now_o have_v give_v you_o this_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o from_o this_o authority_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o the_o most_o specious_a and_o popular_a exception_n which_o they_o of_o rome_n make_v against_o our_o reformation_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v under_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o in_o this_o church_n whilst_o it_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v notorious_a abuse_n and_o error_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n add_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith._n second_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n we_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o reform_v ourselves_o as_o we_o have_v do_v three_o that_o the_o main_a objection_n which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v bring_v and_o whereby_o they_o seek_v to_o stagger_v those_o of_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o fright_v they_o into_o their_o own_o may_v by_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o message_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v vain_a and_o fallacious_a and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o remove_v we_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n first_o that_o in_o this_o church_n as_o in_o all_o other_o that_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v notorious_a abuse_n and_o error_n introduce_v into_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christian_n and_o first_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n so_o in_o these_o church_n there_o be_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n lead_v to_o idolatry_n i_o wish_v that_o be_v all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o all_o for_o idolatry_n itself_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v be_v practise_v and_o that_o practice_n not_o only_o connive_v at_o but_o encourage_v and_o command_v and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o adore_v the_o host_n pray_v to_o saint_n to_o dead_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o worship_v of_o image_n contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n provide_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o that_o he_o only_o we_o shall_v serve_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o when_o we_o urge_v they_o with_o these_o thing_n they_o defend_v themselves_o from_o idolatry_n by_o the_o use_n of_o such_o distinction_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o save_v themselves_o by_o if_o indeed_o these_o distinction_n will_v do_v the_o business_n as_o for_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o licentiousness_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_o such_o than_o the_o easy_a term_n upon_o which_o they_o promise_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n from_o hell_n confession_n to_o a_o priest_n with_o attrition_n be_v reckon_v sufficient_a to_o receive_v a_o pretorial_n absolution_n which_o shall_v be_v valid_a in_o heaven_n as_o also_o the_o invention_n of_o purgatory_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o shorten_v the_o pain_n of_o it_o by_o indulgence_n by_o apply_v the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n merit_n by_o mass_n and_o prayer_n with_o a_o great_a many_o abuse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o half_a communion_n their_o latin_a service_n their_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n or_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o antiquity_n but_o plain_a and_o full_a consent_n there_o be_v both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o against_o they_o but_o now_o to_o all_o this_o they_o make_v one_o general_a reply_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n mean_v the_o roman_a church_n have_v not_o err_v in_o these_o point_n because_o she_o can_v err_v at_o all_o for_o she_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o faith_n she_o be_v that_o one_o catholic_n church_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o which_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o perpetual_a presence_n and_o assistance_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o she_o and_o of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o she_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o word_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v by_o she_o define_v be_v infallible_o true_a and_o therefore_o that_o these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v neither_o damnable_a error_n and_o sin_n nor_o error_n and_o sin_n at_o all_o now_o if_o indeed_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o that_o church_n we_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o very_a great_a strait_n and_o not_o very_o well_o know_v whether_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n impose_v by_o that_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v as_o that_o church_n require_v but_o first_o of_o all_o we_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o do_v not_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o these_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n and_o that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o she_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o so_o much_o error_n as_o will_v utter_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n not_o from_o all_o error_n whatsoever_o but_o that_o no_o promise_n in_o particular_a be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o much_o as_o to_o secure_v she_o from_o fundamental_a error_n utter_o destructive_a of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n especial_o since_o st._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n plain_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n rom._n 11.21_o 22._o where_n speak_v of_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o have_v these_o word_n for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o which_o have_v be_v vain_a word_n if_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o privilege_n confer_v upon_o the_o see_v of_o peter_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o to_o continue_v in_o god_n goodness_n or_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a truth_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o find_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o we_o can_v find_v it_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o she_o have_v err_v because_o some_o of_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o apparent_o to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n than_o to_o believe_v she_o be_v infallible_a because_o she_o say_v so_o of_o herself_o but_o to_o this_o they_o say_v that_o we_o misinterpret_v those_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v what_o they_o profess_v and_o practice_v and_o in_o short_a that_o we_o can_v arrive_v to_o certainty_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n which_o the_o church_n be_v well_o for_o the_o present_a i_o will_v suppose_v this_o but_o then_o this_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o that_o church_n ever_o to_o convince_v i_o or_o any_o reasonable_a man_n of_o she_o own_o infallibility_n by_o the_o scripture_n for_o when_o she_o tell_v i_o that_o christ_n have_v say_v thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n she_o suppose_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o herself_o be_v so_o plain_o make_v that_o every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n may_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o if_o i_o may_v arrive_v at_o a_o certain_a sense_n of_o these_o scripture_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n then_o why_o may_v i_o not_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o other_o text_n as_o plain_a as_o these_o without_o such_o a_o interpreter_n it_o
authority_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o to_o that_o explode_a refuge_n of_o oral_a tradition_n but_o the_o controversy_n end_v and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v they_o be_v content_a to_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o of_o our_o church_n who_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o inquiry_n and_o willing_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o truth_n wherever_o it_o be_v still_o continue_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o instead_o of_o call_v we_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n or_o thunder_a out_o damnation_n against_o we_o as_o such_o a_o mutual_a charity_n conclude_v the_o discourse_n we_o hope_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o err_v party_n which_o ever_o it_o be_v but_o make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o same_o heaven_n may_v receive_v we_o all_o though_o we_o shall_v continue_v to_o disagree_v to_o the_o last_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o temper_n of_o mr._n gooden_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o little_a herd_n of_o that_o church_n who_o give_v so_o much_o trouble_v and_o disturbance_n to_o their_o own_o and_o the_o nation_n repose_v and_o have_v contribute_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v by_o their_o heat_n and_o folly_n to_o ruin_n both_o themselves_o and_o we_o as_o for_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o present_a conference_n it_o be_v this_o a_o gentlewoman_n of_o a_o good_a estate_n and_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o divers_a r._n cs._n be_v by_o a_o frequent_a conversation_n with_o they_o wrought_v up_o by_o degree_n into_o a_o extraordinary_a opinion_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o recluse_n life_n for_o the_o better_a perform_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n insomuch_o that_o the_o desire_v she_o begin_v to_o have_v for_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o retirement_n make_v she_o almost_o willing_a to_o leave_v our_o church_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o roman_a communion_n but_o that_o she_o still_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n in_o those_o point_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o to_o be_v false_a and_o dangerous_a and_o to_o one_o so_o persuade_v as_o she_o be_v destructive_a of_o salvation_n be_v thus_o prepare_v for_o their_o seduction_n they_o let_v slip_v no_o opportunity_n to_o finish_v their_o work_n and_o gain_v their_o proselyte_n for_o which_o purpose_n care_n be_v take_v first_o by_o one_o of_o her_o acquaintance_n to_o represent_v to_o her_o all_o the_o popular_a pretence_n of_o that_o church_n by_o which_o many_o be_v prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o and_o the_o advantage_n it_o have_v in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n unity_n universality_n infallibility_n and_o what_o not_o beyond_o we_o and_o they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o get_v father_n gooden_o bring_v to_o she_o as_o one_o that_o will_v give_v her_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o all_o these_o matter_n if_o she_o will_v but_o afford_v he_o the_o opportunity_n of_o discourse_v with_o her._n and_o to_o the_o end_v his_o argument_n may_v make_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o she_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o priest_n to_o she_o not_o in_o the_o glorious_a idea_n of_o the_o great_a master_n of_o demonstration_n one_o who_o have_v devour_v all_o mr._n i._o ss._n principles_n and_o be_v thereby_o become_v such_o a_o mighty_a man_n of_o controversy_n that_o none_o of_o our_o divine_n dare_v cope_v with_o he_o he_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o dean_n of_o paul_n himself_n be_v nothing_o who_o have_v a_o certain_a paper_n that_o in_o a_o few_o line_n baffle_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v or_o write_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v a_o great_a thing_n than_o the_o representer_n answer_v in_o a_o few_o sheet_n all_o the_o book_n and_o sermon_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v publish_v or_o preach_v against_o they_o but_o in_o the_o humble_a character_n of_o a_o country_n priest_n a_o little_a inconsiderable_a man_n among_o they_o and_o his_o dress_n be_v accommodate_v to_o hâ—s_n character_n that_o so_o under_o this_o disguise_n he_o may_v talk_v with_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o â—er_n but_o mr._n gooden_o forget_v the_o person_n he_o have_v put_v on_o present_o fall_v into_o his_o usual_a strain_n he_o begin_v to_o talk_v of_o nothing_o but_o infallibility_n antiquity_n demonstration_n that_o all_o the_o father_n and_o council_n be_v on_o their_o side_n that_o he_o have_v baffle_v our_o most_o considerable_a divine_n and_o particular_o the_o dean_n of_o paul_n who_o have_v in_o truth_n all_o of_o they_o so_o little_a to_o say_v for_o themselves_o when_o he_o come_v among_o they_o that_o he_o desire_v nothing_o more_o to_o convince_v she_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n than_o that_o she_o will_v pitch_v upon_o some_o point_n and_o bring_v one_o of_o our_o man_n to_o meet_v he_o and_o she_o shall_v see_v what_o work_n he_o will_v make_v with_o he_o such_o a_o noise_n as_o this_o from_o one_o of_o the_o little_a inconsiderable_a priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n amaze_v the_o poor_a lady_n and_o have_v he_o prudent_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o boast_n of_o the_o victory_n he_o have_v already_o gain_v without_o aspire_v after_o the_o honour_n of_o add_v one_o more_o for_o the_o increase_a his_o triumph_n he_o may_v possible_o have_v save_v himself_o from_o the_o shame_n of_o that_o discovery_n the_o follow_a conference_n make_v of_o his_o ability_n and_o have_v gain_v his_o proselyte_n but_o as_o great_a wit_n be_v too_o often_o a_o little_a inconsiderate_a and_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a run_v themselves_o into_o difficulty_n out_o of_o which_o they_o can_v tell_v afterward_o how_o to_o extricate_v themselves_o so_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o mr._n gooden_o on_o this_o occasion_n for_o the_o lady_n present_o take_v hold_v on_o his_o offer_n and_o apply_v herself_o to_o dr._n clagett_n and_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o subject_a be_v fix_v mr._n gooden_o and_o the_o doctor_n meet_v according_o at_o grays-inn_n feb._n 21._o 1686._o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o