charge_n 1.18_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n or_o as_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n to_o the_o text_n it_o be_v phrased_a not_o believe_v in_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o if_o that_o pleasure_n be_v flat_a without_o the_o resistance_n of_o truth_n to_o keen_a the_o appetite_n as_o if_o the_o way_n to_o death_n be_v not_o plain_a enough_o without_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o direct_v they_o thither_o and_o it_o be_v a_o glorious_a conquest_n through_o all_o the_o force_n of_o light_n and_o love_n mercy_n and_o vengeance_n to_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o storm_n hell_n and_o damnation_n this_o be_v the_o charge_n and_o how_o it_o fit_v man_n for_o this_o doom_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o gross_a error_n i_o be_o next_o to_o show_v the_o clear_a principle_n of_o faith_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o so_o convince_a as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n which_o as_o the_o light_n bring_v their_o own_o evidence_n with_o they_o and_o approve_v themselves_o at_o first_o sight_n to_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a and_o the_o gross_a error_n can_v be_v press_v with_o such_o palpable_a absurdity_n as_o any_o great_a and_o wilful_a wickedness_n which_o the_o conscience_n confute_v not_o by_o formal_a argument_n but_o with_o pain_n and_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n and_o leave_v it_o no_o evasion_n or_o defence_n but_o that_o which_o amount_v to_o a_o denial_n extenuation_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v grow_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o resist_v the_o strong_a conviction_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o baffle_v the_o painful_a conflict_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n who_o can_v hear_v and_o feel_v and_o despise_v his_o own_o condemnation_n how_o easy_a a_o conquest_n will_v he_o make_v over_o the_o weak_a persuasion_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o strong_a sense_n we_o have_v implant_v by_o nature_n or_o renew_v by_o grace_n in_o our_o soul_n be_v that_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o because_o it_o be_v the_o guardian_n of_o our_o innocence_n and_o safety_n therefore_o have_v god_n make_v it_o so_o quick_a and_o apprehensive_a the_o sense_n of_o true_a and_o false_a be_v much_o more_o weak_a and_o languid_a like_o the_o last_o faint_a return_n of_o a_o die_a echo_n if_o that_o therefore_o be_v grow_v stupid_a how_o can_v this_o continue_v in_o its_o vigour_n when_o once_o a_o man_n be_v grow_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o lay_v by_o all_o reverence_n and_o pity_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o endure_v his_o own_o torment_n and_o reproach_n he_o may_v easy_o despise_v the_o weak_a chastisement_n of_o the_o sharp_a demonstration_n beside_o there_o be_v no_o great_a sin_n but_o be_v attend_v with_o some_o proper_a mischief_n which_o touch_v the_o evil_a man_n in_o those_o part_n wherein_o he_o be_v far_o more_o sensible_a and_o tender_a then_o in_o any_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n with_o which_o either_o his_o body_n or_o his_o credit_n or_o his_o substance_n be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o can_v we_o think_v the_o article_n of_o such_o a_o man_n faith_n can_v be_v dear_a to_o he_o then_o his_o health_n his_o honour_n or_o his_o estate_n which_o he_o so_o ready_o sacrifice_n to_o his_o sin_n or_o that_o a_o contradiction_n shall_v trouble_v his_o mind_n who_o have_v no_o compassion_n leave_v for_o these_o can_v the_o harsh_a discord_n give_v any_o offence_n to_o those_o ear_n that_o have_v be_v tune_v only_o to_o curse_v and_o calumny_n or_o the_o most_o ill-shapt_a unproportioned_a object_n to_o those_o eye_n that_o have_v delight_v in_o the_o ugly_a deformity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n no_o more_o offence_n can_v the_o most_o inconsistent_a untruth_n give_v he_o who_o be_v past_a feeling_n 4.19_o have_v give_v himself_o over_o to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n thus_o do_v wickedness_n harden_v and_o enure_v the_o mind_n for_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o the_o more_o 2._o because_o it_o expose_v a_o man_n to_o all_o temptation_n and_o make_v he_o a_o ready_a prey_n for_o any_o belief_n that_o come_v arm_v with_o the_o same_o weapon_n he_o have_v be_v so_o often_o worsted_n with_o if_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o profit_n can_v make_v a_o man_n a_o beast_n a_o villain_n or_o a_o knave_n they_o may_v