do_v what_o god_n require_v or_o raise_v in_o he_o any_o dispute_n what_o to_o conclude_v upon_o but_o though_o it_o be_v grievous_a to_o do_v it_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v god_n pleasure_n he_o forthwith_o set_v himself_o to_o obey_v this_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n be_v what_o we_o shall_v aim_v at_o for_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o our_o own_o great_a security_n and_o i_o will_v add_v for_o our_o ease_n too_o for_o he_o that_o submit_v to_o god_n with_o the_o least_o dispute_v when_o the_o trial_n be_v great_a do_v it_o with_o the_o least_o pain_n but_o it_o will_v be_v accept_v by_o god_n if_o we_o prevail_v at_o last_o and_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n expect_v in_o quit_v all_o to_o secure_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o although_o not_o with_o the_o same_o readiness_n that_o abraham_n do_v though_o not_o without_o complaint_n and_o some_o dispute_v for_o god_n will_v pardon_v our_o infirmity_n if_o there_o be_v a_o prevail_a sincerity_n at_o the_o bottom_n that_o overcome_v the_o reluctance_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o abraham_n example_n and_o consider_v well_o with_o ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v our_o constant_a profession_n and_o pretence_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v abraham_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o hold_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o he_o and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o god_n can_v require_v we_o to_o quit_v voluntary_o but_o he_o have_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o dispose_v of_o it_o and_o have_v absolute_a power_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o it_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o when_o therefore_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v free_o resign_v that_o to_o he_o which_o he_o can_v take_v away_o if_o he_o please_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o require_v this_o not_o for_o his_o own_o good_a but_o for_o we_o if_o he_o have_v need_v isaac_n and_o it_o have_v be_v beneficial_a to_o himself_o that_o isaac_n shall_v be_v kill_v what_o need_v of_o abraham_n to_o do_v it_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a reason_n without_o delay_n to_o put_v god_n will_n and_o command_v in_o execution_n when_o we_o know_v beforehand_o that_o all_o be_v mean_v for_o our_o good_a not_o that_o god_n be_v the_o better_a for_o that_o which_o we_o quit_v but_o because_o we_o be_v the_o better_a for_o do_v it_o free_o and_o voluntary_o 2._o the_o other_o remarkable_a be_v that_o god_n require_v of_o abraham_n to_o offer_v up_o that_o his_o only_a son_n in_o who_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v through_o who_o all_o those_o great_a promise_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o he_o before_o and_o herein_o consist_v the_o nobleness_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o though_o god_n seem_v to_o require_v that_o which_o will_v destroy_v all_o the_o hope_n he_o have_v by_o those_o promise_n which_o hitherto_o he_o have_v firm_o believe_v yet_o he_o believe_v still_o 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believe_v he_o now_o how_o do_v it_o not_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v deceive_v before_o if_o he_o be_v not_o deceive_v before_o in_o trust_v to_o that_o promise_n how_o can_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v that_o which_o will_v take_v away_o all_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o promise_v any_o long_o but_o yet_o without_o any_o of_o this_o dispute_v and_o contend_v he_o go_v speedy_o about_o the_o matter_n he_o rise_v up_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o take_v his_o son_n along_o with_o he_o to_o that_o place_n where_o he_o be_v to_o offer_v he_o up_o now_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n notwithstanding_o this_o command_n mark_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o faith_n he_o that_o receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v account_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o 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that_o god_n have_v receive_v a_o extraordinary_a favour_n and_o benefit_n from_o he_o but_o such_o be_v the_o infinite_a and_o pure_a charity_n of_o god_n that_o when_o we_o do_v what_o be_v good_a for_o ourselves_o it_o be_v no_o less_o please_v to_o he_o than_o if_o it_o be_v beneficial_a to_o himself_o but_o because_o abraham_n have_v conquer_v the_o great_a temptation_n of_o all_o to_o disobedience_n viz._n that_o the_o thing_n command_v seem_v to_o destroy_v all_o the_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v of_o a_o bless_a posterity_n that_o shall_v descend_v from_o he_o by_o isaac_n god_n now_o reward_v his_o faith_n with_o repeat_v assurance_n by_o myself_o have_v i_o swear_v that_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v and_o so_o well_o may_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o peace-offering_n when_o they_o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o give_v they_o the_o possession_n of_o so_o good_a a_o land_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o 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some_o awaken_n reproof_n from_o man_n or_o some_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o be_v already_o provide_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o effectual_a to_o his_o conversion_n but_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o hope_v this_o of_o a_o man_n who_o very_a principle_n be_v corrupt_v and_o have_v no_o fear_n within_o himself_o for_o a_o charitable_a man_n to_o take_v hold_n upon_o and_o therefore_o that_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o person_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n moreover_o as_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n to_o reform_v that_o man_n evil_a practice_n who_o persuasion_n make_v he_o secure_a and_o easy_a all_o the_o while_n so_o there_o be_v no_o little_a difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o try_v to_o undeceive_v he_o for_o man_n will_v hold_v comfortable_a error_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v find_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mischief_n of_o this_o offence_n though_o such_o error_n be_v not_o lay_v down_o without_o a_o great_a trouble_n yet_o they_o be_v take_v up_o with_o much_o readiness_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o spread_v far_o and_o wide_o and_o to_o this_o i_o believe_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n agree_v viz._n that_o although_o there_o be_v mistake_n that_o lead_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o overmuch_o restraint_n yet_o for_o one_o that_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o such_o mistake_v a_o hundred_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v comfortable_a lie_n which_o either_o whole_o take_v off_o the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o such_o part_n as_o to_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a 3._o perverse_a dispute_n and_o a_o obstinate_a maintenance_n of_o error_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o sophistry_n have_v this_o lamentable_a evil_n common_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o render_v many_o person_n utter_o careless_a to_o examine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v perhaps_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n or_o by_o education_n must_v force_v their_o temper_n to_o patience_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o themselves_o which_o be_v a_o employment_n that_o man_n soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o and_o common_o they_o break_v off_o pretend_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o search_v any_o far_o but_o that_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o and_o against_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o give_v over_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o indeed_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o real_o disputable_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n this_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v blame_v but_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a consequence_n and_o question_n that_o touch_v the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o 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the_o same_o cause_n have_v too_o often_o a_o yet_o worse_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v to_o run_v some_o person_n into_o infidelity_n and_o a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o no_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o controversy_n about_o it_o and_o some_o have_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v then_o time_n enough_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o when_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v upon_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o monstrous_a error_n that_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n under_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n and_o the_o fraud_n wherewith_o they_o have_v be_v maintain_v have_v let_v in_o atheism_n like_o a_o deluge_n upon_o the_o world_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v so_o full_a of_o zeal_n for_o their_o own_o way_n that_o they_o have_v no_o tenderness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v rather_o content_a that_o all_o shall_v sink_v together_o than_o that_o their_o own_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o stand_v we_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o hand_n that_o no_o assurance_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n and_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o other_o ground_n have_v as_o good_a have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o one_o article_n that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o same_o exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o story_n of_o latter_a miracle_n and_o final_o that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o any_o of_o their_o tradition_n be_v reject_v the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v reject_v too_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n now_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a offence_n and_o have_v do_v infinite_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n who_o be_v violent_o engage_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n of_o religion_n care_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n what_o they_o venture_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o whilst_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o false_a or_o at_o least_o disputable_a point_n that_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o show_v that_o no_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v they_o give_v occasion_n to_o man_n that_o will_v fain_o be_v atheist_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o what_o they_o will_v be_v for_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o something_o be_v false_a which_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o as_o a_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o they_o know_v they_o have_v then_o leave_v give_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v true_a 5._o there_o be_v another_o great_a mischief_n of_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o a_o mischief_n that_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v that_o of_o run_v into_o a_o contrary_a extreme_a the_o church_n find_v this_o by_o sad_a experience_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o age_n when_o man_n of_o no_o small_a note_n dispute_v against_o one_o heresy_n fall_v into_o another_o of_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o the_o no_o small_a trouble_n of_o christendom_n truth_n sometime_o as_o well_o as_o virtue_n lie_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o they_o that_o transgress_v on_o any_o one_o side_n do_v not_o only_o this_o mischief_n to_o give_v what_o authority_n they_o can_v to_o the_o wrong_a side_n they_o be_v of_o but_o they_o do_v this_o mischief_n too_o of_o giving_z occasion_n to_o other_o to_o offend_v on_o the_o other_o extreme_a thus_o the_o abuse_n of_o church_n authority_n on_o the_o one_o side_n have_v breed_v in_o some_o man_n contempt_n of_o all_o such_o authority_n on_o the_o other_o the_o scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v by_o propagate_a opinion_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n have_v produce_v in_o many_o a_o fond_a persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o restraint_n whatsoever_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n superior_n have_v require_v unlawful_a thing_n in_o divine_a service_n and_o to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o that_o abuse_n it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o