menage_n of_o the_o conference_n its_o self_n but_o that_o it_o be_v with_o much_o noise_n on_o mr._n gooden_n side_n who_o in_o discourse_n let_v fall_v some_o very_a extraordinary_a thing_n and_o which_o may_v have_v pass_v into_o the_o abstract_n too_o have_v not_o another_o person_n who_o be_v with_o he_o and_o seem_v much_o more_o modest_a and_o understanding_n than_o himself_o observe_v what_o pass_v and_o correct_v his_o blunder_n after_o the_o dispute_n be_v end_v which_o last_v about_o four_o or_o five_o hour_n a_o new_a discourse_n arise_v about_o the_o paper_n which_o mr._n gooden_o make_v such_o boast_n of_o about_o the_o town_n and_o have_v so_o often_o represent_v to_o the_o lady_n and_o other_o as_o unanswerable_a he_o be_v very_o unwilling_a a_o great_a while_n to_o let_v the_o doctor_n have_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o though_o he_o promise_v to_o give_v he_o a_o answer_n to_o it_o till_o at_o last_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o let_v he_o have_v it_o the_o company_n will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o idle_a paper_n that_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o dare_v not_o trust_v he_o with_o it_o upon_o this_o he_o give_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o it_o and_o the_o doctor_n in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o promise_n the_o next_o day_n send_v he_o the_o follow_a answer_n to_o it_o for_o what_o concern_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o conference_n here_o publish_v it_o be_v take_v in_o write_v and_o sign_v by_o both_o party_n upon_o the_o place_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n for_o any_o one_o to_o question_v the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o and_o though_o the_o abstract_n be_v very_o short_a yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v every_o impartial_a reader_n why_o mr._n gooden_o do_v not_o care_n to_o make_v any_o boast_n of_o it_o and_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o meeting_n and_o hear_v all_o that_o pass_v between_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o lady_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o meet_v be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o he_o will_v not_o force_v they_o to_o publish_v the_o history_n of_o it_o but_o though_o the_o doctor_n be_v willing_a to_o let_v this_o matter_n die_v and_o show_v himself_o as_o careful_a of_o mr._n gooden_n reputation_n after_o the_o conference_n as_o he_o be_v of_o the_o lady_n conviction_n in_o it_o yet_o be_v now_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n remove_v from_o we_o i_o think_v it_o a_o just_a debt_n to_o his_o memory_n to_o subjoin_v here_o a_o true_a copy_n of_o these_o paper_n there_o be_v several_a of_o they_o abroad_o both_o to_o prevent_v a_o imperfect_a edition_n from_o some_o other_o hand_n and_o lest_o mr._n gooden_o and_o his_o friend_n who_o be_v so_o silent_a in_o his_o life-time_n shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o raise_v any_o false_a report_n of_o this_o encounter_n if_o they_o think_v they_o can_v not_o
both_o as_o to_o the_o accident_n and_o nature_n of_o bread_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n will_v be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o both_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o accident_n i_o deny_v it_o this_o i_o profess_v not_o to_o understand_v fath._n as_o to_o the_o doctor_n argument_n it_o include_v a_o sophism_n as_o will_v appear_v when_o bring_v into_o form_n because_o it_o involve_v 4_o term_n because_o he_o suppose_v in_o one_o proposition_n for_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o the_o other_o for_o the_o nature_n dr._n in_o the_o argument_n i_o use_v i_o go_v upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o answerer_n suppose_v and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o confound_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n together_o beside_o the_o distinction_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o bread_n and_o the_o accident_n of_o bread_n be_v not_o to_o 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boast_v so_o much_o of_o the_o argument_n contain_v in_o it_o i_o will_v go_v on_o with_o every_o clause_n of_o it_o to_o convince_v he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o already_o know_v it_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o line_n in_o it_o but_o be_v either_o false_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n pap._n truth_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a ans_fw-fr by_o truth_n the_o dispute_a mean_n the_o truth_n of_o thing_n or_o of_o proposition_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o fulsome_a say_n which_o do_v not_o advance_v his_o reason_v one_o jot_n far_o than_o it_o be_v before_o for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o say_v that_o which_o be_v true_a be_v true_a and_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v but_o truth_n must_v be_v truth_n i_o think_v he_o apply_v himself_o to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o want_v not_o only_o christian_a faith_n but_o common_a sense_n pap._n therefore_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a ans_fw-fr there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o 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and_o because_o this_o exhortation_n be_v also_o add_v to_o the_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n part_n of_o which_o i_o have_v now_o read_v to_o you_o i_o may_v also_o exhort_v you_o to_o hear_v or_o rather_o i_o need_v not_o since_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o have_v require_v you_o so_o to_o do_v st._n john_n who_o have_v be_v the_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v now_o in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n banish_v thither_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n as_o he_o witness_v himself_o chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 9_o i_o john_n who_o also_o be_o your_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o tribulation_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o the_o isle_n that_o be_v call_v patmos_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ._n but_o he_o have_v commit_v this_o church_n to_o the_o care_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o his_o absence_n who_o be_v here_o call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o 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so_o short_a a_o time_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o it_o now_o iii_o we_o have_v in_o this_o message_n of_o jesus_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n a_o warning_n to_o repent_v and_o to_o make_v haste_n to_o repent_v too_o repent_v or_o else_o i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o fight_v against_o they_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o what_o be_v she_o to_o repent_v of_o but_o of_o suffer_v those_o coruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o prevail_v in_o her_o communion_n for_o which_o she_o be_v reprove_v before_o and_o how_o be_v she_o to_o repent_v but_o by_o reform_v those_o abuse_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o her_o communion_n those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v and_o return_v to_o the_o primitive_a purity_n of_o her_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o manner_n and_o if_o she_o will_v not_o do_v this_o jesus_n threaten_v that_o he_o will_v sudden_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o cut_v they_o off_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o mouth_n from_o be_v a_o church_n at_o all_o who_o be_v so_o soon_o degenerate_v from_o a_o pure_a church_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o upon_o this_o warning_n she_o do_v repent_v and_o reform_v for_o she_o be_v not_o speedy_o cut_v off_o as_o god_n have_v threaten_v she_o shall_v be_v if_o she_o do_v not_o repent_v but_o continue_v a_o church_n for_o many_o age_n afterward_o till_o at_o length_n fall_v again_o into_o great_a corruption_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n she_o with_o all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n write_v to_o by_o our_o lord_n fall_v to_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o and_o the_o temple_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v upon_o be_v now_o become_v turkish_a mosque_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o pergamos_n be_v fulfil_v and_o
church_n for_o the_o reformation_n take_v away_o nothing_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o church_n but_o only_o the_o shame_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o so_o i_o say_v still_o admit_v what_o yet_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v none_o for_o 500_o year_n together_o that_o declare_v against_o the_o abuse_n and_o error_n that_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n admit_v this_o i_o say_v that_o our_o church_n before_o our_o reformation_n or_o even_o before_o luther_n be_v even_o among_o ourselves_o where_o the_o roman_a corruption_n have_v prevail_v only_o it_o be_v then_o a_o corrupt_a now_o it_o be_v a_o reform_a church_n that_o which_o make_v rome_n a_o true_a church_n be_v that_o she_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o creed_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o which_o make_v she_o a_o corrupt_a church_n be_v that_o she_o have_v add_v as_o many_o more_o article_n of_o faith_n as_o there_o be_v before_o and_o bring_v in_o idolatrous_a practice_n into_o her_o worship_n such_o a_o true_a church_n and_o such_o a_o corrupt_a church_n be_v this_o of_o england_n before_o the_o reformation_n but_o the_o truth_n we_o have_v reserve_v and_o the_o corruption_n we_o have_v cast_v away_o and_o so_o have_v add_v purity_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o christian_a communion_n we_o have_v keep_v that_o which_o be_v ancient_a throw_v aside_o that_o which_o be_v late_o introduce_v and_o so_o be_v a_o church_n build_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n that_o we_o be_v build_v upon_o before_o but_o have_v throw_v away_o the_o hay_n and_o stubble_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v this_o question_n i_o shall_v add_v another_o to_o it_o and_o that_o be_v hezekiah_n reformation_n who_o take_v away_o the_o high-place_n burn_v the_o image_n and_o cut_v down_o the_o grove_n which_o have_v stand_v in_o all_o probability_n four_o or_o five_o hundred_o year_n for_o this_o be_v the_o abatement_n of_o the_o commendation_n of_o good_a king_n before_o he_o that_o nevertheless_o the_o high-place_n be_v not_o take_v away_o and_o moreover_o this_o corruption_n have_v spread_v itself_o from_o one_o end_n of_o judah_n to_o the_o other_o here_o be_v universality_n of_o place_n and_o the_o prescription_n of_o some_o age_n to_o give_v authority_n to_o it_o notwithstanding_o which_o hezekiah_n to_o his_o immortal_a honour_n make_v a_o reformation_n and_o now_o the_o question_n where_o our_o church_n be_v before_o luther_n be_v just_a such_o another_o as_o this_o will_v have_v be_v where_o be_v the_o church_n of_o judah_n before_o hezekiah_n and_o indeed_o such_o a_o demand_n be_v make_v but_o by_o who_o do_v you_o think_v true_o by_o none_o of_o god_n church_n but_o which_o be_v little_a for_o the_o credit_n of_o such_o question_n by_o rabshakeh_n that_o great_a blasphemer_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n for_o thus_o i_o find_v he_o speak_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o if_o you_o say_v unto_o i_o we_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v not_o that_o he_o who_o high-place_n and_o who_o altar_n hezekiah_n have_v take_v away_o and_o have_v say_v to_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n you_o shall_v worship_n before_o this_o altar_n in_o jerusalem_n 2_o king_n 18.22_o by_o which_o question_v it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o corruption_n among_o the_o people_n in_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v so_o general_a and_o ancient_a that_o their_o neighbour_n take_v this_o false_a worship_n of_o they_o for_o their_o religion_n and_o therefore_o reckon_v that_o hezekiah_n have_v introduce_v a_o new_a religion_n because_o he_o have_v but_o reform_v the_o old._n i_o need_v not_o make_v any_o application_n of_o so_o plain_a a_o instance_n 5._o they_o sometime_o say_v that_o since_o we_o confess_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o consequent_o to_o hold_v no_o fundamental_a error_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v tarry_v in_o a_o church_n in_o which_o we_o grant_v a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n and_o we_o may_v now_o without_o danger_n return_v to_o their_o communion_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o not_o only_o those_o error_n which_o do_v unchurch_n a_o people_n but_o even_o those_o that_o make_v their_o salvation_n hazardous_a be_v to_o be_v reform_v pergamos_n be_v still_o a_o church_n notwithstanding_o her_o error_n but_o yet_o be_v oblige_v to_o reform_v they_o 6._o and_o last_o since_o we_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o christ_n can_v have_v but_o one_o church_n upon_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o must_v conclude_v ourselves_o to_o be_v no_o true_a church_n nor_o part_n of_o it_o because_o we_o be_v separate_v from_o they_o and_o consequent_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v indeed_o but_o one_o catholic_n church_n as_o we_o confess_v in_o our_o creed_n whereof_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v one_o part_n and_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n another_o and_o perhaps_o one_o of_o the_o best_a i_o do_v grant_v also_o that_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ordinary_o have_v out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o then_o i_o add_v that_o in_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v best_a reform_v it_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v with_o great_a safety_n and_o assurance_n and_o in_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o refuse_v to_o be_v reform_v not_o without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n and_o though_o these_o part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v separate_v in_o communion_n from_o one_o another_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o either_o of_o