as_o easy_o where_o they_o stand_v for_o it_o make_v he_o a_o infidel_n or_o apostate_n if_o the_o smile_n of_o a_o friend_n can_v strip_v a_o man_n of_o his_o humanity_n they_o will_v shake_v his_o creed_n which_o sit_v not_o so_o close_o to_o he_o he_o who_o abandon_v his_o innocency_n for_o a_o little_a raillery_n will_v sure_o be_v quick_o storm_v out_o of_o his_o faith_n but_o what_o speak_v i_o of_o temptation_n he_o that_o persist_v in_o his_o wickedness_n in_o defiance_n to_o truth_n need_v no_o tempter_n be_v of_o himself_o propense_a to_o invent_v or_o embrace_v the_o gross_a lie_n for_o 3._o there_o be_v two_o great_a depth_n of_o darkness_n whence_o all_o those_o mist_n that_o benight_v man_n understanding_n do_v arise_v a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o evil_a affection_n both_o which_o have_v their_o rise_n and_o growth_n from_o a_o evil_a life_n and_o do_v beguile_v man_n with_o a_o subtle_a sophistry_n than_o all_o outward_a imposture_n which_o borrow_v all_o its_o force_n from_o they_o 1._o the_o evil_a conscience_n work_v thus_o to_o the_o native_a delicate_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o evil_a of_o guilt_n be_v very_o afflictive_a the_o remembrance_n of_o blood_n rapine_n oppression_n cozenage_n and_o the_o like_a be_v not_o only_o frightful_a sight_n but_o cruel_a fury_n to_o a_o man_n something_o than_o must_v be_v do_v for_o his_o ease_n he_o can_v live_v on_o this_o wheel_n nor_o lie_v down_o with_o this_o fire_n in_o his_o bosom_n nor_o can_v he_o shift_v off_o these_o torture_n that_o stick_v as_o close_v to_o he_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o do_v the_o common_a diversion_n of_o noise_n jollity_n and_o business_n will_v not_o always_o last_o he_o must_v sometime_o be_v alone_o and_o then_o the_o tormenter_n return_n thus_o like_o the_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o gospel_n he_o go_v about_o seek_v rest_n and_o can_v find_v none_o the_o only_a sure_a and_o catholic_n remedy_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n which_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v assure_v will_v be_v successful_a be_v harsh_a and_o severe_a and_o require_v cut_v off_o the_o gangrend_a hand_n and_o pull_v out_o the_o inflame_a eye_n and_o other_o rigour_n he_o can_v no_o more_o endure_v then_o the_o distemper_n it_o be_v a_o long_a and_o heavy_a way_n to_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n and_o when_o one_o be_v there_o it_o be_v but_o a_o imprisonment_n in_o this_o distress_n some_o witchcraft_n must_v be_v seek_v to_o some_o easy_a art_n find_v out_o to_o palliate_v the_o evil_a and_o assuage_v the_o pain_n and_o for_o this_o he_o have_v hear_v much_o talk_n of_o a_o goodly_a and_o cheap_a robe_n of_o righteousness_n and_o a_o choice_n fucus_fw-la of_o faith_n with_o which_o he_o may_v so_o cover_v and_o beautify_v the_o monster_n that_o the_o all-seeing_a eye_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n shall_v not_o see_v sin_n in_o they_o in_o this_o disguise_n he_o present_o put_v they_o and_o have_v thus_o conceal_v they_o he_o apprehend_v no_o terror_n in_o they_o thus_o thousand_o swallow_v this_o enthusiastic_a lie_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o delicious_a and_o give_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o ease_n to_o the_o vile_a sinner_n without_o the_o least_o trouble_n or_o distur_v bance_n to_o his_o sin_n but_o if_o the_o man_n be_v fright_v out_o of_o this_o fancy_n into_o a_o thoughtful_a mood_n and_o be_v arrest_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n see_v his_o nakedness_n through_o these_o figleaves_a and_o feel_v that_o for_o all_o his_o finery_n he_o be_v yet_o in_o pain_n and_o something_o must_v be_v do_v beside_o this_o mummery_n for_o his_o ease_n he_o next_o cast_v about_o for_o what_o be_v easy_a not_o sure_a and_o be_v tell_v that_o a_o slight_a expose_v the_o evil_a by_o a_o short_a confession_n a_o very_a little_a attrition_n and_o a_o round_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o few_o omnipotent_a word_n and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o a_o little_a heal_a unction_n will_v infallible_o effect_v the_o cure_n and_o lay_v these_o terror_n have_v so_o venerable_a authority_n for_o it_o he_o take_v the_o opiate_n which_o lull_v he_o into_o a_o pleasant_a slumber_n and_o giddiness_n and_o now_o he_o cry_v soul_n take_v thy_o ease_n and_o lust_n take_v thy_o liberty_n and_o whensoever_o the_o terror_n do_v return_v it_o be_v but_o repeat_v the_o remedy_n toties_fw-la quoties_fw-la and_o all_o will_v be_v well_o but_o
