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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n ancient_a church_n doctrine_n 1,896 5 6.2759 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62570 Of sincerity and constancy in the faith and profession of the true religion, in several sermons by the Most Reverend Dr. John Tillotson ... ; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker. ... Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708. 1695 (1695) Wing T1204; ESTC R17209 175,121 492

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be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o i._o a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v if_o we_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o faithful_a to_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o faithful_a to_o we_o in_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o whether_o of_o aid_n and_o support_v or_o of_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o he_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o handle_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o apoostle_n exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v without_o waver_v signify_v inflexible_a and_o unmovable_a not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o full_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o propound_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o 2._o to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v and_o intend_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o the_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v this_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o last_o day_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n which_o some_o i_o show_v be_v not_o as_o child_n who_o while_o they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n and_o likewise_o such_o grow_a person_n as_o either_o by_o the_o natural_a weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o by_o some_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o education_n be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n these_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o 2._o this_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v do_v not_o imply_v that_o when_o man_n upon_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v aga_v they_o both_o these_o principle_n i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v by_o show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n namely_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a search_n and_o examination_n we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v embrace_v or_o as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o one_a epistle_n 5._o 12._o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v that_o then_o we_o shall_v adhere_v steadfast_o to_o it_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o we_o nor_o ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v from_o it_o by_o any_o pretence_n or_o insinuation_n or_o temptation_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o confidence_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o a_o ignorant_a man_n who_o have_v never_o consider_v thing_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o the_o assurance_n and_o settlement_n of_o one_o who_o have_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n and_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v and_o examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o first_o be_v mere_a wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o man_n have_v entertain_v and_o drink_v in_o such_o principle_n of_o religion_n by_o education_n or_o have_v take_v they_o up_o by_o chance_n but_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o 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and_o by_o consequence_n all_o those_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o those_o article_n and_o be_v imply_v in_o they_o and_o by_o plain_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o they_o it_o be_v not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o partial_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n since_o the_o primitive_a time_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o have_v be_v since_o declare_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o be_v either_o to_o profess_v or_o to_o hold_v fast_o because_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o admit_v the_o pretence_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o those_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v impose_v be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a and_o have_v effectual_o do_v it_o that_o those_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o primitive_a antiquity_n and_o that_o the_o church_n which_o propose_v they_o have_v no_o more_o claim_n to_o infallibility_n than_o all_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v none_o at_o all_o in_o a_o word_n no_o other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o sufficient_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n either_o in_o express_a term_n or_o by_o plain_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n nor_o any_o rite_n of_o worship_n nor_o matter_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v not_o command_v in_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v any_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n in_o re-religion_n the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n here_o command_v all_o christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o without_o waver_v much_o less_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n of_o which_o kind_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n in_o my_o follow_a discourse_n to_o instance_n in_o several_a particular_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o that_o faith_n and_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o which_o by_o god_n grace_n we_o have_v ever_o hold_v fast_o be_v that_o which_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o have_v be_v the_o ancient_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a faith_n and_o can_v as_o to_o any_o part_n or_o tittle_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o even_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o two_o d_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v namely_o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o what_o be_v imply_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o think_v these_o follow_a 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i_o can_v 1._o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n all_o religion_n be_v either_o natural_a or_o institute_v the_o rule_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n the_o rule_n of_o institute_v religion_n be_v divine_a revelation_n or_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o all_o christian_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v agree_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v religion_n but_o what_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v so_o one_o or_o both_o of_o those_o way_n either_o by_o scripture_n or_o by_o reason_n or_o by_o both_o and_o how_o confident_a soever_o man_n may_v be_v of_o opinion_n destitute_a of_o this_o proof_n any_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n