in_o those_o error_n than_o it_o have_v be_v and_o perhaps_o utter_o impossible_a to_o maintain_v they_o among_o christian_n without_o destroy_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o such_o caution_n have_v be_v necessary_a a_o thousand_o time_n as_o many_o more_o have_v be_v necessary_a too_o for_o so_o many_o addition_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n must_v have_v be_v make_v as_o there_o be_v way_n of_o elude_v and_o pervert_v a_o 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 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the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o other_o and_o than_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v deliver_v in_o that_o way_n which_o though_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o instruct_v and_o convince_v all_o honest_a man_n yet_o will_v not_o infallible_o bear_v down_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n now_o to_o this_o we_o must_v add_v 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o general_a temper_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o sake_n the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o exceed_o 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 human_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 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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 human_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 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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 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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
do_v what_o god_n require_v or_o raise_v in_o he_o any_o dispute_n what_o to_o conclude_v upon_o but_o though_o it_o be_v grievous_a to_o do_v it_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v god_n pleasure_n he_o forthwith_o set_v himself_o to_o obey_v this_o perfection_n of_o obedience_n be_v what_o we_o shall_v aim_v at_o for_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o our_o own_o great_a security_n and_o i_o will_v add_v for_o our_o ease_n too_o 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 to_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 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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 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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 foretell_v the_o violence_n that_o shall_v be_v use_v to_o extinguish_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n again_o say_v st._n paul_n 2_o thess_n 2._o there_o shall_v be_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v come_v with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_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 for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v 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whether_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n by_o such_o prediction_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v guard_v themselves_o against_o error_n and_o evil_a example_n and_o therefore_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n will_n in_o all_o likelihood_n shake_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o believer_n and_o cause_v some_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o not_o regard_v the_o admonition_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n beforehand_o and_o 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 scandal_n and_o temptation_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o bear_v up_o against_o they_o i_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o man_n receive_v it_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o that_o receive_v it_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o christian_n themselves_o there_o be_v as_o monstrous_a error_n and_o lewd_a example_n as_o ever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christianity_n or_o as_o there_o be_v now_o where_o christianity_n be_v not_o at_o all_o profess_a now_o at_o this_o rate_n shall_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v thing_n go_v as_o they_o will_v it_o will_v in_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o nothing_o of_o christianity_n will_v remain_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o name_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o do_v more_o 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 vnbeliever_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 shall_v by_o his_o providence_n correct_v his_o own_o disciple_n and_o reduce_v wretched_a mankind_n into_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o consideration_n that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o utter_o fall_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o men._n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n our_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v
accident_n of_o bread_n it_o may_v be_v break_v as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o st._n john_n it_o be_v not_o break_v unless_o you_o mean_v as_o christ_n body_n be_v break_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o if_o the_o bread_n which_o be_v break_v be_v real_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o st._n john_n as_o aforesaid_a 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 be_v 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 four_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 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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_a 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 council_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_a 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_v 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 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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_n 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 council_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 sense_v 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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 sheep_n clothing_n matth._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 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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 