a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o whitehall_n november_n the_o xxx_o 1673._o by_o roger_n hayward_n d._n d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n by_o his_o majesty_n special_a command_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n basset_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o george_n near_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1673._o 2_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n 2_o chap._n 10_o 11._o verse_n 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 for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v a_o lye_n though_o the_o word_n do_v relate_v to_o a_o prophecy_n yet_o i_o need_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o rifle_v into_o the_o doubtful_a content_n of_o it_o to_o find_v out_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o they_o whatsoever_o age_n or_o place_n of_o christendom_n this_o dreadful_a comet_n foresee_v by_o the_o apostle_n direct_o hang_v over_o yet_o that_o it_o have_v a_o evil_a aspect_n more_o or_o less_o upon_o all_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o evil_a influence_n it_o have_v every_o where_o scatter_v and_o we_o be_v not_o free_a from_o which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v read_v wherein_o we_o have_v these_o two_o thing_n considerable_a 1._o the_o sad_a condition_n of_o some_o man_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v a_o lie_n 2._o the_o reason_n of_o it_o 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 whatever_o offence_n the_o phrase_n of_o god_n send_v may_v give_v we_o as_o if_o darkness_n can_v flow_v from_o he_o who_o be_v light_n the_o reason_n assign_v for_o it_o will_v easy_o remove_v what_o the_o strong_a delusion_n here_o threaten_a be_v the_o verse_n before_o my_o text_n tell_v we_o the_o come_n of_o satan_n with_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n such_o as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n foretell_v with_o this_o account_n of_o they_o 24.24_o they_o will_v deceive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect._n 4.14_o divers_a and_o deep_a have_v be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o method_n of_o imposture_n in_o religion_n but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v utmost_a effort_n and_o choice_n masterpiece_n have_v be_v the_o counterfeit_v those_o credential_n which_o god_n have_v ever_o give_v to_o his_o immediate_a messenger_n power_n and_o holiness_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o perfection_n and_o a_o invincible_a bar_n to_o all_o belief_n for_o he_o to_o send_v a_o weak_a or_o wicked_a person_n on_o his_o extraordinary_a errand_n how_o far_o the_o first_o of_o these_o have_v be_v forge_v as_o by_o simon_n magus_n the_o person_n suppose_v by_o some_o 2d_o to_o be_v primary_o mean_v here_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n and_o other_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o history_n but_o the_o devil_n have_v long_o since_o at_o least_o among_o we_o lay_v by_o that_o old_a engine_n as_o be_v unfit_a to_o ensnare_v a_o inquisitive_a age_n but_o pretence_n of_o holiness_n will_v never_o be_v out-dated_n the_o sheep_n clothing_n will_v be_v a_o fresh_a and_o fashionable_a disguise_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o neither_o of_o these_o delusion_n ever_o have_v be_v or_o can_v be_v so_o strong_a or_o subtle_a as_o to_o elude_v all_o mean_n of_o discovery_n for_o though_o a_o lie_a wonder_n may_v be_v mechanism_n or_o conspiracy_n be_v so_o perform_v as_o to_o puzzle_v a_o very_a curious_a enquiry_n into_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o and_o a_o sanctimonious_a vizor_n may_v be_v so_o accurate_o make_v as_o to_o startle_v a_o unwary_a admirer_n that_o gaze_v only_o on_o the_o outside_n of_o it_o yet_o a_o careful_a search_n into_o the_o integrity_n charity_n and_o humility_n of_o the_o person_n will_v certain_o discover_v the_o forgery_n counterfeit_a power_n and_o purity_n taste_v always_o very_o strong_a of_o malice_n and_o pride_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o can_v pretend_v the_o danger_n nor_o plead_v the_o excuse_n of_o such_o temptation_n such_o be_v the_o honest_a genius_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o it_o dazzle_v not_o our_o eye_n with_o any_o strange_a feat_n nor_o deaf_v our_o ear_n with_o unintelligible_a sound_n nor_o amuse_n our_o mind_n with_o uncouth_a severity_n nor_o offer_v any_o other_o proof_n for_o itself_o than_o those_o its_o great_a master_n have_v leave_v it_o save_v only_o the_o strange_a success_n of_o they_o against_o the_o will_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o policy_n in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v