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sense_n believe_v faith_n reason_n 7,057 5 5.8990 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62644 Sixteen sermons, preached on several subjects. By the most Reverend Dr. John Tillotson late Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. Being the third volume; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker, D.D. chaplain to his Grace Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708. 1696 (1696) Wing T1270; ESTC R218005 164,610 488

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be_v take_v for_o grant_v where_o ever_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n suffer_v persecution_n for_o it_o and_o the_o plain_a case_n among_o christian_n be_v when_o they_o be_v persecute_v because_o they_o will_v not_o open_o deny_v and_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o this_o be_v general_o the_o case_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n they_o be_v threaten_v with_o torture_n and_o death_n because_o they_o will_v not_o renounce_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o religion_n and_o give_v demonstration_n thereof_o by_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o heathen-god_n second_o man_n do_v true_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v persecute_v only_o for_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o join_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o urge_v to_o deny_v and_o disclaim_v it_o but_o only_o to_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o 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prophet_n esa_n ch._n 6._o 10._o so_o often_o cite_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o jew_n of_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o that_o people_n fat_a and_o their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o close_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o shall_v understand_v and_o be_v convert_v so_o again_o isa_n 66._o 3_o 4._o god_n threaten_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o because_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o abominable_a in_o their_o life_n he_o will_v abandon_v they_o and_o give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n they_o have_v choose_v their_o own_o way_n and_o their_o soul_n delight_v in_o their_o abomination_n i_o also_o will_v choose_v their_o delusion_n god_n be_v say_v to_o choose_v those_o thing_n for_o we_o which_o he_o permit_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o so_o rom._n 1._o 28._o
lay_v it_o up_o in_o a_o napkin_n and_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n rule_n have_v long_o since_o forfeit_v it_o for_o not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a r●l●_n which_o can_v end_v no_o controversy_n without_o a_o live_a judge_n ready_a at_o hand_n to_o interpret_v and_o apply_v that_o rule_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n the_o same_o objection_n lie_v against_o they_o unless_o a_o general_n council_n which_o be_v their_o live_a judge_n be_v always_o sit_v for_o the_o d●finitions_n of_o their_o council_n in_o write_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o and_o great_a objection_n than_o the_o write_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o in_o difference_n about_o lesser_a matter_n mutual_a charity_n and_o forbearance_n will_v secure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o difference_n remain_v undecided_a and_o in_o great_a matter_n a_o infallible_a rule_n search_v into_o with_o a_o honest_a mind_n and_o due_a diligence_n and_o with_o the_o help_n of_o good_a instruction_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o extinguish_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o such_o difference_n than_o any_o infallible_a judge_n if_o there_o be_v one_o because_o a_o humble_a and_o honest_a mind_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o yield_v to_o reason_n than_o a_o perverse_a and_o cavil_v temper_n be_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o infallible_a judge_n unless_o it_o be_v back_v with_o a_o inquisition_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v herself_o infallible_a and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o she_o find_v that_o some_o question_n and_o deny_v her_o infallibility_n and_o then_o her_o sentence_n signify_v nothing_o and_o of_o those_o who_o own_o it_o many_o dispute_n the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o her_o sentence_n and_o whether_o they_o deny_v the_o infallibility_n of_o her_o sentence_n or_o dispute_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o case_n will_v it_o prove_v effectual_a to_o the_o decide_n of_o any_o difference_n but_o after_o all_o this_o provision_n which_o we_o pretend_v god_n have_v make_v for_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o man_n fall_v into_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n who_o yet_o can_v without_o great_a uncharitableness_n be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v sincere_o desirous_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v brief_o return_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o that_o the_o same_o error_n be_v not_o equal_o damnable_a to_o all_o the_o innocent_a and_o human_o speak_v almost_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o some_o person_n even_o against_o a_o fundamental_a truth_n the_o different_a capacity_n of_o man_n and_o the_o different_a mean_n of_o conviction_n afford_v to_o they_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a degree_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o a_o faulty_a will_n in_o oppose_v the_o truth_n propose_v to_o they_o all_o these_o and_o perhaps_o several_a other_o consideration_n beside_o may_v make_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o guilt_n of_o man_n error_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o they_o ii_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o matter_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n who_o only_o