have_v in_o store_n for_o all_o honest_a mind_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o run_v cross_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o it_o show_v a_o infallible_a way_n to_o single_a person_n and_o to_o community_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o all_o man_n to_o be_v for_o ever_o bless_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o will_v rather_o have_v expect_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v fortolde_v that_o no_o man_n in_o any_o age_n will_v ever_o set_v himself_o to_o oppose_v the_o design_n 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nature_n affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v confine_v it_o be_v disease_v and_o can_v endure_v to_o he_o heal_v and_o it_o be_v therefore_o likely_a enough_o that_o very_o many_o will_v reject_v the_o physician_n and_o be_v angry_a with_o those_o very_a remedy_n that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v send_v the_o true_a and_o sincere_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n my_o brethren_n if_o it_o be_v believe_v can_v but_o make_v we_o very_o uneasy_a and_o unquiet_a while_o we_o be_v conscious_a of_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v reform_v because_o it_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o all_o our_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n it_o forewarn_v we_o of_o a_o dreadful_a sentence_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o a_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o we_o be_v unwilling_a at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o venture_v in_o which_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o 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of_o heaven_n and_o to_o entangle_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n and_o do_v they_o not_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o the_o rain_n fall_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n thereof_o that_o be_v it_o suffer_v a_o irreparable_a ruin_n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v no_o way_n frame_v to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o ambitious_a and_o worldly-minded_n man_n or_o to_o help_v they_o in_o pursue_v those_o end_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o will_v be_v by_o some_o or_o other_o mould_v for_o that_o purpose_n when_o opportunity_n shall_v serve_v our_o saviour_n teach_v the_o world_n no_o other_o principle_n of_o morality_n no_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n than_o what_o be_v equal_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o part_n of_o mankind_n to_o believe_v and_o follow_v a_o common_a good_a and_o a_o equal_a benefit_n be_v intend_v in_o they_o all_o for_o let_v they_o prevail_v without_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n be_v secure_v and_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n to_o subject_n neighbour-nation_n shall_v give_v strength_n and_o confidence_n instead_o of_o create_v jealousy_n to_o one_o another_o the_o master_n shall_v be_v better_o serve_v and_o the_o servant_n better_o use_v the_o church_n by_o her_o doctrine_n and_o spiritual_a authority_n will_v be_v a_o guard_n to_o the_o state_n and_o receive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n protection_n from_o it_o here_o be_v no_o
design_n in_o christianity_n to_o set_v up_o any_o nation_n or_o party_n of_o man_n in_o opposition_n and_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o but_o it_o plain_o aim_v at_o a_o general_a good_a and_o under_o its_o penalty_n require_v all_o its_o professor_n to_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o too_o and_o condemn_v those_o who_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o among_o the_o great_a offender_n and_o this_o religion_n as_o machiavelli_n well_o observe_v be_v not_o calculate_v for_o the_o inspire_a of_o man_n with_o great_a design_n such_o i_o suppose_v as_o his_o caesar_n borgia_n aim_v at_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a too_o philosophical_a too_o innocent_a and_o charitable_a to_o raise_v a_o ambitious_a heat_n or_o to_o serve_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a in_o process_n of_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v help_v out_o by_o other_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n that_o will_v bring_v in_o the_o swell_n of_o worldly_a pride_n into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o african_a father_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o celestine_n call_v it_o and_o advance_v one_o part_n of_o it_o to_o the_o depress_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o true_a christianity_n serve_v no_o such_o design_n therefore_o be_v our_o saviour_n oppose_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n his_o doctrine_n do_v not_o tend_v at_o all_o that_o way_n viz._n to_o make_v jerusalem_n the_o mistress_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o shall_v depend_v upon_o she_o it_o do_v not_o minister_v to_o their_o ambitious_a and_o worldly_a hope_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o for_o their_o turn_n 3._o if_o we_o look_v upon_o christianity_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o worship_n it_o will_v still_o hold_v true_a that_o offence_n must_v needs_o come_v because_o the_o worship_n it_o prescribe_v be_v a_o worship_n of_o great_a simplicity_n that_o have_v but_o two_o or_o three_o positive_a institution_n of_o divine_a authority_n viz._n the_o two_o sacrament_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o holy_a son_n jesus_n now_o this_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n who_o love_n rather_o a_o pompous_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o nice_a observation_n than_o a_o grave_n and_o decent_a administration_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o former_a do_v amuse_v the_o sense_n and_o entertain_v the_o imagination_n the_o latter_a do_v that_o but_o very_o little_a in_o comparison_n and_o rather_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n but_o most_o people_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v affect_v with_o thing_n that_o touch_v their_o fancy_n than_o their_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o