_a example_n if_o those_o who_o we_o fear_v and_o upon_o who_o we_o depend_v do_v discover_v any_o inclination_n that_o way_n if_o the_o garb_n of_o religion_n cease_v to_o be_v for_o our_o interest_n or_o in_o the_o revolution_n of_o thing_n happen_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o if_o in_o any_o of_o these_o case_n we_o let_v fall_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o insincerity_n of_o our_o former_a piety_n 2._o a_o sincere_a piety_n must_v be_v root_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o be_v a_o live_a principle_n within_o we_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o another_o case_n he_o be_v not_o a_o jew_n who_o be_v one_o outward_o but_o he_o who_o be_v one_o inward_o and_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o without_o this_o all_o outward_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v hypocrisy_n a_o picture_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o 3._o a_o three_o evidence_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n be_v when_o man_n be_v religious_a in_o private_a and_o in_o secret_a as_o well_o as_o in_o public_a and_o in_o the_o open_a view_n of_o man_n he_o be_v true_o devout_a who_o be_v so_o in_o his_o family_n and_o in_o his_o closet_n where_o he_o have_v no_o witness_n but_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o church_n he_o be_v a_o downright_a honest_a man_n who_o will_v make_v good_a his_o word_n and_o perform_v his_o promise_n when_o no_o proof_n can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o no_o law_n compel_v he_o to_o it_o as_o ready_o as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o hundred_o witness_n of_o it_o he_o be_v sincere_o just_a who_o will_v not_o detain_v from_o another_o his_o right_n though_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o nor_o wrong_v any_o man_n though_o he_o can_v do_v it_o with_o all_o the_o secrecy_n and_o safety_n in_o the_o world_n who_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o another_o ignorance_n or_o unskilfulness_n though_o never_o so_o much_o to_o his_o own_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n he_o be_v true_o charitable_a who_o will_v not_o only_o as_o soon_o but_o rather_o soon_o give_v his_o alm_n in_o secret_a than_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n and_o he_o be_v true_o grateful_a who_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n will_v acknowledge_v a_o kindness_n and_o requite_v a_o benefit_n to_o the_o relation_n of_o his_o decease_a friend_n though_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o all_o memory_n of_o the_o obligation_n die_v with_o he_o and_o that_o none_o be_v conscious_a to_o it_o but_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o sincerity_n of_o which_o may_v not_o by_o this_o evidence_n be_v know_v to_o we_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o man_n may_v for_o certain_a conclude_v himself_o a_o hypocrite_n if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o men._n 4._o another_o evidence_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n be_v a_o constant_a tenor_n of_o goodness_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o our_o life_n i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o piety_n in_o new_a convert_v which_o be_v many_o time_n very_o imperfect_a and_o such_o as_o afford_v little_a or_o no_o evidence_n of_o a_o man_n sincerity_n but_o in_o those_o who_o have_v make_v any_o considerable_a progress_n in_o goodness_n the_o habit_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n and_o the_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o even_o the_o single_a act_n of_o more_o heinous_a crime_n will_v bring_v in_o question_n our_o sincerity_n and_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v shelter_v under_o the_o name_n of_o infirmity_n for_o these_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o subdue_v and_o he_o be_v not_o sincere_o good_a who_o do_v not_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o he_o can_v and_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o all_o the_o purpose_n though_o not_o of_o a_o perfect_a yet_o of_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 5._o another_o evidence_n of_o a_o sincere_a piety_n be_v that_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v uniform_a and_o universal_a equal_o respect_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o it_o do_v not_o content_v itself_o with_o a_o especial_a regard_n to_o some_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n though_o never_o so_o
can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o man_n it_o be_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o goodness_n it_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v perfection_n and_o frequent_o join_v with_o it_o and_o throughout_o the_o bible_n there_o be_v the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n lay_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o sum_n and_o comprehension_n of_o all_o religion_n only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n say_v joshua_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n jos._n 24._o 14._o god_n take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o it_o so_o david_n assure_v we_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 17._o i_o know_v my_o god_n that_o thou_o trye_v the_o heart_n and_o have_v pleasure_n in_o uprightness_n and_o again_o thou_o love_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n to_o this_o disposition_n of_o mind_n the_o promise_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o blessing_n be_v particular_o make_v psal._n 15._o 1_o 2._o lord_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o holy_a hill_n he_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n psal._n 32._o 2._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v no_o sin_n and_o in_o who_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o this_o character_n of_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v of_o nathaniel_n be_v the_o only_a full_a and_o perfect_a commendation_n that_o we_o read_v be_v ever_o give_v by_o he_o of_o any_o particular_a person_n he_o commend_v some_o particular_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o other_o as_o st._n peter_n confession_n of_o he_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o centurion_n and_o of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v heal_v by_o touch_v the_o hem_v of_o his_o garment_n the_o charity_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o cast_v she_o two_o mite_n into_o the_o treasury_n and_o the_o bounty_n of_o that_o other_o devout_a woman_n who_o pour_v upon_o he_o a_o box_n of_o precious_a ointment_n but_o here_o he_o give_v the_o particular_a character_n of_o a_o good_a man_n when_o he_o say_v of_o nathaniel_n that_o he_o be_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guilford_n and_o the_o apostle_n mention_n this_o quality_n as_o the_o chief_a ingredient_n into_o the_o character_n of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guilford_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n second_o the_o rarity_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v a_o far_a commendation_n of_o it_o a_o sincere_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n without_o any_o guile_n or_o disguise_n be_v not_o a_o sight_n to_o be_v see_v every_o day_n our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n very_o extraordinary_a and_o of_o special_a remark_n and_o observation_n and_o break_v out_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o wonder_n upon_o the_o occasion_n as_o if_o to_o see_v a_o man_n of_o perfect_a integrity_n and_o simplicity_n be_v a_o occurrence_n very_o rare_a and_o unusual_a and_o such_o as_o call_v for_o our_o more_o especial_a attention_n and_o regard_n behold_v say_v he_o a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guil._n three_o the_o want_n of_o sincerity_n will_v quite_o spoil_v the_o virtue_n and_o acceptance_n of_o all_o our_o piety_n and_o obedience_n and_o certain_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n all_o our_o external_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n if_o not_o animate_v by_o sincerity_n be_v like_o a_o sacrifice_n without_o a_o heart_n which_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n four_o hypocrisy_n and_o insincerity_n be_v a_o very_a vain_a and_o foolish_a thing_n it_o be_v design_v to_o cheat_v other_o but_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o deceive_a of_o ourselves_o no_o man_n will_v flatter_v