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this_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v truth_n so_o that_o the_o argument_n he_o begin_v with_o be_v put_v into_o the_o right_a order_n and_o into_o other_o word_n be_v this_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o truth_n must_v be_v truth_n but_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o they_o must_v be_v truth_n the_o ancient_a father_n have_v make_v wise_a work_n with_o christianity_n if_o they_o have_v go_v this_o way_n to_o work_v to_o convert_v infidel_n pap._n therefore_o those_o who_o obtain_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v have_v some_o rule_n to_o acquire_v they_o by_o which_o can_v deceive_v they_o ans_fw-fr this_o be_v a_o obscure_a say_n and_o i_o must_v make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o by_o obtain_v article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n i_o
and_o because_o this_o exhortation_n be_v also_o add_v to_o the_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n part_n of_o which_o i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o i_o may_v also_o exhort_v you_o to_o hear_v or_o rather_o i_o need_v not_o since_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o have_v require_v you_o so_o to_o do_v st._n john_n who_o have_v be_v the_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v now_o in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n banish_v thither_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n as_o he_o witness_v himself_o chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 9_o i_o john_n who_o also_o be_o your_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n that_o be_v call_v patmos_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ._n but_o he_o have_v commit_v this_o church_n to_o the_o care_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o his_o absence_n who_o be_v here_o call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v direct_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o care_n and_o it_o consist_v of_o these_o three_o general_a part_n i._o of_o a_o commendation_n ii_o of_o a_o reproof_n iii_o a_o warn_v to_o repent_v i._o a_o commendation_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n be_v my_o faithful_a martyr_n who_o be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v which_o commendation_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n retain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o point_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o if_o she_o have_v part_v with_o any_o point_n necessary_a she_o must_v then_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o a_o church_n she_o be_v by_o our_o lord_n be_v own_o acknowledgement_n and_o therefore_o by_o hold_v fast_o his_o name_n and_o not_o deny_v his_o faith_n we_o must_v needs_o understand_v that_o she_o have_v keep_v entire_a that_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n the_o apostolical_a creed_n which_o st._n john_n have_v leave_v among_o they_o 2._o that_o which_o heighten_v her_o praise_n be_v that_o she_o have_v do_v this_o in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v so_o great_a temptation_n to_o apostasy_n first_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v i._n e._n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o idol-temple_n that_o no_o place_n in_o asia_n can_v show_v so_o many_o as_o if_o pergamos_n have_v be_v satan_n principal_a court_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world._n second_o where_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v and_o where_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o great_a persecution_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o which_o antipas_n a_o faithful_a martyr_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o zeal_n and_o courage_n be_v a_o example_n to_o the_o rest_n be_v slay_v this_o be_v the_o commendation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n that_o in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n she_o have_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o she_o have_v hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v his_o faith._n but_o there_o follow_v ii_o a_o reproof_n but_o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n who_o teach_v balak_n to_o cast_v a_o stumbling-block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n so_o have_v thou_o also_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n which_o thing_n i_o hate_v i._n e._n although_o she_o have_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o faith_n yet_o within_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v teach_v and_o practise_v she_o have_v suffer_v damnable_a doctrine_n and_o wicked_a practice_n to_o take_v place_n which_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o endanger_v the_o subvert_v of_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n profess_v among_o they_o but_o more_o particular_o 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n be_v open_o teach_v among_o they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o idolater_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o idol_n for_o this_o be_v the_o stumbling-block_n which_o balaam_n lay_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n not_o only_o draw_v they_o to_o carnal_a fornication_n with_o the_o daughter_n of_o moab_n but_o spiritual_a fornication_n also_o with_o their_o idol_n now_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v such_o a_o grievous_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n at_o pergamos_n that_o some_o of_o that_o communion_n to_o ease_v the_o church_n from_o it_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o have_v external_n communion_n with_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n to_o wit_n by_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n pretend_v as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o commendation_n give_v they_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o if_o they_o do_v but_o still_o hold_v fast_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o deny_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o his_o faith_n their_o external_n compliance_n with_o idolater_n in_o their_o worship_n will_v not_o deserve_v any_o severe_a reproof_n but_o that_o because_o they_o shall_v still_o retain_v the_o name_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o true_a church_n they_o shall_v therefore_o sufficient_o approve_v their_o fidelity_n to_o christ_n notwithstanding_o their_o burn_a incense_n and_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o give_v divine_a honour_n by_o their_o outward_a act_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god._n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n