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and_o thereby_o render_v its_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n more_o quick_a and_o pierce_v and_o sagacious_a thus_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n more_o or_o less_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o divine_a thing_n as_o he_o find_v we_o more_o or_o less_o compliant_a with_o his_o heavenly_a pleasure_n and_o though_o he_o stand_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o render_v our_o mind_n infallible_a than_o our_o will_n impeccable_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o by_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a suggestion_n we_o keep_v ourselves_o under_o his_o conduct_n and_o direction_n we_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o he_o will_v either_o preserve_v we_o from_o all_o dangerous_a error_n or_o if_o for_o just_a reason_n he_o shall_v permit_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o such_o they_o shall_v not_o prove_v dangerous_a to_o we_o but_o either_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o they_o while_o we_o live_v or_o obtain_v pity_n and_o pardon_v for_o they_o when_o we_o die_v but_o whilst_o we_o 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be_v to_o put_v trick_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o banter_n and_o play_n upon_o our_o easy_a faith_n to_o cast_v mist_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o therein_o to_o juggle_v away_o all_o true_a religion_n from_o we_o and_o foist_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o the_o most_o fulsome_a error_n and_o mistake_v for_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o antichrist_n the_o great_a deceiver_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n to_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o that_o for_o that_o cause_n viz._n their_o not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o be_v by_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o cheat_v and_o delude_a spirit_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o god_n grant_v that_o this_o at_o last_o prove_v not_o our_o fate_n that_o because_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o go_v astray_o in_o all_o unrighteousness_n under_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v not_o at_o length_n give_v up_o by_o god_n to_o follow_v the_o wild_a delusion_n of_o antichrist_n and_o to_o believe_v all_o those_o fulsome_a lie_n and_o imposture_n which_o he_o from_o age_n to_o age_n have_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o whether_o it_o prove_v thus_o or_o no_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o by_o persist_v in_o any_o vicious_a course_n against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n we_o high_o provoke_v almighty_a god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o give_v we_o up_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v our_o own_o heart_n lust_n will_v soon_o betray_v and_o give_v up_o our_o faith_n to_o false_a and_o vicious_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o now_o have_v show_v at_o large_a what_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a tendency_n there_o be_v in_o a_o wicked_a life_n to_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o argument_n with_o two_o or_o three_o inference_n 1._o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v what_o a_o great_a malignity_n there_o be_v in_o man_n be_v inconstant_a to_o and_o apostatise_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o sinful_a affection_n it_o be_v as_o you_o see_v the_o ill_a daughter_n of_o a_o bad_a mother_n a_o debauch_a and_o a_o dissolute_a conscience_n and_o consequent_o partake_v of_o all_o its_o natural_a bane_n and_o malignity_n even_o as_o all_o other_o bad_a effect_n do_v of_o the_o malignant_a nature_n of_o their_o bad_a cause_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o particular_a evil_n which_o man_n inconstancy_n to_o and_o proneness_n to_o revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n imply_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o these_o five_o instance_n 1._o the_o great_a impiety_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o foul_a dishonesty_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o shameful_a cowardice_n of_o it_o 5._o the_o vast_a hazard_n and_o insecurity_n of_o it_o 1._o consider_v the_o great_a impiety_n of_o it_o he_o who_o can_v part_v with_o his_o religion_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o be_v either_o a_o downright_a atheist_n who_o believe_v no_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a govern_v himself_o by_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o wise_a course_n be_v to_o profess_v none_o but_o that_o which_o be_v uppermost_a and_o most_o for_o his_o interest_n or_o a_o profane_a and_o impious_a
upon_o examination_n refuse_v to_o be_v sway_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o turn_v infidel_n that_o be_v but_o so_o honest_a to_o himself_o as_o first_o to_o examine_v careful_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o then_o to_o resolve_v sincere_o not_o to_o reject_v it_o till_o better_a reason_n appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o if_o either_o through_o their_o wilful_a ignorance_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n or_o vicious_a prejudice_n against_o the_o purity_n of_o it_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v into_o apostasy_n they_o be_v false_a traitor_n to_o themselves_o and_o as_o such_o be_v just_o liable_a to_o all_o those_o eternal_a damage_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v of_o those_o that_o draw-back_a that_o be_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n not_o only_o that_o god_n soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o but_o also_o that_o they_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n heb._n 10._o 38_o 39_o and_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20._o it_o be_v say_v of_o those_o apostate_n that_o their_o late_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n which_o imply_v that_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o forfeit_v their_o soul_n but_o that_o without_o repentance_n they_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o forfeit_v to_o the_o most_o wretched_a condition_n even_o to_o the_o nethermost_a degree_n of_o perdition_n 2_o we_o lose_v our_o soul_n when_o notwithstanding_o we_o do_v still_o believe_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n we_o do_v cowardly_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o or_o of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o for_o when_o once_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v thereby_o oblige_v not_o to_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o hazard_v it_o may_v expose_v we_o to_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o before_o man_n he_o will_v also_o deny_v we_o before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 10._o 33._o and_o st._n paul_n also_o have_v warn_v we_o that_o if_o we_o deny_v christ_n he_o will_v also_o deny_v we_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 12._o that_o be_v that_o he_o will_v reject_v and_o abandon_v we_o before_o god_n and_o angel_n to_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o damnation_n for_o so_o st._n john_n assure_v rev._n 2._o 8._o that_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a i._n e._n the_o fainthearted_a coward_n that_o for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o sire_n and_o brimstone_n not_o that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n we_o be_v always_o bind_v to_o make_v a_o actual_a profession_n and_o publication_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o run_v to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o our_o persecutor_n before_o we_o be_v send_v for_o and_o accuse_v ourselves_o of_o those_o doctrine_n for_o which_o we_o be_v persecute_v but_o whenever_o we_o be_v apprehend_v accuse_v and_o examine_v by_o they_o either_o upon_o knowledge_n or_o suspicion_n we_o be_v bind_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o forfeit_v our_o soul_n to_o own_o and_o confess_v our_o faith_n and_o not_o to_o deny_v any_o doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o the_o consequence_n may_v be_v for_o in_o this_o case_n to_o deny_v our_o belief_n be_v not_o only_o a_o wilful_a lie_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o damnable_a crime_n but_o a_o act_n of_o high-treason_n against_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n for_o by_o renounce_v any_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o commit_v to_o we_o we_o do_v not_o only_o betray_v his_o trust_n but_o blaspheme_v his_o veracity_n to_o deny_v what_o we_o believe_v he_o have_v reveal_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o declare_v he_o a_o cheat_n and_o a_o impostor_n and_o have_v thus_o incur_v the_o gild_n of_o so_o black_a a_o treason_n against_o our_o saviour_n and_o wilful_o persist_v in_o it_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o the_o eternal_a loss_n and_o perdition_n of_o our_o soul_n 3_o we_o forsake_v christ_n to_o the_o loss_n and_o forfeiture_n of_o our_o soul_n when_o by_o obstinate_a heresy_n we_o add_v to_o or_o subtract_v from_o that_o