they_o must_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o other_o no_o part_n of_o it_o at_o all_o but_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o part_n which_o can_v free_v herself_o from_o the_o blame_n of_o the_o separation_n and_o that_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n as_o much_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o choose_v that_o communion_n which_o do_v not_o only_o afford_v he_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o those_o also_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o such_o false_a doctrine_n and_o unlawful_a practice_n which_o nothing_o but_o invincible_a ignorance_n or_o infirmity_n that_o be_v very_o pardonable_a can_v reconcile_v with_o the_o hope_n of_o any_o man_n salvation_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v this_o answer_n but_o still_o contend_v that_o because_o we_o charge_v each_o other_o with_o heresy_n and_o schism_n it_o be_v impossible_a both_o part_n can_v be_v within_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n must_v confess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v none_o i_o know_v not_o what_o they_o will_v get_v by_o this_o but_o that_o if_o this_o be_v true_a we_o must_v revoke_v all_o that_o charitable_a hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o we_o will_v fain_o nourish_v if_o either_o they_o or_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o can_v have_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o therefore_o we_o must_v go_v over_o to_o their_o communion_n no_o but_o it_o follow_v on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n than_o we_o think_v we_o have_v to_o stay_v where_o we_o be_v because_o it_o seem_v as_o they_o say_v one_o part_n must_v needs_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o want_v all_o mean_n of_o salvation_n for_o we_o confess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v much_o more_o sure_a that_o our_o communion_n be_v a_o safe_a way_n to_o salvation_n than_o we_o be_v that_o they_o be_v a_o way_n at_o all_o and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o let_v we_o believe_v both_o together_o instead_o of_o give_v we_o a_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v papist_n they_o give_v we_o a_o new_a one_o why_o we_o shall_v not_o this_o i_o say_v to_o show_v only_o what_o answer_v they_o may_v get_v by_o try_v to_o make_v a_o unreasonable_a advantage_n to_o themselves_o by_o our_o charity_n and_o moderation_n not_o that_o i_o believe_v their_o error_n have_v make_v they_o cease_v from_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n any_o more_o than_o the_o error_n of_o pergamos_n make_v she_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o nor_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o reform_a and_o the_o unreformed_a part_n of_o christendom_n shall_v be_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o that_o one_o church_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o creed_n any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n to_o have_v be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o
to_o permit_v those_o to_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o any_o reasonable_a mean_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o clear_a difference_n make_v between_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o insincere_a and_o incourigible_a on_o the_o other_o which_o have_v be_v impossible_a if_o god_n have_v by_o his_o omnipotence_n equal_o overbear_v all_o man_n into_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n but_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o touchstone_n that_o distinguish_v between_o the_o humble_a and_o sincere_a and_o the_o unteachable_a and_o dishonest_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o offence_n which_o be_v give_v by_o those_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o be_v a_o far_a trial_n of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o man_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o one_o kind_n of_o offence_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o offence_n that_o remain_v true_a which_o our_o saviour_n say_v all_o that_o the_o father_n give_v i_o shall_v come_v to_o i_o and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o joh._n 6.37_o i_o e._n all_o sincere_a and_o humble_a person_n who_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o special_a care_n of_o christ_n to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o eternal_a life_n will_v be_v sufficient_o arm_v against_o temptation_n and_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v lay_v in_o their_o way_n shall_v but_o clear_v their_o sincerity_n and_o wisdom_n more_o to_o the_o world_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o reward_n 2._o as_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o righteous_a so_o neither_o have_v the_o proper_a advantage_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n be_v see_v have_v god_n interpose_v his_o irresistible_a power_n to_o prevent_v all_o offence_n and_o endeavour_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v please_v to_o suffer_v error_n and_o folly_n to_o appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n even_o after_o the_o heavenly_a wisdom_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v to_o mankind_n that_o by_o its_o own_o strength_n it_o may_v struggle_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o opposition_n and_o prevail_v and_o be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n 3._o by_o this_o way_n the_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o his_o care_n over_o the_o church_n be_v see_v more_o illustrious_o than_o if_o offence_n have_v never_o be_v suffer_v that_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o faith_n lose_v from_o the_o earth_n have_v lie_v in_o the_o gospel_n unobserved_a we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o occasion_n for_o recourse_n to_o it_o no_o mean_n of_o trial_n whether_o we_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o it_o have_v the_o truth_n be_v never_o oppose_v never_o corrupt_v we_o have_v want_v one_o notable_a reason_n to_o praise_n god_n that_o while_o the_o offence_n be_v so_o rife_o in_o this_o world_n this_o church_n give_v no_o offence_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n or_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o god_n may_v count_v we_o worthy_a to_o enjoy_v so_o inestimable_a a_o blessing_n let_v we_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v give_v no_o offence_n by_o our_o example_n let_v we_o adorn_v our_o profession_n by_o our_o conversation_n and_o show_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o action_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o offence_n that_o thus_o will_v arise_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v the_o three_o sermon_n matth_n xviii_o 7._o wo_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n viz._n that_o offence_n will_v do_v great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world._n woe_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v i._n what_o mischief_n be_v do_v by_o offence_n ii_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o they_o be_v of_o so_o pernicious_a a_o consequence_n 1._o what_o mischief_n be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o in_o this_o question_n i_o need_v not_o be_v large_a because_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o have_v in_o some_o part_n be_v already_o give_v under_o those_o several_a head_n of_o scandal_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o show_v where_o the_o scandal_n of_o any_o practice_n or_o opinion_n lie_v without_o touch_v upon_o the_o mischief_n it_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v but_o to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v something_o may_v be_v add_v 1._o the_o general_a mischief_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o prevail_a temptation_n upon_o many_o in_o the_o world_n to_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n for_o as_o good_a example_n and_o encouragement_n good_a counsel_n and_o instruction_n be_v proper_a mean_n of_o make_v other_o better_a so_o ill_a example_n and_o the_o art_n of_o seduce_v must_v needs_o have_v a_o contrary_a influence_n god_n have_v put_v we_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o have_v thereby_o give_v we_o opportunity_n of_o the_o great_a charity_n and_o the_o best_a kind_n of_o do_v good_a viz._n of_o lead_v and_o confirm_v one_o another_o in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o virtue_n but_o there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o it_o but_o the_o society_n we_o have_v with_o one_o another_o may_v be_v abuse_v into_o a_o mean_n of_o do_v one_o another_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o as_o where_o truth_n be_v sincere_o represent_v where_o virtue_n be_v encourage_v where_o authority_n protect_v they_o where_o wit_n and_o learning_n be_v engage_v to_o recommend_v they_o there_o abundance_n of_o good_a will_v be_v do_v upon_o those_o who_o be_v frame_v to_o learn_v and_o not_o to_o teach_v to_o follow_v but_o not_o to_o lead_v the_o way_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o the_o abuse_n of_o all_o those_o advantage_n will_v create_v prejudices_fw-la against_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o mislead_v multitude_n and_o this_o be_v too_o evident_a from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n no_o opinion_n how_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a soever_o how_o pernicious_a soever_o to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n if_o they_o have_v be_v set_v off_o with_o plausible_a colour_n or_o support_v by_o authority_n or_o have_v be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o wicked_a man_n but_o they_o have_v have_v abettor_n and_o follower_n and_o have_v very_o often_o take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o convert_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n but_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o the_o scandal_n of_o advance_v doctrine_n that_o give_v liberty_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o ease_v to_o their_o mind_n without_o effectual_a reformation_n this_o scandal_n i_o say_v have_v this_o pernicious_a effect_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o fear_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o all_o reproof_n although_o it_o be_v a_o terrible_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o man_n to_o venture_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o his_o conscience_n pull_v he_o back_o from_o and_o for_o which_o he_o know_v he_o must_v give_v a_o sad_a account_n at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o it_o be_v not_o prevent_v by_o sorrow_n and_o reformation_n yet_o such_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o one_o that_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o himself_o and_o believe_v his_o condition_n to_o be_v good_a enough_o while_o he_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n without_o reformation_n because_o he_o 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of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o person_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n moreover_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n to_o reform_v that_o man_n evil_a practice_n who_o persuasion_n make_v he_o secure_a and_o easy_a all_o the_o while_n so_o there_o be_v no_o little_a difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o try_v to_o undeceive_v he_o for_o man_n will_v hold_v comfortable_a error_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v find_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mischief_n of_o this_o offence_n though_o such_o error_n be_v not_o lay_v down_o without_o a_o great_a trouble_n yet_o they_o be_v take_v up_o with_o much_o readiness_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o spread_v far_o and_o wide_o and_o to_o this_o i_o believe_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n agree_v viz._n that_o although_o there_o be_v mistake_n that_o lead_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o overmuch_o restraint_n yet_o for_o one_o that_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o such_o mistake_n a_o hundred_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v comfortable_a lie_n which_o either_o whole_o take_v off_o the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o such_o part_n as_o to_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a 3._o perverse_a dispute_n and_o a_o obstinate_a maintenance_n of_o error_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o sophistry_n have_v this_o lamentable_a evil_n common_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o render_v many_o person_n utter_o careless_a to_o examine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v perhaps_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n or_o by_o education_n must_v force_v their_o temper_n to_o patience_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o themselves_o which_o be_v a_o employment_n that_o man_n soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o and_o common_o they_o break_v off_o pretend_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o search_v any_o far_o but_o that_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o and_o against_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o give_v over_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o indeed_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o real_o disputable_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n this_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v blame_v but_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a consequence_n and_o question_n that_o touch_v the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o man_n grow_v weary_a of_o search_a truth_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o after_o the_o controversy_n be_v stiff_o maintain_v for_o some_o time_n on_o both_o side_n and_o it_o be_v well_o in_o this_o case_n if_o it_o be_v a_o even_o lie_v whether_o they_o choose_v the_o true_a guide_n or_o not_o but_o when_o a_o guide_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o follow_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n the_o false_a guide_n have_v this_o advantage_n always_o that_o he_o exceed_v in_o confidence_n in_o lofty_a pretence_n in_o swell_a title_n in_o