prediction_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v christ_n and_o if_o we_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o general_a head_n by_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v so_o overrule_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o look_v into_o they_o we_o can_v light_o turn_v ourselves_o any_o way_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v encounter_v with_o some_o or_o other_o prophetic_a passage_n concern_v christ_n all_o which_o be_v design_v of_o god_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o who_o not_o only_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o unquestionable_a prophecy_n but_o all_o other_o type_n and_o the_o more_o obscure_a prefiguration_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v be_v fulfil_v we_o may_v without_o the_o least_o doubt_n believe_v and_o follow_v he_o 2._o this_o word_n of_o prophecy_n be_v say_v 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shall_v consider_v what_o evidence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n take_v all_o together_o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o and_o this_o be_v the_o method_n which_o our_o saviour_n take_v to_o instruct_v the_o two_o disciple_n go_v to_o emmaus_n they_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v mighty_o stagger_v at_o the_o shameful_a death_n of_o their_o master_n we_o trust_v say_v they_o that_o this_o have_v be_v he_o which_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n but_o now_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o think_v of_o it_o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o they_o o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v ought_v not_o christ_n to_o have_v suffer_v these_o thing_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n but_o what_o course_n do_v he_o take_v to_o convince_v they_o do_v he_o take_v some_o one_o notable_a prediction_n by_o itself_o and_o lay_v all_o the_o stress_n upon_o that_o no_o but_o beginning_n at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v this_o that_o clear_v all_o their_o doubt_n and_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n so_o perfect_o that_o they_o afterward_o say_v one_o to_o another_o do_v not_o our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o while_o he_o talk_v with_o we_o by_o the_o way_n and_o while_o he_o open_v to_o we_o the_o scripture_n luke_n 24._o 3._o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sure_a that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a testimony_n of_o god_n to_o make_v we_o sure_a that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o ascribe_v the_o prediction_n of_o these_o event_n to_o any_o cause_n less_o than_o divine_a omniscience_n for_o as_o st._n peter_n say_v prophecy_n come_v not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n i._n e._n not_o as_o some_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v no_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v meditate_a upon_o and_o read_v by_o private_a man_n but_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o utter_v their_o prediction_n by_o the_o private_a spirit_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o if_o at_o vast_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o event_n it_o be_v foretell_v in_o several_a age_n that_o one_o in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v will_v come_v into_o the_o world_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n of_o such_o a_o family_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o place_n with_o several_a public_a and_o notorious_a character_n by_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v know_v then_o certain_o he_o in_o who_o all_o these_o prediction_n have_v be_v fulfil_v be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n 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accident_n of_o bread_n it_o may_v be_v break_v as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o st._n john_n it_o be_v not_o break_v unless_o you_o mean_v as_o christ_n body_n be_v break_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o if_o the_o bread_n which_o be_v break_v be_v real_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o st._n john_n as_o aforesaid_a both_o as_o to_o the_o accident_n and_o nature_n of_o bread_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n will_v be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o both_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o accident_n i_o deny_v it_o this_o i_o profess_v not_o to_o understand_v fath._n as_o to_o the_o doctor_n be_v argument_n it_o include_v a_o sophism_n as_o will_v appear_v when_o bring_v into_o form_n because_o it_o involve_v four_o term_n because_o he_o suppose_v in_o one_o proposition_n for_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o the_o other_o for_o the_o nature_n dr._n in_o the_o argument_n i_o 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desire_v he_o to_o show_v i_o where_o the_o four_o term_n be_v fath._n the_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o dr._n take_v for_o his_o medium_fw-la and_o argue_v from_o a_o double_a supposition_n as_o first_o take_v it_o for_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n which_o be_v break_v and_o afterward_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o christ_n body_n under_o the_o accident_n in_o which_o latter_a sense_n it_o signify_v the_o same_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o st._n john_n dr._n i_o observe_v the_o answerer_n will_v allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v break_v but_o accident_n i_o observe_v also_o that_o nothing_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o what_o be_v break_v if_o therefore_o nothing_o be_v break_v but_o accident_n than_o accident_n be_v either_o according_a to_o the_o answerer_n long_a proof_n the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n or_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o 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have_v break_v off_o from_o the_o great_a body_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o its_o testimony_n he_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o certain_a rule_n to_o arrive_v at_o christian_a faith_n if_o scripture_n be_v pretend_v interpret_v by_o a_o fallible_a authority_n how_o certainty_n can_v be_v obtain_v or_o why_o a_o socinian_n follow_v scripture_n for_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o reformer_n follow_v the_o same_o rule_n i_o see_v not_o signed_n w._n clagett_n peter_n gooden_o dr._n clagett_n answer_n to_o a_o paper_n deliver_v to_o he_o by_o father_n gooden_o the_o paper_n article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v truth_n truth_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a therefore_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a therefore_o those_o who_o obtain_v article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v have_v some_o rule_n to_o acquire_v they_o by_o which_o can_v deceive_v they_o to_o a_o parliamentary_a protestant_a the_o ancient_a father_n can_v be_v such_o a_o rule_n because_o they_o be_v account_v fallible_a nor_o council_n because_o they_o also_o be_v account_v fallible_a nor_o scripture_n sense_v by_o a_o fallible_a authority_n because_o all_o such_o interpretation_n may_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o faith_n can_v be_v obtain_v by_o any_o such_o mean_n for_o that_o which_o be_v doubtful_a can_v only_o create_v opinion_n which_o be_v also_o doubtful_a and_o he_o that_o doubt_v in_o faith_n the_o apostle_n say_v be_v infidelis_fw-la and_o a_o company_n of_o doubter_n be_v not_o a_o church_n of_o faithful_a but_o a_o society_n of_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v infidel_n sign_v peter_n gooden_o the_o answer_n pap._n article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v truth_n ans_fw-fr the_o design_n of_o the_o disputer_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v doubter_n and_o therefore_o infidel_n but_o never_o do_v any_o man_n begin_v a_o business_n more_o unlucky_o for_o at_o the_o very_a first_o dash_n he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o we_o do_v undoubted_o believe_v article_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v truth_n for_o otherwise_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v so_o but_o there_o be_v another_o misfortune_n he_o be_v fall_v into_o no_o less_o than_o that_o for_o his_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v doubter_n be_v that_o we_o want_v a_o infallible_a rule_n now_o if_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o want_v a_o infallible_a rule_n and_o that_o without_o such_o a_o rule_n there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a he_o do_v notorious_o contradict_v himself_o by_o suppose_v that_o we_o believe_v all_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v truth_n though_o we_o have_v no_o such_o rule_n this_o be_v a_o very_a hopeful_a paper_n and_o like_a to_o make_v wise_a convert_v which_o end_v in_o make_v we_o infidel_n and_o begin_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o a_o argument_n that_o manifest_o suppose_v we_o to_o be_v believer_n which_o also_o pretend_v that_o we_o have_v no_o infallible_a rule_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o no_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o yet_o manifest_o suppose_v we_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o some_o without_o it_o which_o show_v the_o paper_n to_o be_v a_o trifle_a paper_n and_o worth_n no_o more_o consideration_n but_o because_o the_o disputer_n be_v say_v to_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o the_o argument_n contain_v in_o it_o i_o will_v go_v on_o with_o every_o clause_n of_o it_o to_o convince_v he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o already_o know_v it_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o line_n in_o it_o but_o be_v either_o false_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n pap._n truth_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a ans_fw-fr by_o truth_n the_o dispute_a mean_n the_o truth_n of_o thing_n or_o of_o proposition_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o fulsome_a say_n which_o do_v not_o advance_v his_o reason_v one_o jot_n far_o than_o it_o be_v before_o for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o say_v that_o which_o be_v true_a be_v true_a and_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v but_o truth_n must_v be_v truth_n i_o think_v he_o apply_v himself_o to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o want_v not_o only_o christian_a faith_n but_o common_a sense_n pap._n therefore_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a ans_fw-fr there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o this_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v truth_n so_o that_o the_o argument_n he_o begin_v with_o be_v put_v into_o the_o right_a order_n and_o into_o other_o word_n be_v this_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o truth_n must_v be_v truth_n but_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o they_o must_v be_v truth_n the_o ancient_a father_n have_v make_v wise_a work_n with_o christianity_n if_o they_o
