will_v be_v take_v heed_n lest_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n say_v i_o be_o christ_n and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o there_o be_v christ_n believe_v it_o not_o for_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 i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o thus_o he_o foretell_v how_o christianity_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v by_o imposture_n and_o fraud_n again_o say_v he_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o kill_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o nation_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n and_o then_o shall_v many_o be_v offend_v and_o shall_v betray_v one_o another_o and_o shall_v hate_v one_o another_o thus_o he_o 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so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o observation_n which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v unavoidable_a from_o the_o text_n that_o even_o after_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v degenerate_a age_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v as_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n find_v when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o visit_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o iniquity_n and_o offence_n it_o abound_v with_o the_o 2._o supposition_n be_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o our_o lord_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v 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 for_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v intimate_v manifest_o that_o his_o come_n be_v then_o to_o be_v expect_v when_o little_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o consequent_o when_o 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hurt_n with_o it_o than_o can_v be_v do_v without_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o that_o divine_a providence_n will_v interpose_v or_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o text_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v come_v and_o will_v make_v good_a his_o promise_n of_o be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v never_o more_o remarkable_o fulfil_v than_o when_o he_o interpose_v in_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v man_n think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o interpose_v and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v what_o become_v of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n because_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o make_v the_o gospel_n a_o irresistible_a mean_n of_o convince_a unbeliever_n and_o reform_v wicked_a man_n therefore_o it_o will_v in_o time_n be_v needful_a that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o true_a religion_n and_o make_v christian_n such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o i_o say_v 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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 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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
of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o person_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n moreover_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n to_o reform_v that_o man_n evil_a practice_n who_o persuasion_n make_v he_o secure_a and_o easy_a all_o the_o while_n so_o there_o be_v no_o little_a difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o try_v to_o undeceive_v he_o for_o man_n will_v hold_v comfortable_a error_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v find_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mischief_n of_o this_o offence_n though_o such_o error_n be_v not_o lay_v down_o without_o a_o great_a trouble_n yet_o they_o be_v take_v up_o with_o much_o readiness_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o spread_v far_o and_o wide_o and_o to_o this_o i_o believe_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n agree_v viz._n that_o although_o there_o be_v mistake_n that_o lead_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o overmuch_o restraint_n yet_o for_o one_o that_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o such_o mistake_n a_o hundred_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v comfortable_a lie_n which_o either_o whole_o take_v off_o the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o such_o part_n as_o to_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a 3._o perverse_a dispute_n and_o a_o obstinate_a maintenance_n of_o error_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o sophistry_n have_v this_o lamentable_a evil_n common_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o render_v many_o person_n utter_o careless_a to_o examine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v perhaps_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n or_o by_o education_n must_v force_v their_o temper_n to_o patience_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o themselves_o which_o be_v a_o employment_n that_o man_n soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o and_o common_o they_o break_v off_o pretend_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o search_v any_o far_o but_o that_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o and_o against_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o give_v over_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o indeed_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o real_o disputable_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n this_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v blame_v but_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a consequence_n and_o question_n that_o touch_v the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o man_n grow_v weary_a of_o search_a truth_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o after_o the_o controversy_n be_v stiff_o maintain_v for_o some_o time_n on_o both_o side_n and_o it_o be_v well_o in_o this_o case_n if_o it_o be_v a_o even_o lie_v whether_o they_o choose_v the_o true_a guide_n or_o not_o but_o when_o a_o guide_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o follow_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n the_o false_a guide_n have_v this_o advantage_n always_o that_o he_o exceed_v in_o confidence_n in_o lofty_a pretence_n in_o swell_a title_n in_o positive_a denounce_v damnation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o though_o a_o modest_a