Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n christian_a church_n true_a 4,006 5 4.8519 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A92744 The Christian life wheren is shew'd, I. The worth and excellency of the soul. II. The divinity and incarnation of our Saviour III. The authority of the Holy Scripture. IV. A dissuasive from apostacy. Vol. V. and last. By John Scott, D.D. late rector of St. Giles's in the Fields.; Christian life. Vol. 5 Scott, John, 1639-1695.; White, Robert, 1645-1703, engraver.; Zouch, Humphrey. 1700 (1700) Wing S2060; ESTC R230772 251,294 440

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of_o grace_n 2._o the_o other_o character_n by_o which_o his_o dwell_n among_o we_o be_v distinguish_v from_o his_o dwell_n in_o the_o mosaic_a tabernacle_n be_v this_o that_o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o full_a of_o truth_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o truth_n here_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o oppose_v to_o falsehood_n because_o in_o that_o sense_n it_o be_v no_o note_n of_o distinction_n between_o these_o two_o dwelling_n or_o tabernacling_n of_o christ_n unless_o we_o suppose_v that_o he_o do_v false_o dwell_v or_o act_n and_o represent_v god_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o moses_n which_o will_v be_v to_o blaspheme_v his_o truth_n and_o veracity_n truth_n therefore_o must_v here_o be_v understand_v as_o oppose_v to_o obscurity_n and_o shadow_n and_o so_o must_v denote_v clearness_n and_o reality_n as_o it_o very_o common_o do_v as_o when_o we_o say_v a_o picture_n be_v not_o a_o true_a man_n we_o do_v not_o charge_v the_o picture_n with_o a_o lie_n if_o it_o can_v speak_v indeed_o and_o shall_v call_v itself_o a_o man_n we_o shall_v then_o say_v it_o be_v a_o lie_a picture_n for_o pretend_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v not_o be_v only_o a_o silent_a resemblance_n of_o he_o thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o dwell_v among_o we_o full_a of_o truth_n and_o thereby_o distinguish_v his_o tabernacle_v among_o we_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o dwell_n among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o have_v dwell_v among_o they_o in_o a_o false_a or_o lie_a manner_n or_o that_o that_o representation_n which_o he_o make_v to_o they_o of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n be_v false_a and_o imposturous_a no_o god_n forbid_v but_o thus_o whereas_o when_o he_o inhabit_v the_o tabernacle_n he_o be_v full_a of_o hieroglyphic_n or_o mystical_a representation_n which_o though_o they_o be_v true_a picture_n or_o shadow_n of_o divine_a thing_n yet_o have_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o they_o 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false_a tabernacle_n but_o a_o typical_a one_o it_o be_v design_v only_o as_o a_o shadow_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o true_a reality_n and_o substance_n which_o be_v picture_v and_o represent_v in_o it_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n himself_o explain_v it_o heb._n 9.24_o for_o christ_n say_v he_o be_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n make_v with_o hand_n which_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o the_o true_a but_o into_o heaven_n itself_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o therefore_o those_o holy_a place_n be_v oppose_v to_o true_a place_n because_o they_o be_v only_a figure_n or_o mystical_a representation_n of_o something_o that_o be_v real_a and_o substantial_a so_o dan._n 7.16_o when_o daniel_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o prophetic_a scene_n it_o be_v say_v that_o one_o stand_v by_o and_o make_v he_o know_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v what_o be_v the_o reality_n and_o substance_n that_o be_v represent_v in_o 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figure_n of_o the_o law_n especial_o if_o we_o compare_v this_o with_o that_o prayer_n of_o david_n psalm_n 119.18_o open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o thy_o law_n which_o methinks_v plain_o intimate_v that_o the_o good_a man_n do_v believe_v there_o be_v some_o wondrous_a mystery_n contain_v under_o those_o dark_a and_o typical_a representation_n and_o afterward_o v._o 27._o make_v i_o to_o understand_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o precept_n so_o shall_v i_o talk_v of_o thy_o wondrous_a work_n which_o imply_v that_o he_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n very_o mystical_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v contain_v within_o the_o precept_n of_o their_o law_n which_o in_o their_o literal_a sense_n be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a and_o have_v nothing_o of_o
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and_o contemptible_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n since_o it_o be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o we_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o will_v fain_o be_v account_v the_o wit_n and_o virtuoso_n of_o the_o age_n who_o pretend_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o yet_o open_o profess_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o contemptible_a opinion_n of_o christianity_n and_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o ridiculous_a fiction_n fit_a only_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o credulous_a vulgar_a but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o these_o mighty_a man_n of_o reason_n what_o plausible_a pretence_n they_o can_v urge_v for_o this_o their_o bold_a and_o blasphemous_a censure_n be_v it_o because_o christianity_n be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n or_o because_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o 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they_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n so_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v they_o preach_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o to_o go_v forth_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o teach_v all_o nation_n to_o observe_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v they_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o which_o injunction_n of_o his_o they_o strict_o observe_v for_o so_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o it_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o mark_n 16.20_o and_o that_o their_o preach_v extend_v to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v evident_a from_o their_o own_o testimony_n for_o thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o he_o have_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o they_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n act_v 20.27_o and_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v include_v and_o concern_v that_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v preach_v to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o thus_o pronounce_v by_o which_o also_o you_o be_v save_v if_o you_o keep_v in_o memory_n what_o i_o preach_v unto_o you_o unless_o you_o have_v believe_v in_o vain_a 1_o cor._n 15.1_o 2._o but_o how_o can_v they_o be_v save_v by_o that_o gospel_n he_o preach_v to_o they_o unless_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o very_a gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o constant_a ministry_n propose_v to_o the_o world_n st._n james_n call_v the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n jam._n 1.21_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v also_o call_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n 2_o cor._n 5.19_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n act_v 13.26_o and_o the_o world_n of_o life_n act_v 5.20_o and_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o and_o also_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o 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2._o c._n 15._o that_o the_o roman_n not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o st._n peter_n '_o s_z preach_v of_o christianity_n to_o they_o earnest_o desire_v st._n mark_n his_o companion_n that_o he_o will_v leave_v they_o in_o write_v a_o stand_a monument_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o st._n peter_n