know●th_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o men._n we_o can_v see_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n nor_o know_v all_o their_o circumstance_n and_o how_o they_o may_v have_v provoke_v god_n to_o forsake_v they_o and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o error_n and_o delusion_n because_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n god_n will_v consider_v all_o man_n circumstance_n and_o the_o disadvantage_n they_o be_v under_o for_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o make_v allowance_n to_o man_n for_o their_o invincible_a error_n and_o forgive_v they_o upon_o a_o general_a repentance_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o who_o see_v the_o insincerity_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o error_n of_o their_o understanding_n do_v procee_v from_o gross_a fault_n of_o their_o life_n will_v deal_v with_o they_o according_o but_o if_o man_n be_v honest_a and_o sincere_a god_n who_o have_v say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n will_v certain_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n it_o now_o remain_v only_o to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o three_o first_o from_o this_o text_n and_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v upon_o it_o we_o may_v infer_v how_o slender_a and_o ill-grounded_a the_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n be_v whether_o they_o place_v it_o in_o the_o pope_n or_o in_o a_o general_n council_n or_o in_o both_o the_o last_o be_v the_o most_o general_a opinion_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o understand_v how_o infallibility_n can_v result_v from_o the_o pope_n confirmation_n of_o a_o general_n council_n when_o neither_o the_o council_n be_v infallible_a in_o frame_v its_o definition_n nor_o the_o pope_n in_o confirm_v they_o if_o the_o council_n be_v infallible_a in_o frame_v they_o then_o they_o need_v no_o confirmation_n if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o infallibility_n be_v only_o in_o the_o pope_n that_o confirm_v they_o and_o then_o it_o be_v the_o pope_n only_o that_o be_v infallible_a but_o no_o man_n that_o read_v these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n will_v ever_o imagine_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n whoever_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v be_v secure_v from_o all_o fatal_a error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n much_o less_o that_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o judge_v what_o doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n and_o what_o not_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o many_o of_o their_o pope_n have_v be_v notorious_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a in_o their_o life_n nay_o bellarmine_n himself_o acknowledge_v that_o for_o a_o succession_n of_o fifty_o pope_n together_o there_o be_v not_o one_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n that_o sit_v in_o that_o chair_n and_o some_o of_o their_o pope_n have_v be_v condemn_v and_o depose_v for_o heresy_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o govern_v part_n of_o that_o church_n will_v bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o he_o be_v infallible_a but_o if_o this_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n be_v true_a that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o his_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n then_o every_o honest_a man_n that_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o fair_a pretence_n to_o infallibility_n and_o a_o clear_a text_n for_o it_o than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a bible_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n what_o will_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n give_v that_o the●e_n be_v but_o as_o express_v a_o text_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o pope_n as_o this_o be_v for_o the_o security_n of_o every_o good_a man_n in_o his_o judgement_n of_o doctrine_n which_o make_v infallibility_n needless_a what_o a_o unsufferable_a noise_n and_o what_o endless_a triumph_n will_v they_o make_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v any_o where_o say_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o sit_v in_o st._n peter_n chair_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o my_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n have_v there_o be_v but_o such_o a_o text_n as_o this_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v be_v trouble_v with_o their_o impertinent_a citation_n of_o text_n and_o their_o remote_a and_o blind_a inference_n from_o pasce_fw-la oves_fw-la and_o super_fw-la hanc_fw-la petram_fw-la feed_v my_o sheep_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n to_o prove_v the_o pope_n infallibility_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n or_o reason_n ever_o extend_v the_o text_n i_o be_o speak_v to_o so_o far_o as_o to_o attempt_v to_o prove_v from_o it_o the_o infallibility_n of_o every_o good_a man_n but_o only_o his_o security_n from_o ●atal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o religion_n the_o large_a promise_n that_o be_v make_v in_o scripture_n of_o security_n from_o error_n and_o mistake_v about_o divine_a thing_n be_v make_v to_o good_a man_n who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o we_o must_v conclude_v several_a pope_n to_o have_v be_v the_o further_a from_o infallibility_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o compendious_a way_n to_o persuade_v man_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o fable_n than_o to_o set_v up_o a_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a man_n for_o the_o oracle_n