be_v also_o hold_v among_o they_o that_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o tend_v to_o a_o licentious_a life_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o good_a manner_n and_o it_o be_v call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n from_o nicolas_n the_o deacon_n who_o be_v upbraid_v for_o dote_v too_o much_o upon_o his_o fair_a wife_n to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v upon_o that_o account_n make_v a_o prostitution_n of_o she_o to_o all_o comer_n which_o lewd_a example_n have_v it_o seem_v spread_v its_o contagion_n into_o some_o of_o the_o asian_a church_n especial_o at_o pergamos_n where_o many_o of_o they_o hold_v community_n of_o woman_n to_o be_v lawful_a which_o be_v so_o vile_a and_o detestable_a a_o doctrine_n that_o god_n be_v here_o say_v to_o hate_v it_o so_o that_o the_o doctrine_n for_o tolerate_v of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v here_o reprehend_v be_v such_o as_o grate_v very_o near_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n the_o former_a lead_n to_o idolatry_n the_o latter_a to_o a_o impure_a and_o vicious_a life_n a_o very_a strange_a corruption_n of_o the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o it_o now_o iii_o we_o have_v in_o this_o message_n of_o jesus_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n a_o warning_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o repent_v too_o repent_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o what_o be_v she_o to_o repent_v of_o but_o of_o suffer_v those_o coruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o prevail_v in_o her_o communion_n for_o which_o she_o be_v reprove_v before_o and_o how_o be_v she_o to_o repent_v but_o by_o reform_v those_o abuse_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o her_o communion_n those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v and_o return_v to_o the_o primitive_a purity_n of_o her_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o manner_n and_o if_o she_o will_v not_o do_v this_o jesus_n threaten_v that_o he_o will_v sudden_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o cut_v they_o off_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n from_o be_v a_o church_n at_o all_o who_o be_v so_o soon_o degenerate_v from_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o upon_o this_o warning_n she_o do_v repent_v and_o reform_v for_o she_o be_v not_o speedy_o cut_v off_o as_o god_n have_v threaten_v she_o shall_v be_v if_o she_o do_v not_o repent_v but_o continue_v a_o church_n for_o many_o age_n afterward_o till_o at_o length_n fall_v again_o into_o great_a corruption_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n she_o with_o all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n write_v to_o by_o our_o lord_n fall_v to_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o and_o the_o temple_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v upon_o be_v now_o become_v turkish_a mosque_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o pergamos_n be_v fulfil_v and_o
to_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o other_o man_n soul_n who_o be_v not_o well_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n second_o that_o the_o consequence_n of_o these_o scandal_n will_v be_v very_o sad_a and_o pernicious_a that_o be_v that_o very_o many_o will_v stumble_v at_o they_o and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n for_o this_o must_v be_v imply_v in_o those_o word_n woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v no_o ordinary_a misery_n or_o calamity_n which_o be_v express_v in_o denounce_v a_o woe_n and_o this_o woe_n must_v likewise_o refer_v to_o those_o that_o be_v turn_v aside_o by_o the_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n that_o other_o lay_v before_o they_o because_o if_o offence_n be_v not_o take_v as_o well_o as_o give_v it_o seem_v not_o easy_a to_o say_v why_o they_o shall_v produce_v so_o much_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o be_v imply_v in_o denounce_v woe_n upon_o their_o account_n beside_o our_o saviour_n do_v afterward_o express_v the_o guilt_n and_o misery_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v give_v offence_n by_o itself_o but_o woe_n be_v to_o the_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v that_o be_v to_o every_o man_n that_o by_o his_o own_o wickedness_n laith_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o his_o brother_n way_n and_o draw_v he_o into_o sin._n so_o that_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n that_o mischief_n be_v express_v which_o will_v come_v of_o offence_n because_o they_o will_v be_v take_v and_o then_o 2._o it_o be_v also_o imply_v that_o the_o mischief_n will_v not_o only_o be_v in_o itself_o great_a but_o likewise_o of_o a_o very_a large_a extent_n for_o it_o be_v say_v woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n where_o by_o the_o world_n we_o can_v understand_v less_o than_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o shall_v be_v divert_v by_o offence_n either_o from_o receive_v the_o gospel_n at_o all_o or_o from_o entertain_v it_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n thereof_o there_o be_v therefore_o these_o two_o head_n which_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o i._o that_o offence_n will_v certain_o be_v give_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v ii_o that_o they_o will_v do_v very_o great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n woe_n be_v to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n which_o two_o point_n be_v illustrate_v i_o intend_v to_o apply_v they_o in_o order_n to_o far_a instruction_n 1._o that_o offence_n will_v certain_o be_v give_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v by_o which_o word_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a but_o offence_n must_v come_v for_o god_n have_v not_o necessitate_v any_o man_n to_o sin_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o probable_a and_o that_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o offence_n will_v come_v and_o moreover_o god_n certain_o foresee_v that_o they_o will_v arise_v if_o he_o do_v not_o interpose_v his_o almighty_a power_n to_o hinder_v they_o which_o he_o determine_v not_o to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prediction_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v now_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o offence_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o occasion_n give_v whereby_o man_n be_v either_o discourage_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o encourage_v practice_n in_o contrary_a to_o it_o i_o shall_v 1._o lay_v before_o you_o some_o instance_n under_o this_o general_a head_n and_o 2._o show_n