then_o safe_a from_o this_o first_o evil_a unless_o we_o will_v be_v so_o humorous_a as_o to_o cheat_v ourselves_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o lie_n which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o sad_a condition_n to_o rake_v up_o the_o ash_n of_o old_a heretic_n will_v be_v here_o as_o useless_a as_o unsavoury_a and_o to_o rake_v into_o the_o wound_n of_o our_o own_o church_n to_o seek_v the_o lie_n will_v be_v as_o barbarous_a some_o balsam_n we_o rather_o take_v from_o the_o word_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o sore_a of_o the_o daughter_n of_o israel_n if_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o incurable_a viz_o every_o false_a persuasion_n do_v not_o amount_v to_o this_o emphasis_n of_o error_n nor_o must_v we_o write_v on_o it_o the_o doom_n in_o my_o text_n lest_o we_o fall_v under_o our_o own_o condemnation_n a_o small_a mistake_n may_v indeed_o as_o it_o be_v manage_v grow_v up_o to_o the_o dimension_n of_o a_o gross_a error_n let_v the_o vehicle_n be_v never_o so_o innocent_a the_o ingredient_n make_v it_o a_o deadly_a poison_n but_o a_o lie_n be_v a_o error_n which_o carry_v its_o contradiction_n in_o its_o face_n not_o at_o the_o end_n of_o a_o long_a chain_n of_o consequence_n hook_v artificial_o together_o which_o be_v so_o thick_a and_o palpable_a that_o not_o faith_n and_o philosophy_n only_o but_o even_o humanity_n check_v at_o it_o as_o be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o sense_n or_o testimony_n which_o be_v current_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v too_o many_o extant_a i_o will_v not_o search_v into_o this_o or_o the_o other_o sect_n or_o communion_n for_o they_o only_o lie_v down_o some_o general_a undeniable_a character_n and_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n answer_v they_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v no_o rudeness_n or_o affront_n to_o leave_v the_o lie_n at_o their_o door_n 1._o those_o that_o deny_v the_o be_v or_o providence_n of_o god_n can_v just_o be_v angry_a at_o that_o reproach_n which_o they_o roundly_o put_v upon_o the_o whole_a world_n all_o man_n jew_n and_o heathen_n yea_o their_o very_a idol_n and_o altar_n and_o the_o whole_a creation_n do_v with_o one_o consent_n condemn_v these_o yea_o so_o far_o do_v they_o contradict_v themselves_o that_o they_o give_v the_o make_n and_o menagement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o such_o a_o blind_a power_n which_o they_o dare_v not_o trust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o that_o little_a pittance_n of_o it_o they_o call_v their_o own_o and_o however_o sportive_a man_n may_v in_o the_o transport_v of_o their_o pleasure_n be_v with_o god_n yet_o this_o argue_v the_o denial_n of_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a falsity_n that_o it_o need_v so_o much_o confidence_n and_o wildness_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v venerable_a among_o man_n to_o support_v it_o again_o 2._o such_o opinion_n as_o do_v violate_v his_o perfection_n or_o charge_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a on_o he_o that_o advance_v any_o creature_n to_o his_o glory_n or_o degrade_v he_o to_o its_o likeness_n can_v escape_v this_o evil_a name_n those_o that_o of_o old_a invade_v his_o honour_n and_o give_v it_o to_o other_o 44.20_o be_v say_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o hold_v a_o lie_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n 1.23_o and_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o change_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n and_o those_o that_o represent_v he_o as_o cruel_a or_o unjust_a as_o peevish_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v provoke_v and_o yet_o easy_a to_o be_v flatter_v be_v not_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o the_o mere_a figment_n and_o idol_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v or_o whether_o their_o own_o image_n which_o they_o set_v up_o in_o pomp_n and_o then_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n 〈…〉_z 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d evil_a man_n since_o they_o must_v have_v a_o god_n will_v have_v the_o make_n of_o he_o and_o then_o no_o doubt_n he_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v best_o serve_v their_o own_o purpose_n a_o mere_a imaginary_a creature_n of_o their_o own_o 3._o whatever_n destroy_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o fall_v proper_o under_o its_o cognizance_n or_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o moral_a motive_n