have_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n say_v he_o of_o the_o write_n of_o st._n mark_v '_o be_v gospel_n which_o thing_n st._n peter_n understand_v by_o a_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v high_o please_v with_o their_o earnest_a desire_n he_o confirm_v it_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n that_o it_o may_v afterward_o be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v in_o those_o day_n the_o roman_n do_v not_o think_v oral_a or_o unwritten_a tradition_n a_o sufficient_a conservatory_n of_o divine_a truth_n nor_o do_v their_o bishop_n then_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o laity_n in_o their_o own_o language_n after_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o 24._o we_o l._n 3_o c._n 24._o that_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n be_v the_o only_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o have_v leave_v write_v commentary_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v preach_v behind_o they_o and_o it_o be_v say_v he_o necessity_n that_o impel_v they_o to_o write_v for_o matthew_n have_v preach_v the_o faith_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o intend_v to_o go_v from_o they_o to_o other_o nation_n write_v his_o gospel_n in_o his_o own_o country-language_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o his_o presence_n to_o those_o who_o he_o leave_v behind_o he_o and_o afterward_o when_o mark_n and_o luke_n have_v publish_v their_o gospel_n john_n who_o have_v hitherto_o only_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v at_o length_n move_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n betake_v himself_o to_o write_v and_o the_o three_o former_a gospel_n say_v he_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o st._n john_n he_o approve_v they_o and_o with_o his_o own_o testimony_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o from_o which_o relation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o which_o move_v those_o holy_a man_n to_o commit_v their_o gospel_n to_o write_v be_v this_o that_o they_o judge_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o so_o these_o in_o their_o absence_n may_v be_v stand_v monument_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o preach_v that_o gospel_n to_o man_n eye_n which_o they_o have_v preach_v to_o their_o ear_n and_o if_o they_o write_v to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n to_o be_v sure_a they_o will_v leave_v no_o necessary_a or_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o unwritten_a there_o be_v several_a proposition_n in_o these_o gospel_n which_o though_o very_o useful_a be_v far_o from_o be_v essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o those_o holy_a man_n who_o write_v on_o purpose_n to_o conserve_v christianity_n shall_v take_v so_o much_o 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write_v they_o down_o in_o order_n that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v instruct_v from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o suppose_v st._n luke_n perform_v what_o he_o promise_v his_o gospel_n must_v contain_v a_o full_a declaration_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o first_o by_o promise_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n he_o engage_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o entire_a account_n of_o christianity_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o part_n of_o christianity_n which_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o time_n do_v not_o sure_o believe_v second_o in_o promise_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a understanding_n from_o the_o first_o and_o in_o which_o his_o theophilus_n have_v be_v instruct_v he_o also_o engage_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o complete_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a religion_n unless_o we_o 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pretend_v to_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n any_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n not_o record_v in_o scripture_n as_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o record_v in_o scripture_n and_o equal_o necessary_a to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o men._n for_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o bold_a imposer_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n irenaeus_n assure_v we_o in_o the_o 2d_o chapter_n of_o his_o second_o book_n against_o heresy_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o sort_n of_o heretic_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o those_o to_o who_o tradition_n be_v unknown_a for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v by_o write_v but_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o these_o heretic_n 25._o heretic_n de_fw-fr praescrip_n haeret_fw-la c._n 25._o as_o tertullian_n observe_v confess_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v ignorant_a and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o their_o preach_v but_o say_v they_o reveal_v not_o all_o thing_n unto_o all_o man_n some_o thing_n they_o teach_v open_o and_o to_o all_o some_o thing_n secret_o and_o to_o a_o few_o which_o secret_a thing_n be_v the_o unwritten_a tradition_n which_o they_o seek_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o how_o far_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n tread_v in_o the_o footstep_n of_o these_o ancient_a heretic_n be_v but_o too_o notorious_a for_o thus_o in_o the_o preface_n of_o their_o catechism_n it_o be_v express_o affirm_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n to_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o faithful_a be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o word_n of_o god_n be_v distribute_v into_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n and_o in_o the_o council_n itself_o they_o declare_v and_o define_v that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o honour_v with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n in_o which_o word_n they_o express_o own_o another_o word_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o scripture_n viz._n tradition_n which_o they_o equalise_v with_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v almost_o verbatim_o the_o very_a assertion_n which_o both_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n condemn_v for_o heresy_n and_o as_o they_o be_v the_o same_o so_o we_o find_v they_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o same_o authority_n for_o those_o very_a text_n of_o scripture_n which_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n urge_v for_o their_o tradition_n be_v urge_v by_o bellarmin_n for_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o for_o their_o tradition_n as_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n acquaint_v we_o they_o urge_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o also_o o_o timothy_n keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o thy_o trust_n and_o again_o that_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v commit_v 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to_o the_o people_n and_o that_o in_o so_o do_v he_o not_o only_o give_v they_o a_o right_n but_o also_o lay_v on_o they_o a_o obligation_n to_o read_v they_o i_o have_v already_o show_v if_o therefore_o the_o read_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o people_n be_v such_o a_o unavoidable_a in_o let_v of_o error_n and_o heresy_n as_o this_o objection_n pretend_v it_o be_v doubtless_o very_o unadvised_o do_v of_o god_n to_o publish_v such_o a_o dangerous_a book_n to_o the_o world_n which_o those_o for_o who_o he_o publish_v and_o to_o who_o he_o direct_v it_o can_v familiar_o converse_v with_o without_o eminent_a peril_n of_o be_v infect_v with_o heresy_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v such_o a_o quarrelsome_a knife_n as_o these_o man_n say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o people_n can_v hardly_o touch_v it_o without_o cut_v their_o finger_n they_o be_v certain_o more_o behold_v to_o the_o church_n for_o take_v it_o from_o they_o than_o they_o be_v to_o god_n for_o bestow_v it_o on_o they_o 3._o this_o objection_n make_v as_o much_o at_o least_o against_o the_o priest_n