positive_a denounce_v damnation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o though_o a_o modest_a man_n that_o speak_v just_o of_o thing_n and_o claim_v not_o to_o be_v infallible_a deserve_v the_o most_o credit_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o that_o the_o other_o have_v most_o follower_n among_o those_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n 4._o the_o same_o cause_n have_v too_o often_o a_o yet_o worse_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v to_o run_v some_o person_n into_o infidelity_n and_o a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o no_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o controversy_n about_o it_o and_o some_o have_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v then_o time_n enough_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o when_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v upon_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o monstrous_a error_n that_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n under_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n and_o the_o fraud_n wherewith_o they_o have_v be_v maintain_v have_v let_v in_o atheism_n like_o a_o deluge_n upon_o the_o world_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v so_o full_a of_o zeal_n for_o their_o own_o way_n that_o they_o have_v no_o tenderness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v rather_o content_a that_o all_o shall_v sink_v together_o than_o that_o their_o own_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o stand_v we_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o hand_n that_o no_o assurance_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n and_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o other_o ground_n have_v as_o good_a have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o one_o article_n that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o same_o exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o story_n of_o latter_a miracle_n and_o final_o that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o any_o of_o their_o tradition_n be_v reject_v the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v reject_v too_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n now_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a offence_n and_o have_v do_v infinite_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n who_o be_v violent_o engage_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n of_o religion_n care_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n what_o they_o venture_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o while_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o false_a or_o at_o least_o disputable_a point_n that_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o show_v that_o no_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v they_o give_v occasion_n to_o man_n that_o will_v fain_o be_v atheist_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o what_o they_o will_v be_v for_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o something_o be_v false_a which_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o as_o a_o object_n of_o their_o faith._n and_o they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v then_o leave_v give_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v true_a 5._o there_o be_v another_o great_a mischief_n of_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o a_o mischief_n that_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v that_o of_o run_v into_o a_o contrary_a extreme_a the_o church_n find_v this_o by_o sad_a experience_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o age_n when_o man_n of_o no_o small_a note_n dispute_v against_o one_o heresy_n fall_v into_o another_o of_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o the_o no_o small_a trouble_n of_o christendom_n truth_n sometime_o as_o well_o as_o virtue_n lie_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o they_o that_o transgress_v on_o any_o one_o side_n do_v not_o only_o this_o mischief_n to_o give_v what_o authority_n they_o can_v to_o the_o wrong_a side_n they_o be_v of_o but_o they_o do_v this_o mischief_n too_o of_o give_v occasion_n to_o other_o to_o offend_v on_o the_o other_o extreme_a thus_o the_o abuse_n of_o church-authority_n on_o the_o one_o side_n have_v breed_v in_o some_o man_n contempt_n of_o all_o such_o authority_n on_o the_o other_o the_o scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v by_o propagate_a opinion_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n have_v produce_v in_o many_o a_o fond_a persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o restraint_n whatsoever_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n superior_n have_v require_v unlawful_a thing_n in_o divine_a service_n and_o to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o that_o abuse_n it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v in_o matter_n of_o prudence_n and_o expedience_n religion_n have_v be_v make_v to_o run_v out_o into_o show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o this_o have_v beget_v prejudices_fw-la against_o all_o appearance_n of_o beauty_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god._n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o excess_n of_o man_n in_o depart_v from_o one_o extreme_a be_v scandalous_a to_o those_o who_o they_o leave_v and_o do_v confirm_v they_o
in_o their_o error_n thus_o because_o there_o be_v some_o who_o abuse_v the_o liberty_n this_o church_n give_v to_o all_o of_o use_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o who_o reject_v the_o assistance_n of_o their_o guide_n they_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o people_n shall_v know_v as_o little_a of_o the_o bible_n as_o be_v possible_a argue_v from_o the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o former_a how_o dangerous_a a_o instrument_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n and_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v allow_v to_o all_o must_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v they_o that_o abuse_v it_o to_o the_o make_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o innovation_n give_v a_o candle_n to_o that_o church_n to_o glory_n in_o her_o dissension_n which_o provide_v that_o all_o shall_v believe_v as_o she_o believe_v because_o of_o her_o authority_n and_o that_o no_o man_n judge_n of_o the_o particular_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o himself_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o instance_n of_o this_o mischief_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o undeniable_a that_o whenever_o any_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v by_o community_n or_o church_n that_o consist_v in_o one_o extreme_a a_o man_n may_v without_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n foretell_v that_o if_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o will_v in_o time_n beget_v the_o other_o extreme_a it_o be_v the_o great_a unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o opposite_a error_n which_o look_v as_o if_o one_o will_v destroy_v the_o other_o do_v real_o strive_v to_o support_v one_o another_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o foolish_a advice_n more_o frequent_a than_o to_o run_v from_o a_o extreme_a as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o it_o but_o by_o this_o mean_v woeful_a mischief_n have_v happen_v in_o the_o world_n division_n have_v be_v multiply_v uncharitableness_n increase_v and_o man_n more_o and_o more_o harden_a in_o their_o way_n of_o error_n and_o sin._n 6._o the_o scandal_n of_o mix_v absurd_a and_o impious_a doctrine_n with_o the_o truth_n and_o unjustifiable_a practice_n with_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v have_v this_o notorious_a mischief_n still_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o hinder_v the_o conversion_n of_o insidel_n and_o be_v a_o terrible_a obstruction_n to_o the_o propagate_a of_o christianity_n averro_n do_v not_o speak_v his_o own_o sense_n alone_o when_o he_o say_v since_o the_o christian_n eat_v their_o god_n let_v my_o soul_n be_v with_o the_o philosopher_n the_o scandal_n that_o be_v give_v to_o jew_n and_o turk_n i_o need_v not_o name_n but_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o this_o unpleasing_a argument_n 7._o and_o last_o the_o mischief_n of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o offence_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o when_o once_o offence_n be_v give_v no_o man_n can_v tell_v where_o the_o mischief_n will_v end_v for_o instance_n suppose_v by_o my_o example_n i_o animate_v another_o to_o sin_n in_o like_a manner_n or_o that_o i_o do_v not_o only_o corrupt_v his_o manner_n but_o his_o principle_n too_o and_o so_o do_v he_o all_o the_o hurt_n i_o can_v who_o can_v say_v that_o this_o be_v all_o the_o mischief_n i_o have_v do_v be_v it_o not_o likely_a that_o he_o will_v infect_v other_o as_o i_o have_v infect_v he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o to_o propagate_v the_o mischief_n which_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o i_o and_o that_o the_o next_o age_n may_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o i_o and_o that_o my_o gild_n may_v be_v grow_a age_n after_o i_o be_o dead_a apply_v this_o to_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o world_n and_o consider_v not_o only_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mischief_n they_o do_v but_o the_o spread_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v great_a reason_n in_o those_o sad_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n but_o 2._o whence_o come_v it_o that_o offence_n be_v take_v and_o so_o all_o this_o mischief_n do_v by_o they_o in_o general_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o for_o whatever_o cause_n some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v offence_n for_o the_o same_o other_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o call_v over_o in_o this_o place_n the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o to_o the_o vanity_n of_o mankind_n whether_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n or_o worship_n but_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v add_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o for_o want_v of_o either_o good_a natural_a ability_n or_o good_a education_n have_v little_a ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o part_n take_v their_o impression_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o man_n example_n or_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o fall_v into_o ill_a hand_n they_o fare_v according_o to_o which_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o particular_a regard_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n so_o that_o because_o there_o will_v be_v some_o person_n sincere_o dispose_v who_o in_o many_o thing_n can_v not_o judge_v for_o themselves_o but_o must_v be_v lead_v by_o authority_n our_o saviour_n for_o their_o great_a security_n provide_v this_o frightful_a threaten_v to_o deter_v all_o man_n from_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o weakness_n to_o mislead_v they_o 2._o some_o stumble_v at_o offence_n lay_v before_o they_o and_o take_v up_o pernicious_a doctrine_n mere_o from_o impatience_n of_o consider_v and_o take_v time_n to_o lay_v thing_n together_o he_o that_o judge_v rash_o and_o hasty_o may_v by_o chance_n make_v a_o true_a judgement_n but_o he_o shall_v as_o often_o judge_v false_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a thing_n as_o i_o observe_v last_o time_n to_o lay_v such_o colour_n upon_o error_n as_o will_v require_v some_o leisure_n to_o see_v through_o they_o and_o in_o such_o case_n if_o a_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n and_o desire_n to_o come_v present_o and_o easy_o to_o the_o conclusion_n he_o give_v the_o seducer_n all_o the_o advantage_n he_o can_v desire_v and_o be_v indeed_o just_a the_o person_n he_o desire_v to_o meet_v with_o one_o easy_o deceive_v by_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o reason_n 3._o the_o strange_a influence_n which_o the_o carnal_a affection_n of_o man_n and_o their_o worldly_a interest_n have_v upon_o their_o judgement_n be_v a_o fatal_a cause_n of_o lay_v they_o open_a to_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o desire_v doctrine_n and_o example_n in_o favour_n of_o liberty_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a as_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o guard_v ourselves_o against_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o god_n say_v by_o jeremy_n jer._n 5.31_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_o and_o my_o people_n love_n to_o have_v it_o so_o to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v other_o cause_n viz._n the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n undue_a admiration_n of_o man_n person_n prejudice_n against_o truth_n arise_v from_o prejudice_n against_o person_n a_o inclination_n to_o opinion_n suitable_a to_o our_o own_o temper_n and_o complexion_n love_v of_o novelty_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hatred_n to_o change_v though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o better_a all_o which_o disposition_n and_o circumstance_n expose_v those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o to_o the_o mischief_n of_o offence_n but_o i_o shall_v be_v over-tedious_a to_o run_v into_o all_o the_o particular_n under_o this_o head_n which_o may_v also_o be_v more_o profitable_o supply_v by_o direction_n in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o intention_n which_o be_v to_o reduce_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o matter_n of_o exhortation_n and_o i_o shall_v leave_v with_o you_o these_o two_o necessary_a caution_n i._o be_v careful_a to_o give_v no_o offence_n ii_o be_v careful_a to_o take_v none_o 1._o be_v careful_a to_o give_v no_o offence_n i._n e._n to_o lay_v no_o stumbling-block_n in_o any_o man_n way_n to_o lead_v he_o into_o sin_n or_o error_n or_o to_o confirm_v he_o in_o it_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v now_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a from_o this_o guilt_n be_v to_o love_v the_o truth_n
