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consideration_n tend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o seduce_v spirit_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o at_o present_a the_o ten_o sermon_n as_o number_v follow_v there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o number_v of_o these_o sermon_n the_o ten_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o nine_o and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o end_n for_o there_o be_v but_o fifteen_o sermon_n in_o this_o volume_n and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o a_o sermon_n heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v these_o word_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v by_o the_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o
you_o and_o will_v pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n to_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v and_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v by_o these_o teacher_n he_o charge_v they_o with_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n quit_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o embrace_v another_o gospel_n v._o 6._o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o who_o thus_o pervert_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v plain_o guilty_a of_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o they_o who_o quit_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v thus_o pervert_v christianity_n be_v in_o a_o most_o dangerous_a state_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n remove_v unto_o another_o gospel_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o iii_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v very_o heinous_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o god_n and_o how_o great_a a_o contempt_n of_o he_o when_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o send_v no_o less_o person_n than_o his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o his_o own_o bosom_n to_o do_v it_o and_o have_v give_v such_o testimony_n to_o he_o from_o heaven_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o he_o have_v transmit_v down_o to_o we_o so_o faithful_a a_o record_n of_o this_o revelation_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o when_o we_o ourselves_o have_v so_o often_o declare_v our_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o revelation_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o deny_v it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o or_o to_o embrace_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o this_o certain_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o great_a affront_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n to_o declare_v that_o either_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o god_n say_v or_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fear_v what_o he_o can_v do_v so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o ep._n 5._o 10._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n and_o all_o along_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o apostle_n set_v himself_o to_o aggravate_v this_o sin_n call_v it_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n ch._n 3_o 12._o and_o he_o frequent_o call_v it_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o be_v of_o all_o sin_n the_o great_a and_o most_o heinous_a ch._n 10._o 26._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o discourse_n for_o have_v exhort_v they_o before_o v_o 23._o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o he_o immediate_o add_v for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o ch._n 12_o 1._o let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o that_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v then_o so_o strong_o tempt_v by_o that_o fierce_a persecution_n which_o attend_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o that_o be_v let_v we_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n against_o the_o suffering_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o christian_a course_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o man_n be_v just_o condemn_v for_o it_o john_n 3._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v but_o to_o desert_v the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o to_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a sin_n opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n may_v proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n which_o be_v a_o great_a extenuation_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o after_o all_o his_o violent_a persecution_n of_o christianity_n he_o find_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n to_o revolt_v from_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n this_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n the_o apostle_n make_v wilfulness_n a_o usual_a ingredient_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o this_o sin_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o effectual_a disparagement_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o consider_v what_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n speak_v against_o it_o because_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o and_o of_o which_o they_o have_v have_v no_o trial_n and_o experience_n but_o he_o that_o fall_v off_o from_o religion_n after_o he_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v try_v it_o and_o dislike_v it_o and_o pretend_v to_o leave_v it_o because_o he_o have_v not_o find_v that_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o which_o he_o expect_v and_o upon_o long_a experience_n of_o it_o see_v reason_n to_o prefer_v another_o religion_n before_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o despiteful_a to_o religion_n than_o this_o and_o more_o likely_a to_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n v._n 29._o of_o this_o chapter_n call_v it_o a_o trample_n under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o profane_a thing_n and_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n for_o we_o can_v put_v a_o great_a scorn_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n nor_o upon_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o come_v down_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o than_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o to_o renounce_v this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o forsake_v this_o religion_n but_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o see_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n it_o expose_v man_n to_o which_o be_v the_o iv._o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v and_o this_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o a_o most_o terrible_a manner_n not_o only_o in_o this_o epistle_n but_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o sin_n be_v place_v in_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o pardonable_a sin_n and_o next_o to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n speak_v very_o doubtful_o of_o the_o pardonableness_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o be_v near_o akin_a to_o that_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o 6_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o a_o very_a severe_a manner_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o have_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o the_o solemn_a profession_n of_o it_o in_o baptism_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v baptize_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n that_o be_v regeneration_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o gospel