the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n in_o all_o place_n and_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o so_o often_o repeat_v close_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n every_o church_n therefore_o because_o it_o can_v hear_v aught_o to_o hear_v and_o every_o man_n of_o every_o church_n because_o every_o man_n have_v a_o ear_n to_o hear_v and_o because_o this_o exhortation_n be_v also_o add_v to_o the_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n part_n of_o which_o i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o i_o may_v also_o exhort_v you_o to_o hear_v or_o rather_o i_o need_v not_o since_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o have_v require_v you_o so_o to_o do_v st._n john_n who_o have_v be_v the_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v now_o in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n banish_v thither_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n as_o he_o witness_v himself_o chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 9_o i_o john_n who_o also_o be_o your_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n that_o be_v call_v patmos_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o he_o have_v commit_v this_o church_n to_o the_o care_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o his_o absence_n who_o be_v here_o call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v direct_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o care_n and_o it_o consist_v of_o these_o three_o general_a part_n i._o of_o a_o commendation_n ii_o of_o a_o reproof_n iii_o a_o warn_v to_o repent_v i._o a_o commendation_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n be_v my_o faithful_a martyr_n who_o be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v which_o commendation_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n retain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o point_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o if_o she_o have_v part_v with_o any_o point_n necessary_a she_o must_v then_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o church_n she_o be_v by_o our_o lord_n be_v own_o acknowledgement_n and_o therefore_o by_o hold_v fast_o his_o name_n and_o not_o deny_v his_o faith_n we_o must_v needs_o understand_v that_o she_o have_v keep_v entire_a that_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n the_o apostolical_a creed_n which_o st._n john_n have_v leave_v among_o they_o 2._o that_o which_o heighten_v her_o praise_n be_v that_o she_o have_v do_v this_o in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v so_o great_a temptation_n to_o apostasy_n first_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v i._n e._n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o idol_n temple_n that_o no_o place_n in_o asia_n can_v show_v so_o many_o as_o if_o pergamos_n have_v be_v satan_n principal_a court_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n second_o where_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v and_o where_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o great_a persecution_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o which_o antipas_n a_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o zeal_n and_o courage_n be_v a_o example_n to_o the_o rest_n be_v slay_v this_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n that_o in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n she_o have_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o she_o have_v hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v his_o faith_n but_o there_o follow_v ii_o a_o reproof_n but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o also_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v i._n e._n although_o she_o have_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o faith_n yet_o within_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v teach_v and_o practise_v she_o have_v suffer_v damnable_a doctrine_n and_o wicked_a practice_n to_o take_v place_n which_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o endanger_v the_o subvert_v of_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n profess_v among_o they_o but_o more_o particular_o 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n be_v open_o teach_v among_o they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o idolater_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o idol_n for_o this_o be_v the_o stumbling-block_n which_o balaam_n lay_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n not_o only_o draw_v they_o to_o carnal_a fornication_n with_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n but_o spiritual_a fornication_n also_o with_o their_o idol_n now_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v such_o a_o grievous_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n at_o pergamos_n that_o some_o of_o that_o communion_n to_o ease_v the_o church_n from_o it_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o sacrifice_n to_o idol_n and_o to_o have_v external_n communion_n with_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n to_o wit_n by_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n pretend_v as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o commendation_n give_v they_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o if_o they_o do_v but_o still_o hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o deny_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o his_o faith_n their_o external_n compliance_n with_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n will_v not_o deserve_v any_o severe_a reproof_n but_o that_o because_o they_o shall_v still_o retain_v the_o name_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o true_a church_n they_o shall_v therefore_o sufficient_o approve_v their_o fidelity_n to_o christ_n notwithstanding_o their_o burn_a incense_n and_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o give_v divine_a honour_n by_o their_o outward_a act_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v also_o hold_v among_o they_o that_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o tend_v to_o a_o licentious_a life_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o good_a manner_n and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n from_o nicolas_n the_o deacon_n who_o be_v upbraid_v for_o dote_v too_o much_o upon_o his_o fair_a wife_n to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v upon_o that_o account_n make_v a_o prostitution_n of_o she_o to_o all_o comer_n which_o lewd_a example_n have_v it_o seem_v spread_v its_o contagion_n into_o some_o of_o the_o asian_a church_n especial_o at_o pergamos_n where_o many_o of_o they_o hold_v community_n of_o woman_n to_o be_v lawful_a which_o be_v so_o vile_a and_o detestable_a a_o doctrine_n that_o god_n be_v here_o say_v to_o hate_v it_o so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n for_o tolerate_v of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v here_o reprehend_v be_v such_o as_o grate_v very_o near_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o former_a lead_n to_o idolatry_n the_o latter_a to_o a_o impure_a and_o vicious_a life_n a_o very_a strange_a corruption_n of_o the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o it_o now_o iii_o we_o have_v in_o this_o message_n of_o jesus_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n a_o warning_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o repent_v too_o repent_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o what_o be_v she_o to_o repent_v of_o but_o of_o suffer_v those_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o prevail_v in_o her_o communion_n for_o which_o she_o be_v reprove_v before_o and_o how_o be_v she_o to_o repent_v but_o by_o reform_v those_o abuse_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o her_o communion_n those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v and_o return_v to_o the_o primitive_a purity_n of_o her_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o manner_n and_o if_o she_o will_v not_o do_v this_o jesus_n threaten_v that_o he_o will_v sudden_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o cut_v they_o off_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n from_o be_v a_o church_n at_o all_o who_o be_v so_o soon_o degenerate_v from_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o upon_o this_o warning_n she_o do_v repent_v and_o reform_v for_o she_o be_v not_o speedy_o cut_v off_o as_o god_n have_v threaten_v she_o shall_v be_v if_o she_o do_v not_o repent_v but_o continue_v a_o church_n for_o
reformation_n be_v however_o schismatical_a to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v in_o short_a 1._o as_o to_o the_o universal_a supremacy_n it_o be_v a_o point_n to_o which_o antiquity_n be_v whole_o a_o stranger_n scripture_n and_o the_o father_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o ignatius_n who_o so_o often_o require_v that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v do_v of_o moment_n in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o bishop_n will_v have_v find_v out_o some_o one_o occasion_n at_o least_o to_o have_v say_v let_v nothing_o be_v do_v without_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n if_o he_o have_v know_v of_o any_o such_o privilege_n and_o power_n confer_v on_o he_o by_o our_o lord_n but_o if_o pergamos_n be_v justifiable_a in_o remove_v those_o corruption_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n without_o stay_v for_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n england_n in_o remove_v more_o corruption_n and_o of_o equal_a danger_n be_v to_o proceed_v also_o without_o his_o leave_n if_o it_o can_v not_o be_v have_v 2._o as_o to_o his_o patriarchal_a power_n over_o this_o nation_n it_o do_v not_o ancient_o belong_v to_o he_o he_o have_v it_o not_o when_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a confine_v he_o to_o his_o own_o province_n nor_o when_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n decree_v that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v presume_v to_o invade_v any_o other_o province_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n have_v not_o be_v under_o his_o or_o his_o predecessor_n jurisdiction_n or_o if_o any_o do_v and_o make_v it_o his_o own_o by_o force_n that_o he_o shall_v restore_v it_o and_o then_o the_o church_n of_o britain_n be_v free_a acknowledge_v no_o foreign_a jurisdiction_n the_o power_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n gain_v here_o in_o after-age_n be_v get_v by_o fraud_n and_o hold_v by_o force_n and_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o dispute_v and_o gainsay_v and_o overrule_v and_o sure_o no_o injury_n be_v do_v he_o when_o that_o authority_n be_v resume_v which_o he_o have_v usurp_v 3._o as_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o saxon_n by_o austin_n send_v hither_o by_o pope_n gregory_n i_o say_v it_o follow_v not_o if_o long_o since_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o island_n receive_v any_o benefit_n from_o rome_n therefore_o they_o shall_v in_o all_o age_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o that_o place_n afterward_o nor_o that_o because_o we_o once_o receive_v true_a religion_n from_o rome_n therefore_o posterity_n must_v receive_v also_o false_a doctrine_n from_o thence_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v she_o to_o send_v they_o hither_o but_o in_o truth_n christianity_n have_v be_v plant_v here_o long_o before_o by_o st._n paul_n himself_o in_o all_o probability_n and_o that_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n before_o rome_n herself_o have_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o british_a bishop_n who_o austin_n find_v here_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a legate_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o right_n that_o this_o particular_a church_n have_v to_o reform_v herself_o i_o come_v now_o three_o to_o consider_v some_o of_o those_o specious_a pretence_n and_o objection_n by_o which_o they_o go_v about_o to_o weaken_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o our_o people_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n and_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o they_o 1._o they_o say_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o error_n can_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n of_o that_o nature_n with_o those_o which_o we_o charge_v upon_o they_o there_o must_v have_v be_v great_a opposition_n make_v to_o any_o the_o least_o design_n of_o such_o a_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o such_o account_n of_o thing_n in_o history_n therefore_o these_o be_v not_o innovation_n but_o the_o ancient_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o omit_v this_o that_o concern_v most_o of_o their_o innovation_n we_o can_v very_o near_o show_v the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o but_o can_v plain_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v not_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o in_o a_o thousand_o year_n time_n error_n shall_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n by_o degree_n and_o without_o noise_n than_o that_o in_o a_o church_n plant_v by_o a_o apostle_n as_o pergamos_n be_v guard_v by_o the_o angel_n or_o bishop_n place_v there_o by_o a_o apostle_n as_o pergamos_n be_v shall_v so_o soon_o tolerate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o balaamite_n and_o nicolaitan_n even_o while_o their_o apostle_n be_v alive_a and_o therefore_o very_a soon_o after_o he_o depart_v from_o they_o 2._o they_o say_v that_o the_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n from_o st._n peter_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o true_a doctrine_n among_o they_o in_o the_o purity_n thereof_o but_o behold_v a_o apostolical_a church_n in_o which_o a_o bishop_n succeed_v a_o apostle_n yet_o alive_a corrupt_v in_o her_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n can_v they_o have_v great_a can_v they_o have_v as_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o a_o perpetual_a uninterrupted_a succession_n after_o so_o many_o age_n as_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n have_v before_o one_o age_n be_v go_v or_o do_v their_o infallibility_n grow_v with_o their_o succession_n or_o the_o far_o they_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o the_o sure_a still_o that_o they_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v teach_v at_o first_o 3._o they_o say_v we_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v visible_a every_o where_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o the_o reformation_n be_v begin_v see_v there_o be_v then_o no_o communion_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o have_v be_v long_o before_o that_o profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o all_o point_n which_o the_o reformation_n bring_v in_o now_o in_o great_a liberality_n to_o admit_v for_o once_o that_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o true_a but_o i_o say_v admitting_z it_o