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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n authority_n church_n infallible_a 2,088 5 9.4927 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33220 Seventeen sermons preach'd upon several occasions never before printed / by William Clagett ... with The summ of a conference on February 21, 1686, between Dr. Clagett and Father Gooden, about the point of transubstantiation. Clagett, William, 1646-1688. 1689 (1689) Wing C4396; ESTC R7092 211,165 600

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rule_n which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o to_o have_v provide_v express_o against_o they_o all_o will_v have_v make_v the_o bible_n a_o more_o voluminous_a book_n than_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o say_v the_o most_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v see_v for_o whoever_o write_v or_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o possible_a way_n of_o be_v mistake_v or_o have_v his_o word_n pervert_v according_a to_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o a_o sentence_n in_o a_o hour_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v his_o explication_n may_v be_v pervert_v too_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o god_n have_v not_o provide_v express_a caution_n against_o all_o possible_a mistake_v and_o abuse_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o think_v good_a to_o leave_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o worship_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v all_o honest_a person_n and_o lover_n of_o truth_n though_o not_o sufficient_a to_o exclude_v all_o cavil_v and_o abuse_v for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o pretend_v that_o all_o who_o see_v his_o work_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n must_v necessary_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o he_o require_v constant_o a_o certain_a temper_n of_o mind_n consist_v of_o humility_n sincerity_n love_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o a_o word_n a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n be_v his_o true_a disciple_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n but_o there_o must_v be_v also_o a_o peculiar_a probity_n or_o teachable_a spirit_n a_o mind_n ready_a to_o believe_v all_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v all_o duty_n these_o be_v the_o sheep_n that_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o the_o ground_n that_o will_v receive_v his_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n such_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v hear_v and_o understand_v and_o know_v of_o the_o 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ease_n of_o depend_v upon_o the_o absolute_a authority_n of_o other_o will_v give_v a_o far_a advantage_n to_o error_n which_o fear_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o examination_n and_o therefore_o discourage_v all_o person_n from_o give_v themselves_o so_o needless_a a_o trouble_n since_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o those_o for_o their_o security_n who_o can_v possible_o mislead_v they_o consider_v the_o disease_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o cure_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o there_o will_v be_v faction_n and_o heresy_n against_o the_o truth_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v there_o must_v be_v heresy_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v after_o all_o the_o care_n that_o god_n have_v take_v to_o restore_v mankind_n there_o will_v be_v pride_n and_o ambition_n there_o will_v be_v covetousness_n and_o injustice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n there_o will_v be_v luxury_n and_o licentiousness_n there_o will_v be_v both_o inconstancy_n and_o stiffneckedness_n there_o will_v be_v laziness_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o unaptness_n for_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v no_o infallible_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o as_o certain_o as_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n will_v break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n so_o certain_o will_v error_n get_v into_o it_o by_o degree_n and_o usurp_v the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v absolute_o have_v hinder_v it_o by_o his_o overrule_a power_n but_o in_o this_o say_n it_o be_v imply_v that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v so_o and_o experience_n have_v show_v that_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o make_v all_o man_n good_a 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in_o their_o error_n thus_o because_o there_o be_v some_o who_o abuse_v the_o liberty_n this_o church_n give_v to_o all_o of_o use_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o who_o reject_v the_o assistance_n of_o their_o guide_n they_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o people_n shall_v know_v as_o little_a of_o the_o bible_n as_o be_v possible_a argue_v from_o the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o former_a how_o dangerous_a a_o instrument_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n and_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v allow_v to_o all_o must_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v they_o that_o abuse_v it_o to_o the_o make_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o innovation_n give_v a_o candle_n to_o that_o church_n to_o glory_n in_o her_o dissension_n which_o provide_v that_o all_o shall_v believe_v as_o she_o believe_v because_o of_o her_o authority_n and_o that_o no_o man_n judge_n of_o the_o particular_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o himself_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o instance_n of_o this_o mischief_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o undeniable_a that_o whenever_o any_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v by_o community_n or_o church_n that_o consist_v in_o one_o extreme_a a_o man_n may_v without_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n foretell_v that_o if_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o will_v in_o time_n beget_v the_o other_o extreme_a it_o be_v the_o great_a unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o opposite_a error_n which_o look_v as_o if_o one_o will_v destroy_v the_o other_o do_v real_o strive_v to_o support_v one_o another_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o foolish_a advice_n more_o frequent_a than_o to_o run_v from_o a_o extreme_a as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o it_o but_o by_o this_o mean_v woeful_a mischief_n have_v happen_v in_o the_o world_n division_n have_v be_v multiply_v uncharitableness_n increase_v and_o man_n more_o and_o more_o harden_a in_o their_o way_n of_o error_n and_o sin._n 6._o the_o scandal_n of_o mix_v absurd_a and_o impious_a doctrine_n with_o the_o truth_n and_o unjustifiable_a practice_n with_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v have_v this_o notorious_a mischief_n still_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o hinder_v the_o conversion_n of_o insidel_n and_o be_v a_o terrible_a obstruction_n to_o the_o propagate_a of_o christianity_n averro_n do_v not_o speak_v his_o own_o sense_n alone_o when_o he_o say_v since_o the_o christian_n eat_v their_o god_n let_v my_o soul_n be_v with_o the_o philosopher_n the_o scandal_n that_o be_v give_v to_o jew_n and_o turk_n i_o need_v not_o name_n but_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o this_o unpleasing_a argument_n 7._o and_o last_o the_o mischief_n of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o offence_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o when_o once_o offence_n be_v give_v no_o man_n can_v tell_v where_o the_o mischief_n will_v end_v for_o 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authority_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o to_o that_o explode_a refuge_n of_o oral_a tradition_n but_o the_o controversy_n end_v and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v they_o be_v content_a to_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o of_o our_o church_n who_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o inquiry_n and_o willing_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o truth_n wherever_o it_o be_v still_o continue_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o instead_o of_o call_v we_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n or_o thunder_a out_o damnation_n against_o we_o as_o such_o a_o mutual_a charity_n conclude_v the_o discourse_n we_o hope_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o err_v party_n which_o ever_o it_o be_v but_o make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o same_o heaven_n may_v receive_v we_o all_o though_o we_o shall_v continue_v to_o disagree_v to_o the_o last_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o temper_n of_o mr._n gooden_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o little_a herd_n of_o that_o church_n who_o give_v so_o much_o trouble_v and_o disturbance_n to_o their_o own_o and_o the_o nation_n repose_v and_o have_v contribute_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v by_o their_o heat_n and_o folly_n to_o ruin_n both_o themselves_o and_o we_o as_o for_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o present_a conference_n it_o be_v this_o a_o gentlewoman_n of_o a_o good_a estate_n and_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o divers_a r._n cs._n be_v by_o a_o frequent_a conversation_n with_o they_o wrought_v up_o by_o degree_n into_o a_o extraordinary_a opinion_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o recluse_n life_n for_o the_o better_a perform_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n insomuch_o that_o the_o desire_v she_o begin_v to_o have_v for_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o retirement_n make_v she_o almost_o willing_a to_o leave_v our_o church_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o roman_a communion_n but_o that_o she_o still_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n in_o those_o point_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o to_o be_v false_a and_o dangerous_a and_o to_o one_o 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to_o