will_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n reject_v they_o for_o want_v of_o this_o 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of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n declare_v it_o for_o the_o rule_n they_o intend_v to_o proceed_v upon_o and_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o proof_n of_o their_o follow_a determination_n and_o decree_n but_o do_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n lie_v down_o this_o rule_n and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o do_v not_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o as_o the_o only_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v and_o this_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o those_o holy_a father_n that_o be_v assemble_v in_o that_o council_n and_o do_v not_o follow_v council_n proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o rule_n do_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n ever_o mention_v any_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o 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understand_v st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o one_a to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v against_o celebrate_v prayer_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o edification_n and_o indeed_o to_o common_a sense_n for_o he_o say_v if_o one_o shall_v come_v and_o find_v they_o speak_v and_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n will_v they_o not_o say_v you_o be_v mad_a but_o now_o tradition_n which_o only_o know_v how_o to_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n can_v reconcile_v this_o discourse_n of_o st._n paul_n very_o easy_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n with_o offer_v the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mass_n a_o thousand_o time_n every_o day_n and_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o whereas_o a_o man_n by_o his_o private_a spirit_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o understand_v the_o second_o commandment_n to_o forbid_v all_o worship_n of_o image_n tradition_n discover_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o commandment_n to_o be_v that_o due_a veneration_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o that_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n by_o tradition_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fix_v any_o objection_n from_o scripture_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o maintain_v four_o whereas_o they_o pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n deliver_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n or_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o bring_v down_o to_o they_o and_o preserve_v by_o continnal_a succession_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o so_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v that_o the_o holy_a synod_n do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v these_o tradition_n with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n as_o they_o do_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n this_o we_o must_v declare_v against_o as_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o to_o make_v tradition_n convey_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o one_o to_o another_o through_o so_o many_o age_n and_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o mistake_v and_o miscarriage_n to_o be_v at_o the_o distance_n of_o 1500_o year_n of_o equal_a certainty_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n careful_o preserve_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o because_o this_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v to_o make_v common_a rumour_n and_o report_n of_o equal_a authority_n and_o certainty_n with_o a_o write_a record_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o hereby_o they_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o imperfect_a rule_n contrary_a to_o the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n they_o set_v up_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o change_v the_o christian_a religion_n for_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n make_v a_o new_a faith_n and_o religion_n this_o we_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o and_o do_v challenge_v they_o to_o show_v this_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o consequent_o where_o their_o religion_n be_v before_o that_o council_n to_o show_v a_o religion_n consist_v of_o all_o those_o article_n which_o be_v define_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o establish_v upon_o this_o new_a rule_n profess_v by_o any_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o time_n and_o as_o they_o have_v pitch_v upon_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v to_o what_o end_n for_o take_v pope_n pius_n iu._n his_o creed_n and_o we_o may_v see_v where_o the_o old_a and_o new_a religion_n part_n even_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o aplostle_n creed_n which_o be_v the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n to_o which_o be_v add_v in_o pope_n pius_fw-la his_o creed_n twelve_o article_n more_o define_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o support_v only_o by_o tradition_n so_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o old_a article_n which_o be_v plain_o contain_v there_o so_o tradition_n be_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o new_a one_o and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n be_v calculate_v very_o exact_o when_o they_o make_v tradition_n just_a of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n because_o as_o many_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v make_v good_a by_o it_o and_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o those_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o tradition_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o it_o but_o the_o bare_a assertion_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v add_v some_o other_o consideration_n tend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o seduce_v spirit_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o at_o present_a the_o ten_o sermon_n as_o number_v follow_v there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o number_v of_o these_o sermon_n the_o ten_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o nine_o and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o end_n for_o there_o be_v but_o fifteen_o sermon_n in_o this_o volume_n and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o a_o sermon_n heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v these_o word_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v by_o the_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o
profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v be_v not_o mean_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v blind_o hold_v it_o fast_o against_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v because_o upon_o these_o term_n every_o man_n must_v continue_v in_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v fix_v by_o education_n or_o a_o ill_a choice_n be_v his_o religion_n true_a or_o false_a without_o examine_v and_o look_v into_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n for_o till_o a_o man_n examine_v every_o man_n think_v his_o religion_n right_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o be_v the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n in_o their_o baptism_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n and_o this_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v in_o the_o follow_a instance_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o mention_v without_o enlarge_n upon_o they_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o all_o terror_n and_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n than_o the_o gospel_n have_v propose_v in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n last_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n but_o without_o enter_v into_o these_o particular_n i_o shall_v in_o order_n to_o establishment_n in_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n apply_v myself_o at_o this_o time_n to_o make_v a_o short_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v on_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n lie_v and_o in_o make_v this_o comparison_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o three_o thing_n which_o will_v bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o issue_n and_o be_v i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v every_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n which_o of_o these_o he_o ought_v in_o reason_n and_o 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very_o considerable_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o obvious_a and_o discernible_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n upon_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o these_o as_o i_o can_v i._o that_o we_o govern_v our_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o true_a ancient_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v force_v to_o devise_v a_o new_a rule_n never_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o by_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n of_o it_o that_o be_v they_o have_v join_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o their_o church_n concern_v several_a point_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o these_o they_o call_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v decree_v they_o to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o they_o do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v they_o with_o the_o same_o pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n and_o all_o this_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a declaration_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o this_o never_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v decree_v not_o much_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o this_o sure_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o presume_v to_o alter_v the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o enlarge_v it_o and_o add_v to_o it_o at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o the_o 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13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n and_o again_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o prove_v and_o try_v it_o and_o so_o likewise_o st._n john_n ep._n 1._o 4._o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n and_o he_o give_v a_o very_a notable_a mark_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n carry_v on_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o tend_v to_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n vers_fw-la 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n therefore_o speak_v they_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n 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contradiction_n in_o their_o faith_n and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o that_o they_o will_v encourage_v the_o people_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o and_o to_o examine_v whether_o their_o doctrine_n be_v according_a to_o they_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v the_o pope_n and_o a_o general_n council_n commend_v to_o the_o people_n the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o try_v their_o definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o worship_n by_o that_o rule_n to_o see_v whether_o what_o they_o have_v define_v and_o decree_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o their_o worship_n of_o image_n their_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n depart_v the_o sacrament_n under_o one_o kind_n only_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n 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be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v for_o when_o he_o be_v attempt_v he_o will_v either_o defend_v his_o religion_n or_o not_o if_o he_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o it_o before_o he_o have_v examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o he_o make_v himself_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o crafty_a man_n that_o will_v set_v upon_o he_o he_o expose_v at_o once_o himself_o to_o danger_n and_o his_o religion_n to_o disgrace_n if_o he_o decline_v the_o defence_n of_o it_o he_o must_v be_v force_v to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o that_o ignorant_a and_o obstinate_a principle_n that_o because_o he_o be_v of_o a_o infallible_a church_n and_o sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n therefore_o he_o never_o do_v nor_o will_v examine_v whether_o he_o be_v so_o or_o not_o but_o how_o be_v he_o or_o can_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o his_o confidence_n and_o his_o being_n wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n than_o seven_o man_n that_o can_v render_v a_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o shameful_a thing_n in_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o good_a reason_n of_o all_o other_o action_n and_o part_n of_o his_o life_n to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v nothing_o for_o his_o religion_n which_o concern_v he_o more_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n 2._o to_o examine_v and_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o good_a mean_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o keep_v we_o constant_a to_o it_o even_o under_o the_o fiery_a trial_n when_o it_o come_v to_o this_o that_o a_o man_n must_v suffer_v for_o his_o religion_n he_o have_v need_n to_o be_v well_o establish_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o no_o man_n can_v so_o well_o be_v as_o he_o that_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n understand_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o belief_n a_o man_n will_v be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o for_o which_o he_o will_v lay_v down_o hin_n life_n otherwise_o he_o die_v as_o a_o fool_n die_v he_o know_v not_o for_o what_o a_o man_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o set_v such_o a_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a i_o mean_v to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a which_o whether_o he_o have_v or_o not_o no_o man_n that_o have_v not_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o religion_n can_v be_v well_o assure_v of_o this_o st._n peter_n prescribe_v as_o the_o best_a preparative_a