read_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o people_n for_o most_o of_o those_o heresy_n that_o have_v be_v broach_v to_o the_o people_n be_v first_o brew_v by_o the_o priest_n from_o who_o lip_n the_o people_n do_v common_o derive_v their_o error_n as_o well_o as_o their_o knowledge_n witness_v those_o famous_a heresy_n with_o which_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v so_o distract_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o such_o as_o the_o novatian_a the_o donatist_n the_o arian_n the_o pelagian_a the_o eutichian_a the_o eunomian_a all_o which_o counterfeit_v and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o be_v first_o coin_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o disperse_v for_o current_n christianity_n among_o the_o laity_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n open_v a_o gap_n to_o heresy_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o the_o laity_n shall_v not_o read_v it_o it_o be_v a_o much_o more_o 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it_o must_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o body_n to_o read_v the_o bible_n that_o this_o same_o divine_a book_n which_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o which_o the_o primitive_a church_n think_v fit_a to_o oblige_v all_o that_o be_v able_a to_o peruse_v and_o study_v be_v now_o become_v such_o a_o dangerous_a inlet_n of_o heresy_n that_o like_o pandora_n box_n you_o can_v no_o soon_o open_v it_o but_o swarm_n of_o error_n and_o false_a doctrine_n will_v present_o fly_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o well_o for_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v either_o utter_o extinguish_v or_o hide_v in_o some_o inaccessible_a repository_n where_o no_o mortal_a eye_n may_v ever_o approach_v it_o 4_o this_o objection_n express_o contradict_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o primitive_a father_n for_o matt._n 22.29_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o sadducee_n who_o be_v cavil_v with_o he_o about_o the_o resurrection_n you_o do_v err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n have_v therefore_o the_o sadducee_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o our_o objector_n they_o will_v doubtless_o have_v tell_v he_o by_o your_o good_a leave_n sir_n in_o this_o point_n you_o yourself_o be_v in_o a_o error_n for_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v we_o know_v the_o scripture_n or_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v err_v much_o more_o either_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n be_v mistake_v in_o charge_v the_o error_n of_o the_o sadducee_n upon_o their_o ignorance_n of_o scripture_n or_o our_o objector_n be_v mistake_v in_o make_v it_o so_o necessary_a a_o expedient_a for_o the_o prevention_n of_o error_n to_o forbid_v the_o people_n be_v acquaint_v with_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o and_o they_o be_v of_o quite_o different_a opinion_n in_o the_o case_n but_o whatever_o their_o opinion_n be_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o primitive_a father_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o our_o saviour_n for_o irenaeus_n write_v of_o the_o valentinian_n heretic_n 12._o heretic_n lib._n 3._o c._n 12._o all_o those_o error_n they_o fall_v into_o because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n so_o st._n jerom_n 4._o jerom_n in_o ep._n ad_fw-la ephes_n l._n 3._o c._n 4._o we_o must_v search_v the_o scripture_n with_o all_o diligence_n that_o so_o as_o be_v good_a exchanger_n we_o may_v know_v the_o lawful_a coin_n from_o the_o copper_n and_o elsewhere_o that_o infinite_a evil_n arise_v from_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o from_o this_o cause_n the_o great_a part_n of_o heresy_n have_v proceed_v st._n chrysostom_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o man_n will_v be_v conversant_a with_o the_o scripture_n and_o attend_v to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o only_o not_o fall_v into_o error_n themselves_o but_o be_v able_a to_o rescue_v those_o that_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o the_o scripture_n will_v instruct_v man_n both_o in_o right_a opinion_n and_o good_a life_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o theophilact_fw-mi tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o can_v deceive_v they_o who_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o that_o say_v he_o be_v the_o candle_n whereby_o the_o thief_n be_v discover_v but_o it_o seem_v according_a to_o modern_a experiment_n this_o candle_n of_o scripture_n rather_o serve_v to_o light_v the_o thief_n into_o the_o house_n than_o to_o discover_v he_o when_o he_o be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v necessary_a for_o honest_a man_n security_n either_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v whole_o extinguish_v or_o at_o least_o hinder_v from_o give_v light_n by_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o dark_a lantern_n of_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o when_o they_o who_o be_v once_o the_o honest_a man_n be_v become_v the_o thief_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v thus_o change_v their_o note_n and_o complain_v of_o the_o light_n of_o this_o candle_n as_o dangerous_a to_o they_o which_o heretofore_o they_o esteem_v their_o great_a securith_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o reason_n assigine_v by_o st._n peter_n why_o some_o man_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n be_v not_o their_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o contrary_a wise_a their_z not_o read_v it_o enough_o which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a say_v he_o wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o unlearned_a in_o what_o why_o doubtless_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o as_o to_o humane_a learning_n st._n peter_n himself_o be_v as_o unlearned_a as_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v their_o be_v unlearned_a in_o scripture_n that_o occasion_v they_o to_o wrest_v it_o into_o a_o heretical_a sense_n than_o it_o be_v not_o man_n read_v the_o scripture_n that_o lead_v they_o into_o heresy_n but_o their_o not_o read_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v therefore_o that_o the_o people_n read_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o inlet_n of_o heresy_n and_o to_o say_v no_o it_o be_v not_o their_o read_n it_o but_o their_o not_o read_v it_o enough_o be_v the_o inlet_n of_o heresy_n be_v a_o express_a contradiction_n the_o former_a our_o objector_n say_v the_o late_a our_o saviour_n his_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n say_v and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o determine_v which_o of_o these_o two_o contradiction_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v 5._o and_o last_o according_a to_o this_o objection_n the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o be_v heretic_n be_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o mean_n of_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a certain_a way_n though_o not_o a_o very_a honest_a one_o let_v man_n know_v nothing_o of_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v be_v heretic_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o err_v in_o their_o conception_n of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o