rather_o because_o they_o be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o presume_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n aught_o to_o be_v condemn_v at_o all_o adventure_n without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n this_o i_o say_v be_v fond_a partiality_n because_o every_o religion_n and_o every_o church_n may_v for_o aught_o that_o appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v thing_n impartial_o say_v the_o same_o for_o themselves_o and_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n and_o if_o so_o then_o either_o every_o religion_n ought_v to_o permit_v itself_o to_o be_v examine_v or_o else_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o consequent_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_n and_o heretic_n ought_v all_o to_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v and_o none_o of_o they_o to_o change_v because_o they_o can_v reasonable_o change_v without_o examine_v both_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o leave_v and_o that_o which_o they_o embrace_v instead_o of_o it_o 2._o admit_v this_o pretence_n be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o have_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o they_o shall_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o why_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o they_o shall_v permit_v it_o to_o be_v try_v that_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a reason_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v because_o if_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v firm_a and_o good_a i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o but_o i_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ill_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v solid_a and_o firm_a and_o such_o as_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n that_o they_o be_v so_o very_o loath_a to_o have_v they_o search_v into_o and_o examine_v this_o can_v but_o tempt_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o suspect_v that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o know_v something_o that_o be_v amiss_o in_o their_o religion_n which_o make_v they_o so_o loath_a to_o have_v it_o try_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o touch._n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a among_o all_o christian_n that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o never_o forbid_v the_o christian_n to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o frequent_o exhort_v they_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o whether_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ._n so_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n and_o again_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o prove_v and_o try_v it_o and_o so_o likewise_o st._n john_n ep._n 1._o 4._o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o he_o give_v a_o very_a notable_a mark_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n carry_v on_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o tend_v to_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n vers_fw-la 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n therefore_o speak_v they_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n hear_v they_o act_n 17._o 11._o st._n luke_n commend_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o the_o beroean_n that_o they_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o without_o disparagement_n to_o their_o infallibility_n these_o say_v he_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o word_n but_o not_o blind_o and_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o use_v due_a care_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o have_v before_o receive_v it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o admit_v and_o swallow_v contradiction_n in_o their_o faith_n and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o that_o they_o will_v encourage_v the_o people_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o and_o to_o examine_v whether_o their_o doctrine_n be_v according_a to_o they_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v the_o pope_n and_o a_o general_n council_n commend_v to_o the_o people_n the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o try_v their_o definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o worship_n by_o that_o rule_n to_o see_v whether_o what_o they_o have_v define_v and_o decree_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o their_o worship_n of_o image_n their_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n depart_v the_o sacrament_n under_o one_o kind_n only_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n in_o the_o mass._n have_v the_o beroean_n be_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o plead_v their_o right_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v very_o troublesome_a and_o impertinent_a and_o will_v not_o have_v be_v praise_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n for_o their_o pain_n as_o they_o be_v by_o st._n luke_n you_o see_v then_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a groundless_a and_o suspicious_a pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o because_o they_o be_v infallible_o in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o their_o people_n must_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o examine_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v undoubted_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o not_o only_o permit_v the_o people_n to_o examine_v it_o but_o exhort_v and_o encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o commend_v they_o for_o it_o and_o any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n must_v abhor_v to_o submit_v to_o this_o slavery_n not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v free_o into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o will_v break_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o single_a point_n and_o will_v tell_v they_o plain_o if_o your_o religion_n be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v examine_v i_o doubt_v it_o be_v too_o bad_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o allow_v of_o this_o liberty_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v people_n perpetual_o doubt_v and_o unsettled_a i_o do_v utter_o deny_v this_o and_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a with_o good_a reason_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v the_o contrary_a effect_n there_o be_v in_o reason_n no_o better_a way_n to_o establish_v any_o man_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o there_o be_v very_o good_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o believe_v which_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o see_v that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o reason_n or_o not_o so_o that_o beside_o the_o reasonablness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v of_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o account_n 1._o to_o arm_v we_o against_o seducer_n he_o that_o have_v examine_v his_o religion_n and_o try_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v most_o able_a to_o maintain_v they_o and_o make_v they_o good_a against_o all_o assault_n that_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o we_o to_o move_v we_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n whereas_o he_o that_o have_v not_o examine_v and_o consequent_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o to_o