time_n there_o will_v grow_v very_o great_a excess_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o there_o do_v even_o in_o st._n augustine_n day_n who_o complain_v of_o it_o not_o a_o little_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o januarius_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v but_o such_o excess_n will_v be_v accompany_v with_o false_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o please_v god_n for_o whereas_o the_o excellent_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o appoint_v so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o external_a observation_n leave_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o decency_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n be_v this_o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o all_o pretence_n of_o place_v the_o weight_n of_o religion_n in_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o by_o their_o very_a worship_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o show_v they_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v please_v without_o those_o thing_n whereas_o he_o do_v hereby_o effectual_o declare_v that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v with_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o pious_a heart_n and_o the_o obedience_n that_o be_v express_v in_o a_o good_a life_n the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n be_v as_o averse_a from_o this_o as_o it_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o other_o and_o desire_n to_o please_v god_n by_o so_o easy_a a_o religion_n as_o that_o which_o run_v out_o into_o a_o world_n of_o mystery_n and_o show_v and_o observation_n and_o seem_v to_o save_v they_o the_o labour_n of_o subdue_a their_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o of_o serve_v god_n by_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n contemptible_a and_o odious_a to_o the_o heathen_n that_o they_o have_v so_o few_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n so_o plain_a and_o simple_a a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n but_o one_o altar_n but_o one_o mediator_n no_o tutelar_a deity_n and_o patron_n no_o throng_n of_o petty_a god_n but_o one_o or_o two_o mystery_n and_o those_o too_o plain_a and_o instruct_v without_o pomp_n and_o amuzement_n for_o such_o cause_n as_o these_o they_o reckon_v the_o christian_n little_o better_a than_o atheist_n believe_v that_o a_o religion_n which_o make_v no_o stately_a show_n to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o none_o at_o all_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n himself_o appoint_v a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n to_o the_o israelite_n that_o consist_v of_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o ceremony_n but_o beside_o this_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o type_n to_o discover_v the_o messiah_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v there_o be_v another_o end_n of_o divine_a providence_n observable_a in_o that_o constitution_n which_o be_v this_o that_o they_o have_v a_o stately_a and_o mystical_a form_n of_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v less_o under_o a_o temptation_n of_o learning_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o who_o numerous_a and_o gaudy_a ceremony_n in_o their_o worship_n will_v have_v bewitch_v the_o jew_n ten_o time_n more_o than_o they_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o vie_v with_o they_o but_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n say_v that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v sure_a not_o the_o best_a in_o themselves_o but_o consider_v the_o time_n the_o best_a for_o they_o for_o when_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v all_o mankind_n to_o worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o to_o convert_v the_o nation_n from_o idolatry_n the_o scheme_n of_o the_o mosaic_a worship_n be_v take_v down_o and_o the_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o nothing_o but_o prayer_n and_o praise_n two_o sacrament_n and_o one_o mediator_n but_o by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n run_v counter_a to_o the_o fond_a and_o foolish_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o that_o offence_n be_v ready_a to_o come_v upon_o this_o account_n also_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o religion_n too_o good_a for_o a_o wicked_a world_n too_o wise_a for_o a_o vain_a and_o foolish_a world_n i_o mean_v it_o be_v too_o good_a and_o too_o wise_a to_o escape_v opposition_n and_o all_o change_n the_o world_n will_v either_o try_v to_o keep_v it_o out_o or_o when_o that_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v any_o long_o to_o square_v and_o form_v it_o better_o to_o its_o own_o purpose_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n viz._n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o a_o worldly_a spirit_n that_o a_o peculiar_a temper_n be_v require_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o order_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o his_o doctrine_n a_o spirit_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n of_o humility_n and_o teachableness_n love_v of_o the_o truth_n willingness_n to_o learn_v patience_n of_o reproof_n and_o the_o like_a without_o which_o disposition_n the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n will_v certain_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o argument_n and_o motive_n by_o which_o it_o be_v recommend_v and_o therefore_o since_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o over-rule_v they_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v first_o of_o all_o great_o oppose_v as_o it_o be_v and_o afterward_o insincere_o handle_v as_o it_o have_v be_v and_o this_o although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v peculiar_o furnish_v with_o mean_n to_o infuse_v a_o wise_a and_o honest_a disposition_n into_o they_o that_o want_v it_o for_o those_o mean_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o after_o all_o man_n may_v be_v the_o worse_o and_o not_o the_o better_a for_o they_o nothing_o can_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v more_o fit_a to_o awaken_v man_n to_o consideration_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o honesty_n and_o wisdom_n and_o to_o conquer_v all_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la than_o the_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_v 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 as_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_v 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 lay_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 whilst_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 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 giving_z 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_n 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