reasonable_a so_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o if_o it_o be_v follow_v it_o will_v secure_v we_o from_o the_o great_a offence_n as_o those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v which_o be_v evident_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n 2._o let_v we_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o our_o church_n faithful_o deliver_v for_o no_o man_n have_v yet_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o offer_v the_o least_o doubt_n against_o that_o nay_o all_o that_o we_o be_v challenge_v for_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v those_o addition_n to_o the_o creed_n which_o in_o comparison_n be_v but_o of_o yesterday_n these_o ancient_a form_n of_o confess_v the_o faith_n show_v what_o article_n of_o mere_a belief_n be_v think_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o hold_v by_o all_o and_o because_o the_o faith_n be_v at_o once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n no_o more_o can_v be_v necessary_a now_o than_o be_v then_o now_o if_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o christian_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_o guard_v against_o all_o erroneous_a doctrine_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o by_o any_o party_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o necessary_a truth_n for_o whilst_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o profess_v all_o that_o be_v think_v necessary_a at_o first_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o ease_n and_o feel_v no_o disturbance_n in_o examine_v what_o be_v moreover_o propound_v and_o determine_v to_o receive_v it_o if_o it_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o reject_v it_o if_o it_o have_v none_o much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o which_o rule_n i_o hope_v you_o perceive_v be_v to_o take_v place_n in_o judge_v what_o you_o be_v to_o believe_v not_o in_o judge_v whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o even_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n for_o which_o 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this_o that_o we_o will_v be_v honest_a and_o good_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v use_v all_o good_a rule_n well_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o whit_n the_o more_o incline_v to_o embrace_v doctrine_n for_o our_o belief_n or_o practice_n because_o they_o make_v for_o our_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o this_o go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n good_a and_o evil._n offence_n from_o without_o will_v not_o stumble_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o weaken_v and_o blind_v by_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o vicious_a disposition_n within_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v warning_n against_o the_o former_a in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n do_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n proceed_v to_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o secure_v ourselves_o against_o they_o and_o that_o by_o prevent_v the_o latter_a wherefore_o say_v he_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n or_o foot_n offend_v thou_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o that_o be_v subdue_v thy_o dear_a lust_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o that_o be_v hard_a to_o part_v with_o than_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v grow_v a_o part_n of_o thyself_o though_o it_o cost_v thou_o as_o much_o pain_n to_o divide_v thyself_o from_o it_o as_o it_o will_v to_o cut_v off_o thy_o hand_n or_o pull_v out_o thy_o eye_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n do_v thou_o mortify_v it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o when_o the_o world_n will_v be_v full_a of_o offence_n i._n e._n encouragement_n to_o sin_n and_o of_o deceitful_a error_n if_o thou_o also_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o thyself_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a heart_n and_o purify_n thy_o mind_n from_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a lust_n thou_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o art_n and_o force_n of_o outward_a temptation_n now_o the_o way_n to_o gain_v this_o honest_a mind_n be_v to_o fix_v our_o thought_n steadfast_o upon_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o be_v the_o mean_v our_o saviour_n direct_v to_o the_o use_n of_o in_o this_o place_n too_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o for_o it_o be_v better_a for_o thou_o to_o enter_v into_o life_n with_o one_o eye_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell-fire_n last_o let_v all_o our_o other_o care_n be_v begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o purify_v our_o intention_n and_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n and_o keep_v we_o in_o it_o by_o his_o grace_n for_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o for_o another_o but_o much_o more_o for_o himself_o and_o most_o of_o all_o when_o he_o ask_v the_o best_a thing_n when_o he_o ask_v those_o thing_n that_o please_v god_n best_a a_o mind_n purify_v from_o worldly_a lust_n and_o a_o understanding_n enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n shall_v never_o fall_v the_o four_o sermon_n matth_n xxvi_o 41._o watch_z and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o watch_v and_o pray_v that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o a_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o exhortation_n be_v make_v the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a in_o the_o exhortation_n we_o may_v observe_v a_o direction_n to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n watch_n and_o pray_v and_o then_o the_o end_n why_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n as_o to_o the_o mean_n watch_v and_o pray_v the_o use_n of_o they_o both_o suppose_v a_o great_a concern_v for_o the_o event_n for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o only_a to_o be_v careful_a myself_o but_o to_o get_v all_o the_o help_n i_o can_v nay_o if_o i_o be_o to_o go_v to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o his_o help_n and_o to_o seek_v it_o constant_o to_o be_v sure_a as_o the_o end_n i_o aim_v at_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o itself_o trivial_a so_o neither_o ought_v i_o to_o be_v trivial_o affect_v with_o it_o a_o great_a concern_v for_o the_o end_n be_v suppose_v in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n but_o more_o particular_o as_o to_o watch_v that_o signify_v such_o a_o care_n of_o ourselves_o as_o suppose_v danger_n and_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o disciple_n to_o who_o the_o exhortation_n be_v immediate_o give_v our_o saviour_n be_v now_o prepare_v they_o for_o his_o approach_a passion_n he_o will_v therefore_o have_v they_o consider_v beforehand_o what_o a_o terrible_a temptation_n it_o will_v be_v to_o see_v their_o own_o master_n forsake_v and_o contemn_v and_o almost_o every_o body_n ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o own_v he_o he_o will_v have_v they_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o infirmity_n and_o examine_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v likely_a to_o hold_v out_o against_o such_o a_o temptation_n as_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o he_o will_v have_v they_o furnish_v their_o mind_n with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o constancy_n which_o they_o may_v infer_v from_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n he_o have_v teach_v they_o they_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o value_n of_o their_o soul_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o promise_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o whatever_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o jesus_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o good_a mind_n they_o be_v in_o at_o present_a he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o
the_o faith_n that_o will_v either_o dispense_v with_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n or_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o that_o be_v this_o must_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o man_n shall_v arise_v from_o among_o themselves_o speak_v perverse_a thing_n and_o thus_o also_o st._n peter_n foretell_v there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o you_o who_o privy_o shall_v bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n 2_o pet._n 2.1_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v do_v it_o privy_o or_o sly_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v not_o thereby_o a_o opportunity_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o piety_n and_o care_n of_o christian_a truth_n to_o slip_v their_o innovation_n into_o the_o church_n by_o degree_n whereas_o it_o be_v add_v that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a the_o meaning_n be_v that_o honest_a man_n may_v more_o and_o more_o appear_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v so_o that_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n observable_a i._o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o ii_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v heresy_n that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a 1._o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o by_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o heresy_n shall_v arise_v for_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o liberty_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o religion_n and_o god_n deal_n with_o mankind_n in_o give_v we_o law_n and_o make_v we_o to_o expect_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v but_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v in_o itself_o high_o probable_a that_o heresy_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o god_n certain_o foresee_v that_o they_o will_v come_v in_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o that_o liberty_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v abuse_v and_o under_o that_o grace_n that_o may_v be_v resist_v all_o therefore_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o head_n will_v be_v this_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o probability_n of_o the_o come_n in_o of_o heresy_n which_o the_o text_n suppose_v of_o heresy_n i_o say_v which_o god_n see_v will_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o he_o interpose_v not_o his_o irresistible_a power_n to_o prevent_v it_o now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o heresy_n will_v be_v if_o we_o consider_v on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o revelation_n of_o christian_a truth_n and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o temper_n and_o circumstance_n of_o mankind_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o revelation_n of_o christian_a truth_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o tendency_n and_o design_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o and_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o 1._o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o rectify_v the_o ill_a manner_n and_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o mankind_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o liberty_n which_o most_o man_n desire_v how_o unreasonable_a and_o hurtful_a soever_o they_o be_v and_o to_o tie_v they_o up_o to_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n moreover_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n true_o represent_v be_v equal_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n frame_v to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o ambition_n and_o to_o advance_v one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o slavery_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n last_o it_o teach_v a_o worship_n of_o great_a simplicity_n that_o have_v but_o very_o few_o mystery_n and_o nothing_o of_o that_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v so_o please_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o place_v the_o weight_n of_o religion_n in_o any_o outward_a show_n and_o performance_n but_o in_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o to_o such_o a_o course_n of_o life_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n it_o oblige_v we_o by_o all_o that_o it_o teach_v concern_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v our_o creed_n serve_v no_o other_o turn_n but_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o live_v a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a life_n but_o then_o 2._o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o be_v not_o so_o irresistible_a as_o to_o over-rule_v all_o contradiction_n and_o perverseness_n though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o wise_a and_o honest_a man_n nor_o be_v the_o manner_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v testify_v and_o declare_v to_o we_o so_o enlighten_v as_o to_o make_v it_o absolute_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o mistake_v about_o they_o or_o for_o those_o that_o wilful_o pervert_v they_o to_o delude_v other_o with_o put_v false_a colour_n upon_o they_o although_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o we_o must_v be_v extraordinary_o to_o blame_v if_o we_o run_v into_o any_o error_n against_o sound_a faith_n or_o good_a life_n one_o will_v think_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n have_v be_v plain_o enough_o deliver_v first_o by_o our_o saviour_n then_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o order_n which_o the_o apostle_n observe_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a enough_o and_o yet_o in_o this_o very_a church_n of_o corinth_n there_o be_v divers_a foul_o mistake_v as_o to_o the_o one_o and_o still_o want_v instruction_n as_o to_o the_o other_o one_o will_v think_v that_o those_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o need_n for_o our_o lord_n to_o have_v add_v present_o after_o that_o say_n but_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o mean_v this_o be_v my_o body_n by_o deputation_n or_o representation_n or_o in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n any_o more_o than_o to_o have_v so_o explain_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o door_n i_o be_o the_o vine_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o because_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o leave_v a_o express_a caution_n against_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n we_o know_v it_o have_v be_v insist_v upon_o against_o plain_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n