why_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o offence_n will_v be_v give_v the_o principal_a instance_n be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o oppose_v the_o gospel_n with_o outward_a violence_n and_o make_v it_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n to_o renounce_v the_o truth_n as_o they_o love_v their_o fortune_n and_o their_o life_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o famous_a parable_n of_o the_o sour_a where_o he_o explain_v he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o thorny_a place_n to_o be_v one_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o and_o not_o be_v fortify_v with_o deep_a resolution_n he_o dure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o he_o be_v offend_v matth._n 13.20_o 21._o this_o be_v that_o offence_n which_o our_o saviour_n warn_v his_o disciple_n of_o more_o than_o of_o any_o other_o he_o tell_v they_o plain_o beforehand_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v deliver_v up_o to_o council_n and_o bring_v before_o governor_n and_o be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o his_o name_n be_v sake_n but_o say_v he_o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o mat._n 10._o and_o this_o be_v in_o itself_o so_o great_a a_o offence_n or_o stumbling-block_n to_o put_v man_n out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n that_o sometime_o the_o general_a word_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v this_o particular_a instance_n only_o thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v bless_a be_v he_o whoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o mat._n 11.6_o the_o meaning_n be_v bless_a be_v he_o who_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n suffering_n do_v not_o fright_v from_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o thus_o when_o peter_n say_v though_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o never_o be_v offend_v matth._n 26.33_o he_o explaim_v his_o own_o meaning_n afterward_o by_o say_v though_o i_o shall_v die_v with_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o deny_v thou_o v._o 35._o but_o then_o 2._o doctrine_n that_o give_v liberty_n to_o lust_n and_o that_o give_v ease_n to_o guilty_a mind_n without_o reformation_n be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a offence_n for_o they_o be_v frame_v at_o once_o to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o reconcile_v they_o to_o wicked_a practice_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o strong_a inclination_n to_o sin_n and_o need_v the_o most_o powerful_a restraint_n be_v most_o forward_o to_o receive_v they_o i._n e._n they_o who_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v the_o worst_a use_n of_o they_o he_o that_o offer_v a_o key_n to_o let_v sinner_n into_o heaven_n without_o repentance_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v sure_o to_o meet_v with_o sufficient_a number_n that_o will_v not_o be_v overforward_a to_o examine_v how_o he_o come_v by_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v all_o doctrine_n of_o this_o nature_n offence_n that_o they_o be_v grateful_a to_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n not_o that_o they_o carry_v any_o appearance_n of_o truth_n it_o have_v be_v long_o enough_o ere_o man_n can_v have_v be_v persuade_v that_o particular_a confession_n of_o sin_n to_o a_o man_n in_o secret_a with_o a_o bare_a purpose_n not_o to_o do_v the_o like_a again_o will_v at_o any_o time_n suffice_v for_o the_o effect_n of_o absolution_n if_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v not_o as_o much_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o people_n as_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o that_o bodily_a exercise_n mere_a external_a work_n shall_v either_o be_v godliness_n or_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n bear_v so_o hard_o against_o what_o we_o know_v of_o god_n by_o reason_n and_o by_o scripture_n that_o nothing_o but_o carnal_a interest_n and_o a_o desire_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v true_a can_v make_v way_n for_o they_o and_o provide_v they_o entertainment_n and_o what_o wonder_v that_o can_v do_v be_v too_o evident_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n when_o the_o gnostic_n seduce_v no_o small_a number_n of_o disciple_n by_o give_v liberty_n to_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o discharge_v they_o from_o all_o obligation_n to_o confess_v christ_n when_o they_o be_v to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n 3._o the_o mix_n of_o falsehood_n with_o truth_n be_v another_o great_a offence_n tend_v to_o much_o evil_n as_o it_o meet_v with_o person_n dispose_v either_o to_o overmuch_a credulity_n or_o too_o much_o distrust_n by_o the_o former_a the_o false_a doctrine_n or_o unlawful_a practice_n be_v embrace_v because_o find_v in_o the_o company_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o latter_a truth_n itself_o suspect_v and_o perhaps_o throw_v off_o because_o it_o be_v disgrace_v with_o the_o company_n of_o folly_n and_o lie_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n recommend_v their_o absurd_a tradition_n to_o the_o people_n because_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n they_o teach_v they_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thus_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v ready_a to_o reject_v christianity_n when_o they_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v it_o necessary_a for_o they_o also_o to_o observe_v the_o moysaicall_a law_n if_o they_o will_v
to_o permit_v those_o to_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o any_o reasonable_a mean_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o clear_a difference_n make_v between_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o insincere_a and_o incourigible_a on_o the_o other_o which_o have_v be_v impossible_a if_o god_n have_v by_o his_o omnipotence_n equal_o overbear_v all_o man_n into_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n but_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o touchstone_n that_o distinguish_v between_o the_o humble_a and_o sincere_a and_o the_o unteachable_a and_o dishonest_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o offence_n which_o be_v give_v by_o those_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o be_v a_o far_a trial_n of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o man_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o one_o kind_n of_o offence_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o offence_n that_o remain_v true_a which_o our_o saviour_n say_v all_o that_o the_o father_n give_v i_o shall_v come_v to_o i_o and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o joh._n 