be_v trust_v for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evidence_n the_o apostle_n offer_v for_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o may_v not_o be_v rise_v and_o so_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v vain_a so_o that_o they_o represent_v the_o apostle_n as_o absurd_o as_o be_v possible_a viz._n go_v about_o to_o persuade_v man_n out_o of_o their_o sense_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o argument_n the_o whole_a strength_n whereof_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n and_o now_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o fair_a issue_n if_o the_o testimony_n of_o sense_n be_v to_o be_v rely_v upon_o than_o transubstantiation_n be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o no_o man_n be_v sure_a that_o christianity_n be_v true_a for_o the_o utmost_a assurance_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n concern_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o this_o testimony_n every_o man_n have_v 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expect_v that_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n nor_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n the_o papist_n be_v many_o of_o they_o so_o far_o from_o pretend_v this_o that_o in_o some_o time_n and_o place_n when_o it_o be_v not_o seasonable_a and_o for_o their_o purpose_n we_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o ever_o it_o be_v their_o doctrine_n but_o if_o transubstantiation_n be_v their_o doctrine_n this_o be_v for_o they_o come_v both_o out_o of_o the_o same_o forge_n i_o mean_v the_o council_n of_o lateran_n under_o pope_n innocent_a the_o three_o and_o if_o as_o they_o tell_v we_o transubstantiation_n be_v then_o establish_v so_o be_v this_o and_o indeed_o one_o will_v think_v they_o be_v twin_n and_o bring_v forth_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v so_o like_o one_o another_o that_o be_v both_o of_o they_o so_o monstrous_o unreasonable_a ii_o i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o 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not_o condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n or_o that_o it_o be_v allow_v and_o use_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o set_v up_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o any_o paradox_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o that_o even_o by_o their_o own_o acknowledgement_n our_o saviour_n institute_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n administer_v it_o in_o both_o kind_n this_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v be_v no_o addition_n to_o christianity_n but_o a_o sacrilegious_a take_n away_o of_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o cup_n be_v as_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o the_o institution_n as_o the_o bread_n and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o and_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n take_v away_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o and_o both_o as_o well_o as_o either_o 3._o their_o worship_v of_o image_n which_o practice_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o distinction_n about_o it_o which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o the_o heathen_n use_v in_o the_o same_o case_n be_v as_o pointblank_o against_o the_o second_o commandment_n as_o a_o deliberate_a and_o malicious_a kill_v of_o a_o man_n be_v against_o the_o six_o but_o if_o the_o case_n be_v so_o plain_a a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o at_o least_o the_o teacher_n and_o guide_n of_o that_o church_n shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o it_o why_o they_o be_v so_o and_o afraid_a the_o people_n shall_v be_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o in_o their_o ordinary_a catechism_n and_o manual_n of_o devotion_n they_o leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o divide_v the_o ten_o into_o two_o to_o make_v up_o the_o number_n lest_o if_o the_o common_a people_n shall_v know_v it_o their_o conscience_n shall_v start_v at_o the_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a command_n of_o god_n 4._o the_o worship_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o eucharist_n out_o of_o a_o false_a and_o groundless_a persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v substantial_o change_v into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a and_o it_o have_v good_a fortune_n if_o it_o be_v for_o certain_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o incredible_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n then_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o several_a of_o their_o own_o learned_a writer_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o gross_a idolatry_n 5._o the_o worship_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n which_o have_v now_o for_o some_o age_n be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n now_o a_o man_n may_v just_o wonder_v that_o so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o make_v this_o to_o be_v shall_v have_v no_o manner_n of_o foundation_n in_o the_o
