few_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o all_o other_o and_o therefore_o while_o it_o be_v pure_a they_o can_v not_o bear_v it_o who_o gain_n be_v their_o godliness_n and_o who_o have_v be_v use_v to_o tell_v lie_v in_o hypocrisy_n 3._o the_o proneness_n of_o mankind_n to_o superstition_n be_v another_o cause_n of_o disapprove_v what_o god_n approve_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v according_a to_o their_o religion_n for_o a_o plain_a faith_n a_o pure_a and_o simple_a worship_n and_o for_o a_o few_o mystery_n no_o more_o than_o god_n have_v make_v and_o for_o make_v charity_n and_o purity_n the_o end_n of_o all_o these_o but_o general_o speak_v people_n be_v for_o be_v save_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n with_o a_o priest_n to_o administer_v they_o they_o love_v to_o be_v amuse_v and_o to_o have_v their_o imagination_n entertain_v with_o mystery_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o then_o to_o believe_v that_o their_o soul_n have_v receive_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a by_o it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n christianity_n do_v very_o little_o gratify_v the_o fancy_n and_o labour_n very_o much_o to_o inform_v the_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o have_v be_v think_v a_o religion_n fit_v only_o for_o philosopher_n be_v not_o accommodate_v enough_o to_o the_o vulgar_a unless_o it_o be_v dress_v out_o with_o more_o mystery_n and_o pageantry_n but_o then_o the_o ancient_a father_n make_v no_o doubt_n to_o call_v it_o a_o philosophy_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v design_v to_o make_v plowman_n and_o vulgar_a person_n philosopher_n i._n e._n to_o cure_v they_o of_o superstition_n and_o to_o inform_v their_o mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o profitable_a truth_n this_o be_v the_o true_a business_n of_o christian_a priest_n not_o to_o make_v gain_n to_o themselves_o by_o deceive_a people_n that_o be_v to_o be_v deceive_v nor_o to_o get_v power_n and_o dependency_n by_o those_o doctrine_n whereby_o the_o people_n get_v ease_n and_o liberty_n and_o ignorance_n but_o instead_o of_o nourish_v and_o encourage_v to_o repress_v and_o correct_v the_o proneness_n of_o mankind_n to_o superstition_n 4._o these_o two_o opposite_a infirmity_n a_o fondness_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v new_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o passionate_a zeal_n for_o that_o which_o have_v some_o antiquity_n on_o the_o other_o do_v by_o turn_n promote_v this_o mischief_n some_o error_n have_v very_o successful_o take_v place_n at_o first_o when_o they_o be_v entertainment_n to_o those_o that_o love_v novelty_n and_o the_o same_o error_n in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v hug_v by_o other_o because_o they_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o great_a antiquity_n they_o be_v few_o in_o comparison_n that_o have_v not_o rather_o be_v tell_v what_o be_v late_o and_o what_o be_v ancient_a than_o what_o be_v true_a to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v 5._o the_o vast_a influence_n that_o prejudice_n and_o prepossession_n have_v upon_o man_n understanding_n which_o be_v very_o often_o so_o great_a that_o it_o will_v not_o allow_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o so_o condemn_v he_o that_o offer_v truth_n before_o he_o be_v hear_v or_o if_o a_o hear_n can_v be_v avoid_v it_o be_v able_a sometime_o to_o divert_v the_o attention_n or_o if_o attention_n be_v give_v it_o can_v corrupt_v the_o judgement_n man_n in_o those_o circumstance_n be_v but_o ill_a judge_n whatever_o their_o natural_a ability_n be_v they_o love_v one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n they_o bate_v the_o other_o and_o they_o judge_v according_o 6._o in_o many_o person_n the_o impatience_n of_o consider_v and_o weigh_v thing_n and_o the_o ease_n of_o let_v other_o judge_n for_o they_o without_o examine_v particular_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o false_a judgement_n for_o the_o ease_n that_o a_o man_n get_v this_o way_n incline_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v judge_n who_o can_v err_v and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o tell_v he_o nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o this_o disposition_n be_v a_o mighty_a friend_n to_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o so_o high_a a_o authority_n because_o it_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n to_o say_v what_o they_o listen_v and_o to_o determine_v what_o they_o please_v whoever_o therefore_o come_v with_o truth_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n against_o a_o authority_n that_o must_v not_o be_v think_v capable_a of_o mistake_v it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v welcome_a neither_o to_o those_o that_o teach_v nor_o to_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v for_o in_o effect_n he_o come_v to_o the_o former_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o must_v quit_v their_o power_n and_o to_o the_o latter_a that_o they_o must_v quit_v their_o ease_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o man_n condemn_v those_o who_o god_n justify_v by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_n which_o come_v of_o evil._n and_o the_o conclusion_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o they_o it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n square_v our_o profession_n and_o our_o action_n by_o so_o false_a a_o rule_n as_o that_o of_o please_a man_n and_o gain_v the_o favour_n and_o good_a word_n of_o man_n for_o they_o may_v and_o they_o often_o have_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o often_o will_v condemn_v those_o who_o god_n justify_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o will_v justify_v those_o who_o god_n condemn_v to_o get_v favour_n and_o to_o avoid_v disgrace_n be_v a_o happiness_n which_o he_o that_o scorn_v be_v not_o wise_a but_o it_o be_v no_o rule_n for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v by_o and_o he_o that_o make_v it_o so_o can_v be_v honest_a man_n may_v condemn_v those_o who_o god_n justify_v that_o be_v the_o first_o point_n the_o second_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o man_n be_v tolerable_a if_o god_n justify_v a_o truth_n so_o clear_a that_o more_o word_n can_v make_v it_o clear_a but_o they_o may_v serve_v to_o fasten_v it_o more_o upon_o our_o mind_n let_v we_o consider_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o 1._o the_o infinite_a disproportion_n between_o god_n and_o man_n st._n paul_n meaning_n be_v that_o god_n justify_v and_o man_n condemn_v and_o to_o show_v that_o in_o comparison_n no_o body_n condemn_v in_o this_o case_n he_o put_v his_o meaning_n into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o question_n it_o be_v god_n that_o justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o be_v much_o trouble_v to_o be_v rail_v at_o by_o a_o slave_n if_o he_o be_v honour_v by_o a_o king_n 2._o we_o can_v cetain_o tell_v how_o to_o please_v god_n because_o we_o know_v what_o profession_n and_o what_o practice_n he_o approve_v for_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o they_o be_v and_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o we_o be_v secure_a also_o that_o what_o will_v please_v he_o to_o day_n will_v do_v so_o to_o morrow_n and_o that_o what_o he_o account_v good_a service_n now_o he_o will_v always_o reckon_v to_o be_v so_o for_o god_n change_v not_o and_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n contradict_v himself_o he_o conceal_v no_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n from_o we_o and_o therefore_o to_o gain_v his_o favour_n we_o need_v not_o go_v forward_o and_o backward_o nor_o contradict_v ourselves_o neither_o if_o we_o study_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n as_o we_o have_v but_o one_o lord_n to_o please_v so_o he_o be_v ever_o constant_a to_o himself_o our_o way_n be_v one_o and_o plain_a and_o our_o rule_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o 3._o god_n know_v the_o very_a secret_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o god_n justify_v be_v true_o worthy_a he_o that_o can_v bear_v the_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o god_n be_v in_o reality_n all_o that_o he_o appear_v to_o be_v he_o be_v that_o just_a faithful_a and_o unbiased_a man_n and_o he_o have_v that_o pure_a and_o clear_a mind_n which_o if_o we_o can_v see_v with_o our_o bodily_a eye_n we_o shall_v as_o plato_n fancy_v be_v ready_a to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v it_o man_n justify_v only_o by_o the_o outward_a appearance_n and_o sometime_o happen_v to_o be_v please_v with_o profession_n and_o service_n where_o nothing_o be_v mean_v of_o that_o which_o be_v so_o well_o take_v a_o knave_n and_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v win_v thanks_o from_o man_n but_o where_o god_n justify_v there_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n and_o whoever_o condemn_v such_o a_o one_o disgrace_n himself_o more_o than_o he_o 4._o if_o god_n justify_v we_o our_o own_o heart_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n acquit_v and_o absolve_v we_o say_v st._n john_n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o it_o be_v true_a on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o if_o god_n condemn_v we_o not_o
pursue_v upon_o this_o account_n if_o upon_o no_o other_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o offence_n come_v do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n of_o the_o bless_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o harmless_a and_o dovelike_a temper_n of_o christianity_n the_o excellency_n of_o its_o design_n the_o richness_n of_o its_o promise_n the_o divinity_n of_o its_o rule_n and_o precept_n the_o comfort_n it_o have_v in_o store_n for_o all_o honest_a mind_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o run_v cross_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o it_o show_v a_o infallible_a way_n to_o single_a person_n and_o to_o community_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o all_o man_n to_o be_v for_o ever_o bless_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o will_v rather_o have_v expect_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v fortolde_v that_o no_o man_n in_o any_o age_n will_v ever_o set_v himself_o to_o oppose_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n if_o likewise_o we_o observe_v what_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n god_n approve_v and_o own_v it_o by_o how_o high_o reasonable_a the_o principle_n thereof_o be_v and_o how_o those_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n yet_o be_v once_o reveal_v do_v satisfy_v our_o reason_n and_o approve_v themselves_o to_o it_o how_o evident_a the_o design_n thereof_o be_v how_o plain_a the_o precept_n how_o few_o the_o positive_a instruction_n of_o it_o be_v and_o how_o significant_a and_o profitable_a they_o be_v and_o how_o full_a of_o instruction_n final_o how_o manifest_a those_o necessary_a doctrine_n be_v the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_a and_o what_o that_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v which_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v confess_v and_o without_o controversy_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o these_o thing_n and_o no_o far_o we_o shall_v rather_o have_v expect_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n shall_v never_o have_v be_v gainsay_v never_o pervert_v never_o mingle_v with_o error_n never_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o wrangle_v and_o discord_n and_o never_o have_v become_v the_o matter_n of_o nice_a and_o angry_a dispute_n but_o only_o of_o a_o unblamable_a faith_n and_o practice_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v undoubted_o a_o faithful_a say_v or_o doctrine_n clear_o reveal_v and_o stand_v upon_o evident_a testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v also_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n why_o then_o must_v it_o need_v be_v that_o offence_n come_v to_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o plain_a answer_n in_o our_o saviour_n word_n to_o nicodemus_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 because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a joh._n 3.18_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n shall_v come_v for_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v it_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o have_v one_o way_n or_o other_o always_o seek_v to_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n and_o