or_o dissemble_v do_v he_o believe_v he_o be_v see_v and_o discover_v a_o open_a knave_n be_v a_o great_a fool_n who_o destroy_v at_o once_o both_o his_o design_n and_o his_o reputation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o hypocrite_n all_o the_o disagreement_n which_o be_v between_o his_o tongue_n and_o his_o thought_n his_o action_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o that_o eye_n from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v for_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o see_v all_o his_o go_n there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n may_v hide_v themselves_o five_o truth_n and_o reality_n have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o appearance_n and_o many_o more_o if_o the_o show_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n i_o be_o sure_a sincerity_n be_v better_a for_o why_o do_v any_o man_n dissemble_v or_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o but_o because_o he_o think_v it_o good_a to_o have_v such_o a_o quality_n as_o he_o pretend_v to_o for_o to_o counterfeit_v and_o dissemble_v be_v to_o put_v on_o the_o appearance_n of_o some_o real_a excellency_n now_o the_o best_a way_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o thing_n be_v real_o to_o be_v what_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v beside_o that_o it_o be_v many_o time_n as_o troublesome_a to_o make_v good_a the_o pretence_n of_o a_o good_a quality_n as_o to_o have_v it_o and_o if_o a_o man_n have_v it_o not_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o but_o he_o be_v discover_v to_o want_v it_o and_o then_o all_o his_o pain_n and_o labour_n to_o seem_v to_o have_v it_o be_v lose_v there_o be_v something_o unnatural_a in_o paint_v which_o a_o skilful_a eye_n will_v easy_o discern_v from_o native_a beauty_n and_o complexion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o personate_v and_o act_v a_o part_n long_o for_o where_o truth_n be_v not_o at_o the_o bottom_n nature_n will_v always_o be_v endeavour_v to_o return_v and_o will_v peep_v out_o and_o betray_v herself_o one_o time_n or_o other_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n think_v it_o convenient_a to_o seem_v good_a let_v he_o be_v so_o indeed_o and_o then_o his_o goodness_n will_v appear_v to_o every_o body_n satisfaction_n for_o truth_n be_v convince_a and_o carry_v it_o be_v own_o light_n and_o evidence_n along_o with_o it_o and_o will_v not_o only_o commend_v we_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n but_o which_o be_v much_o more_o to_o god_n who_o search_v and_o see_v our_o heart_n so_o that_o upon_o all_o account_n sincerity_n be_v true_a wisdom_n particular_o as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n integrity_n have_v many_o advantage_n over_o all_o the_o fine_a and_o artificial_a way_n of_o dissimulation_n and_o deceit_n it_o be_v much_o the_o plain_o and_o easy_o much_o the_o safe_a and_o more_o secure_a way_n of_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v less_o of_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o entanglement_n and_o perplexity_n of_o danger_n and_o hazard_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o short_a and_o near_a way_n to_o our_o end_n carry_v we_o thither_o in_o a_o straight_a line_n and_o will_v hold_v out_o and_o last_o long_a the_o art_n of_o deceit_n and_o cunning_a do_v continual_o grow_v weak_a and_o less_o effectual_a and_o serviceable_a to_o they_o that_o use_v they_o whereas_o integrity_n gain_v strength_n by_o use_n and_o the_o more_o and_o long_o any_o man_n practise_v it_o the_o great_a service_n it_o do_v he_o by_o confirm_v his_o reputation_n and_o encourage_v those_o with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v to_o repose_v the_o great_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o which_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o the_o business_n and_o affair_n of_o life_n but_o a_o dissembler_n must_v always_o be_v upon_o his_o guard_n and_o watch_v himself_o careful_o that_o he_o do_v not_o contradict_v his_o own_o pretence_n for_o he_o act_v a_o unnatural_a part_n and_o therefore_o must_v put_v a_o continual_a force_n and_o restraint_n upon_o himself_o truth_n always_o lie_v uppermost_a and_o if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o careful_o attend_v he_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o bolt_n it_o out_o whereas_o he_o that_o act_v sincere_o have_v the_o easy_a task_n in_o the_o world_n because_o he_o follow_v nature_n and_o so_o be_v put_v to_o no_o trouble_n and_o care_n about_o his_o word_n and_o action_n he_o need_v not_o invent_v any_o pretence_n beforehand_o nor_o make_v excuse_n afterward_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v say_v or_o do_v but_o insincerity_n be_v very_o troublesome_a to_o manage_v a_o man_n have_v so_o many_o thing_n to_o attend_v to_o so_o many_o end_n to_o bring_v together_o as_o make_v his_o life_n a_o very_a perplex_a and_o intricate_a thing_n oportet_fw-la mendacem_fw-la esse_fw-la memorem_fw-la a_o liar_n have_v need_n have_v a_o good_a memory_n lest_o he_o contradict_v at_o one_o time_n what_o he_o say_v at_o
another_o but_o truth_n be_v always_o consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o needs_o nothing_o to_o help_v it_o out_o it_o be_v always_o near_o at_o hand_n and_o sit_v upon_o our_o lip_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o drop_v out_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a whereas_o a_o lie_n be_v troublesome_a and_o set_v a_o man_n invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n and_o one_o trick_n needs_o a_o great_a many_o more_o to_o make_v it_o good_a it_o be_v like_a building_n upon_o a_o false_a foundation_n which_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o prop_n to_o shore_n it_o up_o and_o prove_v at_o last_o more_o chargeable_a than_o to_o have_v raise_v a_o substantial_a building_n at_o first_o upon_o a_o true_a and_o solid_a foundation_n for_o sincerity_n be_v firm_a and_o substantial_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o hollow_a and_o unsound_a in_o it_o and_o because_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a fear_v no_o discovery_n of_o which_o the_o crafty_a man_n be_v always_o in_o danger_n and_o when_o he_o think_v he_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a all_o his_o pretence_n be_v so_o transparent_a that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o he_o be_v the_o last_o man_n that_o find_v himself_o to_o be_v find_v out_o and_o whilst_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o make_v fool_n of_o other_o he_o render_v himself_o ridiculous_a add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o sincerity_n be_v the_o most_o compendious_a wisdom_n and_o a_o excellent_a instrument_n for_o the_o speedy_a dispatch_n of_o business_n it_o create_v confidence_n in_o those_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o save_v the_o labour_n of_o many_o inquiry_n and_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o issue_n in_o few_o word_n it_o be_v like_o travel_v in_o a_o plain_a beat_a road_n which_o common_o bring_v a_o man_n soon_o to_o his_o journey_n end_v than_o byway_n in_o which_o man_n often_o lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o convenience_n may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v in_o falsehood_n and_o dissimulation_n it_o be_v soon_o over_o but_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o be_v perpetual_a because_o it_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o a_o everlasting_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o believe_v when_o he_o speak_v truth_n nor_o trust_v when_o perhaps_o he_o mean_v honest_o when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o forfeit_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o integrity_n he_o be_v set_v fast_o and_o nothing_o will_v then_o serve_v his_o turn_n neither_o truth_n nor_o falsehood_n and_o i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o god_n have_v in_o great_a wisdom_n hide_v from_o man_n of_o false_a and_o dishonest_a mind_n the_o wonderful_a advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o integrity_n to_o the_o prosperity_n even_o of_o our_o worldly_a affair_n these_o man_n be_v so_o blind_v by_o their_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n that_o they_o can_v look_v beyond_o a_o present_a advantage_n nor_o forbear_v to_o seize_v upon_o it_o though_o by_o way_n never_o so_o indirect_a they_o can_v see_v so_o far_o as_o to_o the_o remote_a consequence_n of_o a_o steady_a