be_v true_a or_o false_a yet_o they_o seldom_o undergo_v any_o mild_a name_n than_o heresy_n or_o gentle_a doom_n than_o damnation_n which_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o grand_a occasion_n of_o all_o the_o rupture_n and_o division_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o as_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v of_o a_o much_o less_o bulk_n than_o what_o it_o be_v now_o arrive_v to_o by_o roll_v through_o the_o wild_a opiniatry_n of_o sixteen_o disputation_n age_n which_o by_o degree_n have_v swell_v it_o from_o a_o short_a script_n into_o a_o large_a volume_n for_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a father_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a faith_n therein_o contain_v consist_v of_o very_a few_o article_n and_o those_o such_o only_a as_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a religion_n and_o such_o as_o wherein_o almost_o all_o the_o differ_a persuasion_n of_o christian_n do_v to_o this_o day_n concentre_v to_o hold_v the_o faith_n therefore_o be_v to_o persevere_v immovable_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o desert_n or_o forsake_v it_o either_o through_o fear_n of_o persecution_n or_o hope_v of_o temporal_a advantage_n or_o the_o knavish_a art_n and_o sly_a insinuation_n of_o false_a teacher_n 2._o the_o second_o term_n here_o to_o be_v explain_v be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n conscience_n in_o general_n be_v nothing_o but_o our_o practical_a judgement_n direct_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v and_o approve_v or_o reprove_v according_a as_o we_o follow_v its_o direction_n or_o run_v counter_a to_o they_o the_o conscience_n therefore_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a according_a as_o the_o direction_n be_v which_o it_o give_v for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n if_o our_o judgement_n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o direct_v we_o to_o do_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o avoid_v or_o to_o avoid_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o bad_a conscience_n that_o instead_o of_o be_v a_o light_n to_o guide_v our_o step_n in_o the_o path_n of_o righteousness_n be_v only_o a_o wander_a night-fire_n that_o lead_v we_o into_o bog_n and_o quagmire_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o good_a conscience_n be_v our_o practical_a judgement_n well_o inform_v and_o true_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o action_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v for_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v the_o true_a echo_n of_o god_n within_o we_o that_o faithful_o resound_v his_o voice_n and_o upon_o all_o opportunity_n of_o action_n repeat_v after_o he_o to_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n therefore_o imply_v two_o thing_n first_o to_o maintain_v in_o our_o mind_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o preserve_v our_o practical_a judgement_n pure_a from_o all_o false_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v either_o our_o vicious_a inclination_n or_o worldly_a interest_n to_o warp_v and_o seduce_v it_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o mistake_v evil_a for_o good_a and_o good_a for_o evil._n second_o it_o imply_v our_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n our_o do_v what_o it_o bid_v and_o abstain_v from_o what_o it_o forbid_v and_o faithful_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o its_o conduct_n and_o government_n and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o to_o act_v counter_a to_o its_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n in_o short_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o well-informed_n judgement_n and_o not_o to_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o any_o course_n of_o action_n which_o this_o vice-god_n within_o we_o forbid_v or_o disapprove_v 3._o the_o three_o term_n to_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o text_n be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v direct_o oppose_v here_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n must_v denote_v the_o contrary_n to_o it_o to_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n therefore_o be_v either_o first_o to_o corrupt_v our_o own_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o action_n out_o of_o vicious_a affection_n or_o worldly_a interest_n and_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o false_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o second_o to_o act_v direct_o contrary_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n to_o leave_v undo_v those_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o conscience_n tell_v we_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o it_o tell_v we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v in_o short_a to_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n either_o of_o omission_n or_o commission_n to_o practice_v contradiction_n to_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o our_o will_n against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n 4._o the_o last_o enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v here_o set_v in_o opposition_n to_o hold_v or_o keep_v the_o faith_n must_v signify_v opposite_o and_o consequent_o must_v denote_v not_o hold_v and_o keep_v it_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n lose_v and_o abandon_v it_o for_o in_o this_o allegory_n the_o true_a christian_a faith_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o ship_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o pilot_n that_o steer_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o indeed_o in_o that_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o other_o pilot_n but_o purity_n of_o conscience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v able_a to_o conduct_v and_o preserve_v this_o ship_n and_o carry_v it_o safe_a through_o those_o incessant_a storm_n of_o persecution_n wherein_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v toss_v and_o agitate_a for_o when_o christian_n have_v once_o throw_v off_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n by_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o a_o wicked_a and_o dissolute_a life_n what_o be_v there_o left_a to_o restrain_v they_o from_o abandon_v their_o faith_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o worldly_a ease_n and_o interest_n and_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o competition_n between_o their_o faith_n and_o interest_n but_o they_o may_v free_o enjoy_v they_o both_o without_o any_o disturbance_n yet_o their_o wicked_a life_n will_v natural_o tempt_v they_o to_o corrupt_v their_o faith_n with_o wicked_a principle_n of_o which_o late_a in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o give_v a_o eminent_a instance_n in_o hymenaeus_n who_o have_v not_o whole_o desert_v christianity_n but_o only_o renounce_v one_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o of_o the_o former_a he_o give_v another_o instance_n in_o alexander_n who_o as_o it_o seem_v probable_a have_v through_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n desert_v christianity_n itself_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o sense_n that_o man_n live_v wicked_o against_o the_o conviction_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o conscience_n do_v very_o much_o expose_v they_o to_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n into_o gross_a and_o impious_a error_n thus_o to_o the_o love_n of_o money_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a the_o apostle_n attribute_n man_n err_v from_o the_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 6.10_o and_o that_o which_o expose_v those_o silly_a woman_n 2_o tim._n 3.6_o to_o the_o seduction_n of_o false_a teacher_n be_v their_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n and_o lead_v away_o with_o divers_a lust_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n ascribe_v demas_n apostasy_n to_o his_o covetousness_n or_o inordinate_a love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n 2_o tim._n 4.10_o but_o that_o i_o may_v evince_v this_o truth_n more_o full_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o particular_a instance_n of_o the_o mighty_a tendency_n there_o be_v in_o every_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n to_o error_n and_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n 1._o it_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_n man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n 2._o it_o render_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n uneasy_a to_o their_o mind_n 3._o it_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o high_a encouragement_n to_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 4._o it_o weaken_v the_o natural_a force_n of_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o great_a restraint_n from_o apostasy_n 5._o it_o strengthen_v the_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n 6._o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n 1._o live_v in_o any_o know_v and_o wilful_a course_n of_o sin_n corrupt_v and_o debauch_n man_n reason_n and_o