she_o not_o in_o the_o glorious_a idea_n of_o the_o great_a master_n of_o demonstration_n one_o who_o have_v devour_v all_o mr._n i._o ss._n principles_n and_o be_v thereby_o become_v such_o a_o mighty_a man_n of_o controversy_n that_o none_o of_o our_o divine_n dare_v cope_v with_o he_o he_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o dean_n of_o paul_n himself_n be_v nothing_o who_o have_v a_o certain_a paper_n that_o in_o a_o few_o line_n baffle_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v or_o write_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v a_o great_a thing_n than_o the_o representer_n answer_v in_o a_o few_o sheet_n all_o the_o book_n and_o sermon_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v publish_v or_o preach_v against_o they_o but_o in_o the_o humble_a character_n of_o a_o country_n priest_n a_o little_a inconsiderable_a man_n among_o they_o and_o his_o dress_n be_v accommodate_v to_o h●s_n character_n that_o so_o under_o this_o disguise_n he_o may_v talk_v with_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o ●er_n but_o mr._n gooden_o forget_v the_o person_n he_o have_v put_v on_o present_o fall_v into_o his_o usual_a strain_n he_o begin_v to_o talk_v of_o nothing_o but_o infallibility_n antiquity_n demonstration_n that_o all_o the_o father_n and_o council_n be_v on_o their_o side_n that_o he_o have_v baffle_v our_o most_o considerable_a divine_n and_o particular_o the_o dean_n of_o paul_n who_o have_v in_o truth_n all_o of_o they_o so_o little_a to_o say_v for_o themselves_o when_o he_o come_v among_o they_o that_o he_o desire_v nothing_o more_o to_o convince_v she_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n than_o that_o she_o will_v pitch_v upon_o some_o point_n and_o bring_v one_o of_o our_o man_n to_o meet_v he_o and_o she_o shall_v see_v what_o work_n he_o will_v make_v with_o he_o such_o a_o noise_n as_o this_o from_o one_o of_o the_o little_a inconsiderable_a priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n amaze_v the_o poor_a lady_n and_o have_v he_o prudent_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o boast_n of_o the_o victory_n he_o have_v already_o gain_v without_o aspire_v after_o the_o honour_n of_o add_v one_o more_o for_o the_o increase_a his_o triumph_n he_o may_v possible_o have_v save_v himself_o from_o the_o shame_n of_o that_o discovery_n the_o follow_a conference_n make_v of_o his_o ability_n and_o have_v gain_v his_o proselyte_n but_o as_o great_a wit_n be_v too_o often_o a_o little_a inconsiderate_a and_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a run_v themselves_o into_o difficulty_n out_o of_o which_o they_o can_v tell_v afterward_o how_o to_o extricate_v themselves_o so_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o mr._n gooden_o on_o this_o occasion_n for_o the_o lady_n present_o take_v hold_v on_o his_o offer_n and_o apply_v herself_o to_o dr._n clagett_n and_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o subject_a be_v fix_v mr._n gooden_o and_o the_o doctor_n meet_v according_o at_o grays-inn_n feb._n 21._o 1686._o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o menage_n of_o the_o conference_n its_o self_n but_o that_o it_o be_v with_o much_o noise_n on_o mr._n gooden_n side_n who_o in_o discourse_n let_v fall_v some_o very_a extraordinary_a thing_n and_o which_o may_v have_v pass_v into_o the_o abstract_n too_o have_v not_o another_o person_n who_o be_v with_o he_o and_o seem_v much_o more_o modest_a and_o understanding_n than_o himself_o observe_v what_o pass_v and_o correct_v his_o blunder_n after_o the_o dispute_n be_v end_v which_o last_v about_o four_o or_o five_o hour_n a_o new_a discourse_n arise_v about_o the_o paper_n which_o mr._n gooden_o make_v such_o boast_n of_o about_o the_o town_n and_o have_v so_o often_o represent_v to_o the_o lady_n and_o other_o as_o unanswerable_a he_o be_v very_o unwilling_a a_o great_a while_n to_o let_v the_o doctor_n have_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o though_o he_o promise_v to_o give_v he_o a_o answer_n to_o it_o till_o at_o last_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o let_v he_o have_v it_o the_o company_n will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o idle_a paper_n that_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o dare_v not_o trust_v he_o with_o it_o upon_o this_o he_o give_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o it_o and_o the_o doctor_n in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o promise_n the_o next_o day_n send_v he_o the_o follow_a answer_n to_o it_o for_o what_o concern_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o conference_n here_o publish_v it_o be_v take_v in_o write_v and_o sign_v by_o both_o party_n upon_o the_o place_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n for_o any_o one_o to_o question_v the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o and_o though_o the_o abstract_n be_v very_o short_a yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v every_o impartial_a reader_n why_o mr._n gooden_o do_v not_o care_n to_o make_v any_o boast_n of_o it_o and_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o meeting_n and_o hear_v all_o that_o pass_v between_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o lady_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o meet_v be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o he_o will_v not_o force_v they_o to_o publish_v the_o history_n of_o it_o but_o though_o the_o doctor_n be_v willing_a to_o let_v this_o matter_n die_v and_o show_v himself_o as_o careful_a of_o mr._n gooden_n reputation_n after_o the_o conference_n as_o he_o be_v of_o the_o lady_n conviction_n in_o it_o yet_o be_v now_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n remove_v from_o we_o i_o think_v it_o a_o just_a debt_n to_o his_o memory_n to_o subjoin_v here_o a_o true_a copy_n of_o these_o paper_n there_o be_v several_a of_o they_o abroad_o both_o to_o prevent_v a_o imperfect_a edition_n from_o some_o other_o hand_n and_o lest_o mr._n gooden_o and_o his_o friend_n who_o be_v so_o silent_a in_o his_o life-time_n shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o raise_v any_o false_a report_n of_o this_o encounter_n if_o they_o think_v they_o can_v not_o
now_o have_v give_v you_o this_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o from_o this_o authority_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o the_o most_o specious_a and_o popular_a exception_n which_o they_o of_o rome_n make_v against_o our_o reformation_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v under_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o in_o this_o church_n whilst_o it_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v notorious_a abuse_n and_o error_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n add_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith._n second_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n we_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o reform_v ourselves_o as_o we_o have_v do_v three_o that_o the_o main_a objection_n which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v bring_v and_o whereby_o they_o seek_v to_o stagger_v those_o of_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o fright_v they_o into_o their_o own_o may_v by_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o message_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v vain_a and_o fallacious_a and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o remove_v we_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n first_o that_o in_o this_o church_n as_o in_o all_o other_o that_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v notorious_a abuse_n and_o error_n introduce_v into_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christian_n and_o first_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n so_o in_o these_o church_n there_o be_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n lead_v to_o idolatry_n i_o wish_v that_o be_v all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o all_o for_o idolatry_n itself_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v be_v practise_v and_o that_o practice_n not_o only_o connive_v at_o but_o encourage_v and_o command_v and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o adore_v the_o host_n pray_v to_o saint_n to_o dead_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o worship_v of_o image_n contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n provide_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o that_o he_o only_o we_o shall_v serve_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o when_o we_o urge_v they_o with_o these_o thing_n they_o defend_v themselves_o from_o idolatry_n by_o the_o use_n of_o such_o distinction_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o save_v themselves_o by_o if_o indeed_o these_o distinction_n will_v do_v the_o business_n as_o for_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o licentiousness_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_o such_o than_o the_o easy_a term_n upon_o which_o they_o promise_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n from_o hell_n confession_n to_o a_o priest_n with_o attrition_n be_v reckon_v sufficient_a to_o receive_v a_o pretorial_n absolution_n which_o shall_v be_v valid_a in_o heaven_n as_o also_o the_o invention_n of_o purgatory_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o shorten_v the_o pain_n of_o it_o by_o indulgence_n by_o apply_v the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n merit_n by_o mass_n and_o prayer_n with_o a_o great_a many_o abuse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o half_a communion_n their_o latin_a service_n their_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n or_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o antiquity_n but_o plain_a and_o full_a consent_n there_o be_v both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o against_o they_o but_o now_o to_o all_o this_o they_o make_v one_o general_a reply_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n mean_v the_o roman_a church_n have_v not_o err_v in_o these_o point_n because_o she_o can_v err_v at_o all_o for_o she_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o faith_n she_o be_v that_o one_o catholic_n church_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o