too_o apparent_o destructive_a of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o i_o begin_v 1._o with_o their_o doctrine_n and_o because_o i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o aggravate_v lesser_a matter_n i_o will_v single_a out_o four_o or_o five_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o which_o be_v neither_o teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n nor_o own_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o first_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v and_o which_o be_v once_o admit_v make_v way_n for_o as_o many_o error_n as_o they_o please_v to_o bring_v in_o be_v their_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n and_o this_o they_o be_v very_o stiff_a and_o peremptory_a in_o though_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o where_o this_o infallibility_n be_v seat_v whether_o in_o the_o pope_n alone_o or_o a_o council_n alone_o or_o in_o both_o together_o or_o in_o the_o diffusive_a body_n of_o christian_n but_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o have_v it_o though_o they_o know_v not_o where_o it_o be_v and_o be_v this_o no_o prejudice_n against_o it_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o this_o privilege_n be_v at_o first_o confer_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n do_v believe_v it_o and_o have_v constant_a recourse_n to_o it_o for_o determine_v their_o difference_n and_o yet_o that_o that_o very_a church_n which_o have_v enjoy_v and_o use_v it_o so_o long_o shall_v now_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n where_o to_o find_v it_o nothing_o can_v have_v fall_v out_o more_o unlucky_o than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o difference_n among_o they_o about_o that_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o end_v all_o difference_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n in_o scripture_n of_o this_o privilege_n confer_v upon_o the_o roman_a church_n nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o their_o epistle_n ever_o so_o much_o as_o give_v the_o least_o direction_n to_o christian_n to_o appeal_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o a_o determination_n of_o the_o many_o difference_n which_o even_o in_o those_o time_n happen_v among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o appoint_v such_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o decide_v the_o difference_n that_o shall_v happen_v among_o christian_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o ancient_a father_n in_o their_o dispute_n with_o heretic_n shall_v never_o appeal_v to_o this_o judge_n nay_o it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v not_o constant_o do_v it_o in_o all_o case_n it_o be_v so_o short_a and_o expedite_v a_o way_n for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n and_o this_o very_a consideration_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o argument_n to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o in_o those_o time_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v believe_v in_o the_o world_n now_o this_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a be_v of_o so_o much_o the_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o christianity_n because_o the_o conceit_n of_o it_o do_v confirm_v they_o that_o think_v they_o have_v it_o in_o all_o their_o other_o error_n and_o give_v they_o a_o pretence_n of_o assume_v a_o authority_n to_o themselves_o to_o impose_v their_o own_o fancy_n and_o mistake_v upon_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n 2._o their_o doctrine_n about_o repentance_n which_o consist_v in_o confess_v their_o sin_n to_o the_o priest_n which_o if_o it_o be_v but_o accompany_v with_o any_o degree_n of_o contrition_n do_v upon_o absolution_n receive_v from_o the_o priest_n put_v they_o into_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n though_o they_o have_v live_v the_o most_o lewd_a and_o debauch_a life_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o destructive_a of_o a_o good_a life_n for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a all_o the_o hazard_n that_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n run_v of_o his_o salvation_n be_v only_o the_o danger_n of_o so_o sudden_a a_o death_n as_o give_v he_o no_o space_n for_o confession_n and_o absolution_n a_o case_n that_o happen_v so_o rare_o that_o any_o man_n that_o be_v strong_o addict_v to_o his_o lust_n will_v be_v content_a to_o venture_v his_o salvation_n upon_o this_o hazard_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n will_v be_v very_o insignificant_a to_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v wicked_a when_o remission_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v have_v upon_o such_o cheap_a term_n 3._o the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n by_o which_o they_o mean_v a_o state_n of_o temporary_a punishment_n after_o this_o life_n from_o which_o man_n may_v be_v release_v and_o translate_v into_o heaven_n by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o live_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o know_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n we_o have_v the_o free_a acknowledgement_n of_o as_o learned_a and_o eminent_a man_n as_o any_o of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o superstructure_n upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o though_o in_o one_o sense_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o build_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n consider_v the_o vast_a revenue_n which_o this_o doctrine_n and_o that_o of_o indulgence_n which_o depend_v upon_o it_o bring_v into_o that_o church_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v hay_n and_o stubble_n but_o how_o groundless_a soever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v too_o gainful_a a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v easy_o part_v withal_o 4._o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n a_o hard_a word_n but_o i_o will_v to_o god_n that_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o the_o thing_n be_v much_o more_o difficult_a i_o have_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o consider_v other_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o must_v free_o declare_v that_o i_o never_o yet_o in_o any_o of_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o article_n or_o proposition_n impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o man_n half_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v as_o this_o be_v and_o yet_o this_o in_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v