scandal_n to_o come_v by_o profess_a protestant_n viz._n 1._o to_o make_v a_o discrimination_n between_o those_o who_o be_v well_o ground_v in_o our_o religion_n and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o those_o who_o be_v well_o ground_v in_o our_o religion_n and_o embrace_v it_o like_o wise_a and_o understanding_n man_n viz._n because_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o principle_n will_v not_o be_v tempt_v to_o think_v one_o jot_n the_o worse_a of_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o these_o offence_n such_o will_v consider_v that_o if_o these_o can_v make_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o same_o objection_n lie_v every_o whit_n as_o strong_a against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o even_o in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v as_o wicked_a people_n find_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o man_n that_o do_v as_o wicked_a thing_n as_o ever_o be_v before_o or_o since_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n such_o will_v consider_v too_o that_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o rebellion_n or_o any_o other_o licentious_a principle_n than_o be_v christianity_n for_o this_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a christianity_n nay_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o rebellion_n and_o treason_n and_o whatsoever_o have_v any_o tendency_n that_o way_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o immorality_n whatsoever_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o our_o religion_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n they_o be_v so_o forbid_v as_o by_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n so_o especial_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o by_o law_n establish_v derive_v from_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o these_o offence_n be_v no_o objection_n to_o understanding_n and_o well_o ground_v protestant_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n whilst_o those_o that_o have_v embrace_v it_o only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n or_o on_o such_o like_a weak_a and_o slight_a ground_n do_v often_o find_v this_o objection_n too_o strong_a for_o they_o and_o it_o frequent_o occasion_n their_o apostasy_n and_o then_o especial_o be_v such_o in_o danger_n of_o apostatise_v by_o mean_n of_o this_o scandal_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n particular_o as_o often_o as_o these_o sin_n be_v find_v among_o protestant_n when_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n do_v assault_v they_o with_o the_o sophistical_a argument_n draw_v from_o this_o scandal_n with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o sophistry_n obj._n but_o you_o may_v say_v if_o the_o popish_a treason_n and_o conspiracy_n be_v use_v by_o we_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o that_o religion_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o papist_n make_v use_n of_o the_o treason_n and_o conspiracy_n of_o protestant_n as_o a_o argument_n against_o our_o religion_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v fair_a play_n sol._n i_o answer_v that_o popish_a treason_n and_o conspiracy_n may_v not_o be_v use_v by_o we_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o popish_a religion_n nor_o be_v they_o so_o use_v by_o any_o wise_a man_n that_o i_o know_v of_o because_o for_o the_o reason_n already_o give_v this_o be_v a_o fallacious_a argument_n but_o our_o argument_n against_o they_o be_v that_o their_o treason_n and_o conspiracy_n be_v suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o allow_a principle_n of_o popery_n provide_v at_o least_o that_o they_o be_v level_v against_o heretical_a prince_n and_o if_o those_o commit_v among_o we_o can_v be_v show_v to_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o protestant_a principle_n and_o by_o they_o encourage_v then_o will_v not_o i_o for_o my_o part_n ever_o more_o open_a my_o mouth_n for_o the_o protestant_a religion_n but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v show_v but_o the_o perfect_o contrary_a who_o can_v show_v and_o as_o for_o the_o principle_n that_o some_o protestant_n have_v imbibe_v they_o be_v not_o protestant_n in_o imbibe_v they_o nay_o they_o be_v papist_n in_o so_o do_v for_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v they_o at_o least_o original_o receive_v they_o from_o their_o book_n particular_o from_o the_o book_n as_o i_o can_v show_v of_o these_o jesuit_n suarez_n lessius_fw-la mariana_n father_n parson_n with_o divers_a other_o again_o second_o god_n also_o permit_v these_o grievous_a offence_n to_o come_v by_o protestant_n as_o for_o the_o make_v the_o forementioned_a discrimination_n between_o protestant_n and_o protestant_n so_o for_o the_o far_o harden_v in_o his_o just_a judgement_n of_o wicked_a people_n for_o the_o