which_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o perpetual_a presence_n and_o assistance_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o she_o and_o of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o she_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o word_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v by_o she_o define_v be_v infallible_o true_a and_o therefore_o that_o these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v neither_o damnable_a error_n and_o sin_n nor_o error_n and_o sin_n at_o all_o now_o if_o indeed_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o that_o church_n we_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o very_a great_a strait_n and_o not_o very_o well_o know_v whether_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n impose_v by_o that_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v as_o that_o church_n require_v but_o first_o of_o all_o we_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o do_v not_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o these_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n and_o that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o she_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o so_o much_o error_n as_o will_v utter_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n not_o from_o all_o error_n whatsoever_o but_o that_o no_o promise_n in_o particular_a be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o much_o as_o to_o secure_v she_o from_o fundamental_a error_n utter_o destructive_a of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n especial_o since_o st._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n plain_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n rom._n 11.21_o 22._o where_n speak_v of_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o have_v these_o word_n for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o which_o have_v be_v vain_a word_n if_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o privilege_n confer_v upon_o the_o see_v of_o peter_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o to_o continue_v in_o god_n goodness_n or_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a truth_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o find_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o we_o can_v find_v it_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o she_o have_v err_v because_o some_o of_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o apparent_o to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n than_o to_o believe_v she_o be_v infallible_a because_o she_o say_v so_o of_o herself_o but_o to_o this_o they_o say_v that_o we_o misinterpret_v those_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v what_o they_o profess_v and_o practice_v and_o in_o short_a that_o we_o can_v arrive_v to_o certainty_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n which_o the_o church_n be_v well_o for_o the_o present_a i_o will_v suppose_v this_o but_o then_o this_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o that_o church_n ever_o to_o convince_v i_o or_o any_o reasonable_a man_n of_o she_o own_o infallibility_n by_o the_o scripture_n for_o when_o she_o tell_v i_o that_o christ_n have_v say_v thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n she_o suppose_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o herself_o be_v so_o plain_o make_v that_o every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n may_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o if_o i_o may_v arrive_v at_o a_o certain_a sense_n of_o these_o scripture_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n then_o why_o may_v i_o not_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o other_o text_n as_o plain_a as_o these_o without_o such_o a_o interpreter_n it_o
be_v christian_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o common_a scandal_n of_o the_o world_n that_o truth_n be_v so_o often_o insincere_o represent_v and_o false_a doctrine_n propound_v still_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o hold_v forth_o some_o necessary_a truth_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o gospel_n do_v not_o allow_v but_o command_v we_o to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n not_o to_o reject_v that_o which_o be_v good_a because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o require_v evil_a nor_o to_o admit_v error_n because_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o truth_n but_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 4._o all_o popular_a artifices_fw-la that_o be_v use_v to_o recommend_v either_o wicked_a error_n or_o practice_n be_v also_o great_a offence_n and_o lead_v many_o silly_a soul_n astray_o of_o which_o kind_n the_o most_o obvious_a be_v these_o a_o external_a show_n of_o strictness_n and_o piety_n without_o real_a virtue_n and_o godliness_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o first_o notable_a instance_n who_o place_v religion_n in_o abundance_n of_o nice_a observation_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o strict_a and_o devour_v people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n know_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n compare_v they_o to_o white_v sepulcher_n that_o within_o be_v full_a of_o dead_a go_v bone_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o this_o offence_n will_v be_v so_o powerful_a whenever_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o spirit_n to_o foretell_v it_o express_o 〈◊〉_d that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o another_o offence_n of_o this_o kind_n when_o be_v also_o express_o foretell_v be_v pretend_v the_o testimony_n of_o miracle_n for_o say_v our_o saviour_n himself_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a behold_v say_v he_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o matth._n 24.24_o 25._o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n foretell_v that_o when_o that_o wicked_a one_o shall_v be_v reveal_v his_o come_n shall_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o other_o popular_a device_n for_o the_o support_v of_o error_n and_o that_o be_v to_o denounce_v damnation_n peremptory_o against_o all_o gainsayer_n with_o which_o artifice_n the_o judaizer_n secure_v themselves_o against_o the_o gentile_a christian_n say_v except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v now_o although_o every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o tongue_n may_v if_o he_o please_v lay_v this_o weight_n upon_o his_o cause_n as_o to_o exclude_v all_o from_o salvation_n that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o the_o threaten_a be_v not_o worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n thought_n till_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v examine_v yet_o it_o have_v two_o notable_a advantage_n that_o it_o be_v frame_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n more_o than_o upon_o their_o judgement_n and_o in_o most_o man_n their_o passion_n be_v strong_a than_o their_o reason_n and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o use_v as_o to_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v not_o uncharitableness_n but_o mere_a pity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o compel_v they_o to_o speak_v so_o harsh_a but_o so_o necessary_a a_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o observe_v how_o easy_a man_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v when_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v a_o positive_a sentence_n of_o damnation_n to_o work_v upon_o their_o fear_n and_o on_o the_o other_o a_o appearance_n of_o serious_a charity_n to_o win_v their_o affection_n for_o by_o this_o art_n man_n of_o contrary_a party_n have_v with_o strange_a success_n serve_v contrary_a opinion_n and_o practice_n i_o can_v if_o i_o be_v willing_a reckon_v all_o the_o offence_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v popular_a and_o plausible_a way_n of_o deceive_v but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v such_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o only_o foretell_v in_o the_o general_n when_o he_o say_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o in_o particular_a also_o when_o he_o say_v beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheeps-clothing_n mat._n 7.15_o 5._o to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v what_o st._n paul_n observe_v 1_o tim._n 6.5_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n that_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v defend_v as_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v for_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v no_o such_o hard_a matter_n to_o perplex_v thing_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o find_v colour_n for_o deny_v thing_n that_o be_v evident_a to_o hide_v the_o weakness_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o argument_n to_o divert_v from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o person_n so_o artificial_o as_o if_o the_o cause_n go_v on_o still_o to_o lose_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n to_o make_v truth_n look_v like_o error_n and_o error_n like_o truth_n to_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v if_o a_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o bend_v all_o his_o wit_n this_o way_n for_o something_o may_v be_v say_v for_o any_o thing_n 6._o and_o last_o bad_a example_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v another_o most_o dangerous_a offence_n since_o i_o doubt_v most_o man_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o take_v up_o their_o opinion_n more_o easy_o from_o authority_n than_o from_o other_o argument_n and_o they_o understand_v more_o easy_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a manner_n than_o between_o strong_a and_o weak_a reason_n and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a fruit_n of_o practice_n it_o bring_v forth_o in_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o which_o doubtless_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v in_o those_o word_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o see_v your_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n be_v not_o only_o a_o scandal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o error_n confirm_v they_o in_o their_o wrong_a