what_o will_v then_o come_v of_o it_o that_o we_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n no_o but_o that_o we_o depart_v from_o the_o general_a error_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o by_o that_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n whereof_o we_o ourselves_o be_v a_o part_n unless_o we_o depart_v also_o from_o ourselves_o nay_o but_o say_v they_o this_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o another_o damnable_a error_n and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v fail_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o so_o that_o the_o visible_a church_n have_v perish_v for_o some_o age_n till_o the_o reformation_n bring_v it_o to_o life_n again_o not_o so_o neither_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o error_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o damnable_a and_o that_o they_o make_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o extreme_o hazardous_a but_o yet_o that_o we_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o want_v mean_n to_o discover_v her_o corruption_n serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o say_v the_o church_n have_v perish_v but_o that_o her_o purity_n have_v be_v lose_v even_o as_o pergamos_n be_v a_o church_n and_o so_o acknowledge_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o because_o she_o hold_v fast_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o creed_n while_o yet_o she_o be_v corrupt_v with_o notorious_a error_n to_o this_o according_a to_o their_o usual_a way_n of_o argue_v they_o will_v reply_v that_o the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o between_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o pergamos_n be_v and_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n from_o which_o luther_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o separate_v themselves_o but_o then_o i_o will_v answer_v that_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v upon_o for_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o under_o great_a error_n may_v yet_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o like_a reason_n if_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v overspread_v with_o foul_a error_n it_o will_v nevertheless_o still_o remain_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n to_o depart_v from_o those_o error_n in_o the_o latter_a case_n as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o depart_v from_o such_o error_n do_v no_o more_o depart_v from_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o she_o do_v from_o herself_o 4._o they_o pretend_v antiquity_n for_o their_o error_n and_o be_v often_o ask_v that_o shrewd_a question_n as_o they_o deem_v it_o where_o be_v your_o
the_o church_n any_o more_o than_o the_o error_n of_o pergamos_n make_v she_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o nor_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o reform_a and_o the_o unreformed_a part_n of_o christendom_n shall_v be_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o that_o one_o church_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o creed_n any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n to_o have_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n both_o before_o and_o after_o her_o reformation_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o the_o task_n i_o set_v myself_o and_o i_o hope_v need_n to_o make_v no_o apology_n for_o entertain_v you_o with_o a_o controversy_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o indeed_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o controversy_n among_o we_o but_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a i_o have_v this_o to_o say_v whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n or_o judge_n and_o yet_o require_v the_o people_n to_o believe_v as_o she_o believe_v to_o profess_v what_o she_o profess_v and_o to_o do_v what_o she_o enjoin_v it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o her_o minister_n shall_v sometime_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o she_o require_v this_o because_o she_o have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v and_o be_v not_o in_o these_o point_n deceive_v though_o she_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o she_o can_v err_v in_o any_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o have_v make_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v discourse_v plain_a enough_o to_o every_o understanding_n but_o whether_o that_o be_v so_o or_o not_o yet_o every_o one_o may_v perceive_v that_o we_o appeal_v to_o his_o reason_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o honesty_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n if_o i_o understand_v nothing_o else_o of_o the_o merit_n of_o it_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v of_o a_o church_n which_o pretend_v to_o guide_v i_o with_o reason_n than_o of_o another_o that_o will_v govern_v i_o without_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o former_a be_v likely_a to_o take_v more_o care_n not_o to_o mislead_v i_o than_o the_o latter_a needs_o to_o do_v which_o when_o it_o have_v gain_v i_o to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o a_o blind_a obedience_n may_v lead_v i_o whither_o she_o please_v as_o for_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v i_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o i_o have_v offer_v nothing_o to_o you_o but_o what_o i_o believe_v myself_o and_o far_o that_o i_o be_o not_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o any_o reason_n why_o i_o be_o fix_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o other_o but_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o error_n of_o that_o church_n which_o if_o i_o shall_v profess_v or_o practice_v i_o can_v not_o entertain_v the_o least_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o we_o who_o be_v thus_o convince_v be_v as_o i_o take_v it_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o take_v seasonable_a opportunity_n of_o confirm_v our_o brethren_n in_o our_o communion_n and_o enable_v they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o argument_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o other_o side_n be_v unsatisfactory_a and_o vain_a as_o i_o have_v in_o some_o part_n endeavour_v to_o show_v at_o this_o time_n we_o shall_v indeed_o not_o be_v unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n to_o recover_v those_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v educate_v in_o damnable_a error_n but_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o do_v all_o we_o can_v to_o retain_v those_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o it_o see_v if_o they_o revolt_v we_o can_v have_v that_o hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o have_v of_o they_o who_o want_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o discover_v they_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a state_n of_o the_o church_n indeed_o if_o all_o be_v unite_v in_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v man_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o that_o they_o live_v answerable_o thereto_o but_o since_o we_o have_v two_o work_n upon_o our_o hand_n to_o guard_v you_o against_o error_n as_o well_o as_o to_o warn_v you_o against_o a_o wicked_a life_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v discharge_v our_o duty_n but_o by_o do_v one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o say_v nothing_o to_o the_o latter_a i_o be_o to_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o conclusion_n that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o hell_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o without_o true_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n the_o best_a and_o pure_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v since_o the_o gospel_n begin_v can_v have_v do_v he_o no_o service_n and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o corruption_n as_o can_v be_v ready_o think_v of_o for_o any_o church_n to_o pretend_v to_o save_v man_n by_o a_o trick_n and_o send_v they_o to_o heaven_n any_o other_o way_n than_o the_o plain_a way_n of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n keep_v therefore_o the_o pure_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o withal_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n but_o still_o remember_v that_o if_o your_o work_n be_v not_o answerable_a your_o faith_n be_v vain_a for_o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o doer_n thereof_o shall_v be_v justify_v not_o he_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o second_o sermon_n matth_n xviii_o 7._o wo_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o bring_v mankind_n to_o salvation_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o to_o convert_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o from_o all_o dangerous_a error_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o a_o right_a faith_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a that_o this_o end_n be_v not_o attain_v universal_o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o therefore_o a_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o have_v in_o so_o great_a part_n fail_v of_o the_o end_n which_o it_o pretend_v to_o pursue_v he_o may_v be_v easy_o bring_v to_o assurance_n again_o by_o consider_v the_o vast_a good_a which_o christianity_n have_v do_v in_o the_o world_n but_o especial_o by_o observe_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v foretell_v that_o all_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v and_o obey_v our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o testify_v that_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o nay_o inasmuch_o as_o he_o have_v forewarn_v we_o of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o have_v tell_v we_o beforehand_o that_o the_o word_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o be_v a_o manifest_a declaration_n that_o he_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o can_v not_o but_o be_v effectual_a but_o only_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o will_v in_o any_o measure_n comply_v with_o his_o gracious_a method_n and_o it_o be_v also_o a_o plain_a intimation_n that_o a_o great_a many_o will_v be_v never_o the_o better_a but_o the_o worse_a for_o these_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o their_o salvation_n and_o that_o some_o for_o not_o receive_v they_o other_o for_o not_o improve_n they_o will_v fall_v into_o great_a condemnation_n but_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o foretell_v these_o thing_n only_o but_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o too_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v obstruct_v the_o progress_n and_o design_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o this_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o those_o word_n of_o he_o which_o i_o have_v now_o choose_v for_o my_o subject_n woe_n be_v to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v by_o offence_n or_o scandal_n we_o be_v here_o and_o almost_o everywhere_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o understand_v those_o temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o inducement_n to_o error_n which_o some_o man_n lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o they_o be_v sometime_o otherwise_o express_v snare_n stumbling-block_n and_o occasion_n of_o fall_n for_o the_o
promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o warning_n of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v it_o be_v in_o this_o that_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o mend_v the_o temper_n of_o man_n consist_v but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n that_o can_v be_v do_v man_n may_v choose_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v and_o consider_v and_o it_o well_o become_v divine_a providence_n to_o permit_v those_o to_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o any_o reasonable_a mean_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o clear_a difference_n make_v between_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o insincere_a and_o incorrigible_a on_o the_o other_o which_o have_v be_v impossible_a if_o god_n have_v by_o his_o omnipotence_n equal_o overbear_v all_o man_n into_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n but_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o touchstone_n that_o distinguish_v between_o the_o humble_a and_o sincere_a and_o the_o unteachable_a and_o dishonest_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o offence_n which_o be_v give_v by_o those_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o be_v a_o far_a trial_n of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o man_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o one_o kind_n of_o offence_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o offence_n that_o remain_v true_a which_o our_o saviour_n say_v all_o that_o the_o father_n give_v i_o shall_v come_v to_o i_o and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o john_n 6.37_o i_o e._n all_o sincere_a and_o humble_a person_n who_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o special_a care_n of_o christ_n to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o eternal_a life_n will_v be_v sufficient_o arm_v against_o temptation_n and_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v lay_v in_o their_o way_n shall_v but_o clear_v their_o sincerity_n and_o wisdom_n more_o to_o the_o world_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o reward_n 2._o as_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o righteous_a so_o neither_o have_v the_o proper_a advantage_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n be_v see_v have_v god_n interpose_v his_o irresistible_a power_n to_o prevent_v all_o offence_n and_o endeavour_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v please_v to_o suffer_v error_n and_o folly_n to_o appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n even_o after_o the_o heavenly_a wisdom_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v to_o mankind_n that_o by_o its_o own_o strength_n it_o may_v struggle_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o opposition_n and_o prevail_v and_o be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n 3._o by_o this_o way_n the_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o his_o care_n over_o the_o church_n be_v see_v more_o illustrious_o than_o if_o offence_n have_v never_o be_v suffer_v that_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o faith_n lose_v from_o the_o earth_n have_v lie_v in_o the_o gospel_n unobserved_a we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o occasion_n for_o recourse_n to_o it_o no_o mean_n of_o trial_n whether_o we_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o it_o have_v the_o truth_n be_v never_o oppose_v never_o corrupt_v we_o have_v want_v one_o notable_a reason_n to_o praise_n god_n that_o while_o the_o offence_n be_v so_o rise_v in_o this_o world_n this_o church_n give_v no_o offence_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n or_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o god_n may_v count_v we_o worthy_a to_o enjoy_v so_o inestimable_a a_o blessing_n let_v we_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v give_v no_o offence_n by_o our_o example_n let_v we_o adorn_v our_o profession_n by_o our_o conversation_n and_o show_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o action_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o offence_n that_o thus_o will_v arise_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v the_o three_o sermon_n matth_n xviii_o 7._o wo_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n viz._n that_o offence_n will_v do_v great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n woe_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v i._n what_o mischief_n be_v do_v by_o offence_n ii_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o they_o be_v of_o so_o pernicious_a a_o consequence_n i._o what_o mischief_n be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o in_o this_o question_n i_o need_v not_o be_v large_a because_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o have_v in_o some_o part_n be_v already_o give_v under_o those_o several_a head_n of_o scandal_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o show_v where_o the_o scandal_n of_o any_o practice_n or_o opinion_n lie_v without_o touch_v upon_o the_o mischief_n it_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v but_o to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v something_o may_v be_v add_v 1._o the_o general_a mischief_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o prevail_a temptation_n upon_o many_o in_o the_o world_n to_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n for_o as_o good_a example_n and_o encouragement_n good_a counsel_n and_o instruction_n be_v proper_a mean_n of_o make_v other_o better_a so_o ill_a example_n and_o the_o art_n of_o seduce_a must_v needs_o have_v a_o contrary_a influence_n god_n have_v put_v we_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o have_v thereby_o give_v we_o opportunity_n of_o the_o great_a charity_n and_o the_o best_a kind_n of_o do_v good_a viz._n of_o lead_v and_o confirm_v one_o another_o in_o the_o way_n of_o 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to_o own_v he_o till_o the_o end_n be_v come_v and_o so_o deny_v he_o and_o while_o he_o speak_v his_o last_o word_n of_o denial_n the_o cock_n crew_n and_o the_o lord_n turn_v and_o look_v upon_o peter_n luke_n 22.61_o not_o throw_v off_o all_o far_a care_n of_o he_o notwithstanding_o so_o foul_a a_o miscarriage_n and_o peter_n remember_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n how_o he_o have_v say_v to_o he_o before_o the_o cock_n crow_n thou_o shall_v deny_v i_o thrice_o and_o he_o go_v out_o and_o weep_v bitter_o that_o which_o i_o have_v be_v drive_v at_o all_o this_o time_n be_v to_o show_v a_o notable_a example_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o a_o man_n very_o apt_a to_o be_v confident_a of_o himself_o and_o withal_o of_o the_o watchful_a care_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o correct_v he_o and_o set_v he_o right_n and_o that_o because_o he_o have_v a_o willing_a spirit_n a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a disposition_n void_a of_o malice_n and_o falsehood_n and_o be_v ever_o 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thou_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o have_v like_a to_o have_v be_v thy_o utter_a ruin_n but_o withal_o that_o thou_o have_v escape_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n when_o thou_o be_v grow_v wise_a and_o more_o establish_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o goodness_n then_o do_v thou_o strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n be_v careful_a of_o all_o sincere_a person_n that_o labour_v under_o infirmity_n as_o i_o have_v be_v of_o thou_o take_v care_n to_o improve_v that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o they_o and_o to_o secure_v they_o all_o thou_o can_v against_o all_o their_o infirmity_n thus_o much_o concern_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o sincerity_n that_o it_o do_v entitle_v a_o man_n to_o the_o special_a favour_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n and_o so_o what_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v by_o all_o be_v to_o lay_v this_o foundation_n of_o well-doing_n which_o our_o saviour_n acknowledge_v and_o commend_v in_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v a_o willing_a mind_n and_o a_o honest_a disposition_n for_o than_o we_o 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since_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o wellgrounded_n faith_n indeed_o and_o to_o grow_v every_o day_n to_o great_a assurance_n and_o steadfastness_n therein_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n let_v we_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v exhort_v to_o like_a diligence_n in_o converse_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v more_o enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o that_o every_o doubt_n if_o any_o there_o be_v that_o shake_v our_o faith_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o this_o exhortation_n be_v so_o needful_a that_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n in_o their_o objection_n against_o it_o who_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o exclude_v all_o but_o the_o clergy_n and_o those_o that_o have_v special_a licence_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o say_v be_v this_o that_o the_o promiscuous_a liberty_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n lead_v the_o people_n into_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n make_v they_o insolent_a and_o ungovernable_a and_o ready_a to_o throw_v off_o all_o respect_n to_o their_o lawful_a guide_n that_o almost_o all_o heresy_n have_v proceed_v from_o misinterpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a place_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o to_o translate_v the_o bible_n into_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o people_n to_o read_v it_o be_v to_o betray_v they_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o infinite_a error_n which_o they_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o fall_v into_o by_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a text_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n as_o we_o will_v keep_v child_n from_o meddle_v with_o edge_a tool_n and_o lay_v sword_n out_o of_o madman_n way_n now_o if_o this_o charge_n be_v true_a the_o bible_n be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a book_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a there_o be_v some_o other_o reason_n doubtless_o why_o they_o that_o pretend_v this_o have_v no_o kindness_n for_o the_o bible_n i_o shall_v omit_v several_a advantage_n that_o may_v be_v take_v against_o this_o flourish_n because_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v show_v very_o brief_o that_o it_o pretend_v thing_n that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n hang_v well_o together_o that_o it_o take_v thing_n for_o grant_v that_o be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o it_o conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v by_o the_o clergy_n as_o by_o the_o laity_n it_o pretend_v some_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o hang_v well_o together_o on_o the_o one_o side_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o bible_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o people_n throw_v off_o all_o dependence_n upon_o the_o priest_n as_o to_z instruction_n on_o the_o one_o side_n that_o there_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a passage_n in_o it_o by_o mistake_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o which_o they_o will_v be_v lead_v into_o heresy_n and_o consequent_o into_o the_o way_n of_o damnation_n now_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n say_v this_o of_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o they_o which_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a man_n have_v wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destructien_n but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o modest_a dependence_n upon_o the_o instruction_n of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n be_v to_o lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o and_o not_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o they_o since_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o attend_v to_o their_o pastor_n in_o order_n to_o far_a instruction_n than_o the_o several_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o warning_n that_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o have_v give_v of_o the_o danger_n that_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n be_v in_o of_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o experience_n show_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o argument_n can_v make_v people_n modest_a if_o they_o be_v general_o permit_v to_o have_v the_o scripture_n i_o add_v 2._o that_o this_o argue_v take_v thing_n for_o grant_v which_o be_v not_o true_a in_o point_n of_o fact_n all_o the_o faithful_n ancient_o have_v the_o scripture_n but_o we_o find_v little_a complaint_n by_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n then_o of_o the_o wantonness_n and_o insolence_n of_o the_o people_n so_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a exhortation_n that_o all_o will_v deligent_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o christian_n people_n that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o allow_v they_o but_o require_v to_o read_v the_o