for_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n the_o one_a ep._n of_o peter_n 3._o 14_o 15._o but_o if_o you_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n happy_a be_v you_o and_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o their_o terror_n neither_o be_v trouble_v but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n that_o be_v make_v he_o the_o great_a object_n of_o your_o dread_a and_o trust_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o 2._o the_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v do_v not_o imply_v that_o man_n shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n against_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o think_v to_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o man_n shall_v examine_v before_o they_o choose_v so_o after_o they_o have_v choose_v they_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o be_v better_o inform_v if_o better_a reason_n can_v be_v offer_v no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v himself_o so_o infallible_a as_o to_o be_v privilege_v from_o hear_v reason_n and_o from_o have_v his_o doctrine_n and_o dictate_v try_v by_o that_o test._n our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o the_o most_o infallible_a person_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o who_o declare_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o god_n yet_o he_o offer_v himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n to_o this_o trial_n john_n 8._o 46._o which_o of_o you_o convince_v i_o of_o sin_n that_o be_v of_o falsehood_n and_o error_n and_o if_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v i_o he_o be_v sure_a he_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o if_o they_o can_v convince_v he_o of_o error_n and_o mistake_v he_o be_v ready_a to_o hear_v any_o reason_n they_o can_v bring_v to_o that_o purpose_n though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o never_o so_o resolve_v to_o continue_v constant_a and_o steadfast_a in_o it_o yet_o reason_n be_v always_o to_o be_v hear_v when_o it_o be_v fair_o offer_v and_o as_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n and_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o we_o so_o ought_v we_o likewise_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o hear_v the_o reason_n which_o other_o do_v fair_o offer_v against_o our_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o in_o the_o wrong_n we_o may_v rectify_v their_o mistake_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o meekness_n if_o god_n peradventure_o may_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o examine_v our_o religion_n before_o we_o peremptory_o fix_v upon_o it_o but_o after_o we_o be_v as_o we_o think_v upon_o the_o best_a reason_n establish_v and_o settle_v in_o it_o though_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o doubt_v and_o waver_v in_o our_o religion_n upon_o every_o slight_a and_o trifle_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o yet_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o have_v a_o ear_n open_a to_o hear_v reason_n and_o consider_v any_o thing_n of_o weight_n and_o moment_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o we_o about_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disparagement_n to_o truth_n and_o argue_v a_o distrust_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o hear_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o as_o if_o truth_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o in_o every_o conflict_n it_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v baffle_v and_o run_v down_o and_o go_v by_o the_o worst_a and_o as_o if_o the_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o be_v too_o hard_o for_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v encounter_v by_o those_o force_n which_o truth_n have_v on_o its_o side_n we_o have_v that_o honest_a confidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o religion_n that_o we_o do_v not_o fear_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o forbid_v our_o people_n to_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o to_o read_v the_o best_a book_n they_o can_v write_v against_o it_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v so_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n that_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v those_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o hear_v or_o read_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o nay_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o with_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v at_o least_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o tell_v their_o people_n that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o of_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o hear_v any_o reason_n against_o it_o and_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o strong_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o entertain_v any_o doubt_n concern_v it_o because_o all_o doubt_v be_v a_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o mortal_a sin_n but_o sure_o that_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v which_o will_v not_o hear_v reason_n nor_o that_o religion_n to_o be_v much_o admire_v which_o will_v not_o allow_v those_o that_o have_v once_o embrace_v it_o to_o hear_v it_o ever_o after_o debate_v and_o examine_v this_o be_v a_o very_a suspicious_a business_n and_o argue_v that_o either_o they_o have_v not_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n or_o that_o truth_n be_v a_o weak_a and_o pitiful_a and_o sneak_a thing_n and_o not_o able_a to_o make_v its_o party_n good_a against_o error_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o then_o to_o have_v consider_v the_o argument_n and_o encouragement_n hereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o at_o this_o time_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o
the_o reason_n which_o the_o learned_a man_n give_v why_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v be_v not_o practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v a_o plain_a acknowledgement_n that_o these_o practice_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o idolatry_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n do_v then_o forbear_v those_o practice_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o come_v too_o near_o to_o the_o pagan_a idolatry_n and_o lest_o the_o heathen_a shall_v have_v take_v occasion_n to_o have_v justify_v themselves_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v practise_v among_o christian_n and_o they_o can_v now_o be_v ignorant_a what_o scandal_n they_o give_v by_o these_o practice_n both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o how_o much_o they_o alienate_v they_o from_o christianity_n by_o this_o scandal_n nor_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v sensible_a upon_o how_o great_a disadvantage_n they_o be_v in_o defend_v these_o practice_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n and_o that_o by_o all_o their_o blind_a distinction_n with_o which_o they_o raise_v such_o a_o cloud_n and_o dust_n they_o can_v hardly_o make_v any_o plausible_a and_o tolerable_a defence_n of_o themselves_o from_o this_o charge_n insomuch_o that_o to_o secure_v their_o own_o people_n from_o discern_v their_o