man_n that_o speak_v just_o of_o thing_n and_o claim_v not_o to_o be_v infallible_a deserve_v the_o most_o credit_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o that_o the_o other_o have_v most_o follower_n among_o those_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n 4._o the_o same_o cause_n have_v too_o often_o a_o yet_o worse_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v to_o run_v some_o person_n into_o infidelity_n and_o a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o no_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o controversy_n about_o it_o and_o some_o have_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v then_o time_n enough_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o when_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v upon_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o monstrous_a error_n that_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n under_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n and_o the_o fraud_n wherewith_o they_o have_v be_v maintain_v have_v let_v in_o atheism_n like_o a_o deluge_n upon_o the_o world_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v so_o full_a of_o zeal_n for_o their_o own_o way_n that_o they_o have_v no_o tenderness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v rather_o content_a that_o all_o shall_v sink_v together_o than_o that_o their_o own_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o stand_v we_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o hand_n that_o no_o assurance_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n and_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o other_o ground_n have_v as_o good_a have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o one_o article_n that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o same_o exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o story_n of_o latter_a miracle_n and_o final_o that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o any_o of_o their_o tradition_n be_v reject_v the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v reject_v too_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n now_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a offence_n and_o have_v do_v infinite_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n who_o be_v violent_o engage_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n of_o religion_n care_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n what_o they_o venture_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o while_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o false_a or_o at_o least_o disputable_a point_n that_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o show_v that_o no_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v they_o give_v occasion_n to_o man_n that_o will_v fain_o be_v atheist_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o what_o they_o will_v be_v for_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o something_o be_v false_a which_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o as_o a_o object_n of_o their_o faith._n and_o they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v then_o leave_v give_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v true_a 5._o there_o be_v another_o great_a mischief_n of_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o a_o mischief_n that_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v that_o of_o run_v into_o a_o contrary_a extreme_a the_o church_n find_v this_o by_o sad_a experience_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o age_n when_o man_n of_o no_o small_a note_n dispute_v against_o one_o heresy_n fall_v into_o another_o of_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o the_o no_o small_a trouble_n of_o christendom_n truth_n sometime_o as_o well_o as_o virtue_n lie_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o they_o that_o transgress_v on_o any_o one_o side_n do_v not_o only_o this_o mischief_n to_o give_v what_o authority_n they_o can_v to_o the_o wrong_a side_n they_o be_v of_o but_o they_o do_v this_o mischief_n too_o of_o give_v occasion_n to_o other_o to_o offend_v on_o the_o other_o extreme_a thus_o the_o abuse_n of_o church-authority_n on_o the_o one_o side_n have_v breed_v in_o some_o man_n contempt_n of_o all_o such_o authority_n on_o the_o other_o the_o scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v by_o propagate_a opinion_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n have_v produce_v in_o many_o a_o fond_a persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o restraint_n whatsoever_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n superior_n have_v require_v unlawful_a thing_n in_o divine_a service_n and_o to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o that_o abuse_n it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v in_o matter_n of_o prudence_n and_o expedience_n religion_n have_v be_v make_v to_o run_v out_o into_o show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o this_o have_v beget_v prejudices_fw-la against_o all_o appearance_n of_o beauty_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god._n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o excess_n of_o man_n in_o depart_v from_o one_o extreme_a be_v scandalous_a to_o those_o who_o they_o leave_v and_o do_v confirm_v they_o
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 instance_n suppose_v by_o my_o example_n i_o animate_v another_o to_o sin_n in_o like_a manner_n or_o that_o i_o do_v not_o only_o corrupt_v his_o manner_n but_o his_o principle_n too_o and_o so_o do_v he_o all_o the_o hurt_n i_o can_v who_o can_v say_v that_o this_o be_v all_o the_o mischief_n i_o have_v do_v be_v it_o not_o likely_a that_o he_o will_v infect_v other_o as_o i_o have_v infect_v he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o to_o propagate_v the_o mischief_n which_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o i_o and_o that_o the_o next_o age_n may_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o i_o and_o that_o my_o gild_n may_v be_v grow_a age_n after_o i_o be_o dead_a apply_v this_o to_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o world_n and_o consider_v not_o only_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mischief_n they_o do_v but_o the_o spread_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v great_a reason_n in_o those_o sad_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n but_o 2._o whence_o come_v it_o that_o offence_n be_v take_v and_o so_o all_o this_o mischief_n