render_v he_o a_o mere_a lackey_n to_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n that_o be_v without_o he_o and_o whither_o ever_o they_o send_v he_o he_o must_v go_v wherever_o they_o lead_v he_o he_o must_v follow_v let_v their_o vagary_n be_v never_o so_o wild_a or_o wicked_a if_o therefore_o while_o his_o soul_n be_v thus_o enslave_v to_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v be_v tempt_v by_o he_o to_o apostatise_v from_o his_o religion_n what_o have_v he_o to_o restrain_v or_o secure_v he_o for_o ever_o since_o he_o get_v loose_a from_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v whole_o lead_v by_o his_o affection_n and_o these_o be_v chain_v and_o saftn_v to_o the_o world_n hale_v he_o after_o it_o which_o way_n soever_o it_o move_v so_o long_o as_o his_o religion_n and_o his_o worldly_a interest_n consist_v and_o go_v hand_n in_o hand_n he_o be_v very_o well_o content_a to_o own_o and_o follow_v it_o but_o if_o ever_o a_o storm_n of_o persecution_n shall_v part_v they_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o will_v follow_v his_o interest_n and_o like_o the_o treacherous_a orpha_n give_v his_o religion_n a_o part_a kiss_n and_o leave_v it_o for_o his_o heart_n be_v now_o so_o wed_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o esteem_v nothing_o so_o good_a as_o its_o good_n and_o nothing_o so_o evil_a as_o its_o evil_n and_o the_o one_o be_v his_o heaven_n and_o the_o other_o his_o hell_n all_o other_o consideration_n be_v overcome_v by_o they_o and_o to_o obtain_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o he_o must_v stick_v at_o nothing_o no_o not_o at_o renounce_v his_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n together_o with_o all_o his_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a immortality_n 6._o and_o last_o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n for_o so_o long_o as_o man_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o not_o 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as_o to_o suggest_v to_o we_o those_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v already_o reveal_v and_o set_v they_o before_o our_o eye_n in_o so_o fair_a a_o light_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o fail_v more_o clear_o to_o discern_v and_o more_o distinct_o to_o apprehend_v they_o than_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v or_o can_v have_v do_v for_o when_o he_o write_v his_o truth_n upon_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v with_o such_o a_o victorious_a sunbeam_n as_o will_v endure_v neither_o cloud_n nor_o shadow_n before_o it_o whenever_o he_o speak_v he_o speak_v not_o to_o our_o ear_n but_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o represent_v thing_n naked_o and_o immediate_o to_o our_o understanding_n he_o converse_v with_o our_o spirit_n as_o spirit_n do_v with_o spirit_n without_o involve_v his_o sense_n in_o articulate_a sound_n or_o material_a representation_n but_o object_n it_o to_o we_o in_o its_o own_o naked_a light_n and_o characterize_v it_o immediate_o on_o our_o understanding_n and_o as_o he_o propose_v the_o divine_a light_n to_o we_o so_o he_o also_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n to_o discern_v and_o comprehend_v it_o he_o raise_v and_o exalt_v our_o intellectual_a power_n and_o as_o a_o vital_a form_n to_o the_o light_n of_o our_o reason_n invigorate_n and_o actuate_v it_o and_o thereby_o render_v its_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n more_o quick_a and_o pierce_v and_o sagacious_a thus_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n more_o or_o less_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o divine_a thing_n as_o he_o find_v we_o more_o or_o less_o compliant_a with_o his_o heavenly_a pleasure_n and_o though_o he_o stand_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o render_v our_o mind_n infallible_a than_o our_o will_n impeccable_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o by_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a suggestion_n we_o keep_v ourselves_o under_o his_o conduct_n and_o direction_n we_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o he_o will_v either_o preserve_v we_o from_o all_o dangerous_a error_n or_o if_o for_o just_a reason_n he_o shall_v permit_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o such_o they_o shall_v not_o prove_v dangerous_a to_o we_o but_o either_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o they_o while_o we_o live_v or_o obtain_v pity_n and_o pardon_v for_o they_o when_o we_o die_v but_o whilst_o we_o persist_v in_o any_o wilful_a course_n of_o sin_n we_o do_v not_o only_o violate_v our_o own_o conscience_n but_o also_o repel_v those_o good_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o strive_v to_o reduce_v and_o reclaim_v we_o in_o do_v which_o we_o continual_o grieve_v he_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o forbear_v shall_v at_o length_n provoke_v he_o whole_o to_o forsake_v and_o abandon_v we_o to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n lust_n as_o desperate_a wretch_n with_o who_o he_o have_v hitherto_o strive_v and_o struggle_v in_o vain_a and_o of_o who_o future_a recovery_n there_o remain_v no_o far_a hope_n or_o prospect_n and_o when_o he_o have_v forsake_v we_o our_o mind_n will_v not_o only_o be_v leave_v naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o all_o those_o help_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o it_o receive_v from_o he_o but_o also_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o cheat_n and_o fallacy_n of_o evil_a spirit_n who_o recreation_n it_o be_v to_o put_v trick_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o banter_n and_o play_n upon_o our_o easy_a faith_n to_o cast_v mist_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o therein_o to_o juggle_v away_o all_o true_a religion_n from_o we_o and_o foist_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o the_o most_o fulsome_a error_n and_o mistake_v for_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o antichrist_n the_o great_a deceiver_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v with_o all_o the_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n to_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o that_o for_o that_o cause_n viz._n their_o not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o be_v by_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o cheat_v and_o delude_a spirit_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thess_n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o god_n grant_v that_o this_o at_o last_o prove_v not_o our_o fate_n that_o because_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o go_v astray_o in_o all_o unrighteousness_n under_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v not_o at_o length_n give_v up_o by_o god_n to_o follow_v the_o wile_n delusion_n of_o antichrist_n and_o to_o believe_v all_o those_o fulsome_a lie_n and_o imposture_n which_o he_o from_o age_n to_o age_n have_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o whether_o it_o prove_v thus_o or_o no_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o by_o persist_v in_o any_o vicious_a course_n against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n we_o high_o provoke_v almighty_a god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o give_v we_o up_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v our_o own_o heart_n lust_n will_v soon_o betray_v and_o give_v up_o our_o faith_n to_o false_a and_o vicious_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o now_o have_v show_v at_o large_a what_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a tendency_n there_o be_v in_o a_o wicked_a life_n to_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o argument_n with_o two_o or_o three_o inference_n 1._o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v what_o a_o great_a malignity_n there_o be_v in_o man_n be_v inconstant_a to_o and_o apostatise_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o sinful_a affection_n it_o be_v as_o you_o see_v the_o
