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church_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o confidence_n of_o boast_v 3._o secular_a interest_n have_v great_a power_n to_o distort_v the_o judgement_n of_o man_n and_o to_o inflame_v their_o passion_n against_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v they_o place_v their_o chief_a satisfaction_n in_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v for_o the_o port_n of_o gain_n or_o honour_n or_o liberty_n we_o common_o find_v they_o make_v all_o the_o sail_n that_o ever_o they_o can_v to_o come_v speedy_o to_o it_o if_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v their_o end_n be_v to_o appear_v stout_o for_o this_o or_o that_o party_n or_o persuasion_n they_o will_v ready_o do_v it_o and_o serve_v the_o cause_n to_o the_o utmost_a if_o they_o happen_v to_o thrive_v by_o it_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a
he_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n train_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n instruct_v in_o all_o the_o minute_n instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o preserve_v by_o wonderful_a providence_n against_o all_o the_o malice_n and_o fury_n of_o all_o the_o fierce_a and_o mighty_a nation_n that_o be_v round_o about_o they_o the_o jew_n in_o comparison_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v the_o very_a darling_n of_o providence_n they_o live_v in_o a_o land_n of_o light_n when_o darkness_n cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n a_o land_n who_o least_o happiness_n be_v that_o it_o flow_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n as_o moses_n tell_v they_o 8._o deut._n 4.7_o 8._o when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o inhabit_v that_o have_v god_n so_o nigh_o unto_o they_o in_o all_o that_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o or_o that_o have_v statute_n and_o judgement_n so_o righteous_a as_o all_o the_o law_n which_o he_o set_v before_o they_o for_o a_o lamp_n to_o their_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o their_o path_n and_o which_o if_o they_o careful_o follow_v they_o will_v assure_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o celestial_a canaan_n to_o they_o say_v st._n paul_n speak_v of_o god_n distinguish_a grace_n and_o goodness_n to_o the_o jew_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 9.4_o rom._n 3.2_o rom._n 9.4_o to_o they_o pertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n or_o divine_a presence_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o as_o the_o jew_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n stand_v the_o fair_a for_o eternal_a life_n so_o those_o of_o they_o that_o live_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n have_v fair_a opportunity_n of_o be_v happy_a than_o all_o that_o live_v before_o they_o in_o expectation_n of_o his_o come_v and_o of_o all_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o age_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o great_a city_n of_o galilee_n such_o as_o corazin_n bethsaida_n and_o capernaum_n live_v in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o neighbourhood_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v have_v the_o great_a advantage_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n they_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o fame_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o echo_n of_o his_o doctrine_n from_o distant_a place_n but_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o in_o the_o most_o affect_v and_o immediate_a manner_n they_o behold_v the_o son_n of_o god_n clothe_v with_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o hear_v he_o preach_v in_o their_o street_n many_o of_o they_o that_o never_o see_v or_o hear_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o life_n before_o he_o they_o hear_v his_o divine_a say_n even_o the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n from_o he_o they_o feast_v on_o his_o miracle_n be_v feed_v heal_v and_o enlighten_v by_o they_o and_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o his_o divinity_n in_o their_o rescue_n from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o evil_a spirit_n thus_o salvation_n come_v home_o to_o the_o jew_n throw_v itself_o as_o it_o be_v into_o their_o arm_n and_o without_o wait_v for_o their_o entreaty_n urge_v and_o obtrude_v itself_o upon_o they_o 17._o mat._n 1â—_n 16_o 17._o and_o bless_v be_v the_o eye_n which_o see_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v and_o the_o ear_n which_o hear_v the_o word_n that_o they_o hear_v it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o such_o person_n to_o enter_v into_o life_n as_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o instruction_n they_o receive_v from_o they_o so_o that_o the_o jew_n of_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o especial_o those_o of_o his_o own_o province_n and_o acquaintance_n have_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o salvation_n of_o any_o people_n upon_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_v of_o his_o to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n john_n 4.22_o that_o salvation_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v true_a after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_a world_n all_o those_o nation_n to_o which_o the_o gospel_n come_v stand_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o the_o jew_n i_o mean_v have_v as_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o embrace_v the_o tender_v of_o it_o as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o have_v those_o only_o except_v that_o see_v our_o saviour_n when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o some_o nation_n have_v never_o