esteem_v one_o of_o the_o most_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n though_o there_o be_v no_o more_o certain_a foundation_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n than_o for_o our_o saviour_n be_v substantial_o change_v into_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v say_v of_o he_o as_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rock_n a_o vine_n a_o door_n and_o a_o hundred_o other_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o this_o doctrine_n have_v not_o only_o no_o certain_a foundation_n in_o scripture_n but_o i_o have_v a_o far_o heavy_a charge_n against_o it_o namely_o that_o it_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o and_o sure_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o destroy_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n do_v so_o will_v appear_v evident_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o main_a argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o author_n of_o this_o doctrine_n wrought_v such_o and_o such_o miracle_n and_o particular_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o they_o prove_v because_o they_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o have_v see_v he_o and_o converse_v with_o he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o what_o if_o their_o sense_n do_v deceive_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n then_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o main_a proof_n of_o christianity_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n well!_o we_o will_v now_o suppose_v as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v transubstantiation_n to_o have_v be_v one_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v but_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a than_o all_o man_n sense_n be_v deceive_v in_o a_o plain_a sensible_a matter_n wherein_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a for_o they_o to_o be_v deceive_v as_o in_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o two_o thing_n can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v more_o different_a than_o a_o little_a bit_n of_o water_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o man_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n persuade_v they_o not_o to_o trust_v their_o sense_n and_o yet_o the_o argument_n which_o they_o use_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o this_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o direct_a contrary_a principle_n that_o man_n sense_n be_v to_o
from_o the_o error_n of_o thy_o way_n be_v well_o save_v thyself_o as_o soon_o as_o possible_o thou_o can_v when_o happiness_n present_v itself_o to_o thou_o do_v not_o turn_v it_o off_o and_o bid_v it_o come_v again_o to_o morrow_n perhaps_o thou_o may_v never_o be_v so_o fair_o offer_v again_o perhaps_o the_o day_n of_o salvation_n may_v not_o come_v again_o to_o morrow_n nay_o perhaps_o to_o thou_o to_o morrow_n may_v never_o come_v but_o if_o we_o be_v sure_o that_o happiness_n will_v come_v again_o yet_o why_o shall_v we_o put_v it_o off_o do_v any_o man_n know_v how_o to_o be_v safe_a and_o happy_a to_o day_n and_o can_v he_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o tarry_v till_o to_o morrow_n now_o the_o god_n of_o all_o mercy_n and_o patience_n give_v every_o one_o of_o we_o the_o wisdom_n and_o grace_n to_o know_v and_o to_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n febr._n 25_o the_o 1675_o 6._o 1_o john_n iii_o 10_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n to_o we_o both_o in_o order_n to_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a happiness_n true_o to_o understand_v our_o spiritual_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o whether_o we_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o be_v his_o child_n or_o not_o and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o arrive_v at_o this_o knowledge_n if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o will_v but_o deal_v impartial_o with_o ourselves_o for_o the_o text_n give_v we_o a_o plain_a mark_n and_o character_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v it_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o god_n assistance_n to_o lay_v man_n open_a to_o themselves_o and_o to_o represent_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o every_o man_n serious_a consideration_n to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n to_o consider_v brief_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n and_o this_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o attend_v steadfast_o to_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n and_o i_o think_v that_o no_o man_n that_o read_v it_o with_o attention_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v particular_o design_v against_o the_o impious_a sect_n of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o as_o the_o father_n tell_v we_o spring_v from_o simon_n magus_n and_o pretend_v to_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n and_o illumination_n from_o whence_o they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o gnostic_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o glitter_a pretence_n they_o do_v allow_v themselves_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o impious_a and_o vicious_a practice_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n as_o st._n judas_n speak_v of_o they_o and_o that_o st._n john_n particular_o aim_v at_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v very_o evident_a from_o the_o frequent_a and_o plain_a allusion_n throughout_o this_o epistle_n to_o those_o name_n and_o title_n which_o this_o sect_n assume_v to_o themselves_o as_o chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 4_o he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o and_o vers_fw-la 9_o he_o that_o say_v he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v