to_o premise_v 1._o that_o by_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n i_o understand_v as_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v the_o way_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o gospel_n the_o same_o which_o be_v there_o call_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n 10.20_o mat._n 7.14.22.16_o act._n 16.17_o 2_o pet._n 2.15_o heb._n 10.20_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n the_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o right_a way_n the_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o christ_n have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o that_o be_v the_o method_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o incarnation_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v put_v we_o into_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o happiness_n 2._o by_o the_o sure_a find_v of_o this_o way_n upon_o a_o due_a and_o careful_a enquiry_n i_o mean_v that_o ordinary_a christian_n by_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o sacred_a record_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o honest_a intention_n by_o implore_v the_o divine_a asssistance_n and_o make_v that_o use_n they_o ought_v of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n may_v certain_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n that_o be_v sincere_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n can_v desire_v for_o who_o that_o be_v so_o can_v desire_v to_o be_v more_o than_o certain_a of_o his_o way_n thither_o or_o to_o have_v a_o better_a foundation_n for_o his_o faith_n and_o practice_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n in_o man_n must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o now_o to_o prove_v that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n i_o 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thus_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n to_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v there_o such_o a_o church_n or_o person_n as_o they_o boast_v of_o at_o rome_n that_o can_v infallible_o solve_v all_o doubt_n and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n be_v rich_o worth_a both_o the_o indies_n together_o but_o before_o i_o accept_v of_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o guide_n i_o must_v desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o a_o few_o thing_n in_o reference_n to_o he_o as_o 1._o how_o i_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o guide_n or_o judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o i_o find_v there_o be_v a_o great_a controversy_n in_o the_o church_n about_o it_o and_o if_o i_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o till_o he_o have_v end_v all_o controversy_n which_o be_v the_o great_a blessing_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n promise_v from_o he_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o this_o age_n of_o controversy_n to_o inquire_v any_o far_a after_o he_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o may_v i_o or_o any_o other_o protestant_n determine_v this_o controversy_n by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o fallible_a judgement_n if_o we_o may_v than_o it_o seem_v a_o fallible_a judgement_n may_v do_v more_o sometime_o than_o a_o infallible_a judg._n however_o a_o fallible_a judgement_n be_v all_o the_o judgement_n that_o we_o have_v and_o if_o by_o it_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n which_o at_o rome_n go_v for_o a_o lead_a article_n of_o faith_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o may_v not_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n be_v certain_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o we_o may_v
be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o guide_n we_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v after_o all_o our_o search_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o find_v he_o but_o there_o be_v one_o argument_n above_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o guide_n viz._n that_o christ_n never_o promise_v there_o shall_v be_v one_o always_o in_o his_o church_n and_o without_o a_o promise_n from_o he_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v we_o know_v what_o be_v pretend_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o what_o text_n be_v produce_v for_o it_o but_o after_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o deliberate_a enquiry_n into_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o we_o can_v find_v no_o evidence_n of_o any_o such_o promise_n nor_o discern_v the_o least_o shadow_n or_o footstep_n of_o a_o visible_a infallible_a guide_n we_o own_o indeed_o that_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o all_o that_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o way_n but_o we_o the_o rather_o think_v that_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v any_o other_o infallible_a guide_n than_o this_o for_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o the_o inward_a direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n when_o we_o have_v a_o guide_n at_o hand_n that_o can_v lead_v we_o infallible_o into_o it_o and_o save_v we_o the_o labour_n of_o search_v after_o it_o but_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o send_v