do_v by_o they_o in_o general_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o for_o whatever_o cause_n some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v offence_n for_o the_o same_o other_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o call_v over_o in_o this_o place_n the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o to_o the_o vanity_n of_o mankind_n whether_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n or_o worship_n but_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v add_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o for_o want_v of_o either_o good_a natural_a ability_n or_o good_a education_n have_v little_a ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o part_n take_v their_o impression_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o man_n example_n or_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o fall_v into_o ill_a hand_n they_o fare_v according_o to_o which_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o particular_a regard_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n so_o that_o because_o there_o will_v be_v some_o person_n sincere_o dispose_v who_o in_o many_o thing_n can_v not_o judge_v for_o themselves_o but_o must_v be_v lead_v by_o authority_n our_o saviour_n for_o their_o great_a security_n provide_v this_o frightful_a threaten_v to_o deter_v all_o man_n from_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o weakness_n to_o mislead_v they_o 2._o some_o stumble_v at_o offence_n lay_v before_o they_o and_o take_v up_o pernicious_a doctrine_n mere_o from_o impatience_n of_o consider_v and_o take_v time_n to_o lay_v thing_n together_o he_o that_o judge_v rash_o and_o hasty_o may_v by_o chance_n make_v a_o true_a judgement_n but_o he_o shall_v as_o often_o judge_v false_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a thing_n as_o i_o observe_v last_o time_n to_o lay_v such_o colour_n upon_o error_n as_o will_v require_v some_o leisure_n to_o see_v through_o they_o and_o in_o such_o case_n if_o a_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n and_o desire_n to_o come_v present_o and_o easy_o to_o the_o conclusion_n he_o give_v the_o seducer_n all_o the_o advantage_n he_o can_v desire_v and_o be_v indeed_o just_a the_o person_n he_o desire_v to_o meet_v with_o one_o easy_o deceive_v by_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o reason_n 3._o the_o strange_a influence_n which_o the_o carnal_a affection_n of_o man_n and_o their_o worldly_a interest_n have_v upon_o their_o judgement_n be_v a_o fatal_a cause_n of_o lay_v they_o open_a to_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o desire_v doctrine_n and_o example_n in_o favour_n of_o liberty_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a as_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o guard_v ourselves_o against_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o god_n say_v by_o jeremy_n jer._n 5.31_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_o and_o my_o people_n love_n to_o have_v it_o so_o to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v other_o cause_n viz._n the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n undue_a admiration_n of_o man_n person_n prejudice_n against_o truth_n arise_v from_o prejudice_n against_o person_n a_o inclination_n to_o opinion_n suitable_a to_o our_o own_o temper_n and_o complexion_n love_v of_o novelty_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hatred_n to_o change_v though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o better_a all_o which_o disposition_n and_o circumstance_n expose_v those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o to_o the_o mischief_n of_o offence_n but_o i_o shall_v be_v over-tedious_a to_o run_v into_o all_o the_o particular_n under_o this_o head_n which_o may_v also_o be_v more_o profitable_o supply_v by_o direction_n in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o intention_n which_o be_v to_o reduce_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o matter_n of_o exhortation_n and_o i_o shall_v leave_v with_o you_o these_o two_o necessary_a caution_n i._o be_v careful_a to_o give_v no_o offence_n ii_o be_v careful_a to_o take_v none_o 1._o be_v careful_a to_o give_v no_o offence_n i._n e._n to_o lay_v no_o stumbling-block_n in_o any_o man_n way_n to_o lead_v he_o into_o sin_n or_o error_n or_o to_o confirm_v he_o in_o it_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v now_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a from_o this_o guilt_n be_v to_o love_v the_o truth_n
for_o he_o that_o submit_v to_o god_n with_o the_o least_o dispute_v when_o the_o trial_n be_v great_a do_v it_o with_o the_o least_o pain_n but_o it_o will_v be_v accept_v by_o god_n if_o we_o prevail_v at_o last_o and_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n expect_v in_o quit_v all_o to_o secure_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o although_o not_o with_o the_o same_o readiness_n that_o abraham_n do_v though_o not_o without_o complaint_n and_o some_o dispute_v for_o god_n will_v pardon_v our_o infirmity_n if_o there_o be_v a_o prevail_a sincerity_n at_o the_o bottom_n that_o overcome_v the_o reluctance_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood._n but_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o abraham_n example_n and_o consider_v well_o with_o ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v our_o constant_a profession_n and_o pretence_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v abraham_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o hold_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o he_o and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o god_n can_v require_v we_o to_o quit_v voluntary_o but_o he_o have_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o dispose_v of_o it_o and_o have_v absolute_a power_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o it_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o when_o therefore_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v free_o resign_v that_o to_o he_o which_o he_o can_v take_v away_o if_o he_o please_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o require_v this_o not_o for_o his_o own_o good_a but_o for_o we_o if_o he_o have_v need_v isaac_n and_o it_o have_v be_v beneficial_a to_o himself_o that_o isaac_n shall_v be_v kill_v what_o need_v of_o abraham_n to_o do_v it_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a reason_n without_o delay_n to_o put_v god_n will_n and_o command_v in_o execution_n when_o we_o