ill_a daughter_n of_o a_o bad_a mother_n a_o debauch_a and_o a_o dissolute_a conscience_n and_o consequent_o partake_v of_o all_o its_o natural_a bane_n and_o malignity_n even_o as_o all_o other_o bad_a effect_n do_v of_o the_o malignant_a nature_n of_o their_o bad_a cause_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o particular_a evil_n which_o man_n inconstancy_n to_o and_o proneness_n to_o revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n imply_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o these_o five_o instance_n 1._o the_o great_a impiety_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o foul_a dishonesty_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o shameful_a cowardice_n of_o it_o 5._o the_o vast_a hazard_n and_o insecurity_n of_o it_o 1._o consider_v the_o great_a impiety_n of_o it_o he_o who_o can_v part_v with_o his_o religion_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o be_v either_o a_o downright_a atheist_n who_o believe_v no_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a govern_v himself_o by_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o wise_a course_n be_v to_o profess_v none_o but_o that_o which_o be_v uppermost_a and_o most_o for_o his_o interest_n or_o a_o profane_a and_o impious_a wretch_n who_o though_o he_o believe_v his_o own_o religion_n true_a exchange_n it_o for_o another_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a upon_o no_o other_o consideration_n but_o so_o much_o temporal_a advantage_n to_o boot_v by_o which_o he_o plain_o declare_v that_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o his_o estimation_n the_o odds_o between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n the_o declaration_n of_o god_n and_o the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o inconsiderable_a that_o the_o least_o addition_n of_o the_o transitory_a good_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o late_a render_v it_o of_o sufficient_a weight_n to_o turn_v the_o scale_n against_o the_o former_a and_o that_o for_o his_o part_n he_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v whether_o the_o almighty_a be_v his_o friend_n or_o foe_n and_o provide_v he_o may_v but_o enjoy_v his_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n a_o few_o year_n long_o here_o he_o be_v very_o well_o content_v to_o part_n with_o all_o his_o hope_n and_o interest_n in_o god_n for_o ever_o for_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a construction_n of_o man_n apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o consideration_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n that_o that_o interest_n be_v in_o their_o esteem_n far_o more_o eligible_a than_o god_n with_o all_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n than_o without_o preferment_n and_o that_o that_o man_n make_v a_o very_a good_a bargain_n who_o get_v a_o good_a place_n in_o exchange_n for_o his_o maker_n and_o with_o the_o treacherous_a judas_n fell_v his_o saviour_n though_o it_o be_v but_o for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n which_o be_v such_o a_o monstrous_a degree_n of_o impiety_n as_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o scare_v and_o affright_v the_o most_o courageous_a sinner_n that_o have_v but_o the_o least_o apprehension_n of_o god_n or_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o then_o 2._o consider_v the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o man_n abandon_v their_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o vicious_a affection_n for_o he_o who_o without_o through_o conviction_n abandon_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a do_v together_o with_o that_o most_o certain_o abandon_v all_o the_o bless_a reward_n and_o incur_v all_o the_o dreadful_a penalty_n that_o true_a religion_n promise_n and_o denounce_v because_o though_o his_o religion_n perhaps_o may_v be_v false_a yet_o in_o renounce_v it_o whilst_o he_o believe_v it_o true_a his_o will_n do_v as_o malicious_o renounce_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o real_o be_v so_o he_o think_v it_o true_a and_o yet_o renounce_v it_o by_o which_o he_o plain_o declare_v that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v true_a he_o will_v have_v renounce_v it_o so_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o his_o will_n be_v the_o same_o his_o crime_n and_o gild_n the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a religion_n he_o intentional_o renounce_v and_o therefore_o in_o so_o do_v he_o do_v intentional_o renounce_v all_o his_o concern_v and_o interest_n in_o true_a religion_n now_o what_o a_o desperate_a piece_n of_o folly_n be_v this_o for_o a_o man_n to_o part_v with_o all_o his_o stock_n in_o the_o common_a bank_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o down_o right_a shame_n and_o imposture_n be_v of_o everlasting_a moment_n and_o concern_v to_o he_o only_o for_o a_o present_a gratification_n of_o some_o vain_a and_o unreasonable_a lust_n to_o divorce_v himself_o for_o ever_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o quit_v all_o title_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n only_o to_o curry_v a_o short-lived_a favour_n with_o man_n with_o man_n who_o breath_n be_v in_o their_o nostril_n and_o who_o within_o a_o few_o day_n or_o year_n must_v go_v off_o the_o stage_n and_o leave_v we_o here_o perhaps_o forlorn_a and_o destitute_a to_o part_v with_o all_o my_o glorious_a hope_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v my_o best_a heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o with_o heaven_n itself_o where_o i_o have_v treasure_n of_o bliss_n sufficient_a to_o maintain_v i_o in_o a_o most_o happy_a port_n to_o eternal_a age_n only_o to_o gain_v or_o secure_v a_o transitory_a estate_n or_o preferment_n which_o while_o i_o have_v it_o can_v make_v i_o happy_a and_o from_o which_o erelong_o i_o shall_v be_v tear_v and_o divide_v and_o not_o be_v a_o farthing_n the_o better_a for_o forever_o to_o expose_v one_o self_n as_o a_o public_a spectacle_n of_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n to_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a part_n of_o the_o rational_a world_n for_o a_o short_a extemporary_a blaze_n of_o pompous_a splendour_n and_o greatness_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o counter-blast_n of_o fortune_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n will_v ever_o long_o expire_v in_o smoke_n and_o stink_n wretchedness_n and_o infamy_n to_o plunge_v one_o self_n headlong_o into_o all_o the_o agony_n and_o torment_n the_o horror_n and_o desperation_n of_o a_o woeful_a eternity_n only_o to_o escape_v a_o short_a persecution_n and_o a_o glorious_a martyrdom_n when_o a_o little_a after_o perhaps_o i_o shall_v suffer_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o and_o long_o under_o the_o gout_n or_o stone_n or_o strangury_n without_o the_o comfort_n of_o die_v in_o a_o brave_a cause_n and_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o immortal_a recompense_n than_o i_o can_v have_v do_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o executioner_n with_o it_o and_o yet_o all_o these_o mad_a prank_n that_o man_n play_v at_o once_o who_o abandon_v his_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o his_o lust_n 3._o consider_v the_o soul_n dishonesty_n of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o sacred_a pledge_n commit_v to_o we_o by_o god_n for_o our_o own_o use_n and_o the_o use_v of_o our_o late_a posterity_n we_o can_v vicous_o desert_v and_o abandon_v it_o without_o betray_v of_o god_n and_o falsify_v our_o trust_n to_o he_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o without_o squander_v away_o the_o most_o inestimable_a good_a that_o ever_o he_o commit_v to_o man_n upon_o our_o own_o base_a lust_n and_o his_o most_o execrable_a enemy_n which_o be_v dishonesty_n blacken_v with_o the_o foul_a ingratitude_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v by_o forsake_v our_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o any_o lewd_a affection_n we_o not_o only_o do_v a_o dishonest_a thing_n at_o present_a but_o also_o total_o discard_v the_o obligation_n to_o honesty_n for_o the_o future_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v rational_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o be_v thorough_o honest_a but_o only_a his_o religion_n or_o inward_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v his_o indispensable_a duty_n towards_o god_n before_o who_o righteous_a tribunal_n he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o his_o action_n the_o two_o great_a motive_n of_o humane_a action_n be_v religion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n now_o as_o for_o religion_n that_o consist_v of_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a principle_n which_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n ply_v or_o bend_v to_o the_o alteration_n of_o outward_a affair_n and_o circumstance_n but_o do_v in_o all_o condition_n move_v and_o oblige_v we_o with_o equal_a force_n and_o vigour_n whereas_o worldly_a interest_n be_v a_o fickle_a and_o mutable_a thing_n that_o vary_v and_o alter_v with_o every_o outward_a turn_n and_o revolution_n so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v my_o interest_n to_o day_n may_v prove_v my_o damage_n to_o morrow_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v whatever_o part_n i_o act_v to_o