bible_n and_o yet_o they_o modest_o attend_v upon_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n for_o far_a instruction_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o therefore_o if_o some_o man_n in_o late_a age_n have_v gross_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o be_v set_v right_o by_o those_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n to_o interpret_v they_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o people_n ungovernable_a for_o than_o it_o must_v always_o have_v be_v so_o which_o be_v notorious_o false_a and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o almost_o all_o heresy_n have_v come_v of_o misinterpreting_a scripture_n this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o christian_a people_n must_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o those_o heresy_n which_o have_v give_v any_o considerable_a disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v begin_v not_o by_o laic_n or_o illiterate_a person_n but_o by_o such_o man_n as_o the_o objector_n do_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o right_n of_o read_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n i._n e._n by_o bishop_n or_o priest_n wherefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o argue_n of_o these_o man_n against_o the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o bible_n conclude_v against_o the_o priest_n as_o strong_o as_o against_o the_o people_n for_o if_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o layman_n who_o may_v bring_v heresy_n into_o the_o church_n by_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n then_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n man_n in_o order_n shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o read_v they_o since_o they_o have_v actual_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o heresy_n nay_o the_o reason_n be_v something_o strong_a since_o the_o wrest_n of_o the_o holy_a text_n by_o man_n of_o office_n or_o learning_n will_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o do_v more_o mischief_n than_o the_o mistake_v of_o private_a and_o unlearned_a person_n but_o if_o the_o danger_n of_o pervert_v difficult_a place_n be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o deprive_v man_n of_o all_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o reason_n have_v a_o particular_a force_n upon_o some_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o look_v upon_o a_o bible_n more_o for_o the_o best_a way_n to_o judge_v how_o the_o scripture_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v use_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v to_o consider_v how_o they_o have_v constant_o use_v they_o heretofore_o and_o let_v any_o indifferent_a man_n judge_v of_o they_o by_o these_o follow_a instance_n because_o god_n say_v let_v we_o make_v man_n after_o our_o own_o image_n therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o fall_v down_o before_o a_o image_n of_o wood_n or_o stone_n because_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n therefore_o his_o pretend_a successor_n have_v power_n to_o depose_v heretical_a prince_n because_o peter_n say_v to_o christ_n lord_n here_o be_v two_o sword_n therefore_o they_o have_v a_o temporal_a as_o well_o as_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n because_o jacob_n in_o blessing_n ephraim_n and_o manasses_n pray_v that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v name_v on_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v to_o saint_n because_o it_o be_v say_v the_o disciple_n meet_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n therefore_o the_o laity_n may_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o cup._n because_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o he_o that_o pray_v in_o a_o tongue_n not_o understand_v by_o other_o thou_o very_o give_v thanks_o well_o but_o the_o other_o be_v not_o edify_v therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o good_a to_o appoint_v public_a prayer_n in_o a_o language_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n that_o be_v because_o he_o that_o understand_v what_o himself_n say_v do_v well_o for_o himself_o because_o he_o understand_v therefore_o he_o do_v well_o for_o other_o that_o understand_v not_o a_o word_n and_o be_v therefore_o not_o edify_v because_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o must_v glorify_v god_n with_o one_o mouth_n therefore_o in_o all_o public_a office_n of_o liturgy_n there_o be_v to_o be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o the_o latin_a tongue_n in_o all_o place_n of_o christendom_n because_o that_o many_o language_n at_o babel_n cause_v confusion_n therefore_o for_o god_n to_o be_v serve_v in_o the_o many_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o christian_a nation_n will_v breed_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n because_o the_o beast_n that_o touch_v the_o mountain_n be_v to_o die_v and_o because_o christ_n say_v give_v not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o dog_n therefore_o ordinary_a people_n be_v not_o to_o have_v the_o bible_n these_o exposition_n be_v not_o invent_v but_o there_o be_v good_a authority_n for_o they_o and_o for_o a_o great_a many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v farther_o be_v object_v but_o this_o that_o if_o priest_n and_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v so_o foul_o mistake_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o unlearned_a in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o mistake_v which_o though_o perhaps_o will_v never_o come_v to_o be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n may_v yet_o prove_v damnable_a to_o themselves_o as_o st._n peter_n plain_o say_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o st._n peter_n unlearned_a man_n be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a life_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o call_v they_o unstable_a not_o yet_o fix_v in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o plain_a truth_n and_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o as_o those_o whether_o they_o be_v man_n of_o good_a part_n or_o not_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o interpret_v the_o hard_a place_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o open_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o necessary_a and_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o moreover_o furnish_v with_o modesty_n and_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o willingness_n to_o learn_v quality_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v common_a to_o all_o he_o shall_v be_v as_o far_o from_o wrest_v the_o difficult_a scripture_n to_o his_o own_o destruction_n as_o one_o that_o have_v vast_o great_a ability_n nay_o i_o will_v add_v one_o thing_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o force_n at_o all_o in_o the_o objection_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o service_n of_o a_o cause_n and_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o by-party_n do_v more_o fatal_o lead_v to_o misinterpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o bear_v weakness_n of_o understanding_n and_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o modesty_n and_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v secure_v a_o man_n of_o no_o great_a ability_n from_o rash_a conclude_v upon_o the_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n but_o partiality_n and_o the_o service_n of_o a_o because_n shall_v engage_v a_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n to_o trouble_v the_o clear_a and_o to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a text_n as_o the_o forementioned_a instance_n evident_o show_v so_o that_o either_o the_o danger_n of_o misinterpreting_a scripture_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o prohibit_v the_o laity_n from_o read_v it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v better_a that_o no_o order_n of_o man_n be_v trust_v with_o it_o at_o all_o and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a i_o think_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o have_v better_o never_o have_v be_v write_v at_o all_o which_o no_o man_n will_v say_v whatever_o he_o think_v but_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n the_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o a_o universal_a good_a and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o for_o common_a use_n here_o be_v all_o divine_a truth_n and_o reason_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o every_o man_n plain_o express_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n here_o be_v also_o difficulty_n and_o mystery_n of_o several_a size_n fit_a to_o employ_v the_o industry_n of_o the_o learned_a according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o their_o ability_n and_o to_o exercise_v the_o modesty_n the_o humility_n and_o the_o reverence_n of_o all_o but_o still_o we_o confess_v that_o they_o may_v be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o interdict_v the_o general_a use_n of_o they_o then_o farewell_n at_o once_o to_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o a_o better_a with_o every_o one_o of_o which_o man_n in_o their_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n may_v and_o very_o often_o have_v hurt_v themselves_o and_o other_o st._n peter_n be_v aware_a of_o this_o that_o some_o man_n wrest_v those_o hard_a thing_n in_o s._n paul_n epistle_n and_o in_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n but_o do_v he_o therefore_o dissuade_v the_o faithful_a from_o read_v they_o no_o but_o in_o the_o
down_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v that_o belong_v in_o common_a to_o all_o christian_n as_o their_o duty_n or_o their_o privilege_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o joynt-performance_n of_o the_o former_a of_o which_o and_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o latter_a they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v one._n 1._o therefore_o all_o christian_n do_v unite_v in_o their_o profession_n to_o submit_v to_o one_o head_n who_o be_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o that_o he_o who_o make_v not_o this_o profession_n be_v in_o no_o respect_n within_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o other_o reason_n of_o unity_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o to_o be_v one_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o profess_v subjection_n to_o one_o lord_n eph._n 4.5_o and_o in_o the_o three_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o mark_n of_o distinction_n between_o the_o impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o impulse_n of_o a_o evil_a spirit_n that_o whosoever_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o former_a do_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n they_o be_v also_o one_o in_o profess_v the_o common_a faith_n that_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n which_o begin_v to_o be_v preach_v when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o summary_o express_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n and_o therefore_o to_o one_o lord_n the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n add_v one_o faith_n thus_o we_o find_v in_o rom._n 6.17_o that_o one_o form_n of_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v to_o christian_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n phil._n 1.27_o thus_o st._n paul_n charge_v timothy_n that_o if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n he_o shall_v from_o such_o withdraw_v himself_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o not_o look_v upon_o they_o any_o long_a as_o christian_n or_o as_o such_o converse_v with_o they_o which_o together_o with_o many_o other_o like_o passage_n manifest_o show_v that_o he_o who_o in_o any_o point_n depart_v from_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n be_v break_v off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v one_o by_o a_o common_a profession_n of_o certain_a point_n of_o grand_a importance_n teach_v at_o first_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n cyprian_n doubt_v not_o to_o say_v he_o can_v seem_v a_o christian_n who_o do_v not_o persist_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n gospel_n and_o faith_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o unity_n of_o sacrament_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n one_o baptism_n by_o which_o we_o be_v all_o admit_v into_o the_o same_o state_n of_o duty_n and_o privilege_n undertake_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o gain_v a_o right_a to_o the_o promise_v thereof_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n add_v also_o one_o baptism_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n he_o express_o affirm_v that_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n into_o one_o body_n of_o people_n profess_v one_o common_a faith_n and_o claim_v the_o privilege_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o profession_n the_o like_a unity_n be_v infer_v from_o the_o other_o sacrament_n since_o we_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o 10_o chapter_n of_o this_o epipistle_n v._o 16_o 17._o he_o say_v the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n 4._o there_o be_v also_o a_o unity_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o law_n and_o institution_n for_o to_o all_o christian_n it_o equal_o belong_v to_o govern_v themselves_o effectual_o by_o the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o observe_v his_o ordinance_n and_o command_n by_o the_o do_n of_o which_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o his_o flock_n in_o that_o they_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o that_o they_o live_v by_o his_o law_n and_o that_o as_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o obligation_n so_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o correspondent_a practice_n one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o obedience_n that_o run_v through_o all_o 5._o there_o be_v also_o a_o unity_n of_o affection_n or_o mutual_a charity_n prescribe_v to_o the_o church_n thus_o say_v our_o saviour_n by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o thus_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n the_o member_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o and_o whether_o one_o member_n suffer_v all_o the_o