know_v beforehand_o that_o all_o be_v mean_v for_o our_o good_a not_o that_o god_n be_v the_o better_a for_o that_o which_o we_o quit_v but_o because_o we_o be_v the_o better_a for_o do_v it_o free_o and_o voluntary_o 2._o the_o other_o remarkable_a be_v that_o god_n require_v of_o abraham_n to_o offer_v up_o that_o his_o only_a son_n in_o who_o his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v through_o who_o all_o those_o great_a promise_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o he_o before_o and_o herein_o consist_v the_o nobleness_n of_o abraham_n faith_n that_o though_o god_n seem_v to_o require_v that_o which_o will_v destroy_v all_o the_o hope_n he_o have_v by_o those_o promise_n which_o hitherto_o he_o have_v firm_o believe_v yet_o he_o believe_v still_o and_o submit_v to_o do_v that_o which_o in_o all_o appearance_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o promise_n that_o have_v be_v make_v to_o he_o so_o that_o he_o against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n lay_v a_o emphasis_n upon_o chap._n 11._o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n his_o only_a son_n through_o who_o those_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v now_o though_o he_o can_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n get_v over_o the_o difficulty_n that_o natural_a affection_n lay_v in_o his_o way_n yet_o here_o be_v the_o hard_a point_n how_o he_o shall_v get_v over_o that_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n which_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a root_n of_o his_o faith_n god_n have_v promise_v before_o that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v if_o he_o believe_v he_o now_o how_o do_v it_o not_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v deceive_v before_o if_o he_o be_v not_o deceive_v before_o in_o trust_v to_o that_o promise_n how_o can_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v that_o which_o will_v take_v away_o all_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o promise_v any_o long_o but_o yet_o without_o any_o of_o this_o dispute_v and_o contend_v he_o go_v speedy_o about_o the_o matter_n he_o rise_v up_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o take_v his_o son_n along_o with_o he_o to_o that_o place_n where_o he_o be_v to_o offer_v he_o up_o now_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n notwithstanding_o this_o command_n mark_v what_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o faith_n he_o that_o receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v account_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o so_o full_o believe_v all_o god_n promise_n make_v to_o he_o before_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v not_o stagger_v with_o the_o seem_a inconsistancy_n of_o this_o command_n of_o god_n with_o his_o former_a promise_n but_o conclude_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n god_n will_v raise_v up_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o he_o account_v that_o be_v he_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a as_o in_o a_o sort_n he_o do_v by_o stop_v his_o hand_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o slay_v he_o and_o now_o if_o upon_o the_o former_a consideration_n abraham_n sincerity_n deserve_v so_o high_a a_o testimony_n much_o more_o upon_o this_o for_o it_o be_v the_o high_a praise_n of_o faith_n to_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v make_v good_a all_o his_o promise_n even_o when_o the_o way_n he_o take_v so_o to_o do_v seem_v to_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o they_o well_o therefore_o may_v god_n upon_o this_o high_a act_n of_o obedience_n renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n in_o say_v by_o myself_o have_v i_o swear_v that_o because_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n and_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o that_o in_o blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o and_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v and_o observe_v here_o i_o beseech_v you_o how_o high_o god_n be_v please_v with_o this_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o how_o fit_o the_o promise_n wherewith_o god_n immediate_o reward_v he_o agree_v to_o what_o abraham_n have_v do_v by_o myself_o have_v i_o swear_v that_o because_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n in_o blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o word_n can_v express_v a_o great_a delight_n than_o these_o do_v one_o will_v think_v that_o abraham_n have_v do_v some_o singular_a kindness_n to_o his_o god_n and_o if_o god_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o as_o we_o judge_v of_o man_n that_o god_n have_v receive_v a_o extraordinary_a favour_n and_o benefit_n from_o he_o but_o such_o be_v the_o infinite_a and_o pure_a charity_n of_o god_n that_o when_o we_o do_v what_o be_v good_a for_o ourselves_o it_o be_v no_o less_o please_v to_o he_o than_o if_o it_o be_v beneficial_a to_o himself_o but_o because_o abraham_n have_v conquer_v the_o great_a temptation_n of_o all_o to_o disobedience_n viz._n that_o the_o thing_n command_v seem_v to_o destroy_v all_o the_o promise_v he_o have_v make_v of_o a_o bless_a posterity_n that_o shall_v descend_v from_o he_o by_o isaac_n god_n now_o reward_v his_o faith_n with_o repeat_v assurance_n by_o myself_o have_v i_o swear_v that_o in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v and_o so_o well_o may_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o peace-offering_n when_o they_o thankful_o acknowledge_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o give_v they_o the_o possession_n of_o so_o good_a a_o land_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o offering_n of_o isaac_n as_o the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o they_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n enjoy_v and_o after_o such_o a_o demonstration_n as_o this_o well_o may_v we_o trust_v god_n in_o all_o condition_n if_o we_o resolve_v to_o do_v as_o abraham_n do_v if_o we_o count_v none_o of_o his_o commandment_n grievous_a if_o we_o do_v not_o repine_v at_o his_o providence_n if_o we_o go_v on_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o though_o when_o we_o must_v hope_v against_o hope_n for_o then_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v wise_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o cast_v ourselves_o upon_o he_o he_o will_v show_v himself_o as_o much_o please_v with_o our_o faith_n as_o he_o be_v with_o abraham_n and_o will_v reward_v it_o as_o effectual_o to_o sum_v up_o all_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o give_v mere_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o for_o the_o instruction_n and_o encouragement_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o the_o world_n end_n who_o when_o they_o deny_v themselves_o and_o do_v the_o hard_a duty_n and_o be_v