way_n but_o likewise_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n by_o encourage_v they_o to_o sin_n in_o like_a manner_n especial_o when_o evil_a example_n be_v set_v by_o those_o that_o be_v particular_o oblige_v to_o set_v none_o but_o good_a one_o who_o place_n or_o office_n wealth_n or_o quality_n make_v they_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o gives_z other_o any_o kind_n of_o dependence_n upon_o they_o and_o because_o of_o the_o pernicious_a influence_n of_o bad_a example_n we_o find_v st._n paul_n often_o call_v upon_o the_o christian_n with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v to_o fix_v their_o observation_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v good_a brethren_n say_v he_o be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n for_o many_o walk_n of_o who_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n thus_o i_o have_v very_o brief_o consider_v the_o largeness_n of_o the_o subject_a show_v what_o offence_n be_v to_o come_v by_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o obvious_a offence_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o alas_o for_o the_o world_n by_o too_o sad_a experience_n and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v why_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n shall_v come_v that_o be_v why_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o these_o or_o such_o scandal_n as_o these_o will_v be_v give_v to_o the_o world._n and_o this_o inquiry_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v pursue_v upon_o this_o account_n if_o upon_o no_o other_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o offence_n come_v do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n of_o the_o bless_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o harmless_a and_o dovelike_a temper_n of_o christianity_n the_o excellency_n of_o its_o design_n the_o richness_n of_o its_o promise_n the_o divinity_n of_o its_o rule_n and_o precept_n the_o comfort_n it_o
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
reasonable_a so_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o if_o it_o be_v follow_v it_o will_v secure_v we_o from_o the_o great_a offence_n as_o those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v which_o be_v evident_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n 2._o let_v we_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o our_o church_n faithful_o deliver_v for_o no_o man_n have_v yet_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o offer_v the_o least_o doubt_n against_o that_o nay_o all_o that_o we_o be_v challenge_v for_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v those_o addition_n to_o the_o creed_n which_o in_o comparison_n be_v but_o of_o yesterday_n these_o ancient_a form_n of_o confess_v the_o faith_n show_v what_o article_n of_o mere_a belief_n be_v think_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o hold_v by_o all_o and_o because_o the_o faith_n be_v at_o once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n no_o more_o can_v be_v necessary_a now_o than_o be_v then_o now_o if_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o christian_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_o guard_v against_o all_o erroneous_a doctrine_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o by_o any_o party_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o necessary_a truth_n for_o whilst_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o profess_v all_o that_o be_v think_v necessary_a at_o first_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o ease_n and_o feel_v no_o disturbance_n in_o examine_v what_o be_v moreover_o propound_v and_o determine_v to_o receive_v it_o if_o it_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o reject_v it_o if_o it_o have_v none_o much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o which_o rule_n i_o hope_v you_o perceive_v be_v to_o take_v place_n in_o judge_v what_o you_o be_v to_o believe_v not_o in_o judge_v whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o even_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o which_o we_o may_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o will_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o he_o can_v miscarry_v great_o but_o be_v in_o great_a measure_n secure_v from_o the_o mischief_n of_o offence_n who_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n will_v be_v determine_v by_o nothing_o less_o than_o divine_a authority_n and_o who_o in_o matter_n of_o external_a order_n which_o be_v no_o way_n determine_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v still_o ready_a to_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o man._n but_o then_o 3._o let_v we_o keep_v ourselves_o always_o in_o the_o proper_a disposition_n and_o preparation_n to_o judge_v and_o conclude_v aright_o for_o ourselves_o i._n e._n by_o sincerity_n which_o consist_v chief_o in_o a_o vehement_a desire_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n we_o must_v lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o this_o that_o we_o will_v be_v honest_a and_o good_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v use_v all_o good_a rule_n well_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o whit_n the_o more_o incline_v to_o embrace_v doctrine_n for_o our_o belief_n or_o practice_n because_o they_o make_v for_o our_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o this_o go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n good_a and_o evil._n offence_n from_o without_o will_v not_o stumble_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o weaken_v and_o blind_v by_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o vicious_a disposition_n within_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v warning_n against_o the_o former_a in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n do_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n proceed_v to_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o secure_v ourselves_o against_o they_o and_o that_o by_o prevent_v the_o latter_a wherefore_o say_v he_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n or_o foot_n offend_v thou_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o that_o be_v subdue_v thy_o dear_a lust_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o that_o be_v hard_a to_o part_v with_o than_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v grow_v a_o part_n of_o thyself_o though_o it_o cost_v thou_o as_o much_o pain_n to_o divide_v thyself_o from_o it_o as_o it_o will_v to_o cut_v off_o thy_o hand_n or_o pull_v out_o thy_o eye_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n do_v thou_o mortify_v it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o when_o the_o world_n will_v be_v full_a of_o offence_n i._n e._n encouragement_n to_o sin_n and_o of_o deceitful_a error_n if_o thou_o also_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o thyself_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a heart_n and_o purify_n thy_o mind_n from_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a lust_n thou_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o art_n and_o force_n of_o outward_a temptation_n now_o the_o way_n to_o gain_v this_o honest_a mind_n be_v to_o fix_v our_o thought_n steadfast_o upon_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o be_v the_o mean_v our_o saviour_n direct_v to_o the_o use_n of_o in_o this_o place_n too_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o for_o it_o be_v better_a for_o thou_o to_o enter_v into_o life_n with_o one_o eye_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell-fire_n last_o let_v all_o our_o other_o care_n be_v begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o purify_v our_o intention_n and_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n and_o keep_v we_o in_o it_o by_o his_o grace_n for_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o for_o another_o but_o much_o more_o for_o himself_o and_o most_o of_o all_o when_o he_o ask_v the_o best_a thing_n when_o he_o ask_v those_o thing_n that_o please_v god_n best_a a_o mind_n purify_v from_o worldly_a lust_n and_o a_o understanding_n enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n shall_v never_o fall_v the_o four_o sermon_n matth_n xxvi_o 41._o watch_z and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o watch_v and_o pray_v that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o a_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o exhortation_n be_v make_v the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a in_o the_o exhortation_n we_o may_v observe_v a_o direction_n to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n watch_n and_o pray_v and_o then_o the_o end_n why_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n as_o to_o the_o mean_n watch_v and_o pray_v the_o use_n of_o they_o both_o suppose_v a_o great_a concern_v for_o the_o event_n for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o only_a to_o be_v careful_a myself_o but_o to_o get_v all_o the_o help_n i_o can_v nay_o if_o i_o be_o to_o go_v to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o his_o help_n and_o to_o seek_v it_o constant_o to_o be_v sure_a as_o the_o end_n i_o aim_v at_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o itself_o trivial_a so_o neither_o ought_v i_o to_o be_v trivial_o affect_v with_o it_o a_o great_a concern_v for_o the_o end_n be_v suppose_v in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n but_o more_o particular_o as_o to_o watch_v that_o signify_v such_o a_o care_n of_o ourselves_o as_o suppose_v danger_n and_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o disciple_n to_o who_o the_o exhortation_n be_v immediate_o give_v our_o saviour_n be_v now_o prepare_v they_o for_o his_o approach_a passion_n he_o will_v therefore_o have_v they_o consider_v beforehand_o what_o a_o terrible_a temptation_n it_o will_v be_v to_o see_v their_o own_o master_n forsake_v and_o contemn_v and_o almost_o every_o body_n ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o own_v he_o he_o will_v have_v they_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o infirmity_n and_o examine_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v likely_a to_o hold_v out_o against_o such_o a_o temptation_n as_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o he_o will_v have_v they_o furnish_v their_o mind_n with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o constancy_n which_o they_o may_v infer_v from_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n he_o have_v teach_v they_o they_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o value_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o whatever_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o jesus_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o good_a mind_n they_o be_v in_o at_o present_a he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o