6.37_o i_o e._n all_o sincere_a and_o humble_a person_n who_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o special_a care_n of_o christ_n to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o eternal_a life_n will_v be_v sufficient_o arm_v against_o temptation_n and_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v lay_v in_o their_o way_n shall_v but_o clear_v their_o sincerity_n and_o wisdom_n more_o to_o the_o world_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o reward_n 2._o as_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o righteous_a so_o neither_o have_v the_o proper_a advantage_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n be_v see_v have_v god_n interpose_v his_o irresistible_a power_n to_o prevent_v all_o offence_n and_o endeavour_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v please_v to_o suffer_v error_n and_o folly_n to_o appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n even_o after_o the_o heavenly_a wisdom_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v to_o mankind_n that_o by_o its_o own_o strength_n it_o may_v struggle_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o opposition_n and_o prevail_v and_o be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n 3._o by_o this_o way_n the_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o his_o care_n over_o the_o church_n be_v see_v more_o illustrious_o than_o if_o offence_n have_v never_o be_v suffer_v that_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o faith_n lose_v from_o the_o earth_n have_v lie_v in_o the_o gospel_n unobserved_a we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o occasion_n for_o recourse_n to_o it_o no_o mean_n of_o trial_n whether_o we_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o it_o have_v the_o truth_n be_v never_o oppose_v never_o corrupt_v we_o have_v want_v one_o notable_a reason_n to_o praise_n god_n that_o while_o the_o offence_n be_v so_o rife_o in_o this_o world_n this_o church_n give_v no_o offence_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n or_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o god_n may_v count_v we_o worthy_a to_o enjoy_v so_o inestimable_a a_o blessing_n let_v we_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v give_v no_o offence_n by_o our_o example_n let_v we_o adorn_v our_o profession_n by_o our_o conversation_n and_o show_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o action_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o offence_n that_o thus_o will_v arise_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v the_o three_o sermon_n matth_n xviii_o 7._o wo_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n viz._n that_o offence_n will_v do_v great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world._n woe_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v i._n what_o mischief_n be_v do_v by_o offence_n ii_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o they_o be_v of_o so_o pernicious_a a_o consequence_n 1._o what_o mischief_n be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o in_o this_o question_n i_o need_v not_o be_v large_a because_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o have_v in_o some_o part_n be_v already_o give_v under_o those_o several_a head_n of_o scandal_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o show_v where_o the_o scandal_n of_o any_o practice_n or_o opinion_n lie_v without_o touch_v upon_o the_o mischief_n it_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v but_o to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v something_o may_v be_v add_v 1._o the_o general_a mischief_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o prevail_a temptation_n upon_o many_o in_o the_o world_n to_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n for_o as_o good_a example_n and_o encouragement_n good_a counsel_n and_o instruction_n be_v proper_a mean_n of_o make_v other_o better_a so_o ill_a example_n and_o the_o art_n of_o seduce_v must_v needs_o have_v a_o contrary_a influence_n god_n have_v put_v we_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o have_v thereby_o give_v we_o opportunity_n of_o the_o great_a charity_n and_o the_o best_a kind_n of_o do_v good_a viz._n of_o lead_v and_o confirm_v one_o another_o in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o virtue_n but_o there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o it_o but_o the_o society_n we_o have_v with_o one_o another_o may_v be_v abuse_v into_o a_o mean_n of_o do_v one_o another_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o as_o where_o truth_n be_v sincere_o represent_v where_o virtue_n be_v encourage_v where_o authority_n protect_v they_o where_o wit_n and_o learning_n be_v engage_v to_o recommend_v they_o there_o abundance_n of_o good_a will_v be_v do_v upon_o those_o who_o be_v frame_v to_o learn_v and_o not_o to_o teach_v to_o follow_v but_o not_o to_o lead_v the_o way_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o the_o abuse_n of_o all_o those_o advantage_n will_v create_v prejudices_fw-la against_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o mislead_v multitude_n and_o this_o be_v too_o evident_a from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n no_o opinion_n how_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a soever_o how_o pernicious_a soever_o to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n if_o they_o have_v be_v set_v off_o with_o plausible_a colour_n or_o support_v by_o authority_n or_o have_v be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o wicked_a man_n but_o they_o have_v have_v abettor_n and_o follower_n and_o have_v very_o often_o take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o convert_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n but_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o the_o scandal_n of_o advance_v doctrine_n that_o give_v liberty_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o ease_v to_o their_o mind_n without_o effectual_a reformation_n this_o scandal_n i_o say_v have_v this_o pernicious_a effect_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o fear_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o all_o reproof_n although_o it_o be_v a_o terrible_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o man_n to_o venture_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o his_o conscience_n pull_v he_o back_o from_o and_o for_o which_o he_o know_v he_o must_v give_v a_o sad_a account_n at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o it_o be_v not_o prevent_v by_o sorrow_n and_o reformation_n yet_o such_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o one_o that_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o himself_o and_o believe_v his_o condition_n to_o be_v good_a enough_o while_o he_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n without_o reformation_n because_o he_o have_v another_o way_n to_o escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell._n for_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n believe_v the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v and_o know_v the_o term_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o he_o will_v at_o length_n lay_v these_o thing_n serious_o to_o heart_n and_o that_o some_o awaken_n reproof_n from_o man_n or_o some_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o be_v already_o provide_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o effectual_a to_o his_o conversion_n but_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o hope_v this_o of_o a_o man_n who_o very_a principle_n be_v corrupt_v and_o have_v no_o fear_n within_o himself_o for_o a_o charitable_a man_n to_o take_v hold_n upon_o and_o therefore_o that_o say_n