design_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v not_o the_o defect_n but_o the_o exceed_a excellence_n and_o purity_n of_o true_a christianity_n that_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o world_n to_o oppose_v it_o to_o pervert_v it_o and_o to_o discourage_v the_o profession_n or_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n too_o wise_a and_o too_o good_a for_o they_o that_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a themselves_o and_o therefore_o consider_v the_o great_a corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o god_n will_v not_o over-bear_a by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n but_o cure_n by_o rational_a mean_n and_o method_n no_o wonder_n that_o offence_n have_v come_v nay_o that_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v to_o argue_v more_o particular_o 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o manner_n lay_v a_o severe_a restraint_n upon_o all_o the_o unreasonable_a lust_n of_o man_n and_o make_v a_o great_a many_o liberty_n unlawful_a which_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n violent_o incline_v to_o take_v and_o therefore_o every_o carnal_a man_n while_o he_o so_o continue_v carry_v within_o himself_o a_o terrible_a prejudice_n a_o secret_a enmity_n against_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o his_o heart_n rise_v with_o as_o much_o anger_n against_o that_o doctrine_n of_o god_n that_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o pursue_v his_o worldly_a and_o fleshly_a desire_n as_o he_o will_v but_o to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v they_o as_o herod_n when_o he_o take_v his_o brother_n wife_n express_v against_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o thou_o to_o have_v she_o man_n nature_n affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v confine_v it_o be_v disease_v and_o can_v endure_v to_o he_o heal_v and_o it_o be_v therefore_o likely_a enough_o that_o very_o many_o will_v reject_v the_o physician_n and_o be_v angry_a with_o those_o very_a remedy_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v send_v the_o true_a and_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n my_o brethren_n if_o it_o be_v believe_v can_v but_o make_v we_o very_o uneasy_a and_o unquiet_a while_o we_o be_v conscious_a of_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v reform_v because_o it_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o all_o our_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n it_o forewarn_v we_o of_o a_o dreadful_a sentence_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o a_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o we_o be_v unwilling_a at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o venture_v in_o which_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o repentance_n and_o man_n that_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n and_o lover_n of_o gain_n can_v easy_o admit_v a_o doctrine_n which_o give_v they_o as_o much_o uneasiness_n and_o disturbance_n as_o if_o the_o point_n of_o a_o sword_n be_v always_o turn_v towards_o their_o very_a heart_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o endure_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o heathen_n oppose_v it_o and_o persecute_v it_o and_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o christian_n have_v corrupt_v it_o by_o find_v out_o other_o way_n to_o avoid_v damnation_n than_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v this_o that_o have_v make_v way_n for_o satisfactory_a commutation_n merit_n of_o other_o and_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o all_o those_o device_n which_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o reconcile_v a_o wicked_a life_n to_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o entangle_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n and_o do_v they_o not_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o the_o rain_n fall_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n thereof_o that_o be_v it_o suffer_v a_o irreparable_a ruin_n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v no_o way_n frame_v to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o ambitious_a and_o worldly-minded_n man_n or_o to_o help_v they_o in_o pursue_v those_o end_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o will_v be_v by_o some_o or_o other_o mould_v for_o that_o purpose_n when_o opportunity_n shall_v serve_v our_o saviour_n teach_v the_o world_n no_o other_o principle_n of_o morality_n no_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n than_o what_o be_v equal_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o believe_v and_o follow_v a_o common_a good_a and_o a_o equal_a benefit_n be_v intend_v in_o they_o all_o for_o let_v they_o prevail_v without_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n be_v secure_v and_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n to_o subject_n neighbour-nation_n shall_v give_v strength_n and_o confidence_n instead_o of_o create_v jealousy_n to_o one_o another_o the_o master_n shall_v be_v better_o serve_v and_o the_o servant_n better_o use_v the_o church_n by_o her_o doctrine_n and_o spiritual_a authority_n will_v be_v a_o guard_n to_o the_o state_n and_o receive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n protection_n from_o it_o here_o be_v no_o
they_o be_v but_o this_o that_o they_o do_v effectual_o draw_v forth_o that_o wickedness_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v lie_v more_o undiscovered_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o then_o also_o they_o manifest_v more_o clear_o that_o integrity_n that_o piety_n that_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n and_o virtue_n and_o charity_n of_o good_a man_n which_o otherwise_o have_v not_o so_o much_o appear_v bad_a man_n do_v by_o mean_n of_o heresy_n grow_v worse_o and_o the_o good_a grow_v better_o by_o they_o according_a to_o that_o say_n in_o daniel_n chap._n 12.10_o the_o wicked_a shall_v do_v wicked_o and_o shall_v not_o understand_v but_o the_o wise_a shall_v understand_v they_o be_v harden_v and_o these_o be_v purify_v and_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o sincerity_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o vice_n on_o the_o other_o be_v so_o clear_o see_v that_o the_o good_a example_n will_v at_o last_o prevail_v against_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o the_o indirect_a way_n of_o support_a error_n will_v show_v the_o simplicity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o child_n of_o truth_n to_o more_o advantage_n than_o it_o can_v possible_o have_v have_v without_o the_o comparison_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o easy_a for_o people_n of_o honest_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o discern_v which_o be_v the_o true_a flock_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o what_o communion_n they_o be_v to_o betake_v themselves_o when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n plant_v the_o church_n thing_n be_v not_o so_o order_v as_o to_o make_v proselyte_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n however_o they_o be_v qualify_v but_o rather_o to_o gather_v together_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o that_o be_v all_o that_o be_v of_o pious_a and_o honest_a disposition_n and_o though_o the_o mighty_a evidence_n wherewith_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v draw_v in_o some_o that_o be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a yet_o either_o persecution_n or_o schism_n soon_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o they_o again_o and_o heresy_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v permit_v ever_o since_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o make_v it_o appear_v more_o evident_o who_o be_v the_o faithful_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v those_o evil_n to_o happen_v which_o he_o make_v to_o work_v for_o the_o same_o good_a end_n which_o be_v design_v by_o that_o manner_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o reveal_v 2._o neither_o be_v schism_n and_o heresy_n any_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v always_o a_o disparagement_n to_o be_v oppose_v and_o forsake_v which_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o for_o otherwise_o christianity_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v a_o false_a religion_n and_o the_o church_n which_o they_o found_v a_o false_a church_n for_o thence_o come_v the_o gnostic_n and_o valentinian_o and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o heresy_n more_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o elder_n at_o miletum_n act_v 20.30_o that_o from_o themselves_o will_v arise_v man_n teach_v perverse_a thing_n that_o will_v draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o for_o want_v of_o better_a argument_n that_o the_o reformation_n be_v to_o be_v object_v against_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o party_n into_o which_o it_o be_v divide_v and_o this_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o party_n that_o have_v break_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o for_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v either_o no_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o hold_v fast_o all_o that_o be_v once_o of_o it_o or_o else_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o that_o true_a church_n since_o many_o go_v off_o from_o it_o and_o which_o perhaps_o they_o that_o make_v this_o objection_n will_v be_v more_o concern_v to_o consider_v they_o from_o who_o so_o many_o nation_n have_v break_v off_o can_v escape_v their_o own_o censure_n as_o for_o the_o unity_n of_o those_o that_o keep_v together_o in_o one_o profession_n and_o communion_n this_o be_v no_o certain_a mark_n of_o truth_n for_o as_o man_n may_v be_v unite_v in_o truth_n so_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v in_o error_n and_o all_o party_n have_v this_o mark_v common_a to_o they_o that_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v not_o differ_v they_o agree_v together_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o truth_n those_o party_n equal_o have_v it_o that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o but_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o silly_a objection_n in_o the_o world_n against_o a_o common_a cause_n that_o be_v maintain_v by_o people_n that_o can_v agree_v in_o many_o thing_n that_o therefore_o that_o cause_n be_v naughty_a and_o erroneous_a this_o i_o say_v be_v intolerable_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a since_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o reason_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o uncertain_a passion_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o men._n for_o by_o this_o mean_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o ill-disposed_a person_n that_o for_o whatever_o reason_n may_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a heresy_n to_o make_v all_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o profess_v before_o to_o be_v truth_n no_o long_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o we_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n in_o the_o general_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o jew_n christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v agree_v what_o be_v true_a christianity_n that_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o party_n that_o have_v no_o religious_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o christianity_n be_v a_o false_a religion_n nay_o it_o be_v still_o a_o strong_a argument_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o atheist_n against_o all_o religion_n whatsoever_o since_o christianity_n mahometanism_n judaisme_n and_o paganism_n be_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o one_o another_o but_o there_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n than_o that_o which_o the_o text_n afford_v by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o heresy_n and_o party_n be_v unavoidable_a and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v they_o even_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v so_o offend_v at_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o either_o to_o throw_v off_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n till_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v about_o it_o or_o to_o take_v up_o with_o that_o which_o pretend_v to_o most_o unity_n without_o any_o far_a examination_n be_v hereby_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v insincere_a and_o vicious_a person_n for_o as_o heresy_n be_v permit_v by_o providence_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v so_o they_o be_v permit_v that_o they_o which_o be_v reprobate_a and_o can_v bear_v a_o trial_n may_v be_v also_o make_v manifest_a and_o it_o be_v no_o loss_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o she_o be_v not_o find_v by_o those_o that_o love_v she_o not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o that_o be_v of_o god_n will_v hear_v his_o word_n and_o wisdom_n will_v be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v in_o that_o number_n we_o be_v to_o make_v it_o our_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n to_o avoid_v the_o great_a heresy_n of_o all_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o vicious_a affection_n then_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o build_v up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n for_o as_o evil_a deed_n make_v man_n hate_v the_o light_n so_o if_o our_o deed_n be_v good_a and_o our_o conscience_n pure_a we_o shall_v love_v the_o light_n and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o sell_v it_o we_o shall_v buy_v it_o with_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o impartial_a enquiry_n and_o consideration_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o sell_v it_o for_o either_o comfortable_a or_o gainful_a error_n to_o conclude_v god_n have_v in_o that_o manner_n reveal_v the_o truth_n which_o concern_v our_o salvation_n that_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v deceive_v who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v but_o that_o they_o who_o seek_v it_o sincere_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o the_o nine_o sermon_n 2_o pet._n i._o 19_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a