his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v not_o they_o infallible_a guide_n true_o but_o do_v he_o promise_v to_o make_v their_o successor_n in_o all_o age_n infallible_a too_o if_o he_o do_v every_o successor_n have_v a_o equal_a claim_n and_o then_o how_o come_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o talk_v of_o but_o one_o infallible_a guidfe_n since_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o appropriate_v that_o extraordinary_a favour_n to_o here self_o if_o he_o do_v not_o she_o must_v show_v we_o a_o particular_a charter_n or_o promise_n that_o infallibility_n shall_v never_o depart_v from_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n and_o when_o she_o do_v that_o we_o may_v allow_v she_o to_o be_v infallible_a but_o suppose_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v a_o infallible_a guide_n it_o may_v be_v convenient_a to_o know_v 2._o whether_o or_o no_o he_o have_v give_v he_o authourity_n to_o suspend_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n this_o we_o must_v say_v be_v a_o distinct_a power_n from_o infallibility_n unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n though_o they_o be_v infallible_a do_v not_o know_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o do_v not_o affect_v any_o such_o authority_n or_o treat_v their_o disciple_n in_o this_o manner_n but_o both_o require_v they_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o hear_v etc._n act._n 17.11_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n and_o commend_v their_o ingenuity_n in_o prove_v they_o by_o the_o scripture_n beside_o a_o guide_n who_o direction_n we_o must_v blind_o follow_v without_o examinig_v the_o ground_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a improper_a mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o heaven_n for_o sure_o god_n do_v design_n that_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o shall_v act_v like_o man_n and_o not_o lay_v aside_o our_o reasonand_n judgement_n as_o thing_n that_o be_v dangerous_a to_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a not_o to_o judge_n at_o all_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n not_o to_o err_v but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a blind_a and_o unlikely_a way_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n without_o which_o their_o obedience_n can_v never_o be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o theresore_n if_o any_o church_n or_o person_n under_o colour_n of_o infallibility_n shall_v assume_v a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n before_o i_o resign_v up_o my_o judgement_n to_o they_o i_o must_v desire_v to_o be_v inform_v not_o only_a how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v infallible_a but_o what_o commission_n they_o have_v to_o oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v as_o they_o please_v and_o to_o strangle_v my_o own_o sense_n and_o reason_n if_o they_o offer_v to_o oppose_v any_o doctrine_n of_o they_o though_o never_o so_o absurd_a or_o contradictory_n to_o they_o but_o suppose_v still_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o convince_v i_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o judge_n beside_o he_o yet_o because_o he_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o i_o till_o i_o know_v who_o he_o be_v there_o be_v another_o great_a question_n to_o be_v resolve_v before_o i_o can_v prudent_o commit_v myself_o to_o he_o viz._n how_o i_o may_v certain_o know_v where_o to_o find_v he_o and_o here_o i_o meet_v with_o one_o vast_a discouragement_n at_o the_o very_a entrance_n into_o this_o enquiry_n namely_o that_o the_o same_o church_n which_o alone_o pretend_v to_o this_o infallible_a guide_n be_v very_a uncer_n tain_v who_o he_o be_v some_o chain_n infallibility_n to_o st._n peter_n chair_n and_o place_n it_o in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o pope_n but_o this_o be_v the_o most_o interest_v party_n as_o depend_v entire_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o he_o who_o they_o call_v infallible_a other_o send_v we_o to_o general_a council_n some_o of_o which_o have_v condemn_v the_o pope_n for_o a_o heretic_n and_o contradict_v the_o decree_n of_o former_a council_n but_o then_o what_o think_v we_o of_o oral_a tradition_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o universal_a churcuh_o convey_v by_o father_n to_o son_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n down_o to_o the_o present_a age_n the_o general_a consent_n i_o confess_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o far_o as_o it_o reach_v be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o we_o be_v not_o speak_v now_o of_o tradition_n or_o the_o church_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o truth_n but_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o church_n or_o guide_n to_o prescribe_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o insallible_a assistance_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o be_v inquire_v after_o and_o where_o the_o seat_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v and_o all_o we_o can_v certain_o learn_v hitherto_o be_v this_o that_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o controversy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n about_o