the_o nation_n they_o live_v in_o as_o their_o language_n their_o habit_n their_o law_n and_o custom_n be_v yet_o we_o know_v the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o instruct_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o may_v make_v we_o good_a and_o happy_a for_o ever_o and_o he_o that_o list_v not_o to_o be_v so_o can_v be_v a_o true_a friend_n to_o that_o faith_n which_o shall_v make_v he_o so_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o education_n custom_n interest_n and_o prae-ingagement_n implant_v even_o in_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n a_o very_a tenacious_a reverence_n of_o their_o belief_n but_o i_o hope_v we_o value_v we_o upon_o strong_a motive_n which_o though_o it_o be_v beside_o the_o design_n of_o my_o text_n to_o recompt_n yet_o that_o i_o be_v not_o too_o impudent_a a_o beggar_n of_o the_o question_n the_o character_n i_o have_v give_v of_o gross_a and_o damnable_a error_n will_v acquit_v if_o of_o the_o imputation_n of_o any_o such_o search_v and_o try_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o denial_n of_o god_n the_o diminution_n of_o his_o glory_n the_o countenance_n of_o infidelity_n or_o a_o bad_a life_n then_o let_v it_o suffer_v in_o our_o esteem_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o tender_a of_o god_n honour_n that_o it_o will_v venture_v to_o parcel_n it_o out_o to_o other_o upon_o the_o warranty_n of_o any_o critical_a distinction_n if_o it_o be_v so_o fair_a and_o ingenuous_a as_o not_o to_o impose_v upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o sense_n but_o subject_n itself_o to_o the_o close_a sober_a inquiry_n if_o it_o have_v so_o much_o esteem_v for_o true_a goodness_n as_o to_o prefer_v it_o before_o all_o outward_a rituality_n and_o set_v it_o above_o the_o dispensation_n of_o any_o interest_n or_o power_n whatsoever_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v find_v excuse_n with_o all_o those_o that_o be_v true_a lover_n of_o god_n reason_n and_o virtue_n but_o the_o great_a fault_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o those_o particular_n it_o be_v charge_v with_o be_v that_o it_o be_v too_o stubborn_a and_o nice_a and_o will_v not_o be_v command_v nor_o entreat_v beyond_o that_o rule_n which_o the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o have_v leave_v we_o and_o sure_a this_o shall_v not_o be_v its_o reproach_n but_o commendation_n to_o those_o who_o great_a glory_n it_o be_v to_o have_v transmit_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o we_o if_o it_o offend_v in_o this_o it_o be_v certain_o on_o the_o safe_a side_n of_o a_o great_a modesty_n and_o a_o humble_a deference_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n such_o a_o account_n of_o it_o as_o this_o but_o from_o his_o royal_a lip_n who_o speak_v and_o write_v and_o live_v and_o die_v best_a for_o it_o next_o to_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o his_o immediate_a witness_n render_v it_o so_o acceptable_a to_o a_o profess_a enemy_n of_o it_o pardre_n rhohose_v confessor_n to_o the_o infanta_n itaâ—_n as_o the_o story_n be_v well_o know_v and_o vouch_a that_o he_o turn_v its_o confessor_n in_o this_o honest_a acknowledgement_n if_o this_o be_v your_o faith_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v you_o may_v be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o i._o butler_n to_o return_v to_o my_o text_n whatever_o account_n have_v endear_v it_o to_o we_o nothing_o so_o much_o hazard_v it_o as_o a_o pagan_a life_n and_o conversation_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n man_n be_v common_o very_o fearful_a of_o in_o this_o case_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n 4.14_o and_o the_o wiliness_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v as_o for_o the_o first_o however_o faulty_a simplicity_n may_v be_v in_o other_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o great_a cause_n to_o apprehend_v it_o so_o here_o yea_o the_o itch_n of_o knowledge_n which_o draw_v man_n into_o the_o first_o fatal_a error_n have_v still_o continue_v to_o have_v the_o same_o evil_a influence_n whilst_o man_n be_v content_v with_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o and_o answer_v the_o office_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o life_n they_o be_v safe_a within_o these_o bound_n but_o when_o they_o begin_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o soar_v above_o st._n john_n epistle_n to_o his_o revelation_n and_o leave_v charity_n to_o expound_v mystery_n disclose_v prophecy_n and_o model_n polity_n they_o enter_v into_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o they_o stray_v gnostick_n be_v the_o true_a name_n of_o every_o