heavenly_a doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o heresy_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v bare_o a_o false_a opinion_n in_o our_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a moment_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o same_o error_n may_v be_v a_o innocent_a mistake_n in_o one_o man_n and_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n in_o another_o that_o in_o the_o one_o it_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o weak_a understanding_n but_o in_o the_o other_o of_o a_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a will_n and_o when_o the_o understanding_n mislead_v the_o will_v it_o be_v weakness_n but_o when_o the_o will_n mislead_v the_o understanding_n it_o be_v wickedness_n for_o simple_a error_n be_v only_o a_o defect_n of_o understanding_n which_o in_o a_o fallible_a creature_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o inculpable_a as_o sickness_n in_o a_o mortal_a one_o but_o heresy_n be_v a_o fault_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v the_o only_a subject_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n when_o therefore_o by_o the_o wicked_a prejudice_n of_o our_o corrupt_a will_n against_o the_o purity_n of_o christianity_n our_o understanding_n be_v betray_v into_o loose_a and_o erroneous_a principle_n when_o we_o understand_v by_o our_o vicious_a affection_n and_o adapt_v our_o opinion_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o lust_n when_o we_o believe_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o darling_n vice_n and_o suffer_v our_o own_o factious_a covetous_a and_o extravagant_a passion_n either_o to_o tempt_v we_o to_o profess_v those_o erroneous_a opinion_n which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v or_o to_o prejudice_v we_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o they_o then_o be_v our_o error_n no_o long_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o our_o will_n which_o improve_v our_o error_n into_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n for_o he_o will_v be_v a_o wicked_a man_n though_o he_o be_v not_o a_o heretic_n that_o harbour_v those_o sinful_a lust_n which_o betray_v he_o into_o heresy_n but_o by_o be_v a_o heretic_n he_o be_v much_o more_o wicked_a because_o now_o he_o be_v wicked_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o cloak_n his_o impiety_n with_o the_o garment_n of_o righteousness_n and_o what_o great_a profaneness_n can_v any_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o than_o to_o make_v his_o religion_n a_o bawd_n to_o procure_v for_o his_o lust_n so_o that_o if_o out_o of_o a_o vicious_a propension_n of_o will_n we_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o any_o religious_a error_n we_o be_v not_o only_o guilty_a of_o that_o wicked_a propension_n which_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o ruin_v our_o soul_n but_o we_o be_v also_o accountable_a for_o vitiate_a our_o religion_n with_o those_o erroneous_a mixture_n by_o which_o we_o have_v render_v it_o a_o shelter_n and_o protection_n to_o our_o lust._n and_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o will_v be_v st._n jude_n will_v inform_v we_o who_o speak_v of_o certain_a heretic_n who_o to_o gratify_v their_o own_o wicked_a inclination_n have_v sophisticated_a christianity_n with_o sundry_a black_a and_o poisonous_a principle_n pronounce_v this_o fearful_a doom_n on_o they_o for_o who_o be_v reserve_v the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n for_o ever_o ver_fw-la 13._o 4_o and_o last_o we_o forsake_v christ_n to_o the_o loss_n and_o forfeiture_n of_o our_o soul_n when_o by_o any_o wilful_a course_n of_o disobedience_n we_o do_v virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n for_o whilst_o we_o continue_v in_o any_o course_n of_o wilful_a sin_n we_o live_v in_o a_o open_a rebellion_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o do_v by_o our_o action_n declare_v that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o reign_v over_o we_o and_o according_o tit._n 1._o 16._o the_o abominable_a and_o disobedient_a be_v say_v to_o deny_v god_n in_o their_o work_n even_o while_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v he_o and_o what_o the_o fate_n of_o such_o will_v be_v st._n paul_n have_v forewarn_v we_o rom._n 2._o 8_o 9_o but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a and_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v of_o these_o obstinate_a rebel_n who_o live_v and_o persist_v in_o a_o open_a defifiance_n to_o our_o
what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o be_v serious_o affect_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o danger_n we_o present_o awake_v out_o of_o our_o security_n and_o with_o the_o deep_a concern_v for_o our_o immortal_a soul_n cry_v out_o with_o st._n peter_n auditor_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v very_o when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o the_o strange_a unconcernedness_n of_o man_n about_o their_o future_a condition_n i_o be_o tempt_v to_o think_v either_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n in_o they_o or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v they_o believe_v it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v for_o ever_o miscarry_v for_o how_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o man_n who_o in_o other_o matter_n be_v so_o solicitous_a when_o their_o interest_n be_v at_o stake_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o least_o hazard_n shall_v believe_v that_o they_o have_v soul_n in_o danger_n of_o perish_v for_o ever_o and_o yet_o take_v no_o more_o care_n or_o regard_v of_o they_o but_o like_o the_o forgetful_a mother_n who_o when_o her_o house_n be_v on_o fire_n to_o save_v her_o good_n forget_v her_o child_n lie_v out_o all_o their_o thought_n upon_o the_o little_a concern_v of_o this_o frail_a and_o mortal_a life_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n forget_v their_o precious_a soul_n and_o leave_v they_o perish_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o perdition_n o_o stupid_a creature_n what_o be_v thou_o make_v of_o that_o can_v consider_v that_o thou_o have_v a_o immortal_a soul_n surround_v with_o so_o many_o danger_n of_o be_v lose_v for_o ever_o and_o yet_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v for_o its_o preservation_n methinks_v if_o thou_o have_v any_o sense_n in_o thou_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o such_o endless_a misery_n before_o thou_o the_o remote_a possibility_n of_o fall_v into_o they_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o startle_v and_o awake_v thou_o but_o when_o thou_o be_v so_o near_o the_o brink_n of_o those_o misery_n and_o have_v so_o many_o cause_n round_o about_o thou_o shove_v thou_o forward_o and_o thrust_v thou_o headlong_o down_o into_o they_o and_o yet_o be_v no_o more_o concern_v at_o it_o be_v such_o a_o prodigy_n of_o senseless_a stupidity_n as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n may_v just_o be_v astonish_v at_o it_o be_v true_a if_o the_o danger_n thou_o be_v in_o be_v such_o as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v evade_v it_o will_v then_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n thou_o can_v take_v to_o concern_v thyself_o as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v about_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o live_v merry_o whilst_o thou_o may_v and_o not_o antedate_v thy_o misery_n by_o think_v of_o the_o dismal_a futurity_n but_o god_n be_v praise_v this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n though_o our_o condition_n be_v dangerous_a yet_o it_o be_v far_o from_o desperate_a for_o if_o we_o will_v use_v our_o honest_a endeavour_n and_o vigorous_o exert_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o not_o only_o may_v but_o shall_v escape_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a many_o cause_n of_o our_o danger_n a_o great_a many_o enemy_n concur_v to_o our_o ruin_n but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v it_o unless_o we_o ourselves_o join_v hand_n in_o the_o fatal_a conspiracy_n if_o we_o will_v be_v but_o faithful_a friend_n to_o ourselves_o and_o true_a to_o our_o own_o eternal_a interest_n it_o will_v be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o all_o those_o cause_n together_o to_o do_v we_o any_o material_a injury_n for_o bless_a be_v the_o good_a god_n those_o that_o be_v for_o we_o be_v far_o great_a and_o mightâ—er_a than_o those_o that_o be_v against_o we_o against_o we_o we_o have_v the_o world_n the_o flâ—sh_n and_o the_o devil_n the_o weak_a of_o which_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o dangerous_a and_o puissant_a enemy_n but_o for_o we_o we_o have_v god_n and_o angel_n and_o our_o own_o reason_n assâ—â—â—ed_v with_o the_o most_o invincible_a motive_n with_o vast_a and_o glorious_a promise_n that_o stand_v beckon_v to_o we_o with_o crown_n of_o immortality_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o call_v we_o off_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o our_o lust_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n with_o direful_a threaten_n that_o be_v continual_o alarm_v and_o warn_v we_o of_o the_o dreadful_a consequent_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o sundry_a other_o such_o