it_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a thing_n to_o find_v it_o there_o and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o that_o church_n a_o man_n may_v tire_v himself_o and_o be_v in_o quest_n of_o his_o infallible_a guide_n all_o his_o day_n and_o never_o come_v within_o sight_n of_o he_o at_o last_o for_o suppose_v he_o take_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v the_o infallible_a oracle_n he_o be_v think_v to_o be_v mistake_v by_o all_o those_o that_o stand_v for_o a_o general_n council_n and_o if_o he_o go_v to_o a_o general_n council_n he_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o that_o declare_v for_o single_a infallibility_n and_o the_o man_n for_o oral_a tradition_n think_v they_o be_v all_o deceive_v that_o look_n for_o infallibility_n in_o any_o one_o person_n or_o party_n in_o the_o church_n what_o must_v we_o do_v now_o that_o have_v so_o much_o choice_n of_o infallible_a guide_n and_o nothing_o to_o determine_v our_o choice_n many_o we_o pick_v and_o choose_v at_o a_o venture_n but_o that_o can_v be_v safe_a because_o they_o have_v occasion_n sometime_o to_o lead_v contrary_a to_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v all_o infakubke_n and_o none_o of_o they_o speak_v of_o more_o infallible_a guide_n than_o one_o must_v we_o then_o weigh_v their_o reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n they_o produce_v for_o their_o several_a claim_n these_o we_o have_v often_o hear_v and_o consider_v and_o can_v but_o admire_v the_o confidence_n of_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o sound_v the_o infallibility_n and_o other_o prerogative_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o text_n that_o speak_v not_o the_o least_o syllable_n of_o they_o whereas_o matter_n of_o this_o importance_n ought_v to_o be_v express_v in_o the_o easy_a and_o plain_a word_n that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o if_o not_o only_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o every_o man_n salvation_n depend_v as_o our_o adversary_n must_v say_v upon_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o their_o text_n we_o have_v that_o confidence_n in_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o we_o certain_o believe_v he_o will_v not_o expect_v we_o shall_v find_v out_o a_o meaning_n in_o therm_n that_o by_o no_o good_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n can_v be_v collect_v from_o they_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o can_v think_v ourselves_o oblige_v when_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v
establish_v religion_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o because_o we_o have_v thorough_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o because_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o by_o a_o rule_n which_o can_v fail_v we_o and_o do_v find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o very_a religion_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n now_o if_o we_o have_v take_v up_o our_o religion_n upon_o due_a confidweration_n and_o judgement_n it_o very_o high_o concern_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o to_o live_v according_a to_o its_o excellent_a rule_n and_o precept_n and_o to_o be_v as_o steady_a in_o our_o walk_n as_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v sure_a of_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n if_o we_o go_v wide_a from_o the_o path_n we_o have_v make_v straight_o and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o doctrine_n we_o profess_v to_o believe_v upon_o clear_a and_o convince_a evidence_n we_o condemn_v ourselves_o and_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o the_o adversary_n to_o triumph_v over_o we_o and_o to_o twist_v we_o with_o the_o great_a need_n we_o have_v of_o a_o reformation_n to_o make_v we_o worse_o than_o we_o need_v to_o have_v be_v without_o it_o we_o put_v a_o sharp_a weapon_n into_o their_o hand_n than_o any_o they_o be_v ever_o able_a to_o forge_v against_o it_o a_o witty_a man_n may_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n to_o say_v something_o for_o romish_a error_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n to_o be_v speak_v for_o a_o antichristian_a life_n with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o inveigh_v against_o popish_a indulgence_n while_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o as_o great_a a_o liberty_n in_o sin_v as_o they_o do_v if_o we_o be_v heedless_a and_o undevout_a in_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v blush_v to_o say_v we_o can_v dispense_v with_o latin_a service_n because_o it_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o devotion_n and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o at_o one_o whether_o he_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n eat_v or_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o do_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n or_o but_o one_o or_o what_o signisy_n a_o change_n or_o no_o change_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o element_n to_o he_o that_o discern_v not_o the_o lord_n body_n or_o why_o may_v not_o a_o implicit_a faith_n serve_v to_o make_v a_o empty_a profession_n as_o well_o as_o any_o protestant_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o if_o that_o