heretic_n nor_o be_v the_o craftiness_n of_o deceiver_n so_o dreadful_a as_o man_n make_v it_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o true_o good_a man_n be_v seldom_o so_o idle_a or_o curious_a as_o to_o hearken_v to_o their_o charm_n so_o his_o belove_a principle_n of_o humility_n peacefulness_n and_o submission_n make_v he_o abhorrent_n of_o they_o yea_o there_o be_v a_o awfulness_n in_o goodness_n that_o check_v their_o bold_a solicitation_n but_o wickedness_n do_v invite_v they_o as_o the_o luxurious_a prodigal_n the_o cheat_n and_o though_o their_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n may_v lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n 16.18_o 3.6_o yet_o it_o be_v only_o such_o as_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n and_o lead_v away_o with_o divers_a lust_n let_v we_o not_o then_o impute_v that_o danger_n to_o these_o that_o be_v only_o due_a to_o wickedness_n of_o life_n those_o do_v but_o assault_v the_o outwork_n this_o strike_v at_o the_o vital_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o create_v those_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la to_o it_o which_o be_v they_o not_o awe_v by_o some_o outward_a regard_n will_v soon_o break_v out_o into_o open_a hostility_n a_o sound_a faith_n and_o a_o corrupt_a life_n may_v be_v find_v together_o there_o be_v too_o many_o such_o monster_n as_o orthodox_n reprobate_n man_n that_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n but_o this_o they_o whole_o owe_v to_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n not_o to_o any_o inward_a friendship_n that_o maintain_v the_o union_n do_v not_o thou_o oh_o mighty_a god_n who_o rule_a the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n do_v not_o thou_o likewise_o stop_v some_o mean_n principle_n from_o run_v out_o into_o their_o proper_a practice_n and_o other_o man_n practice_n from_o settle_v in_o their_o proper_a principle_n what_o a_o deluge_n of_o infidelity_n and_o barbarism_n will_v soon_o overflow_v thy_o poor_a church_n yet_o by_o whatever_o outward_a bond_n man_n faith_n be_v tie_v to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o ingra_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n it_o hang_v but_o loose_a and_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o any_o engine_n to_o remove_v it_o that_o have_v as_o much_o force_n as_o that_o which_o uphold_v it_o and_o let_v such_o ever_o bless_v god_n that_o they_o be_v bear_v under_o a_o most_o gracious_a defender_n of_o their_o faith_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v ever_o again_o be_v fool_v with_o the_o old_a shoe_n and_o the_o mouldy_a bread_n of_o the_o gibeonite_n to_o create_v of_o foment_n any_o public_a jealousy_n the_o language_n of_o which_o we_o too_o sad_o know_v when_o they_o speak_v out_o be_v nothing_o but_o arm_z arm_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o godly_a jealousy_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o which_o we_o all_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o ourselves_o 11.2_o which_o will_v call_v down_o our_o eye_n from_o a_o busy_a pry_n into_o aspect_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n to_o behold_v the_o fatal_a prognostic_n in_o ourselves_o which_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v will_v awaken_v such_o apprehension_n as_o these_o in_o we_o how_o have_v we_o see_v truth_n approach_v we_o with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n sweetness_n and_o terror_n with_o all_o kind_n of_o demonstration_n but_o the_o miraculous_a one_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o lieu_n of_o they_o with_o the_o confirm_a experience_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n but_o what_o reception_n what_o success_n have_v it_o find_v let_v shame_n and_o sorrow_n answer_v if_o it_o have_v escape_v our_o scorn_n we_o have_v be_v very_o merciful_a to_o it_o and_o a_o cold_a patience_n have_v be_v a_o high_a favour_n and_o now_o how_o indifferent_a must_v we_o needs_o be_v for_o that_o which_o we_o have_v treat_v so_o unworthy_o how_o easy_o may_v the_o subtlety_n of_o wit_n or_o the_o caress_n of_o friendship_n persuade_v we_o from_o that_o which_o have_v be_v our_o continual_a burden_n which_o we_o have_v and_o do_v actual_o renounce_v 2._o the_o best_a expedient_a for_o the_o defence_n of_o truth_n and_o prevent_v the_o growth_n of_o gross_a error_n be_v the_o enforcement_n of_o a_o good_a life_n by_o the_o precept_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o how_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a have_v dispute_n and_o controversy_n be_v how_o few_o convert_v have_v they_o make_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n there_o be_v a_o veil_n lie_v upon_o man_n mind_n which_o must_v not_o be_v