mighty_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v almighty_a motive_n as_o if_o we_o will_v serious_o attend_v to_o will_v certain_o render_v our_o soul_n impregnable_a against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o vice_n and_o beside_o our_o reason_n thus_o arm_v and_o accoutre_v we_o have_v on_o our_o side_n the_o holy_a angel_n of_o god_n who_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o prompt_v we_o to_o and_o assist_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n and_o to_o second_v we_o in_o all_o our_o spiritual_a combat_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o we_o have_v with_o we_o the_o almighty_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o upon_o our_o sincere_a desire_n and_o honest_a endeavour_n be_v engage_v to_o aid_v we_o and_o cooperate_v with_o we_o in_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n who_o grace_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o our_o weakness_n to_o support_v we_o under_o our_o great_a difficulty_n and_o carry_v we_o on_o victorious_o through_o the_o most_o violent_a temptation_n and_o be_v back_v with_o such_o mighty_a auxiliary_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v miscarry_v unless_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o betray_v ourselves_o and_o give_v fire_n to_o the_o fatal_a train_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o if_o we_o be_v so_o bend_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o our_o obstinacy_n and_o it_o be_v just_a and_o sit_v we_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o dismal_a and_o pitiless_a effect_n of_o our_o own_o folly_n and_o madness_n for_o if_o when_o we_o see_v ourselves_o in_o so_o much_o danger_n and_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o power_n to_o escape_v if_o we_o please_v we_o will_v notwithstanding_o precipitate_v ourselves_o into_o ruin_n all_o the_o world_n must_v agree_v upon_o a_o impartial_a inquisition_n for_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o murder_v ourselves_o that_o god_n be_v just_a and_o that_o his_o hand_n be_v clean_a from_o any_o stain_n of_o our_o blood_n and_o that_o our_o own_o ruin_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o invincible_a obstinacy_n iii_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o proposition_n that_o our_o renounce_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n will_v most_o certain_o infer_v the_o loss_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o these_o word_n be_v urge_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o motive_n to_o deter_v his_o disciple_n from_o forsake_v he_o as_o be_v plain_a from_o ver._n 24_o 25._o which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o upon_o their_o forsake_v he_o this_o loss_n will_v most_o certain_o and_o inevitable_o follow_v in_o the_o prosecution_n therefore_o of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v you_o what_o that_o forsake_v of_o christ_n be_v which_o infer_v this_o loss_n 2._o upon_o what_o account_v our_o thus_o forsake_v he_o infer_v it_o 1._o what_o that_o forsake_v of_o christ_n be_v which_o infer_v this_o loss_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a forsake_v of_o christ_n which_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o as_o capital_a and_o damnable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n 1._o when_o we_o forsake_v he_o by_o a_o total_a apostasy_n 2_o when_o we_o cowardly_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o we_o still_o believe_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 3._o when_o by_o obstinate_a heresy_n we_o either_o add_v to_o or_o subtract_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n 4_o when_o by_o any_o wilful_a course_n of_o disobedience_n we_o do_v virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n 1._o we_o lose_v and_o forfeit_v our_o soul_n when_o we_o forsake_v christ_n by_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o he_o when_o after_o we_o have_v be_v baptise_a into_o his_o name_n and_o thereby_o have_v make_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o our_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n and_o obey_v his_o law_n we_o turn_v runagadoe_n and_o cast_v off_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o and_o disow_v our_o obligation_n to_o the_o other_o we_o do_v most_o just_o incur_v the_o loss_n and_o forfeiture_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o so_o strong_a and_o cogent_a be_v the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o profess_a christian_n can_v be_v either_o innocent_o or_o excusable_o seduce_v into_o a_o disbelief_n of_o it_o for_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o vast_a moment_n and_o concern_v he_o be_v a_o traitor_n to_o himself_o that_o either_o take_v up_o his_o religion_n without_o examination_n or_o that_o
law_n which_o they_o call_v the_o cabala_n or_o the_o law_n by_o tradition_n not_o that_o this_o traditional_a contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o write_a law_n but_o because_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v obscure_o contain_v in_o the_o type_n of_o the_o write_a law_n be_v explain_v and_o interpret_v in_o this_o their_o traditional_a law_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o type_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v not_o full_o explain_v in_o this_o traditional_a law_n till_o after_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n after_o which_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n and_o after_o he_o ezekiel_n begin_v to_o speak_v more_o plain_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o eternal_a life_n begin_v to_o be_v more_o open_o teach_v among_o the_o common_a people_n till_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n when_o it_o be_v bring_v forth_o in_o the_o light_n from_o under_o those_o type_n in_o which_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_o represent_v and_o become_v a_o principle_n even_o of_o the_o popular_a religion_n and_o a_o article_n of_o the_o jewish_a faith_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o record_n of_o those_o time_n particular_o 2._o macc._n 7._o 23_o 26._o comp._n with_o heb._n 11._o â—5_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o then_o this_o article_n shall_v be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v to_o fortify_v the_o jew_n against_o those_o many_o persecution_n whereunto_o they_o be_v expose_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v terrify_v to_o apostatise_v from_o it_o by_o those_o cruel_a martyrdom_n which_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n they_o many_o of_o they_o endure_v and_o beside_o now_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v approach_v and_o consequent_o its_o mystery_n like_o the_o light_n of_o the_o rise_a sun_n begin_v to_o break_v forth_o clear_a and_o clear_a from_o under_o that_o cloud_n of_o type_n wherein_o it_o be_v wrap_v and_o involve_v till_o at_o last_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n himself_o arise_v and_o disperse_v those_o cloud_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o as_o for_o the_o sadducee_n who_o give_v no_o heed_n to_o the_o cabala_n or_o traditional_a law_n in_o which_o this_o doctrine_n be_v first_o discover_v and_o adhere_v only_o to_o the_o write_a law_n of_o moses_n they_o still_o continue_v infidel_n in_o this_o point_n and_o believe_v neither_o angel_n nor_o spirit_n nor_o the_o life_n to_o come_v so_o very_o obscure_o be_v it_o represent_v in_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o write_a law_n but_o when_o once_o the_o eternal_a word_n come_v to_o tabernacle_n in_o our_o flesh_n he_o reveal_v this_o great_a article_n so_o plain_o and_o clear_o to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o not_o to_o believe_v it_o that_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o incarnate_a word_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v by_o all_o these_o instance_n what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o truth_n between_o christ_n tabernacle_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o moses_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o argument_n with_o two_o or_o three_o practical_a inference_n one_a he_o dwell_v or_o tabernacle_v among_o we_o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v the_o high_a authority_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o for_o to_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o signify_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o as_o the_o shechinah_n presence_n or_o representative_a of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n as_o one_o that_o act_v in_o his_o father_n person_n and_o be_v vest_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o consequent_o as_o one_o who_o have_v as_o great_a a_o right_a to_o exact_v our_o obedience_n as_o the_o eternal_a father_n himself_o shall_v he_o have_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n in_o his_o own_o person_n to_o give_v law_n to_o mankind_n for_o so_o when_o the_o eternal_a word_n go_v before_o the_o camp_n of_o israel_n as_o the_o shechinah_n or_o angel_n of_o god_n presence_n god_n require_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v obey_v he_o as_o himself_o beware_v of_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o