integrity_n and_o the_o vast_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o it_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n at_o last_o be_v but_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n wise_a and_o clear-sighted_a enough_o to_o discern_v this_o they_o will_v be_v honest_a out_o of_o very_a knavery_n not_o out_o of_o any_o love_n to_o honesty_n and_o virtue_n but_o with_o a_o crafty_a design_n to_o promote_v and_o advance_v more_o effectual_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o therefore_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v hide_v this_o true_a point_n of_o wisdom_n from_o their_o eye_n that_o bad_a man_n may_v not_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o just_a and_o upright_a and_o serve_v their_o own_o wicked_a design_n by_o honest_a and_o lawful_a mean_n indeed_o if_o a_o man_n be_v only_o to_o deal_v in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o day_n and_o shall_v never_o have_v occasion_n to_o converse_v more_o with_o mankind_n never_o more_o need_v their_o good_a opinion_n or_o good_a word_n it_o be_v then_o no_o great_a matter_n speak_v as_o to_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o world_n if_o a_o man_n spend_v his_o reputation_n all_o at_o once_o and_o venture_v it_o at_o one_o throw_v but_o if_o he_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o conversation_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o it_o let_v he_o make_v use_n of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n in_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n for_o nothing_o but_o this_o will_v last_v and_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n all_o other_o art_n will_v fail_v but_o truth_n and_o integrity_n will_v carry_v a_o man_n through_o and_o bear_v he_o out_o to_o the_o last_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o solomon_n prov._n 12._o 19_o the_o lip_n of_o truth_n be_v establish_v for_o ever_o but_o a_o lie_a tongue_n be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o the_o wise_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o clear_o will_v he_o discern_v how_o serviceable_a sincerity_n be_v to_o all_o the_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o that_o man_n have_v make_v a_o good_a progress_n and_o profit_v much_o in_o the_o school_n of_o wisdom_n who_o value_v truth_n and_o sincerity_n according_a to_o their_o worth_n every_o man_n will_v ready_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v great_a virtue_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o generous_a mind_n but_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o true_a wisdom_n in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o real_o serve_v to_o profit_v our_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n seem_v a_o great_a paradox_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a and_o general_o find_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n last_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o dissemble_v consider_v the_o shortness_n and_o especial_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o be_v so_o cunning_a when_o our_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n be_v so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a why_o shall_v any_o man_n by_o dissemble_v his_o judgement_n or_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o incur_v at_o once_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o the_o discontent_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o our_o dissimulation_n shall_v one_o day_n be_v make_v manifest_a and_o publish_v on_o the_o open_a theatre_n of_o the_o world_n before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n to_o our_o everlasting_a shame_n and_o confusion_n all_o disguise_n and_o vizard_n shall_v then_o be_v pluck_v off_o and_o every_o man_n shall_v appear_v in_o his_o true_a colour_n for_o then_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v and_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n and_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil._n nothing_o be_v now_o cover_v which_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v reveal_v nor_o hide_v which_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v know_v let_v we_o then_o be_v now_o what_o we_o will_v 〈◊〉_d glad_a to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o day_n when_o all_o pretence_n shall_v be_v examine_v and_o the_o close_a hypocrisy_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o dash_v out_o of_o countenance_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v and_o all_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o darkness_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o strict_a and_o severe_a trial_n and_o be_v censure_v by_o that_o impartial_a and_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n mdclxxxvi_o before_o the_o princess_n ann._n heb._n xi_o 17_o 18_o 19_o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a begotton_n son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v account_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n the_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o recommend_v to_o they_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v but_o new_o convert_v and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o constancy_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o suffering_n which_o attend_v it_o he_o set_v before_o they_o in_o this_o chapter_n several_a example_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o those_o who_o tho_o they_o be_v under_o a_o much_o more_o imperfect_a dispensation_n yet_o by_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n in_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n have_v perform_v such_o wonderful_a act_n of_o
word_n with_o joy_n and_o endure_v for_o a_o while_n but_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v not_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o word_n but_o their_o faith_n have_v take_v no_o deep_a root_n and_o therefore_o it_o wither_v the_o weakness_n and_o waver_v of_o man_n faith_n make_v they_o unstable_a and_o inconstant_a in_o their_o course_n because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o one_o mind_n but_o divide_v betwixt_o two_o interest_n that_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o and_o the_o double_a mind_a man_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o be_v unstable_a in_o all_o his_o way_n it_o be_v general_o a_o true_a rule_n so_o much_o waver_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o action_n and_o life_n of_o man_n so_o much_o weakness_n there_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o any_o man_n firm_o believe_v let_v he_o attend_v to_o his_o action_n more_o than_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o any_o man_n live_v so_o as_o no_o man_n that_o hearty_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n can_v live_v it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o such_o a_o man_n do_v firm_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n he_o say_v he_o do_v but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n in_o the_o case_n than_o word_n there_o be_v testimonium_fw-la rei_fw-la the_o man_n action_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o do_v best_a declare_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o man._n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v it_o in_o righteousness_n and_o that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v short_o appear_v before_o he_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o action_n to_o he_o and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v unspeakable_o and_o eternal_o happy_a but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a those_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n or_o interest_n have_v desert_v the_o faith_n or_o live_v wicked_a life_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n i_o say_v be_v man_n firm_o persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o wrong_a choice_n and_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n upon_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o i'faith_o even_o in_o temporal_a matter_n be_v a_o mighty_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o will_v make_v man_n to_o attempt_v and_o undergo_v strange_a and_o difficult_a thing_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v much_o more_o operative_a and_o powerful_a because_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o it_o present_v to_o we_o be_v far_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a