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
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 church_n and_o true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n there_o marriage_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o meat_n be_v forbid_v to_o several_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o men._n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n and_o these_o certain_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o idolatry_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o do_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n ascribe_v to_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o inventor_n and_o great_a promoter_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v very_o much_o confirm_v by_o what_o we_o find_v add_v in_o some_o ancient_a greek_a copy_n in_o this_o text_n which_o run_v thus_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v apostatise_v from_o the_o faith_n for_o they_o shall_v worship_v the_o dead_a as_o some_o also_o in_o israel_n worship_v and_o then_o it_o follow_v
they_o by_o faith_n for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o he_o resume_v the_o same_o argument_n again_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n for_o we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o building_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n that_o be_v we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o when_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v but_o exchange_v these_o earthly_a and_o perish_a body_n these_o house_n of_o clay_n for_o a_o heavenly_a mansion_n which_o will_v never_o decay_v nor_o come_v to_o ruin_v from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v verse_n 6._o therefore_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o what_o ever_o happen_v to_o we_o we_o be_v always_o of_o good_a courage_n and_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n know_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v since_o our_o continuance_n in_o the_o body_n be_v to_o our_o disadvantage_n and_o while_o we_o live_v we_o be_v absent_a from_o our_o happiness_n and_o when_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v then_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o that_o which_o give_v we_o this_o confidence_n and_o good_a courage_n be_v our_o faith_n for_o though_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o possess_v of_o this_o happiness_n which_o we_o speak_v of_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o support_v our_o spirit_n and_o keep_v up_o our_o courage_n under_o all_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n whatsoever_o verse_n 7._o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n these_o word_n come_v in_o by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o general_a what_o be_v the_o sway_v and_o govern_v principle_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n but_o under_o all_o event_n and_o in_o every_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o sight_n and_o present_a enjoyment_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n what_o ever_o principle_n sway_v and_o govern_v a_o man_n life_n and_o action_n he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v and_o live_v by_o it_o and_o as_o here_o a_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o walk_v by_o faith_n so_o elsewhere_o the_o just_a be_v say_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n which_o animate_v all_o his_o resolution_n and_o action_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o thing_n itself_o in_o present_a view_n and_o possession_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n future_a and_o invisible_a sight_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o hand_n and_o faith_n the_o thing_n only_o in_o hope_n and_o expectation_n sight_n be_v a_o clear_a view_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n present_a and_o near_o to_o we_o faith_n a_o obscure_a discovery_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 12._o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o this_o be_v faith_n but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n this_o be_v present_a sight_n as_o one_o man_n see_v another_o face_n to_o face_n and_o thus_o likewise_o the_o same_o apostle_n distinguish_v betwixt_o hope_n and_o sight_n rom._n 8._o 24._o 25._o hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v not_o hope_n for_o what_o a_o man_n see_v why_o do_v he_o yet_o hope_v for_o it_o but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o that_o which_o we_o see_v not_o then_o do_v we_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o sight_n be_v possession_n and_o enjoyment_n faith_n be_v the_o firm_a persuasion_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o govern_v principle_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v observe_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o govern_v principle_n and_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a we_o walk_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o order_v and_o govern_v our_o life_n in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o principle_n ii_o faith_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o assent_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o sense_n this_o be_v sufficient-intimated_n in_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o sight_n he_o have_v say_v before_o that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n and_o proof_n of_o our_o absence_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o enjoy_v but_o believe_v and_o expect_v if_o we_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n than_o faith_n will_v cease_v and_o be_v turn_v into_o sight_n but_o though_o we_o have_v not_o that_o assurance_n of_o another_o world_n which_o we_o shall_v have_v when_o we_o come_v to_o see_v and_o enjoy_v these_o thing_n yet_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o they_o iii_o notwithstanding_o faith_n be_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o assurance_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v such_o a_o assurance_n as_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n i._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o govern_v principle_n and_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o order_v and_o govern_v our_o life_n in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o principle_n a_o christian_n life_n consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o in_o a_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v what_o he_o call_v we_o to_o and_o the_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n hereto_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o sense_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v absent_a and_o future_a and_o not_o present_a and_o in_o possession_n for_o instance_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o invisible_a god_n of_o a_o secret_a power_n and_o providence_n that_o order_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v bless_v or_o blast_v we_o and_o all_o our_o design_n and_o undertake_n according_a as_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o secret_a aid_n and_o influence_n always_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o evil_a and_o to_o strengthen_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a