voice_n say_v god_n provoke_v he_o not_o for_o he_o will_v not_o pardon_v your_o transgression_n for_o my_o name_n be_v in_o he_o exod._n 23._o 21._o and_o v_o 22._o to_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o this_o angel_n be_v interpret_v to_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n himself_o but_o if_o thou_o shall_v indeed_o obey_v his_o voice_n say_v god_n and_o do_v all_o that_o i_o speak_v than_o i_o will_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o thy_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o for_o the_o israelite_n to_o disobey_v this_o angel_n who_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v to_o you_o be_v the_o eternal_a word_n or_o representative_a of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n to_o they_o be_v to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o they_o have_v disobey_v the_o most_o high_a himself_o and_o according_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o believe_v not_o on_o i_o but_o on_o the_o father_n that_o send_v i_o that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o mere_o believe_v on_o i_o but_o on_o the_o father_n too_o who_o authority_n i_o have_v and_o who_o person_n i_o represent_v for_o so_o he_o explain_v himself_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o that_o see_v i_o see_v he_o that_o send_v i_o that_o be_v i_o be_v my_o father_n be_v shechinah_n or_o representative_a joh._n 12._o 44_o 45._o and_o therefore_o as_o every_o contempt_n of_o the_o deputy_n or_o vice-governor_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o sovereign_a prince_n who_o person_n he_o bear_v and_o by_o who_o authority_n he_o act_v so_o every_o rebellion_n against_o christ_n be_v a_o open_a defiance_n to_o the_o sovereign_a god_n who_o person_n he_o represent_v and_o by_o who_o authority_n he_o reign_v hence_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n joh._n 5._o 23._o that_o he_o that_o honour_v not_o the_o son_n honour_v not_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v he_o which_o plain_o intimate_v that_o god_n the_o father_n resent_v those_o indignity_n which_o we_o offer_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o law_n as_o if_o they_o be_v do_v to_o his_o own_o person_n and_o that_o if_o himself_o shall_v speak_v to_o we_o from_o the_o battlement_n of_o heaven_n or_o proclaim_v his_o law_n to_o we_o in_o a_o voice_n of_o thunder_n he_o will_v not_o be_v more_o displease_v to_o hear_v we_o open_o declare_v that_o we_o will_v not_o obey_v he_o than_o he_o be_v to_o see_v we_o trample_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o his_o son_n which_o he_o have_v stamp_v with_o his_o own_o sovereign_a authority_n so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o infinite_o foolhardy_a methinks_v we_o shall_v never_o dare_v to_o violate_v our_o religion_n in_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n be_v so_o immediate_o concern_v for_o whatsoever_o our_o religion_n require_v of_o we_o it_o require_v in_o his_o name_n who_o have_v a_o undoubted_a right_n and_o authority_n to_o command_v we_o for_o from_o all_o eternity_n he_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a power_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o unbecoming_a his_o divine_a perfection_n and_o in_o this_o the_o right_a of_o his_o dominion_n over_o we_o be_v original_o found_v for_o he_o that_o have_v power_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o right_a to_o exercise_v it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v just_a and_o become_a his_o nature_n otherwise_o his_o power_n will_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a and_o therefore_o since_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n have_v a_o power_n of_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v so_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v pretend_v against_o the_o right_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o authority_n over_o we_o for_o god_n can_v but_o have_v a_o eternal_a right_n to_o exercise_v his_o own_o power_n and_o he_o can_v but_o have_v a_o immutable_a right_n to_o exercise_v it_o over_o his_o own_o creature_n and_o as_o from_o all_o eternity_n he_o have_v power_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o be_v just_a and_o become_v he_o so_o from_o his_o create_v of_o we_o it_o become_v most_o just_a and_o become_v that_o he_o shall_v rule_v and_o govern_v we_o for_o we_o become_v his_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v create_v by_o he_o all_o our_o power_n of_o action_n be_v from_o he_o and_o by_o that_o he_o have_v acquire_v a_o unalienable_a right_n in_o whatsoever_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v we_o have_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v his_o gift_n and_o therefore_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v his_o
shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o report_n and_o testify_v the_o miracle_n of_o a_o man_n who_o they_o have_v late_o see_v crucify_v before_o their_o eye_n when_o they_o know_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v all_o a_o mere_a forgery_n and_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v that_o by_o persist_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v incur_v a_o inevitable_a ruin_n in_o this_o life_n and_o a_o eternal_a damnation_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o desperate_a piece_n of_o madness_n hear_v of_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n and_o yet_o this_o monstrous_a thing_n which_o be_v by_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o must_v not_o only_o imagine_v may_v be_v but_o believe_v that_o it_o real_o be_v or_o else_o confess_v that_o st._n john_n say_v true_a here_o that_o they_o do_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o undoubted_a a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n wherefore_o since_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o by_o a_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a faith_n adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o quick_a and_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o the_o cast_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o our_o vicious_a habit_n and_o implant_n in_o we_o all_o those_o divine_a disposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o those_o endless_a joy_n which_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v promise_v to_o and_o prepare_v for_o we_o 3._o they_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o divine_a and_o incomparable_a doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v from_o whence_o i_o infer_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o man_n entertain_v mean_a and_o contemptible_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n since_o it_o be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o 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he_o if_o they_o pretend_v to_o reject_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n i_o will_v beseech_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o it_o can_v have_v comport_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n never_o to_o make_v any_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v lose_v in_o such_o a_o midnight_n of_o ignorance_n in_o respect_n of_o natural_a religion_n how_o even_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v corrupt_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o folly_n and_o vanity_n and_o man_n have_v form_v religion_n not_o only_o hateful_a to_o god_n but_o nauseous_a to_o all_o that_o be_v wise_a among_o themselves_o and_o how_o defective_a also_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a precept_n of_o morality_n have_v at_o last_o consecrate_v their_o vice_n and_o enthrone_v they_o among_o the_o grace_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o miserable_a state_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v a_o 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we_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o the_o most_o suitable_a to_o our_o rational_a nature_n but_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o this_o state_n of_o revolt_n whereinto_o we_o be_v fall_v and_o how_o at_o length_n we_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o can_v never_o have_v be_v sufficient_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o this_o maze_n of_o ignorance_n wherein_o we_o be_v involve_v without_o some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v revelation_n unreasonable_a in_o our_o miserable_a state_n and_o circumstance_n be_v to_o suppose_v it_o unreasonable_a for_o the_o great_a and_o good_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n to_o furnish_v his_o noble_a creature_n man_n with_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o obtain_v his_o most_o excellent_a end_n and_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v so_o high_o reasonable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v let_v we_o consider_v which_o of_o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o we_o impartial_o compare_v they_o but_o our_o reason_n will_v soon_o give_v its_o vote_n for_o christianity_n if_o you_o inquire_v for_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o enthusiastic_a poet_n of_o the_o heathen_a how_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a