than_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v tempt_v or_o terrify_v we_o withal_o will_v we_o but_o by_o faith_n make_v present_a to_o our_o mind_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o hell_n and_o be_v we_o as_o very_o persuade_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v in_o our_o view_n how_o shall_v we_o despise_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n and_o with_o what_o ease_n shall_v we_o resist_v and_o repel_v all_o those_o temptation_n which_o will_v seduce_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n or_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o mountain_n of_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n which_o man_n fancy_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o he_o that_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o most_o thing_n will_v be_v easy_a 2._o another_o reason_n of_o this_o wrong_a choice_n be_v want_n of_o consideration_n for_o this_o will_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v it_o more_o vigorous_a and_o powerful_a and_o indeed_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v well_o root_v and_o establishould_n do_v suppose_v a_o wise_a and_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o fatal_a miscarriage_n of_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o themselves_o serious_o how_o much_o religion_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v cost_v they_o to_o be_v true_a to_o it_o and_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o to_o the_o end_n we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o sense_n and_o to_o be_v transport_v with_o present_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o consider_v our_o future_a and_o last_a interest_n and_o the_o whole_a duration_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o man_n be_v hurry_v away_o by_o the_o present_a and_o sensible_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o take_v time_n to_o think_v of_o what_o will_v be_v hereafter_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o man_n who_o have_v serious_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o its_o pleasure_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o its_o punishment_n shall_v resolve_v to_o forsake_v sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o conclude_v this_o whole_a discourse_n if_o man_n do_v but_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o the_o dreadful_a punishment_n of_o another_o world_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n as_o we_o see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o do_v they_o can_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o forsake_v god_n and_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n to_o renounce_v the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o their_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v nay_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n if_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o for_o as_o our_o saviour_n reason_n in_o this_o very_a case_n of_o forsake_v our_o religion_n for_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o consideration_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o ever_o any_o of_o we_o be_v tempt_v in_o this_o kind_n let_v that_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o our_o judge_n be_v continual_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o confess_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o confess_v also_o before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o whosever_v shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o thank_v god_n to_o see_v so_o many_o in_o this_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o hour_n of_o temptation_n to_o adhere_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n and_o to_o prefer_v the_o keep_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n to_o all_o earthly_a consideration_n and_o advantage_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o hold_v their_o religion_n so_o fast_o and_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o it_o gives_z great_a hope_n that_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o and_o to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n whilst_o we_o live_v and_o comfort_v when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o after_o death_n secure_a to_o we_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o happiness_n large_a as_o our_o wish_n and_o last_v as_o our_o soul_n to_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n bring_v we_o all_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_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 world_n without_o end_n amen_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o either_o by_o the_o subtle_a insinuation_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o jew_n who_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n
they_o under_o a_o inconvenience_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v at_o age._n and_o can_v we_o think_v they_o of_o discretion_n sufficient_a at_o that_o time_n to_o do_v a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o other_o and_o which_o will_v concern_v they_o to_o all_o eternity_n namely_o to_o choose_v their_o religion_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o part_n of_o one_o religion_n which_o we_o all_o know_v which_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n of_o age_n be_v fit_a i_o do_v not_o say_v to_o judge_v of_o but_o to_o be_v as_o fond_a of_o and_o to_o practice_v to_o as_o good_a purpose_n as_o those_o of_o ripe_a year_n and_o that_o be_v to_o worship_v image_n to_o tell_v their_o bead_n to_o say_v their_o prayer_n and_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o this_o they_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o choose_v at_o that_o age_n than_o those_o who_o be_v of_o ripe_a and_o more_o improve_v understanding_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o choose_v it_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o they_o will_v not_o choose_v it_o afterward_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a extraordinary_a law_n and_o such_o as_o perhaps_o be_v never_o think_v of_o before_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o much_o for_o child_n as_o for_o grow_v person_n who_o be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n of_o understanding_n and_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o other_o disadvantage_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o be_v in_o little_a or_o no_o probability_n of_o improve_n themselves_o these_o be_v always_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n in_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v real_o much_o wise_a and_o safe_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v than_o to_o depend_v upon_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o to_o lean_v to_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o such_o person_n if_o they_o be_v modest_a and_o humble_a and_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o his_o assistance_n and_o direction_n and_o be_v careful_a to_o practice_v what_o they_o know_v and_o to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o best_a light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v shall_v not_o miscarry_v mere_o for_o want_v of_o those_o far_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v no_o capacity_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o attain_v because_o their_o ignorance_n be_v unavoidable_a and_o god_n will_v require_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o will_v not_o call_v they_o to_o account_v for_o the_o improvement_n of_o those_o talent_n which_o he_o never_o commit_v to_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o any_o dangerous_a error_n by_o the_o negligence_n or_o ill_a conduct_n of_o those_o under_o who_o care_n and_o instruction_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n permit_v they_o to_o be_v place_v god_n will_v not_o impute_v it_o to_o they_o as_o a_o fault_n because_o in_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v they_o take_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a course_n that_o they_o can_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o be_v willing_a to_o learn_v what_o they_o can_v of_o those_o who_o they_o take_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o themselves_o but_o for_o such_o person_n who_o by_o the_o maturity_n of_o their_o age_n and_o by_o the_o natural_a strength_n and_o clearness_n