more_o especial_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o world_n which_o though_o they_o be_v now_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o invisible_a to_o we_o yet_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v shall_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a and_o this_o faith_n this_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o absent_a and_o invisible_a thing_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o he_o call_v ch._n 11._o verse_n 1._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v viz._n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abel_n he_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o faithful_o serve_v he_o such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o noah_n who_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o not_o see_v as_o yet_o notwithstanding_o believe_v the_o divine_a prediction_n concern_v the_o flood_n and_o prepare_v a_o ark_n such_o also_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n concern_v a_o numerous_a posterity_n by_o isaac_n and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o such_o likewise_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v as_o firm_o believe_v the_o invisible_a god_n and_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n as_o if_o he_o have_v behold_v they_o with_o his_o eye_n and_o of_o this_o recompense_n of_o reward_n we_o christian_n have_v
be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o i._o a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v if_o we_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o faithful_a to_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o faithful_a to_o we_o in_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o whether_o of_o aid_n and_o support_v or_o of_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o he_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o handle_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o apoostle_n exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v without_o waver_v signify_v inflexible_a and_o unmovable_a not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o full_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o propound_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o 2._o to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v and_o intend_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o the_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v this_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o last_o day_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n which_o some_o i_o show_v be_v not_o as_o child_n who_o while_o they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n and_o likewise_o such_o grow_a person_n as_o either_o by_o the_o natural_a weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o by_o some_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o education_n be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n these_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o 2._o this_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v do_v not_o imply_v that_o when_o man_n upon_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v aga_v they_o both_o these_o principle_n i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_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 by_o show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n namely_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a search_n and_o examination_n we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v embrace_v or_o as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o one_a epistle_n 5._o 12._o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v that_o then_o we_o shall_v adhere_v steadfast_o to_o it_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o we_o nor_o ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v from_o it_o by_o any_o pretence_n or_o insinuation_n or_o temptation_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o confidence_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o a_o ignorant_a man_n who_o have_v never_o consider_v thing_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o the_o assurance_n and_o settlement_n of_o one_o who_o have_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n and_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v and_o examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o first_o be_v mere_a wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o man_n have_v entertain_v and_o drink_v in_o such_o principle_n of_o religion_n by_o education_n or_o have_v take_v they_o up_o by_o chance_n but_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o they_o and_o yet_o however_o he_o come_v by_o they_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o the_o other_o be_v the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n of_o a_o wise_a man._n he_o have_v embrace_v his_o religion_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o he_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o steadfast_o to_o the_o end_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v many_o exhortation_n and_o caution_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a establish_v in_o the_o truth_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n that_o we_o shall_v stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v â—n_o nothing_o terrifle_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o that_o if_o occasion_n be_v we_o shall_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o 2._o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v it_o fast_o or_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n i._n e._n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n for_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o this_o profession_n or_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n as_o the_o word_n proper_o signify_v be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v let_v we_o draw_v near_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o make_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o which_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 6._o 17._o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o i._n e._n to_o all_o christian_n and_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n hold_v fast_o say_v he_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o st._n judas_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n
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 never_o come_v into_o his_o mind_n i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o upon_o this_o matter_n to_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a and_o needless_a at_o the_o best_a this_o more_o than_o half_a part_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v and_o how_o safe_o it_o may_v be_v let_v alone_o but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v from_o scripture_n they_o be_v the_o danger_n be_v infinite_o great_a on_o that_o side_n for_o than_o they_o oppose_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n who_o appoint_v the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v receive_v in_o both_o kind_n and_o they_o involve_v themselves_o in_o a_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o idolatry_n and_o our_o common_a christianity_n in_o the_o scandal_n and_o reproach_n of_o it_o and_o this_o without_o any_o necessity_n since_o god_n have_v require_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n and_o after_o all_o the_o bustle_n which_o have_v be_v make_v 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