themselves_o allow_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n st._n paul_n and_o such_o as_o he_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n those_o very_a write_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o though_o to_o this_o faith_n they_o add_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n yet_o they_o be_v esteem_v heretic_n because_o they_o undertake_v to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o instead_o of_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n that_o have_v betray_v and_o murder_v the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o sedition_n too_o as_o if_o they_o design_v to_o make_v stir_v and_o commotion_n and_o to_o alienate_v the_o people_n from_o theia_n governor_n thus_o when_o paul_n and_o silas_n have_v convert_v a_o multitude_n of_o devout_a greek_n and_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o chief_a woman_n at_o thessalonica_n the_o jew_n who_o believe_v not_o move_v with_o envy_n take_v unto_o they_o certain_a lewd_a fellow_n of_o the_o base_a sort_n and_o draw_v some_o of_o the_o brethren_n to_o the_o ruler_n cry_v these_o that_o have_v turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o be_v come_v hither_o also_o who_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o caesar_n say_v that_o there_o be_v another_o king_n one_o jesus_n act_v 17.5_o 6._o and_o yet_o they_o never_o make_v one_o step_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n towards_o depose_v prince_n and_o change_a government_n jesus_n indeed_o who_o have_v command_v they_o to_o pay_v tribute_n unto_o caesar_n have_v also_o forbid_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n which_o caesar_n be_v then_o of_o and_o this_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o accusation_n of_o faction_n and_o disloyalty_n thus_o also_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n be_v bring_v before_o foelix_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o jew_n complain_v by_o tertullian_n their_o orator_n that_o they_o have_v find_v he_o a_o pestilent_a fellow_n and_o a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n among_o all_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n act_v 24.5_o 3._o they_o conclude_v they_o under_o a_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v do_v it_o indeed_o they_o will_v have_v it_o think_v so_o impossible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v save_v that_o some_o of_o they_o after_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v strong_o persuade_v that_o they_o still_o ought_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o will_v have_v mingle_v judaisme_n and_o christianity_n together_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v act_v 15.1_o 4._o as_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o such_o case_n to_o damn_v first_o and_o then_o to_o kill_v they_o deliver_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o death_n and_o pretend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o it_o for_o which_o we_o may_v take_v those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o st._n paul_n describe_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o jew_n then_o and_o what_o his_o own_o once_o be_v say_v he_o i_o be_v teach_v according_a to_o the_o perfect_a manner_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o father_n and_o be_v zealous_a towards_o god_n as_o you_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n act_n 22.3_o 4._o and_o in_o chap._n 26._o v._n 10_o 11._o he_o declare_v that_o he_o persecute_v they_o oft_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o he_o persecute_v they_o even_o into_o strange_a city_n such_o be_v the_o entertainment_n they_o have_v from_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n be_v first_o deliver_v but_o when_o it_o be_v carry_v among_o the_o gentile_n they_o condemn_v it_o too_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v run_v down_o as_o if_o it_o have_v bring_v irreligion_n and_o atheism_n into_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o the_o ancient_a apologist_n be_v fain_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o set_v themselves_o against_o this_o absurd_a accusation_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o one_o to_o serve_v god_n at_o all_o and_o not_o to_o serve_v many_o god_n that_o there_o may_v be_v devotion_n without_o bow_v down_o to_o image_n and_o religion_n and_o worship_n without_o idolatry_n and_o better_o a_o great_a deal_n without_o these_o thing_n than_o with_o they_o it_o be_v exclaim_v against_o as_o a_o late_a upstart_n religion_n that_o begin_v but_o yesterday_o and_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v hiss_v than_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o world_n they_o use_v to_o ask_v the_o christian_n what_o sort_n of_o man_n they_o can_v name_v either_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n that_o make_v their_o profession_n and_o have_v their_o rite_n and_o worship_n before_o jesus_n appear_v you_o have_v forsake_v say_v they_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o father_n that_o have_v be_v observe_v of_o old_a time_n in_o all_o city_n and_o country_n you_o have_v revolt_v from_o a_o worship_n which_o have_v have_v the_o tradition_n of_o all_o age_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o king_n and_o people_n lawmaker_n and_o philosopher_n and_o by_o almost_o all_o the_o world_n till_o such_o as_o you_o appear_v who_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o 3._o they_o try_v to_o overwhelm_v it_o with_o the_o most_o gross_a and_o palpable_a untruth_n they_o give_v it_o out_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v worshipper_n of_o the_o sun_n nay_o that_o they_o adore_v a_o asses-head_n and_o sometime_o a_o cross_n they_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v that_o in_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n they_o kill_v a_o child_n and_o commit_v incest_n they_o also_o upon_o no_o occasion_n in_o the_o world_n disarm_v they_o as_o a_o seditious_a and_o disloyal_a people_n and_o accuse_v they_o of_o treason_n though_o none_o ever_o set_v better_a example_n of_o fidelity_n to_o their_o governor_n to_o conclude_v our_o predecessor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v now_o and_o then_o condemn_v to_o several_a sort_n of_o death_n and_o it_o be_v often_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o safe_a to_o be_v some_o notorious_a malefactor_n than_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o a_o word_n the_o gospel_n meet_v with_o that_o opposition_n which_o no_o religion_n ever_o do_v before_o the_o god_n of_o other_o nation_n new_a god_n every_o day_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o temple_n at_o rome_n with_o some_o formality_n and_o without_o trouble_n but_o when_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n come_v to_o call_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v jew_n and_o gentile_n conspire_v to_o extinguish_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o blot_v out_o their_o name_n for_o ever_o insomuch_o that_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n can_v tell_v st._n paul_n as_o concern_v this_o sect_n we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o those_o therefore_o who_o god_n justify_v have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v condemn_v by_o man_n which_o will_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o any_o of_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v for_o instance_n 1._o that_o hatred_n of_o truth_n which_o reign_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n they_o can_v bear_v sound_a doctrine_n nor_o can_v they_o therefore_o bear_v those_o that_o profess_v and_o practise_v it_o truth_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v be_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o so_o long_o as_o pride_n lust_n avarice_n revenge_n luxury_n and_o such_o thing_n remain_v there_o will_v be_v so_o many_o cause_n of_o condemn_v that_o which_o god_n approve_v to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v 2._o the_o inflexibleness_n of_o true_a doctrine_n and_o of_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o to_o the_o design_n of_o worldly_a men._n christianity_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a scheme_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v suffer_v no_o addition_n or_o alteration_n it_o be_v stiff_a and_o will_v not_o bend_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o priest_n or_o of_o statesman_n as_o all_o that_o will_v which_o the_o heathen_n call_v religion_n among_o themselves_o whilst_o it_o be_v keep_v in_o wise_a and_o honest_a hand_n and_o true_o represent_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o cheat_v no_o allowance_n for_o pious_a fraud_n no_o place_n for_o convenient_a invention_n innovation_n can_v not_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n or_o the_o substance_n of_o their_o worship_n but_o they_o will_v be_v corruption_n of_o both_o without_o tamper_n with_o it_o it_o can_v not_o serve_v the_o ambition_n of_o a_o