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 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prone_a to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o error_n impatient_a of_o true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o of_o true_a doctrine_n humane_a nature_n do_v affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v well_o bear_v to_o be_v confine_v and_o it_o be_v so_o disease_a that_o it_o do_v not_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v heal_v it_o be_v therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o remedy_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v have_v be_v so_o tamper_v withal_o by_o man_n as_o to_o make_v it_o ineffectual_a for_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o he_o have_v send_v it_o to_o we_o and_o doctrine_n have_v be_v teach_v which_o give_v that_o liberty_n that_o truth_n deny_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n shall_v not_o effectual_o overcome_v those_o lust_n that_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n those_o lust_n will_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v that_o doctrine_n and_o bring_v in_o heresy_n ambition_n and_o covetousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o worldly_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n licentiousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n pride_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n though_o for_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n satisfaction_n and_o glory_n in_o draw_v many_o people_n into_o a_o party_n and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o natural_a inconstancy_n and_o waver_v of_o some_o will_v carry_v they_o away_o from_o the_o truth_n the_o natural_a stiffness_n and_o inflexibility_n of_o other_o will_v detain_v they_o in_o error_n the_o very_a desire_n and_o love_n of_o novelty_n will_v at_o first_o help_n to_o bring_v in_o some_o and_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n will_v be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o able_a to_o gain_v other_o final_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o most_o man_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a 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 by_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n for_o there_o be_v less_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o man_n orthodox_n by_o a_o irresistible_a illumination_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o concern_v the_o reason_n assign_v why_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v heresy_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i._n e._n that_o it_o may_v most_o evident_o appear_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a and_o who_o be_v not_o so_o for_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n that_o be_v take_v to_o advance_v error_n do_v prove_v what_o man_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o distinguish_v between_o those_o that_o will_v appear_v all_o alike_o if_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v equal_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o great_a difference_n that_o break_v out_o be_v that_o between_o the_o probity_n of_o some_o man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o on_o the_o other_o side_n which_o appear_v in_o these_o instance_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o diligent_a search_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n heresy_n have_v upon_o honest_a and_o godly_a man_n while_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o hypocrite_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v most_o for_o their_o ease_n their_o safety_n their_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n whilst_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n be_v each_o of_o they_o eager_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o way_n man_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o examine_v their_o own_o persuasion_n more_o narrow_o and_o to_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o more_o careful_o so_o that_o if_o they_o apprehend_v a_o mistake_n in_o themselves_o they_o quit_v it_o without_o any_o more_o to_o do_v and_o come_v to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o the_o truth_n upon_o better_a ground_n
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 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i_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o this_o if_o forswear_n shall_v be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o i_o imagine_v even_o on_o the_o right_a side_n sure_o it_o must_v be_v because_o it_o be_v so_o common_a on_o the_o wrong_n that_o nothing_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v safe_a without_o it_o behold_v then_o what_o horrible_a confusion_n it_o make_v in_o the_o world_n while_o it_o confound_v right_o and_o wrong_n truth_n and_o falsehood_n justice_n and_o injustice_n blot_v out_o the_o clear_a character_n by_o which_o they_o can_v be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o in_o court_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v this_o which_o level_v a_o honest_a cause_n with_o the_o unjust_a one_o that_o be_v advance_v against_o it_o nay_o which_o create_v confidence_n of_o success_n in_o the_o oppressor_n and_o fill_v the_o good_a man_n who_o dare_v not_o be_v damn_v with_o mistrust_n and_o fear_n it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v the_o fortune_n of_o verdict_n as_o uncertain_a as_o that_o of_o arm_n and_o give_v 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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 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welcome_a neither_o to_o those_o that_o teach_v nor_o to_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v for_o in_o effect_n he_o come_v to_o the_o former_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o must_v quit_v their_o power_n and_o to_o the_o latter_a that_o they_o must_v quit_v their_o ease_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o man_n condemn_v those_o who_o god_n justify_v