and_o by_o consequence_n all_o those_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o those_o article_n and_o be_v imply_v in_o they_o and_o by_o plain_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o they_o it_o be_v not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o partial_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n since_o the_o primitive_a time_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o have_v be_v since_o declare_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o be_v either_o to_o profess_v or_o to_o hold_v fast_o because_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o admit_v the_o pretence_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o those_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v impose_v be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a and_o have_v effectual_o do_v it_o that_o those_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o primitive_a antiquity_n and_o that_o the_o church_n which_o propose_v they_o have_v no_o more_o claim_n to_o infallibility_n than_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v none_o at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n no_o other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o sufficient_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n either_o in_o express_a term_n or_o by_o plain_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n nor_o any_o rite_n of_o worship_n nor_o matter_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v not_o command_v in_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v any_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n in_o re-religion_n the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n here_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o without_o waver_v much_o less_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n of_o which_o kind_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n in_o my_o follow_a discourse_n to_o instance_n in_o several_a particular_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o which_o by_o god_n grace_n we_o have_v ever_o hold_v fast_o be_v that_o which_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o have_v be_v the_o ancient_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o can_v as_o to_o any_o part_n or_o tittle_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o even_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o two_o d_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v namely_o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o what_o be_v imply_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o think_v these_o follow_a particular_n may_v very_o well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o it_o 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v their_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o another_o religion_n 5._o against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o own_o party_n and_o faction_n i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o with_o as_o much_o clearness_n and_o brevity_n as_o i_o can_v 1._o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n all_o religion_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o institute_v the_o rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n the_o rule_n of_o institute_v religion_n be_v divine_a revelation_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o all_o christian_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v agree_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v religion_n but_o what_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v so_o one_o or_o both_o of_o those_o way_n either_o by_o scripture_n or_o by_o reason_n or_o by_o both_o and_o how_o confident_a soever_o man_n may_v be_v of_o opinion_n destitute_a of_o this_o proof_n any_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n will_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n reject_v they_o for_o want_v of_o this_o proof_n and_o notwithstanding_o any_o pretend_a authority_n or_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n that_o impose_v they_o will_v have_v no_o more_o consideration_n and_o regard_n of_o they_o than_o of_o the_o confident_a dictate_v and_o assertion_n of_o any_o enthusiast_n whatsoever_o because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o any_o man_n confidence_n if_o the_o argument_n and_o reason_n which_o he_o bring_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o it_o we_o see_v in_o experience_n that_o confidence_n be_v general_o ill_o ground_v and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o passion_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o be_v common_o make_v use_n of_o like_o fury_n and_o force_n to_o supply_v for_o the_o weakness_n and_o want_n of_o argument_n if_o a_o man_n can_v prove_v what_o he_o say_v by_o good_a argument_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o confidence_n to_o back_n and_o support_v it_o we_o may_v at_o any_o time_n trust_v a_o plain_a and_o substantial_a reason_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o make_v its_o own_o way_n and_o to_o bear_v out_o its_o self_n but_o if_o the_o man_n reason_n and_o argument_n be_v not_o good_a his_o confidence_n add_v nothing_o of_o real_a force_n to_o they_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o wise_a man_n and_o tend_v only_o to_o its_o own_o confusion_n argument_n be_v like_o powder_n which_o will_v carry_v and_o do_v execution_n according_a to_o its_o true_a strength_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o noise_n and_o general_o none_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o error_n or_o a_o design_n to_o deceive_v as_o those_o that_o pretend_v most_o confident_o to_o inspiration_n and_o infallibility_n as_o we_o see_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o enthusiast_n who_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n although_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o word_n for_o it_o for_o they_o work_v no_o miracle_n and_o all_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n and_o infallibility_n without_o miracle_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o particular_a person_n or_o in_o whole_a church_n be_v 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say_v they_o be_v apostle_n but_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n and_o as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o say_v he_o be_v a_o apostle_n so_o neither_o every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n that_o they_o be_v for_o these_o also_o when_o they_o be_v try_v whether_o they_o be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o not_o may_v be_v find_v liar_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n caution_n christian_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n that_o be_v every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o and_o therefore_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n