there_o be_v a_o short_a and_o a_o sure_a way_n to_o determine_v this_o matter_n and_o that_o by_o compare_v those_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n with_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o more_o certain_a tradition_n than_o any_o of_o those_o history_n that_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o revolution_n of_o church_n affair_n since_o the_o beginning_n and_o now_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o if_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o such_o and_o such_o corruption_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n sometime_o or_o other_o after_o the_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o leave_v in_o their_o write_n though_o i_o can_v tell_v just_o the_o year_n when_o or_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o first_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n i_o will_v very_o fain_o know_v of_o any_o man_n that_o when_o our_o saviour_n set_v himself_o to_o overthrow_v that_o wicked_a tradition_n which_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o before_o whether_o he_o can_v not_o if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o person_n that_o begin_v it_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o begin_v and_o of_o every_o circumstance_n that_o attend_v its_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n and_o its_o growth_n and_o increase_v afterward_o but_o do_v he_o go_v this_o way_n to_o work_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o pharise_n pretend_v the_o tradition_n which_o they_o teach_v the_o people_n be_v deliver_v from_o god_n to_o moses_n and_o that_o through_o several_a age_n they_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o they_o successive_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o if_o our_o lord_n have_v with_o many_o word_n show_v they_o that_o they_o be_v such_o and_o such_o man_n who_o first_o bring_v they_o in_o this_o have_v be_v a_o confutation_n of_o their_o pretence_n but_o for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o use_v a_o better_a and_o a_o short_a argument_n against_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o what_o the_o commandment_n be_v in_o the_o law_n which_o their_o pretend_a tradition_n make_v void_a and_o this_o be_v instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o argument_n that_o their_o doctrine_n never_o come_v from_o moses_n but_o be_v invent_v some_o time_n afterward_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v none_o of_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o use_v that_o kind_n of_o argument_n which_o our_o saviour_n think_v fit_a to_o confute_v those_o people_n withal_o and_o which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v he_o use_v that_o he_o may_v show_v we_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v ourselves_o from_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o by_o a_o pretence_n of_o have_v receive_v such_o doctrine_n from_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o never_o deliver_v when_o therefore_o we_o be_v ask_v if_o transubstantiation_n be_v a_o error_n and_o not_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n when_o do_v it_o come_v in_o if_o service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n be_v a_o innocation_n when_o do_v it_o come_v in_o if_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n be_v a_o corruption_n when_o do_v it_o come_v in_o let_v we_o account_v it_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v for_o so_o our_o saviour_n think_v it_o in_o the_o like_a case_n that_o transubstantiation_n make_v void_a those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o affirm_v that_o by_o eat_v of_o bread_n we_o show_v forth_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o body_n that_o service_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n make_v void_a the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n make_v void_a the_o seven_o and_o the_o ten_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n can_v be_v offer_v no_o more_o and_o that_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o they_o do_v come_v in_o sometime_o or_o other_o since_o the_o apostle_n but_o whether_o they_o come_v in_o soon_o or_o late_a be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o certain_o nothing_o aught_o ever_o to_o have_v come_v in_o that_o make_v void_a any_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o if_o any_o such_o thing_n have_v get_v in_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v throw_v out_o again_o they_o may_v well_o be_v ashamed_a that_o can_v bear_v this_o sort_n of_o argue_v but_o most_o certain_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o use_v it_o since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v use_v it_o before_o we_o for_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o overthrow_v the_o credit_n of_o these_o doctrine_n for_o which_o they_o pretend_v a_o constant_a tradition_n in_o the_o church_n he_o think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o his_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o they_o void_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o make_v his_o word_n of_o none_o effect_n 2._o if_o there_o be_v one_o traditionary_a doctrine_n that_o notorious_o contradict_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a credit_n of_o that_o tradition_n which_o pretend_v to_o bring_v down_o unwritten_a doctrine_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v receive_v for_o thus_o we_o find_v that_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o single_a instance_n of_o that_o tradition_n which_o void_v the_o five_o commandment_n overthrow_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o pharise_n against_o his_o disciple_n why_o do_v thy_o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n i._n e._n their_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o ought_v all_o of_o they_o to_o be_v religious_o observe_v because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o authority_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o produce_v a_o instance_n of_o their_o tradition_n that_o take_v away_o all_o authority_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o therefore_o among_o their_o unwritten_a doctrine_n and_o rule_n there_o be_v any_o that_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o goodness_n and_o usefulness_n they_o be_v to_o be_v regard_v upon_o their_o own_o account_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n but_o when_o he_o have_v utter_o overthrow_v all_o that_o pretend_a authority_n by_o a_o undeniable_a argument_n he_o than_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n which_o themselves_o have_v propound_v and_o lay_v down_o the_o truth_n concern_v it_o they_o have_v a_o vast_a number_n of_o superstition_n for_o which_o they_o pretend_v tradition_n and_o they_o tax_v our_o saviour_n disciple_n for_o not_o observe_v one_o of_o they_o now_o he_o with_o admirable_a wisdom_n first_o break_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o tradition_n show_v that_o one_o of_o they_o be_v plain_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o show_v how_o superstitious_a and_o foolish_a they_o be_v in_o the_o case_n which_o themselves_o choose_v to_o speak_v to_o in_o this_o also_o our_o lord_n have_v set_v we_o a_o example_n that_o if_o we_o be_v press_v by_o a_o pretence_n to_o tradition_n in_o favour_n of_o unwritten_a doctrine_n and_o article_n we_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n show_v that_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o pretend_v tradition_n for_o any_o of_o they_o since_o they_o be_v all_o say_v to_o have_v come_v down_o together_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o will_v be_v then_o seasonable_a to_o show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o the_o rest_n if_o they_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n 3._o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o some_o one_o or_o two_o age_n that_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n many_o age_n before_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v so_o deliver_v the_o pharise_n do_v pretend_v that_o their_o doctrine_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n have_v be_v convey_v down_o from_o moses_n by_o oral_a tradition_n to_o that_o age_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o there_o be_v several_a of_o these_o tradition_n universal_o believe_v in_o that_o age_n to_o have_v be_v so_o convey_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n be_v universal_o govern_v by_o they_o for_o instance_n that_o of_o religious_a wash_v before_o meat_n and_o the_o wash_n of_o cup_n and_o pot_n as_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o good_a and_o holy_a be_v universal_o receive_v and_o practise_v as_o st._n mark_n tell_v we_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o have_v reason_v in_o this_o fashion_n we_o in_o this_o age_n receive_v this_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n from_o our_o forefather_n who_o profess_v they_o receive_v it_o from_o they_o and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o from_o they_o than_o
