this_o be_v a_o cause_n which_o man_n do_v not_o indeed_o care_v so_o open_o to_o profess_v but_o yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o their_o action_n oftentimes_o do_v but_o too_o plain_o point_v out_o to_o we_o and_o i_o wish_v that_o even_o this_o be_v all_o and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o some_o in_o the_o world_n who_o very_a principle_n seem_v to_o lead_v they_o into_o such_o a_o opinion_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o fatal_o ruinous_a to_o their_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o 1_o sy_n not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n now_o to_o those_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o laugh_v at_o all_o our_o discourse_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o all_o our_o action_n before_o a_o divine_a tribunal_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o speak_v loud_o to_o they_o this_o great_a truth_n and_o make_v they_o with_o felix_n still_o fear_v what_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o believe_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o a_o more_o refine_a sort_n of_o disputant_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o future_a judgement_n and_o a_o eternal_a reward_n for_o those_o that_o do_v well_o yet_o extinguish_v ibid._n in_o great_a measure_n all_o the_o flame_n of_o hell-fire_n and_o allow_v of_o little_a or_o no_o danger_n for_o those_o that_o do_v ill_a they_o suppose_v that_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v happen_v to_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v chance_v to_o be_v overtake_v in_o their_o sin_n be_v but_o to_o lose_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o annihilate_v the_o only_a danger_n that_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v they_o attend_v the_o great_a sinner_n in_o the_o other_o world_n but_o yet_o still_o methinks_v since_o they_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o heaven_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o enjoyment_n of_o honour_n and_o glory_n there_o to_o all_o eternity_n for_o those_o who_o at_o that_o day_n shall_v be_v find_v worthy_a of_o it_o even_o this_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o think_v it_o worth_a their_o while_n to_o endeavour_v to_o procure_v themselves_o a_o share_n in_o so_o much_o happiness_n and_o however_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n threaten_v sinner_n with_o shall_v be_v only_o a_o eternal_a annihilation_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o same_o scripture_n speak_v very_o dreadful_a thing_n of_o it_o and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v etc._n but_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n have_v and_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a for_o ever_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n which_o neither_o any_o tongue_n can_v express_v nor_o any_o thought_n conceive_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v many_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a writ_n that_o seem_v very_o much_o to_o favour_v this_o apprehension_n indeed_o that_o can_v without_o violence_n be_v detort_v to_o any_o other_o signification_n it_o must_v certain_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n not_o to_o be_v too_o secure_a in_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o whether_o they_o believe_v the_o torment_n of_o the_o damn_a to_o be_v eternal_a or_o no_o yet_o certain_o to_o live_v so_o as_o if_o they_o make_v not_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o it_o 2._o but_o second_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n there_o be_v who_o by_o their_o mistake_a notion_n of_o christianity_n have_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o lessen_v their_o opinion_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v have_v utter_o corrupt_v the_o very_a nature_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o casuist_n and_o confessor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v a_o point_n common_o dispute_v among_o these_o man_n what_o the_o precise_a time_n be_v in_o which_o man_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o repent_v there_o have_v be_v some_o of_o they_o indeed_o so_o severe_a as_o to_o think_v that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o repent_v on_o all_o the_o great_a scotus_n festival_n of_o the_o church_n other_o 2._o think_v that_o it_o be_v enough_o if_o a_o man_n do_v it_o against_o easter_n but_o the_o common_a opinion_n be_v that_o this_o be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o external_a and_o ritual_a repentance_n of_o the_o church_n which_o consist_v in_o confess_v and_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n but_o that_o for_o the_o true_a inward_a repentance_n below_o the_o precise_a time_n in_o which_o the_o sinner_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o be_v contrite_a for_o his_o sin_n be_v the_o imminent_a article_n of_o a_o natural_a or_o violent_a death_n insomuch_o that_o some_o of_o they_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v that_o even_o for_o a_o man_n to_o resolve_v to_o defer_v his_o repentance_n and_o refuse_v to_o repent_v for_o a_o certain_a time_n be_v but_o a_o 2._o venial_a sin_n nay_o and_o other_o think_v anno._n no_o sin_n at_o all_o and_o these_o man_n to_o be_v sure_a in_o express_a term_n take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o present_a repentance_n but_o this_o be_v not_o yet_o all_o for_o when_o they_o do_v come_v to_o the_o time_n that_o they_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n even_o than_o they_o find_v out_o so_o many_o other_o artifices_fw-la to_o elude_v the_o sincere_a performance_n of_o it_o that_o they_o who_o do_v all_o which_o they_o require_v of_o they_o yet_o do_v not_o in_o effect_n true_o repent_v what_o else_o can_v we_o make_v of_o the_o allow_v practice_n of_o that_o church_n upon_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o imperfect_a contrition_n for_o they_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o absolution_n and_o so_o in_o effect_n make_v the_o whole_a of_o this_o duty_n to_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o little_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n 781._o and_o a_o resolution_n to_o forsake_v it_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v they_o do_v not_o themselves_o believe_v that_o ever_o they_o shall_v make_v good_a such_o their_o resolution_n and_o that_o too_o though_o they_o have_v neither_o any_o love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n etc._n nor_o otherwise_o hate_v their_o sin_n than_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v damn_v for_o they_o i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o many_o other_o device_n these_o man_n have_v find_v out_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o true_a repentance_n by_o pardon_n and_o indulgence_n by_o mass_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a by_o consecrate_a garment_n and_o privilege_v fraternity_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o which_o be_v what_o i_o be_o now_o compla_v