in_o darkness_n even_o until_o now_o which_o passage_n and_o many_o more_o in_o this_o epistle_n do_v plain_o refer_v to_o the_o pretence_n of_o this_o sect_n to_o more_o than_o ordinary_a knowledge_n and_o illumination_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n notwithstanding_o they_o do_v so_o notorious_o contradict_v these_o glorious_a pretence_n by_o the_o impiety_n of_o their_o life_n and_o particular_o by_o their_o hatred_n and_o enmity_n to_o their_o fellow-christians_a for_o as_o the_o ancient_a father_n tell_v we_o they_o pretend_v that_o whatever_o they_o do_v they_o can_v not_o sin_n and_o this_o our_o apostle_n intimate_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o they_o hold_v it_o lawful_a to_o renounce_v christianity_n to_o avoid_v persecution_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o to_o join_v with_o the_o heathen_a in_o persecute_v the_o christian_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n so_o often_o tax_v they_o for_o hatred_n to_o their_o brethren_n and_o call_v they_o murderer_n now_o to_o show_v the_o inconsistence_n of_o these_o principle_n and_o practice_n with_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n use_v many_o argument_n among_o which_o he_o particular_o insist_v upon_o this_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o essential_a to_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o child_n of_o god_n by_o which_o title_n christian_n be_v common_o know_v than_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n vers_fw-la 6._o of_o this_o chap._n whosoever_o abide_v in_o he_o sin_v not_o whosoever_o sin_v have_v not_o see_v he_o neither_o know_v he_o whatever_o knowledge_n they_o may_v pretend_v to_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o vers_fw-la 7_o little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a and_o vers_fw-la 8_o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o vers_fw-la 9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v wickedness_n be_v a_o plain_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o one_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o devil_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a righteousness_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o word_n and_o then_o consider_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o by_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v mean_v good_a and_o bad_a man_n it_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n to_o call_v person_n or_o thing_n which_o partake_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n or_o quality_n the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eminent_o endue_v with_o that_o nature_n and_o disposition_n thus_o they_o who_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o abraham_n be_v call_v abraham_n child_n in_o like_a manner_n those_o who_o in_o their_o disposition_n and_o action_n imitate_v god_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o addict_v themselves_o to_o sin_n and_o impiety_n be_v count_v of_o another_o race_n and_o descent_n they_o resemble_v the_o devil_n and_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o head_n of_o that_o faction_n by_o righteousness_n be_v here_o mean_v universal_a goodness_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o sin_v which_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o that_o law_n by_o be_v manifest_a be_v mean_v that_o hereby_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v real_o distinguish_v so_o that_o every_o one_o that_o will_v examine_v his_o condition_n by_o this_o mark_n may_v know_v of_o which_o number_n he_o be_v and_o to_o what_o party_n he_o belong_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o main_a argument_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o give_v we_o a_o certain_a character_n and_o mark_v of_o distinction_n between_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o character_n and_o mark_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n which_o be_v here_o lay_v down_o whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o by_o this_o mark_n every_o man_n may_v with_o due_a care_n and_o diligence_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o spiritual_a
favour_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o such_o person_n than_o to_o understand_v aright_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v and_o wherein_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v declare_v as_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v than_o i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o person_n now_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o commit_v it_o and_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o so_o heinous_a a_o nature_n and_o declare_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o extend_v it_o beyond_o the_o case_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n apply_v it_o which_o be_v the_o resist_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o that_o be_v by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n of_o they_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o not_o only_o a_o bare_a resistance_n of_o that_o evidence_n but_o with_o a_o very_a malicious_a circumstance_n so_o as_o to_o impute_v those_o work_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v with_o this_o sin_n and_o no_o body_n have_v warrant_n to_o extend_v this_o sin_n any_o further_a than_o this_o case_n and_o without_o good_a warrant_v it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o uncharitable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o extend_v it_o any_o further_o that_o which_o come_v near_a to_o it_o both_o in_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o crime_n and_o the_o unpardonableness_n of_o it_o be_v total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n after_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o and_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o place_n if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o rank_n yet_o very_o near_o to_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n speak_v very_o often_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n under_o the_o name_n of_o unbelief_n and_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminence_n as_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n that_o christian_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o call_v in_o that_o epistle_n heb._n 12.