than_o they_o have_v before_o and_o be_v better_a able_a to_o lead_v other_o into_o it_o 2._o by_o this_o mean_n also_o the_o constancy_n of_o sincere_a person_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v manifest_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o opposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o that_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o this_o not_o only_o because_o a_o man_n steadfastness_n can_v be_v prove_v but_o by_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n but_o likewise_o because_o they_o be_v but_o few_o good_a man_n in_o comparison_n who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o diligent_a examination_n of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n if_o contrary_a doctrine_n be_v not_o advance_v they_o will_v rely_v most_o upon_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o instead_o of_o believe_a truth_n upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o argument_n but_o if_o as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o instance_n the_o spread_a of_o heresy_n put_v they_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n after_o the_o reason_n of_o truth_n their_o steadfastness_n in_o it_o afterward_o be_v manifest_v to_o be_v the_o true_a virtue_n of_o constancy_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n not_o to_o change_v our_o opinion_n let_v what_o will_v be_v produce_v against_o it_o but_o in_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a after_o the_o most_o diligent_a examination_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o thus_o heresy_n make_v good_a man_n more_o constant_a in_o the_o truth_n by_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n of_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o it_o by_o better_a argument_n and_o clear_a evidence_n and_o they_o manifest_v their_o constancy_n to_o the_o world_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o adversary_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o want_v to_o shake_v the_o dfastness_n of_o true_a believer_n by_o all_o way_n of_o temptation_n imaginable_a 3._o their_o charity_n to_o other_o be_v manifest_v also_o by_o mean_n of_o heresy_n and_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o here_o be_v occasion_n give_v to_o show_v their_o care_n of_o one_o another_o in_o satisfy_v the_o doubtful_a in_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a in_o give_v caution_n to_o the_o confident_a and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o weak_a all_o which_o be_v noble_a instance_n of_o christian_a charity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o since_o their_o care_n to_o recover_v other_o from_o the_o way_n of_o error_n to_o reduce_v those_o that_o be_v go_v aside_o together_o with_o their_o endure_a contradiction_n their_o instruct_n in_o much_o patience_n their_o meekness_n towards_o those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o be_v likewise_o manifest_v upon_o all_o such_o occasion_n 4._o their_o sincerity_n do_v likewise_o appear_v in_o another_o respect_n viz._n of_o defend_v truth_n with_o truth_n only_o and_o a_o good_a cause_n by_o innocence_n and_o honest_a mean_n without_o make_v use_n of_o fraud_n of_o lie_n of_o false_a accusation_n 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undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o justice_n which_o do_v most_o sensible_o grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n and_o threaten_v the_o safety_n of_o every_o good_a subject_n which_o do_v not_o only_o work_v mischief_n to_o the_o innocent_a but_o also_o damn_v the_o guilty_a almost_o without_o remedy_n if_o perjury_n as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v be_v grow_v the_o cry_a sin_n of_o our_o land_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o terrible_a enough_o to_o prevail_v against_o it_o we_o be_v then_o bind_v in_o allegiance_n to_o god_n in_o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n in_o love_n to_o our_o country_n in_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o bring_v in_o all_o the_o assistance_n we_o can_v from_o religion_n to_o expel_v this_o fatal_a mischief_n and_o to_o remove_v this_o foul_a scandal_n from_o among_o we_o by_o instruct_v plain_o by_o reprove_v impartial_o by_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v most_o vehement_o in_o contribution_n to_o which_o good_a end_n i_o beg_v your_o patience_n while_o i_o endeavour_v to_o show_v first_o of_o all_o wherein_o lie_v the_o peculiar_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n second_o what_o be_v the_o several_a way_n of_o violate_v this_o obligation_n or_o incur_v the_o crime_n of_o perjury_n three_o what_o be_v the_o usual_a temptation_n and_o inducement_n thereunto_o last_o some_o of_o the_o fearful_a aggravation_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o sin_n that_o a_o oath_n induce_v the_o utmost_a obligation_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v confess_v by_o general_a practice_n which_o have_v make_v or_o rather_o receive_v it_o to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o controversy_n for_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v yet_o more_o deep_o than_o by_o swear_v sure_o the_o final_a resort_n will_v not_o be_v have_v to_o a_o oath_n if_o any_o thing_n can_v confirm_v a_o testimony_n more_o assure_o which_o be_v in_o our_o power_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o last_o confirmation_n therefore_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n imply_v a_o peculiar_a obligation_n to_o discharge_v it_o true_o for_o the_o great_a that_o trust_n be_v which_o i_o cause_v another_o to_o repose_v in_o i_o the_o great_a treachery_n i_o be_o guilty_a of_o if_o i_o then_o deceive_v he_o but_o if_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n oblige_v man_n not_o to_o swear_v false_o much_o more_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n may_v a_o oath_n be_v rest_v in_o as_o the_o high_a security_n that_o man_n can_v offer_v for_o their_o honesty_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o appeal_n to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o witness_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o falsehood_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o own_o testimony_n 1._o god_n be_v appeal_v to_o as_o a_o witness_n he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o knowledge_n the_o faithful_a and_o infallible_a witness_n of_o every_o thought_n and_o action_n he_o who_o testimony_n alone_o need_v not_o to_o be_v confirm_v by_o any_o other_o since_o for_o he_o only_o it_o be_v natural_o and_o eternal_o impossible_a to_o deceive_v or_o to_o be_v deceive_v i_o ought_v never_o to_o lie_v or_o dissemble_v or_o break_v my_o word_n because_o i_o know_v myself_o always_o to_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o aught_o to_o restrain_v i_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o falsehood_n at_o any_o time_n that_o i_o be_o within_o the_o sight_n and_o hear_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n but_o most_o of_o all_o be_o i_o bind_v to_o be_v sincere_a when_o i_o have_v appeal_v to_o he_o as_o present_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o what_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n to_o hear_v a_o lie_n tell_v to_o his_o face_n but_o if_o the_o liar_n shall_v call_v he_o to_o witness_v his_o falsehood_n this_o he_o will_v take_v in_o foul_a scorn_n and_o with_o great_a indignation_n and_o what_o a_o height_n of_o impudence_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o put_v the_o like_a affront_n upon_o god_n himself_o by_o appeal_n to_o his_o knowledge_n for_o our_o unrighteousness_n in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o we_o deal_v false_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o impute_v our_o own_o baseness_n and_o falsehood_n to_o his_o most_o holy_a majesty_n and_o to_o do_v what_o be_v in_o we_o to_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n like_a unto_o ourselves_o 2._o god_n be_v not_o only_o call_v upon_o as_o the_o witness_n of_o truth_n when_o we_o swear_v but_o also_o as_o the_o avenger_n of_o falsehood_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o add_v of_o this_o which_o make_v a_o appeal_n to_o god_n testimony_n by_o invocation_n a_o most_o forcible_a obligation_n to_o truth_n and_o the_o utmost_a security_n which_o we_o can_v offer_v for_o the_o same_o when_o we_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o man_n present_v who_o know_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o we_o affirm_v it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o wish_v that_o he_o be_v revenge_v of_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a because_o he_o may_v be_v call_v forth_o open_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n or_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o what_o we_o say_v where_o the_o witness_n be_v visible_a and_o the_o testimony_n credible_a it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o appeal_v to_o his_o knowledge_n only_o but_o when_o god_n be_v take_v to_o witness_v by_o we_o there_o be_v no_o voice_n or_o sensible_a appearance_n by_o which_o he_o do_v either_o confirm_v or_o disow_v the_o matter_n what_o be_v it_o then_o which_o make_v a_o appeal_n to_o god_n the_o silent_a and_o invisible_a witness_n to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o oblige_v ourselves_o and_o confirm_v other_o that_o we_o speak_v the_o truth_n what_o be_v it_o but_o this_o that_o we_o do_v appeal_v to_o his_o justice_n as_o well_o as_o his_o knowledge_n and_o call_v the_o vengeance_n of_o the_o almighty_a down_o upon_o our_o head_n if_o he_o discern_v any_o falsehood_n and_o deceit_n in_o our_o testimony_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o obligation_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o discharge_v a_o trust_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o this_o that_o if_o we_o be_v now_o guilty_a of_o lie_v or_o unfaithfulness_n we_o do_v not_o only_a consent_n but_o desire_v that_o the_o indignation_n and_o curse_n of_o god_n may_v fall_v upon_o we_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o invoke_v of_o divine_a vengeance_n if_o we_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n be_v only_o consequent_a upon_o swear_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o learned_a man_n but_o also_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o that_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o which_o if_o it_o be_v remove_v the_o fear_n of_o perjury_n