earth_n if_o to_o keep_v in_o a_o whole_a skin_n i_o shall_v bring_v upon_o myself_o the_o intolerable_a anguish_n of_o a_o wound_a spirit_n if_o to_o escape_v be_v reject_v disgrace_v and_o discountenance_v by_o man_n i_o shall_v expose_v myself_o to_o the_o perpetual_a clamour_n and_o reproach_n of_o my_o own_o conscience_n if_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v shall_v happen_v as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a they_o may_v i_o shall_v find_v myself_o miserable_o disappoint_v of_o that_o ease_n and_o quiet_a enjoyment_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o i_o base_o abandon_v my_o religion_n i_o shall_v find_v that_o to_o save_v my_o garment_n from_o be_v singe_v i_o have_v throw_v my_o body_n into_o a_o consume_a flame_n and_o only_o expose_v my_o breast_n to_o save_v my_o buckler_n but_o then_o suppose_v this_o shall_v not_o happen_v suppose_v my_o conscience_n shall_v be_v stupid_a and_o insensible_a enough_o to_o bear_v the_o gild_n of_o my_o apostasy_n without_o remorse_n or_o relent_a yet_o my_o prospect_n of_o gain_n and_o advancement_n in_o this_o world_n be_v extreme_o hazardous_a and_o insecure_a for_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o they_o to_o who_o religion_n i_o turn_v and_o upon_o who_o favour_n i_o depend_v will_v by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o discover_v my_o falsehood_n and_o insincerity_n and_o if_o in_o the_o course_n of_o my_o action_n or_o any_o other_o suspicious_a indication_n they_o shall_v find_v cause_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o i_o embrace_v their_o religion_n only_o to_o serve_v my_o interest_n and_o against_o the_o persuasion_n of_o my_o own_o mind_n if_o they_o be_v wise_a they_o will_v treat_v i_o as_o a_o dangerous_a person_n upon_o who_o there_o be_v no_o reliance_n for_o how_o can_v they_o imagine_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v true_a to_o they_o who_o have_v be_v false_a to_o my_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o proverb_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o proselyte_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o the_o ten_o generation_n and_o by_o too_o many_o woeful_a instance_n in_o our_o own_o neighbourhood_n we_o find_v it_o a_o maxim_n in_o some_o man_n politic_n that_o a_o new_a convert_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v trust_v than_o a_o old_a heretic_n and_o though_o for_o a_o while_o they_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o use_v i_o as_o a_o proper_a tool_n to_o serve_v a_o present_a design_n yet_o to_o be_v sure_o they_o will_v use_v i_o to_o long_o than_o they_o needs_o must_v and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v their_o work_n i_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v thrust_v out_o to_o make_v room_n for_o such_o as_o they_o can_v more_o safe_o depend_v on_o and_o if_o this_o shall_v not_o happen_v as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a it_o may_v yet_o see_v all_o humane_a affair_n be_v liable_a to_o perpetual_a turn_v and_o mutability_n perhaps_o upon_o the_o next_o revolution_n a_o contrary_a interest_n may_v appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v find_v myself_o desert_v of_o all_o my_o present_n support_v and_o dependency_n and_o like_o a_o forlorn_a wretch_n utter_o abandon_v both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n without_o any_o other_o company_n to_o entertain_v i_o in_o this_o my_o mournful_a solitude_n beside_o the_o woeful_a remembrance_n of_o my_o gild_n and_o shame_n to_o such_o infinite_a uncertainty_n of_o obtain_v their_o end_n be_v those_o miserable_a man_n expose_v who_o desert_n their_o religion_n in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o inference_n but_o then_o 2._o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v how_o cautious_a a_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o change_v his_o religion_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o it_o lest_o that_o which_o induce_v he_o to_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o his_o conviction_n as_o his_o profligate_n conscience_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o man_n be_v always_o to_o maintain_v the_o same_o persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o such_o a_o obligation_n will_v as_o effectual_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o false_a religion_n as_o of_o true_a whatever_o some_o man_n pretend_v we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o from_o top_n to_o bottom_n a_o company_n of_o fallible_a creature_n and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o error_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o may_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v nor_o do_v i_o deny_v but_o a_o honest-minded_n man_n without_o be_v in_o the_o least_o influence_v by_o a_o bad_a conscience_n may_v be_v innocent_o or_o at_o least_o pitiable_o seduce_v from_o truth_n to_o error_n by_o false_a colour_n and_o probable_a appearance_n for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a sagacity_n to_o distinguish_v between_o sophistry_n and_o true_a reason_n but_o if_o in_o compliance_n with_o any_o vicious_a affection_n or_o in_o pusuit_n of_o any_o worldly_a interest_n a_o man_n desert_n the_o truth_n and_o take_v up_o false_a and_o erroneous_a principle_n his_o error_n be_v no_o long_o imputable_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o a_o wilful_a error_n in_o his_o faith_n will_v prove_v as_o fatal_a and_o as_o damnable_a to_o he_o as_o a_o wilful_a wickedness_n in_o his_o manner_n and_o when_o ever_o his_o wretched_a soul_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o great_a searcher_n of_o heart_n it_o shall_v certain_o be_v treat_v by_o he_o as_o a_o wilful_a apostate_n that_o have_v perfidious_o renounce_v his_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o abjure_v his_o god_n his_o saviour_n truth_n and_o religion_n and_o see_v it_o be_v thus_o it_o very_o high_o concern_v man_n as_o they_o love_v themselves_o or_o have_v any_o regard_n of_o their_o own_o everlasting_a wellbeing_a not_o to_o desert_v their_o religion_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o other_o motive_n than_o a_o thorough_a conviction_n of_o its_o falsehood_n not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v from_o it_o by_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o vicious_a affection_n lest_o in_o so_o do_v they_o reprobate_v themselves_o from_o god_n and_o all_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a eternity_n hereafter_o for_o when_o man_n be_v upon_o change_v their_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o their_o interest_n and_o passion_n so_o to_o intermingle_v with_o their_o reason_n that_o without_o some_o care_n and_o observation_n of_o themselves_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v which_o of_o the_o two_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o they_o insomuch_o that_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o careless_a and_o unreflect_a people_n that_o be_v hurry_v mere_o by_o their_o interest_n and_o passion_n out_o of_o one_o religious_a persuasion_n into_o another_o who_o yet_o through_o gross_a neglect_n and_o inobservance_n of_o themselves_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v