far_o harden_v of_o irreligious_a people_n against_o all_o religion_n and_o of_o obstinate_a papist_n against_o our_o religion_n in_o rom._n 2._o 21_o 22_o etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n say_v thou_o that_o teach_v another_o teach_v thou_o not_o thyself_o thou_o that_o preach_v a_o man_n shall_v not_o steal_v do_v thou_o steal_v thou_o that_o say_v a_o man_n shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n do_v thou_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o that_o abhor_v idol_n do_v thou_o commit_v sacrilege_n thou_o that_o make_v thy_o boast_n of_o the_o law_n through_o break_v the_o law_n dishonour_v thou_o god_n then_o it_o follow_v for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v among_o the_o gentile_n through_o you_o to_o keep_v to_o the_o instance_n of_o rebellion_n and_o treason_n the_o papist_n when_o they_o see_v such_o do_n among_o protestant_n willing_o overlook_v the_o innumerable_a instance_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o themselves_o be_v so_o infamous_a for_o throughout_o the_o world_n and_o seem_v not_o to_o know_v what_o principle_n they_o have_v to_o encourage_v they_o in_o such_o practice_n they_o immediate_o cry_v out_o these_o be_v your_o protestant_n and_o this_o be_v their_o religion_n it_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o make_v man_n rebel_n and_o traitor_n prince_n can_v have_v no_o security_n from_o these_o protestant_n and_o they_o urge_v the_o same_o argument_n for_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n that_o be_v use_v by_o bishlam_n and_o his_o company_n to_o king_n artaxerxes_n against_o the_o rebuilding_n of_o jerusalem_n viz._n this_o city_n be_v a_o rebellious_a city_n and_o hurtful_a unto_o king_n and_o province_n and_o no_o doubt_n of_o it_o our_o adversary_n will_v not_o be_v want_v in_o improve_n this_o argument_n to_o the_o utmost_a at_o this_o time_n though_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o may_v with_o a_o better_a face_n do_v it_o and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o more_o harden_v themselves_o if_o they_o can_v be_v more_o harden_v in_o their_o enmity_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o more_o harden_v other_o and_o as_o i_o say_v for_o this_o reason_n no_o doubt_n god_n permit_v in_o his_o just_a judgement_n this_o sort_n of_o offence_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o come_v by_o protestant_n i_o mean_v still_o by_o professor_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n for_o the_o author_n of_o such_o offence_n can_v be_v more_o than_o in_o profession_n protestant_n nay_o consider_v as_o guilty_a of_o such_o offence_n they_o be_v true_o papist_n so_o far_o forth_o they_o deserve_v that_o name_n i_o may_v apply_v to_o this_o discourse_n those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 9_o 39_o for_o judgement_n be_o i_o come_v into_o this_o world_n that_o they_o which_o see_v not_o may_v see_v and_o that_o they_o which_o see_v may_v be_v make_v blind_a that_o those_o which_o sit_v in_o darkness_n may_v have_v the_o light_n and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o light_n but_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o as_o one_o will_v think_v those_o papist_n do_v who_o live_v among_o we_o and_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o powerful_a argument_n may_v be_v make_v blind_a and_o offence_n or_o scandal_n be_v great_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n for_o this_o purpose_n iii_o i_o come_v to_o show_v that_o offence_n be_v of_o woeful_a consequence_n we_o learn_v from_o our_o text_n that_o they_o be_v so_o to_o the_o world_n or_o to_o man_n in_o general_a woe_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n and_o likewise_o to_o those_o particular_a person_n by_o who_o they_o come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v now_o first_o as_o to_o their_o be_v of_o woeful_a consequence_n to_o the_o world_n or_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n it_o have_v be_v intimate_v already_o that_o such_o be_v the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o generality_n that_o when_o these_o snare_n be_v lay_v before_o they_o they_o occasion_n their_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o also_o multitude_n in_o all_o place_n be_v mighty_o harden_v in_o sin_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o they_o 1._o they_o occasion_n their_o fall_n into_o sin_n to_o the_o great_a endanger_n of_o