fear_n hatred_n favour_n or_o affection_n but_o far_a one_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o violation_n of_o another_o man_n oath_n he_o that_o suborn_v a_o false_a witness_n be_v before_o god_n guilty_a of_o his_o perjury_n yea_o if_o he_o do_v so_o much_o as_o tempt_v a_o witness_n to_o be_v false_a for_o though_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o actual_o swear_v yet_o he_o design_n that_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v break_v god_n have_v say_v thou_o shall_v swear_v in_o truth_n he_o in_o effect_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o prevail_v he_o be_v at_o once_o guilty_a of_o the_o false_a witness_n his_o break_v that_o law_n of_o god_n and_o likewise_o of_o his_o own_o contradict_v it_o which_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o bad_a and_o there_o be_v this_o circumstance_n render_v the_o perjury_n more_o displease_v to_o god_n that_o two_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o violate_v one_o oath_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o tamper_n with_o jury_n to_o possess_v they_o beforehand_o with_o favour_n or_o disaffection_n to_o either_o of_o the_o party_n for_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o perjury_n that_o be_v to_o give_v their_o verdict_n with_o respect_n to_o person_n and_o not_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o evidence_n and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o they_o who_o be_v to_o impannel_n jury_n be_v likewise_o guilty_a of_o the_o violation_n of_o other_o man_n oath_n if_o in_o any_o case_n depend_v they_o return_v juror_n who_o interest_n and_o affection_n they_o believe_v will_v carry_v they_o to_o favour_v the_o side_n befriend_v by_o their_o own_o wish_n for_o though_o they_o may_v choose_v whether_o they_o will_v be_v forswear_v yet_o he_o that_o return_v they_o have_v a_o mind_n that_o they_o shall_v rather_o than_o the_o cause_n shall_v miscarry_v on_o that_o side_n to_o which_o he_o be_v partial_a himself_o last_o whoever_o in_o behalf_n of_o a_o client_n put_v word_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o slow_a country_n witness_v while_o he_o be_v give_v his_o testimony_n by_o which_o the_o witness_n mean_v one_o thing_n and_o he_o another_o by_o this_o mean_n pervert_v the_o evidence_n while_o the_o poor_a man_n perceive_v it_o not_o he_o do_v not_o only_o direct_o offend_v against_o the_o end_n of_o swear_v which_o be_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o before_o god_n he_o be_v as_o guilty_a of_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o oath_n as_o the_o honest_a witness_n will_v have_v be_v have_v he_o know_o use_v the_o same_o subtlety_n in_o give_v testimony_n which_o be_v indeed_o but_o practise_v upon_o he_o and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o usual_a way_n direct_a or_o indirect_a by_o which_o a_o oath_n may_v be_v violate_v it_o be_v requisite_a to_o touch_v upon_o they_o at_o least_o that_o what_o remain_v to_o be_v say_v may_v find_v we_o prepare_v for_o particular_a application_n as_o to_o the_o inducement_n to_o perjury_n which_o be_v the_o three_o subject_n propound_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o every_o sin_n which_o prey_v upon_o the_o conscience_n do_v form_n the_o mind_n more_o or_o less_o into_o some_o disposition_n to_o this_o the_o black_a of_o they_o all_o every_o thing_n incline_v to_o it_o which_o lessen_v the_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o offend_a god_n the_o prevalency_n of_o any_o lust_n especial_o of_o ambition_n and_o revengefulness_n animate_v man_n to_o break_v loose_a from_o all_o the_o most_o sacred_a bond_n that_o shall_v restrain_v they_o from_o gratify_v their_o inordinate_a appetite_n again_o partiality_n ground_v upon_o prejudice_n and_o interest_n upon_o envy_n and_o covetousness_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o perjury_n in_o most_o question_n concern_v rent_n and_o tithe_n every_o body_n be_v ready_a to_o say_v how_o the_o case_n be_v like_a to_o go_v but_o when_o all_o be_v say_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o our_o age_n have_v make_v such_o foul_a work_n in_o swear_v as_o faction_n have_v do_v that_o combination_n of_o covetousness_n pride_n and_o ambition_n of_o envy_n hatred_n and_o malice_n unite_a and_o make_v fast_o together_o under_o hypocrisy_n any_o one_o of_o these_o single_o by_o itself_o lead_v to_o perjury_n but_o when_o they_o all_o conspire_v they_o drive_v on_o to_o it_o without_o opposition_n another_o inlet_n to_o the_o violation_n of_o oath_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o common_a swear_v he_o that_o will_v call_v god_n to_o witness_v trifle_n by_o degree_n lose_v the_o reverence_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o be_v within_o a_o little_a of_o call_v he_o to_o witness_v falsehood_n i_o mean_v upon_o solemn_a oath_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o customary_a oath_n of_o conversation_n make_v the_o swearer_n guilty_a of_o frequent_a perjury_n when_o he_o think_v not_o of_o it_o but_o if_o he_o swear_v in_o truth_n before_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n against_o his_o interest_n or_o affection_n we_o be_v to_o thank_v his_o generosity_n for_o it_o and_o not_o the_o respect_n he_o have_v for_o a_o oath_n otherwise_o he_o that_o swear_v common_o and_o rash_o will_v upon_o any_o considerable_a temptation_n swear_v false_o with_o deliberation_n in_o a_o word_n such_o be_v the_o inducement_n and_o occasion_n of_o perjury_n that_o perhaps_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o administer_a oath_n be_v in_o all_o place_n a_o little_a more_o awful_a and_o solemn_a than_o it_o be_v to_o strike_v into_o those_o man_n some_o reverence_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o fear_v of_o perjury_n who_o bring_v nothing_o of_o it_o along_o with_o they_o indeed_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o prevent_v false_a swear_v will_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o heinous_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n some_o of_o which_o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v now_o represent_v we_o know_v that_o sincerity_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o keep_v one_o promise_n be_v every_o man_n duty_n whether_o he_o be_v swear_v or_o not_o the_o natural_a obligation_n we_o lie_v under_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o our_o word_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o so_o sensible_a that_o every_o man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o lie_n but_o whoever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o common_a falsifier_n of_o his_o word_n and_o so_o give_v to_o deceit_n that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v let_v he_o be_v endue_v with_o never_o so_o many_o considerable_a and_o useful_a part_n beside_o that_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o ruin_v his_o reputation_n insincerity_n be_v so_o foul_a a_o stain_n that_o no_o good_a quality_n can_v wipe_v it_o out_o and_o this_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o strong_a obligation_n to_o trust_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n wherefore_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o heinous_a circumstance_n of_o perjury_n that_o when_o the_o sacred_a bond_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v once_o violate_a the_o perjure_a person_n be_v guilty_a of_o break_v that_o faith_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o natural_a duty_n before_o but_o sincerity_n be_v still_o more_o a_o duty_n when_o my_o testimony_n be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o public_a peace_n and_o justice_n all_o man_n have_v right_a to_o be_v true_o deal_v with_o much_o more_o the_o magistrate_n by_o who_o i_o be_o protect_v most_o of_o all_o when_o he_o require_v it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o do_v of_o justice_n or_o the_o secure_n of_o government_n it_o be_v then_o my_o duty_n to_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o my_o neighbour_n it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o my_o country_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n clear_o and_o honest_o and_o if_o i_o promise_v any_o thing_n to_o discharge_v it_o faithful_o the_o discharge_n of_o thy_o office_n which_o thou_o be_v swear_v to_o execute_v be_v both_o requisite_a for_o the_o public_a good_a and_o require_v by_o just_a authority_n if_o thou_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o promise_v it_o thou_o have_v be_v still_o oblige_v to_o the_o same_o in_o obedience_n to_o thy_o superior_a in_o love_n to_o thy_o country_n if_o thou_o have_v be_v bare_o require_v to_o give_v thy_o testimony_n in_o court_n yet_o even_o without_o oath_n or_o promise_n thou_o be_v great_o bind_v to_o truth_n because_o the_o tell_n of_o a_o lie_n in_o this_o case_n be_v impudent_a undutifulness_n to_o the_o judge_n and_o manifest_o injurious_a to_o thy_o neighbour_n in_o like_a manner_n a_o verdict_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n if_o it_o be_v only_o for_o this_o that_o a_o controversy_n may_v be_v righteous_o decide_v instead_o of_o establish_v some_o instance_n of_o iniquity_n by_o a_o law._n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o far_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o perjury_n in_o all_o these_o case_n that_o the_o oath_n which_o be_v violate_v do_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o that_o sincerity_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n