grow_v better_o by_o they_o according_a to_o that_o say_n in_o daniel_n chap._n 12.10_o the_o wicked_a shall_v do_v wicked_o and_o shall_v not_o understand_v but_o the_o wise_a shall_v understand_v they_o be_v harden_v and_o these_o be_v purify_v and_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o sincerity_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o vice_n on_o the_o other_o be_v so_o clear_o see_v that_o the_o good_a example_n will_v at_o last_o prevail_v against_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o the_o indirect_a way_n of_o support_a error_n will_v show_v the_o simplicity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o child_n of_o truth_n to_o more_o advantage_n than_o it_o can_v possible_o have_v have_v without_o the_o comparison_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o easy_a for_o people_n of_o honest_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o discern_v which_o be_v the_o true_a flock_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o what_o communion_n they_o be_v to_o betake_v themselves_o when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n plant_v the_o church_n thing_n be_v not_o so_o order_v as_o to_o make_v proselyte_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n however_o they_o be_v qualify_v but_o rather_o to_o gather_v together_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o that_o be_v all_o that_o be_v of_o pious_a and_o honest_a disposition_n and_o though_o the_o mighty_a evidence_n wherewith_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v draw_v in_o some_o that_o be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a yet_o either_o persecution_n or_o schism_n soon_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o they_o again_o and_o heresy_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v permit_v ever_o since_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o make_v it_o appear_v more_o evident_o who_o be_v the_o faithful_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v those_o evil_n to_o happen_v which_o he_o make_v to_o work_v for_o the_o same_o good_a end_n which_o be_v design_v by_o that_o manner_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o reveal_v 2._o neither_o be_v schism_n and_o heresy_n any_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v always_o a_o disparagement_n to_o be_v oppose_v and_o forsake_v which_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o for_o otherwise_o christianity_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v a_o false_a religion_n and_o the_o church_n which_o they_o found_v a_o false_a church_n for_o thence_o come_v the_o gnostic_n and_o valentinian_o and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o heresy_n more_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o elder_n at_o miletum_n act_v 20.30_o that_o from_o themselves_o will_v arise_v man_n teach_v perverse_a thing_n that_o will_v draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o for_o want_v of_o better_a argument_n that_o the_o reformation_n be_v to_o be_v object_v against_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o party_n into_o which_o it_o be_v divide_v and_o this_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o party_n that_o have_v break_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o for_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v either_o no_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o hold_v fast_o all_o that_o be_v once_o of_o it_o or_o else_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o that_o true_a church_n since_o many_o go_v off_o from_o it_o and_o which_o perhaps_o they_o that_o make_v this_o objection_n will_v be_v more_o concern_v to_o consider_v they_o from_o who_o so_o many_o nation_n have_v break_v off_o can_v escape_v their_o own_o censure_n as_o for_o the_o unity_n of_o those_o that_o keep_v together_o in_o one_o profession_n and_o communion_n this_o be_v no_o certain_a mark_n of_o truth_n for_o as_o man_n may_v be_v unite_v in_o truth_n so_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v in_o error_n and_o all_o party_n have_v this_o mark_v common_a to_o they_o that_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v not_o differ_v they_o agree_v together_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o truth_n those_o party_n equal_o have_v it_o that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o but_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o silly_a objection_n in_o the_o world_n against_o a_o common_a cause_n that_o be_v maintain_v by_o people_n that_o can_v agree_v in_o many_o thing_n that_o therefore_o that_o cause_n be_v naughty_a and_o erroneous_a this_o i_o say_v be_v intolerable_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a since_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o reason_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o uncertain_a passion_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o men._n for_o by_o this_o mean_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o ill_o dispose_v person_n that_o for_o whatever_o reason_n may_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a heresy_n to_o make_v all_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o profess_v before_o to_o be_v truth_n no_o long_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o we_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n in_o the_o general_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o jew_n christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v agree_v what_o be_v true_a christianity_n that_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o party_n that_o have_v no_o religious_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o christianity_n be_v a_o false_a religion_n nay_o it_o be_v still_o a_o strong_a argument_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o