of_o their_o understanding_n or_o by_o the_o due_a exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o discern_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o truth_n and_o error_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v in_o unnecessary_a point_n and_o matter_n of_o deep_a learning_n and_o speculation_n but_o in_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n it_o be_v certain_o very_o reasonable_a that_o such_o person_n shall_v examine_v their_o religion_n and_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o this_o must_v either_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v reasonable_a or_o else_o every_o man_n must_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v fix_v by_o education_n or_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n to_o pitch_v upon_o when_o he_o come_v to_o year_n and_o make_v his_o free_a choice_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a principle_n that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n but_o take_v it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o it_o then_o every_o man_n be_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o religion_n which_o he_o first_o light_n upon_o whether_o by_o choice_n or_o the_o chance_n of_o his_o education_n for_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o change_v but_o upon_o reason_n and_o reason_n he_o can_v have_v none_o unless_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o 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be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o i._o a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v if_o we_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o faithful_a to_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o faithful_a to_o we_o in_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o whether_o of_o aid_n and_o support_v or_o of_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o he_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o handle_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o apoostle_n exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v without_o waver_v signify_v inflexible_a and_o unmovable_a not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o full_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o propound_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o 2._o to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v and_o intend_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o the_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v this_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o last_o day_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n which_o some_o i_o show_v be_v not_o as_o child_n who_o while_o they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n and_o likewise_o such_o grow_a person_n as_o either_o by_o the_o natural_a weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o by_o some_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o education_n be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n these_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o 2._o this_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v do_v not_o imply_v that_o when_o man_n upon_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v aga_v they_o both_o these_o principle_n i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v by_o show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n namely_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a search_n and_o examination_n we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v embrace_v or_o as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o one_a epistle_n 5._o 12._o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v that_o then_o we_o shall_v adhere_v steadfast_o to_o it_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o we_o nor_o ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v from_o it_o by_o any_o pretence_n or_o insinuation_n or_o temptation_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o confidence_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o a_o ignorant_a man_n who_o have_v never_o consider_v thing_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o the_o assurance_n and_o settlement_n of_o one_o who_o have_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n and_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v and_o examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o first_o be_v mere_a wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o man_n have_v entertain_v and_o drink_v in_o such_o principle_n of_o religion_n by_o education_n or_o have_v take_v they_o up_o by_o chance_n but_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o they_o and_o yet_o however_o he_o come_v by_o they_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o the_o other_o be_v the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n of_o a_o wise_a man._n he_o have_v embrace_v his_o religion_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o he_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o steadfast_o to_o the_o end_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v many_o exhortation_n and_o caution_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a establish_v in_o the_o truth_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n that_o we_o shall_v stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v â—n_o nothing_o terrifle_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o that_o if_o occasion_n be_v we_o shall_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o 2._o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v it_o fast_o or_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n i._n e._n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n for_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o this_o profession_n or_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n as_o the_o word_n proper_o signify_v be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v let_v we_o draw_v near_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o make_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o which_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 6._o 17._o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o i._n e._n to_o all_o christian_n and_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n hold_v fast_o say_v he_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o st._n judas_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n
church_n and_o this_o be_v a_o glorious_a privilege_n indeed_o if_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o have_v it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o certain_a a_o remedy_n against_o heresy_n and_o give_v a_o final_a decision_n to_o all_o controversy_n but_o there_o be_v not_o one_o tittle_n of_o all_o this_o of_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o tenable_a proof_n for_o 1._o all_o the_o pretence_n for_o their_o infallibility_n rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a proposition_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o they_o say_v be_v infallible_a and_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o that_o proposition_n be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o any_o good_a proof_n but_o be_v as_o evident_o false_a as_o that_o a_o part_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v the_o whole_a 2._o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o it_o be_v neither_o evident_a in_o itself_o nor_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o they_o that_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o every_o age_n be_v infallible_a in_o decide_v all_o controversy_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o they_o prove_v their_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n and_o this_o be_v necessary_a at_o first_o for_o the_o security_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o this_o doctrine_n be_v once_o deliver_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n write_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v infallible_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o have_v now_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o with_o the_o assistance_n and_o instruction_n of_o those_o guide_n and_o pastor_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o guide_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o age_n which_o follow_v the_o apostle_n because_o miracle_n be_v long_o since_o cease_v so_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n because_o god_n have_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o