plain_a faith_n a_o pure_a and_o simple_a worship_n and_o for_o a_o few_o mystery_n no_o more_o than_o god_n have_v make_v and_o for_o make_v charity_n and_o purity_n the_o end_n of_o all_o these_o but_o general_o speak_v people_n be_v for_o be_v save_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n with_o a_o priest_n to_o administer_v they_o they_o love_v to_o be_v amuse_v and_o to_o have_v their_o imagination_n entertain_v with_o mystery_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o then_o to_o believe_v that_o their_o soul_n have_v receive_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a by_o it_o on_o the_o other_o side_n christianity_n do_v very_o little_o gratify_v the_o fancy_n and_o labour_n very_o much_o to_o inform_v the_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o have_v be_v think_v a_o religion_n fit_v only_o for_o philosopher_n be_v not_o accommodate_v enough_o to_o the_o vulgar_a unless_o it_o be_v dress_v out_o with_o more_o mystery_n and_o pageantry_n but_o then_o the_o ancient_a father_n make_v no_o doubt_n to_o call_v it_o a_o philosophy_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v design_v to_o make_v plowman_n and_o vulgar_a person_n philosopher_n i._n e._n to_o cure_v they_o of_o superstition_n and_o to_o inform_v their_o mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o profitable_a truth_n this_o be_v the_o true_a business_n of_o christian_a priest_n not_o to_o make_v gain_n to_o themselves_o by_o deceive_a people_n that_o be_v to_o be_v deceive_v nor_o to_o get_v power_n and_o dependency_n by_o those_o doctrine_n whereby_o the_o people_n get_v ease_n and_o liberty_n and_o ignorance_n but_o instead_o of_o nourish_v and_o encourage_v to_o repress_v and_o correct_v the_o proneness_n of_o mankind_n to_o superstition_n 4._o these_o two_o opposite_a infirmity_n a_o fondness_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v new_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o passionate_a zeal_n for_o that_o which_o have_v some_o antiquity_n on_o the_o other_o do_v by_o turn_n promote_v this_o mischief_n some_o error_n have_v very_o successful_o take_v place_n at_o first_o when_o they_o be_v entertainment_n to_o those_o that_o love_v novelty_n and_o the_o same_o error_n in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v hug_v by_o other_o because_o they_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o great_a antiquity_n they_o be_v few_o in_o comparison_n that_o have_v not_o rather_o be_v tell_v what_o be_v late_o and_o what_o be_v ancient_a than_o what_o be_v true._n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v 6._o the_o vast_a influence_n that_o prejudice_n and_o prepossession_n have_v upon_o man_n understanding_n which_o be_v very_o often_o so_o great_a that_o it_o will_v not_o allow_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o so_o condemn_v he_o that_o offer_v truth_n before_o he_o be_v hear_v or_o if_o a_o hear_n can_v be_v avoid_v it_o be_v able_a sometime_o to_o divert_v the_o attention_n or_o if_o attention_n be_v give_v it_o can_v corrupt_v the_o judgement_n man_n in_o those_o circumstance_n be_v but_o ill_a judge_n 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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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more_o than_o he_o 4._o if_o god_n justify_v we_o our_o own_o heart_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n acquit_v and_o absolve_v we_o say_v st._n john_n if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god._n and_o it_o be_v true_a on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o if_o god_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n of_o ourselves_o by_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o please_v ourselves_o by_o make_v he_o our_o friend_n we_o shall_v infallible_o make_v one_o friend_n more_o and_o that_o be_v our_o own_o conscience_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o we_o than_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world._n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o
follow_v truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o we_o know_v will_v put_v we_o upon_o struggle_v with_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o strain_v point_n against_o our_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o the_o while_o we_o be_v gain_v his_o favour_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o do_v well_o and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v it_o we_o shall_v thank_v ourselves_o instead_o of_o be_v plague_v with_o a_o fad_n and_o black_a remembrance_n of_o the_o way_n we_o take_v to_o get_v it_o acquaint_v now_o thyself_o with_o god_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v good_a come_v unto_o thy_o soul._n 5._o there_o lie_v no_o flattery_n nor_o false_a accusation_n nor_o outward_a accident_n against_o we_o to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n or_o to_o make_v we_o lose_v what_o we_o have_v wrought_v to_o turn_v his_o mind_n or_o to_o blot_v our_o service_n out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n no_o change_n of_o fortune_n shall_v bring_v we_o into_o disgrace_n which_o consideration_n st._n paul_n lay_v great_a strength_n upon_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o text._n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n v._o 35._o i_o be_o persuade_v say_v he_o that_o neither_o death_n norlife_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n v._o 38._o nay_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n that_o be_v we_o get_v by_o be_v condemn_v by_o other_o because_o by_o that_o we_o be_v make_v more_o dear_a to_o god_n who_o will_v consider_v not_o only_o that_o we_o serve_v he_o but_o under_o what_o discouragement_n from_o the_o world_n we_o do_v so_o last_o 6._o 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therefore_o that_o this_o subject_n may_v have_v be_v more_o useful_o pursue_v by_o show_v particular_o what_o that_o faith_n and_o that_o practice_n be_v with_o which_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v who_o god_n justify_v and_o how_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o now_o i_o consider_v all_o this_o at_o first_o but_o then_o i_o know_v that_o i_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o person_n who_o be_v neither_o ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n nor_o of_o the_o evidence_n whereby_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o whoever_o govern_v himself_o in_o worship_v god_n in_o behave_v himself_o to_o other_o and_o in_o all_o his_o way_n shall_v be_v assure_o justify_v of_o god_n though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v condemn_v he_o for_o it_o but_o i_o consider_v also_o that_o of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o shake_v the_o constancy_n of_o modest_a person_n nothing_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o do_v it_o than_o the_o mighty_a confidence_n wherewith_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n condemn_v we_o and_o exclaim_v against_o we_o for_o to_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o surprise_n that_o man_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v learned_a and_o know_v to_o be_v zealous_a do_v pronounce_v against_o we_o with_o no_o less_o severity_n than_o if_o we_o be_v mere_a infidel_n one_o will_v think_v there_o must_v be_v some_o deep_a reason_n for_o it_o when_o they_o make_v we_o nothing_o at_o all_o and_o themselves_o all_o in_o all_o for_o thus_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o we_o be_v a_o church_n or_o that_o we_o have_v any_o certainty_n so_o much_o as_o of_o that_o true_a doctrine_n we_o profess_v for_o they_o know_v we_o better_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o as_o for_o our_o salvation_n they_o be_v as_o sure_a it_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o till_o we_o be_v convert_v to_o they_o as_o if_o they_o keep_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n nor_o do_v they_o sink_v we_o more_o than_o they_o raise_v themselves_o who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o church_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o only_o not_o deceive_v but_o even_o infallible_a they_o talk_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o safety_n with_o we_o and_o no_o danger_n with_o they_o which_o may_v raise_v such_o doubt_n in_o weak_a mind_n that_o i_o think_v it_o not_o unseasonable_a to_o bring_v to_o your_o remembrance_n how_o violent_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o christian_a brethren_n be_v condemn_v by_o man_n of_o who_o yet_o these_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v justify_v of_o god._n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v this_o be_v a_o common-place_n argument_n of_o which_o all_o man_n serve_v themselves_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o argument_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a for_o if_o these_o man_n themselves_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o confidence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v you_o will_v i_o hope_v make_v this_o application_n that_o neither_o be_v their_o confidence_n to_o be_v trust_v and_o therefore_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v before_o you_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v what_o they_o call_v themselves_o and_o examine_v what_o they_o teach_v before_o you_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o yourselves_o for_o what_o they_o call_v you_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o desire_v of_o you_o that_o you_o will_v weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o not_o mind_n swell_a word_n brethren_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o new_a artifice_n to_o talk_v in_o a_o very_a high_a strain_n when_o argument_n run_v very_o low_a thus_o jew_n and_o gentile_n exclaim_v against_o our_o father_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a believer_n condemn_v they_o for_o go_v against_o antiquity_n universality_n authority_n tradition_n philosopher_n lawmaker_n king_n and_o nation_n and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v all_o this_o be_v but_o empty_a noise_n and_o vain_a pretence_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o 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both_o as_o to_o the_o accident_n and_o nature_n of_o bread_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n will_v be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o both_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o accident_n i_o deny_v it_o this_o i_o profess_v not_o to_o understand_v fath._n as_o to_o the_o doctor_n argument_n it_o include_v a_o sophism_n as_o will_v appear_v when_o bring_v into_o form_n because_o it_o involve_v 4_o term_n because_o he_o suppose_v in_o one_o proposition_n for_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o the_o other_o for_o the_o nature_n dr._n in_o the_o argument_n i_o use_v i_o go_v upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o answerer_n suppose_v and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o confound_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n together_o beside_o the_o distinction_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o bread_n and_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n be_v not_o to_o 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