of_o to_o make_v man_n careless_a and_o negligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o piety_n that_o god_n require_v of_o they_o and_o of_o that_o repentance_n which_o alone_o can_v obtain_v a_o effectual_a forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o these_o be_v not_o yet_o all_o who_o by_o their_o mistake_a notion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v but_o too_o much_o encourage_v to_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n other_o there_o be_v 3_o dly_z and_o those_o of_o a_o more_o near_o concern_v to_o we_o than_o either_o of_o the_o forego_n who_o principle_n seem_v without_o great_a care_n but_o too_o natural_o to_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o neglect_n such_o be_v the_o great_a assertor_n of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n alone_o without_o work_n of_o god_n eternal_a predestination_n and_o in_o consequence_n thereof_o man_n absolute_a election_n or_o reprobation_n of_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o will_n and_o its_o incapacity_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o business_n of_o our_o future_a state_n without_o that_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o if_o man_n have_v than_o they_o must_v needs_o do_v well_o and_o without_o it_o can_v but_o do_v ill_a and_o which_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v indifferent_o to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v but_o to_o such_o only_a as_o he_o intend_v thereby_o to_o bring_v to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n first_o and_o then_o to_o salvation_n now_o not_o to_o dispute_v with_o any_o one_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o these_o point_n when_o wise_o and_o sober_o state_v according_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o which_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a principle_n be_v apt_a to_o mislead_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a man_n who_o be_v not_o very_o well_o instruct_v in_o the_o true_a notion_n and_o understanding_n of_o they_o to_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o their_o justification_n be_v either_o so_o secure_a and_o settle_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n
charity_n to_o think_v they_o do_v not_o themselves_o know_v they_o to_o be_v so_o i_o fear_v the_o best_a account_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v that_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n blind_v their_o eye_n and_o that_o their_o error_n be_v as_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o gross_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o will_v man_n indeed_o lay_v aside_o all_o humane_a consideration_n as_o in_o thing_n wherein_o eternity_n be_v at_o stake_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v will_v they_o with_o charity_n and_o humility_n seek_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o discover_v their_o own_o as_o they_o be_v but_o too_o forward_o to_o censure_v other_o man_n fault_n in_o plain_a term_n will_v they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o seek_v nothing_o but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o most_o of_o our_o controversy_n will_v present_o vanish_v and_o we_o shall_v yet_o recover_v that_o truth_n which_o i_o fear_v some_o man_n have_v too_o long_o detain_v in_o unrighteousness_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n but_o especial_o will_v they_o to_o this_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n add_v 4_o thly_a the_o apostle_n next_o direction_n of_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o assistance_n for_o certain_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o great_a a_o good_a and_o so_o please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n almighty_a to_o be_v implore_v of_o he_o that_o a_o pious_a and_o upright_a man_n earnest_o pray_v and_o hearty_o seek_v after_o it_o shall_v hardly_o be_v deny_v the_o happiness_n of_o be_v constant_a to_o the_o faith_n if_o he_o be_v already_o in_o the_o right_a way_n or_o of_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v the_o true_a votary_n not_o to_o refuse_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a or_o but_o expedient_a for_o he_o if_o he_o ask_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v will_n never_o fail_v to_o answer_v he_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o moment_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v himself_o while_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n but_o use_v such_o care_n and_o caution_n as_o st._n judas_n here_o direct_v we_o to_o do_v for_o our_o security_n he_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a though_o he_o be_v encompass_v with_o seducer_n on_o every_o side_n but_o be_v confident_a that_o he_o shall_v either_o still_o go_v on_o in_o the_o right_a way_n or_o obtain_v god_n pardon_n if_o after_o all_o this_o he_o shall_v chance_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o there_o be_v yet_o one_o mean_n more_o whereby_o st._n judas_n exhort_v the_o christian_n earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v 5_o thly_a by_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o future_a state_n keep_v yourselves_o say_v he_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n look_v for_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o eternal_a life_n ver_fw-la 21._o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o this_o great_a consideration_n which_o so_o high_o influence_n all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n must_v here_o also_o prove_v of_o a_o singular_a advantage_n to_o keep_v we_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o our_o faith_n this_o will_v make_v we_o diligent_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v awaken_v our_o care_n will_v perfect_v our_o piety_n and_o inflame_v our_o devotion_n by_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v secure_a that_o no_o worldly_a consideration_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v upon_o we_o to_o forsake_v our_o religion_n we_o shall_v neither_o be_v move_v for_o any_o terror_n to_o renounce_v it_o nor_o be_v cajol_v by_o any_o interest_n or_o persuasion_n to_o give_v it_o up_o but_o we_o shall_v resolve_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v diligent_o into_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o profession_n to_o judge_v impartial_o and_o steadfast_o follow_v what_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v the_o right_a faith_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o comfortable_a account_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n when_o we_o shall_v appear_v at_o his_o tribunal_n no_o matter_n how_o severe_o we_o may_v be_v censure_v by_o man_n for_o our_o so_o do_v we_o know_v that_o truth_n very_o often_o meet_v with_o and_o make_v enemy_n to_o the_o best_a men._n christianity_n itself_o be_v once_o every_o where_o speak_v against_o and_o st._n paul_n arraign_v as_o a_o heretic_n but_o whilst_o with_o that_o apostle_n we_o know_v wherefore_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o censure_n or_o ashamed_a of_o