by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_n which_o come_v of_o evil._n and_o the_o conclusion_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o they_o it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n square_v our_o profession_n and_o our_o action_n by_o so_o false_a a_o rule_n as_o that_o of_o please_a man_n and_o gain_v the_o favour_n and_o good_a word_n of_o man_n for_o they_o may_v and_o they_o often_o have_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o often_o will_v condemn_v those_o who_o god_n justify_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o will_v justify_v those_o who_o god_n condemn_v to_o get_v favour_n and_o to_o avoid_v disgrace_n 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 at_o by_o a_o slave_n if_o he_o be_v honour_v by_o a_o king._n 2._o we_o can_v certain_o tell_v how_o to_o please_v god_n because_o we_o know_v what_o profession_n and_o what_o practice_n he_o approve_v for_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o they_o be_v and_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o we_o be_v secure_a also_o that_o what_o will_v please_v he_o to_o day_n will_v do_v so_o to_o morrow_n and_o that_o what_o he_o account_v good_a service_n now_o he_o will_v always_o reckon_v to_o be_v so_o for_o god_n change_v not_o and_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n contradict_v himself_o he_o conceal_v no_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n from_o we_o and_o therefore_o to_o gain_v his_o favour_n we_o need_v not_o go_v forward_o and_o backward_o nor_o contradict_v ourselves_o neither_o if_o we_o study_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n as_o we_o have_v but_o one_o lord_n to_o please_v so_o he_o be_v ever_o constant_a to_o himself_o our_o way_n be_v one_o and_o plain_a and_o our_o rule_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o 3._o god_n know_v the_o very_a secret_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o god_n justify_v be_v true_o worthy_a he_o that_o can_v bear_v the_o allseeing_a eye_n of_o god_n be_v in_o reality_n all_o that_o he_o appear_v to_o be_v he_o be_v that_o just_a faithful_a and_o unbiased_a man_n and_o he_o have_v that_o pure_a and_o clear_a mind_n which_o if_o we_o can_v see_v with_o our_o bodily_a eye_n we_o shall_v as_o plato_n fancy_v be_v ready_a to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n it_o man_n justify_v only_o by_o the_o outward_a appearance_n and_o sometime_o happen_v to_o be_v please_v with_o profession_n and_o service_n where_o nothing_o be_v mean_v of_o that_o which_o be_v so_o well_o take_v a_o knave_n and_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v win_v thanks_o from_o man_n but_o where_o god_n justify_v there_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o integrity_n and_o whoever_o condemn_v such_o a_o one_o disgrace_n himself_o 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
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 be_v remember_v any_o more_o by_o the_o answerer_n because_o i_o proceed_v upon_o his_o supposition_n that_o the_o accident_n only_o be_v break_v now_o if_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v break_v and_o accident_n only_o be_v break_v and_o yet_o if_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o very_a flesh_n of_o christ_n too_o than_o the_o accident_n of_o the_o bread_n be_v the_o very_a flesh_n of_o christ_n and_o whereas_o the_o answerer_n by_o his_o last_o answer_n mean_v the_o nature_n of_o christ_n body_n as_o he_o say_v i_o understand_v he_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o bread._n and_o now_o once_o more_o i_o desire_v he_o to_o show_v i_o where_o the_o four_o term_n be_v fath._n the_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o dr._n take_v for_o his_o medium_fw-la and_o argue_v from_o a_o double_a supposition_n as_o first_o take_v it_o for_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n which_o be_v break_v and_o afterward_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o christ_n body_n under_o the_o accident_n in_o which_o latter_a sense_n it_o signify_v the_o same_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o st._n john._n dr._n i_o observe_v the_o answerer_n will_v allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v break_v but_o accident_n i_o observe_v also_o that_o nothing_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o what_o be_v break_v if_o therefore_o nothing_o be_v break_v but_o accident_n than_o accident_n be_v either_o according_a to_o the_o answerer_n long_a proof_n the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n or_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o neither_o be_v the_o accident_n of_o bread_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o i_o say_v be_v not_o answer_v and_o believe_v will_v not_o be_v answer_v by_o any_o man_n that_o maintain_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v proper_o of_o bread._n fath._n all_o along_o in_o my_o discourse_n i_o have_v suppose_v that_o when_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o this_o bread_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o h._n eucharist_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v both_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n and_o the_o true_a body_n of_o christ_n how_o the_o dr._n have_v disprove_v this_o doctrine_n so_o clear_o as_o to_o justify_v the_o reformation_n i_o understand_v not_o because_o i_o conceive_v no_o private_a person_n or_o particular_a church_n aught_o to_o pretend_v a_o reformation_n without_o clear_a evidence_n whether_o the_o dr._n have_v give_v such_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reader_n and_o whither_o have_v break_v off_o from_o the_o great_a body_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o its_o testimony_n he_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o certain_a rule_n to_o arrive_v at_o christian_a faith_n if_o scripture_n be_v pretend_v interpret_v by_o a_o fallible_a authority_n how_o certainty_n can_v be_v obtain_v or_o why_o a_o socinian_n follow_v scripture_n for_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o reformer_n follow_v the_o same_o rule_n i_o see_v not_o signed_n w._n clagett_n peter_n gooden_o dr._n clagett_n answer_n to_o a_o paper_n deliver_v to_o he_o by_o father_n gooden_o the_o paper_n article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v truth_n truth_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a therefore_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a therefore_o those_o