yet_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o myriad_o there_o be_v of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o never_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n or_o the_o holy_a bible_n other_o that_o once_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o make_v a_o considerable_a figure_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v by_o depart_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o corrupt_v themselves_o with_o lewd_a error_n and_o practice_n lose_v all_o the_o glorious_a privilege_n that_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o of_o this_o number_n be_v the_o seven_o famous_a church_n of_o asia_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n from_o who_o christ_n have_v recall_v his_o angel_n and_o fetchr_n away_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n and_o leave_v they_o in_o a_o dark_a night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o this_o show_v that_o the_o best_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n be_v not_o entail_v upon_o particular_a nation_n and_o that_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n may_v stand_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o which_o be_v once_o the_o most_o orthodox_n and_o flourish_a church_n in_o short_a if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n at_o this_o day_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n of_o grace_n in_o several_a church_n of_o the_o great_a name_n and_o the_o high_a pretence_n to_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o there_o be_v one_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n where_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v wrest_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n lest_o they_o shall_v discern_v the_o wrong_n that_o be_v do_v they_o in_o deny_v they_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n see_v the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n now_o by_o all_o these_o instance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a inequality_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v they_o to_o all_o man_n or_o in_o all_o age_n alike_o but_o to_o some_o he_o give_v more_o and_o to_o other_o less_o according_a to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n etc._n mat._n 25.14_o 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v very_o plain_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n which_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v travel_v into_o a_o far_a country_n distribute_v to_o his_o servant_n to_o one_o he_o give_v five_o to_o another_o two_o and_o to_o a_o three_o but_o a_o single_a talon_n with_o this_o general_n charge_n that_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v they_o shall_v employ_v to_o his_o advantage_n till_o his_o occasion_n shall_v permit_v his_o return_n to_o they_o 2._o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a dispensation_n of_o it_o by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o injustice_n in_o the_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o happiness_n to_o clear_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o desire_v its_o own_o happiness_n may_v expect_v from_o a_o just_a and_o faithful_a creator_n and_o sure_o he_o may_v expect_v that_o the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v and_o of_o his_o desire_n of_o be_v happy_a hold_v once_o at_o least_o put_v it_o into_o his_o power_n to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o not_o improve_n any_o advantage_n for_o it_o which_o he_o never_o enjoy_v these_o two_o thing_n i_o say_v he_o may_v promise_v himself_o because_o a_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o just_a as_o god_n be_v can_v not_o make_v he_o only_o to_o make_v he_o miserable_a as_o he_o must_v have_v do_v shall_v he_o either_o deny_v he_o all_o power_n to_o be_v happy_a or_o punish_v he_o eternal_o for_o not_o improve_n the_o power_n which_o he_o never_o give_v he_o but_o then_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o justice_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o man_n than_o this_o because_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v he_o happy_a if_o he_o be_v not_o want_v
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 have_v begin_v well_o to_o hold_v on_o our_o course_n without_o any_o stop_n or_o deviation_n from_o it_o now_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o begin_v to_o waver_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o must_v be_v this_o have_v a_o straight_a and_o perfect_a rule_n before_o you_o see_v that_o your_o action_n be_v conformable_a to_o it_o do_v faint_v at_o any_o discouragement_n or_o follow_v any_o crooked_a and_o deceitful_a path_n but_o keep_v to_o they_o that_o be_v straight_o as_o the_o gospel_n lead_v you_o which_o be_v the_o direct_a and_o infallible_a way_n to_o everlasting_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v there_o be_v three_o thing_n observable_a of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o their_o order_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o straight_a and_o direct_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n 2._o that_o this_o way_n may_v be_v certain_o find_v 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 cross_v one_o another_o that_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o confident_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o way_n there_o be_v other_o who_o be_v no_o less_o confident_a that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a path_n and_o must_v come_v over_o to_o they_o if_o he_o will_v set_v himself_o right_a and_o timely_o prevent_v his_o eternal_a error_n and_o since_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o diversity_n of_o method_n in_o religion_n and_o so_o great_a a_o