of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n then_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o run_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n upon_o more_o and_o great_a hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o such_o as_o by_o no_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o man_n in_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o prevent_v as_o for_o the_o easy_a term_n of_o salvation_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o man_n they_o signify_v nothing_o if_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v they_o good_a which_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o believe_v they_o can_v do_v that_o have_v read_v the_o bible_n and_o do_v in_o any_o good_a measure_n understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n for_o instance_n that_o after_o the_o long_a course_n of_o a_o most_o lewd_a and_o flagitious_a life_n a_o man_n may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o have_v his_o sin_n forgive_v at_o the_o last_o gasp_n upon_o confession_n of_o they_o to_o the_o priest_n with_o that_o imperfect_a degree_n of_o contrition_n for_o they_o which_o they_o call_v attrition_n together_o with_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n now_o attrition_n be_v a_o trouble_n for_o sin_n mere_o for_o fear_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o and_o this_o together_o with_o confession_n and_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n without_o any_o hatred_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o evil_a and_o contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o the_o holy_a nature_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o without_o the_o least_o spark_n of_o love_n to_o god_n will_v do_v the_o sinner_n business_n and_o put_v he_o into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n without_o any_o other_o grace_n or_o disposition_n for_o salvation_n but_o only_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v easy_a but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o certain_o no_o man_n that_o ever_o serious_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n can_v ever_o be_v persuade_v to_o build_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n upon_o such_o a_o quicksand_n the_o absolution_n of_o all_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o procure_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o god_n for_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o dispose_v for_o his_o mercy_n by_o such_o a_o repentance_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v require_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n they_o that_o offer_v heaven_n to_o man_n upon_o so_o very_o large_a and_o loose_a term_n give_v great_a cause_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o will_v never_o make_v good_a their_o offer_n the_o term_n be_v so_o unreasonable_o cheap_a and_o easy_a that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o fraud_n and_o false_a deal_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n nothing_o ought_v to_o recommend_v our_o religion_n more_o to_o a_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n than_o that_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n which_o we_o propose_v to_o man_n viz._n faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n manifest_v in_o the_o tenure_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n be_v not_o only_o perfect_o agreeable_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a declaration_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o do_v likewise_o natural_o tend_v to_o engage_v man_n most_o effectual_o to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o thereby_o to_o make_v they_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o therefore_o every_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o religion_n which_o make_v such_o lavish_a offer_v of_o salvation_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n how_o he_o venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o they_o for_o if_o after_o all_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v give_v of_o salvation_n upon_o such_o and_o such_o term_n the_o sinner_n do_v real_o miscarry_v and_o miss_v of_o heaven_n it_o be_v but_o very_o ill_a comfort_n to_o he_o to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n for_o a_o minute_n or_o two_o before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o the_o next_o moment_n after_o to_o find_v himself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o particular_a i_o mention_v as_o imply_v in_o the_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n viz._n that_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v several_a caution_n give_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n matth._n 24._o 4._o take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o eph._n 4._o 14._o that_o you_o henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n signify_v the_o cunning_a of_o gamester_n at_o dice_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o chap._n 5._o 6._o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n col._n 2._o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v by_o sophistry_n and_o vain_a reason_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n heb._n 13._o 9_o be_v not_o carry_v about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n and_o this_o caution_n be_v enforce_v by_o a_o express_a prediction_n of_o a_o great_a apostasy_n which_o shall_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o which_o many_o shall_v be_v seduce_v by_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n and_o by_o several_a art_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n this_o apostasy_n st._n paul_n express_o foretell_v 2_o thess._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n or_o be_v trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n nor_o by_o word_n or_o message_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o by_o any_o mean_n for_o that_o day_n shall_v not_o come_v except_o there_o come_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o that_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v reveal_v the_o son_n of_o perdition_n and_o after_o a_o particular_a description_n of_o he_o he_o add_v v_o 9_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o in_o all_o deceitfulness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v v_o 15._o therefore_o brethren_n stand_v fast_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o kind_n of_o this_o apostasy_n the_o same_o apostle_n describe_v more_o full_o 1_o tim_n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o now_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n i._n e._n under_o a_o great_a