no_o express_v and_o direct_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o common_a sense_n because_o the_o admit_v of_o transubstantiation_n do_v undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n whatsoever_o and_o do_v more_o immediate_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o yea_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o this_o doctrine_n yet_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o reason_n and_o truth_n and_o a_o just_a animosity_n and_o indignation_n at_o confident_a nonsense_n a_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a and_o generous_a mind_n will_v as_o soon_o be_v bring_v to_o declare_v or_o swear_v that_o twice_o two_o do_v not_o make_v four_o but_o five_o as_o to_o profess_v his_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o though_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a consequence_n and_o concernment_n yet_o all_o truth_n be_v of_o god_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n though_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o truth_n at_o all_o time_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o deny_v or_o renounce_v any_o truth_n nor_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o a_o know_a falsehood_n or_o error_n for_o it_o be_v mere_o because_o of_o the_o intrinsical_a evil_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v and_o the_o son_n of_o god_n think_v it_o worth_a his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n so_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o joh._n 18._o 37._o to_o this_o end_n be_v i_o bear_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o these_o plain_a instance_n to_o which_o most_o other_z case_n may_v be_v reduce_v when_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o suffer_v true_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o truth_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o or_o three_o case_n wherein_o man_n may_v seem_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n but_o can_v true_o be_v say_v to_o do_v so_o first_o when_o man_n rash_o expose_v themselves_o to_o danger_n and_o run_v upon_o suffering_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n thus_o several_a of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n voluntary_o expose_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v not_o call_v in_o question_n and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o affection_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n offer_v themselves_o to_o martyrdom_n when_o none_o inquire_v after_o they_o this_o in_o the_o gracious_a interpretation_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o zeal_n be_v please_v to_o overlook_v the_o indiscreet_a forwardness_n and_o rashness_n of_o it_o may_v be_v accept_v for_o a_o kind_n of_o martyrdom_n but_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v justify_v so_o a●_n to_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v a_o pattern_n and_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n for_o though_o god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o excuse_v the_o weakness_n of_o a_o well-meaning_a zeal_n yet_o he_o can_v approve_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suffer_v cheerful_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n when_o he_o call_v we_o to_o fight_v this_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o resist_v unto_o blood_n and_o when_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o strait_a that_o we_o must_v either_o die_v for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n or_o deny_v they_o to_o suffer_v i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n with_o courage_n and_o patience_n be_v one_o of_o the_o noble_a of_o all_o the_o christian_a virtue_n but_o to_o be_v perfect_a volunteer_n and_o to_o run_v ourselves_o upon_o suffering_n when_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o they_o look_v rather_o like_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n which_o though_o god_n may_v merciful_o excuse_v and_o pardon_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o action_n for_o the_o good_a mean_v of_o it_o yet_o he_o can_v never_o perfect_o approve_v and_o accept_v of_o it_o but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v little_a need_n nowa-day_n to_o caution_n man_n against_o this_o rashness_n it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o have_v the_o grace_n and_o resolution_n to_o suffer_v when_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o second_o nor_o can_v man_n be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v not_o for_o their_o faith_n but_o their_o fancy_n and_o for_o the_o wilful_a and_o affect_a error_n of_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n as_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o in_o heat_n and_o passion_n they_o call_v superstition_n and_o idoltary_a and_o for_o their_o own_o false_a opinion_n in_o religion_n which_o they_o mistake_v for_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o this_o case_n their_o mistake_n about_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o nor_o turn_v their_o suffering_n into_o martyrdom_n and_o yet_o many_o man_n have_v certain_o suffer_v for_o their_o own_o mistake_n for_o as_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o delude_v as_o to_o think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n when_o they_o kill_v his_o faithful_a servant_n so_o likewise_o may_v they_o be_v so_o far_o deceive_v as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o their_o own_o culpable_a error_n and_o mistake_v but_o this_o be_v zeal_n without_o knowledge_v not_o the_o wisdom_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o but_o that_o which_o come_v from_o beneath_o and_o be_v like_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v heat_n without_o light_n three_o and_o last_o nor_o can_v man_n true_o be_v say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n when_o they_o suffer_v for_o the_o open_a profession_n and_o defence_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o all_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a truth_n yet_o he_o be_v under_o no_o such_o obligation_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o unless_o he_o be_v call_v to_o deny_v they_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v either_o to_o declare_v or_o defend_v they_o he_o