be_v all_o we_o design_n by_o be_v protestant_n it_o be_v hardly_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o be_v so_o for_o as_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n so_o without_o holiness_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o after_o the_o text_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n we_o that_o be_v protestant_n profess_v a_o great_a veneration_n of_o the_o scripture_n both_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o excuse_v ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o govern_v our_o life_n as_o well_o as_o our_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v those_o that_o will_v not_o excuse_v our_o religion_n but_o raise_v objection_n against_o it_o out_o of_o those_o very_a action_n it_o express_o condemn_v and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o it_o be_v i_o confess_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o religion_n shall_v answer_v for_o the_o fault_n which_o it_o aim_v to_o rectify_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v own_v a_o real_a and_o mighty_a prejudice_n to_o it_o to_o be_v contradict_v by_o its_o own_o professor_n and_o betray_v by_o those_o that_o pretend_v a_o hearty_n zeal_n and_o concernment_n for_o it_o and_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o be_v cautious_a on_o this_o hand_n because_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o so_o full_o justify_v by_o its_o learned_a advocate_n that_o it_o require_v nothing_o more_o for_o its_o defence_n and_o vindication_n from_o it_o be_v than_o that_o we_o shall_v adorn_v it_o by_o our_o holy_a conversation_n and_o keep_v the_o enemy_n out_o of_o those_o breach_n which_o our_o division_n have_v make_v and_o our_o lust_n have_v widen_v for_o they_o and_o this_o be_v our_o proper_a post_n in_o which_o we_o may_v do_v excellent_a service_n though_o we_o may_v not_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o engage_v in_o the_o field_n of_o controversy_n mere_o by_o exercise_v ourselves_o unto_o godliness_n by_o keep_v to_o the_o plain_a rule_n and_o stand_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n this_o i_o say_v be_v our_o proper_a task_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v utter_o defeat_v our_o adversary_n and_o put_v they_o to_o the_o same_o straight_o that_o daniel_n do_v the_o chaldaean_n 6.5_o dan._n 6.5_o by_o leave_v they_o no_o occasion_n against_o we_o except_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o law_n of_o our_o god_n and_o for_o that_o we_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o try_v their_o utmost_a skill_n and_o if_o by_o fair_a reason_v and_o argument_n such_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n they_o can_v win_v the_o victory_n let_v they_o wear_v it_o i_o wish_v the_o mean_a while_n we_o can_v clear_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v our_o religion_n i_o wish_v we_o can_v all_o show_v out_o of_o a_o pure_a conversation_n that_o our_o life_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o law_n as_o our_o faith_n be_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o i_o think_v our_o adversary_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o in_o this_o respect_n but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v just_o expect_v that_o we_o who_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n shall_v live_v at_o the_o best_a rate_n that_o we_o who_o pretend_v to_o understand_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o to_o know_v who_o we_o worship_n and_o have_v renounce_v the_o error_n and_o corruption_n that_o spoil_v the_o religion_n of_o other_o man_n shall_v be_v extreme_o careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o blemish_v our_o own_o that_o we_o do_v not_o stain_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o furnish_v man_n with_o objection_n against_o it_o by_o our_o vain_a and_o vicious_a conversation_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o safety_n and_o happiness_n though_o a_o man_n know_v every_o foot_n of_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o crooked_a and_o deceitful_a path_n which_o other_o be_v lose_v and_o bewildred_n in_o yet_o if_o he_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n to_o direct_v his_o step_n and_o keep_v on_o in_o the_o way_n he_o shall_v go_v he_o can_v never_o arrive_v to_o that_o bless_a place_n we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o fly_v to_o heaven_n with_o a_o wish_n or_o to_o be_v save_v by_o be_v orthodox_n or_o excuse_v from_o do_v our_o duty_n because_o we_o know_v it_o though_o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n and_o all_o faith_n without_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n i_o know_v not_o of_o what_o importance_n they_o will_v be_v to_o we_o but_o only_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o great_a damnation_n the_o sanction_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o same_o to_o man_n of_o all_o persuasion_n the_o worst_a of_o which_o will_v hardly_o deny_v that_o a_o good_a life_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o good_a christian_a as_o a_o sound_n and_o orthodox_n faith_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v nor_o believe_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n nor_o rely_v