of_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n not_o to_o interpose_v by_o his_o omnipotency_n in_o hinder_v the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n which_o be_v in_o man_n heart_n from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o offence_n upon_o which_o account_n we_o read_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o ezekiel_n chap._n 3._o 20._o of_o god_n lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o he_o that_o turn_v from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o it_o be_v a_o idiom_n of_o the_o hebrew_n language_n which_o we_o find_v often_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o express_v that_o as_o do_v by_o another_o which_o be_v only_o permit_v to_o be_v do_v to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n of_o this_o god_n be_v say_v in_o one_o place_n to_o move_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n whereas_o it_o be_v say_v in_o another_o that_o satan_n move_v david_n hereunto_o so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n do_v it_o must_v be_v that_o he_o permit_v satan_n for_o great_a and_o wise_a reason_n to_o do_v it_o now_o 1._o one_o reason_n wherefore_o god_n have_v determine_v not_o to_o hinder_v the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o offence_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v give_v why_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n or_o why_o he_o will_v permit_v heresy_n to_o be_v the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o even_o so_o there_o must_v be_v offence_n and_o scandal_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o manifest_a difference_n and_o discrimination_n make_v between_o the_o sincere_a and_o the_o insincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n for_o this_o reason_n have_v god_n determine_v not_o to_o restrain_v foolish_a or_o wicked_a man_n from_o the_o lay_n of_o stumbling-block_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o necessity_n be_v far_o from_o be_v his_o immutable_a decree_n that_o man_n shall_v do_v foolish_a or_o wicked_a thing_n and_o so_o cause_v scandal_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v entertain_v so_o impious_a a_o thought_n but_o the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n occasion_v by_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o god_n determine_v not_o to_o prevent_v their_o cause_v scandal_n his_o determinate_v this_o for_o great_a reason_n one_o of_o which_o i_o say_v be_v that_o by_o they_o a_o trial_n may_v be_v make_v who_o be_v upright-hearted_n and_o who_o hypocritical_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o who_o the_o external_n form_n only_o that_o a_o difference_n may_v be_v make_v between_o those_o wise_a builder_n who_o have_v found_v their_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o those_o foolish_a one_o who_o have_v build_v they_o upon_o the_o sand_n between_o those_o who_o have_v embrace_v religion_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o those_o who_o have_v embrace_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o temporal_a interest_n and_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o way_n thereof_o from_o corrupt_a motive_n and_o carnal_a principle_n thus_o do_v god_n almighty_a permit_v false_a prophet_n to_o work_v wonder_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o draw_v the_o people_n to_o idolatry_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_n of_o this_o discrimination_n as_o may_v be_v see_v deut._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul._n that_o be_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n permit_v this_o stone_n of_o stumble_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o your_o way_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o touchstone_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o your_o love_n to_o he_o that_o a_o discrimination_n may_v be_v hereby_o make_v between_o those_o who_o sincere_o love_v he_o and_o those_o who_o only_o pretend_v to_o love_v he_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n likewise_o do_v not_o god_n restrain_v jeroboam_fw-la ahab_n or_o the_o other_o wicked_a king_n who_o make_v israel_n to_o sin_n from_o lay_v before_o their_o people_n the_o great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o golden_a calf_n etc._n etc._n and_o temptation_n to_o idolatry_n by_o their_o precept_n and_o example_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n a_o apparent_a difference_n be_v actual_o make_v between_o those_o who_o be_v only_a jew_n outward_o and_o those_o who_o be_v jew_n inward_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v those_o seven_o thousand_o who_o hate_v idolatry_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n i_o have_v say_v god_n by_o the_o prophet_n reserve_v unto_o i_o seven_o thousand_o who_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n 2._o another_o reason_n why_o god_n have_v determine_v the_o not_o restrain_v of_o man_n from_o give_v offence_n or_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o scandal_n be_v that_o by_o they_o the_o obdurate_a may_v in_o his_o just_a judgement_n be_v more_o harden_v for_o instance_n he_o permit_v simon_n magus_n and_o his_o follower_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o