that_o by_o that_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v every_o way_n sufficient_a and_o able_a to_o make_v both_o pastor_n and_o people_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n 3._o as_o for_o a_o certain_a remedy_n against_o heresy_n it_o be_v certain_a god_n never_o intend_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v provide_v a_o certain_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o vice_n which_o sure_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o as_o fit_a to_o be_v provide_v against_o as_o heresy_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a in_o experience_n that_o god_n have_v provide_v no_o certain_a and_o effectual_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o vice_n for_o which_o i_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o god_n do_v that_o which_o he_o think_v best_a and_o fit_a and_o not_o what_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v to_o be_v so_o beside_o that_o infallibility_n be_v not_o a_o certain_a remedy_n against_o heresy_n the_o apostle_n be_v certain_o infallible_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v neither_o prevent_v nor_o extinguish_v heresy_n which_o never_o more_o abound_v than_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o saint_n paul_n express_o tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 19_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o st._n peter_n the_o 2_o epist._n 2._o 1._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o christian_n who_o shall_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o that_o many_o shall_v follow_v 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it_o but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o fall_v off_o and_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n when_o some_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v whereby_o in_o effect_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n be_v overthrow_v of_o this_o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o they_o err_v concern_v the_o truth_n say_v that_o tbe_n resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o and_o thereby_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 17_o 18._o that_o be_v they_o turn_v the_o resurrection_n into_o a_o allegory_n and_o do_v thereby_o real_o destroy_v a_o most_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o apostate_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v solemn_o 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the_o case_n of_o some_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o persecution_n grow_v hot_a and_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n dangerous_a to_o avoid_v this_o danger_n many_o appear_v not_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v observe_v and_o bring_v into_o trouble_n for_o it_o this_o the_o apostle_n tax_v some_o for_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o let_v go_v our_o profession_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o desert_v of_o christianity_n v_o 23_o 35._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v they_o have_v quit_v their_o profession_n but_o they_o have_v but_o a_o loose_a hold_n of_o it_o and_o be_v silent_o steal_v away_o from_o it_o 3._o a_o light_a temper_n of_o mind_n which_o easy_o receive_v impression_n from_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v 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aught_o to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o they_o and_o not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v whiffle_v out_o of_o they_o by_o any_o insignificant_a noise_n about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n much_o less_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v move_v by_o any_o man_n uncharitableness_n and_o positiveness_n in_o damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n so_o very_o plain_a not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o no_o subtlety_n of_o discourse_n no_o pretend_a authority_n or_o even_o infallibility_n of_o any_o church_n aught_o to_o stagger_v we_o in_o the_o least_o about_o they_o as_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o or_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o a_o language_n which_o they_o understand_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o our_o saviour_n institute_v and_o appoint_v it_o that_o be_v in_o both_o kind_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v our_o duty_n nor_o lawful_a to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n as_o plain_o as_o word_n can_v do_v it_o upon_o any_o one_o of_o these_o point_n a_o man_n will_v fix_v his_o foot_n and_o stand_v alone_o against_o the_o whole_a world_n 4._o another_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n be_v a_o departure_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n in_o a_o gross_a and_o notorious_a manner_n this_o be_v a_o partial_a though_o not_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v just_o charge_v with_o this_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n namely_o such_o as_o though_o they_o retain_v and_o profess_v the_o belief_n 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you_o and_o will_v pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n to_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v and_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v by_o these_o teacher_n he_o charge_v they_o with_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n quit_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o embrace_v another_o gospel_n v._o 6._o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o who_o thus_o pervert_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v plain_o guilty_a of_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o they_o who_o quit_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v thus_o pervert_v christianity_n be_v in_o a_o most_o dangerous_a state_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n remove_v unto_o another_o gospel_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o iii_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v very_o heinous_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o god_n and_o how_o great_a a_o contempt_n of_o he_o when_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o send_v no_o less_o person_n than_o his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o his_o own_o bosom_n to_o do_v it_o and_o have_v give_v such_o testimony_n to_o he_o from_o heaven_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o he_o have_v transmit_v down_o to_o we_o so_o faithful_a a_o record_n of_o this_o revelation_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o when_o we_o ourselves_o have_v so_o often_o declare_v our_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o revelation_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o deny_v it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o or_o to_o embrace_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o this_o certain_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o great_a affront_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n to_o declare_v that_o either_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o god_n say_v or_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fear_v what_o he_o can_v do_v so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o ep._n 5._o 10._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n and_o all_o along_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o apostle_n set_v himself_o to_o aggravate_v this_o sin_n call_v it_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n ch._n 3_o 12._o and_o he_o frequent_o call_v it_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o be_v of_o all_o sin_n the_o great_a and_o most_o heinous_a ch._n 10._o 26._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o discourse_n for_o have_v exhort_v they_o before_o v_o 23._o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o he_o immediate_o add_v for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o ch._n 12_o 1._o let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o that_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v then_o so_o strong_o tempt_v by_o that_o fierce_a persecution_n which_o attend_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o that_o be_v let_v we_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n against_o the_o suffering_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o christian_a course_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o man_n be_v just_o condemn_v