gild_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o that_o shameful_a shift_n of_o leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o their_o common_a catechism_n and_o manual_n lest_o the_o people_n see_v so_o plain_a a_o law_n of_o god_n against_o so_o common_a a_o practice_n of_o their_o church_n shall_v upon_o that_o discovery_n have_v break_v off_o from_o they_o 5._o nor_o be_v our_o religion_n encumber_a with_o such_o a_o endless_a number_n of_o superstitious_a and_o troublesome_a observance_n as_o they_o infiinte_o be_v even_o beyond_o the_o number_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n to_o the_o great_a burden_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o divert_v of_o man_n mind_n from_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n a_o devout_a pastor_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o little_a observance_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o have_v little_a or_o no_o time_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o good_a man_n and_o to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v his_o mind_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n 6._o our_o religion_n be_v evident_o more_o charitable_a to_o all_o christian_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o particular_o to_o they_o who_o by_o their_o uncharitableness_n to_o we_o have_v do_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o discharge_v and_o damp_n our_o charity_n towards_o they_o and_o charity_n as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a so_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o best_a mark_n and_o ornament_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o methinks_v the_o want_n of_o charity_n in_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o no_o man_n to_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o and_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o its_o communion_n 7._o our_o religion_n do_v not_o clash_n and_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o the_o great_a moral_a duty_n to_o which_o all_o mankind_n stand_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o fidelity_n mercy_n and_o truth_n we_o do_v not_o teach_v man_n to_o break_v faith_n with_o heretic_n or_o infidel_n nor_o to_o destroy_v and_o extirpate_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n no_o such_o thing_n as_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n or_o any_o other_o artificial_a way_n of_o falsehood_n be_v either_o teach_v or_o maintain_v either_o by_o the_o doctrine_n or_o by_o the_o casuist_n of_o our_o church_n 8._o our_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v perfect_o consistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o humane_a society_n we_o neither_o exempt_v the_o clergy_n from_o subjection_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n nor_o absolve_v subject_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o from_o allegiance_n to_o their_o prince_n both_o which_o point_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o other_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o stiff_o maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o by_o private_a doctor_n but_o by_o pope_n and_o general_a council_n 9_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n whereas_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n with_o which_o we_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v plain_o calculate_v to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o dominion_n the_o pope_n kingdom_n be_v plain_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o maxim_n of_o it_o like_v so_o many_o servant_n be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o fight_v for_o he_o for_o most_o of_o they_o do_v plain_o tend_v either_o to_o the_o establishment_n and_o enlargement_n of_o his_o authority_n or_o to_o the_o magnify_v of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o give_v they_o a_o perfect_a power_n over_o the_o conscienees_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o slavish_a subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o they_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v plain_o tend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o exempt_n the_o clergy_n from_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o priest_n a_o great_a man_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o people_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v make_v god_n as_o they_o love_v to_o express_v it_o without_o all_o reason_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o like_a tendency_n be_v the_o communicate_v of_o the_o laity_n only_o in_o one_o kind_n thereby_o make_v it_o the_o sole_a privilege_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o both_o the_o withhold_a the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n and_o celebrate_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o their_o teacher_n these_o do_v all_o direct_o tend_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o teacher_n so_o likewise_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o the_o save_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o doctrine_n the_o people_n do_v upon_o the_o matter_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o priest_n as_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o their_o salvation_n but_o above_o all_o their_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a and_o private_a confession_n of_o all_o mortal_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o direction_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v and_o forgive_v by_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o people_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o fault_n scire_fw-la volunt_fw-la secreta_fw-la domus_fw-la atque_fw-la inde_fw-la timeri_fw-la or_o else_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n and_o the_o enrich_n of_o their_o church_n as_o their_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o indulgence_n and_o their_o prayer_n and_o mass_n for_o the_o dead_a and_o many_o more_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n plain_o do_v 10._o our_o religion_n be_v free_a from_o all_o disingenuous_a and_o dishonest_a art_n of_o maintain_v and_o support_v itself_o such_o be_v clip_v of_o ancient_a author_n nay_o and_o even_o the_o author_n and_o writer_n of_o their_o own_o church_n when_o they_o speak_v too_o free_o of_o any_o point_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o indices_fw-la expurgatorii_n which_o much_o against_o their_o will_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v these_o three_o gross_a forgery_n which_o lie_v all_o at_o their_o door_n and_o they_o can_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v so_o 1._o the_o pretend_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o the_o case_n of_o appeal_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o african_a church_n upon_o which_o they_o insist_v a_o great_a while_n very_o confident_o till_o at_o last_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o authentic_a copy_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o that_o council_n 2._o constantine_n donation_n to_o the_o pope_n which_o they_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n with_o till_o the_o forgery_n of_o it_o