the_o church_n any_o more_o than_o the_o error_n of_o pergamos_n make_v she_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o nor_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o reform_a and_o the_o unreformed_a part_n of_o christendom_n shall_v be_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o that_o one_o church_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o creed_n any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n to_o have_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n both_o before_o and_o after_o her_o reformation_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o the_o task_n i_o set_v myself_o and_o i_o hope_v need_n to_o make_v no_o apology_n for_o entertain_v you_o with_o a_o controversy_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o indeed_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o controversy_n among_o we_o but_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n or_o judge_n and_o yet_o require_v the_o people_n to_o believe_v as_o she_o believe_v to_o profess_v what_o she_o profess_v and_o to_o do_v what_o she_o enjoin_v it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o her_o minister_n shall_v sometime_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o she_o require_v this_o because_o she_o have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v and_o be_v not_o in_o these_o point_n deceive_v though_o she_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o she_o can_v err_v in_o any_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o have_v make_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v discourse_v plain_a enough_o to_o every_o understanding_n but_o whether_o that_o be_v so_o or_o not_o yet_o every_o one_o may_v perceive_v that_o we_o appeal_v to_o his_o reason_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o honesty_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n if_o i_o understand_v nothing_o else_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o pretend_v to_o guide_v i_o with_o reason_n than_o of_o another_o that_o will_v govern_v i_o without_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o former_a be_v likely_a to_o take_v more_o care_n not_o to_o mislead_v i_o than_o the_o latter_a needs_o to_o do_v which_o when_o it_o have_v gain_v i_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o a_o blind_a obedience_n may_v lead_v i_o whither_o she_o please_v as_o for_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o i_o have_v offer_v nothing_o to_o you_o but_o what_o i_o believe_v myself_o and_o far_o that_o i_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o reason_n why_o i_o be_o fix_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o but_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o error_n of_o that_o church_n which_o if_o i_o shall_v profess_v or_o practice_v i_o can_v not_o entertain_v the_o least_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o we_o who_o be_v thus_o convince_v be_v as_o i_o take_v it_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o take_v seasonable_a opportunity_n of_o confirm_v our_o brethren_n in_o our_o communion_n and_o enable_v they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o argument_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o other_o side_n be_v unsatisfactory_a and_o vain_a as_o i_o have_v in_o some_o part_n endeavour_v to_o show_v at_o this_o time_n we_o shall_v indeed_o not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n to_o recover_v those_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v educate_v in_o damnable_a error_n but_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o do_v all_o we_o can_v to_o retain_v those_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o it_o see_v if_o they_o revolt_v we_o can_v have_v that_o hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o have_v of_o they_o who_o want_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o discover_v they_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a state_n of_o the_o church_n indeed_o if_o all_o be_v unite_v in_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v man_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o that_o they_o live_v answerable_o thereto_o but_o since_o we_o have_v two_o work_n upon_o our_o hand_n to_o guard_v you_o against_o error_n as_o well_o as_o to_o warn_v you_o against_o a_o wicked_a life_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v discharge_v our_o duty_n but_o by_o do_v one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o say_v nothing_o to_o the_o latter_a i_o be_o to_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o conclusion_n that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o hell_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o without_o true_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n the_o best_a and_o pure_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v since_o the_o gospel_n begin_v can_v have_v do_v he_o no_o service_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o corruption_n as_o can_v be_v ready_o think_v of_o for_o any_o church_n to_o pretend_v to_o save_v man_n by_o a_o trick_n and_o send_v they_o to_o heaven_n any_o other_o way_n than_o the_o plain_a way_n of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n keep_v therefore_o the_o pure_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o withal_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n but_o still_o remember_v that_o if_o your_o work_n be_v not_o answerable_a your_o faith_n be_v vain_a for_o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o doer_n thereof_o shall_v be_v justify_v not_o he_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o second_o sermon_n matth_n xviii_o 7._o wo_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o bring_v mankind_n to_o salvation_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o to_o convert_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o from_o all_o dangerous_a error_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o a_o right_a faith_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a that_o this_o end_n be_v not_o attain_v universal_o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o therefore_o a_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o have_v in_o so_o great_a part_n fail_v of_o the_o end_n which_o it_o pretend_v to_o pursue_v he_o may_v be_v easy_o bring_v to_o assurance_n again_o by_o consider_v the_o vast_a good_a which_o christianity_n have_v do_v in_o the_o world_n but_o especial_o by_o observe_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v foretell_v that_o all_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v and_o obey_v our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o testify_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o nay_o inasmuch_o as_o he_o have_v forewarn_v we_o of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o have_v tell_v we_o beforehand_o that_o the_o word_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o be_v a_o manifest_a declaration_n that_o he_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o can_v not_o but_o be_v effectual_a but_o only_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o will_v in_o any_o measure_n comply_v with_o his_o gracious_a method_n and_o it_o be_v also_o a_o plain_a intimation_n that_o a_o great_a many_o will_v be_v never_o the_o better_a but_o the_o worse_a for_o these_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o their_o salvation_n and_o that_o some_o for_o not_o receive_v they_o other_o for_o not_o improve_n they_o will_v fall_v into_o great_a condemnation_n but_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o foretell_v these_o thing_n only_o but_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o too_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v obstruct_v the_o progress_n and_o design_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o this_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o those_o word_n of_o he_o which_o i_o have_v now_o choose_v for_o my_o subject_n woe_n be_v to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v by_o offence_n or_o scandal_n we_o be_v here_o and_o almost_o everywhere_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o understand_v those_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o inducement_n to_o error_n which_o some_o man_n lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o they_o be_v sometime_o otherwise_o express_v snare_n stumbling-block_n and_o occasion_n of_o fall_n for_o the_o
design_n in_o christianity_n to_o set_v up_o any_o nation_n or_o party_n of_o man_n in_o opposition_n and_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o but_o it_o plain_o aim_v at_o a_o general_a good_a and_o under_o its_o penalty_n require_v all_o its_o professor_n to_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o too_o and_o condemn_v those_o who_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o among_o the_o great_a offender_n and_o this_o religion_n as_o machiavelli_n well_o observe_v be_v not_o calculate_v for_o the_o inspire_a of_o man_n with_o great_a design_n such_o i_o suppose_v as_o his_o caesar_n borgia_n aim_v at_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a too_o philosophical_a too_o innocent_a and_o charitable_a to_o raise_v a_o ambitious_a heat_n or_o to_o serve_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a in_o process_n of_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v help_v out_o by_o other_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n that_o will_v bring_v in_o the_o swell_n of_o worldly_a pride_n into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o african_a father_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o celestine_n call_v it_o and_o advance_v one_o part_n of_o it_o to_o the_o depress_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o true_a christianity_n serve_v no_o such_o design_n therefore_o be_v our_o saviour_n oppose_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n his_o doctrine_n do_v not_o tend_v at_o all_o that_o way_n viz._n to_o make_v jerusalem_n the_o mistress_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o shall_v depend_v upon_o she_o it_o do_v not_o minister_v to_o their_o ambitious_a and_o worldly_a hope_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o for_o their_o turn_n 3._o if_o we_o look_v upon_o christianity_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o worship_n it_o will_v still_o hold_v true_a that_o offence_n must_v needs_o come_v because_o the_o worship_n it_o prescribe_v be_v a_o worship_n of_o great_a simplicity_n that_o have_v but_o two_o or_o three_o positive_a institution_n of_o divine_a authority_n viz._n the_o two_o sacrament_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o holy_a son_n jesus_n now_o this_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n who_o love_n rather_o a_o pompous_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o nice_a observation_n than_o a_o grave_n and_o decent_a administration_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o former_a do_v amuse_v the_o sense_n and_o entertain_v the_o imagination_n the_o latter_a do_v that_o but_o very_o little_a in_o comparison_n and_o rather_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n but_o most_o people_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v affect_v with_o thing_n that_o touch_v their_o fancy_n than_o their_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o time_n there_o will_v grow_v very_o great_a excess_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o there_o do_v even_o in_o st._n augustine_n day_n who_o complain_v of_o it_o not_o a_o little_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o januarius_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v but_o such_o excess_n will_v be_v accompany_v with_o false_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o please_v god_n for_o whereas_o the_o excellent_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o appoint_v so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o external_a observation_n leave_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o decency_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n be_v this_o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o all_o pretence_n of_o place_v the_o weight_n of_o religion_n in_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o by_o their_o very_a worship_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o show_v they_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v please_v without_o those_o thing_n whereas_o he_o do_v hereby_o effectual_o declare_v that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v with_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o pious_a heart_n and_o the_o obedience_n that_o be_v express_v in_o a_o good_a life_n the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n be_v as_o averse_a from_o this_o as_o it_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o other_o and_o desire_n to_o please_v god_n by_o so_o easy_a a_o religion_n as_o that_o which_o run_v out_o into_o a_o world_n of_o mystery_n and_o show_v and_o observation_n and_o seem_v to_o save_v they_o the_o labour_n of_o subdue_a their_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o of_o serve_v god_n by_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n contemptible_a and_o odious_a to_o the_o heathen_n that_o they_o have_v so_o few_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n so_o plain_a and_o simple_a a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n but_o one_o altar_n but_o one_o mediator_n no_o tutelar_a deity_n and_o patron_n no_o throng_n of_o petty_a god_n but_o one_o or_o two_o mystery_n and_o those_o too_o plain_a and_o instruct_v without_o pomp_n and_o amuzement_n for_o such_o cause_n as_o these_o they_o reckon_v the_o christian_n little_o better_a than_o atheist_n believe_v that_o a_o religion_n which_o make_v no_o stately_a show_n to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o none_o at_o all_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n himself_o appoint_v a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n to_o the_o israelite_n that_o consist_v of_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o ceremony_n but_o beside_o this_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o type_n to_o discover_v the_o messiah_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v there_o be_v another_o end_n of_o divine_a providence_n observable_a in_o that_o constitution_n which_o be_v this_o that_o