confidence_n on_o both_o side_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o plain_a man_n that_o will_v fain_o go_v the_o near_a and_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n to_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o thus_o the_o sceptic_a argue_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o romanist_n think_v there_o be_v no_o argument_n like_o this_o to_o confound_v the_o protestant_n and_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n but_o still_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o great_a hurt_n in_o this_o argument_n and_o that_o a_o plain_a man_n may_v be_v sure_a of_o find_v his_o way_n to_o heaven_n after_o all_o the_o mistake_v and_o controversy_n that_o there_o be_v about_o it_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o infallible_a guide_n on_o earth_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o second_o proposition_n evident_o imply_v in_o the_o text_n which_o be_v this_o 2d_o observe_v that_o the_o straight_a way_n to_o heaven_n may_v be_v certain_o find_v with_o due_a care_n and_o enquiry_n i_o mean_v by_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n sincere_o use_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v they_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o earthly_a infallible_a guide_n otherwise_o in_o vain_a do_v the_o apostle_n admonish_v the_o hebrew_n to_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o their_o foot_n for_o suppose_v they_o uncapable_a of_o discern_v between_o straight_a and_o crooked_a path_n either_o for_o want_v of_o a_o rule_n to_o guide_v they_o or_o a_o faculty_n to_o apply_v their_o rule_n to_o the_o several_a way_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o give_v they_o any_o advice_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o that_o must_v judge_v of_o their_o guide_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n as_o all_o christian_n be_v require_v to_o do_v must_v judge_v of_o their_o rule_n first_o and_o they_o that_o can_v judge_v of_o a_o straight_a rule_n when_o it_o lie_v before_o they_o can_v judge_v of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n as_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o wit_n to_o know_v when_o a_o line_n be_v straight_o can_v be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o a_o perfect_a mathematician_n for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o truth_n it_o may_v be_v proper_a
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institution_n of_o he_o deprive_v we_o of_o and_o certain_o of_o all_o other_o he_o will_v never_o bar_v we_o of_o this_o because_o his_o doctrine_n will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o we_o without_o it_o for_o what_o sway_n be_v the_o gospel_n like_v to_o bear_v upon_o our_o mind_n or_o which_o way_n can_v it_o influence_n our_o life_n till_o we_o know_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o use_v of_o it_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v unless_o we_o may_v exercise_v our_o own_o judgement_n upon_o they_o let_v my_o guide_n be_v never_o so_o know_v or_o infallible_a it_o be_v not_o he_o without_o my_o own_o knowledge_n that_o can_v make_v i_o sure_o of_o my_o way_n and_o therefore_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o way_n to_o convey_v his_o great_a knowledge_n into_o i_o and_o if_o he_o have_v it_o be_v sure_o through_o my_o understanding_n i_o be_o but_o just_a where_o i_o be_v without_o he_o and_o never_o like_a to_o make_v any_o spiritual_a improvement_n by_o he_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n i_o confess_v of_o some_o teacher_n that_o their_o disciple_n shall_v not_o see_v which_o way_n they_o lead_v they_o but_o those_o who_o christ_n have_v ordain_v to_o this_o office_n be_v send_v to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n that_o they_o themselves_o may_v see_v the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a peace_n 4._o christian_n without_o distinction_n be_v express_o require_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o as_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5.39_o imply_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o treasure_n in_o the_o scripture_n a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n so_o it_o may_v be_v certain_o find_v by_o those_o that_o due_o search_v for_o it_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v 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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 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and_o prevent_v a_o multitude_n of_o error_n provide_v you_o will_v but_o be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o suffer_v he_o first_o to_o pull_v out_o your_o eye_n which_o they_o say_v only_o serve_v to_o mislead_v you_o but_o if_o you_o will_v be_v so_o unreason_n able_a as_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o you_o must_v look_v to_o yourselves_o for_o though_o the_o good_a man_n prosess_v a_o very_a deep_a compassion_n for_o the_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a yet_o they_o do_v think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o keep_v faith_n with_o man_n that_o have_v their_o eye_n in_o their_o head_n i_o wish_v we_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o understand_v the_o moral_a of_o this_o but_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v you_o profess_v a_o religion_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o trial_n and_o have_v past_o the_o ordeal_o already_o wherefore_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o your_o faith_n without_o waver_v look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o it_o who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o 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sect_n