mighty_a scandal_n for_o this_o reason_n as_o we_o read_v 1_o thess._n 2._o 11_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n or_o shall_v permit_v they_o to_o be_v send_v that_o they_o may_v believe_v a_o lie_n or_o that_o the_o hypocritical_a professor_n of_o christianity_n may_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o for_o both_o the_o reason_n now_o give_v god_n have_v permit_v the_o roman_a hierarchy_n to_o bring_v so_o horrible_a a_o scandal_n upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o so_o many_o age_n past_a by_o debauch_v it_o with_o such_o corrupt_a and_o damnable_a principle_n and_o practice_n viz._n 1._o to_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o sincere_a christian_n and_o hypocrite_n which_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o have_v by_o this_o mean_v be_v make_v in_o innumerable_a instance_n many_o thousand_o have_v choose_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o and_o even_o the_o most_o cruel_a death_n rather_o than_o to_o embrace_v those_o principle_n and_o comply_v with_o those_o practice_n and_o rather_o than_o not_o to_o protest_v against_o both_o and_o 2._o in_o his_o just_a judgement_n to_o harden_v such_o more_o in_o their_o wickedness_n as_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v nothing_o be_v better_a know_v than_o that_o the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o popery_n be_v so_o contrive_v as_o to_o reconcile_v light_n with_o darkness_n the_o thick_a darkness_n with_o the_o most_o glorious_a light_n gross_a idolatry_n of_o several_a kind_n such_o idolatry_n as_o that_o grosser_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o pagan_n unsatiable_a covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o monstrous_a cruelty_n with_o true_a christianity_n and_o a_o careless_a and_o dissolute_a life_n in_o this_o world_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o other_o and_o for_o both_o these_o reason_n have_v god_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a permit_v also_o fearful_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o come_v by_o protestant_n by_o those_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o this_o our_o holy_a religion_n of_o true_a and_o genuine_a christianity_n purge_v from_o all_o popish_a mixture_n which_o unto_o all_o sincere_a and_o pious_a protestant_n be_v matter_n of_o most_o bitter_a lamentation_n particular_o the_o drunkenness_n uncleanness_n and_o profaneness_n of_o multitude_n that_o profess_v the_o reform_a religion_n and_o the_o scandal_n of_o rebellion_n and_o treasonable_a conspiracy_n that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o and_o that_o in_o this_o kingdom_n now_o very_o late_o though_o all_o good_a protestant_n do_v bless_v god_n hearty_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o such_o conspiracy_n and_o for_o the_o defeat_n of_o open_a resistence_n of_o the_o high_a power_n and_o secret_a plot_n against_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o heart-breaking_a consideration_n to_o such_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o antichristian_a do_n find_v among_o we_o by_o which_o a_o woeful_a blot_n be_v cast_v upon_o our_o religion_n and_o particular_o by_o this_o last_o wicked_a conspiracy_n of_o some_o mad_a desperate_a people_n who_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n now_o i_o say_v for_o both_o the_o foremention_v reason_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v god_n almighty_n have_v permit_v such_o fearful_a offence_n and_o
convince_v how_o great_o they_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o guilt_n of_o offend_a or_o make_v people_n to_o offend_v of_o make_v they_o strange_o censorious_a and_o uncharitable_a mighty_a vnmanageable_a and_o vngovernable_a extreme_o conceit_a vain_a and_o wanton_a and_o most_o vnfixed_a and_o unsettled_a innumerable_a of_o those_o who_o have_v entertain_v such_o principle_n have_v be_v know_v to_o run_v from_o one_o sect_n to_o another_o till_o they_o have_v at_o last_o settle_v in_o quakerism_n or_o turn_v mere_a sceptic_n or_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n have_v be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v i_o pray_v take_v notice_n that_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v have_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o least_o pique_n at_o person_n but_o from_o pure_a goodwill_n to_o those_o who_o be_v herein_o concern_v from_o hearty_a love_n and_o charity_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o a_o solicitous_a concern_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a and_o have_v solemn_o declare_v this_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o use_v st._n paul_n expostulation_n be_o i_o therefore_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n ii_o another_o way_n of_o offend_a or_o make_v people_n