convert_v upon_o pure_a reason_n and_o conviction_n perhaps_o upon_o the_o solicitation_n of_o worldly_a interest_n their_o mind_n be_v wrought_v into_o a_o strong_a inclination_n to_o a_o change_n insomuch_o that_o they_o vehement_o wish_v that_o they_o can_v but_o satisfy_v their_o reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o that_o new_a persuasion_n which_o these_o their_o importunate_a passion_n so_o earnest_o invite_v they_o to_o embrace_v and_o then_o with_o this_o strong_a bias_n of_o worldly_a interest_n upon_o their_o mind_n away_o they_o run_v hunt_v after_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o and_o if_o in_o this_o heat_n of_o affection_n they_o can_v but_o light_a upon_o any_o little_a show_n of_o probability_n that_o will_v quick_o improve_v they_o into_o irrefragable_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n for_o when_o a_o man_n inquire_v whether_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v true_a with_o a_o strong_a inclination_n of_o will_n to_o find_v it_o so_o he_o will_v be_v afraid_a to_o consult_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n against_o it_o lest_o they_o shall_v convince_v he_o that_o it_o be_v false_a and_o thereby_o defeat_v his_o inclination_n and_o when_o once_o a_o man_n be_v so_o prepossess_v as_o that_o he_o will_v listen_v only_o to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n be_v that_o side_n never_o so_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o he_o can_v find_v reason_n enough_o to_o wheadle_n himself_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o for_o his_o very_a inclination_n to_o believe_v it_o will_v deter_v he_o from_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o those_o reason_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o examine_v they_o too_o far_o lest_o he_o shall_v find_v they_o false_a and_o unconcluding_a if_o he_o can_v but_o discern_v the_o least_o colour_n of_o probability_n in_o their_o first_o view_n and_o appearance_n that_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v he_o and_o render_v he_o a_o warm_a and_o zealous_a convert_n for_o indeed_o the_o man_n be_v a_o convert_n in_o his_o
religion_n that_o will_v permit_v you_o to_o sin_n in_o quiet_a or_o at_o least_o prove_v more_o indulgent_a to_o your_o lust_n for_o if_o this_o be_v your_o temper_n you_o be_v in_o very_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v betray_v by_o it_o into_o any_o false_a and_o corrupt_a religion_n that_o shall_v be_v tender_v you_o in_o exchange_n for_o your_o own_o for_o if_o this_o other_o religion_n offer_v but_o any_o fair_a term_n to_o your_o vicious_a affection_n or_o propose_v but_o any_o expedient_a how_o to_o accommodate_v the_o vexatious_a quarrel_n between_o they_o and_o your_o conscience_n if_o it_o do_v but_o any_o way_n reconcile_v your_o hope_n of_o heaven_n to_o your_o vicious_a manner_n by_o direct_v you_o to_o some_o easy_a term_n of_o salvation_n than_o that_o of_o forsake_v all_o unrighteousness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n if_o it_o will_v but_o admit_v of_o any_o commutation_n of_o that_o unsufferable_a penance_n of_o godliness_n for_o bodily_a exercise_n of_o inward_a mortification_n for_o a_o long_a fast_a or_o a_o sound_a whip_n of_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n for_o put_v on_o a_o hair_n shirt_n of_o run_v the_o race_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o a_o santr_a pilgrimage_n or_o the_o like_a this_o be_v a_o religion_n for_o your_o tooth_n with_o which_o your_o naughty_a heart_n will_v be_v ready_a enough_o to_o fall_v in_o love_n upon_o the_o first_o interview_n and_o when_o once_o it_o have_v gain_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n if_o we_o do_v not_o take_v the_o great_a heed_n they_o will_v quick_o gain_v our_o faith_n and_o judgement_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v angry_a with_o his_o own_o religion_n because_o it_o sit_v uneasy_a on_o his_o conscience_n if_o a_o more_o easy_a religion_n present_v itself_o to_o he_o he_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v wish_v it_o be_v true_a though_o as_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o then_o a_o very_a slender_a evidence_n will_v suffice_v to_o induce_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o a_o man_n earnest_o wish_n and_o desire_n if_o in_o this_o ill_a temper_n of_o mind_n therefore_o you_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o change_v your_o religion_n it_o concern_v you_o as_o much_o as_o your_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o look_v about_o you_o for_o you_o have_v a_o seducer_n in_o your_o breast_n a_o prevalent_a insinuate_a seducer_n viz._n some_o vile_a and_o sinful_a affection_n who_o if_o you_o listen_v to_o his_o charm_a persuasion_n will_v certain_o betray_v you_o into_o a_o most_o damnable_a apostasy_n wherefore_o before_o you_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n consider_v serious_o with_o yourselves_o that_o that_o disturbance_n which_o your_o present_a religion_n give_v to_o your_o vicious_a affection_n for_o which_o you_o be_v so_o angry_a with_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o real_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o its_o holiness_n which_o be_v a_o inseparable_a concomitant_a of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o for_o you_o to_o desert_n it_o upon_o this_o motive_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o pronounce_v it_o a_o false_a religion_n because_o it_o give_v you_o a_o sensible_a experiment_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o reality_n 3._o when_o you_o fall_v under_o any_o temptation_n to_o change_v your_o religion_n consider_v whether_o that_o which_o give_v you_o the_o first_o inclination_n to_o change_n be_v not_o some_o temporal_a interest_n whether_o before_o ever_o you_o admit_v any_o thought_n of_o a_o change_n you_o do_v not_o perceive_v another_o religion_n appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n attend_v with_o all_o the_o fair_a hope_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o whether_o this_o prospect_n do_v not_o first_o suggest_v to_o you_o a_o great_a inclination_n to_o enter_v into_o its_o retinue_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o even_o worldly_a consideration_n may_v so_o far_a influence_n honest_a mind_n as_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o impartial_a scrutiny_n of_o their_o present_a persuasion_n in_o religion_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o case_n of_o palpable_a truth_n or_o falsehood_n it_o be_v but_o honest_a prudence_n when_o a_o man_n be_v temporal_a interest_n lie_v at_o stake_n to_o take_v care_n that_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o his_o hand_n that_o he_o do_v not_o throw_v it_o away_o upon_o a_o false_a persuasion_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o blind_a humour_n or_o obstinacy_n and_o sacrifice_n that_o to_o a_o erroneus_fw-la judgement_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o no_o other_o altar_n but_o truth_n be_v and_o indeed_o before_o i_o throw_v myself_o upon_o any_o suffer_a whether_o it_o be_v loss_n or_o pain_n i_o be_o bind_v in_o conscience_n diligent_o to_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v for_o truth_n or_o righteousness_n sake_n lest_o instead_o of_o receive_v the_o crown_n 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the_o true_a vine_n and_o i_o be_o the_o door_n do_v as_o substantial_o prove_v that_o christ_n bear_v grape_n and_o turn_v upon_o hinge_n now_o every_o thing_n will_v appear_v to_o i_o in_o a_o quite_o different_a guise_n from_o what_o it_o do_v before_o and_o i_o shall_v fancy_v that_o i_o spy_v demonstration_n where_o before_o i_o can_v only_o discern_v probability_n for_o a_o good_a sum_n of_o money_n or_o a_o rich_a preferment_n be_v a_o strange_a clear_a of_o some_o man_n eyesight_n thus_o when_o a_o man_n begin_v to_o think_v of_o change_v his_o religion_n under_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o his_o worldly_a interest_n that_o be_v usual_o the_o only_a effectual_a reason_n that_o lead_v and_o persuade_v he_o as_o for_o other_o reason_n they_o only_o serve_v for_o form-sake_n to_o disguise_v the_o foul_a apostasy_n into_o some_o