who_o obtain_v 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 to_o a_o parliamentary_a protestant_n the_o ancient_a father_n can_v be_v such_o a_o rule_n because_o they_o be_v account_v fallible_a nor_o counsel_n because_o they_o also_o be_v account_v fallible_a nor_o scripture_n sense_v by_o a_o fallible_a authority_n because_o all_o such_o interpretation_n may_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o faith_n can_v be_v obtain_v by_o any_o such_o mean_n for_o that_o which_o be_v doubtful_a can_v only_o create_v opinion_n which_o be_v also_o doubtful_a and_o he_o that_o doubt_v in_o faith_n the_o apostle_n say_v be_v infidelis_fw-la and_o a_o company_n of_o doubter_n be_v not_o a_o church_n of_o faithful_a but_o a_o society_n of_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v infidel_n sign_v peter_n gooden_o the_o answer_n pap._n article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v truth_n ans_fw-fr the_o design_n of_o the_o disputer_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v doubter_n and_o therefore_o infidel_n but_o never_o do_v any_o man_n begin_v a_o business_n more_o unlucky_o for_o at_o the_o very_a first_o dash_n he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o we_o do_v undoubted_o believe_v article_n of_o christian_n faith_n to_o be_v truth_n for_o otherwise_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v so_o but_o there_o be_v another_o misfortune_n he_o be_v fall_v into_o no_o less_o than_o that_o for_o his_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v doubter_n be_v that_o we_o want_v a_o infallible_a rule_n now_o if_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o want_v a_o infallible_a rule_n and_o that_o without_o such_o a_o rule_n there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a he_o do_v notorious_o contradict_v himself_o by_o suppose_v that_o we_o believe_v all_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v truth_n though_o we_o have_v no_o such_o rule_n this_o be_v a_o very_a hopeful_a paper_n and_o like_a to_o make_v wise_a convert_v which_o end_v in_o make_v we_o infidel_n and_o begin_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o a_o argument_n that_o manifest_o suppose_v we_o to_o be_v believer_n which_o also_o pretend_v that_o we_o have_v no_o infallible_a rule_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o no_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o yet_o manifest_o suppose_v we_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o some_o without_o it_o which_o show_v the_o paper_n to_o be_v a_o trifle_a paper_n and_o worth_n no_o more_o consideration_n but_o because_o the_o disputer_n be_v say_v to_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o the_o argument_n contain_v in_o it_o i_o will_v go_v on_o with_o every_o clause_n of_o it_o to_o convince_v he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o already_o know_v it_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o line_n in_o it_o but_o be_v either_o false_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n pap._n truth_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a ans_fw-fr by_o truth_n the_o dispute_a mean_n the_o truth_n of_o thing_n or_o of_o proposition_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o fulsome_a say_n which_o do_v not_o advance_v his_o reason_v one_o jot_n far_o than_o it_o be_v before_o for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o say_v that_o which_o be_v true_a be_v true_a and_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v but_o truth_n must_v be_v truth_n i_o think_v he_o apply_v himself_o to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o want_v not_o only_o christian_a faith_n but_o common_a sense_n pap._n therefore_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a ans_fw-fr there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o 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
suppose_v he_o mean_v believe_v they_o and_o by_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o acquire_v they_o he_o must_v understand_v a_o rule_n or_o mean_n whereby_o to_o know_v what_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v and_o then_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v be_v provide_v of_o some_o such_o rule_n or_o means_n to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v as_o can_v deceive_v they_o now_o whether_o this_o be_v in_o itself_o true_a or_o false_a it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v from_o what_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o before_o for_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n or_o proposition_n be_v so_o sure_a that_o as_o he_o wise_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v false_a yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o i_o believe_v these_o thing_n must_v necessary_o be_v as_o sure_a as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o this_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n the_o disputer_n be_v well_o aware_a of_o but_o because_o i_o be_o sensible_a who_o they_o be_v who_o he_o design_n to_o pervert_v by_o this_o paper_n and_o for_o who_o sake_n i_o answer_v it_o i_o will_v explain_v this_o matter_n by_o a_o instance_n that_o will_v bring_v it_o down_o to_o all_o capacity_n if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o henry_n the_o 8_o it_o be_v certain_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o man_n but_o my_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n be_v ground_v upon_o such_o reason_n as_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o the_o contrary_a because_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o fallible_a man_n and_o yet_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o little_o better_o than_o a_o madman_n if_o i_o shall_v entertain_v the_o least_o doubt_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o i_o may_v have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v a_o thing_n without_o any_o evidence_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v his_o consequence_n i_o shall_v now_o inquire_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o the_o conclusion_n itself_o to_o which_o end_n i_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o those_o word_n can_v deceive_v they_o either_o first_o that_o the_o rule_n itself_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o certain_a that_o no_o man_n who_o use_v it_o can_v be_v deceive_v by_o the_o rule_n or_o second_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o if_o he_o mean_v the_o