atheist_n again_o all_o religion_n whatsoever_o since_o christianity_n mahometanism_n judaisme_n and_o paganism_n be_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o one_o another_o but_o there_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n than_o that_o which_o the_o text_n afford_v by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o heresy_n and_o party_n be_v unavoidable_a and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v they_o even_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v so_o offend_v at_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o either_o to_o throw_v off_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n till_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v about_o it_o or_o to_o take_v up_o with_o that_o which_o pretend_v to_o most_o unity_n without_o any_o far_a examination_n be_v hereby_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v insincere_a and_o vicious_a person_n for_o as_o heresy_n be_v permit_v by_o providence_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v so_o they_o be_v permit_v that_o they_o which_o be_v reprobate_a and_o can_v bear_v a_o trial_n may_v be_v also_o make_v manifest_a and_o it_o be_v no_o loss_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o she_o be_v not_o find_v by_o those_o that_o love_v she_o not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o that_o be_v of_o god_n will_v hear_v his_o word_n and_o wisdom_n will_v be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v in_o that_o number_n we_o be_v to_o make_v it_o our_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n to_o avoid_v the_o great_a heresy_n of_o all_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o vicious_a affection_n then_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o build_v up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n for_o as_o evil_a deed_n make_v man_n hate_v the_o light_n so_o if_o our_o deed_n be_v good_a and_o our_o conscience_n pure_a we_o shall_v love_v the_o light_n and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o sell_v it_o we_o shall_v buy_v it_o with_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o impartial_a enquiry_n and_o consideration_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o sell_v it_o for_o either_o comfortable_a or_o gainful_a error_n to_o conclude_v god_n have_v in_o that_o manner_n reveal_v the_o truth_n which_o concern_v our_o salvation_n that_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v deceive_v who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v but_o that_o they_o who_o seek_v it_o sincere_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o the_o nine_o sermon_n 2_o pet._n i._o 19_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o star_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n in_o these_o word_n st._n peter_n commend_v believer_n for_o take_v heed_n or_o careful_o attend_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o moreover_o express_v a_o weighty_a reason_n why_o in_o do_v so_o they_o do_v well_o because_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n till_o the_o day_n dawn_v and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o
all_o such_o case_n the_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n and_o apostasy_n be_v very_o great_a and_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o many_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o in_o such_o a_o wicked_a age_n as_o call_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o open_a enemy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a number_n will_v be_v void_a of_o all_o regard_n whatsoever_o to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o his_o providence_n or_o if_o they_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o scoffer_n mention_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o will_v say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n many_o of_o his_o profess_a servant_n will_v be_v weary_a of_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v way_n to_o temptation_n and_o depend_v more_o upon_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n than_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v very_o much_o weaken_v and_o abate_v so_o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o i_o persuade_v myself_o to_o have_v give_v you_o a_o true_a illustration_n of_o these_o remarkable_a word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o two_o signification_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v both_o intend_a in_o this_o text_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o know_v which_o be_v principal_o intend_v the_o day_n of_o the_o general_n judgement_n or_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o general_n judgement_n be_v in_o itself_o the_o principal_a meaning_n of_o christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v but_o yet_o the_o parable_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_o intend_v to_o stir_v up_o that_o generation_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v and_o to_o give_v a_o firm_a faith_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a trouble_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n therefore_o neither_o can_v the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v avenge_v of_o these_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o deliver_v his_o servant_n be_v exclude_v but_o be_v as_o direct_o intend_v as_o the_o other_o and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o observe_v the_o two_o main_a point_n which_o the_o text_n suppose_v beside_o those_o which_o it_o affirm_v and_o the_o consider_v of_o they_o will_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n 1._o it_o be_v suppose_v manifest_o that_o after_o the_o first_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o call_v the_o world_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o our_o sin_n there_o will_v yet_o be_v degenerate_a age_n sometime_o and_o a_o most_o corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n before_o his_o second_o personal_n come_v to_o judge_n the_o world._n 2._o it_o be_v also_o suppose_a that_o his_o providence_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v all_o thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n 1._o that_o his_o first_o come_n will_v not_o infallible_o prevent_v the_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o future_a age_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o teach_v many_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n iniquity_n will_v abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o will_v wax_v cold_a and_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o advantage_n yet_o his_o own_o servant_n will_v