our_o profession_n that_o shall_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v be_v bring_v even_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o our_o enemy_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a with_o assurance_n to_o answer_v for_o ourselves_o as_o he_o do_v that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n 14_o so_o worship_v we_o the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n such_o a_o power_n will_v this_o great_a consideration_n of_o eternal_a life_n have_v over_o we_o to_o secure_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n that_o it_o will_v actuate_v all_o the_o other_o mean_n that_o have_v before_o be_v offer_v to_o establish_v our_o faith_n and_o itself_o become_v a_o new_a defence_n and_o such_o as_o all_o the_o sophistry_n and_o malice_n of_o our_o enemy_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a ever_o to_o overcome_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o as_o full_a a_o account_n as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v of_o the_o several_a thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v and_o however_o i_o have_v not_o so_o close_o confine_v my_o reflection_n to_o the_o particular_a concern_v of_o those_o christian_n to_o who_o st._n judas_n write_v as_o not_o to_o have_v observe_v somewhat_o in_o general_a the_o use_n that_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o this_o caution_n yet_o i_o will_v now_o in_o the_o close_o crave_v leave_v to_o offer_v two_o or_o three_o reflection_n more_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v our_o own_o more_o immediate_a concern_v in_o it_o and_o first_o let_v we_o from_o hence_o learn_v with_o what_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n we_o ought_v to_o contend_v for_o our_o religion_n which_o i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v do_v if_o any_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o best_a deserve_v the_o character_n of_o the_o text_n of_o be_v the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o without_o mixture_n of_o any_o thing_n corruptive_a of_o or_o contrary_a thereunto_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n either_o upon_o your_o belief_n or_o practice_n but_o what_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o faith_n the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o prescribe_v or_o at_o least_o allow_v we_o to_o do_v we_o give_v no_o other_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n than_o what_o be_v either_o so_o apparent_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o that_o no_o impartial_a person_n can_v doubt_v of_o it_o or_o else_o have_v be_v so_o universal_o receive_v by_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a antiquity_n and_o be_v otherwise_o so_o agreeable_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v it_o the_o article_n of_o our_o creed_n be_v the_o same_o now_o which_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v and_o profess_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o evident_o found_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n that_o they_o neither_o can_v nor_o do_v admit_v of_o any_o dispute_n among_o christian_n those_o who_o the_o most_o pretend_v we_o to_o be_v defective_a in_o our_o faith_n yet_o dare_v not_o say_v we_o be_v erroneous_a in_o what_o we_o do_v profess_v they_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o we_o believe_v be_v right_a only_o they_o think_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o we_o ought_v because_o not_o all_o that_o they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v and_o certain_o then_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o can_v but_o deserve_v to_o be_v earnest_o contend_v for_o as_o be_v without_o all_o controversy_n true_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o second_o at_o this_o time_n when_o so_o many_o seducer_n for_o i_o shall_v spare_v the_o rest_n of_o st._n jude_n character_n ver_fw-la 4._o be_v creep_v in_o among_o we_o and_o make_v it_o their_o great_a endeavour_n by_o any_o mean_n to_o draw_v we_o away_o from_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o repeat_v either_o the_o manner_n how_o i_o have_v show_v we_o ought_v to_o contend_v for_o our_o faith_n against_o they_o or_o the_o direction_n which_o from_o the_o apostle_n i_o have_v before_o offer_v for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o let_v we_o only_o resolve_v
temper_n or_o our_o circumstance_n lay_v we_o the_o most_o open_a and_o this_o will_v present_o both_o show_v we_o our_o danger_n and_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o it_o but_o tho'_o to_o enter_v therefore_o upon_o all_o the_o particular_a device_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o lead_v man_n into_o sin_n be_v a_o work_n as_o needless_a as_o it_o will_v be_v infinite_a yet_o some_o general_a remark_n there_o be_v which_o we_o may_v do_v well_o to_o make_v in_o order_n to_o our_o security_n and_o 1_o sy_n it_o be_v common_o the_o first_o step_n which_o the_o devil_n take_v towards_o the_o lead_a man_n into_o sin_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o carelessness_n and_o indifference_n in_o their_o duty_n while_o man_n be_v warm_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n zealous_a of_o god_n honour_n and_o sincere_a in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o what_o make_v for_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o enemy_n can_v get_v but_o very_o little_a advantage_n of_o we_o 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which_o wicked_a man_n have_v lay_v out_o for_o their_o return_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o their_o go_v on_o for_o the_o present_a in_o their_o evil_a do_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n why_o that_o man_n shall_v expect_v grace_n to_o repent_v at_o the_o last_o who_o all_o his_o life_n long_o have_v neglect_v and_o despise_v the_o offer_n of_o it_o i_o will_v not_o now_o say_v how_o unfit_a a_o time_n that_o of_o old_a age_n and_o sickness_n be_v for_o so_o great_a a_o undertake_n when_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o body_n be_v feeble_a and_o impotent_a when_o the_o memory_n be_v decay_v the_o reason_n fail_v and_o our_o affection_n be_v dull_a our_o zeal_n be_v cold_a and_o all_o our_o thought_n take_v up_o with_o the_o horror_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o infirmity_n under_o which_o the_o body_n labour_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o all_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o desperate_a folly_n and_o even_o madness_n of_o such_o a_o procrastination_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o while_o they_o have_v yet_o the_o time_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o that_o mercy_n which_o it_o may_v be_v they_o shall_v hereafter_o neither_o have_v grace_n nor_o opportunity_n to_o implore_v vii_o but_o i_o must_v not_o pursue_v these_o thing_n any_o further_o nor_o shall_v i_o make_v any_o application_n of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o offer_v but_o without_o more_o enlargement_n will_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o