to_o induce_v a_o firm_a faith_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v false_o just_o under_o this_o censure_n for_o great_a assurance_n than_o these_o give_v we_o in_o their_o respective_a object_n we_o can_v have_v and_o upon_o this_o man_n adventure_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o even_o their_o life_n and_o he_o that_o be_v so_o much_o infidel_n to_o himself_o as_o to_o disbelief_n his_o own_o sense_n or_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o to_o refuse_v that_o security_n which_o be_v universal_o accept_v among_o man_n engage_v himself_o in_o invincible_a jealousy_n of_o all_o person_n action_n and_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o may_v as_o well_o suspect_v the_o food_n on_o his_o own_o table_n as_o adore_v that_o on_o god_n and_o question_v any_o record_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o bible_n so_o fair_a do_v scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n bid_v for_o the_o lie_n that_o they_o cut_v off_o all_o the_o mean_n not_o of_o all_o faith_n in_o god_n only_o but_o also_o in_o man_n yea_o of_o all_o knowledge_n and_o civil_a correspondence_n last_o whateve_a error_n destroy_v a_o good_a life_n and_o licentiate_a wickedness_n such_o for_o instance_n as_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o dispense_v with_o subjection_n truth_n honesty_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o inseparable_a duty_n of_o relation_n that_o decry_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n that_o establish_v a_o religion_n void_a of_o virtue_n a_o faith_n without_o obedience_n repentance_n without_o amendment_n all_o which_o do_v not_o by_o a_o perplex_a course_n of_o consequence_n but_o by_o a_o direct_a force_n set_v up_o iniquity_n as_o by_o a_o law_n the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n the_o universal_a conscience_n be_v the_o most_o safe_a and_o steady_a ark_n and_o repository_n of_o truth_n firm_a than_o seth_n pillar_n or_o the_o two_o table_n which_o can_v never_o moulder_v away_o in_o which_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v so_o deep_o engrave_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v erase_v without_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o truth_n and_o justice_n charity_n and_o sobriety_n be_v old_a than_o the_o law_n of_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o more_o durable_a than_o mount_n sinai_n they_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o the_o data_fw-la of_o all_o law_n the_o bond_n of_o all_o society_n the_o hallow_a soil_n all_o religion_n have_v be_v build_v on_o of_o which_o that_o be_v the_o best_a that_o be_v most_o exact_o frame_v to_o they_o all_o man_n approve_v and_o defend_v these_o as_o their_o common_a birthright_n their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v ready_a joint_o to_o prescribe_v he_o as_o a_o common_a enemy_n that_o assault_v they_o the_o grosseness_n of_o any_o error_n be_v not_o in_o the_o little_a remote_a absurdity_n that_o art_n may_v urge_v it_o with_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o misname_a or_o misplace_v the_o term_n in_o a_o syllogism_n shall_v be_v damnable_a but_o in_o the_o immediate_a mischievous_a effect_n of_o it_o if_o the_o next_o stream_n be_v deadly_a we_o may_v conclude_v the_o fountain_n to_o be_v poisonous_a and_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n authorise_v evil_a we_o may_v bold_o pronounce_v it_o to_o be_v a_o lie_n 8.44_o a_o name_n so_o hateful_a for_o the_o relation_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o devil_n that_o i_o dare_v not_o affix_v it_o to_o any_o error_n but_o such_o as_o stand_v anathematise_v for_o such_o by_o the_o true_a ecumenical_a council_n even_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o now_o it_o may_v be_v wonder_v how_o in_o so_o nice_a and_o squeamish_a a_o age_n such_o tough_a and_o unsavoury_a untruth_n shall_v be_v so_o greedy_o swallow_v and_o i_o may_v be_v think_v be_v not_o such_o conceit_n too_o notorious_o own_a to_o have_v devise_v some_o monster_n to_o make_v sport_n with_o how_o man_n who_o understanding_n serve_v they_o well_o as_o to_o other_o thing_n shall_v yet_o be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o deny_v he_o that_o make_v they_o or_o to_o make_v he_o such_o a_o one_o as_o they_o please_v or_o to_o turn_v infidel_n to_o themselves_o and_o all_o man_n or_o last_o to_o think_v real_a virtue_n upon_o which_o their_o own_o &_o all_o other_o man_n comfort_n and_o security_n depend_v