may_v hold_v his_o peace_n at_o other_o time_n and_o be_v silent_a about_o they_o especial_o when_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o they_o will_v probable_o do_v no_o good_a to_o other_o and_o will_v certain_o do_v hurt_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o zealous_a endeavour_n to_o propagate_v such_o truth_n will_v be_v to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o good_a say_v of_o erasmus_n if_o we_o understand_v it_o as_o i_o believe_v he_o mean_v it_o of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a adeo_fw-la invis●_n sunt_fw-la mihi_fw-la discordi●_n ut_fw-la veritas_fw-la etiam_fw-la contentiosa_fw-la displiceat_fw-la i_o be_o say_v he_o so_o perfect_a a_o hater_n of_o discord_n that_o i_o be_o even_o displease_v with_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o contention_n as_o a_o man_n be_v never_o to_o deny_v truth_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o oblige_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o truth_n not_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o if_o he_o suffer_v upon_o that_o account_n he_o can_v justify_v it_o to_o his_o own_o prudence_n nor_o have_v comfort_n in_o such_o suffering_n because_o he_o bring_v they_o needless_o upon_o himself_o and_o no_o man_n can_v have_v comfort_n but_o in_o suffer_v for_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o namely_o when_o man_n may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n namely_o how_o far_o man_n may_v rely_v upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o such_o suffering_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o provide_v we_o do_v what_o become_v we_o and_o be_v our_o duty_n on_o our_o part_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v on_o his_o part_n to_o bear_v we_o out_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n for_o his_o cause_n one_o of_o these_o three_o way_n first_o to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o violent_a degree_n of_o temptation_n and_o suffer_v which_o will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n or_o second_o in_o case_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a temptation_n and_o trial_n to_o give_v we_o the_o extraordinary_a support_v and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o else_o three_o in_o case_n of_o a_o temporary_a fall_n and_o miscarriage_n to_o raise_v we_o up_o by_o repentance_n and_o a_o great_a resolution_n and_o constancy_n under_o suffering_n i_o shall_v speak_v several_o to_o these_o 1._o either_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o secure_v we_o from_o that_o
secure_v against_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n in_o religion_n and_o whereby_o they_o may_v discern_v truth_n from_o imposture_n and_o what_o doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n and_o what_o not_o and_o this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o here_o in_o the_o text_n namely_o that_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o fatal_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n desire_v to_o do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o there_o be_v two_o dangerous_a mistake_n in_o religion_n to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o from_o god_n which_o do_v not_o real_o come_v from_o he_o first_o to_o reject_v any_o thing_n which_o real_o come_v from_o god_n this_o mistake_v the_o jew_n frequent_o fall_v into_o when_o they_o reject_v the_o true_a prophet_n which_o god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n send_v to_o they_o slight_v their_o message_n and_o persecute_v their_o person_n but_o they_o miscarry_v most_o fatal_o and_o remarkable_o in_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n that_o great_a prophet_n who_o they_o have_v so_o long_o expect_v and_o who_o god_n send_v at_o last_o to_o bring_v salvation_n to_o they_o but_o when_o he_o come_v they_o know_v he_o not_o nor_o will_v receive_v he_o but_o use_v he_o with_o all_o the_o despite_n and_o contempt_n imaginable_a not_o as_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n but_o as_o a_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n now_o the_o danger_n of_o reject_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o god_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o high_a affront_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o reject_v a_o divine_a message_n or_o revelation_n be_v to_o oppose_v god_n and_o fight_v against_o he_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o in_o despise_v he_o they_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v he_o second_o there_o be_v also_o another_o dangerous_a mistake_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o entertain_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o real_o from_o he_o and_o this_o likewise_o the_o jew_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o in_o receive_v the_o false_a prophet_n which_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v not_o send_v they_o and_o this_o be_v common_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o truth_n greedy_o to_o swallow_v error_n and_o delusion_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o jew_n john_n 5._o 43._o i_o be_o come_v in_o my_o father_n name_n and_o you_o receive_v i_o not_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n him_z you_o will_v receive_v this_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o jew_n be_v full_o accomplish_v for_o after_o they_o have_v reject_v he_o who_o give_v 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better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n ii_o because_o god_n providence_n be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o secure_v such_o person_n from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o mistake_v in_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n these_o shall_v be_v the_o two_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n first_o because_o he_o who_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o