church_n o_o god_n epiph._n who_o know_v we_o to_o be_v set_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o and_o great_a danger_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v always_o stand_v upright_o grant_v to_o we_o such_o strength_n and_o protection_n as_o may_v support_v we_o in_o all_o danger_n and_o carry_v we_o through_o all_o temptation_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n of_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o prince_z and_o princess_z of_o denmark_z august_n 5_o the_o 1688._o 2_o pet._n iii_o 17_o 18._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n these_o word_n be_v not_o only_o the_o close_a of_o this_o epistle_n but_o also_o the_o application_n of_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n before_o have_v write_v in_o it_o and_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o design_n of_o st._n peter_n in_o this_o address_n to_o the_o christian_n disperse_v abroad_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o now_o under_o great_a temptation_n either_o to_o corrupt_v or_o to_o abandon_v that_o faith_n that_o have_v once_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o iii._o be_v to_o exhort_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o a_o constant_a continuance_n in_o their_o profession_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o whether_o by_o the_o cunning_a artifice_n of_o some_o or_o by_o the_o open_a violence_n of_o other_o to_o be_v either_o total_o frighten_v out_o of_o their_o religion_n or_o to_o be_v mislead_v into_o any_o false_a doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n he_o speak_v of_o certain_a false_a teacher_n that_o be_v creep_v in_o among_o they_o 1._o and_o make_v it_o their_o great_a endeavour_n by_o any_o mean_n to_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o he_o foresee_v that_o their_o wicked_a industry_n will_v be_v likely_a to_o prove_v
obstinate_a but_o he_o can_v be_v wise_o steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n a_o good_a christian_a must_v be_v able_a to_o give_v some_o more_o reasonable_a account_n of_o his_o faith_n than_o this_o if_o ever_o he_o mean_v to_o be_v secure_o firm_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o his_o creed_n must_v be_v found_v on_o some_o better_a authority_n than_o a_o bare_a credulity_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a useless_a plea_n at_o the_o last_o day_n that_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o his_o church_n believe_v when_o he_o may_v have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o a_o better_a information_n shall_v he_o chance_v by_o so_o do_v to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n unless_o he_o can_v render_v some_o tolerable_a account_n either_o wherefore_o his_o church_n believe_v so_o or_o at_o least_o wherefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o submit_v himself_o so_o servile_o to_o her_o authority_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v with_o knowledge_n because_o he_o be_v clear_o and_o evident_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n need_v never_o fear_v either_o the_o danger_n or_o imputation_n of_o such_o a_o obstinacy_n for_o his_o firmness_n in_o adhere_v to_o his_o faith_n if_o for_o instance_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n read_v in_o his_o bible_n those_o express_a word_n of_o the_o second_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o grave_a image_n nor_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o etc._n etc._n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o it_o nor_o worship_n it_o if_o he_o look_v forward_o to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o there_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o bless_a eucharist_n see_v those_o word_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o in_o as_o plain_a and_o legible_a character_n as_o those_o other_o take_v and_o eat_v and_o thereupon_o resolve_v never_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o either_o to_o bow_v down_o himself_o before_o a_o image_n or_o to_o give_v up_o his_o right_n to_o the_o cup_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o bread_n in_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n whatever_o gloss_n may_v be_v make_v or_o pretence_n be_v use_v to_o induce_v he_o to_o either_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o a_o firmness_n as_o this_o can_v be_v call_v obstinacy_n unless_o these_o scripture_n be_v no_o long_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o no_o long_o a_o principle_n of_o scripture_n that_o in_o matter_n of_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n 19_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a instance_n where_o the_o matter_n be_v clear_a even_o to_o demonstration_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o such_o knowledge_n will_v certain_o secure_v we_o against_o the_o charge_n and_o danger_n of_o obstinacy_n but_o because_o all_o point_n in_o debate_n be_v not_o thus_o evident_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a many_o be_v not_o a_o little_a obscure_a therefore_o for_o the_o secure_n ourselves_o from_o danger_n in_o our_o adherence_n to_o these_o too_o we_o must_v to_o our_o knowledge_n add_v 2_o dly_a a_o sincere_a zeal_n to_o discover_v the_o truth_n with_o a_o affectionate_a charity_n to_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o such_o case_n as_o this_o tho'_o we_o must_v believe_v and_o profess_v according_a to_o what_o appear_v to_o we_o at_o present_a to_o be_v the_o truth_n yet_o since_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o such_o as_o to_o exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o our_o be_v mistake_v our_o adherence_n to_o it_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o this_o reserve_n neither_o rash_o to_o censure_v those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v nor_o obstinate_o to_o resolve_v never_o to_o change_v our_o opinion_n if_o we_o shall_v perhaps_o be_v hereafter_o convince_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o now_o in_o order_n hereunto_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v either_o fluctuate_v in_o his_o present_a faith_n or_o not_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o he_o shall_v never_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o forsake_v it_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o the_o imputation_n of_o obstinacy_n that_o our_o steadfastness_n be_v such_o as_o not_o to_o exclude_v either_o a_o readiness_n of_o be_v better_o inform_v if_o that_o be_v possible_a or_o of_o make_v upon_o all_o occasion_n a_o strict_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o even_o of_o hear_v free_o whatever_o objection_n can_v fair_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o and_o all_o this_o with_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o discover_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n wheresoever_o it_o lie_v whether_o it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o now_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o or_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a side_n