upon_o he_o for_o salvation_n that_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o heaven_n while_o we_o bid_v defiance_n to_o his_o law_n 5.9_o heb._n 5.9_o for_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o only_o that_o obey_v he_o if_o we_o be_v ill_a man_n it_o matter_n not_o what_o we_o be_v beside_o any_o religion_n will_v serve_v a_o wicked_a man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a and_o become_v he_o a_o great_a deal_n better_o than_o the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n with_o he_o and_o which_o of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n denounce_v the_o most_o terrible_a threaten_n against_o its_o own_o professor_n that_o reject_v the_o mild_a and_o reasonable_a condition_n of_o it_o 2.7.8_o rom._n 2.7.8_o to_o they_o that_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o welldoing_a seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n it_o promise_v eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n how_o zealous_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o defence_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o it_o denounce_v indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil._n so_o that_o if_o we_o live_v
repent_v time_n enough_o to_o be_v save_v at_o his_o last_o hour_n for_o if_o he_o may_v do_v so_o we_o can_v never_o convince_v he_o that_o he_o may_v not_o take_v his_o liberty_n the_o mean_a while_n or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n of_o repent_v in_o haste_n he_o may_v be_v as_o wild_a and_o frolic_a as_o he_o please_v gratify_v every_o sensual_a desire_n and_o dance_v through_o all_o the_o scene_n of_o a_o comical_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n provide_v he_o take_v care_n when_o he_o be_v glut_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_v to_o repent_v once_o for_o all_o and_o to_o do_v no_o more_o wicked_o when_o he_o have_v neither_o time_n nor_o temptation_n to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v this_o the_o true_a and_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v imagine_v why_o one_o ill_a man_n shall_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o it_o i_o rather_o think_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o understand_v it_o he_o will_v be_v perfect_o reconcile_v to_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o kind_a farewell_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o wicked_a christian_a what_o ever_o he_o think_v of_o this_o opinion_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o hearty_o wish_v it_o be_v true_a and_o will_v not_o glad_o see_v it_o confirm_v by_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n now_o certain_o this_o be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n but_o rather_o a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o it_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n suspect_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sound_v at_o bottom_n because_o it_o take_v so_o universal_o with_o bad_a man_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o foundation_n this_o opinion_n have_v in_o scripture_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o often_o cite_v for_o it_o concern_v the_o labourer_n that_o go_v into_o the_o vineyard_n about_o the_o eleven_o hour_n and_o yet_o receive_v as_o good_a wage_n as_o they_o that_o go_v early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o have_v bear_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n and_o because_o i_o desire_v to_o speak_v as_o home_n and_o as_o plain_o to_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o importance_n of_o it_o require_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o parable_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o assurance_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o die_a christian_a after_o a_o whole_a life_n spend_v in_o sin_n and_o a_o obstinate_a violation_n of_o his_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o covenant_n will_v secure_v he_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o task_n i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n must_v be_v endless_a and_o unprofitable_a unless_o we_o agree_v upon_o proper_a and_o certain_a rule_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o and_o sure_o we_o can_v easy_o think_v of_o better_a in_o expound_v the_o parable_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o first_o to_o be_v strict_o careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o set_v the_o gospel_n at_o variance_n with_o itself_o or_o make_v one_o parable_n clash_n and_o interfere_v with_o another_o and_o then_o if_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o explain_v they_o or_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o the_o word_n be_v fair_o capable_a of_o two_o or_o more_o different_a sense_n the_o sure_a way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o occasion_n our_o saviour_n take_v to_o utter_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o thread_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o that_o occasion_n and_o if_o need_v be_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o more_o plain_a and_o lightsome_a scripture_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o orthodox_n christian_n and_o by_o these_o