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sin_n which_o christian_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o circumstance_n they_o be_v then_o in_o be_v especial_o subject_a to_o and_o he_o parallel_v it_o with_o the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o wilderness_n concern_v who_o god_n swear_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n namely_o the_o earthly_a canaan_n which_o be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 18._o and_o chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 4_o 5_o 6_o more_o express_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_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 if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n where_o by_o impossible_a the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v mean_v be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o such_o person_n to_o recover_v themselves_o by_o repentance_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v that_o they_o be_v either_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o they_o as_o have_v see_v they_o wrought_v by_o other_o so_o that_o this_o apostasy_n may_v be_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o likewise_o chap._n 10._o ver_fw-la 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 be_v if_o we_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v plain_o from_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n which_o expression_n declare_v this_o sin_n either_o to_o be_v unpardonable_a or_o something_o very_o like_o it_o and_o at_o the_o 29._o vers_fw-la those_o person_n be_v say_v to_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o sin_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v more_o immediate_o commit_v against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n st._n peter_n likewise_o declare_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o sin_n 2_o pet._n 2.20_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n st._n john_n likewise_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o to_o call_v it_o a_o sin_n unto_o death_n discourage_v christian_n rather_o from_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o be_v fall_v into_o it_o which_o give_v great_a suspicion_n that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o hardly_o pardonable_a 1_o joh._n 5.16_o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o those_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n seem_v extreme_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v ver_fw-la 18_o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o but_o keep_v himself_o and_o that_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o preserve_v himself_o from_o idolatry_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v the_o world_n into_o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o wicked_a one_o that_o be_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o understanding_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o true_a god_n and_o idol_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o last_o caution_n be_v a_o key_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o make_v it_o very_o probable_a that_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n be_v apostasy_n from_o christianity_n unto_o idolatry_n otherwise_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v how_o the_o last_o clause_n come_v in_o little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n and_o this_o be_v that_o sin_n which_o of_o all_o other_o approach_v near_a to_o this_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o and_o concern_v the_o pardonableness_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v very_o doubtful_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o unpardonable_a nature_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v no_o trouble_n to_o those_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o who_o can_v but_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o for_o those_o other_o sin_n which_o by_o some_o be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o no_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v as_o a_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n when_o i_o be_o convince_v and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n for_o this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n because_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o truth_n be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v disbelieve_v it_o while_o he_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n or_o else_o they_o be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v know_v he_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o this_o life_n as_o final_a impenitency_n which_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o live_v and_o die_v without_o repentance_n or_o else_o such_o as_o i_o think_v not_o good_a man_n be_v incident_a to_o as_o a_o malicious_a and_o perverse_a oppose_v of_o the_o truth_n after_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o conviction_n however_o none_o of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n descrihe_v to_o be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o still_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o usual_o trouble_v honest_a and_o well-meaning_a