he_o who_o be_v thus_o dispose_v in_o his_o mind_n at_o all_o time_n to_o receive_v instruction_n and_o never_o presume_v rash_o to_o condemn_v any_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o in_o like_a manner_n dispose_v however_o otherwise_o disagree_v in_o opinion_n from_o he_o need_v never_o fear_v that_o his_o firmness_n be_v any_o other_o than_o that_o wise_a and_o christian_a steadfastness_n which_o our_o text_n require_v not_o such_o a_o obstinacy_n as_o both_o that_o and_o we_o most_o just_o detest_v and_o condemn_v but_o here_o then_o we_o must_v look_v to_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o take_v heed_n lest_o for_o fear_n of_o be_v perverse_o constant_a to_o our_o faith_n we_o fall_v into_o a_o weak_a and_o criminal_a instability_n to_o prevent_v this_o these_o three_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1_o sy_n that_o we_o careful_o avoid_v all_o unworthy_a motive_n of_o change_v our_o religion_n 2_o dly_z that_o we_o be_v not_o too_o apt_a to_o entertain_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o it_o 3_o dly_z that_o if_o any_o argument_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v bring_v against_o it_o that_o may_v deserve_v our_o consider_v we_o then_o be_v sure_a to_o give_v they_o that_o due_a and_o 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to_o show_v he_o that_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n because_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o lead_v to_o preferment_n and_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o a_o good_a place_n or_o a_o honourable_a title_n will_v quick_o appear_v a_o more_o infallible_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n than_o any_o that_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n can_v furnish_v to_o the_o contrary_n if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v and_o interest_n can_v prevail_v than_o the_o other_o govern_v passion_n of_o our_o mind_n man_n fear_n be_v try_v instead_o of_o these_o allurement_n the_o false_a teacher_n now_o thunder_v out_o hell_n and_o damnation_n against_o we_o nothing_o but_o curse_n and_o anathema_n to_o be_v expect_v by_o we_o if_o we_o continue_v firm_a in_o our_o faith_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v none_o of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o his_o church_n fault_n if_o all_o the_o horror_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v not_o employ_v against_o we_o in_o charity_n to_o prevent_v 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account_n which_o we_o here_o find_v of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o great_a audit_n that_o i_o scarce_o know_v any_o thing_n leave_v unrevealed_a to_o we_o but_o only_o the_o day_n and_o hour_n when_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v and_o which_o indeed_o god_n have_v in_o mercy_n keep_v up_o from_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v always_o live_v in_o apprehension_n of_o that_o which_o we_o can_v never_o tell_v how_o soon_o it_o may_v arrive_v but_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o my_o text_n lead_v i_o to_o consider_v and_o indeed_o however_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a enough_o to_o call_v upon_o the_o most_o faithful_a christian_n to_o think_v sometime_o on_o this_o future_a judgement_n yet_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v a_o very_a needless_a undertake_n to_o reason_n with_o such_o person_n concern_v it_o and_o use_v any_o long_a argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o futurity_n of_o it_o that_o which_o i_o have_v now_o to_o do_v be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n 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so_o wise_a or_o it_o may_v be_v be_v wise_a than_o i_o be_o and_o see_v far_a than_o i_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o exact_o of_o my_o opinion_n in_o every_o thing_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o as_o both_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n conclude_v it_o very_o well_o may_v be_v and_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o mankind_n not_o only_o in_o the_o particular_a concern_v of_o religion_n but_o in_o most_o other_o thing_n assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v that_o man_n understanding_n be_v different_a and_o they_o will_v argue_v different_a way_n and_o entertain_v different_a opinion_n from_o one_o another_o about_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o yet_o may_v nevertheless_o deserve_v on_o all_o side_n to_o be_v esteem_v very_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n for_o all_o that_o how_o vain_a then_o must_v that_o argument_n be_v which_o a_o late_a author_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n etc._n have_v with_o so_o much_o pomp_n revive_v against_o we_o from_o our_o difference_n in_o a_o few_o 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as_o uncertain_a as_o we_o be_v see_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o do_v no_o less_o differ_v among_o themselves_o and_o that_o in_o point_n too_o much_o more_o considerable_a than_o we_o do_v for_o to_o take_v only_o one_o instance_n instead_o of_o many_o and_o that_o so_o considerable_a that_o card._n 1586._o bellarmin_n once_o think_v the_o sum_n of_o christianity_n he_o mean_v the_o sum_n of_o popery_n to_o consist_v in_o it_o viz._n the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n both_o in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n *_o some_o there_o be_v who_o hold_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a right_n other_o the_o contrary_n *_o some_o that_o he_o be_v infallible_a other_o that_o he_o be_v not_o *_o some_o that_o the_o pope_n alone_o without_o a_o council_n may_v determine_v all_o controversy_n other_o that_o he_o can_v now_o if_o in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o point_n of_o no_o less_o importance_n they_o themselves_o be_v as_o far_o from_o agree_v with_o one_o another_o as_o they_o can_v possible_o pretend_v we_o to_o be_v what_o shall_v hinder_v we_o but_o that_o we_o return_v their_o own_o inference_n upon_o they_o that_o see_v they_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o absolute_a infallibility_n they_o set_v up_o for_o that_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o certainty_n among_o they_o even_o in_o those_o point_n wherein_o they_o do_v agree_v be_v it_o that_o in_o their_o church_n though_o there_o be_v indeed_o as_o many_o difference_n as_o in_o we_o yet_o this_o make_v not_o against_o they_o a._n see_v they_o have_v a_o certain_a rule_n whenever_o they_o please_v for_o the_o compose_n of_o they_o viz._n the_o definition_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o of_o the_o church_n this_o indeed_o i_o find_v be_v common_o say_v by_o they_o but_o then_o certain_o if_o they_o have_v such_o a_o ready_a mean_n 100_o as_o they_o say_v of_o agreement_n among_o they_o it_o be_v the_o more_o shame_n for_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v he_o be_v much_o more_o inexcusable_o guilty_a in_o the_o omission_n of_o any_o duty_n who_o have_v a_o ready_a mean_n to_o fulfil_v