they_o have_v a_o stately_a and_o mystical_a form_n of_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v less_o under_o a_o temptation_n of_o learning_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o who_o numerous_a and_o gaudy_a ceremony_n in_o their_o worship_n will_v have_v bewitch_v the_o jew_n ten_o time_n more_o than_o they_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o vie_v with_o they_o but_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n say_v that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v sure_a not_o the_o best_a in_o themselves_o but_o consider_v the_o time_n the_o best_a for_o they_o for_o when_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v all_o mankind_n to_o worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o to_o convert_v the_o nation_n from_o idolatry_n the_o scheme_n of_o the_o mosaic_a worship_n be_v take_v down_o and_o the_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o nothing_o but_o prayer_n and_o praise_n two_o sacrament_n and_o one_o mediator_n but_o by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n run_v counter_a to_o the_o fond_a and_o foolish_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o that_o offence_n be_v ready_a to_o come_v upon_o this_o account_n also_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o religion_n too_o good_a for_o a_o wicked_a world_n too_o wise_a for_o a_o vain_a and_o foolish_a world_n i_o mean_v it_o be_v too_o good_a and_o too_o wise_a to_o escape_v opposition_n and_o all_o change_n the_o world_n will_v either_o try_v to_o keep_v it_o out_o or_o when_o that_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v any_o long_o to_o square_v and_o form_v it_o better_o to_o its_o own_o purpose_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n viz._n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o a_o worldly_a spirit_n that_o a_o peculiar_a temper_n be_v require_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o order_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o his_o doctrine_n a_o spirit_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n of_o humility_n and_o teachableness_n love_v of_o the_o truth_n willingness_n to_o learn_v patience_n of_o reproof_n and_o the_o like_a without_o which_o disposition_n the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n will_v certain_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o argument_n and_o motive_n by_o which_o it_o be_v recommend_v and_o therefore_o since_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o over-rule_v they_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v first_o of_o all_o great_o oppose_v as_o it_o be_v and_o afterward_o insincere_o handle_v as_o it_o have_v be_v and_o this_o although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v peculiar_o furnish_v with_o mean_n to_o infuse_v a_o wise_a and_o honest_a disposition_n into_o they_o that_o want_v it_o for_o those_o mean_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o after_o all_o man_n may_v be_v the_o worse_o and_o not_o the_o better_a for_o they_o nothing_o can_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v more_o fit_a to_o awaken_v man_n to_o consideration_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o honesty_n and_o wisdom_n and_o to_o conquer_v all_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la than_o the_o
he_o have_v but_o now_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o what_o instruction_n do_v this_o yield_v more_o ready_o than_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o god_n to_o be_v one_o that_o fear_v he_o but_o he_o that_o upon_o trial_n do_v what_o god_n require_v and_o therefore_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o presume_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o intention_n towards_o god_n when_o our_o action_n contradict_v our_o pretence_n it_o be_v true_a god_n see_v the_o quality_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n with_o a_o infallible_a judgement_n but_o we_o not_o so_o certain_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o tell_v what_o degree_n of_o faith_n or_o fear_n be_v proper_a to_o god_n child_n be_v justify_v or_o save_v but_o if_o in_o the_o hard_a trial_n of_o thy_o obedience_n thou_o do_v keep_v god_n commandment_n than_o thou_o be_v sure_o that_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o because_o god_n will_v have_v thou_o try_v thyself_o by_o this_o rule_n he_o be_v please_v to_o testify_v his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o abraham_n fear_v he_o upon_o abraham_n ready_a obedience_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v it_o before_o 2._o another_o point_n of_o instruction_n and_o of_o good_a use_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v this_o that_o god_n have_v some_o servant_n and_o worshipper_n who_o be_v not_o hire_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o serve_v he_o by_o the_o worldly_a ease_n profit_n and_o security_n that_o religion_n bring_v and_o who_o when_o that_o expectation_n fail_v they_o will_v not_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o he_o to_o choose_v another_o master_n the_o devil_n insinuate_v against_o job_n that_o he_o serve_v god_n because_o god_n have_v make_v a_o hedge_n about_o he_o and_o about_o his_o house_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v on_o every_o side_n because_o he_o have_v bless_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o increase_v his_o substance_n in_o the_o land_n but_o if_o god_n will_v put_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o touch_v all_o that_o he_o have_v than_o he_o will_v curse_v he_o to_o his_o face_n i._n e._n that_o then_o he_o will_v be_v as_o profane_v as_o he_o be_v before_o godly_a in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o upon_o trial_n it_o prove_v otherwise_o and_o he_o retain_v his_o integrity_n say_v shall_v we_o receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a job_n 2.10_o such_o another_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v abraham_n god_n have_v bless_v he_o with_o great_a increase_n and_o prosperity_n upon_o the_o leave_n of_o his_o country_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o complete_a his_o desire_n but_o a_o heir_n to_o his_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v a_o long_a time_n deny_v he_o and_o at_o length_n give_v he_o but_o it_o may_v be_v hitherto_o object_v against_o the_o sincerity_n of_o abraham_n fear_n of_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o perceive_v how_o much_o for_o the_o better_a it_o be_v that_o he_o leave_v his_o country_n at_o the_o call_v of_o god_n and_o find_v now_o that_o all_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o he_o do_v therefore_o make_v profession_n of_o serve_v the_o only_a true_a god_n because_o he_o find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o compass_v all_o that_o his_o heart_n can_v desire_v in_o the_o world_n how_o therefore_o shall_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o behave_v himself_o religious_o out_o of_o conscience_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o a_o absolute_a and_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o god_n sovereign_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v out_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o ingenuity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o righteous_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n so_o effectual_a no_o demonstration_n so_o clear_a as_o this_o that_o abraham_n without_o murmur_v and_o dispute_v shall_v let_v go_v the_o dear_a of_o all_o his_o possession_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o trial_n god_n make_v of_o his_o sincerity_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o hold_v more_o dear_a to_o he_o than_o his_o only_a son_n for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v set_v a_o value_n upon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o possession_n well_o therefore_o may_v it_o be_v say_v upon_o his_o ready_a compliance_n with_o this_o severe_a command_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v now_o thy_o sincerity_n be_v put_v beyond_o all_o question_n and_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n what_o thou_o have_v all_o along_o pretend_v to_o be_v one_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n and_o who_o therefore_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a not_o for_o worldly_a and_o mercenary_a end_n but_o because_o thou_o be_v absolute_o resolve_v to_o depend_v upon_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o require_v and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v brethren_n that_o this_o testimony_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o sincerity_n be_v give_v he_o only_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o all_o good_a man_n that_o shall_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o world_n tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o abraham_n faith_n viz._n that_o all_o religious_a man_n be_v what_o they_o be_v not_o for_o worldly_a respect_n but_o for_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o trial_n of_o abraham_n faith_n do_v not_o only_o vindicate_v he_o but_o all_o god_n faithful_a servant_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o pretend_v religion_n for_o worldly_a end_n indeed_o he_o be_v try_v in_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a instance_n that_o can_v be_v well_o think_v of_o and_o there_o be_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o great_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o it_o well_o become_v he_o who_o be_v to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o honour_n confer_v upon_o he_o in_o all_o age_n to_o undergo_v such_o a_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o may_v not_o only_o be_v a_o stand_a example_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o a_o mean_n to_o vindicate_v our_o sincerity_n against_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o world_n though_o we_o be_v not_o try_v as_o abraham_n be_v for_o if_o religion_n in_o the_o general_n be_v charge_v with_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o compass_v worldly_a advantage_n under_o a_o pretext_n of_o conscience_n we_o desire_v they_o to_o look_v to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o proof_n that_o he_o give_v of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o god_n testimony_n concern_v he_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o all_o abraham_n child_n that_o they_o depend_v upon_o god_n providence_n not_o because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a estate_n that_o they_o be_v righteous_a and_o just_a not_o because_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o thrive_v that_o they_o serve_v god_n not_o because_o he_o make_v a_o hedge_n about_o all_o they_o have_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n not_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v under_o no_o unusual_a temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o the_o like_a but_o because_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o fear_v and_o love_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n they_o be_v persuade_v they_o ought_v so_o to_o demean_v themselves_o in_o expectation_n of_o his_o favour_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n and_o of_o his_o reward_n in_o a_o better_a world_n in_o short_a abraham_n the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v therefore_o try_v in_o this_o manner_n that_o there_o may_v be_v in_o he_o a_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n who_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n not_o expect_v the_o profit_n of_o this_o world_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o justice_n and_o that_o religion_n will_v secure_v their_o body_n from_o sickness_n their_o good_n from_o rapine_n their_o name_n from_o reproach_n their_o person_n from_o affront_v and_o their_o course_n of_o life_n from_o common_a or_o from_o unusual_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n abraham_n and_o his_o child_n do_v not_o traffic_v with_o heaven_n by_o their_o prayer_n and_o charity_n to_o secure_v or_o increase_v their_o possession_n on_o earth_n and_o though_o god_n have_v often_o bless_v good_a man_n as_o he_o do_v abraham_n with_o strange_a prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o their_o end_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v by_o faith_n by_o faith_n they_o wrought_v righteousness_n heb._n 11.33_o i._n e._n they_o do_v that_o thing_n which_o