member_n suffer_v with_o it_o or_o one_o member_n be_v honour_v all_o the_o member_n rejoice_v with_o it_o which_o kind_n of_o unity_n appear_v most_o visible_o after_o the_o church_n be_v begin_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n for_o it_o be_v observe_v present_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n act_v 4.32_o 6._o there_o be_v also_o a_o unity_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o prayer_n and_o in_o sacrament_n and_o in_o glorify_v god_n with_o one_o mouth_n moreover_o in_o the_o common_a defence_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o in_o the_o joint_a opposition_n of_o every_o dangerous_a error_n in_o propagate_a and_o promote_a the_o same_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o strive_v together_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o 7._o there_o be_v also_o a_o unity_n of_o discipline_n or_o government_n which_o be_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o every_o member_n keep_v in_o his_o place_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n the_o people_n of_o christ_n receive_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n from_o their_o pastor_n and_o these_o confederate_v one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o common_a christianity_n without_o invade_v each_o other_o liberty_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o accommodate_v as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v all_o rite_n of_o discipline_n and_o worship_n to_o one_o another_o and_o assist_v each_o other_o by_o advice_n and_o correspondence_n and_o give_v no_o occasion_n to_o breach_n of_o charity_n and_o christian_a communion_n by_o abuse_v a_o lawful_a or_o by_o claim_v a_o undue_a authority_n other_o more_o particular_a instance_n may_v be_v mention_v but_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o these_o believe_v that_o upon_o these_o ground_n of_o unity_n which_o i_o have_v note_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o satisfy_v those_o scruple_n which_o have_v be_v throw_v into_o some_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o be_v of_o that_o one_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v chief_o two_o 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v one_o church_n which_o be_v the_o only_a church_n of_o christ_n exclusive_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n with_o she_o 2._o that_o where_o there_o be_v most_o unity_n there_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v the_o true_a church_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v one-society_n or_o communion_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o communion_n whatsoever_o for_o thus_o they_o argue_v the_o apostle_n here_o and_o the_o new_a testament_n elsewhere_o affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o body_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v as_o there_o be_v several_a body_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o christendom_n that_o be_v not_o unite_v in_o communion_n in_o worship_n in_o government_n no_o nor_o in_o doctrine_n neither_o these_o can_v all_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v that_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o true_a church_n and_o from_o hence_o they_o proceed_v far_o since_o we_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v a_o church_n we_o do_v in_o effect_n grant_v that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n ourselves_o because_o we_o be_v not_o in_o communion_n
unity_n only_o in_o faith_n and_o goodness_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v 2._o it_o be_v possible_a that_o where_o there_o be_v discord_n there_o may_v be_v yet_o more_o truth_n profess_v than_o where_o there_o be_v none_o and_o that_o for_o the_o former_a reason_n because_o there_o may_v be_v unity_n in_o the_o worst_a error_n beside_o the_o common_a faith_n that_o be_v profess_v by_o all_o christian_n one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n may_v maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o that_o profession_n against_o another_o that_o have_v superad_v new_a and_o false_a doctrine_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o reform_a part_n may_v labour_v under_o discord_n that_o affect_v their_o very_a communion_n while_o the_o other_o do_v not_o there_o may_v be_v on_o the_o one_o side_n disobedience_n to_o authority_n overvalue_v of_o question_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n a_o great_a stress_n lay_v upon_o opinion_n or_o practice_n than_o the_o cause_n will_v bear_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o break_v christian_a communion_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n whilst_o gross_a error_n be_v maintain_v on_o the_o other_o side_n with_o one_o consent_n the_o difference_n that_o happen_v by_o the_o bye_n may_v be_v so_o over_o rule_v by_o authority_n by_o force_n and_o power_n and_o by_o the_o sensible_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n that_o how_o wide_o soever_o they_o be_v they_o shall_v not_o yet_o rend_v communion_n but_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v the_o fond_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o choose_v a_o doctrine_n by_o the_o mark_n of_o unity_n among_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o therefore_o in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o christendom_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v what_o christian_n be_v to_o do_v to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v and_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v within_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o respect_n 1._o i_o need_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o christian_n for_o without_o this_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o continue_v in_o that_o body_n into_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v only_o i_o may_v add_v that_o they_o be_v to_o lay_v it_o up_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o value_v it_o as_o the_o great_a treasure_n and_o to_o proclaim_v their_o esteem_n of_o it_o and_o to_o acknowledge_v all_o that_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o they_o this_o be_v that_o faith_n which_o christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o he_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o inspire_v his_o apostle_n withal_o to_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o and_o to_o confirm_v it_o for_o we_o by_o the_o write_n and_o by_o the_o miracle_n of_o inspire_a person_n it_o be_v by_o this_o faith_n and_o this_o profession_n therefore_o which_o include_v baptism_n that_o they_o be_v christian_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n 2._o let_v they_o keep_v themselves_o from_o entertain_v any_o corrupt_a or_o false_a doctrine_n not_o only_o any_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n but_o any_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o scripture_n for_o thus_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v themselves_o from_o any_o dangerous_a error_n and_o continue_v not_o only_o true_a but_o pure_a believer_n and_o they_o sure_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o the_o more_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n who_o receive_v nothing_o as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o what_o by_o the_o undoubted_a record_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 3._o let_v every_o private_a christian_a be_v most_o careful_a to_o observe_v the_o command_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o his_o affection_n and_o all_o his_o action_n for_o unity_n in_o this_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v among_o all_o christian_n since_o without_o obedience_n no_o man_n how_o qualify_v soever_o he_o may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n upon_o other_o account_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n without_o this_o it_o be_v not_o the_o be_v of_o the_o one_o church_n it_o be_v not_o the_o profess_v of_o the_o one_o faith_n no_o nor_o the_o be_v of_o a_o pure_a profession_n and_o a_o pure_a communion_n that_o will_v unite_v we_o real_o and_o effectual_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o he_o as_o branch_n that_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n 4._o let_v he_o maintain_v a_o universal_a charity_n to_o all_o christian_n good_a will_n to_o those_o that_o be_v mislead_v and_o seduce_v in_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v they_o as_o he_o have_v opportunity_n in_o pray_v for_o they_o readiness_n to_o be_v beneficial_a to_o all_o his_o brethren_n to_o forgive_v injury_n and_o to_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a compassion_n to_o the_o miserable_a pleasure_n in_o that_o which_o be_v for_o the_o particular_a good_a of_o any_o one_o of_o his_o brethren_n and_o much_o more_o in_o what_o be_v for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o all_o thus_o he_o shall_v preserve_v himself_o in_o the_o other_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n the_o unity_n of_o charity_n and_o good_a will_n 5._o let_v he_o live_v in_o strict_a communion_n with_o the_o particular_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o in_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o for_o the_o guidance_n of_o religious_a assembly_n for_o the_o order_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o fall_v under_o human_a authority_n i._n e._n the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawful_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o edification_n and_o well_o govern_v of_o it_o thus_o he_o shall_v maintain_v a_o unity_n of_o communion_n with_o his_o brethren_n and_o his_o guide_n and_o so_o in_o effect_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n where_o the_o part_n of_o it_o do_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o most_o undoubted_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o any_o of_o they_o in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v as_o they_o ought_v not_o the_o sum_n of_o this_o advice_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o to_o a_o good_a man_n as_o easy_a to_o be_v practise_v there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o he_o to_o trouble_v his_o own_o mind_n with_o nice_a and_o intricate_a question_n about_o unity_n because_o he_o will_v maintain_v his_o part_n in_o order_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o do_v his_o plain_a duty_n by_o stick_v to_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v profess_v by_o all_o christian_n the_o faith_n into_o which_o we_o be_v baptize_v by_o reject_v whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o religious_a persuasion_n which_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o do_v by_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n in_o which_o yet_o undoubted_o all_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o every_o church_n ought_v to_o conspire_v though_o this_o part_n of_o unity_n be_v hardly_o remember_v when_o man_n talk_v of_o the_o church_n by_o bear_v christian_a affection_n towards_o all_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n whereby_o he_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o unity_n towards_o they_o which_o whether_o they_o do_v or_o not_o they_o ought_v to_o perform_v too_o final_o by_o frequent_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o public_a prayer_n and_o exhortation_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o in_o particular_a the_o grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o member_n and_o which_o observe_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o all_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n for_o thus_o he_o perform_v his_o part_n of_o unity_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o communion_n nor_o be_v he_o nor_o can_v be_v to_o blame_v if_o other_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o fond_a thing_n to_o think_v of_o seek_v a_o true_a church_n that_o be_v the_o only_a church_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o or_o to_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o can_v help_v and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o seek_v for_o unity_n to_o mind_v nothing_o else_o we_o be_v to_o preserve_v ourselves_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o profess_v true_a doctrine_n and_o by_o lead_v good_a life_n by_o a_o charitable_a spirit_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o all_o christian_n by_o frequent_v