sense_n and_o reason_n again_o let_v a_o man_n consider_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o have_v no_o prejudice_n upon_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o will_v never_o desire_v that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v more_o plain_o express_v that_o the_o cup_n be_v administer_v to_o all_o than_o it_o be_v especial_o since_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o cup_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o and_o they_o all_o drink_v of_o it_o but_o yet_o because_o these_o word_n be_v not_o add_v or_o the_o like_a and_o let_v no_o man_n ever_o presume_v to_o administer_v the_o bread_n without_o administer_a the_o cup_n to_o the_o same_o person_n the_o cup_n have_v be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o people_n for_o the_o great_a reverence_n of_o administration_n when_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o language_n in_o which_o prayer_n or_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v be_v not_o edify_v it_o can_v hardly_o have_v be_v think_v necessary_a to_o have_v add_v this_o let_v therefore_o all_o form_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v make_v in_o the_o tongue_n that_o the_o people_n understand_v and_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o some_o such_o conclusion_n public_a prayer_n have_v be_v make_v in_o a_o language_n that_o the_o people_n understand_v not_o and_o the_o practice_n maintain_v as_o confident_o as_o if_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v itself_o in_o a_o language_n that_o we_o can_v not_o understand_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o god_n can_v have_v add_v such_o explication_n and_o caution_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o will_v have_v make_v it_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o difficult_a and_o troublesome_a to_o bring_v in_o those_o error_n than_o it_o have_v be_v and_o perhaps_o utter_o impossible_a to_o maintain_v they_o among_o christian_n without_o destroy_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o such_o caution_n have_v be_v necessary_a thousand_o time_n as_o many_o more_o have_v be_v necessary_a too_o for_o so_o many_o addition_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n must_v have_v be_v make_v as_o there_o be_v way_n of_o elude_v and_o pervert_v a_o
rule_n which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o to_o have_v provide_v express_o against_o they_o all_o will_v have_v make_v the_o bible_n a_o more_o voluminous_a book_n than_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o say_v the_o most_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v see_v for_o whoever_o write_v or_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o possible_a way_n of_o be_v mistake_v or_o have_v his_o word_n pervert_v according_a to_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o a_o sentence_n in_o a_o hour_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v his_o explication_n may_v be_v pervert_v too_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o god_n have_v not_o provide_v express_a caution_n against_o all_o possible_a mistake_v and_o abuse_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o think_v good_a to_o leave_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o worship_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v all_o honest_a person_n and_o lover_n of_o truth_n though_o not_o sufficient_a to_o exclude_v all_o cavil_v and_o abuse_v for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o pretend_v that_o all_o who_o see_v his_o work_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n must_v necessary_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o he_o require_v constant_o a_o certain_a temper_n of_o mind_n consist_v of_o humility_n sincerity_n love_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o a_o word_n a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n be_v his_o true_a disciple_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n but_o there_o must_v be_v also_o a_o peculiar_a probity_n or_o teachable_a spirit_n a_o mind_n ready_a to_o believe_v all_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v all_o duty_n these_o be_v the_o sheep_n that_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o the_o ground_n that_o will_v receive_v his_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n such_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v hear_v and_o understand_v and_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god._n but_o as_o for_o other_o they_o will_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o reject_v it_o with_o some_o colour_n for_o so_o do_v or_o to_o pervert_v it_o if_o they_o once_o admit_v it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o deliver_v truth_n that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n gratify_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n or_o please_v their_o imagination_n or_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o other_o and_o than_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v deliver_v in_o that_o way_n which_o though_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o instruct_v and_o convince_v all_o honest_a man_n yet_o will_v not_o infallible_o bear_v down_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n now_o to_o this_o we_o must_v add_v 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o general_a temper_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o sake_n the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o exceed_o prone_a to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o error_n impatient_a of_o true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o of_o true_a doctrine_n humane_a nature_n do_v affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v well_o bear_v to_o be_v confine_v and_o it_o be_v so_o disease_a that_o it_o do_v not_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v heal_v it_o be_v therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o remedy_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v have_v be_v so_o tamper_v withal_o by_o man_n as_o to_o make_v it_o ineffectual_a for_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o he_o have_v send_v it_o to_o we_o and_o doctrine_n have_v be_v teach_v which_o give_v that_o liberty_n that_o truth_n deny_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n shall_v not_o effectual_o overcome_v those_o lust_n that_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n those_o lust_n will_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v that_o doctrine_n and_o bring_v in_o heresy_n ambition_n and_o covetousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o worldly_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n licentiousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n pride_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n though_o for_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n satisfaction_n and_o glory_n in_o draw_v many_o people_n into_o a_o party_n and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o natural_a inconstancy_n and_o waver_v of_o some_o will_v carry_v they_o away_o from_o the_o truth_n the_o natural_a stiffness_n and_o inflexibility_n of_o other_o will_v detain_v they_o in_o error_n the_o very_a desire_n and_o love_n of_o novelty_n will_v at_o first_o help_n to_o bring_v in_o some_o and_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n will_v be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o able_a to_o gain_v other_o final_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o most_o man_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a ease_n of_o depend_v upon_o the_o absolute_a authority_n of_o other_o will_v give_v a_o far_a advantage_n to_o error_n which_o fear_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o examination_n and_o therefore_o discourage_v all_o person_n from_o give_v themselves_o so_o needless_a a_o trouble_n since_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o those_o for_o their_o security_n who_o can_v possible_o mislead_v they_o consider_v the_o disease_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o cure_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o there_o will_v be_v faction_n and_o heresy_n against_o the_o truth_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v there_o must_v be_v heresy_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v after_o all_o the_o care_n that_o god_n have_v take_v to_o restore_v mankind_n there_o will_v be_v pride_n and_o ambition_n there_o will_v be_v covetousness_n and_o injustice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n there_o will_v be_v luxury_n and_o licentiousness_n there_o will_v be_v both_o inconstancy_n and_o stiffneckedness_n there_o will_v be_v laziness_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o unaptness_n for_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v no_o infallible_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o as_o certain_o as_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n will_v break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n so_o certain_o will_v error_n get_v into_o it_o by_o degree_n and_o usurp_v the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v absolute_o have_v hinder_v it_o by_o his_o overrule_a power_n but_o in_o this_o say_n it_o be_v imply_v that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v so_o and_o experience_n have_v show_v that_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o make_v all_o man_n good_a by_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n for_o there_o be_v less_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o man_n orthodox_n by_o a_o irresistible_a illumination_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o concern_v the_o reason_n assign_v why_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v heresy_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i._n e._n that_o it_o may_v most_o evident_o appear_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a and_o who_o be_v not_o so_o for_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n that_o be_v take_v to_o advance_v error_n do_v prove_v what_o man_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o distinguish_v between_o those_o that_o will_v appear_v all_o alike_o if_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v equal_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o great_a difference_n that_o break_v out_o be_v that_o between_o the_o probity_n of_o some_o man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o on_o the_o other_o side_n which_o appear_v in_o these_o instance_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o diligent_a search_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n heresy_n have_v upon_o honest_a and_o godly_a man_n while_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o hypocrite_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v most_o for_o their_o ease_n their_o safety_n their_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n whilst_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n be_v each_o of_o they_o eager_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o way_n man_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o examine_v their_o own_o persuasion_n more_o narrow_o and_o to_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o more_o careful_o so_o that_o if_o they_o apprehend_v a_o mistake_n in_o themselves_o they_o quit_v it_o without_o any_o more_o to_o do_v and_o come_v to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o the_o truth_n upon_o better_a ground_n
than_o they_o have_v before_o and_o be_v better_a able_a to_o lead_v other_o into_o it_o 2._o by_o this_o mean_n also_o the_o constancy_n of_o sincere_a person_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v manifest_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o opposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o that_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o this_o not_o only_o because_o a_o man_n steadfastness_n can_v be_v prove_v but_o by_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n but_o likewise_o because_o they_o be_v but_o few_o good_a man_n in_o comparison_n who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o diligent_a examination_n of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n if_o contrary_a doctrine_n be_v not_o advance_v they_o will_v rely_v most_o upon_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o instead_o of_o believe_a truth_n upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o argument_n but_o if_o as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o instance_n the_o spread_a of_o heresy_n put_v they_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n after_o the_o reason_n of_o truth_n their_o steadfastness_n in_o it_o afterward_o be_v manifest_v to_o be_v the_o true_a virtue_n of_o constancy_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n not_o to_o change_v our_o opinion_n let_v what_o will_v be_v produce_v against_o it_o but_o in_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a after_o the_o most_o diligent_a examination_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o thus_o heresy_n make_v good_a man_n more_o constant_a in_o the_o truth_n by_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n of_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o it_o by_o better_a argument_n and_o clear_a evidence_n and_o they_o manifest_v their_o constancy_n to_o the_o world_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o adversary_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o want_v to_o shake_v the_o dfastness_n of_o true_a believer_n by_o all_o way_n of_o temptation_n imaginable_a 3._o their_o charity_n to_o other_o be_v manifest_v also_o by_o mean_n of_o heresy_n and_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o here_o be_v occasion_n give_v to_o show_v their_o care_n of_o one_o another_o in_o satisfy_v the_o doubtful_a in_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a in_o give_v caution_n to_o the_o confident_a and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o weak_a all_o which_o be_v noble_a instance_n of_o christian_a charity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o since_o their_o care_n to_o recover_v other_o from_o the_o way_n of_o error_n to_o reduce_v those_o that_o be_v go_v aside_o together_o with_o their_o endure_a contradiction_n their_o instruct_n in_o much_o patience_n their_o meekness_n towards_o