fail_v to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a nor_o to_o protect_v the_o righteous_a brethren_n let_v we_o remember_v our_o profession_n which_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v not_o make_v safe_a by_o wealth_n or_o by_o favour_n by_o worldly_a power_n or_o by_o worldly_a policy_n but_o that_o god_n be_v more_o to_o we_o than_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o depend_v entire_o upon_o he_o that_o by_o forsake_v he_o we_o forsake_v our_o strength_n and_o defence_n that_o by_o adhere_v to_o he_o we_o have_v that_o power_n for_o our_o security_n and_o that_o goodness_n for_o our_o security_n which_o make_v the_o world_n and_o which_o govern_v the_o world_n let_v we_o then_o in_o this_o our_o day_n consider_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n and_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o that_o he_o may_v be_v near_o unto_o we_o in_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o adversity_n whensoever_o they_o oppress_v we_o and_o be_v find_v of_o we_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o god_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n which_o in_o himself_o he_o always_o be_v and_o which_o he_o desire_v to_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v to_o we_o all_o let_v therefore_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o wicked_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v to_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n let_v we_o ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n the_o twelve_o sermon_n luk._n xiii_o v._o i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v concern_v the_o galilean_n who_o blood_n pilate_n mingle_v with_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o eighteen_o jew_n upon_o who_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n fall_v and_o slay_v they_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o those_o that_o be_v present_a be_v this_o suppose_v you_o that_o these_o glileans_n and_o these_o jew_n be_v sinner_n above_o all_o the_o galilean_n because_o they_o suffer_v such_o thing_n and_o above_o all_o man_n that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o peperish_v from_o which_o word_n take_v in_o connexion_n with_o what_o go_v before_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o observation_n that_o may_v be_v lay_v down_o the_o former_a be_v rather_o suppose_v than_o express_v and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o god_n be_v just_a in_o the_o punishment_n that_o he_o inflict_v upon_o sinner_n 2._o that_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o evil_a happen_v to_o man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o the_o second_o kind_n be_v intend_v more_o direct_o viz._n 1._o that_o they_o who_o suffer_v very_o great_a evil_n be_v not_o always_o great_a sinner_n than_o those_o who_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n suffer_v nothing_o 2._o that_o one_o reason_n why_o such_o evil_n do_v not_o befall_v all_o person_n at_o the_o same_o time_n who_o be_v equal_o sinner_n be_v that_o while_o some_o be_v visit_v with_o the_o rod_n other_o may_v take_v warning_n by_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v warning_n they_o shall_v not_o escape_v these_o be_v all_o profitable_a instruction_n and_o such_o as_o this_o place_n natural_o yield_v which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o pursue_v without_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o show_v how_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o something_o i_o shall_v say_v but_o very_o brief_o of_o the_o two_o first_o because_o they_o be_v suppose_v in_o these_o say_n of_o our_o lord_n though_o not_o the_o main_a thing_n intend_v the_o first_o be_v that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n discourse_v here_o concern_v the_o end_n of_o those_o unhappy_a man_n he_o know_v that_o his_o hearer_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o pass_v a_o hard_a censure_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o take_v care_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o that_o extreme_a if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v fix_v in_o all_o of_o they_o that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v far_o from_o correct_v but_o rather_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o by_o conclude_v that_o they_o also_o shall_v perish_v except_o they_o repent_v the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o man_n know_v by_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v well_o that_o they_o do_v for_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o sense_n the_o world_n be_v so_o bad_a how_o much_o worse_o will_v it_o have_v be_v if_o these_o apprehension_n can_v have_v be_v extinguish_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n inspire_v a_o man_n with_o assurance_n and_o that_o gild_n make_v he_o a_o coward_n that_o the_o disaster_n of_o other_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v hardly_o think_v of_o and_o that_o our_o own_o affliction_n bring_v our_o old_a sin_n to_o remembrance_n the_o native_n of_o melita_n though_o they_o be_v barbarian_n yet_o when_o they_o see_v a_o viper_n fasten_v upon_o st._n paul_n hand_n present_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o murderer_n who_o though_o he_o have_v escape_v the_o sea_n yet_o vengeance_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o live_v act_v 28._o there_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n wrought_v though_o they_o carry_v it_o too_o far_o but_o with_o something_o better_a reason_n do_v joseph_n brethren_n when_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o distress_n argue_v with_o one_o another_o very_o we_o be_v guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n therefore_o this_o distress_n be_v come_v upon_o we_o gen._n 42.21_o it_o be_v this_o natural_a belief_n that_o support_v many_o mystery_n of_o religion_n every_o where_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o those_o mystery_n be_v of_o god_n appoint_v or_o of_o man_n invent_v a_o good_a part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o worship_n be_v to_o make_v expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o beast_n be_v kill_v to_o confess_v that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o that_o man_n for_o who_o it_o be_v offer_v it_o be_v this_o sense_n that_o dispose_v man_n to_o believe_v strange_a delusion_n that_o there_o be_v virtue_n in_o little_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o he_o no_o better_o than_o charm_n to_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o punishment_n of_o it_o when_o people_n wear_v habit_n and_o go_v pilgrimage_n and_o touch_v relic_n and_o apply_v holy_a water_n and_o twenty_o other_o such_o remedy_n to_o themselves_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o their_o mind_n though_o they_o take_v a_o silly_a way_n to_o their_o end_n yet_o the_o principle_n be_v good_a at_o the_o bottom_n that_o sin_n and_o punishment_n be_v link_v together_o and_o that_o one_o natural_o draw_v on_o the_o other_o if_o some_o method_n be_v not_o use_v to_o break_v the_o chain_n which_o belief_n be_v so_o troublesome_a to_o a_o guilty_a mind_n that_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o dispose_v to_o like_v a_o religion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o have_v great_a variety_n of_o relief_n for_o a_o uneasy_a conscience_n which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o mankind_n if_o good_a care_n be_v not_o take_v be_v ready_a to_o run_v into_o a_o thousand_o superstition_n to_o prevent_v which_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n shall_v cheerful_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o serve_v god_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n this_o be_v the_o first_o observation_n that_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o all_o this_o discourse_n proceed_v be_v a_o natural_a truth_n viz._n that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n 2._o that_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o evil_n befall_v man_n it_o still_o come_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n either_o direct_o send_v it_o or_o at_o least_o know_o permit_v it_o and_o for_o wise_a and_o good_a reason_n determine_v to_o permit_v it_o this_o also_o be_v evident_o presume_v in_o this_o discourse_n for_o upon_o the_o relation_n of_o those_o disaster_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o hearer_n present_o turn_v to_o this_o conclusion_n that_o they_o be_v very_o great_a sinner_n that_o suffer_v such_o thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o evil_n be_v send_v by_o a_o just_a and_o wise_a
whether_o they_o will_v be_v warn_v by_o such_o example_n again_o when_o we_o feel_v anguish_n ourselves_o we_o remember_v how_o we_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n abuse_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n and_o turn_v his_o grace_n into_o wantonness_n then_o our_o luxury_n and_o intemperance_n whilst_o we_o have_v plenty_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o this_o life_n and_o our_o neglect_n of_o instruction_n and_o admonition_n under_o all_o mean_n of_o grace_n for_o a_o better_a life_n then_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n come_v to_o mind_n and_o if_o god_n spare_v we_o whilst_o he_o smite_v other_o it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v not_o need_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o such_o a_o warning_n to_o make_v we_o reflect_v upon_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v thus_o also_o god_n correction_n dispose_v man_n to_o charity_n and_o consideration_n of_o one_o another_o they_o cure_v we_o of_o that_o stiffness_n and_o wantonness_n which_o whilst_o all_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o we_o carry_v on_o contention_n and_o hatred_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v not_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o providence_n to_o teach_v we_o wisdom_n and_o charity_n by_o withdraw_v those_o bounty_n of_o he_o which_o we_o abuse_v to_o the_o pamper_n of_o pride_n and_o obstinacy_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o be_v wise_a by_o example_n before_o we_o be_v make_v example_n ourselves_o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n who_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o affection_n drive_v those_o man_n to_o prayer_n and_o other_o duty_n of_o piety_n who_o be_v very_o careless_a of_o they_o before_o in_o their_o distress_n they_o will_v seek_v god_n early_o though_o in_o their_o prosperity_n they_o be_v so_o backward_o to_o any_o thing_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n feel_v very_o faint_a and_o ineffectual_a disposition_n to_o it_o rather_o comply_v with_o custom_n than_o with_o inclination_n and_o conscience_n and_o honour_v god_n with_o their_o lip_n while_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o a_o prosperous_a state_n to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o forget_v god_n but_o if_o nothing_o else_o will_v cure_v this_o sloathfulness_n in_o religion_n and_o this_o indifference_n and_o coldness_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n yet_o at_o least_o affliction_n do_v it_o which_o make_v we_o to_o feel_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o show_v we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o hope_n leave_v but_o in_o he_o and_o then_o we_o abound_v in_o prayer_n and_o we_o attend_v willing_o to_o instruction_n we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o good_a earnest_n and_o to_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o religion_n we_o make_v many_o vow_n and_o promise_n and_o we_o set_v ourselves_o immediate_o to_o perform_v they_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o suffering_n when_o we_o feel_v they_o ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o be_v wise_a it_o shall_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o all_o those_o warning_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o by_o the_o suffering_n of_o other_o since_o therefore_o we_o can_v look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n but_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n in_o the_o earth_n let_v we_o learn_v righteousness_n let_v we_o not_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_v let_v we_o not_o judge_v other_o but_o judge_v ourselves_o and_o often_o consider_v what_o our_o saviour_n reply_v to_o the_o supposition_n of_o their_o be_v sinner_n above_o all_o other_o who_o suffer_v such_o thing_n as_o other_o have_v not_o suffer_v i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v the_o thirteen_o sermon_n luk._n xviii_o viij_o