be_v that_o religion_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o theology_n of_o hesiod_n the_o hymn_n of_o orpheus_n the_o ode_n of_o pindar_n and_o the_o poem_n of_o homer_n virgil_n and_o ovid_n if_o you_o consult_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n of_o delphos_n dodona_n and_o jupiter_n hammon_n how_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a how_o uncertain_a and_o fallacious_a be_v all_o their_o response_n beside_o that_o the_o book_n and_o record_n of_o they_o be_v long_o since_o perish_v and_o consume_v if_o you_o inquire_v for_o this_o revelation_n in_o the_o old_a roman_a theology_n which_o numa_n pretend_v to_o receive_v from_o his_o goddess_n egeria_n that_o also_o be_v lose_v be_v burn_v by_o the_o roman_a senate_n as_o valerius_n maximus_n tell_v we_o for_o that_o it_o contain_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o not_o only_o destructive_a to_o the_o god_n and_o religion_n of_o other_o country_n but_o also_o to_o his_o own_o and_o the_o roman_a profession_n or_o shall_v we_o confront_v christianity_n with_o the_o koran_n of_o mahomet_n which_o he_o often_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n there_o we_o shall_v find_v every_o page_n almost_o abound_v with_o monstrous_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n the_o whole_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o confuse_a medley_n of_o impious_a and_o contemptible_a foppery_n heap_v together_o by_o a_o triumvirate_n of_o arian_n jew_n and_o pagan_n who_o be_v all_o of_o they_o know_v impostor_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v so_o that_o to_o confront_v christianity_n with_o any_o of_o these_o be_v to_o light_v up_o a_o rush_n candle_n and_o resolve_v to_o outface_v the_o sun_n with_o it_o for_o as_o for_o christianity_n it_o be_v a_o religion_n make_v up_o of_o the_o most_o divine_a and_o godlike_a institution_n its_o precept_n be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n enjoin_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v either_o true_a godliness_n and_o most_o generous_a morality_n or_o what_o be_v the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o promote_a they_o and_o as_o for_o its_o doctrine_n it_o partly_o consist_v of_o those_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o all_o wise_a man_n of_o whatsoever_o nation_n or_o religion_n have_v own_v and_o acknowledge_v such_o as_o the_o existence_n unity_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n together_o with_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n wherein_o man_n shall_v receive_v according_a
have_v preach_v to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o thus_o pronounce_v by_o which_o also_o you_o be_v save_v if_o you_o keep_v in_o memory_n what_o i_o preach_v unto_o you_o unless_o you_o have_v believe_v in_o vain_a 1_o cor._n 15._o 1_o 2._o but_o how_o can_v they_o be_v save_v by_o that_o gospel_n he_o preach_v to_o they_o unless_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o very_a gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o constant_a ministry_n propose_v to_o the_o world_n st._n james_n call_v the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n jam._n 1._o 21._o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v also_o call_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n act_v 13._o 26._o and_o the_o word_n of_o life_n act_v 5._o 20._o and_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 16._o and_o also_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 1._o 17._o neither_o of_o which_o it_o can_v be_v just_o style_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v defective_a in_o any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o men._n 3._o and_o last_o that_o all_o those_o necessary_a truth_n which_o they_o preach_v be_v comprehend_v in_o those_o write_n of_o they_o of_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v it_o be_v true_a before_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v collect_v into_o those_o scripture_n of_o which_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o consist_v it_o be_v all_o convey_v by_o oral_a tradition_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o teacher_n to_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o disciple_n but_o in_o a_o little_a time_n those_o holy_a man_n who_o first_o preach_v it_o find_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v as_o a_o much_o sure_a way_n of_o preserve_v it_o uncorrupted_a and_o transmit_v it_o down_o to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n for_o thus_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o 15._o that_o the_o roman_n not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o st._n peter_n '_o s_z preach_v of_o christianity_n to_o they_o earnest_o desire_v st._n mark_n his_o companion_n that_o he_o will_v leave_v they_o in_o write_v a_o stand_a monument_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o st._n peter_n have_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n say_v he_o of_o the_o write_n of_o st._n mark_v '_o be_v gospel_n which_o thing_n st._n peter_n understand_v by_o a_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v high_o please_v with_o their_o earnest_a desire_n he_o confirm_v it_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n that_o it_o may_v afterward_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v in_o those_o day_n the_o roman_n do_v not_o think_v oral_a or_o unwritten_a tradition_n a_o sufficient_a conservatory_n of_o divine_a truth_n nor_o do_v their_o bishop_n then_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o laity_n in_o their_o own_o language_n after_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o 24._o that_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n be_v the_o only_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o have_v leave_v write_v commentary_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v preach_v behind_o they_o and_o it_o be_v say_v he_o necessity_n that_o impel_v they_o to_o write_v for_o matthew_n have_v preach_v the_o faith_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o intend_v to_o go_v from_o they_o to_o other_o nation_n write_v his_o gospel_n in_o his_o own_o country-language_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o his_o presence_n to_o those_o who_o he_o leave_v behind_o he_o and_o afterward_o when_o mark_n and_o luke_n have_v publish_v their_o gospel_n john_n who_o have_v hitherto_o only_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v at_o length_n move_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n betake_v himself_o to_o write_v and_o the_o three_o former_a gospel_n say_v he_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o st._n john_n he_o approve_v they_o and_o with_o his_o own_o testimony_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o from_o which_o relation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o which_o move_v those_o holy_a man_n to_o commit_v their_o gospel_n to_o write_v be_v this_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o so_o these_o in_o their_o absence_n may_v be_v stand_v monument_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o preach_v that_o gospel_n to_o man_n eye_n which_o they_o have_v preach_v to_o their_o ear_n and_o if_o they_o write_v to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n to_o be_v sure_a they_o will_v leave_v no_o necessary_a or_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o unwritten_a there_o be_v several_a proposition_n in_o these_o gospel_n which_o though_o very_o useful_a be_v far_o from_o be_v essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o those_o holy_a man_n who_o write_v on_o purpose_n to_o conserve_v chrictianity_n shall_v take_v so_o much_o care_n to_o write_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a part_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n omit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v eusebius_n tell_v we_o of_o st._n mark_v in_o particular_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i.e._n he_o take_v great_a care_n of_o this_o more_o especial_o not_o to_o pretermit_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v even_o from_o st._n peter_n nor_o to_o affix_v any_o thing_n to_o they_o that_o be_v false_a and_o if_o he_o be_v so_o careful_a not_o to_o omit_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v be_v particular_o careful_a not_o to_o omit_v any_o thing_n which_o he_o judge_v necessary_a to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o men._n but_o what_o need_v we_o depend_v upon_o humane_a authority_n when_o as_o if_o we_o consult_v those_o sacred_a write_n themselves_o which_o so_o far_o as_o they_o go_v all_o christian_n allow_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o give_v this_o testimony_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o comprehend_v in_o they_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n for_o thus_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n testify_v of_o the_o old_a that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o and_o if_o the_o old_a testament_n alone_o be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o then_o much_o more_o the_o old_a and_o new_a together_o but_o how_o can_v they_o make_v man_n wise_a to_o salvation_n if_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o