to_o offend_v be_v entice_v they_o to_o sin_n by_o wicked_a advice_n and_o solicitation_n which_o be_v a_o horrible_o bad_a way_n indeed_o but_o as_o bad_a as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v very_o common_a particular_o as_o to_o intemperate_a drink_v how_o common_a be_v it_o grow_v in_o this_o most_o dissolute_a age_n not_o only_o to_o entice_v but_o even_o to_o force_v man_n to_o this_o sin_n notwithstanding_o the_o woe_n that_o be_v pronounce_v against_o he_o who_o give_v his_o neighbour_n drink_v and_o put_v his_o bottle_n to_o he_o and_o make_v he_o drink_v etc._n etc._n hab._n 2._o 15._o and_o there_o be_v a_o fine_a device_n of_o good-fellow_n to_o force_v down_o drink_v civil_o and_o gentle_o namely_o that_o of_o multiply_a health_n which_o not_o to_o pledge_v or_o to_o refuse_v to_o pledge_v they_o in_o full_a glass_n and_o those_o large_a one_o too_o be_v to_o be_v mighty_a rude_a and_o at_o least_o deserve_v a_o challenge_n but_o i_o will_v trouble_v myself_o no_o long_o with_o these_o wicked_a man_n than_o while_o i_o conjure_v you_o to_o fly_v their_o company_n and_o all_o their_o haunt_v as_o you_o will_v do_v the_o den_n of_o the_o most_o savage_a beast_n i_o may_v add_v to_o this_o sin_n of_o entice_a to_o drunkenness_n that_o of_o entice_a to_o uncleanness_n and_o several_a other_o sort_n of_o wickedness_n not_o much_o less_o common_a particular_o to_o name_n no_o more_o to_o plot_n and_o conspiracy_n against_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n which_o of_o late_a year_n to_o our_o amazement_n have_v be_v practise_v by_o more_o among_o we_o than_o have_v be_v know_v to_o adventure_v upon_o so_o fearful_a a_o sin_n in_o some_o whole_a age_n heretofore_o now_o these_o tempter_n of_o other_o to_o wickedness_n be_v dare_v sinner_n indeed_o who_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 1._o 32._o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o which_o pleasure_n excite_v they_o to_o do_v their_o utmost_a to_o make_v other_o as_o wicked_a as_o themselves_o what_o name_n shall_v i_o give_v to_o these_o sinner_n they_o deserve_v no_o better_o than_o that_o of_o devil_n in_o humane_a body_n these_o one_o will_v think_v be_v afraid_a of_o be_v damn_v with_o too_o little_a company_n and_o they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o their_o own_o sin_n only_o but_o must_v have_v their_o reckon_a enhance_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o which_o they_o make_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o same_o damnation_n for_o kind_n with_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n without_o the_o same_o damnation_n for_o degree_n too_o iii_o another_o way_n of_o offend_a and_o lay_v stumbling-block_n before_o other_o be_v that_o of_o affright_v or_o discourage_v other_o from_o be_v religious_a or_o from_o the_o do_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o particular_a instance_n 1._o the_o high_a offence_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v that_o of_o persecution_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n which_o be_v a_o great_a offence_n and_o scandal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v actual_o persecute_v or_o in_o danger_n of_o persecution_n and_o persecution_n for_o welldoing_a be_v such_o a_o stumbling-block_n as_o have_v occasion_v the_o fall_v away_o of_o multitude_n of_o professor_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o well_o confirm_v in_o his_o religion_n or_o if_o he_o be_v be_v not_o a_o conscientious_a practiser_n of_o the_o duty_n thereof_o will_v not_o stand_v his_o ground_n especial_o when_o he_o meet_v with_o or_o find_v himself_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o sharp_a sort_n of_o persecution_n when_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o fiery_a trial_n or_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o it_o see_v what_o our_o lord_n say_v of_o the_o stony_a ground_n hearer_n matt._n 4._o 17._o these_o be_v they_o which_o be_v sow_v on_o stony_a ground_n who_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v the_o word_n immediate_o receive_v it_o with_o gladness_n and_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o time_n afterward_o when_o affliction_n or_o persecution_n arise_v for_o the_o word_n sake_n immediate_o they_o be_v offend_v or_o fall_v away_o and_o the_o danger_n christ_n disciple_n be_v in_o of_o fall_v off_o from_o he_o when_o they_o can_v adhere_v to_o he_o but_o they_o must_v suffer_v persecution_n be_v intimate_v in_o those_o word_n matt._n 11._o 6._o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v horrible_o guilty_a of_o this_o kind_n of_o offence_n but_o so_o be_v not_o our_o own_o church_n god_n be_v thank_v her_o term_n of_o communion_n be_v none_o of_o they_o such_o as_o contradict_v any_o law_n of_o god_n as_o abundance_n of_o the_o best_a of_o people_n be_v very_o persuade_v and_o