those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o be_v likewise_o manifest_v upon_o all_o such_o occasion_n 4._o their_o sincerity_n do_v likewise_o appear_v in_o another_o respect_n viz._n of_o defend_v truth_n with_o truth_n only_o and_o a_o good_a cause_n by_o innocence_n and_o honest_a mean_n without_o make_v use_n of_o fraud_n of_o lie_n of_o false_a accusation_n 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good_a man_n so_o there_o be_v other_o benefit_n arise_v from_o it_o for_o instance_n 1._o that_o the_o belief_n of_o true_a doctrine_n come_v hereby_o to_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a and_o firm_a ground_n than_o in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v be_v discover_v if_o opposition_n have_v not_o oblige_v honest_a man_n to_o dig_v the_o deep_a for_o they_o and_o this_o we_o have_v note_v already_o 2._o that_o by_o the_o way_n many_o profitable_a truth_n come_v to_o be_v discover_v which_o have_v otherwise_o lie_v hide_v the_o scripture_n come_v to_o be_v better_o understand_v and_o the_o more_o obscure_a passage_n of_o it_o to_o be_v reasonable_o well_o interpret_v all_o which_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n opposition_n whet_v the_o industry_n and_o set_v a_o edge_n upon_o the_o wit_n of_o all_o man_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o whilst_o bad_a man_n be_v concern_v to_o find_v out_o all_o the_o way_n of_o support_a error_n the_o good_a and_o honest_a be_v 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more_o heresy_n there_o be_v the_o more_o certain_o be_v this_o trial_n make_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dissemble_v that_o yet_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n have_v its_o manifold_a mischief_n and_o misery_n attend_v upon_o it_o it_o breed_v scandal_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o diversion_n of_o atheist_n and_o unbeliever_n it_o nourish_v discord_n and_o animosity_n it_o remove_v the_o contentious_a far_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o make_v the_o study_n of_o good_a manner_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n forget_v it_o lessen_v the_o reverence_n of_o authority_n it_o produce_v fraud_n and_o force_n unfaithfulness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o have_v make_v man_n and_o which_o be_v worse_a christian_n fox_n and_o wolf_n to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o heresy_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o consequence_n very_o great_a 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come_v to_o pass_v afterward_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o only_o to_o believe_v that_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o casual_a hit_n of_o atom_n to_o name_v these_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o confute_v they_o 2._o all_o that_o can_v be_v far_o desire_v be_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o these_o prophecy_n be_v not_o forge_v by_o the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n but_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a write_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o the_o jew_n of_o our_o saviour_n time_n by_o their_o ancestor_n and_o the_o constant_a testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o be_v most_o bitter_a enemy_n to_o jesus_n and_o to_o his_o doctrine_n be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o point_n 4_o and_o last_o whereas_o these_o prediction_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o more_o convince_a testimony_n to_o jesus_n than_o any_o other_o take_v by_o 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our_o faith_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o this_o exhortation_n be_v so_o needful_a that_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n in_o their_o objection_n against_o it_o who_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o exclude_v all_o but_o the_o clergy_n and_o those_o that_o have_v special_a licence_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o say_v be_v this_o that_o the_o promiscuous_a liberty_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n lead_v the_o people_n into_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n make_v they_o insolent_a and_o ungovernable_a and_o ready_a to_o throw_v off_o all_o respect_n to_o their_o lawful_a guide_n that_o almost_o all_o heresy_n have_v proceed_v from_o misinterpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a place_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o to_o translate_v the_o bible_n into_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o people_n to_o read_v it_o be_v to_o betray_v they_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o infinite_a error_n which_o they_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o fall_v into_o by_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a text_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n as_o we_o will_v keep_v child_n from_o meddle_v with_o edge_a tool_n and_o lay_v sword_n out_o of_o mad-men_n way_n now_o if_o this_o charge_n be_v true_a the_o bible_n be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a book_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a there_o be_v some_o other_o reason_n doubtless_o why_o they_o that_o pretend_v this_o have_v no_o kindness_n for_o the_o bible_n i_o shall_v omit_v several_a advantage_n that_o may_v be_v take_v against_o this_o flourish_n because_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v show_v very_o brief_o that_o it_o pretend_v thing_n that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n hang_v well_o together_o that_o it_o take_v thing_n for_o grant_v that_o be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o it_o conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v by_o the_o clergy_n as_o by_o the_o laity_n it_o pretend_v some_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o hang_v well_o together_o on_o the_o one_o side_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o bible_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o people_n throw_v off_o all_o dependence_n upon_o the_o priest_n as_o to_z instruction_n on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o there_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a passage_n in_o it_o by_o mistake_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o which_o they_o will_v be_v lead_v into_o heresy_n and_o consequent_o into_o the_o way_n of_o damnation_n now_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n say_v this_o of_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v diverse_a thing_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o they_o which_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a man_n have_v wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o modest_a dependence_n upon_o the_o instruction_n of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n be_v to_o lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o and_o not_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o they_o since_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o attend_v to_o their_o pastor_n in_o order_n to_o far_a instruction_n than_o the_o several_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o warning_n that_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o have_v give_v of_o the_o danger_n that_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n be_v in_o of_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o experience_n show_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o argument_n can_v make_v people_n modest_a if_o they_o be_v geneal_o permit_v to_o have_v the_o scripture_n i_o add_v 2._o that_o this_o argue_v take_v thing_n for_o grant_v which_o be_v not_o true_a in_o point_n of_o fact_n all_o the_o faithful_n ancient_o have_v the_o scripture_n but_o we_o find_v little_a complaint_n by_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n then_o of_o the_o wantonness_n and_o insolence_n of_o the_o people_n so_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a exhortation_n that_o all_o will_v diligent_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o christian_n people_n that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o allow_v then_o but_o require_v to_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o yet_o they_o modest_o attend_v upon_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n for_o far_a instruction_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o therefore_o if_o some_o man_n in_o late_a age_n have_v gross_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o be_v set_v right_o by_o those_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n to_o interpret_v they_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o people_n ungovernable_a for_o than_o it_o must_v always_o have_v
all_o such_o case_n the_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n and_o apostasy_n be_v very_o great_a and_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o many_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o in_o such_o a_o wicked_a age_n as_o call_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o open_a enemy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a number_n will_v be_v void_a of_o all_o regard_n whatsoever_o to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o his_o providence_n or_o if_o they_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o scoffer_n mention_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o will_v say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n many_o of_o his_o profess_a servant_n will_v be_v weary_a of_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v way_n to_o temptation_n and_o depend_v more_o upon_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n than_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v very_o much_o weaken_v and_o abate_v so_o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o i_o persuade_v myself_o to_o have_v give_v you_o a_o true_a illustration_n of_o these_o remarkable_a word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o two_o signification_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v both_o intend_a in_o this_o text_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o know_v which_o be_v principal_o intend_v the_o day_n of_o the_o general_n judgement_n or_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o general_n judgement_n be_v in_o itself_o the_o principal_a meaning_n of_o christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v but_o yet_o the_o parable_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_o intend_v to_o stir_v up_o that_o generation_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v and_o to_o give_v a_o firm_a faith_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a trouble_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n therefore_o neither_o can_v the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v avenge_v of_o these_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o deliver_v his_o servant_n be_v exclude_v but_o be_v as_o direct_o intend_v as_o the_o other_o and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o observe_v the_o two_o main_a point_n which_o the_o text_n suppose_v beside_o those_o which_o it_o affirm_v and_o the_o consider_v of_o they_o will_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n 1._o it_o be_v suppose_v manifest_o that_o after_o the_o first_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o call_v the_o world_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o our_o sin_n there_o will_v yet_o be_v degenerate_a age_n sometime_o and_o a_o most_o corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n before_o his_o second_o personal_n come_v to_o judge_n the_o world._n 2._o it_o be_v also_o suppose_a that_o his_o providence_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v all_o thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n 1._o that_o his_o first_o come_n will_v not_o infallible_o prevent_v the_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o future_a age_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o teach_v many_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n iniquity_n will_v abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o will_v wax_v cold_a and_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o advantage_n yet_o his_o own_o servant_n will_v sometime_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o state_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o they_o to_o cry_v unto_o god_n day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o may_v cause_v some_o wonder_n if_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o general_o corrupt_v before_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o may_v not_o appear_v strange_a at_o all_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o mankind_n that_o after_o the_o creation_n the_o earth_n shall_v so_o abound_v with_o luxury_n and_o violence_n that_o god_n sweep_v all_o mankind_n away_o with_o the_o flood_n but_o eight_o person_n that_o after_o noah_n family_n have_v people_v the_o earth_n again_o man_n shall_v fall_v into_o idolatry_n so_o universal_o that_o god_n call_v abraham_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o he_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n in_o his_o family_n and_o posterity_n that_o pharaoh_n shall_v oppress_v the_o israelite_n after_o his_o country_n have_v be_v save_v by_o they_o that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v fall_v to_o worship_n other_o god_n after_o that_o the_o true_a god_n have_v wrought_v so_o many_o miraculous_a deliverance_n for_o they_o that_o when_o not_o without_o much_o ado_n they_o be_v cure_v of_o idolatry_n they_o shall_v fall_v into_o scandalous_a way_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o immorality_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n perhaps_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o because_o god_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o use_v the_o last_o mean_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v time_n as_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a of_o those_o after_o christ_n himself_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n with_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v and_o with_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o oppression_n violence_n fraud_n hypocrisy_n error_n superstition_n idolatry_n and_o scandalous_a example_n shall_v for_o some_o age_n reign_v no_o