be_v discover_v 3._o the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o ancient_a pope_n a_o large_a volume_n of_o forgery_n compile_v by_o isidore_n mercator_n to_o countenance_v the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v great_a use_n for_o several_a age_n and_o pertinacious_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o till_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o their_o own_o church_n have_v at_o last_o be_v force_v for_o very_a shame_n to_o disclaim_v they_o and_o to_o confess_v the_o imposture_n of_o they_o a_o like_a instance_n whereto_o be_v not_o i_o hope_v to_o be_v show_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o slight_a of_o man_n such_o as_o gamester_n use_v at_o dice_n for_o to_o allege_v false_a and_o forge_a author_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o play_v with_o false_a dice_n when_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n lie_v at_o stake_n 11._o our_o religion_n have_v this_o mighty_a advantage_n that_o it_o do_v not_o decline_v trial_n and_o examination_n which_o to_o any_o man_n of_o ingenuity_n must_v needs_o appear_v a_o very_a good_a sign_n of_o a_o honest_a cause_n but_o if_o any_o church_n be_v shy_a of_o have_v her_o religion_n examine_v and_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n bring_v into_o the_o open_a light_n this_o give_v just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o she_o have_v some_o distrust_n of_o they_o for_o truth_n do_v not_o seek_v corner_n nor_o shun_v the_o light_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o who_o they_o be_v that_o love_n darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v viz._n they_o who_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o say_v he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v he_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v and_o make_v manifest_a there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o render_v a_o religion_n suspect_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o to_o see_v those_o who_o profess_v it_o and_o make_v such_o proud_a boast_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o so_o fearful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o and_o that_o their_o people_n shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o hear_v and_o read_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o 12._o we_o persuade_v man_n to_o our_o reliligion_n by_o human_n and_o christian_a way_n such_o as_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n use_v by_o urge_v man_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o with_o argument_n fetch_v from_o another_o world_n the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a argument_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o alone_o be_v fit_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o terror_n and_o torture_n of_o death_n may_v make_v man_n hypocrite_n and_o awe_v they_o to_o profess_v with_o their_o mouth_n what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o this_o be_v no_o proper_a mean_n of_o convert_v the_o soul_n and_o convince_a the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o these_o violent_a and_o cruel_a way_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o set_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n and_o great_o countenance_v and_o encourage_v by_o pope_n themselves_o witness_v the_o many_o croisades_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o heretic_n the_o stand_a cruelty_n of_o their_o inquisition_n their_o occasional_a massacre_n and_o persecution_n of_o which_o we_o have_v fresh_a instance_n in_o every_o age._n but_o these_o method_n of_o conversion_n be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o they_o either_o distur_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n or_o else_o that_o they_o think_v truth_n and_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v of_o no_o force_n when_o dragoon_n be_v their_o ratio_fw-la ultima_fw-la the_o last_o reason_n which_o their_o cause_n rely_v upon_o and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a it_o can_v afford_v again_o we_o hold_v no_o doctrine_n in_o defiance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v now_o declare_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v of_o that_o religion_n unless_o he_o will_v renounce_v his_o sense_n and_o believe_v against_o the_o clear_a verdict_n of_o they_o in_o a_o plain_a sensible_a matter_n but_o after_o this_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o thing_n because_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n he_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n if_o any_o man_n forbid_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v i_o forbid_v he_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o better_a and_o sure_a evidence_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v but_o if_o i_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n than_o the_o mean_n whereby_o faith_n be_v convey_v be_v uncertain_a and_o we_o may_v say_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o another_o case_n then_o be_v our_o preach_a vain_a and_o your_o faith_n also_o be_v vain_a last_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o particular_n as_o to_o several_a thing_n use_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o be_v on_o the_o much_o safe_a side_n if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o than_o they_o be_v if_o they_o shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o lawful_a to_o permit_v to_o the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n otherwise_o we_o must_v condemn_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o allow_v this_o liberty_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o have_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n celebrate_v in_o a_o language_n which_o all_o that_o join_v in_o it_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o people_n in_o both_o kind_n otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v not_o have_v do_v it_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a not_o to_o worship_n image_n not_o to_o pray_v to_o angel_n or_o saint_n or_o the_o bless_a virgin_n otherwise_o the_o primitive_a church_n will_v not_o have_v forbear_v these_o practice_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v pray_v to_o god_n only_o and_o offer_v up_o all_o his_o prayer_n to_o he_o only_o by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o rely_v herein_o upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v our_o high_a priest_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n heb._n 7_o 25._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a who_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o i._n e._n by_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n since_o he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o may_v not_o a_o man_n reasonable_o hope_v to_o obtain_v of_o god_n all_o the_o blessing_n he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o by_z addressing_z himself_z only_o to_o he_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o that_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n nay_o why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n reasonable_o think_v that_o this_o be_v both_o a_o short_a and_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v our_o request_n than_o