not_o a_o few_o of_o our_o divine_n and_o other_o learned_a man_n have_v with_o great_a and_o i_o think_v irresistible_a strength_n demonstrate_v 2._o another_o offence_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v represent_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o very_o rugged_a and_o difficult_a and_o the_o duty_n thereof_o as_o over_o harsh_a and_o severe_a and_o at_o lest_o next_o to_o impossible_a represent_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o uneasy_a yoke_n and_o his_o burden_n as_o a_o intolerable_o heavy_a burden_n this_o have_v ordinary_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o sensual_a people_n of_o people_n who_o be_v wed_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o vile_a affection_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n i_o fear_v not_o a_o few_o poor_a soul_n have_v be_v utter_o ruin_v who_o have_v give_v more_o credit_n to_o these_o wretched_a people_n than_o to_o their_o saviour_n or_o to_o those_o good_a man_n who_o assure_v they_o that_o such_o representation_n be_v most_o false_a and_o unworthy_a from_o their_o own_o experience_n 3._o another_o offence_n under_o this_o head_n be_v that_o which_o be_v charge_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n upon_o the_o pharisee_n viz._n bind_v of_o heavy_a burden_n and_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n or_o make_v a_o great_a number_n of_o addition_n of_o their_o own_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o impose_v they_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o so_o make_v religion_n to_o be_v indeed_o a_o mighty_a burdensome_a and_o uneasy_a thing_n and_o of_o this_o offence_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v more_o notorious_o guilty_a than_o be_v those_o pharisee_n but_o i_o must_v again_o do_v that_o right_n to_o our_o own_o church_n as_o to_o pronounce_v her_o guiltless_a as_o to_o this_o offence_n also_o she_o have_v not_o make_v any_o thing_n a_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v plain_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o enjoin_v any_o thing_n of_o her_o own_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o more_o solemn_a administration_n of_o divine_a worship_n according_a to_o general_a rule_n lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n which_o have_v not_o determine_v as_o all_o sober_a man_n will_v grant_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n but_o prescribe_v rule_n in_o general_a whereby_o the_o governor_n of_o church_n may_v determine_v they_o 4._o another_o offence_n under_o this_o three_o head_n be_v treat_v of_o those_o who_o have_v fall_v into_o error_n
of_o judgement_n or_o practice_n with_o too_o great_a harshness_n and_o severity_n i_o mean_v continual_o inveigh_v against_o they_o with_o mighty_a heat_n and_o fierceness_n and_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o expose_v they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o the_o object_n of_o hatred_n or_o of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o way_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o mistake_v and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o their_o miscarriage_n that_o it_o stop_v their_o ear_n against_o our_o argument_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o prejudice_n against_o our_o admonition_n and_o whatsoever_o endeavour_n we_o use_v for_o the_o reclaim_n of_o they_o we_o must_v first_o satisfy_v offender_n that_o we_o be_v their_o friend_n before_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o work_v any_o good_a upon_o they_o but_o this_o kind_n of_o behaviour_n be_v never_o like_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o we_o love_v they_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v st._n paul_n admonition_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 24_o 25._o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n dr._n hammond_n paraphrase_n upon_o these_o word_n in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o be_v this_o deal_v with_o those_o who_o be_v of_o different_a opinion_n from_o we_o with_o great_a temper_n and_o calmness_n though_o in_o oppose_v we_o they_o oppose_v the_o truth_n nor_o again_o be_v this_o angry_a passionate_a way_n of_o deal_n with_o such_o person_n to_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n gal._n 6._o 1._o brethren_n if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o lest_o thou_o also_o be_v tempt_v consider_v that_o thou_o be_v no_o less_o liable_a both_o to_o error_n of_o judgement_n and_o practice_n than_o be_v thy_o brother_n and_o be_v not_o keep_v by_o thy_o own_o strength_n from_o fall_v into_o his_o error_n and_o let_v i_o take_v this_o opportunity_n to_o mind_v you_o likewise_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o unchristian_a to_o be_v severe_a upon_o those_o who_o we_o