want_v to_o maintain_v it_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n god_n come_v and_o sweep_v away_o mankind_n with_o a_o flood_n and_o save_v noah_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a generation_n when_o their_o prosperity_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n he_o call_v abraham_n forth_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o he_o and_o in_o his_o family_n and_o these_o and_o the_o like_a providence_n be_v pledge_n of_o the_o same_o care_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n when_o the_o faithful_a seem_v to_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o men._n while_o god_n seem_v to_o let_v the_o world_n alone_o and_o to_o suffer_v all_o man_n to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o own_o way_n as_o if_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v at_o all_o concern_v at_o what_o they_o do_v he_o be_v all_o the_o while_n try_v and_o prove_v what_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o for_o his_o own_o information_n for_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v after_o if_o he_o at_o every_o turn_n shall_v interpose_v when_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a we_o shall_v very_o seldom_o know_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o who_o be_v hypocrite_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v sometime_o see_v whether_o man_n be_v what_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v whether_o indeed_o they_o be_v concern_v for_o that_o truth_n for_o which_o they_o have_v once_o pretend_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n whether_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o conscience_n as_o they_o say_v or_o by_o mere_a worldly_a and_o politic_a consideration_n for_o such_o discovery_n as_o these_o be_v very_o instruct_v and_o serve_v for_o the_o bring_n about_o of_o much_o good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v to_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n because_o while_o he_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o go_v on_o as_o if_o he_o mind_v it_o not_o he_o be_v try_v those_o that_o pretend_v to_o faith_n and_o upon_o the_o trial_n many_o be_v discover_v not_o to_o have_v it_o in_o short_a divine_a providence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v regardless_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n that_o it_o then_o most_o of_o all_o show_v itself_o when_o man_n be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o it_o regard_v nothing_o i._n e._n when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o will_v be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o convince_a act_n of_o providence_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o one_o forerunner_n of_o it_o will_v be_v that_o question_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o now_o the_o use_n of_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o declare_a intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o he_o speak_v a_o parable_n to_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v for_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o prayer_n be_v faith_n in_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o time_n when_o these_o fail_n than_o ought_v man_n always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v i.e._n they_o ought_v always_o to_o depend_v upon_o god_n providence_n they_o ought_v always_o to_o believe_v his_o promise_n they_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v certain_a that_o their_o prayer_n be_v hear_v and_o will_v turn_v to_o good_a account_n for_o they_o that_o god_n be_v gracious_a to_o all_o and_o much_o more_o to_o they_o that_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o if_o they_o do_v all_o this_o than_o they_o will_v always_o pray_v and_o not_o faint_a i.e._n and_o not_o be_v discourage_v and_o if_o they_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v then_o also_o when_o they_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v and_o 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that_o a_o man_n entitle_v himself_o to_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v the_o particular_a blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o at_o any_o time_n if_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v evil_a as_o well_o as_o good_a for_o we_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o matter_n after_o all_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o than_o if_o we_o obtain_v they_o we_o get_v his_o blessing_n with_o they_o too_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o get_v his_o blessing_n without_o they_o which_o be_v the_o general_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o always_o with_o these_o disposition_n we_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a case_n to_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o spiritual_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v assure_o come_v accompany_v with_o temporal_a one_o too_o if_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o his_o church_n to_o be_v prosperous_a than_o to_o be_v afflict_v in_o this_o world_n and_o than_o it_o be_v better_a so_o to_o be_v when_o man_n be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o god_n correction_n and_o their_o own_o repentance_n man_n ought_v therefore_o always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v for_o their_o prayer_n thus_o qualify_v will_v not_o fail_v of_o obtain_v what_o they_o ask_v which_o our_o saviour_n think_v good_a to_o illustrate_v by_o a_o example_n in_o the_o parable_n deliver_v before_o the_o text_n viz._n of_o a_o unjust_a judge_n that_o neither_o fear_a god_n nor_o regard_v man_n who_o nevertheless_o upon_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o widow_n do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o her_o case_n much_o more_o shall_v god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o just_a god_n and_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o right_v those_o that_o do_v at_o any_o time_n suffer_v wrong_a 2._o he_o be_v also_o the_o merciful_a god_n that_o regard_v man_n and_o when_o we_o 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then_o have_v we_o confidence_n of_o ourselves_o by_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o please_v ourselves_o by_o make_v he_o our_o friend_n we_o shall_v infallible_o make_v one_o friend_n more_o and_o that_o be_v our_o own_o conscience_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o we_o than_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o follow_v truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o we_o know_v will_v not_o put_v we_o upon_o struggle_v with_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o strain_v point_n against_o our_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o the_o while_o we_o be_v gain_v his_o favour_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o do_v well_o and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v it_o we_o shall_v thank_v ourselves_o instead_o of_o be_v plague_v with_o a_o sad_a and_o black_a remembrance_n of_o the_o way_n we_o take_v to_o get_v it_o acquaint_v now_o thyself_o with_o god_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v good_a come_v unto_o thy_o soul_n 5._o there_o lie_v no_o flattery_n nor_o false_a accusation_n nor_o outward_a accident_n against_o we_o to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n or_o to_o make_v we_o lose_v that_o we_o have_v wrought_v to_o turn_v his_o mind_n or_o to_o blot_v our_o service_n out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n no_o change_n of_o fortune_n shall_v bring_v we_o into_o disgrace_n which_o consideration_n st._n paul_n lay_v great_a strength_n upon_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o text._n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n v._o 35._o i_o be_o persuade_v say_v he_o that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n v._o 38._o nay_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n that_o be_v we_o get_v by_o be_v condemn_v by_o other_o because_o by_o that_o we_o be_v make_v more_o dear_a to_o god_n who_o will_v consider_v not_o only_o that_o we_o serve_v he_o but_o under_o what_o discouragement_n from_o the_o world_n we_o do_v so_o last_o 6._o who_o god_n justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o he_o conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n v._o 29_o 30._o i_o e._n those_o who_o he_o foreknow_v to_o be_v his_o most_o faithful_a servant_n he_o do_v before_o time_n decree_n that_o by_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n they_o shall_v follow_v so_o glorious_a a_o pattern_n as_o their_o elder_a brother_n the_o lord_n jesus_n moreover_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a 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for_o we_o the_o conclusion_n be_v this_o that_o whoever_o condemn_v we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v if_o god_n justify_v but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o all_o this_o be_v very_o true_a indeed_o but_o it_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o all_o party_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v most_o severe_o condemn_v by_o each_o other_o while_o each_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v god_n and_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n and_o therefore_o that_o this_o subject_n may_v have_v be_v more_o useful_o pursue_v by_o show_v particular_o what_o that_o faith_n and_o that_o practice_n be_v with_o which_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v who_o god_n justify_v and_o how_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o now_o i_o consider_v all_o this_o at_o first_o but_o then_o i_o know_v that_o i_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o person_n who_o be_v neither_o ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n nor_o of_o the_o evidence_n whereby_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o whoever_o govern_v himself_o in_o worship_v god_n in_o behave_v himself_o to_o other_o and_o in_o all_o his_o way_n shall_v be_v assure_o justify_v of_o god_n though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v condemn_v he_o for_o it_o but_o i_o consider_v also_o that_o of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o shake_v the_o constancy_n of_o modest_a person_n nothing_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o do_v it_o than_o the_o mighty_a confidence_n wherewith_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n condemn_v we_o and_o exclaim_v against_o we_o for_o to_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o surprise_n that_o man_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v learned_a and_o know_v to_o be_v zealous_a do_v pronounce_v against_o we_o with_o no_o less_o severity_n than_o if_o we_o be_v mere_a infidel_n one_o will_v think_v there_o must_v be_v some_o deep_a reason_n for_o it_o when_o they_o make_v we_o nothing_o at_o all_o and_o themselves_o 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argument_n run_v very_o low_a thus_o jew_n and_o gentile_n exclaim_v against_o our_o father_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a believer_n condemn_v they_o for_o go_v against_o antiquity_n universality_n authority_n tradition_n philosopher_n lawmaker_n king_n and_o nation_n and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v all_o this_o be_v but_o empty_a noise_n and_o vain_a pretence_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n foul_a error_n have_v be_v dress_v with_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o truth_n have_v be_v oppose_v with_o confidence_n and_o god_n suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o to_o try_v the_o sincerity_n of_o man_n that_o while_o they_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v delude_v fall_v by_o
have_v go_v this_o way_n to_o work_v to_o convert_v infidel_n pap._n therefore_o those_o who_o obtain_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v have_v some_o rule_n to_o acquire_v they_o by_o which_o can_v deceive_v they_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o obscure_a say_v and_o i_o must_v make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o by_o obtain_v article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v believe_v they_o and_o by_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o acquire_v they_o he_o must_v understand_v a_o rule_n or_o mean_n whereby_o to_o know_v what_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v and_o then_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v be_v provide_v of_o some_o such_o rule_n or_o means_n to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v as_o can_v deceive_v they_o now_o whether_o this_o be_v in_o itself_o true_a or_o false_a it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v from_o what_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o before_o for_o 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to_o the_o understanding_n of_o plain_a scripture_n i_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n be_o yet_o certain_a which_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o that_o i_o do_v find_v the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o many_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o which_o i_o do_v understand_v i_o be_o sure_a that_o i_o know_v what_o these_o word_n of_o st._n john_n signify_v 5.3_o 1_o john_n 2.25_o and_o chap._n 5.3_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o the_o like_a the_o ancient_a father_n think_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o argue_v out_o of_o they_o without_o pretend_v to_o a_o infallible_a