by_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o importune_v they_o to_o solicit_v god_n for_o we_o especial_o if_o we_o shall_v order_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o make_v ten_o time_n more_o frequent_a address_n to_o these_o than_o we_o do_v to_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o to_o neglect_v these_o we_o can_v certain_o think_v any_o more_o able_a to_o help_v we_o and_o do_v we_o good_a than_o the_o great_a 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it_o but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o fall_v off_o and_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n when_o some_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v whereby_o in_o effect_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n be_v overthrow_v of_o this_o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o they_o err_v concern_v the_o truth_n say_v that_o tbe_n resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o and_o thereby_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 17_o 18._o that_o be_v they_o turn_v the_o resurrection_n into_o a_o allegory_n and_o do_v thereby_o real_o destroy_v a_o most_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o apostate_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v solemn_o 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apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_n religion_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v under_o the_o ii_o head_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o several_a sort_n and_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n the_o high_a of_o all_o be_v the_o renounce_n and_o forsake_v of_o christianity_n or_o of_o some_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o virtual_a apostafie_n from_o it_o but_o there_o be_v several_a tendency_n towards_o this_o which_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n as_o 1._o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o want_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o concernment_n for_o it_o when_o a_o man_n though_o he_o never_o quit_v his_o religion_n yet_o be_v so_o little_o concern_v for_o it_o that_o a_o very_a small_a occasion_n or_o temptation_n will_v make_v he_o do_v it_o he_o be_v content_v to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n and_o he_o find_v no_o great_a inconvenience_n by_o it_o but_o be_v so_o indifferent_a in_o his_o mind_n about_o it_o like_a gallio_n who_o mind_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v turn_v himself_o into_o any_o other_o shape_n when_o his_o interest_n require_v it_o so_o that_o though_o he_o never_o actual_o desert_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v 2_o kind_n of_o apostate_n in_o the_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o to_o such_o person_n that_o title_n which_o solomon_n give_v to_o some_o may_v fit_o enough_o be_v apply_v they_o be_v backslider_n in_o heart_n 2._o another_o tendency_n to_o this_o sin_n and_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o it_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a mark_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n by_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o those_o for_o fear_v of_o danger_n or_o suffer_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o denial_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o persecution_n grow_v hot_a and_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n dangerous_a to_o avoid_v this_o danger_n many_o appear_v not_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v observe_v and_o bring_v into_o trouble_n for_o it_o this_o the_o apostle_n tax_v some_o for_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o let_v go_v our_o profession_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o desert_v of_o christianity_n v_o 23_o 35._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v they_o have_v quit_v their_o profession_n but_o they_o have_v but_o a_o loose_a hold_n of_o it_o and_o be_v silent_o steal_v away_o from_o it_o 3._o a_o light_a temper_n of_o mind_n which_o easy_o receive_v impression_n from_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o truth_n when_o man_n be_v not_o well_o root_v and_o establish_v in_o religion_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v inveigle_v by_o the_o crafty_a insinuation_n of_o seducer_n to_o be_v move_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o to_o be_v easy_o shake_v in_o mind_n by_o every_o trifle_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n that_o be_v confident_o obtrude_v upon_o they_o for_o a_o weighty_a argument_n now_o this_o be_v a_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o dispose_v man_n to_o apostasy_n and_o render_v they_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o one_o that_o take_v a_o pleasure_n and_o a_o pride_n in_o make_v proselyte_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o a_o man_n shall_v always_o have_v a_o mind_n ready_a to_o entertain_v truth_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v to_o he_o but_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o plain_o reveal_v and_o lie_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n that_o every_o man_n may_v discern_v they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v once_o entertain_v they_o aught_o to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o they_o and_o not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v whiffle_v out_o of_o they_o by_o any_o insignificant_a noise_n about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n much_o less_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v move_v by_o any_o man_n uncharitableness_n and_o positiveness_n in_o damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n so_o very_o plain_a not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o no_o subtlety_n of_o discourse_n no_o pretend_a authority_n or_o even_o infallibility_n of_o any_o church_n aught_o to_o stagger_v we_o in_o the_o least_o about_o they_o as_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o or_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o a_o language_n which_o they_o understand_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o our_o saviour_n institute_v and_o appoint_v it_o that_o be_v in_o both_o kind_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v our_o duty_n nor_o lawful_a to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n as_o plain_o as_o word_n can_v do_v it_o upon_o any_o one_o of_o these_o point_n a_o man_n will_v fix_v his_o foot_n and_o stand_v alone_o against_o the_o whole_a world_n 4._o another_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n be_v a_o departure_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n in_o a_o gross_a and_o notorious_a manner_n this_o be_v a_o partial_a though_o not_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v just_o charge_v with_o this_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n namely_o such_o as_o though_o they_o retain_v and_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n yet_o have_v great_o pervert_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o superinduce_v and_o add_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o gross_a corruption_n and_o superstition_n in_o worship_n and_o impose_v upon_o man_n the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o these_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o st._n paul_n be_v my_o warrant_n for_o this_o censure_n who_o charge_v those_o who_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o thereby_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o guilty_a in_o some_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n for_o he_o call_v it_o preach_v another_o gospel_n gal._n 1._o 7_o 8._o there_o be_v some_o that_o trouble_v