perceive_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o have_v be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o be_v return_v or_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v still_o upbraid_v these_o with_o what_o be_v past_a and_o to_o load_v they_o with_o heavy_a censure_n as_o if_o the_o change_n that_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o have_v proceed_v not_o from_o any_o good_a principle_n not_o from_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n but_o from_o the_o mere_a fear_n of_o the_o lash_n of_o the_o law_n but_o how_o contrary_a be_v these_o do_n to_o that_o charity_n which_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o hope_v all_o thing_n and_o believe_v all_o thing_n and_o make_v the_o best_a interpretation_n and_o construction_n and_o this_o behaviour_n towards_o such_o be_v mighty_o discourage_v and_o therefore_o a_o great_a offence_n scandal_n and_o stumbling-block_n both_o to_o they_o and_o to_o those_o who_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o error_n the_o former_a by_o this_o mean_n be_v shrewd_o tempt_v to_o repent_v of_o their_o change_n and_o to_o go_v back_o again_o and_o the_o latter_a to_o take_v warning_n by_o their_o usage_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v make_v more_o obstinate_a and_o confirm_v in_o their_o resolution_n to_o stand_v their_o ground_n and_o to_o keep_v where_o they_o be_v now_o i_o entreat_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o offence_n to_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a rashness_n and_o a_o great_a wickedness_n too_o thus_o to_o judge_v of_o people_n heart_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o assume_v to_o ourselves_o the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o god_n almighty_n 2._o consider_v that_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o fall_v person_n rise_v again_o and_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o may_v so_o do_v from_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o judgement_n that_o be_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n may_v awaken_v those_o to_o more_o serious_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n which_o by_o other_o mean_n can_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o and_o who_o can_v say_v of_o such_o as_o be_v now_o reduce_v either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n that_o this_o be_v not_o their_o case_n 3._o if_o we_o can_v certain_o know_v that_o such_o or_o such_o be_v reduce_v by_o mere_a bye_n respect_v that_o no_o inward_a change_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v only_o become_v external_o conformable_a yet_o such_o a_o treat_v of_o they_o as_o i_o be_o now_o blame_v will_v be_v a_o mighty_a fault_n for_o all_o that_o for_o in_o due_a time_n these_o insincere_a convert_v may_v become_v as_o sincere_o affect_v towards_o our_o national_a establishment_n as_o the_o best_a of_o ourselves_o if_o they_o be_v but_o well_o deal_v with_o but_o if_o they_o find_v we_o a_o ill_a nature_a sort_n of_o people_n give_v to_o upbraid_v and_o censure_v gibe_a and_o flout_v we_o shall_v tempt_v they_o while_o they_o continue_v with_o we_o to_o resolve_v never_o to_o be_v of_o we_o and_o still_o to_o hold_v up_o a_o aversation_n to_o our_o church_n for_o our_o sake_n but_o this_o be_v no_o very_o comfortable_a consideration_n for_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a that_o false_a friend_n may_v again_o become_v more_o mischievous_a to_o our_o church_n than_o profess_a enemy_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v 4._o that_o a_o unkind_a treat_v of_o those_o who_o now_o come_v over_o to_o our_o communion_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o we_o have_v as_o little_a true_a love_n for_o our_o church_n as_o we_o have_v for_o the_o soul_n 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think_v not_o to_o have_v such_o a_o base_a opinion_n of_o their_o governor_n they_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o render_v their_o true_a design_n therein_o unsuccessfull_a but_o i_o know_v not_o which_o of_o these_o be_v the_o great_a affront_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v that_o all_o who_o hear_v i_o this_o day_n will_v careful_o avoid_v this_o very_a scandalous_a practice_n of_o some_o people_n as_o they_o will_v approve_v themselves_o good_a churchman_n and_o true_o loyal_a subject_n and_o much_o more_o as_o they_o will_v approve_v themselves_o good_a christian_n who_o dread_n to_o fall_v under_o the_o sad_a woe_n pronounce_v in_o my_o text_n against_o those_o by_o who_o offence_n come_v iv._o another_o way_n of_o offend_a be_v by_o a_o evil_a example_n this_o be_v the_o last_o i_o shall_v name_v as_o want_v time_n to_o discourse_n of_o divers_a other_o with_o which_o i_o may_v present_v you_o evil_a example_n be_v extreme_o 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