it_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v than_o he_o who_o have_v none_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n do_v not_o know_v that_o he_o have_v any_o but_o indeed_o they_o have_v no_o mean_n of_o end_v their_o difference_n any_o more_o than_o we_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o both_o of_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o for_o any_o other_o direction_n they_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v where_o to_o seek_v it_o and_o sure_o that_o can_v be_v no_o very_o good_a mean_n of_o end_v all_o their_o other_o difference_n which_o be_v itself_o one_o of_o their_o chief_a controversy_n or_o be_v it_o â—_o that_o they_o agree_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o those_o thing_n 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variation_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o from_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o text_n unto_o this_o day_n and_o then_o by_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n conclude_v against_o we_o all_o that_o we_o have_v none_o of_o we_o any_o certain_a ground_n for_o our_o religion_n because_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o we_o plain_o show_v that_o some_o of_o we_o must_v be_v deceive_v and_o to_o go_v yet_o one_o step_n far_o may_v not_o a_o sceptic_a by_o the_o same_o rule_n argue_v against_o all_o religion_n and_o even_o against_o all_o reason_n too_o that_o the_o disagreement_n of_o mankind_n in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o point_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n clear_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o that_o
the_o morning_n and_o our_o righteousness_n as_o the_o noonday_n god_n shall_v come_v and_o shall_v not_o keep_v silence_n 3._o he_o shall_v save_v we_o from_o our_o enemy_n and_o put_v they_o to_o shame_v that_o hate_n we_o 7_o he_o shall_v arise_v 1_o and_o all_o our_o adversary_n shall_v be_v scatter_v they_o also_o that_o hate_v we_o shall_v flee_v before_o we_o 2._o like_a as_o the_o smoke_n vanish_v so_o shall_v we_o drive_v they_o away_o 16_o terror_n and_o dread_n shall_v fall_v upon_o they_o thus_o shall_v all_o our_o mourn_a be_v turn_v into_o laughter_n and_o our_o heaviness_n into_o joy_n and_o we_o shall_v yet_o sing_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v give_v we_o rest_n from_o all_o our_o enemy_n round_o about_o we_o salvation_n and_o glory_n and_o power_n and_o praise_v and_o thanksgiving_n be_v to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n of_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o mercers-chapel_n january_n 8._o 1687_o 8._o judas_n iii._o belove_a when_o i_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o write_v unto_o you_o of_o the_o common_a salvation_n it_o be_v needful_a for_o i_o to_o write_v unto_o you_o and_o exhort_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n it_o be_v general_o agree_v by_o learned_a man_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o st._n judas_n upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n and_o to_o the_o same_o person_n to_o who_o st._n peter_n have_v not_o long_o before_o address_v his_o second_o who_o thought_n he_o pursue_v and_o who_o very_a word_n he_o seem_v in_o some_o place_n to_o have_v transcribe_v and_o the_o subject_a and_o design_n of_o both_o we_o have_v here_o express_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n viz._n to_o exhort_v the_o christian_n disperse_v abroad_o among_o the_o 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to_o write_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o necessary_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o to_o exhort_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o strive_v with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o as_o our_o translation_n have_v very_o well_o render_v it_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o due_a prosecution_n of_o which_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v before_o we_o in_o the_o context_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o four_o thing_n i._o what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v they_o to_o contend_v for_o ii_o how_o they_o be_v to_o contend_v for_o it_o iii_o the_o great_a reason_n they_o have_v at_o that_o time_n more_o especial_o so_o to_o do_v iv._o by_o what_o mean_v he_o advise_v they_o to_o contend_v for_o it_o that_o so_o they_o may_v secure_v their_o faith_n in_o those_o dangerous_a time_n i._o what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v they_o to_o contend_v for_o now_o this_o the_o character_n here_o give_v of_o it_o in_o our_o text_n will_v clear_o show_v it_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o faith_n which_o the_o holy_a apostle_n have_v once_o for_o all_o instruct_v they_o in_o and_o which_o therefore_o both_o they_o and_o all_o succeed_a age_n in_o the_o church_n be_v both_o faithful_o to_o retain_v and_o earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o for_o ever_o so_o that_o here_o then_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a account_n what_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n we_o be_v to_o profess_v be_v and_o where_o we_o be_v to_o seek_v it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n or_o party_n it_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o this_o or_o that_o country_n or_o century_n let_v man_n and_o time_n make_v what_o change_n and_o alteration_n they_o please_v in_o it_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o contend_v for_o not_o for_o any_o invention_n or_o addition_n of_o man_n that_o have_v since_o be_v bring_v into_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o whither_o you_o be_v to_o go_v for_o this_o faith_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o provide_v we_o a_o rule_n of_o it_o and_o assist_v and_o direct_v those_o holy_a man_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o saint_n that_o then_o live_v to_o send_v it_o down_o in_o write_v to_o all_o the_o other_o disciple_n that_o be_v to_o follow_v after_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n have_v sufficient_o direct_v we_o both_o whither_o we_o be_v to_o go_v for_o it_o and_o indeed_o where_o it_o be_v that_o we_o can_v alone_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o and_o however_o interest_n have_v make_v some_o of_o late_a the_o better_a to_o defend_v their_o error_n and_o to_o maintain_v a_o usurp_a authority_n over_o man_n conscience_n to_o pretend_v to_o some_o other_o direction_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v for_o that_o very_a purpose_n that_o they_o 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it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o ever_o to_o have_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o to_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o we_o and_o not_o upon_o any_o account_n to_o be_v forsake_v by_o we_o but_o when_o to_o this_o we_o shall_v add_v that_o these_o truth_n be_v not_o matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n only_o to_o employ_v the_o mind_n and_o exercise_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o