pretence_n of_o sanctity_n spread_v their_o pernicious_a error_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n this_o be_v a_o very_a lively_a and_o pat_o description_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o begin_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o it_o and_o have_v spread_v itself_o far_o and_o wide_o for_o there_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o falsehood_n have_v prevail_v under_o a_o hypocritical_a pretence_n of_o their_o be_v the_o only_a true_a 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than_o in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n always_o hear_v the_o petition_n which_o we_o put_v up_o to_o he_o and_o so_o do_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o who_o we_o put_v they_o up_o to_o the_o father_n because_o he_o also_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o but_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n hear_v our_o prayer_n because_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v neither_o omniscient_a nor_o omnipresent_v and_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a nor_o probable_o certain_a that_o our_o prayer_n be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o any_o other_o way_n there_o be_v no_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o honour_n to_o another_o and_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a but_o that_o prayer_n be_v part_n of_o the_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o we_o can_v hardly_o think_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v please_v with_o our_o make_n so_o frequent_a use_n of_o those_o other_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n and_o from_o grant_v our_o desire_n the_o soon_o upon_o that_o account_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v high_o offend_v when_o he_o himself_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o our_o petition_n and_o have_v appoint_v a_o great_a mediator_n to_o that_o purpose_n to_o see_v more_o address_n make_v to_o and_o by_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o bless_a virgin_n than_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o bless_a son_n and_o to_o see_v the_o worship_n of_o himself_o almost_o jostle_v out_o by_o the_o devotion_n of_o people_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n a_o thing_n which_o he_o never_o command_v and_o which_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o scripture_n 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about_o they_o the_o utmost_a they_o pretend_v which_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v good_a be_v that_o these_o thing_n may_v lawful_o be_v do_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o enjoin_v they_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o so_o pertinacious_o to_o insist_v upon_o thing_n so_o hard_o i_o may_v say_v impossible_a to_o be_v defend_v or_o excuse_v and_o which_o by_o their_o own_o acknowledgement_n be_v of_o no_o great_a weight_n and_o necessity_n in_o which_o we_o be_v certain_o safe_a in_o not_o do_v they_o if_o they_o shall_v prove_v lawful_a but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v so_o they_o be_v in_o a_o most_o dangerous_a condition_n so_o that_o here_o be_v certain_a safety_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o damnation_n on_o the_o other_o which_o be_v as_o great_a odds_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o they_o must_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n because_o they_o be_v infallible_a and_o can_v be_v mistake_v they_o must_v prove_v that_o point_n a_o great_a deal_n better_o than_o they_o have_v yet_o do_v before_o it_o can_v signify_v any_o thing_n either_o to_o our_o satisfaction_n or_o their_o safety_n i_o may_v have_v insist_v more_o large_o upon_o each_o of_o these_o particular_n any_o one_o of_o which_o be_v of_o weight_n to_o incline_v a_o man_n to_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v such_o a_o advantage_n on_o its_o side_n but_o all_o of_o they_o together_o make_v so_o powerful_a a_o argument_n to_o a_o unprejudiced_a person_n as_o must_v almost_o irresistable_o determine_v his_o choice_n for_o most_o of_o the_o particular_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o they_o can_v upon_o the_o very_a mention_n and_o proposal_n of_o they_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v clear_a advantage_n on_o our_o side_n and_o now_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o st._n peter_n i_o testify_v unto_o you_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o you_o stand_v that_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o which_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v by_o law_n establish_v in_o this_o nation_n be_v the_o true_a ancient_n christianity_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o which_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o evangelist_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n remember_v therefore_o how_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o encouragement_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o establish_v strengthen_v and_o settle_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o under_o all_o trial_n and_o temptation_n and_o to_o seal_v we_o up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v to_o reward_v our_o constancy_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n with_o a_o crown_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o glory_n wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o let_v we_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o charity_n and_o good_a work_n which_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n and_o glory_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o day_n approach_v in_o which_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o belief_n and_o life_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n not_o according_a to_o the_o imperious_a and_o uncharitable_a dictate_v of_o any_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n which_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n keep_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n a_o sermon_n 2_o cor._n v._o 7._o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n the_o apostle_n declare_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v the_o great_a support_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n which_o befall_v they_o viz._n the_o assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n to_o another_o life_n verse_n 14._o know_v that_o he_o which_o raise_v up_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v raise_v up_o we_o also_o by_o jesus_n for_o which_o cause_n say_v he_o verse_n 16._o we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v our_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o be_v though_o our_o body_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n which_o we_o undergo_v be_v continual_o decay_v and_o decline_v yet_o our_o mind_n grow_v every_o day_n more_o healthful_a and_o vigorous_a and_o gain_v new_a strength_n and_o resolution_n by_o contemplate_v the_o glory_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n and_o as_o it_o be_v feed_v upon_o