rule_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v 1._o that_o this_o parable_n of_o the_o labourer_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o case_n of_o a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n it_o be_v certain_o another_o and_o a_o very_a different_a thing_n which_o be_v intend_v by_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o calling_z of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n at_o different_a time_n and_o in_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o the_o repentance_n of_o particular_a person_n at_o this_o or_o that_o time_n of_o their_o life_n if_o this_o can_v be_v make_v out_o than_o i_o think_v it_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n have_v no_o encouragement_n from_o the_o text_n as_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o it_o to_o make_v this_o matter_n as_o clear_a as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n one_a prop._n that_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n hire_v labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n be_v mean_v god_n call_v man_n into_o the_o church_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o they_o to_o reward_v those_o that_o shall_v be_v faithful_a in_o his_o service_n the_o church_n we_o know_v be_v frequent_o compare_v to_o a_o vineyard_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o god_n be_v call_v sometime_o the_o lord_n sometime_o the_o husbandman_n or_o dresser_n of_o it_o thus_o isa_n 5.4_o what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n say_v god_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v for_o it_o and_o that_o this_o vineyard_n be_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v express_o say_v vers_fw-la 7._o for_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n his_o pleasant_a plant._n and_o in_o this_o style_n our_o saviour_n express_v himself_o john_n 15.1_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n and_o my_o father_n be_v the_o husbandman_n and_o consequent_o his_o church_n be_v the_o vineyard_n for_o since_o he_o use_v the_o same_o comparison_n which_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v be_v accustom_v to_o his_o discourse_n upon_o it_o have_v be_v lose_v upon_o the_o hearer_n if_o he_o have_v not_o use_v it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n which_o the_o prophet_n do_v and_o then_o if_o the_o vineyard_n in_o the_o parable_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n his_o hire_v labourer_n into_o it_o will_v very_o natural_o signify_v his_o call_a man_n out_o of_o the_o heathen_a world_n to_o his_o peculiar_a service_n and_o covenant_v with_o they_o to_o reward_v their_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o by_o consequence_n 2d_o prop._n the_o several_a hour_n of_o hire_v labourer_n into_o the_o vineyard_n do_v import_v the_o several_a general_n call_v by_o the_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o invite_v man_n into_o his_o church_n and_o service_n in_o different_a age_n according_a to_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n thus_o he_o call_v the_o jew_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n his_o friend_n betimes_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o agree_v with_o they_o for_o their_o service_n in_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o they_o at_o mount_n sinai_n the_o mean_a while_n and_o many_o age_n after_o this_o the_o gentile_n stand_v idle_a and_o then_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o the_o day_n be_v far_o spend_v he_o call_v they_o to_o work_v in_o his_o vineyard_n upon_o the_o gracious_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o beside_o these_o we_o may_v just_o expect_v another_o solemn_a and_o general_a call_v of_o the_o jew_n who_o leave_v the_o vineyard_n when_o the_o gentile_n enter_v into_o it_o exclude_v themselves_o through_o unbelief_n and_o this_o by_o the_o best_a light_n we_o have_v from_o the_o gospel_n seem_v to_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o close_a of_o the_o day_n or_o the_o eleven_o hour_n in_o the_o parable_n i.e._n to_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n 3d._n prop._n the_o time_n of_o god_n call_v man_n into_o the_o church_n be_v it_o early_o or_o late_o make_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o reward_n they_o shall_v final_o receive_v for_o their_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a service_n to_o he_o for_o so_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o the_o labourer_n that_o be_v hire_v about_o the_o eleven_o hour_n receive_v equal_a wage_n with_o those_o that_o be_v long_o before_o they_o in_o the_o vineyard_n and_o have_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o their_o master_n business_n while_o they_o be_v wretched_o idle_a and_o unserviceable_a to_o he_o and_o hence_o how_o ready_o do_v this_o truth_n offer_v itself_o to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o every_o candid_a and_o judicious_a inquirer_n into_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o parable_n viz._n that_o the_o gentile_n who_o come_v late_o into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o comparison_n of_o