that_o the_o concern_v here_o be_v not_o a_o useless_a theorem_a which_o whether_o we_o believe_v or_o not_o we_o be_v neither_o at_o all_o the_o worse_o now_o nor_o shall_v be_v ever_o the_o less_o happy_a hereafter_o but_o such_o by_o our_o keep_n or_o betray_v whereof_o we_o shall_v final_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o that_o therefore_o to_o give_v up_o these_o truth_n be_v to_o become_v the_o vile_a traditor_n the_o betrayer_n not_o only_o of_o our_o religion_n but_o of_o our_o soul_n too_o and_o that_o to_o all_o eternity_n we_o can_v certain_o but_o 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firm_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o when_o he_o see_v other_o the_o most_o violent_a in_o oppose_v it_o what_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o it_o death_n ought_v never_o to_o amaze_v that_o man_n who_o be_v able_a to_o look_v forward_o into_o heaven_n beyond_o it_o and_o there_o see_v that_o crown_n of_o glory_n which_o these_o light_a affliction_n that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n shall_v place_v upon_o his_o head_n for_o all_o eternity_n a_o true_a christian_a be_v never_o great_a than_o when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o glorious_a to_o the_o faithful_a disciple_n than_o to_o follow_v his_o dear_a master_n not_o only_o in_o welldoing_a but_o if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o in_o patient_a suffer_v too_o what_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 35_o or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n as_o it_o be_v write_v 36_o for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o be_v account_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n nay_o 37._o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o but_o second_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a danger_n they_o be_v then_o likely_a to_o run_v nor_o it_o may_v be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o hazard_n of_o corrupt_v their_o religion_n by_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o those_o heretic_n who_o be_v unaware_o creep_v in_o among_o they_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o be_v apprehend_v than_o their_o total_a apostatise_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o st._n judas_n here_o exhort_v they_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n i._n e._n to_o be_v very_o wary_a and_o circumspect_a to_o maintain_v it_o in_o that_o purity_n in_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o not_o suffer_v any_o little_a sophistry_n or_o insinuation_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o any_o error_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o whosoever_o shall_v look_v into_o the_o annal_n of_o the_o church_n will_v find_v this_o to_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o more_o fatal_a danger_n of_o the_o two_o and_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v in_o all_o age_n gain_v more_o by_o the_o secret_a cunning_n of_o his_o false_a teacher_n than_o by_o the_o open_a violence_n of_o his_o persecutor_n there_o be_v many_o a_o christian_n who_o have_v carriage_n enough_o to_o die_v for_o his_o faith_n that_o yet_o have_v not_o skill_n enough_o to_o defend_v it_o and_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o deceive_v never_o fail_v to_o set_v most_o upon_o such_o as_o they_o think_v be_v the_o least_o able_a to_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v certain_o but_o be_v very_o advisable_v in_o we_o all_o and_o especial_o for_o those_o who_o be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o themselves_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n not_o to_o hearken_v to_o every_o little_a pretender_n that_o will_v but_o undertake_v to_o lead_v they_o but_o if_o any_o such_o offer_v himself_o to_o they_o to_o draw_v they_o away_o from_o the_o right_a faith_n either_o absolute_o to_o reject_v he_o or_o rather_o to_o bring_v he_o forth_o unto_o the_o light_n to_o refer_v he_o to_o their_o teacher_n who_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o who_o be_v therefore_o the_o fit_a to_o defend_v the_o interest_n of_o it_o and_o so_o maintain_v that_o wise_a indifference_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o every_o good_a man_n in_o the_o search_n of_o all_o but_o especial_o of_o divine_a truth_n neither_o obstinate_o to_o refuse_v a_o better_a instruction_n whenever_o it_o shall_v indeed_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o much_o less_o to_o be_v cheat_v out_o of_o his_o religion_n by_o noise_n and_o confidence_n by_o high_a pretence_n and_o no_o argument_n and_o so_o by_o his_o easiness_n betray_v that_o faith_n which_o our_o apostle_n here_o call_v we_o so_o earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o and_o this_o be_v a_o caution_n that_o can_v be_v unseasonable_a at_o any_o time_n but_o yet_o some_o time_n there_o be_v wherein_o it_o be_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o christian_n and_o such_o be_v that_o wherein_n st._n judas_n write_v this_o epistle_n which_o therefore_o bring_v i_o to_o my_o next_o point_n iii_o of_o the_o reason_n which_o the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n have_v more_o especial_o thus_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o general_a obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n thus_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n viz._n the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n according_a as_o they_o be_v careful_a or_o not_o in_o so_o do_v though_o this_o ought_v certain_o to_o have_v always_o its_o weight_n too_o with_o we_o both_o because_o i_o have_v already_o say_v somewhat_o to_o this_o before_o and_o 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their_o hand_n to_o bid_v they_o tertio_fw-la receive_v power_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o to_o celebrate_v mass_n for_o the_o live_n and_o for_o the_o dead_a i_o shall_v need_v say_v very_o little_a to_o show_v the_o falseness_n of_o this_o interpretation_n which_o many_o of_o their_o own_o doctor_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o definition_n concern_v it_o yet_o be_v not_o themselves_o very_o well_o satisfy_v withal_o they_o free_o allow_v that_o this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o bid_v they_o do_v this_o can_v be_v so_o restrain_v to_o his_o own_o act_n of_o consecrate_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n as_o not_o to_o have_v a_o equal_a respect_n to_o the_o people_n act_n of_o receive_v it_o and_o by_o consequence_n that_o all_o that_o can_v hence_o be_v gather_v be_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v hereby_o oblige_v his_o church_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o great_a memorial_n of_o his_o death_n both_o by_o the_o consecrate_v and_o distribute_v of_o the_o priest_n and_o by_o the_o receive_v and_o eat_v and_o drink_v of_o the_o people_n and_o which_o be_v no_o other_o account_n than_o we_o ourselves_o give_v of_o the_o word_n before_o we_o it_o be_v from_o hence_o that_o corp._n aquinas_n conclude_v that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v