sometime_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o state_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o they_o to_o cry_v unto_o god_n day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o may_v cause_v some_o wonder_n if_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o general_o corrupt_v before_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o may_v not_o appear_v strange_a at_o all_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o mankind_n that_o after_o the_o creation_n the_o earth_n shall_v so_o abound_v with_o luxury_n and_o violence_n that_o god_n sweep_v all_o mankind_n away_o with_o the_o flood_n but_o eight_o person_n that_o after_o noah_n family_n have_v people_v the_o earth_n again_o man_n shall_v fall_v into_o idolatry_n so_o universal_o that_o god_n call_v abraham_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o he_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n in_o his_o family_n and_o posterity_n that_o pharaoh_n shall_v oppress_v the_o israelite_n after_o his_o country_n have_v be_v save_v by_o they_o that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v fall_v to_o worship_n other_o god_n after_o that_o the_o true_a god_n have_v wrought_v so_o many_o miraculous_a deliverance_n for_o they_o that_o when_o not_o without_o much_o ado_n they_o be_v cure_v of_o idolatry_n they_o shall_v fall_v into_o scandalous_a way_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o immorality_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n perhaps_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o because_o god_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o use_v the_o last_o mean_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v time_n as_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a of_o those_o after_o christ_n himself_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n with_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v and_o with_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o oppression_n violence_n fraud_n hypocrisy_n error_n superstition_n idolatry_n and_o scandalous_a example_n shall_v for_o some_o age_n reign_v no_o less_o than_o before_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o shake_v the_o faith_n even_o of_o good_a man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deceive_v the_o very_o best_a of_o all_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o amaze_a consideration_n and_o though_o the_o noble_a example_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o affure_v expectation_n of_o a_o large_a progress_n that_o christianity_n will_v make_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o better_a effect_n that_o it_o will_v produce_v may_v answer_v the_o objection_n yet_o that_o the_o world_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o bad_a under_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v what_o may_v raise_v some_o admiration_n but_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n first_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o come_v not_o to_o establish_v a_o religion_n which_o shall_v either_o by_o its_o truth_n convince_v or_o by_o its_o power_n reform_v mankind_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o both_o purpose_n if_o they_o will_v be_v wise_a and_o honest_a and_o suffer_v the_o concernment_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o above_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o expect_v a_o universal_a reformation_n as_o to_o expect_v that_o man_n will_v not_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v to_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o the_o gospel_n be_v furnish_v with_o no_o irresistible_a mean_n but_o leave_v they_o under_o the_o natural_a liberty_n they_o have_v before_o with_o a_o provision_n of_o grace_n that_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o likely_a that_o the_o truth_n will_v be_v oppose_v by_o some_o and_o corrupt_v by_o other_o and_o by_o many_o hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n that_o several_a to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v will_v not_o believe_v it_o and_o several_a that_o believe_v it_o will_v not_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o time_n that_o it_o will_v be_v mix_v with_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o frame_v to_o the_o design_n of_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n nay_o the_o better_a and_o more_o divine_a a_o religion_n that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o more_o violent_o it_o will_v be_v oppose_v by_o some_o and_o the_o more_o certain_o corrupt_v by_o other_o so_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n not_o to_o overbear_v the_o world_n into_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o by_o force_v the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o man_n it_o have_v rather_o be_v much_o more_o strange_a if_o it_o have_v escape_v opposition_n and_o corruption_n than_o to_o have_v be_v both_o oppose_v and_o corrupt_v as_o it_o have_v thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o it_o
will_v be_v take_v away_o with_o it_o but_o no_o man_n doubt_v that_o appeal_n to_o god_n as_o a_o judge_n be_v imply_v in_o appeal_n to_o he_o as_o a_o witness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o septuagint_n sometime_o use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o curse_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o oath_n say_a abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n gen._n 24.41_o thou_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o this_o my_o oath_n but_o the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o this_o my_o curse_n and_o this_o be_v that_o meaning_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v well_o express_v both_o by_o the_o form_n and_o rite_n of_o swear_v use_v among_o we_o the_o common_a form_n be_v this_o so_o help_v you_o god_n to_o which_o the_o party_n sworn_n give_v his_o assent_n by_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o the_o holy_a gospel_n and_o kiss_v it_o all_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o falsify_v let_v i_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n may_v i_o be_v accurse_v in_o this_o world_n and_o let_v my_o name_n be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o be_v there_o not_o good_a reason_n then_o why_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n since_o of_o all_o other_o obligation_n to_o truth_n this_o plain_o be_v the_o strong_a and_o if_o a_o man_n conscience_n will_v not_o be_v hold_v by_o this_o it_o will_v be_v hold_v by_o nothing_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o sacred_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o many_o way_n it_o may_v be_v violate_v and_o the_o gild_n of_o perjury_n