any_o article_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o then_o the_o same_o author_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n v_o 16._o 17._o and_o if_o the_o old_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o to_o furnish_v he_o 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to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o of_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n either_o the_o necessary_n to_o salvation_n must_v be_v plain_o and_o clear_o express_v in_o scripture_n or_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o say_v god_n will_v damn_v we_o for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v to_o charge_v he_o with_o the_o most_o outrageous_a oppression_n and_o injustice_n but_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o though_o god_n have_v not_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n yet_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o for_o he_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o all_o age_n who_o he_o have_v authorize_v to_o explain_v and_o define_v to_o we_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v upon_o her_o authority_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o if_o we_o firm_o believe_v what_o she_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n that_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n rely_v on_o i_o desire_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v serious_o consider_v 1._o that_o before_o we_o can_v reasonable_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n that_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n 2._o that_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v 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of_o the_o church_n for_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n that_o have_v authority_n to_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o how_o can_v i_o believe_v this_o upon_o the_o church_n authority_n unless_o i_o can_v believe_v it_o before_o i_o do_v believe_v it_o three_o before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o this_o church_n authority_n in_o define_v and_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o this_o church_n be_v infallible_a for_o if_o she_o be_v not_o infallible_a how_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v she_o see_v in_o so_o do_v he_o must_v oblige_v we_o whensoever_o she_o err_v to_o believe_v her_o error_n but_o that_o she_o be_v infallible_a be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v upon_o she_o own_o authority_n for_o than_o her_o infallible_a authority_n must_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n that_o she_o be_v infallible_a that_o be_v we_o must_v believe_v her_o infallible_a because_o we_o believe_v her_o infallible_a see_v then_o we_o can_v believe_v it_o on_o her_o own_o authority_n if_o we_o believe_v it_o at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n four_o before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n authority_n to_o define_v to_o we_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v this_o infallible_a church_n but_o see_v this_o be_v no_o self-evident_a principle_n we_o must_v have_v some_o other_o evidence_n beside_o herself_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o what_o else_o can_v that_o be_v but_o scripture_n we_o be_v tell_v indeed_o by_o some_o of_o her_o great_a divine_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a mark_n and_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v 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authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o some_o why_o not_o all_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o sufficient_a to_o authorise_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o rest_n as_o these_o since_o its_o authority_n be_v as_o great_a in_o one_o text_n as_o in_o another_o especial_o consider_v 2._o that_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v believe_v from_o scripture_n before_o we_o can_v rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v at_o least_o as_o obscure_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o any_o other_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n the_o great_a reason_n urge_v by_o the_o romanist_n against_o our_o reliance_n upon_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o obscurity_n of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n it_o prove_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o will_v have_v it_o
brew_v by_o the_o priest_n from_o who_o lip_n the_o people_n do_v common_o derive_v their_o error_n as_o well_o as_o their_o knowledge_n witness_v those_o famous_a heresy_n with_o which_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v so_o distract_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o such_o as_o the_o novatian_a the_o donatist_n the_o arian_n the_o pelagian_a the_o eutichian_a the_o eunomian_a all_o which_o counterfeit_v and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o be_v first_o coin_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o disperse_v for_o current_n christianity_n among_o the_o laity_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n open_v a_o gap_n to_o heresy_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o laity_n shall_v not_o read_v it_o it_o be_v a_o much_o more_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o clergy_n shall_v not_o read_v it_o for_o it_o require_v skill_n and_o learning_n as_o well_o to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n into_o such_o false_a sense_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o to_o interpret_v it_o into_o its_o true_a sense_n and_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a that_o it_o ordinary_o require_v more_o wit_n and_o art_n to_o extort_v from_o the_o scripture_n probable_a error_n than_o it_o do_v to_o discover_v by_o it_o necessary_a truth_n and_o if_o so_o then_o if_o the_o danger_n of_o let_v in_o heresy_n be_v a_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o shall_v not_o read_v it_o it_o be_v much_o more_o a_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o learned_a shall_v not_o read_v it_o than_o the_o unlearned_a and_o consequent_o why_o the_o priest_n shall_v not_o read_v it_o than_o the_o people_n see_v the_o former_a be_v more_o qualify_v to_o extract_v heresy_n from_o it_o than_o the_o late_a if_o therefore_o this_o objection_n signify_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o body_n to_o read_v the_o bible_n that_o this_o same_o divine_a book_n which_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n think_v fit_a to_o oblige_v all_o that_o be_v able_a to_o peruse_v and_o study_v be_v now_o become_v such_o a_o dangerous_a inlet_n of_o heresy_n that_o like_o pandora_n box_n you_o can_v no_o soon_o open_v it_o but_o swarm_n of_o error_n and_o false_a doctrine_n will_v present_o fly_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o well_o for_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v either_o utter_o extinguish_v or_o hide_v in_o some_o inaccessible_a repository_n where_o no_o mortal_a eye_n may_v ever_o approach_v it_o 4._o this_o objection_n express_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o primitive_a father_n for_o matt._n 22._o 29._o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o sadducee_n who_o be_v cavil_v with_o he_o about_o the_o resurrection_n you_o do_v err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n have_v therefore_o the_o sadducee_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o our_o objector_n they_o will_v doubtless_o have_v tell_v he_o by_o your_o good_a leave_n sir_n in_o this_o point_n you_o yourself_o be_v in_o a_o error_n for_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v we_o know_v the_o scripture_n or_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v err_v much_o more_o either_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n be_v mistake_v in_o charge_v the_o error_n of_o the_o sadducee_n upon_o their_o ignorance_n of_o scripture_n or_o our_o objector_n be_v mistake_v in_o make_v it_o so_o necessary_a a_o expedient_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o error_n to_o forbid_v the_o people_n be_v acquaint_v with_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o and_o they_o be_v of_o quite_o different_a opinion_n in_o the_o case_n but_o whatever_o their_o opinion_n be_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o primitive_a father_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o our_o saviour_n for_o irenaeus_n write_v of_o the_o valentinian_n heretic_n 12._o all_o those_o error_n they_o fall_v into_o because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n so_o st._n jerom_n 4_o we_o must_v search_v the_o scripture_n with_o all_o diligence_n that_o so_o as_o be_v good_a exchanger_n we_o may_v know_v the_o lawful_a coin_n from_o the_o copper_n and_o elsewhere_o that_o infinite_a evil_n arise_v from_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o from_o this_o cause_n the_o great_a part_n of_o heresy_n have_v proceed_v st._n chrysostom_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o man_n will_v be_v conversant_a with_o the_o scripture_n and_o attend_v to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o only_o not_o fall_v into_o error_n themselves_o but_o be_v able_a to_o