for_o it_o john_n 3._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v but_o to_o desert_v the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o to_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a sin_n opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n may_v proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n which_o be_v a_o great_a extenuation_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o after_o all_o his_o violent_a persecution_n of_o christianity_n he_o find_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n to_o revolt_v from_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n this_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n the_o apostle_n make_v wilfulness_n a_o usual_a ingredient_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o this_o sin_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o effectual_a disparagement_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o consider_v what_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n speak_v against_o it_o because_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o and_o of_o which_o they_o have_v have_v no_o trial_n and_o experience_n but_o he_o that_o fall_v off_o from_o religion_n after_o he_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v try_v it_o and_o dislike_v it_o and_o pretend_v to_o leave_v it_o because_o he_o have_v not_o find_v that_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o which_o he_o expect_v and_o upon_o long_a experience_n of_o it_o see_v reason_n to_o prefer_v another_o religion_n before_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o despiteful_a to_o religion_n than_o this_o and_o more_o likely_a to_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n v._n 29._o of_o this_o chapter_n call_v it_o a_o trample_n under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o profane_a thing_n and_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n for_o we_o can_v put_v a_o great_a scorn_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n nor_o upon_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o come_v down_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o than_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o to_o renounce_v this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o forsake_v this_o religion_n but_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o see_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n it_o expose_v man_n to_o which_o be_v the_o iv._o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v and_o this_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o a_o most_o terrible_a manner_n not_o only_o in_o this_o epistle_n but_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o sin_n be_v place_v in_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o pardonable_a sin_n and_o next_o to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n speak_v very_o doubtful_o of_o the_o pardonableness_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o be_v near_o akin_a to_o that_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o 6_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o a_o very_a severe_a manner_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o have_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o the_o solemn_a profession_n of_o it_o in_o baptism_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v baptize_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n that_o be_v regeneration_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o gospel
to_o turn_v they_o into_o jest_n and_o raillery_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o renounce_v of_o christianity_n the_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v but_o even_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o and_o the_o principle_n and_o notion_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n mind_n this_o be_v a_o impiety_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n and_o not_o to_o be_v mention_v without_o grief_n and_o horror_n and_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v have_v have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o our_o eye_n have_v see_v and_o i_o pray_v god_n it_o do_v not_o draw_v down_o still_o more_o and_o great_a judgement_n upon_o this_o nation_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v none_o here_o that_o need_v to_o be_v caution_v against_o this_o horrible_a impiety_n and_o high_a degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o which_o people_n be_v much_o more_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v apostasy_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n so_o happy_o recover_v by_o a_o regular_a reformation_n and_o establish_v among_o we_o by_o all_o the_o authority_n that_o law_n both_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a can_v give_v it_o and_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o ancient_n and_o primitive_a christianity_n i_o say_v a_o defection_n from_o this_o to_o those_o gross_a error_n and_o superstition_n which_o the_o reformation_n have_v pair_v off_o and_o free_v we_o from_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n but_o it_o be_v a_o partial_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n and_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o and_o that_o those_o who_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n fall_v off_o from_o it_o into_o those_o error_n and_o corruption_n be_v highe_o guilty_a before_o god_n and_o their_o condition_n certain_o worse_o and_o more_o dangerous_a than_o of_o those_o who_o where_o bring_v up_o in_o those_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o never_o know_v better_o for_o there_o be_v terrible_a threaten_n in_o scripture_n against_o those_o who_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o once_o embrace_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o god_n consider_v every_o man_n advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o their_o disadvantage_n likewise_o and_o make_v all_o reasonable_a allowance_n for_o they_o and_o for_o man_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o error_n they_o have_v be_v always_o bring_v up_o in_o or_o which_o come_v much_o to_o one_o in_o error_n which_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o by_o principle_n early_o infuse_v into_o they_o before_o they_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n competent_a judge_n of_o those_o matter_n i_o say_v for_o such_o person_n to_o continue_v in_o these_o error_n and_o to_o oppose_v and_o reject_v the_o contrary_a truth_n against_o which_o by_o their_o education_n they_o have_v receive_v so_o strong_a and_o violent_a a_o prejudice_n this_o may_v be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n excusable_a and_o find_v pardon_n with_o god_n upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n for_o all_o sin_n both_o know_v and_o unknown_a and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o charge_v with_o the_o gild_n of_o this_o great_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n but_o not_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v entertain_v and_o profess_v it_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o know_v it_o have_v no_o excuse_n i_o will_v not_o be_v rash_a in_o condemn_v particular_a person_n of_o any_o society_n or_o communion_n of_o christian_n provide_v they_o be_v sincere_o devout_a and_o just_a and_o sober_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n i_o have_v much_o rather_o leave_v they_o to_o god_n who_o mercy_n be_v great_a than_o to_o pass_v a_o uncharitable_a censure_n upon_o they_o as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n and_o condition_n but_o the_o case_n be_v far_o otherwise_o where_o the_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n be_v afford_v to_o man_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v for_o they_o who_o have_v the_o mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o know_v their_o master_n will_n be_v answerable_a to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v know_v it_o because_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v gross_o negligent_a and_o want_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v have_v know_v it_o and_o this_o i_o fear_n be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o year_n of_o consideration_n and_o choice_n in_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o forsake_v it_o because_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o there_o be_v invincible_a objection_n against_o it_o they_o do_v it_o without_o sufficient_a