incur_v it_o be_v usual_o say_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v either_o promissory_a or_o assertory_n but_o i_o think_v that_o in_o strictness_n every_o oath_n include_v a_o promise_n even_o the_o assertory_n oath_n by_o which_o a_o man_n bind_v himself_o to_o declare_v what_o he_o know_v concern_v some_o matter_n of_o fact_n past_a or_o present_a for_o this_o oath_n include_v a_o promise_n of_o declare_v the_o truth_n concern_v it_o only_o the_o promise_n and_o performance_n be_v so_o close_o to_o each_o other_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v distinguish_v whereas_o the_o obligation_n of_o those_o oath_n we_o call_v promissery_n continue_v for_o some_o considerable_a time_n to_o come_v these_o oath_n be_v most_o take_v out_o of_o court_n of_o judicature_n such_o as_o the_o oath_n of_o subordinate_a magistrate_n to_o execute_v the_o law_n honest_o and_o to_o administer_v justice_n impartial_o of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n to_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o vindicate_v the_o right_n of_o the_o same_o of_o inferior_a officer_n such_o as_o churchwarden_n and_o constable_n to_o present_a offender_n and_o execute_v their_o office_n according_a to_o law_n final_o of_o subject_n to_o vield_n true_a allegiance_n and_o faithful_a subjection_n to_o the_o king._n such_o oath_n as_o these_o be_v direct_o violate_v two_o way_n first_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o honest_a intention_n at_o the_o time_n of_o swear_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o faithful_a performance_n afterward_o for_o a_o promise_n have_v a_o double_a aspect_n both_o upon_o the_o present_a intention_n and_o the_o future_a performance_n he_o that_o make_v a_o promise_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o intend_v not_o to_o perform_v be_v guilty_a of_o lie_v and_o though_o he_o intend_v at_o first_o yet_o if_o he_o willing_o neglect_v the_o performance_n afterward_o he_o have_v break_v his_o word_n therefore_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v under_o oath_n he_o be_v forswear_v in_o either_o case_n and_o if_o he_o be_v false_a in_o both_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o double_a act_n of_o perjury_n nay_o though_o the_o oath_n be_v but_o one_o yet_o his_o perjury_n may_v be_v many_o for_o so_o long_o as_o those_o circumstance_n remain_v in_o which_o the_o oath_n bind_v he_o every_o wilful_a omission_n of_o perform_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o promise_n be_v contrary_a to_o his_o oath_n and_o consequent_o a_o new_a violation_n of_o it_o so_o often_o as_o he_o fail_v so_o often_o he_o be_v forswear_v as_o true_o so_o often_o as_o if_o he_o have_v every_o time_n before_o each_o guilty_a failure_n take_v the_o same_o oath_n which_o he_o bind_v himself_o withal_o at_o first_o thou_o may_v be_v swear_v once_o for_o all_o the_o year_n or_o for_o all_o thy_o life_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v forswear_v once_o for_o all_o as_o vain_a people_n talk_v for_o by_o disobey_v thy_o superior_a suppose_v thou_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o thy_o oath_n yesterday_o that_o be_v one_o perjury_n and_o shall_v thou_o do_v the_o like_a to_o morrow_n that_o will_v be_v another_o if_o thou_o be_v under_o a_o promise_v confirm_v by_o oath_n but_o not_o under_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v bind_v one_o curse_n fast_o upon_o thy_o head_n with_o another_o and_o seal_v they_o with_o a_o three_o and_o go_v on_o to_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath._n in_o court_n of_o judicature_n perjury_n be_v incur_v when_o false_a witness_n be_v give_v in_o upon_o oath_n i._n e._n either_o when_o a_o man_n swear_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v false_a or_o that_o he_o be_v certain_a of_o a_o matter_n whereof_o he_o be_v uncertain_a or_o that_o he_o declare_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o knowledge_n concern_v a_o fact_n when_o yet_o he_o conceal_v any_o part_n thereof_o in_o this_o last_o case_n the_o witness_n be_v forswear_v as_o plain_o as_o in_o the_o two_o former_a for_o his_o oath_n be_v to_o give_v in_o evidence_n not_o only_o the_o truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n but_o likewise_o the_o whole_a truth_n in_o answer_n to_o such_o question_n as_o the_o court_n shall_v put_v to_o he_o therefore_o the_o witness_n be_v not_o clear_a from_o perjury_n mere_o by_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_a touch_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n if_o in_o favour_n to_o either_o side_n he_o conceal_v so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o circumstance_n in_o his_o answer_n and_o deposition_n which_o he_o know_v will_v alter_v the_o case_n what_o can_v be_v plain_o he_o that_o swear_v to_o declare_v the_o whole_a truth_n be_v forswear_v if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o and_o he_o sure_o do_v it_o not_o who_o declare_v it_o in_o part_n only_o moreover_o a_o witness_n may_v incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n by_o endeavour_v to_o blind_v the_o evidence_n with_o deceitful_a shuffle_a answer_n instead_o of_o declare_v what_o he_o know_v in_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o speak_v for_o though_o the_o court_n by_o multiply_a question_n may_v screw_v out_o the_o truth_n at_o last_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o discharge_v his_o oath_n which_o oblige_v he_o not_o only_o to_o a_o actual_a and_o final_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o a_o honest_a intention_n of_o 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be_v a_o happiness_n which_o he_o that_o scorn_v be_v not_o wise_a but_o it_o be_v no_o rule_n for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v by_o and_o he_o that_o make_v it_o so_o can_v be_v honest_a man_n may_v condemn_v those_o who_o god_n justify_v that_o be_v the_o first_o point_n the_o second_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o man_n be_v tolerable_a if_o god_n justify_v a_o truth_n so_o clear_a that_o more_o word_n can_v make_v it_o clear_a but_o they_o may_v serve_v to_o fasten_v it_o more_o upon_o our_o mind_n let_v we_o consider_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o 1._o the_o infinite_a disproportion_n between_o god_n and_o man_n st._n paul_n meaning_n be_v that_o god_n justify_v and_o man_n condemn_v and_o to_o show_v that_o in_o comparison_n no_o body_n condemn_v in_o this_o case_n he_o put_v his_o meaning_n into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o question_n it_o be_v god_n that_o justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o be_v much_o trouble_v to_o be_v rail_v 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