nevertheless_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man._n and_o 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o his_o not_o find_v faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n 1._o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v those_o word_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v i_o answer_v the_o meaning_n be_v when_o he_o come_v to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o the_o ungodly_a and_o to_o deliver_v his_o faithful_a people_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n for_o after_o our_o saviour_n have_v speak_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o unjust_a judge_n that_o be_v weary_v by_o the_o widow_n importunity_n to_o do_v justice_n for_o she_o against_o her_o adversary_n he_o argue_v thus_o v._o 7._o and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n to_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o or_o rather_o as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v translate_v and_o will_v he_o bear_v long_o in_o their_o cause_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o and_o then_o follow_v these_o word_n nevertheless_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v i_o e._n when_o he_o come_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o viz._n to_o avenge_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o elect_n or_o to_o punish_v their_o enemy_n and_o oppressor_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n now_o of_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n for_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v also_o a_o twofold_a signification_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n whereof_o one_o be_v manifest_o the_o principal_a and_o much_o more_o considerable_a than_o the_o other_o and_o that_o be_v his_o second_o come_v in_o person_n to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a which_o will_v not_o be_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o the_o come_n of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o pet._n 3.10_o be_v call_v his_o come_n v._o 4._o and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o his_o saint_n 1_o thes_n 3.13_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n proper_o so_o call_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n mention_n after_o his_o first_o because_o this_o only_a be_v to_o be_v his_o second_o personal_a appearance_n but_o then_o 2._o there_o be_v another_o notion_n of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o first_o which_o be_v also_o plain_o enough_o intimate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o be_v his_o come_n to_o destroy_v the_o jew_n and_o to_o deliver_v the_o christian_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n which_o happen_v 40_o year_n after_o his_o death_n and_o of_o this_o the_o 24_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n be_v a_o undeniable_a testimony_n where_o a_o description_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o description_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v so_o interweave_v one_o with_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o difficulty_n to_o know_v punctual_o and_o full_o what_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o one_o and_o what_o to_o the_o other_o but_o plain_o it_o be_v that_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o be_v call_v the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o appear_v by_o verse_n 27._o and_o 37._o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v make_v as_o it_o be_v a_o type_n or_o figure_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o these_o word_n be_v there_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o this_o generation_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o till_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v v._o 34._o i._n e._n till_o they_o be_v accomplish_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o meaning_n which_o respect_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v destroy_v before_o that_o generation_n pass_v away_o of_o this_o it_o seem_v plain_a that_o st._n james_n speak_v c._n 5._o v._n 6_o 7._o where_n speak_v to_o the_o jew_n say_v he_o you_o have_v condemn_v and_o kill_v the_o just_a and_o to_o the_o christian_n be_v patient_a therefore_o brethren_n unto_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o v._o 8._o be_v you_o also_o patient_a establish_v your_o heart_n for_o the_o come_v of_o the_o lord_n draw_v nigh_o and_o some_o other_o place_n there_o be_v where_o the_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v thus_o particular_o that_o let_v your_o moderation_n be_v know_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n phil._n 4.5_o i._n e._n let_v all_o man_n see_v by_o your_o meekness_n and_o patience_n under_o those_o oppression_n which_o you_o suffer_v that_o you_o believe_v those_o prediction_n which_o we_o have_v deliver_v to_o you_o from_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v at_o hand_n to_o deliver_v you_o and_o although_o proper_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v till_o the_o last_o day_n when_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v burn_v up_o and_o all_o the_o work_n that_o be_v therein_o yet_o because_o this_o notable_a revolution_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n like_a unto_o it_o therefore_o it_o be_v also_o call_v the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n mean_v the_o end_n
consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n not_o to_o overbear_v the_o world_n into_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o by_o force_v the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o man_n it_o have_v rather_o be_v much_o more_o strange_a if_o it_o have_v escape_v opposition_n and_o corruption_n than_o to_o have_v be_v both_o oppose_v and_o corrupt_v as_o it_o have_v thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o it_o will_v be_v take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n say_v i_o be_o christ_n and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o many_o false_a prophet_n stall_n arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o there_o be_v christ_n believe_v it_o not_o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o thus_o he_o foretell_v how_o christianity_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v by_o imposture_n and_o fraud_n again_o say_v he_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o kill_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o nation_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n and_o then_o shall_v many_o be_v offend_v and_o shall_v betray_v one_o another_o and_o shall_v hate_v one_o another_o thus_o he_o foretell_v the_o violence_n that_o shall_v be_v use_v to_o extinguish_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n again_o say_v st._n paul_n 2_o thess_n 2._o there_o shall_v be_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v come_v with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n theâ—e_n he_o foretell_v a_o fearful_a apostasy_n from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n again_o say_v he_o 2_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o this_o know_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n truce-breaker_n false_a accuser_n incontinent_a fierce_a despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a high-minded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n there_o he_o foretell_v a_o terrible_a corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o again_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v and_o know_v the_o truth_n now_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o here_o be_v as_o plain_a warning_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v of_o most_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a time_n even_o after_o christ_n first_o come_v and_o so_o that_o be_v express_o foretell_v which_o the_o text_n evident_o suppose_v for_o here_o will_v be_v glorious_a pretence_n to_o deceive_v violence_n to_o compel_v and_o wicked_a example_n to_o offend_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o provision_n have_v our_o lord_n leave_v to_o secure_v they_o from_o be_v mislead_v where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o danger_n they_o be_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v we_o at_o first_o by_o his_o holy_a apostle_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o be_v deceive_v they_o must_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a example_n and_o they_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v foretell_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v when_o they_o shall_v happen_v nor_o be_v tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o either_o christianity_n be_v not_o of_o god_n from_o the_o first_o or_o at_o least_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v neglect_v all_o care_n of_o it_o since_o because_o it_o do_v so_o little_a good_a as_o yet_o in_o the_o world_n because_o it_o run_v out_o into_o so_o many_o error_n and_o because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v so_o vehement_o oppose_v for_o say_v our_o saviour_n behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o but_o still_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n whether_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n by_o such_o prediction_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v guard_v themselves_o against_o error_n and_o evil_a example_n and_o therefore_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n will_n in_o all_o likelihood_n shake_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o believer_n and_o cause_v some_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o not_o regard_v the_o admonition_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n beforehand_o and_o so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o observation_n which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v unavoidable_a from_o the_o text_n that_o even_o after_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v degenerate_a age_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v as_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n find_v when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o visit_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o iniquity_n and_o offence_n it_o abound_v with_o the_o 2._o supposition_n be_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o our_o lord_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v intimate_v manifest_o that_o his_o come_n be_v then_o to_o be_v expect_v when_o little_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o consequent_o when_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o bear_v up_o against_o they_o i_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o man_n receive_v it_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o that_o receive_v it_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o christian_n themselves_o there_o be_v as_o monstrous_a error_n and_o lewd_a example_n as_o ever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christianity_n or_o as_o there_o be_v now_o where_o christianity_n be_v not_o at_o all_o profess_a now_o at_o this_o rate_n shall_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v thing_n go_v as_o they_o will_v it_o will_v in_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o nothing_o of_o christianity_n will_v remain_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o name_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o do_v more_o hurt_n with_o it_o than_o can_v be_v do_v without_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o that_o divine_a providence_n will_v interpose_v or_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o text_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v come_v and_o will_v make_v good_a his_o promise_n of_o be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v never_o more_o remarkable_o fulfil_v than_o when_o he_o interpose_v in_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v man_n think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o interpose_v and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v what_o become_v of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n because_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o make_v the_o gospel_n a_o irresistible_a mean_n of_o convince_a vnbeliever_n and_o reform_v wicked_a man_n therefore_o it_o will_v in_o time_n be_v needful_a that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o true_a religion_n and_o make_v christian_n such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o i_o say_v shall_v by_o his_o providence_n correct_v his_o own_o disciple_n and_o reduce_v wretched_a mankind_n into_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o consideration_n that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o utter_o fall_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o men._n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n our_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v