integrity_n than_o he_o have_v before_o abraham_n have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o have_v make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o worship_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o god_n see_v all_o along_o that_o he_o be_v a_o upright_a man_n and_o this_o no_o less_o before_o he_o be_v bid_v to_o offer_v his_o son_n isaac_n than_o after_o he_o have_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o slay_v he_o upon_o the_o altar_n and_o therefore_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o and_o no_o more_o the_o thing_n be_v now_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a to_o all_o that_o thou_o fear_v god_n but_o why_o will_v god_n have_v abraham_n faith_n make_v so_o plain_a and_o unquestionable_a why_o must_v such_o a_o trial_n as_o this_o be_v make_v since_o it_o can_v not_o be_v to_o let_v god_n into_o a_o more_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o abraham_n than_o he_o have_v before_o i_o answer_v it_o must_v be_v either_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o abraham_n himself_o or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o or_o for_o both_o let_v we_o first_o see_v what_o advantage_n the_o success_n of_o this_o trial_n be_v to_o abraham_n himself_o and_o 1._o i_o think_v we_o need_v not_o doubt_n that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a man_n all_o along_o yet_o even_o this_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o chapter_n make_v he_o yet_o a_o great_a and_o a_o better_a man_n than_o he_o be_v before_o for_o so_o it_o be_v that_o as_o by_o bad_a action_n bad_a man_n grow_v worse_a so_o by_o good_a one_o good_a man_n grow_v better_a and_o by_o exceed_v and_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o virtue_n they_o grow_v much_o better_a 2._o abraham_n be_v indeed_o conscious_a before_o of_o his_o own_o integrity_n yet_o when_o god_n put_v he_o upon_o so_o severe_a a_o trial_n as_o this_o be_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n though_o it_o do_v not_o add_v to_o god_n assure_a knowledge_n of_o abraham_n integrity_n yet_o it_o add_v to_o the_o assurance_n which_o abraham_n have_v of_o himself_o for_o though_o there_o be_v no_o degree_n of_o certainty_n in_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o man_n and_o though_o abraham_n be_v well_o assure_v before_o that_o he_o fear_v god_n yet_o his_o quit_n himself_o so_o well_o upon_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o occasion_n can_v not_o but_o add_v to_o his_o assurance_n and_o that_o be_v one_o advantage_n that_o all_o good_a man_n have_v by_o those_o particular_a trial_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o happen_v common_o that_o how_o hard_o soever_o they_o be_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o if_o they_o behave_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o gain_v this_o satisfaction_n by_o it_o to_o be_v more_o certain_o persuade_v of_o their_o own_o sincerity_n and_o doubtless_o abraham_n have_v no_o ordinary_a satisfaction_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o have_v obey_v god_n require_v so_o hard_a a_o thing_n especial_o since_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v he_o to_o gather_v the_o comfort_n of_o his_o sincerity_n from_o his_o obedience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o reason_v but_o do_v also_o add_v a_o particular_a revelation_n to_o give_v he_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o can_v be_v have_v i_o know_v say_v he_o that_o thou_o fear_v god_n and_o so_o he_o have_v the_o assurance_n of_o so_o concern_v a_o point_n from_o god_n himself_o not_o only_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o joy_n but_o that_o this_o example_n may_v yield_v good_a instruction_n to_o other_o who_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v such_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o answer_n that_o although_o this_o trial_n of_o abraham_n faith_n can_v add_v nothing_o to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v of_o his_o sincerity_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o beneficial_a to_o other_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o try_v and_o that_o upon_o his_o good_a and_o worthy_a carriage_n under_o it_o god_n shall_v so_o plain_o and_o particular_o testify_v his_o integrity_n we_o be_v therefore_o to_o mind_n attentive_o the_o instruction_n that_o abraham_n example_n and_o god_n approve_v his_o sincerity_n afford_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o first_o point_n of_o instruction_n i_o shall_v name_n be_v this_o that_o that_o faith_n in_o god_n which_o will_v gain_v his_o approbation_n and_o reward_n be_v a_o lively_a and_o work_a faith_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n himself_o vouchsafe_v upon_o so_o eminent_a a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o of_o abraham_n offer_v up_o his_o son_n when_o i_o say_v himself_o be_v please_v to_o condescend_v to_o such_o a_o expression_n as_o this_o now_o know_v i_o that_o thou_o fear_v i_o as_o if_o the_o matter_n hitherto_o have_v be_v uncertain_a to_o he_o what_o can_v we_o make_v less_o of_o it_o than_o that_o god_n take_v this_o opportunity_n nay_o that_o god_n make_v this_o opportunity_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o who_o shall_v not_o bring_v forth_o the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n shall_v be_v reckon_v of_o by_o he_o as_o one_o that_o have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o no_o fear_n of_o god_n at_o all_o and_o what_o be_v thus_o true_a of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v true_a of_o trust_n in_o god_n too_o