rescue_v those_o that_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o the_o scripture_n will_v instruct_v man_n both_o in_o right_a opinion_n and_o good_a life_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o theophilact_fw-mi tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o can_v deceive_v they_o who_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o that_o say_v he_o be_v the_o candle_n whereby_o the_o thief_n be_v discover_v but_o it_o seem_v according_a to_o modern_a experiment_n this_o candle_n of_o scripture_n rather_o serve_v to_o light_v the_o thief_n into_o the_o house_n than_o to_o discover_v he_o when_o he_o be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v necessary_a for_o honest_a man_n security_n either_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v whole_o extinguish_v or_o at_o least_o hinder_v from_o give_v light_n by_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o dark_a lantern_n of_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o when_o they_o who_o be_v once_o the_o honest_a man_n be_v become_v the_o thief_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v thus_o change_v their_o note_n and_o complain_v of_o the_o light_n of_o this_o candle_n as_o dangerous_a to_o they_o which_o heretofore_o they_o esteem_v their_o great_a security_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o reason_n assign_v by_o st._n peter_n why_o some_o man_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n be_v not_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o contrary_a wise_a their_z not_o read_v it_o enough_o which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a say_v he_o 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upon_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o church_n or_o of_o our_o spiritual_a â—â—ids_n and_o submit_v our_o faith_n to_o their_o dictate_v without_o any_o examination_n what_o a_o needless_a and_o impertinent_a employment_n will_v this_o be_v for_o we_o to_o search_v and_o consult_v the_o scripture_n consult_v they_o for_o what_o it_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v their_o guidance_n and_o direction_n and_o to_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o manner_n from_o they_o and_o if_o for_o this_o end_n god_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o consult_v they_o as_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o can_v be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n than_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o employ_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o consider_v what_o they_o say_v and_o inquire_v what_o they_o mean_v otherwise_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o consult_v they_o to_o no_o purpose_n it_o be_v as_o evident_a therefore_o that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o use_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o discern_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o what_o not_o in_o religion_n and_o not_o lazy_o rely_v upon_o other_o to_o see_v and_o discern_v and_o believe_v for_o we_o as_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o search_v and_o consult_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o i_o think_v be_v evident_a enough_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o conviction_n and_o indeed_o see_v our_o reason_n be_v the_o noble_a faculty_n we_o have_v it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a if_o god_n shall_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o important_a affair_n wherein_o he_o have_v engage_v we_o and_o see_v it_o be_v our_o reason_n only_o that_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o religion_n what_o a_o odd_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o forbid_v we_o make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o most_o important_a concern_v of_o religion_n that_o be_v indistinguish_v what_o be_v true_a religion_n from_o what_o be_v false_a and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v from_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o reject_v i_o know_v it_o be_v pretend_v by_o those_o who_o urge_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o allow_v man_n to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n in_o discover_v which_o the_o true_a church_n be_v and_o that_o all_o they_o contend_v for_o be_v only_o this_o that_o when_o once_o man_n have_v find_v the_o true_a church_n they_o ought_v to_o inquire_v no_o far_o but_o immediate_o to_o deliver_v up_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o it_o and_o believe_v every_o thing_n it_o believe_v without_o any_o far_a examination_n so_o that_o before_o man_n come_v into_o their_o church_n it_o seem_v they_o be_v allow_v to_o see_v for_o themselves_o but_o after_o they_o be_v in_o they_o must_v wink_v and_o follow_v their_o guide_n and_o depute_v they_o to_o see_v and_o understand_v for_o they_o which_o to_o such_o man_n as_o be_v 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short_a they_o will_v allow_v i_o to_o make_v use_n of_o my_o reason_n if_o i_o have_v be_v breed_v a_o heretic_n in_o order_n to_o my_o reconciliation_n to_o their_o church_n but_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v a_o heretic_n i_o must_v never_o use_v my_o reason_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n either_o of_o my_o church_n or_o religion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o may_v use_v my_o reason_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o remedy_n and_o i_o must_v continue_v a_o heretic_n if_o i_o do_v not_o but_o it_o be_v much_o better_a that_o i_o have_v never_o have_v occasion_n to_o use_v my_o reason_n at_o all_o so_o that_o according_a to_o these_o man_n the_o use_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o religion_n be_v only_o the_o least_o of_o two_o evil_n
wretch_n who_o though_o he_o believe_v his_o own_o religion_n true_a exchange_n it_o for_o another_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a upon_o no_o other_o consideration_n but_o so_o much_o temporal_a advantage_n to_o boot_v by_o which_o he_o plain_o declare_v that_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o his_o estimation_n the_o odds_o between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n the_o declaration_n of_o god_n and_o the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o inconsiderable_a that_o the_o least_o addition_n of_o the_o transitory_a good_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o late_a render_v it_o of_o sufficient_a weight_n to_o turn_v the_o scale_n against_o the_o former_a and_o that_o for_o his_o part_n he_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v whether_o the_o almighty_a be_v his_o friend_n or_o foe_n and_o provide_v he_o may_v but_o enjoy_v his_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n a_o few_o year_n long_o here_o he_o be_v very_o well_o content_v to_o part_n with_o all_o his_o hope_n and_o interest_n in_o god_n for_o ever_o for_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a construction_n of_o man_n apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o consideration_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n that_o that_o interest_n be_v in_o their_o esteem_n far_o more_o eligible_a than_o god_n with_o all_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n than_o without_o preferment_n and_o that_o that_o man_n make_v a_o very_a good_a bargain_n who_o get_v a_o good_a place_n in_o exchange_n for_o his_o maker_n and_o with_o the_o treacherous_a judas_n sell_v his_o saviour_n though_o it_o be_v but_o for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n which_o be_v such_o a_o monstrous_a degree_n of_o impiety_n as_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v fufficient_a to_o scare_v and_o affright_v the_o most_o courageous_a sinner_n that_o have_v but_o the_o least_o apprehension_n of_o god_n or_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o then_o 2._o consider_v the_o desparte_n folly_n of_o man_n abandon_v their_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o vicious_a affection_n for_o he_o who_o without_o through_o conviction_n abandon_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a do_v together_o with_o that_o most_o certain_o abandon_v all_o the_o bless_a reward_n and_o incur_v all_o the_o dreadful_a penalty_n that_o true_a religion_n promise_n and_o denounce_v because_o though_o his_o religion_n perhaps_o may_v be_v false_a yet_o in_o renounce_v it_o whilst_o he_o believe_v it_o true_a his_o will_n do_v as_o malicious_o renounce_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o real_o be_v so_o he_o think_v it_o true_a and_o yet_o renounce_v it_o by_o which_o he_o plain_o declare_v that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v true_a he_o will_v have_v renounce_v it_o so_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o his_o will_n be_v the_o same_o his_o crime_n and_o gild_n the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a religion_n he_o intentional_o renounce_v and_o therefore_o in_o so_o do_v he_o do_v intentional_o renounce_v all_o his_o concern_v and_o interest_n in_o true_a religion_n now_o what_o a_o desperate_a piece_n of_o folly_n be_v this_o for_o a_o man_n to_o part_v with_o all_o his_o stock_n in_o the_o common_a bank_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o down_o right_a