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 enthusiastical_a i._n e._n a_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n without_o any_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o boast_v and_o confidence_n of_o the_o false_a apostle_n because_o they_o give_v no_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o commission_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o which_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o wrought_v great_a miracle_n which_o the_o false_a apostle_n have_v not_o do_v though_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o give_v out_o themselves_o to_o be_v apostle_n as_o well_o as_o he_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 11_o 12._o i_o be_o say_v he_o become_v a_o fool_n in_o glory_v you_o have_v compel_v i_o and_o true_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v among_o you_o in_o all_o patience_n in_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n and_o rev._n 2._o 2._o christ_n there_o commend_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n because_o she_o have_v try_v they_o which_o 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of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n declare_v it_o for_o the_o rule_n they_o intend_v to_o proceed_v upon_o and_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o proof_n of_o their_o follow_a determination_n and_o decree_n but_o do_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n lie_v down_o this_o rule_n and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o do_v not_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o as_o the_o only_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v and_o this_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o those_o holy_a father_n that_o be_v assemble_v in_o that_o council_n and_o do_v not_o follow_v council_n proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o rule_n do_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n ever_o mention_v any_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o 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understand_v st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o one_a to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v against_o celebrate_v prayer_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o edification_n and_o indeed_o to_o common_a sense_n for_o he_o say_v if_o one_o shall_v come_v and_o find_v they_o speak_v and_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n will_v they_o not_o say_v you_o be_v mad_a but_o now_o tradition_n which_o only_o know_v how_o to_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n can_v reconcile_v this_o discourse_n of_o st._n paul_n very_o easy_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n with_o offer_v the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mass_n a_o thousand_o time_n every_o day_n and_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o whereas_o a_o man_n by_o his_o private_a spirit_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o understand_v the_o second_o commandment_n to_o forbid_v all_o worship_n of_o image_n tradition_n discover_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o commandment_n to_o be_v that_o due_a veneration_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o that_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n by_o tradition_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fix_v any_o objection_n from_o scripture_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o maintain_v four_o whereas_o they_o pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n deliver_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n or_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o bring_v down_o to_o they_o and_o preserve_v by_o continnal_a succession_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o so_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v that_o the_o holy_a synod_n do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v these_o tradition_n with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n as_o they_o do_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n this_o we_o must_v declare_v against_o as_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o to_o make_v tradition_n convey_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o one_o to_o another_o through_o so_o many_o age_n and_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o mistake_v and_o miscarriage_n to_o be_v at_o the_o distance_n of_o 1500_o year_n of_o equal_a certainty_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n careful_o preserve_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o because_o this_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v to_o make_v common_a rumour_n and_o report_n of_o equal_a authority_n and_o certainty_n with_o a_o write_a record_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o hereby_o they_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o imperfect_a rule_n contrary_a to_o the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n they_o set_v up_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o change_v the_o christian_a religion_n for_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n make_v a_o new_a faith_n and_o religion_n this_o we_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o and_o do_v challenge_v they_o to_o show_v this_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o consequent_o where_o their_o religion_n be_v before_o that_o council_n to_o show_v a_o religion_n consist_v of_o all_o those_o article_n which_o be_v define_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o establish_v upon_o this_o new_a rule_n profess_v by_o any_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o time_n and_o as_o they_o have_v pitch_v upon_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v to_o what_o end_n for_o take_v pope_n pius_n iu._n his_o creed_n and_o we_o may_v see_v where_o the_o old_a and_o new_a religion_n part_n even_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o aplostle_n creed_n which_o be_v the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n to_o which_o be_v add_v in_o pope_n pius_fw-la his_o creed_n twelve_o article_n more_o define_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o support_v only_o by_o tradition_n so_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o old_a article_n which_o be_v plain_o contain_v there_o so_o tradition_n be_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o new_a one_o and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n be_v calculate_v very_o exact_o when_o they_o make_v tradition_n just_a of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n because_o as_o many_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v make_v good_a by_o it_o and_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o those_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o tradition_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o it_o but_o the_o bare_a assertion_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v add_v some_o other_o 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