i_o have_v already_o note_v that_o what_o be_v here_o call_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o hebrew_n call_v faith_n and_o therefore_o if_o our_o fear_n of_o god_n our_o apprehension_n of_o his_o almightiness_n his_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n holiness_n and_o sovereignty_n will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o regard_v or_o own_v by_o he_o unless_o it_o do_v produce_v a_o conformity_n of_o our_o action_n to_o his_o will_n but_o we_o shall_v on_o the_o contrary_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o if_o we_o do_v not_o fear_v he_o at_o all_o the_o argument_n be_v very_o strong_a that_o our_o faith_n separate_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o god_n require_v and_o expect_v from_o we_o will_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o faith_n it_o will_v not_o be_v the_o faith_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v for_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n a_o belief_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o his_o power_n and_o his_o holiness_n and_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o something_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a belief_n of_o they_o viz._n such_o a_o belief_n as_o be_v accompany_v with_o some_o awe_n dread_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n but_o if_o faith_n work_v by_o inward_a fear_n and_o yet_o fail_v to_o produce_v the_o performance_n of_o what_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o will_v not_o be_v own_v as_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n when_o we_o come_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o his_o sentence_n then_o how_o much_o less_o shall_v mere_a faith_n or_o persuasion_n be_v reckon_v as_o any_o thing_n worth_a when_o separate_v from_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o life_n and_o action_n since_o upon_o abraham_n offer_v up_o his_o son_n according_a to_o god_n command_n god_n be_v please_v to_o say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n we_o can_v imagine_v what_o can_v have_v be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o god_n voice_n but_o this_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o do_v not_o fear_v god_n i_o will_v not_o therefore_o dispute_v nay_o i_o need_v not_o dispute_v whether_o a_o man_n who_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n depart_v from_o his_o duty_n whether_o he_o i_o say_v may_v not_o yet_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o fear_n god_n and_o to_o stand_v in_o some_o awe_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o power_n for_o whether_o this_o may_v be_v true_o say_v or_o not_o yet_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o his_o acceptance_n with_o god_n god_n will_v not_o own_o that_o to_o be_v faith_n or_o fear_v or_o trust_v or_o love_n or_o dependence_n upon_o god_n which_o do_v not_o produce_v the_o do_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o command_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o try_v our_o obedience_n in_o any_o notable_a instance_n wherefore_o those_o word_n wherein_o god_n condescend_v to_o our_o manner_n of_o speak_v now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n be_v a_o natural_a intimation_n of_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o nothing_o will_v pass_v with_o he_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o produce_v a_o conformable_a practice_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n for_o undoubted_o god_n know_v the_o integrity_n of_o abraham_n heart_n before_o and_o therefore_o since_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o he_o till_o he_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a by_o this_o eminent_a act_n of_o obedience_n and_o since_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n as_o if_o
prediction_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v christ_n and_o if_o we_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o general_a head_n by_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v so_o overrule_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o look_v into_o they_o we_o can_v light_o turn_v ourselves_o any_o way_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v encounter_v with_o some_o or_o other_o prophetic_a passage_n concern_v christ_n all_o which_o be_v design_v of_o god_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o who_o not_o only_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o unquestionable_a prophecy_n but_o all_o other_o type_n and_o the_o more_o obscure_a prefiguration_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v be_v fulfil_v we_o may_v without_o the_o least_o doubt_n believe_v and_o follow_v he_o 2._o this_o word_n of_o prophecy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o expression_n be_v plain_a enough_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v nothing_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v afterward_o make_v by_o the_o event_n which_o they_o foretell_v and_o therefore_o till_o the_o event_n make_v all_o plain_a the_o world_n be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a about_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o as_o to_o most_o particular_n but_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o express_v and_o full_a that_o they_o have_v raise_v a_o expectation_n not_o only_o in_o the_o jew_n but_o among_o the_o gentile_n also_o of_o that_o extraordinary_a person_n who_o god_n will_v send_v into_o the_o world_n for_o their_o relief_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v very_o well_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n for_o such_o a_o light_n though_o it_o do_v not_o make_v a_o particular_a discovery_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o lie_v round_o about_o it_o be_v yet_o apt_a to_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o towards_o it_o that_o be_v within_o distance_n and_o the_o prediction_n concern_v christ_n be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o they_o awaken_v the_o gentile_n themselves_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o indeed_o clear_o reveal_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o at_o present_a but_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v