you_o and_o will_v pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n to_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v and_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v by_o these_o teacher_n he_o charge_v they_o with_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n quit_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o embrace_v another_o gospel_n v._o 6._o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o who_o thus_o pervert_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v plain_o guilty_a of_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o they_o who_o quit_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v thus_o pervert_v christianity_n be_v in_o a_o most_o dangerous_a state_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n remove_v unto_o another_o gospel_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o iii_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v very_o heinous_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o god_n and_o how_o great_a a_o contempt_n of_o he_o when_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o send_v no_o less_o person_n than_o his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o his_o own_o bosom_n to_o do_v it_o and_o have_v give_v such_o testimony_n to_o he_o from_o heaven_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o he_o have_v transmit_v down_o to_o we_o so_o faithful_a a_o record_n of_o this_o revelation_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o when_o we_o ourselves_o have_v so_o often_o declare_v our_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o revelation_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o deny_v it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o or_o to_o embrace_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o this_o certain_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o great_a affront_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n to_o declare_v that_o either_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o god_n say_v or_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fear_v what_o he_o can_v do_v so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o ep._n 5._o 10._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n and_o all_o along_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o apostle_n set_v himself_o to_o aggravate_v this_o sin_n call_v it_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n ch._n 3_o 12._o and_o he_o frequent_o call_v it_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o be_v of_o all_o sin_n the_o great_a and_o most_o heinous_a ch._n 10._o 26._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o discourse_n for_o have_v exhort_v they_o before_o v_o 23._o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o he_o immediate_o add_v for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o ch._n 12_o 1._o let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o that_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v then_o so_o strong_o tempt_v by_o that_o fierce_a persecution_n which_o attend_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o that_o be_v let_v we_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n against_o the_o suffering_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o christian_a course_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o man_n be_v just_o condemn_v for_o it_o john_n 3._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v but_o to_o desert_v the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o to_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a sin_n opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n may_v proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n which_o be_v a_o great_a extenuation_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o after_o all_o his_o violent_a persecution_n of_o christianity_n he_o find_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n to_o revolt_v from_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n this_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n the_o apostle_n make_v wilfulness_n a_o usual_a ingredient_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o this_o sin_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o effectual_a disparagement_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o consider_v what_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n speak_v against_o it_o because_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o and_o of_o which_o they_o have_v have_v no_o trial_n and_o experience_n but_o he_o that_o fall_v off_o from_o religion_n after_o he_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v try_v it_o and_o dislike_v it_o and_o pretend_v to_o leave_v it_o because_o he_o have_v not_o find_v that_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o which_o he_o expect_v and_o upon_o long_a experience_n of_o it_o see_v reason_n to_o prefer_v another_o religion_n before_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o despiteful_a to_o religion_n than_o this_o and_o more_o likely_a to_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n v._n 29._o of_o this_o chapter_n call_v it_o a_o trample_n under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o profane_a thing_n and_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n for_o we_o can_v put_v a_o great_a scorn_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n nor_o upon_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o come_v down_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o than_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o to_o renounce_v this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o forsake_v this_o religion_n but_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o see_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n it_o expose_v man_n to_o which_o be_v the_o iv._o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v and_o this_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o a_o most_o terrible_a manner_n not_o only_o in_o this_o epistle_n but_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o sin_n be_v place_v in_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o pardonable_a sin_n and_o next_o to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n speak_v very_o doubtful_o of_o the_o pardonableness_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o be_v near_o akin_a to_o that_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o 6_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o a_o very_a severe_a manner_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o have_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o the_o solemn_a profession_n of_o it_o in_o baptism_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v baptize_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n that_o be_v regeneration_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o gospel