and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n in_o this_o world_n and_o eternal_a rest_n and_o glory_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v then_o follow_v the_o exhortation_n of_o which_o the_o text_n be_v part_n wherefore_o lift_v up_o the_o hand_n which_o hang_v down_o and_o the_o feeble_a knee_n and_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n by_o path_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o general_n course_n of_o our_o action_n which_o be_v then_o straight_o when_o they_o lie_v even_o with_o the_o rule_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o frame_n and_o govern_v they_o by_o for_o straightness_n have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o a_o rule_n and_o consist_v in_o a_o evenness_n or_o adequate_a conformity_n to_o it_o and_o then_o we_o do_v make_v our_o path_n straight_o when_o we_o take_v due_a care_n to_o understand_v our_o rule_n and_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o rectitude_n of_o it_o to_o order_v our_o action_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o answerable_a to_o it_o and_o when_o we_o 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with_o due_a care_n and_o enquiry_n 3._o that_o have_v find_v the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a and_o exact_a in_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o not_o yield_v to_o any_o temptation_n to_o forsake_v it_o one_a observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o straight_a and_o direct_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n this_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o text_n which_o exhort_v the_o hebrew_n to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o way_n and_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v already_o in_o some_o measure_n acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o well_o may_v the_o apostle_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o way_n without_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o prove_v it_o when_o it_o be_v universal_o own_a by_o all_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o world_n but_o the_o atheist_n that_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n very_o many_o indeed_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o straight_a and_o certain_a way_n thither_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o any_o religion_n for_o they_o all_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n how_o wide_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n from_o one_o another_o all_o the_o controversy_n be_v which_o of_o those_o several_a path_n which_o man_n take_v to_o be_v the_o straight_a and_o plain_a way_n to_o heaven_n be_v true_o so_o and_o certain_o to_o know_v this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a concernment_n and_o deserve_v a_o very_a serious_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n for_o though_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o right_a way_n by_o chance_n that_o never_o inquire_v after_o it_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o from_o their_o infancy_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o man_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n nay_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v that_o he_o be_v and_o so_o long_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v toss_v about_o and_o carry_v off_o from_o one_o church_n and_o religion_n to_o another_o according_a as_o the_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n sit_v and_o the_o tide_n of_o preferment_n turn_v he_o that_o take_v his_o religion_n upon_o trust_n and_o never_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v obstinate_a in_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v a_o loser_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o be_v fair_o offer_v another_o that_o promise_v the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o pretend_v to_o give_v infallible_a security_n for_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o hence_o st._n peter_n admonish_v the_o christian_n that_o flee_v out_o of_o judea_n for_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o religion_n 3.15_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o shall_v ask_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o i._n e._n to_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v their_o religion_n and_o themselves_o by_o declare_v as_o often_o as_o their_o adversary_n urge_v they_o to_o it_o what_o certain_a ground_n and_o reason_n they_o have_v for_o it_o and_o in_o truth_n a_o religion_n without_o rational_a ground_n and_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o suffering_n or_o contend_v for_o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v allow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o straight_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o happiness_n yet_o there_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o differ_v opinion_n and_o persuasion_n about_o it_o that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o be_v certain_a where_o it_o be_v or_o when_o we_o have_v find_v it_o there_o be_v so_o many_o several_a path_n each_o of_o which_o be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o right_n by_o those_o that_o be_v accustom_v to_o they_o which_o yet_o can_v never_o be_v because_o they_o apparent_o 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