it_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v foretell_v and_o whereas_o this_o light_n be_v say_v to_o shine_v till_o the_o day_n dawn_v and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o plain_a meaning_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n the_o prophecy_n concern_v he_o grow_v still_o more_o express_a clear_a and_o particular_a as_o the_o time_n draw_v on_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v accomplish_v the_o whole_a word_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n but_o the_o latter_a prophecy_n such_o as_o in_o isaiah_n daniel_n and_o malachi_n be_v like_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o day_n before_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n himself_o appear_v by_o such_o degree_n do_v god_n prepare_v mankind_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n every_o age_n contribute_v something_o beforehand_o to_o undermine_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o natural_a man_n against_o it_o that_o god_n shall_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o mystery_n so_o far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o natural_a reason_n that_o consider_v our_o weakness_n it_o will_v hardly_o have_v bear_v be_v reveal_v all_o at_o once_o and_o therefore_o god_n choose_v to_o let_v mankind_n into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o degree_n and_o by_o the_o growing-light_n of_o type_n and_o prophecy_n to_o 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our_o controversy_n and_o plenty_n and_o honour_n and_o safety_n by_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n who_o to_o the_o church_n bring_v the_o security_n of_o her_o patrimony_n and_o right_n make_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o justice_n to_o bear_v good_a proportion_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v not_o only_o from_o the_o king_n but_o by_o he_o from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a dispenser_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o most_o welcome_a messenger_n of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n for_o the_o people_n who_o from_o the_o sovereign_n convey_v life_n and_o spirit_n through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o nation_n return_v the_o same_o in_o grateful_a loyalty_n and_o duty_n from_o his_o subject_n and_o in_o their_o blessing_n
be_v not_o bribe_v with_o the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o all_o the_o virtue_n that_o be_v exercise_v while_o every_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o we_o as_o heart_n can_v wish_v be_v something_o necessary_a for_o our_o welfare_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o go_v wise_o to_o work_v for_o it_o a_o liar_n will_v not_o be_v believe_v a_o false_a man_n will_v not_o be_v trust_v drunkard_n will_v hardly_o thrive_v a_o malicious_a and_o hard-hearted_a man_n will_v be_v hate_v and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n shall_v be_v reproach_v the_o vice_n and_o impiety_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v enemy_n to_o our_o well-doing_n in_o this_o world_n affect_v either_o our_o body_n or_o our_o estate_n or_o our_o quiet_n or_o our_o reputation_n so_o that_o the_o very_a love_n of_o this_o world_n will_v teach_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o live_v well_o and_o religious_o in_o appearance_n that_o he_o may_v fare_v the_o better_a for_o it_o here_o but_o when_o god_n send_v 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few_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o all_o other_o and_o therefore_o while_o it_o be_v pure_a they_o can_v not_o bear_v it_o who_o gain_n be_v their_o godliness_n and_o who_o have_v be_v use_v to_o tell_v lie_v in_o hypocrisy_n 3._o the_o proneness_n of_o mankind_n to_o superstition_n be_v another_o cause_n of_o disapprove_v what_o god_n approve_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v according_a to_o their_o religion_n for_o a_o 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 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which_o be_v very_o often_o so_o great_a that_o it_o will_v not_o allow_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o so_o condemn_v he_o that_o offer_v truth_n before_o he_o be_v hear_v or_o if_o a_o hear_n can_v be_v avoid_v it_o be_v able_a sometime_o to_o divert_v the_o attention_n or_o if_o attention_n be_v give_v it_o can_v corrupt_v the_o judgement_n man_n in_o those_o circumstance_n be_v but_o ill_a judge_n whatever_o their_o natural_a ability_n be_v they_o love_v one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n they_o bate_v the_o other_o and_o they_o judge_v according_o 6._o in_o many_o person_n the_o impatience_n of_o consider_v and_o weigh_v thing_n and_o the_o ease_n of_o let_v other_o judge_n for_o they_o without_o examine_v particular_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o false_a judgement_n for_o the_o ease_n that_o a_o man_n get_v this_o way_n incline_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v judge_n who_o can_v err_v and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o tell_v he_o nothing_o but_o 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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 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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 all-seeing_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_v 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promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o warning_n of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v it_o be_v in_o this_o that_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o mend_v the_o temper_n of_o man_n consist_v but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n that_o can_v be_v do_v man_n may_v choose_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v and_o consider_v and_o it_o well_o become_v divine_a providence_n 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 incorrigible_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 john_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 rise_v 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 i._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_a 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