to_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o we_o than_o any_o man_n ever_o do_v for_o his_o best_a friend_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n and_o want_n let_v we_o consider_v he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n who_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v make_v rich_a if_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o lot_n to_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o exercise_v with_o suffering_n and_o reproach_n let_v we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n for_o our_o sake_n in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o be_v discontent_v at_o any_o condition_n or_o decline_v it_o in_o a_o good_a cause_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o content_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o destitute_a how_o meek_a and_o patient_a in_o the_o most_o afflict_a and_o suffer_a condition_n how_o he_o welcome_v all_o event_n and_o be_v so_o perfect_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n that_o whatever_o please_v god_n please_v he_o and_o sure_o in_o no_o case_n be_v example_n more_o necessary_a than_o in_o this_o to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o so_o difficult_a a_o duty_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n a_o bare_a precept_n of_o self-denial_n and_o a_o peremptory_a command_n to_o sacrifice_v our_o own_o will_n our_o ease_n our_o pleasure_n our_o reputation_n yea_o and_o life_n itself_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o truth_n will_v have_v sound_v very_o harsh_a and_o severe_a have_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o this_o be_v mollify_v and_o sweeten_v by_o a_o pattern_n of_o so_o much_o advantage_n by_o one_o who_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n deny_v himself_o much_o more_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v by_o one_o who_o may_v have_v insist_v upon_o a_o great_a right_n who_o abase_v himself_n and_o stoop_v from_o a_o great_a hight_n and_o dignity_n who_o be_v not_o force_v into_o a_o condition_n of_o meanness_n and_o poverty_n but_o choose_v it_o for_o our_o sake_n who_o submit_v to_o suffer_v though_o he_o have_v never_o deserve_v it_o here_o be_v a_o example_n that_o have_v all_o the_o argument_n and_o all_o the_o encouragement_n that_o can_v be_v to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o such_o a_o example_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o authority_n than_o any_o precept_n or_o law_n can_v be_v so_o that_o well_o may_v our_o lord_n thus_o go_v before_o we_o command_v we_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o for_o if_o he_o thus_o deny_v himself_o well_o may_v we_o who_o have_v much_o less_o to_o deny_v but_o much_o more_o cause_n and_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o he_o do_v it_o voluntary_o and_o of_o choice_n but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n he_o do_v it_o for_o our_o sake_n we_o do_v it_o for_o our_o own_o his_o own_o goodness_n move_v he_o to_o deny_v himself_o for_o we_o but_o gratitude_n oblige_v we_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o in_o any_o thing_n for_o he_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o deserve_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o but_o he_o have_v whole_o merit_v all_o this_o and_o infinite_o more_o from_o we_o so_o that_o such_o a_o example_n as_o this_o be_v in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o but_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o precept_n will_v yet_o far_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n all_o needful_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v they_o therein_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o christian_n and_o the_o same_o glorious_a power_n that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a work_v mighty_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v eph._n 1._o 19_o that_o you_o may_v know_v say_v st._n paul_n speak_v in_o general_a to_o all_o christian_n what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n very_o powerful_a but_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n reside_v in_o every_o true_a christian_a able_a to_o bear_v we_o up_o against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o all_o its_o temptation_n whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n say_v st._n john_n overcome_v the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n you_o be_v of_o god_n little_a child_n and_o have_v overcome_v because_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o grace_n and_o strength_n be_v afford_v to_o the_o first_o christian_n in_o a_o most_o extraordinary_a manner_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o support_v under_o suffering_n so_o that_o they_o be_v strengthen_v with_o all_o may_v according_a to_o god_n glorious_a power_n unto_o all_o long-suffering_a with_o joyfulness_n as_o st._n paul_n pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n ch._n 1._o 11._o and_o these_o consolation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o peculiar_o appropriate_v to_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n but_o be_v still_o afford_v to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n in_o such_o degree_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o and_o whenever_o god_n exercise_v good_a man_n with_o trial_n more_o than_o humane_a and_o such_o suffering_n as_o be_v beyond_o the_o ordinary_a rate_n of_o humane_a strength_n and_o patience_n to_o bear_v he_o have_v promise_v to_o endue_v they_o with_o more_o than_o humane_a courage_n and_o resolution_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 13._o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v daunt_v at_o any_o suffer_v if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o increase_v our_o strength_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o sharpness_n of_o our_o suffering_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n many_o of_o our_o persecute_a brethren_n at_o this_o day_n have_v remarkable_o find_v this_o comfortable_a assistance_n and_o support_n though_o many_o likewise_o have_v fall_v through_o fear_n and_o weakness_n as_o it_o also_o happen_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n but_o where_o ever_o this_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v good_a it_o be_v as_o i_o have_v former_o say_v by_o reason_n of_o some_o fault_n and_o fail_v on_o our_o part_n either_o man_n be_v not_o sincere_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n if_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v offend_v and_o fall_v off_o or_o else_o they_o be_v too_o confident_a to_o themselves_o and_o do_v not_o seek_v god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o thereupon_o god_n have_v leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o as_o he_o do_v peter_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o own_o frailty_n and_o rash_a confidence_n and_o yet_o even_o in_o that_o case_n when_o there_o be_v truth_n and_o sincerity_n at_o the_o bottom_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o give_v to_o such_o person_n as_o he_o do_v to_o peter_n the_o 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