former_a than_o i_o shall_v show_v he_o present_o that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o rule_n as_o he_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o he_o have_v say_v nothing_o to_o make_v we_o ashamed_a of_o it_o if_o he_o mean_v the_o latter_a than_o i_o say_v it_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o those_o who_o without_o doubt_v believe_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v have_v such_o a_o rule_n to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v as_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o mistake_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o make_v which_o plain_a to_o every_o body_n understanding_n i_o shall_v add_v another_o instance_n easy_a to_o be_v apply_v if_o a_o man_n skilful_a in_o arithmetic_n have_v a_o great_a many_o number_n before_o he_o and_o desire_n to_o know_v what_o sum_n they_o make_v when_o they_o be_v put_v together_o he_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o addition_n to_o do_v it_o by_o which_o rule_n can_v deceive_v he_o now_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v far_o which_o i_o think_v the_o disputer_n himself_o will_v not_o deny_v first_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n possible_a that_o this_o man_n may_v be_v mistake_v every_o time_n that_o he_o put_v these_o several_a number_n together_o to_o bring_v they_o all_o into_o one_o sum_n but_o second_o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o possibility_n of_o be_v mistake_v yet_o after_o he_o have_v try_v it_o over_o and_o over_o again_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a without_o the_o least_o doubt_n that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o work_n right_o even_o so_o we_o may_v have_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o can_v deceive_v we_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o may_v for_o all_o that_o be_v assure_v and_o believe_v without_o the_o least_o doubt_v that_o we_o have_v learn_v what_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v by_o that_o rule_n for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o contrary_a be_v bare_o possible_a pap._n to_o a_o parliamentary_a protestant_n the_o ancient_a father_n can_v be_v such_o a_o rule_n because_o they_o be_v account_v fallible_a ans_fw-fr we_o never_o say_v they_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n this_o therefore_o be_v impertinent_a pap._n nor_o counsel_n because_o they_o also_o be_v account_v fallible_a ans_fw-fr this_o be_v impertinent_a also_o for_o we_o never_o say_v they_o be_v our_o rule_n of_o faith._n but_o we_o have_v better_a reason_n to_o give_v why_o father_n and_o council_n can_v be_v our_o rule_n of_o faith_n than_o this_o that_o the_o disputer_n have_v make_v for_o we_o and_o one_o be_v this_o that_o we_o can_v make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o by_o so_o do_v we_o must_v depart_v from_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o the_o ancient_a council_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o they_o make_v it_o they_o pap._n nor_o scripture_n sence_v by_o a_o fallible_a authority_n because_o all_o such_o interpretation_n may_v be_v false_a ans_fw-fr this_o be_v the_o place_n where_o i_o shall_v tell_v the_o disputer_n what_o we_o believe_v and_o why_o we_o believe_v it_o and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v consider_v whether_o he_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o clause_n to_o shake_v our_o assurance_n we_o firm_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n into_o the_o profession_n whereof_o we_o have_v be_v baptise_a we_o moreover_o believe_v all_o other_o doctrine_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o our_o faith_n be_v these_o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v record_v those_o testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v be_v confirm_v that_o these_o testimony_n be_v too_o notorious_a and_o public_a to_o be_v gainsay_v in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o doctrine_n build_v upon_o they_o can_v not_o be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n engage_v against_o it_o that_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o inspire_a preacher_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o contain_v and_o that_o for_o this_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o universal_a and_o uncontrollable_a tradition_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n credible_a of_o itself_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o that_o external_n evidence_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v ground_v in_o assign_v of_o which_o i_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v that_o internal_a evidence_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o excellent_a goodness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o which_o show_v they_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o god._n now_o whereas_o this_o disputer_n say_v that_o these_o scripture_n can_v be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o we_o because_o they_o be_v sense_v by_o a_o fallible_a authority_n that_o be_v because_o we_o who_o be_v fallible_a understand_v they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v i_o answer_v that_o no_o man_n needs_o to_o be_v infallible_a in_o order_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o plain_a scripture_n i_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n be_o yet_o certain_a which_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o that_o i_o do_v find_v the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o many_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o which_o i_o do_v understand_v i_o be_o sure_a that_o i_o know_v what_o these_o word_n of_o st._n john_n signify_v 5.3_o 1_o john_n 2.25_o and_o chap._n 5.3_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o the_o like_a the_o ancient_a father_n think_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o argue_v out_o of_o they_o without_o pretend_v to_o a_o infallible_a authority_n of_o interpretation_n as_o i_o will_v show_v this_o disputer_n when_o he_o please_v if_o nothing_o less_o than_o infallibility_n will_v serve_v to_o understand_v or_o as_o he_o say_v to_o sense_n word_n why_o do_v this_o disputer_n put_v into_o my_o hand_n this_o paper_n of_o he_o which_o be_v none_o of_o the_o plain_a neither_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o do_v
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