ease_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o uncertain_a and_o miserable_a world_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n illustrate_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o passage_n and_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o receive_v evil_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v propound_v to_o your_o consideration_n some_o of_o those_o many_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v effectual_o persuade_v ourselves_o so_o to_o do_v as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o manner_n of_o bear_v evil_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o receive_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n particular_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o receive_v evil_a with_o the_o same_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n wherewith_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v good_a from_o he_o we_o must_v abate_v nothing_o of_o our_o esteem_n of_o his_o righteousness_n or_o of_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n the_o sense_n of_o misery_n be_v indeed_o apt_a to_o breed_v hard_a thought_n of_o all_o those_o by_o who_o mean_n it_o come_v if_o they_o have_v know_o contribute_v towards_o it_o and_o design_v what_o we_o suffer_v but_o let_v we_o remember_v brethren_n that_o this_o be_v a_o case_n always_o to_o be_v except_v god_n know_v and_o see_v all_o the_o trouble_n that_o befall_v we_o nay_o and_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o he_o for_o it_o and_o though_o we_o take_v it_o ill_o of_o any_o man_n that_o can_v easy_o help_v we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o distress_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o affect_v towards_o god_n and_o whilst_o we_o complain_v of_o that_o grief_n from_o which_o it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v deliver_v we_o in_o one_o moment_n we_o must_v at_o no_o hand_n complain_v of_o he_o nor_o entertain_v the_o least_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o he_o for_o see_v we_o in_o pain_n and_o suffer_v we_o to_o continue_v under_o it_o 2._o we_o be_v to_o receive_v evil_a with_o the_o same_o constancy_n of_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o as_o if_o we_o receive_v nothing_o but_o good_a we_o be_v not_o to_o grow_v weary_a of_o religion_n nor_o to_o give_v over_o pray_v nor_o to_o depart_v from_o justice_n or_o charity_n or_o any_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o must_v be_v great_a stranger_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n who_o can_v be_v tempt_v to_o count_v their_o prayer_n and_o their_o repentance_n and_o righteousness_n unprofitable_a when_o they_o do_v not_o save_v they_o from_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n under_o the_o law_n indeed_o the_o promise_n whereof_o be_v temporal_a we_o may_v observe_v the_o temptation_n prevail_v upon_o some_o good_a men._n very_o say_v asaph_n i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n for_o all_o the_o day_n long_o have_v i_o be_v plague_v and_o chasten_v every_o morning_n psal_n 73.13_o 14._o but_o then_o he_o recover_v a_o better_a mind_n ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o thus_o my_o heart_n be_v grieve_v and_o i_o be_v prick_v in_o my_o reins_o so_o foolish_a be_v i_o and_o ignorant_a i_o be_v as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o it_o be_v this_o that_o job_n wife_n bid_v he_o do_v i.e._n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o serve_v god_n who_o have_v thus_o forsake_v he_o say_v she_o curse_v god_n and_o die_v scorn_v to_o serve_v he_o any_o long_o and_o make_v a_o end_n of_o thy_o life_n but_o say_v he_o thou_o speak_v as_o one_o of_o the_o foolish_a woman_n speak_v what_o shall_v we_o receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a nay_o 3._o we_o be_v to_o receive_v evil_a from_o god_n with_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v enjoy_v for_o those_o which_o remain_v and_o for_o those_o which_o we_o expect_v and_o above_o all_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n we_o must_v thank_v he_o for_o the_o care_n he_o take_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o for_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o for_o send_v we_o that_o which_o he_o see_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o we_o yea_o for_o those_o very_a trial_n and_o chastisement_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o though_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v grievous_a and_o thus_o job_n receive_v evil_a the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o i_o confess_v seem_v to_o be_v hard_a lesson_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o we_o must_v learn_v and_o how_o hard_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o let_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o point_n i_o be_v to_o show_v and_o what_o i_o chief_o design_v to_o insist_v upon_o at_o present_a therefore_o 1._o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o we_o have_v not_o deserve_v the_o good_a that_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o receive_v that_o we_o have_v abundant_o deserve_v all_o indeed_o do_v not_o deserve_v evil_a from_o god_n equal_o but_o all_o deserve_v it_o more_o or_o less_o and_o as_o for_o merit_v good_a from_o he_o that_o no_o man_n must_v pretend_v to_o how_o righteous_a and_o godly_a soever_o he_o be_v for_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v severe_a to_o mark_v what_o be_v amss_n who_o can_v stand_v before_o he_o if_o he_o shall_v enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o his_o servant_n no_o flesh_n live_v will_v be_v justify_v now_o if_o job_n who_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n a_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n receive_v evil_a from_o god_n as_o he_o ought_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o do_v so_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o perfection_n when_o we_o suffer_v affliction_n our_o heart_n must_v justify_v god_n in_o all_o because_o they_o condemn_v we_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n our_o own_o conscience_n be_v enough_o to_o stop_v our_o mouth_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v we_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v sin_v but_o that_o god_n be_v righteous_a especial_o since_o all_o the_o good_a that_o we_o eveâ—_n enjoy_v and_o do_v now_o enjoy_v be_v from_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n for_o if_o we_o who_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o his_o purity_n and_o justice_n have_v yet_o receive_v innumerable_a benefit_n from_o he_o it_o be_v hard_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o complain_v of_o he_o though_o but_o in_o our_o thought_n that_o he_o sometime_o let_v we_o feel_v a_o little_a of_o his_o anger_n and_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o own_o justice_n and_o that_o as_o he_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o a_o bountiful_a so_o he_o be_v withal_o a_o holy_a god_n which_o consideration_n shall_v prevail_v the_o more_o because_o 2._o god_n have_v absolute_a authority_n over_o we_o and_o so_o be_v every_o way_n just_a in_o correct_v we_o for_o our_o offence_n not_o only_o because_o we_o have_v do_v that_o which_o deserve_v punishment_n but_o because_o also_o he_o have_v a_o just_a and_o rightful_a power_n to_o punish_v we_o for_o it_o though_o a_o man_n know_v that_o he_o have_v do_v ill_o yet_o every_o body_n must_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v he_o correction_n a_o servant_n will_v submit_v to_o his_o master_n and_o a_o child_n to_o his_o father_n and_o the_o subject_a to_o the_o magistrate_n when_o they_o will_v not_o bear_v punishment_n from_o every_o hand_n as_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o submit_v to_o the_o chastisement_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n upon_o who_o we_o absolute_o depend_v because_o he_o make_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o and_o sustain_v we_o every_o moment_n that_o we_o live_v when_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o bring_v nothing_o with_o we_o into_o the_o world_n but_o have_v live_v ever_o since_o upon_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o god_n of_o his_o bounty_n have_v lend_v we_o for_o our_o use_n and_o if_o he_o for_o good_a reason_n take_v they_o away_o he_o do_v we_o no_o wrong_n for_o they_o be_v not_o we_o otherwise_o than_o by_o his_o continual_a gift_n which_o consideration_n dispose_v job_n to_o submit_v when_o he_o be_v divest_v of_o all_o naked_a come_v i_o out_o of_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a shall_v i_o return_v thither_o to_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o i_o be_v take_v the_o lord_n give_v etc._n etc._n let_v we_o remember_v that_o no_o lord_n have_v that_o right_a over_o his_o servant_n nor_o parent_n in_o his_o child_n which_o god_n have_v in_o we_o all_o and_o that_o since_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n like_a to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v to_o god_n that_o
the_o temptation_n man_n of_o probity_n and_o lover_n of_o truth_n shall_v upon_o diligent_a examination_n hold_v it_o fast_o than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o which_o that_o opposition_n tend_v which_o truth_n have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o lofty_a those_o pretence_n be_v by_o which_o the_o other_o church_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a submission_n to_o her_o authority_n in_o every_o point_n of_o religion_n so_o much_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o examine_v every_o one_o of_o her_o particular_n and_o if_o i_o find_v that_o she_o be_v mistake_v in_o any_o of_o they_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a that_o she_o be_v not_o infallible_a in_o all_o and_o if_o she_o will_v not_o allow_v i_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o particular_n it_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v try_v to_o hinder_v i_o from_o cast_v up_o my_o own_o account_n by_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o can_v possible_o mistake_v in_o do_v it_o he_o may_v indeed_o show_v some_o wit_n in_o work_v his_o demonstration_n but_o i_o shall_v show_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o folly_n in_o trust_v he_o to_o conclude_v we_o have_v a_o rule_n whereby_o to_o try_v the_o doctrine_n i_o will_v not_o only_o say_v of_o a_o church_n or_o a_o pope_n or_o a_o council_n but_o even_o of_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v and_o preach_v to_o we_o and_o that_o rule_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n these_o be_v by_o all_o christian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a and_o the_o most_o ancient_a record_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o they_o have_v have_v a_o tradition_n so_o uncontrollable_a as_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v the_o like_a whoever_o therefore_o be_v our_o guide_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o rule_n and_o of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v never_o trust_v myself_o to_o her_o discretion_n that_o will_v not_o trust_v i_o with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o study_n of_o this_o rule_n here_o we_o may_v if_o we_o please_v make_v ourselves_o very_o sure_o that_o we_o be_v of_o those_o who_o god_n will_v justify_v for_o here_o we_o may_v discern_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n st._n paul_n and_o the_o christian_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n and_o what_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v for_o those_o book_n which_o acquaint_v we_o with_o their_o name_n and_o which_o be_v write_v by_o some_o of_o themselves_o do_v also_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o faith_n they_o profess_v what_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o what_o live_v they_o lead_v now_o if_o we_o profess_v that_o very_a faith_n and_o teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n and_o frame_v our_o practice_n by_o their_o rule_n and_o good_a example_n then_o without_o all_o question_n we_o be_v such_o kind_n 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