to_o be_v but_o a_o old_a heathen_a notion_n a_o levitical_a shadow_n as_o very_o a_o trifle_n in_o god_n account_n as_o in_o their_o own_o this_o may_v seem_v strange_a but_o the_o wonder_n will_v soon_o be_v over_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o sad_a doom_n 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 a_o sad_a charge_n as_o heavy_a as_o the_o doom_n that_o it_o import_v more_o than_o bare_a infidelity_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o word_n which_o signify_v 1._o a_o unworthy_a reception_n of_o truth_n they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o defeat_v the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o save_v by_o it_o there_o be_v too_o many_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n and_o promise_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o that_o be_v the_o specifical_a sense_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n who_o disdain_v the_o sneak_a guilt_n of_o the_o trifler_n in_o my_o text_n aspire_v to_o that_o of_o blasphemer_n of_o truth_n for_o who_o therefore_o a_o more_o dreadful_a judgement_n then_o that_o here_o if_o any_o can_v be_v so_o be_v of_o old_a appoint_v because_o you_o have_v set_v at_o naught_o all_o my_o counsel_n etc._n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v other_o receive_v it_o with_o more_o civility_n with_o a_o agreeable_a countenance_n and_o behaviour_n but_o a_o cold_a indifferency_n as_o they_o will_v a_o stranger_n and_o if_o its_o approach_n dress_v language_n or_o argue_v chance_n to_o please_v they_o their_o civility_n may_v improve_v to_o that_o gladness_n that_o herod_n afford_v the_o baptist_n and_o it_o be_v a_o welcome_a guest_n for_o a_o 2d_o hour_n a_o three_o sort_n receive_v it_o with_o a_o zealous_a fondness_n with_o passion_n and_o rapture_n yet_o not_o it_o but_o the_o phrase_n the_o tone_n the_o action_n that_o convey_v it_o for_o let_v the_o same_o truth_n be_v read_v in_o a_o lesson_n in_o a_o low_a key_n and_o with_o a_o more_o compose_v behaviour_n and_o it_o lose_v its_o warm_a entertainment_n and_o what_o be_v all_o this_o but_o flattery_n and_o falsehood_n it_o may_v be_v the_o love_n of_o something_o that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o ear_n as_o sweet_a accent_n or_o smooth_a period_n be_v let_v the_o matter_n be_v serious_a or_o frivolous_a or_o to_o the_o fancy_n as_o such_o discourse_n as_o soothe_v man_n particular_a temper_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o to_o the_o understanding_n as_o a_o well-framed_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o planet_n but_o all_o this_o even_o the_o clear_a notion_n of_o truth_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o love_n of_o it_o this_o admit_v it_o beyond_o all_o the_o chamber_n of_o imagination_n and_o discourse_n into_o the_o treasure_n the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n seat_v it_o there_o in_o full_a power_n cast_v out_o whatsoever_o be_v distasteful_a to_o it_o and_o subject_n all_o thing_n even_o its_o dear_a inclination_n to_o its_o law_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v short_a of_o this_o be_v but_o be_v slight_o please_v or_o instruct_v by_o it_o not_o save_v which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o charge_n that_o man_n look_v upon_o salvation_n as_o a_o bare_a reversion_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o duty_n or_o happiness_n in_o it_o on_o this_o side_n the_o grave_a as_o it_o argue_v a_o strong_a love_n of_o their_o sin_n so_o it_o do_v a_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o only_a effect_n of_o which_o that_o shall_v or_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o it_o here_o as_o it_o every_o where_o declare_v be_v â—2_n that_o it_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n without_o which_o the_o strong_a hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v but_o the_o dream_n of_o a_o fool_n paradise_n if_o therefore_o man_n will_v not_o be_v better_v by_o it_o if_o notwithstanding_o its_o plain_a precept_n high_a promise_n and_o most_o frightful_a terror_n if_o in_o defiance_n to_o the_o strong_a motive_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o bowel_n of_o god_n to_o invite_v they_o and_o all_o the_o aid_n of_o heaven_n tender_v to_o assist_v they_o and_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o love_n and_o vengeance_n lay_v open_a to_o persuade_v they_o they_o will_v continâ—e_v in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o not_o be_v save_v with_o whatsoever_o solemnity_n they_o receive_v they_o do_v effectual_o but_o reject_v and_o baffle_v the_o truth_n this_o be_v their_o