in_o his_o childhood_n and_o live_v till_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a exact_o according_a to_o they_o as_o he_o tell_v king_n agrippa_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o five_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o what_o he_o charge_v himself_o with_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o as_o his_o own_o private_a persuasion_n only_o but_o rather_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o general_a sentiment_n of_o the_o man_n of_o his_o way_n and_o indeed_o as_o the_o natural_a brood_n and_o issue_n of_o pharisaical_a superstition_n by_o superstition_n i_o mean_v a_o groundless_a apprehension_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v thing_n which_o he_o never_o command_v or_o forbear_v those_o which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a and_o lead_a error_n of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o add_v to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o make_v more_o duty_n and_o sin_n than_o ever_o the_o law_n have_v make_v 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thing_n in_o which_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v as_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o the_o fierce_a opposition_n to_o the_o express_a revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n or_o more_o brief_o thus_o that_o christianity_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o sharp_a opposition_n from_o man_n under_o the_o high_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n and_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o religion_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o subject_a my_o design_n be_v 1._o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o observation_n 2._o to_o show_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v thus_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o transport_v with_o this_o extravagant_a and_o destructive_a zeal_n 3._o to_o make_v some_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o our_o felve_n 1._o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n may_v be_v thus_o misguide_v and_o their_o spirit_n inflame_v by_o erroneous_a principle_n against_o the_o truth_n may_v appear_v from_o our_o saviour_n character_n of_o he_o and_o his_o church_n enemy_n and_o from_o many_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a instance_n parallel_v to_o this_o of_o the_o confessor_n in_o the_o text._n 1._o from_o our_o saviour_n character_n of_o his_o and_o his_o church_n enemy_n our_o bless_a lord_n foreseeing_a what_o a_o zealous_a opposition_n his_o church_n and_o doctrine_n will_v assure_o meet_v withal_o after_o his_o decease_n take_v occasion_n a_o little_a before_o his_o passion_n to_o forewarn_a his_o disciple_n of_o it_o he_o have_v often_o tell_v they_o in_o the_o general_n that_o they_o must_v look_v for_o troulbe_n and_o persecution_n from_o men._n now_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n draw_v on_o to_o prevent_v the_o damp_n of_o a_o surprisal_n he_o describe_v the_o temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o show_v they_o what_o hard_a measure_n they_o and_o their_o follower_n must_v expect_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n i.e._n excommunicate_a and_o curse_v you_o for_o heretic_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n john_n 16.2_o it_o seem_v to_o kill_v a_o disciple_n for_o his_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o man_n like_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n by_o sacrifice_n they_o shall_v think_v by_o it_o say_v our_o saviour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o perform_v a_o grateful_a service_n or_o sacrisice_n to_o god_n as_o if_o they_o know_v no_o better_a way_n of_o please_v he_o than_o by_o take_v a_o lamb_n out_o of_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o make_v it_o a_o oblation_n to_o he_o now_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a strange_a way_n of_o servig_a god_n and_o such_o as_o man_n will_v never_o have_v think_v of_o if_o they_o have_v not_o deify_v something_o more_o than_o he_o and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o merciful_a god_n into_o a_o direful_a image_n of_o their_o own_o temper_n and_o 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and_o breathe_v out_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o man_n of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a a_o zeal_n that_o list_v man_n into_o conspiracy_n and_o bind_v they_o under_o a_o oath_n to_o kill_v a_o innocent_a person_n a_o outrageous_a zeal_n it_o be_v that_o make_v man_n exceed_o mad_a as_o one_o that_o have_v too_o much_o experience_n of_o it_o tell_v we_o v._n 11_o of_o this_o chapter_n so_o mad_a as_o to_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o d_o many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n nor_o be_v this_o kind_n of_o zeal_n peculiar_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v be_v think_v the_o only_a good_a christian_n who_o roundly_o excommunicate_a all_o other_o church_n for_o not_o comply_v with_o their_o