reason_n because_o every_o one_o among_o we_o know_v or_o may_v know_v upon_o very_o little_a enquiry_n that_o we_o hold_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o into_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v baptize_v that_o we_o inculcate_v upon_o man_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o of_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o perfect_a contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v follow_v with_o real_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v by_o any_o device_n whatsoever_o now_o what_o reason_n can_v any_o man_n have_v to_o question_v whether_o he_o may_v be_v save_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o save_v the_o first_o christian_n and_o by_o believe_v the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n though_o he_o can_v swallow_v the_o twelve_o article_n which_o be_v add_v to_o it_o in_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n iu._n every_o one_o of_o which_o beside_o many_o and_o great_a corruption_n and_o superstition_n in_o worship_n be_v so_o many_o and_o invincible_a objection_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o i_o can_v particular_o show_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v already_o do_v in_o so_o many_o learned_a treatise_n upon_o this_o argument_n what_o be_v there_o then_o that_o shall_v move_v any_o reasonable_a man_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o to_o quit_v the_o reform_a religion_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n chief_o with_o which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o amuse_v and_o affright_v weak_a mind_n 1._o a_o great_a noise_n of_o infallibility_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o mean_n to_o determine_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o difference_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a only_a object_n this_o prejudice_n that_o there_o be_v not_o wide_o and_o hot_a difference_n among_o we_o about_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o than_o be_v among_o they_o about_o this_o admirable_a mean_n of_o end_v all_o difference_n as_o where_o this_o infallibility_n be_v feat_v that_o man_n may_v know_v how_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o it_o for_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n 2._o they_o endeavour_v to_o fright_v man_n with_o the_o danger_n of_o schism_n but_o every_o man_n know_v that_o the_o gild_n of_o schism_n lie_v at_o their_o door_n who_o impose_v sinful_a article_n of_o communion_n and_o not_o upon_o they_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o sin_v against_o god_n can_v submit_v to_o those_o article_n which_o we_o have_v do_v and_o be_v still_o ready_a to_o make_v good_a to_o be_v the_o case_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o 3._o the_o terrible_a engine_n of_o all_o be_v their_o positive_a and_o confident_a damn_v of_o all_o that_o live_v and_o die_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n this_o i_o have_v full_o speak_v to_o upon_o another_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o say_v at_o present_a that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v better_a thought_n of_o god_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o delighteh_n not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v confirm_v the_o sentence_n of_o such_o uncharitable_a man_n as_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o condemn_v man_n for_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o gospel_n condemn_v no_o man._n and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o uncharitableness_n of_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o no_o man_n to_o run_v into_o its_o communion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n ver_fw-la 23._o of_o this_o chapter_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o charity_n and_o good_a work_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o day_n approach_v in_o which_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o faith_n
plain_a then_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n nor_o necessity_n to_o extend_v this_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v self-denial_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n and_o therefore_o this_o precept_n must_v be_v limit_v by_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o intendment_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n and_o no_o man_n can_v argue_v thus_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v self-denial_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n require_v it_o of_o his_o disciple_n for_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o require_v all_o kind_n of_o self-denial_n but_o limit_n it_o by_o his_o discourse_n to_o one_o certain_a kind_n beyond_o which_o self-denial_n be_v no_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o text_n and_o therefore_o for_o our_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o remove_v some_o sort_n of_o self-denial_n which_o be_v instance_a in_o by_o some_o as_o intend_v in_o this_o precept_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o kind_n of_o self-denial_n that_o be_v which_o our_o saviour_n here_o intend_v 1._o there_o be_v several_a thing_n bring_v under_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n which_o be_v never_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o insist_v upon_o and_o some_o of_o they_o by_o very_o devout_a and_o well-meaning_a man_n as_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o our_o reason_n nay_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o renounce_v our_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o our_o brethren_n but_o all_o these_o be_v so_o apparent_o and_o gross_o unreasonable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o one_o shall_v ever_o take_v they_o for_o instance_n of_o that_o self-denial_n which_o our_o saviour_n require_v especial_o consider_v that_o in_o all_o 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to_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o we_o than_o any_o man_n ever_o do_v for_o his_o best_a friend_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n and_o want_n let_v we_o consider_v he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n who_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v make_v rich_a if_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o lot_n to_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o exercise_v with_o suffering_n and_o reproach_n let_v we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n for_o our_o sake_n in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o be_v discontent_v at_o any_o condition_n or_o decline_v it_o in_o a_o good_a cause_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o content_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o destitute_a how_o meek_a and_o patient_a in_o the_o most_o afflict_a and_o suffer_a condition_n how_o 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of_o choice_n but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n he_o do_v it_o for_o our_o sake_n we_o do_v it_o for_o our_o own_o his_o own_o goodness_n move_v he_o to_o deny_v himself_o for_o we_o but_o gratitude_n oblige_v we_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o in_o any_o thing_n for_o he_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o deserve_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o but_o he_o have_v whole_o merit_v all_o this_o and_o infinite_o more_o from_o we_o so_o that_o such_o a_o example_n as_o this_o be_v in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o but_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o precept_n will_v yet_o far_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n all_o needful_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v they_o therein_o 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this_o bless_a state_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n so_o have_v he_o likewise_o assure_v we_o that_o great_a degree_n of_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n mat._n 5._o 10_o 11_o 12._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o part_v with_o thing_n of_o small_a value_n for_o thing_n infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a to_o forego_v the_o transient_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o imperfect_a felicity_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o solid_a and_o perfect_a and_o perpetual_a happiness_n 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