as_o far_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o communicate_v in_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n not_o only_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o a_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n himself_o require_v when_o he_o say_v in_o our_o text_n this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o me._n but_o estius_n be_v more_o express_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o do_v this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o intend_v the_o whole_a action_n both_o of_o his_o consecrate_v and_o distribute_v and_o of_o their_o receive_v these_o sacred_a element_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v etc._n what_o you_o have_v see_v now_o do_v by_o i_o and_o you_o that_o do_v you_o and_o your_o successor_n henceforth_o in_o remembrance_n of_o me._n and_o that_o this_o be_v clear_o the_o meaning_n he_o show_v from_o the_o context_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o follow_a verse_n where_o repeat_v the_o very_a same_o command_n after_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o cup_n that_o he_o have_v mention_v in_o my_o text_n upon_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o bread_n he_o express_v himself_o in_o this_o plain_a manner_n this_o do_v you_o say_v he_o as_o oft_o not_o as_o you_o shall_v consecrate_v or_o offer_v but_o as_o you_o shall_v drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o me._n and_o then_o immediate_o subjoin_v a_o reason_n which_o clear_o refer_v to_o the_o people_n eat_v and_o drink_v and_o not_o to_o the_o priest_n offering_n any_o pretend_a sacrifice_n in_o this_o celebration_n for_o as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v that_o be_v you_o do_v by_o this_o action_n of_o you_o fulfil_v the_o command_n before_o we_o you_o set_v forth_o the_o memory_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n and_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o and_o even_o autem_fw-la bellarmin_n himself_o though_o he_o suppose_v these_o word_n to_o have_v be_v speak_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o the_o apostle_n as_o those_o who_o be_v hereby_o to_o be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o priestly_a office_n yet_o can_v but_o own_o that_o they_o must_v refer_v as_o well_o to_o the_o action_n of_o their_o consummationem_fw-la eat_v as_o to_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n blessing_n and_o distribute_v the_o holy_a element_n v._n nay_o he_o say_v yet_o more_o that_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o context_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o to_o his_o design_n of_o repeat_v the_o history_n of_o this_o institution_n to_o apply_v they_o rather_o to_o the_o disciple_n action_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v than_o to_o our_o saviour_n of_o consecrate_v and_o offer_v the_o error_n of_o the_o corinthian_n which_o he_o design_v to_o correct_v consist_v not_o in_o their_o consecrate_v but_o in_o their_o receive_v of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o do_v it_o with_o that_o due_a reverence_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v though_o how_o to_o reconcile_v this_o not_o only_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o church_n before_o mention_v but_o even_o with_o his_o own_o interpretation_n of_o aquinas_n argument_n from_o this_o place_n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o all_o man_n receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n where_o it_o may_v convenient_o be_v have_v viz._n that_o distribuentium_fw-la st._n thomas_n do_v do_v not_o intend_v to_o collect_v this_o immediate_o from_o this_o command_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v give_v to_o all_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n as_o our_o lord_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o have_v command_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v what_o he_o command_v the_o priest_n to_o consecrate_v and_o distribute_v i_o can_v easy_o understand_v the_o truth_n be_v both_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v his_o apostle_n priest_n by_o these_o word_n and_o the_o paraphrase_n which_o they_o now_o give_v of_o they_o in_o order_n thereunto_o be_v a_o mere_a invention_n of_o these_o late_a age_n seek_v out_o to_o support_v that_o other_o great_a corruption_n of_o this_o holy_a institution_n the_o communicate_v of_o the_o laity_n only_o in_o one_o kind_a when_o be_v press_v both_o with_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n in_o his_o institution_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n who_o give_v the_o cup_n as_o well_o as_o bread_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o with_o his_o positive_a command_n to_o do_v that_o to_o other_o which_o himself_o have_v do_v to_o them_o the_o nice_a master_n of_o the_o school_n man_n who_o never_o want_v a_o subtlety_n to_o elude_v what_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o fair_o answer_v first_o find_v out_o this_o admirable_a secret_n unknown_a to_o the_o church_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n before_o viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n here_o 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the_o many_o gross_a absurdity_n and_o even_o blasphemous_a consequence_n of_o the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o the_o mass_n itself_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a sacrifice_n and_o yet_o nothing_o true_o and_o proper_o sacrifice_v a_o propitiatory_a offer_n and_o yet_o no_o propitiation_n make_v by_o it_o that_o christ_n be_v but_o once_o offer_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o yet_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v offer_v again_o ten_o thousand_o time_n every_o day_n that_o by_o that_o one_o offer_v of_o himself_o he_o shall_v have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o yet_o that_o those_o that_o be_v sanctify_v shall_v not_o be_v perfect_v without_o many_o of_o these_o new-mass-offering_n make_v for_o they_o to_o say_v nothing_o second_o of_o the_o inconsistency_n there_o be_v in_o the_o very_a supposition_n that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n shall_v ordain_v priest_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n in_o his_o church_n before_o he_o have_v yet_o so_o much_o as_o seal_v that_o covenant_n by_o his_o death_n or_o establish_v his_o church_n to_o pass_v by_o three_o that_o we_o have_v another_o plain_a and_o evident_a account_n both_o when_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n and_o with_o what_o word_n our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v ordain_v his_o apostle_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o church_n namely_o in_o the_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n where_o we_o be_v tell_v how_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o thus_o give_v they_o their_o mission_n ver_fw-la 21_o 22_o 23._o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o then_o he_o breathe_v upon_o they_o and_o say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n own_a by_o the_o