better_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a thing_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n i._o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n ii_o because_o he_o be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n first_o because_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n no_o man_n be_v so_o likely_a to_o have_v clear_a and_o true_a apprehension_n of_o god_n as_o a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o have_v transcribe_v the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v himself_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n what_o god_n be_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n so_o often_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n job_n 28._o 28._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_a be_v understanding_n and_o psal_n 111._o 10._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n whereas_o the_o vice_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n darken_v their_o reason_n and_o distort_v their_o understanding_n and_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o gross_a and_o sensual_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o thereby_o render_v man_n unfit_a to_o discern_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o tendency_n and_o altogether_o indispose_v to_o receive_v they_o for_o though_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n be_v proper_o seat_v in_o their_o will_n and_o do_v not_o possess_v their_o understanding_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o bad_a influence_n upon_o they_o as_o fume_n and_o vapour_n from_o the_o stomach_n be_v wont_a to_o affect_v the_o head_n nothing_o indeed_o be_v more_o natural_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o we_o may_v abuse_v our_o faculty_n and_o render_v they_o unfit_a for_o the_o discern_a even_o of_o their_o proper_a object_n when_o man_n by_o wicked_a practice_n have_v render_v themselves_o unlike_a to_o god_n they_o will_v not_o love_v to_o retain_v the_o knowlenge_n of_o he_o in_o their_o mind_n but_o will_v become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n concern_v he_o what_o cloud_n and_o mist_n be_v to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n that_o the_o lust_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n be_v to_o the_o understanding_n they_o hinder_v it_o from_o a_o clear_a perception_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o pure_a in_o heart_n they_o be_v best_a qualify_v for_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n now_o according_a as_o a_o man_n notion_n of_o god_n be_v such_o will_v be_v his_o apprehension_n of_o religion_n all_o religion_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o reveal_v natural_a religion_n consist_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o in_o right_a conception_n and_o apprehension_n concern_v he_o and_o in_o a_o due_a reverence_n and_o observance_n of_o he_o and_o in_o a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v imprint_v upon_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o our_o obedience_n consist_v in_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o a_o endeavour_n to_o be_v like_o he_o for_o suppose_v god_n to_o have_v make_v no_o external_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o know_v his_o will_n but_o by_o consider_v his_o nature_n and_o our_o own_o and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o that_o resemble_v god_n most_o be_v like_a to_o understand_v he_o best_o because_o he_o find_v those_o perfection_n in_o some_o measure_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o contemplate_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o nothing_o give_v a_o man_n so_o sure_a a_o notion_n of_o thing_n as_o practice_n and_o experience_n every_o good_a man_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o feel_v that_o in_o himself_o which_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v in_o god_n so_o that_o this_o man_n do_v experience_n what_o other_o do_v but_o talk_v of_o he_o see_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o and_o be_v able_a to_o discourse_v of_o he_o from_o a_o inward_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o
for_o reveal_v religion_n the_o only_a design_n of_o that_o be_v to_o revive_v and_o improve_v the_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o all_o our_o reason_n about_o divine_a revelation_n be_v necessary_o gather_v by_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o vain_a and_o confident_a pretence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o if_o any_o doctrine_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o which_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n he_o measure_v it_o by_o those_o steady_a and_o sure_a notion_n which_o he_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o per●ections_n and_o by_o those_o he_o will_v easy_o discern_v whether_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o and_o likely_a to_o proceed_v from_o he_o he_o will_v consider_v the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o a_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v bring_v it_o he_o will_v not_o receive_v it_o if_o it_o be_v he_o will_v not_o reject_v it_o upon_o every_o idle_a pretence_n and_o frivolous_a exception_n that_o prejudice_v and_o ill_o mind_a man_n may_v make_v against_o it_o but_o after_o he_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o give_v to_o his_o own_o revelation_n and_o if_o the_o person_n that_o bring_v it_o have_v the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o case_n it_o be_v a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o if_o he_o carry_v on_o no_o earthly_a interest_n and_o design_n by_o it_o but_o do_v by_o his_o life_n and_o action_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n in_o this_o case_n a_o good_a man_n who_o mind_n be_v free_a from_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n will_v easy_o assent_v that_o this_o man_n doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o this_o be_v the_o