dictate_v as_o essentiael_v to_o christianity_n which_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o next_o ancient_n and_o venerable_a write_n do_v assure_v we_o be_v not_o there_o be_v those_o that_o call_v we_o heretic_n and_o have_v often_o prove_v we_o so_o as_o clear_o as_o fire_n and_o faggot_n can_v do_v it_o because_o we_o be_v so_o straitlaced_n as_o to_o believe_v but_o just_a so_o many_o truth_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o be_v so_o nice_a and_o humorous_a as_o not_o to_o believe_v the_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o church_n that_o for_o several_a age_n and_o in_o several_a council_n have_v decree_v the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n i.e._n the_o most_o orthodox_n christian_n by_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o fair_o recommend_v it_o as_o a_o eminent_a test_n of_o catholic_n zeal_n other_o at_o least_o there_o have_v be_v who_o with_o mighty_a confidence_n pretend_v to_o secret_a motion_n and_o immediate_a 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for_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o and_o methinks_v it_o be_v the_o least_o of_o wonder_n that_o a_o churchpampered_a with_o power_n and_o wealth_n and_o honour_n that_o think_v herself_o fit_a to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v her_o unquestionable_a right_n and_o duty_n by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o do_v it_o shall_v not_o wave_v her_o principle_n and_o content_v herself_o to_o admonish_v and_o weep_v over_o obstinate_a heretic_n as_o our_o bless_a lord_n do_v over_o jerusalem_n when_o her_o design_n call_v for_o blood_n and_o cruelty_n and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o man_n will_v not_o be_v make_v obedient_a without_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o have_v be_v another_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o under_o pretence_n of_o refine_v the_o reformation_n have_v shameful_o violate_v the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n that_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o for_o this_o i_o may_v refer_v you_o to_o the_o wicked_a outrage_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n at_o munster_n and_o the_o terrible_a battle_n which_o have_v be_v fight_v for_o little_a fancy_n and_o affect_v singularity_n in_o religion_n i_o may_v call_v to_o your_o remembrance_n the_o many_o insurrection_n and_o what_o i_o even_o tremble_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o horrid_a murder_n of_o the_o late_a archbishop_n in_o scotland_n i_o may_v desire_v you_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o fierce_a and_o bloody_a attempt_n which_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o nation_n have_v be_v manage_v upon_o the_o five_o monarchy_n principles_n in_o a_o word_n i_o may_v carry_v you_o to_o the_o tomb_n of_o king_n nobles_z and_o prelate_n of_o worthy_a patriot_n and_o minister_n of_o justice_n of_o preacher_n and_o ambassador_n of_o peace_n who_o by_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n have_v be_v offer_v to_o use_v the_o apostle_n phrase_n upon_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o service_n of_o your_o faith_n which_o some_o call_v heresy_n and_o according_a to_o which_o we_o now_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n now_o to_o apply_v these_o allusion_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v to_o you_o that_o the_o chief_a actor_n and_o party_n in_o they_o have_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o confess_v that_o they_o very_o think_v they_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n many_o apology_n have_v be_v make_v and_o many_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v for_o they_o yea_o many_o have_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o pronounce_v it_o with_o their_o last_o breath_n that_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v and_o die_v for_o as_o ill_o as_o they_o look_v towards_o the_o world_n be_v do_v out_o of_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n that_o be_v they_o thonght_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v they_o as_o contrary_a and_o dishonourable_a as_o they_o real_o be_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o to_o show_v whece_n it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v thus_o misguide_v by_o erroneous_a 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christianity_n be_v shall_v think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o promote_v every_o crude_a opinion_n with_o the_o sword_n nay_o that_o inspire_v and_o as_o they_o call_v themselves_o infallible_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n so_o exceed_o fierce_a and_o angry_a with_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o devote_v they_o to_o present_v and_o eternal_a ruin_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o extreme_o full_a of_o scandal_n and_o contradiction_n that_o without_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v scarce_o charity_n to_o believe_v the_o possibility_n of_o they_o but_o let_v we_o do_v that_o right_n to_o christianity_n and_o ourselves_o as_o to_o see_v where_o the_o fault_n lie_v and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n have_v wrought_v so_o much_o misery_n and_o coufusion_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o assign_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o evil_n will_v require_v more_o time_n and_o patience_n than_o the_o present_a occasion_n will_v allow_v i_o shall_v therefore_o confine_v myself_o to_o such_o as_o i_o think_v have_v the_o great_a interest_n in_o they_o and_o be_v best_a able_a to_o answer_v for_o they_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v bad_a education_n which_o have_v a_o strange_a influence_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o persuasion_n of_o man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o change_v the_o sweet_a natural_a disposition_n into_o the_o bitter_a and_o fierce_a temper_n the_o great_a spring_n and_o mover_n of_o humane_a action_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o information_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o business_n of_o education_n must_v have_v a_o mighty_a stroke_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o impression_n we_o receive_v of_o thing_n while_o our_o mind_n be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n and_o prejudice_n be_v