shame_n and_o imposture_n be_v of_o everlasting_a moment_n and_o concern_v to_o he_o only_o for_o a_o present_a gratification_n of_o some_o vain_a and_o unreasonable_a lust_n to_o divorce_n himself_o for_o ever_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o quit_v all_o title_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n only_o to_o curry_v a_o short-lived_a favour_n with_o man_n with_o man_n who_o breath_n be_v in_o their_o nostril_n and_o who_o within_o a_o few_o day_n or_o year_n must_v go_v off_o the_o stage_n and_o leave_v we_o here_o perhaps_o forlorn_a and_o destitute_a to_o part_v with_o all_o my_o glorious_a hope_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v my_o best_a heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o with_o heaven_n itself_o where_o i_o have_v treasure_n of_o bliss_n sufficient_a to_o maintain_v i_o in_o a_o most_o happy_a port_n to_o eternal_a age_n only_o to_o gain_v or_o secure_v a_o transitory_a estate_n or_o preferment_n which_o while_o i_o have_v it_o can_v make_v i_o happy_a and_o from_o which_o erelong_o i_o shall_v be_v tear_v and_o divide_v and_o not_o be_v a_o farthing_n the_o better_a for_o forever_o to_o expose_v one self_o as_o a_o public_a spectacle_n of_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n to_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a part_n of_o the_o rational_a world_n for_o a_o short_a extemporary_a blaze_n of_o pompous_a splendour_n and_o greatness_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o counter-blast_n of_o fortune_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n will_v ever_o long_o expire_v in_o smoke_n and_o stink_n wretchedness_n and_o infamy_n to_o plunge_v one self_o headlong_o into_o all_o the_o agony_n and_o torment_n the_o horror_n and_o desperation_n of_o a_o woeful_a eternity_n only_o to_o escape_v a_o short_a persecution_n and_o a_o glorious_a martyrdom_n when_o a_o little_a after_o perhaps_o i_o shall_v suffer_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o and_o long_o under_o the_o gout_n or_o stone_n or_o strangury_n without_o the_o comfort_n of_o die_v in_o a_o brave_a cause_n and_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o immortal_a recompense_n than_o i_o can_v have_v do_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o executioner_n with_o it_o and_o yet_o all_o these_o mad_a prank_n that_o man_n play_v at_o once_o who_o abandon_v his_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o his_o lusts._n 3._o consider_v the_o foul_a dishonesty_n of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o sacred_a pledge_n commit_v to_o we_o by_o god_n for_o our_o own_o use_n and_o the_o use_v of_o our_o late_a posterity_n we_o can_v vicious_o desert_v and_o abandon_v it_o without_o betray_v of_o god_n and_o falsify_v our_o trust_n to_o he_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o without_o squander_v away_o the_o most_o inestimable_a good_a that_o ever_o he_o commit_v to_o man_n upon_o our_o own_o base_a lust_n and_o his_o most_o execrable_a enemy_n which_o be_v dishonesty_n blacken_v with_o the_o foul_a ingratitude_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v by_o forsake_v our_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o any_o lewd_a affection_n we_o not_o only_o do_v a_o dishonest_a thing_n at_o present_a but_o also_o total_o discard_v the_o obligation_n to_o honesty_n for_o the_o future_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v rational_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o be_v thorough_o honest_a but_o only_a his_o religion_n or_o inward_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v his_o indispensable_a duty_n towards_o god_n before_o who_o righteous_a tribunal_n he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o his_o action_n the_o two_o great_a motive_n of_o humane_a action_n be_v religion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n now_o as_o for_o religion_n that_o consist_v of_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a principle_n which_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n ply_v or_o bend_v to_o the_o alteration_n of_o outward_a affair_n and_o circumstance_n but_o do_v in_o all_o condition_n move_v and_o oblige_v we_o with_o equal_a force_n and_o vigour_n whereas_o worldly_a interest_n be_v a_o fickle_a and_o mutable_a thing_n that_o vary_v and_o alter_v with_o every_o outward_a turn_n and_o revolution_n so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v my_o interest_n to_o day_n may_v prove_v my_o damage_n to_o morrow_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v whatever_o part_n i_o act_v to_o day_n it_o will_v oblige_v i_o to_o act_v the_o contrary_a to_o morrow_n when_o therefore_o a_o man_n have_v let_v go_v his_o religion_n and_o have_v nothing_o but_o his_o interest_n to_o hold_v he_o it_o be_v cross_a or_o pile_n for_o the_o future_a whether_o you_o find_v he_o a_o honest_a man_n or_o a_o knave_n because_o from_o henceforth_o he_o will_v be_v knave_n or_o honest_a according_a as_o it_o serve_v his_o turn_n and_o that_o which_o serve_v his_o turn_n to_o day_n may_v prove_v his_o loss_n and_o prejudice_n to_o morrow_n so_o that_o whether_o to_o day_n or_o to_o morrow_n he_o prove_v a_o true_a man_n or_o a_o cheat_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o die_n of_o fortune_n and_o you_o must_v consult_v his_o star_n to_o find_v the_o lucky_a hour_n or_o moment_n when_o you_o may_v safe_o trust_v he_o for_o after_o the_o wretch_n have_v be_v so_o perfidious_a as_o to_o renounce_v his_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n he_o have_v no_o one_o principle_n remain_v in_o he_o upon_o which_o you_o can_v fasten_v any_o last_a confidence_n as_o for_o his_o interest_n that_o be_v such_o a_o fickle_a and_o inconstant_a thing_n that_o there_o be_v no_o trust_v it_o if_o it_o plead_v for_o you_o now_o the_o next_o turn_v of_o affair_n it_o may_v be_v
discover_v my_o falsehood_n and_o insincerity_n and_o if_o in_o the_o course_n of_o my_o action_n or_o any_o other_o suspicious_a indication_n they_o shall_v find_v cause_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o i_o embrace_v their_o religion_n only_o to_o serve_v my_o interest_n and_o against_o the_o persuasion_n of_o my_o own_o mind_n if_o they_o be_v wise_a they_o will_v treat_v i_o as_o a_o dangerous_a person_n upon_o who_o there_o be_v no_o reliance_n for_o how_o can_v they_o imagine_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v true_a to_o they_o who_o have_v be_v false_a to_o my_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o proverb_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o proselyte_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o the_o ten_o generation_n and_o by_o too_o many_o woeful_a instance_n in_o our_o own_o neighbourhood_n we_o find_v it_o a_o maxim_n in_o some_o man_n politic_n that_o a_o new_a convert_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v trust_v than_o a_o old_a heretic_n and_o though_o for_o a_o while_o they_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o use_v i_o as_o a_o proper_a tool_n to_o serve_v a_o present_a design_n yet_o to_o be_v sure_o they_o will_v use_v i_o no_o long_o than_o they_o needs_o must_v and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v their_o work_n i_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v thrust_v out_o to_o make_v room_n for_o such_o as_o they_o can_v more_o safe_o depend_v on_o and_o if_o this_o shall_v not_o happen_v as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a it_o may_v yet_o see_v all_o humane_a affair_n be_v liable_a to_o perpetual_a turn_v and_o mutability_n perhaps_o upon_o the_o next_o revolution_n a_o contrary_a interest_n may_v appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v find_v myself_o desert_v of_o all_o my_o present_n support_v and_o dependency_n and_o like_o a_o forlorn_a wretch_n utter_o abandon_v both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n without_o any_o other_o company_n to_o entertain_v i_o in_o this_o my_o mournful_a solitude_n beside_o the_o woeful_a remembrance_n of_o my_o gild_n and_o shame_n to_o such_o infinite_a uncertainty_n of_o obtain_v their_o end_n be_v those_o miserable_a man_n expose_v who_o desert_n their_o religion_n in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o inference_n but_o then_o 2._o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v how_o cautious_a a_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o change_v his_o religion_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o it_o lest_o that_o which_o induce_v he_o to_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o his_o conviction_n as_o his_o profligate_n conscience_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o man_n be_v always_o to_o maintain_v the_o same_o persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o such_o a_o obligation_n will_v as_o effectual_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o false_a religion_n as_o of_o true_a whatever_o some_o man_n pretend_v we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o from_o top_n to_o bottom_n a_o company_n of_o fallible_a creature_n and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o error_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o may_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v nor_o 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