evidence_n which_o our_o saviour_n offer_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o vindication_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n joh._n 7._o 18._o he_o that_o speak_v of_o himself_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o seek_v his_o glory_n that_o send_v he_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v hereby_o may_v you_o distinguish_v one_o that_o real_o come_v from_o god_n from_o a_o impostor_n if_o any_o man_n seek_v his_o own_o glory_n you_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n have_v not_o send_v he_o but_o whatever_o he_o pretend_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o he_o who_o by_o his_o life_n and_o the_o course_n of_o his_o action_n demonstrate_v that_o he_o seek_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o not_o any_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n in_o he_o that_o be_v no_o falsehood_n or_o design_n to_o deceive_v for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v sometime_o signify_v you_o may_v conclude_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v no_o deceiver_n or_o impostor_n and_o if_o any_o man_n sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o may_v by_o such_o mark_n and_o character_n as_o these_o judge_v of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n because_o he_o that_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a thing_n second_o such_o a_o person_n be_v more_o impartial_a in_o his_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o therefore_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v it_o and_o to_o discern_v it_o from_o error_n he_o that_o have_v a_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v sway_v and_o bias_v by_o any_o interest_n or_o lust_n for_o his_o great_a interest_n be_v to_o please_v god_n and_o he_o make_v all_o his_o other_o interest_n and_o concernment_n to_o stoop_v and_o yield_v to_o that_o but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v govern_v by_o any_o earthly_a interest_n or_o design_n he_o will_v measure_v all_o thing_n by_o that_o and_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o entertain_v any_o thing_n that_o cross_v it_o and_o to_o judge_v equal_o of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o his_o interest_n this_o our_o saviour_n give_v for_o a_o reason_n why_o the_o great_a rabbi_n and_o teacher_n among_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o believe_v and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 5._o 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o if_o man_n have_v any_o other_o design_n in_o religigion_n than_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o reject_v the_o most_o divine_a truth_n because_o these_o be_v calculate_v not_o to_o approve_v we_o to_o man_n but_o to_o god_n and_o as_o vainglory_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n so_o likewise_o do_v every_o other_o lust_n make_v a_o man_n partial_a in_o his_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o clap_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o his_o understanding_n which_o carry_v it_o off_o from_o truth_n and_o make_v it_o to_o lean_v towards_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o lust_n a_o vicious_a man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o entertain_v those_o truth_n which_o will_v cross_v and_o check_v he_o in_o his_o course_n he_o have_v make_v the_o truth_n his_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v himself_o concern_v to_o oppose_v it_o and_o rise_v up_o against_o it_o the_o light_n of_o it_o offend_v he_o and_o therefore_o he_o shut_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v not_o see_v it_o those_o holy_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n which_o be_v from_o god_n reprove_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o discover_v the_o deformity_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n likewise_o give_v of_o the_o fierce_a enmity_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n jo●_n 3._o 19_o 20._o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n be_v a_o dead_a weight_n upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o able_a to_o draw_v down_o the_o scale_n against_o the_o clear_a truth_n for_o though_o it_o be_v absolute_o in_o no_o man_n power_n to_o believe_v or_o to_o disbelieve_v what_o he_o will_v yet_o man_n life_n have_v many_o time_n a_o great_a influence_n upon_o their_o understanding_n to_o make_v assent_n easy_a or_o difficult_a and_o as_o we_o be_v forward_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o so_o be_v we_o very_o backward_o and_o slow_a in_o yield_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o cross_v our_o inclination_n man_n that_o allow_v themselves_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n will_v not_o easy_o believe_v those_o doctrine_n which_o charge_v man_n so_o strict_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o holiness_n and_o purity_n this_o be_v the_o way_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v always_o use_v to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o shine_v into_o they_o and_o certain_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o infidelity_n be_v to_o debauch_v they_o in_o their_o life_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o man_n in_o the_o last_o time_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 12._o they_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n when_o man_n once_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a practice_n infidelity_n become_v their_o interest_n because_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o defend_v and_o excuse_v a_o wicked_a life_n but_o by_o deny_v the_o truth_n which_o oppose_v it_o and_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o that_o man_n only_o stand_v fair_a for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n who_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o no_o vice_n or_o lust_n because_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o corrupt_v or_o bribe_v he_o to_o