less_o than_o before_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o shake_v the_o faith_n even_o of_o good_a man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deceive_v the_o very_o best_a of_o all_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o amaze_a consideration_n and_o though_o the_o noble_a example_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o affure_v expectation_n of_o a_o large_a progress_n that_o christianity_n will_v make_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o better_a effect_n that_o it_o will_v produce_v may_v answer_v the_o objection_n yet_o that_o the_o world_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o bad_a under_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v what_o may_v raise_v some_o admiration_n but_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n first_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o come_v not_o to_o establish_v a_o religion_n which_o shall_v either_o by_o its_o truth_n convince_v or_o by_o its_o power_n reform_v mankind_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o both_o purpose_n if_o they_o will_v be_v wise_a and_o honest_a and_o suffer_v the_o concernment_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o above_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o expect_v a_o universal_a reformation_n as_o to_o expect_v that_o man_n will_v not_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v to_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o the_o gospel_n be_v furnish_v with_o no_o irresistible_a mean_n but_o leave_v they_o under_o the_o natural_a liberty_n they_o have_v before_o with_o a_o provision_n of_o grace_n that_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o likely_a that_o the_o truth_n will_v be_v oppose_v by_o some_o and_o corrupt_v by_o other_o and_o by_o many_o hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n that_o several_a to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v will_v not_o believe_v it_o and_o several_a that_o believe_v it_o will_v not_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o time_n that_o it_o will_v be_v mix_v with_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o frame_v to_o the_o design_n of_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n nay_o the_o better_a and_o more_o divine_a a_o religion_n that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o more_o violent_o it_o will_v be_v oppose_v by_o some_o and_o the_o more_o certain_o corrupt_v by_o other_o so_o that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n not_o to_o overbear_v the_o world_n into_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o by_o force_v the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o man_n it_o have_v rather_o be_v much_o more_o strange_a if_o it_o have_v escape_v opposition_n and_o corruption_n than_o to_o have_v be_v both_o oppose_v and_o corrupt_v as_o it_o have_v thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o it_o
of_o testimony_n exact_o according_a to_o knowledge_n and_o then_o we_o swear_v in_o truth_n all_o which_o condition_n of_o use_v a_o oath_n religious_o be_v put_v together_o by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n c._n 4._o v._n 2._o and_o thou_o shall_v swear_v the_o lord_n live_v in_o truth_n in_o judgement_n and_o in_o righteousness_n in_o righteousness_n not_o profane_v a_o oath_n by_o make_v it_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n in_o judgement_n not_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n by_o use_v it_o rash_o and_o improper_o and_o in_o truth_n not_o violate_v the_o bond_n of_o a_o oath_n by_o break_v promise_n or_o give_v testimony_n to_o a_o falsehood_n swear_v in_o truth_n be_v that_o part_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n press_v upon_o you_o omit_v the_o consideration_n of_o what_o thing_n a_o oath_n may_v be_v conversant_a about_o and_o that_o the_o rather_o because_o i_o shall_v apply_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o the_o former_a point_n either_o to_o such_o oath_n as_o fasten_v any_o duty_n upon_o we_o require_v by_o the_o law_n or_o to_o swear_v in_o court_n of_o judicature_n where_o the_o end_n of_o swear_v viz._n the_o judicial_a decide_n of_o controversy_n do_v always_o make_v the_o matter_n inquire_v into_o worthy_a of_o so_o high_a a_o testimony_n therefore_o have_v i_o choose_v these_o word_n of_o god_n for_o my_o subject_n you_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n false_o a_o law_n which_o if_o any_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o very_a heart_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o it_o please_v god_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v write_v in_o our_o bibles_n too_o i_o will_v to_o god_n there_o be_v no_o occasion_n give_v by_o the_o present_a age_n to_o urge_v it_o in_o our_o sermon_n at_o least_o in_o the_o way_n of_o complaint_n and_o reproof_n but_o since_o perjury_n perjury_n i_o say_v that_o monstrous_a sin_n which_o strike_v even_o at_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o betray_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o king_n which_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o justice_n which_o do_v most_o sensible_o grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n and_o threaten_v the_o safety_n of_o every_o good_a subject_n which_o do_v not_o only_o work_v mischief_n to_o the_o innocent_a but_o also_o damn_v the_o guilty_a almost_o without_o remedy_n if_o perjury_n as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v be_v grow_v the_o cry_a sin_n of_o our_o land_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o terrible_a enough_o to_o prevail_v against_o it_o we_o be_v then_o bind_v in_o allegiance_n to_o god_n in_o loyalty_n to_o the_o king_n in_o love_n to_o our_o country_n in_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o bring_v in_o all_o the_o assistance_n we_o can_v from_o religion_n to_o expel_v this_o fatal_a mischief_n and_o to_o remove_v this_o foul_a scandal_n from_o among_o we_o by_o instruct_v plain_o by_o reprove_v impartial_o by_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v most_o vehement_o in_o contribution_n to_o which_o good_a end_n i_o beg_v your_o patience_n while_o i_o endeavour_v to_o show_v first_o of_o all_o wherein_o lie_v the_o peculiar_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n second_o what_o be_v the_o several_a way_n of_o violate_v this_o obligation_n or_o incur_v the_o crime_n of_o perjury_n three_o what_o be_v the_o usual_a temptation_n and_o inducement_n thereunto_o last_o some_o of_o the_o fearful_a aggravation_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o sin_n that_o a_o oath_n induce_v the_o utmost_a obligation_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n be_v confess_v by_o general_a practice_n which_o have_v make_v or_o rather_o receive_v it_o to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o controversy_n for_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v yet_o more_o deep_o than_o by_o swear_v sure_o the_o final_a resort_n will_v not_o be_v have_v to_o a_o oath_n if_o any_o thing_n can_v confirm_v a_o testimony_n more_o assure_o which_o be_v in_o our_o power_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o last_o confirmation_n therefore_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o very_a end_n of_o a_o oath_n imply_v a_o peculiar_a obligation_n to_o discharge_v it_o true_o for_o the_o great_a that_o trust_n be_v which_o i_o cause_v another_o to_o repose_v in_o i_o the_o great_a treachery_n i_o be_o guilty_a of_o if_o i_o then_o deceive_v he_o but_o if_o the_o end_n of_o a_o oath_n oblige_v man_n not_o to_o swear_v false_o much_o more_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n may_v a_o oath_n be_v rest_v in_o as_o the_o high_a security_n that_o man_n can_v offer_v for_o their_o honesty_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o appeal_n to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o witness_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o falsehood_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o own_o testimony_n 1._o god_n be_v appeal_v to_o as_o a_o witness_n he_o who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o knowledge_n the_o faithful_a and_o infallible_a witness_n of_o every_o thought_n and_o action_n he_o who_o testimony_n alone_o need_v not_o to_o be_v confirm_v by_o any_o other_o since_o for_o he_o only_o it_o be_v natural_o and_o eternal_o impossible_a to_o deceive_v or_o to_o be_v deceive_v i_o ought_v never_o to_o lie_v or_o dissemble_v or_o break_v my_o word_n because_o i_o know_v myself_o always_o to_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o aught_o to_o restrain_v i_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o falsehood_n at_o any_o time_n that_o i_o be_o within_o the_o sight_n and_o hear_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n but_o most_o of_o all_o be_o i_o bind_v to_o be_v sincere_a when_o i_o have_v appeal_v to_o he_o as_o present_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o what_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o grief_n to_o a_o good_a man_n to_o hear_v a_o lie_n tell_v to_o his_o face_n but_o if_o the_o liar_n shall_v call_v he_o to_o witness_v his_o falsehood_n this_o he_o will_v take_v in_o foul_a scorn_n and_o with_o great_a indignation_n and_o what_o a_o height_n of_o impudence_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o put_v the_o like_a affront_n upon_o god_n himself_o by_o appeal_n to_o his_o knowledge_n for_o our_o unrighteousness_n in_o a_o matter_n wherein_o we_o deal_v false_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o impute_v our_o own_o baseness_n and_o falsehood_n to_o his_o most_o holy_a majesty_n and_o to_o do_v what_o be_v in_o we_o to_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n like_a unto_o ourselves_o 2._o god_n be_v not_o only_o call_v upon_o as_o the_o witness_n of_o truth_n when_o we_o swear_v but_o also_o as_o the_o avenger_n of_o falsehood_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o add_v of_o this_o which_o make_v a_o appeal_n to_o god_n testimony_n by_o invocation_n a_o most_o forcible_a obligation_n to_o truth_n and_o the_o utmost_a security_n which_o we_o can_v offer_v for_o the_o same_o when_o we_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o man_n present_v who_o know_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o we_o affirm_v it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o wish_v that_o he_o be_v revenge_v of_o we_o if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a because_o he_o may_v be_v call_v forth_o open_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n or_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o what_o we_o say_v where_o the_o witness_n be_v visible_a and_o the_o testimony_n credible_a it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o appeal_v to_o his_o knowledge_n only_o but_o when_o god_n be_v take_v to_o witness_v by_o we_o there_o be_v no_o voice_n or_o sensible_a appearance_n by_o which_o he_o do_v either_o confirm_v or_o disow_v the_o matter_n what_o be_v it_o then_o which_o make_v a_o appeal_n to_o god_n the_o silent_a and_o invisible_a witness_n to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o oblige_v ourselves_o and_o confirm_v other_o that_o we_o speak_v the_o truth_n what_o be_v it_o but_o this_o that_o we_o do_v appeal_v to_o his_o justice_n as_o well_o as_o his_o knowledge_n and_o call_v the_o vengeance_n of_o the_o almighty_a down_o upon_o our_o head_n if_o he_o discern_v any_o falsehood_n and_o deceit_n in_o our_o testimony_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o obligation_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o discharge_v a_o trust_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o this_o that_o if_o we_o be_v now_o guilty_a of_o lie_v or_o unfaithfulness_n we_o do_v not_o only_a consent_n but_o desire_v that_o the_o indignation_n and_o curse_n of_o god_n may_v fall_v upon_o we_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o invoke_v of_o divine_a vengeance_n if_o we_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n be_v only_o consequent_a upon_o swear_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o learned_a man_n but_o also_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o that_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o which_o if_o it_o be_v remove_v the_o fear_n of_o perjury_n
follow_v truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o we_o know_v will_v put_v we_o upon_o struggle_v with_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o strain_v point_n against_o our_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o the_o while_o we_o be_v gain_v his_o favour_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o do_v well_o and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v it_o we_o shall_v thank_v ourselves_o instead_o of_o be_v plague_v with_o a_o fad_n and_o black_a remembrance_n of_o the_o way_n we_o take_v to_o get_v it_o acquaint_v now_o thyself_o with_o god_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v good_a come_v unto_o thy_o soul._n 5._o there_o lie_v no_o flattery_n nor_o false_a accusation_n nor_o outward_a accident_n against_o we_o to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n or_o to_o make_v we_o lose_v what_o we_o have_v wrought_v to_o turn_v his_o mind_n or_o to_o blot_v our_o service_n out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n no_o change_n of_o fortune_n shall_v bring_v we_o into_o disgrace_n which_o consideration_n st._n paul_n lay_v great_a strength_n upon_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o text._n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n v._o 35._o i_o be_o persuade_v say_v he_o that_o neither_o death_n norlife_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n v._o 38._o nay_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n that_o be_v we_o get_v by_o be_v condemn_v by_o other_o because_o by_o that_o we_o be_v make_v more_o dear_a to_o god_n who_o will_v consider_v not_o only_o that_o we_o serve_v he_o but_o under_o what_o discouragement_n from_o the_o world_n we_o do_v so_o last_o 6._o who_o god_n justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n v._o 29_o 30._o i.e._n those_o who_o he_o foreknow_v to_o be_v his_o most_o faithful_a servant_n he_o do_v before_o time_n decree_n that_o by_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n they_o shall_v follow_v so_o glorious_a a_o pattern_n as_o their_o elder_a brother_n the_o lord_n jesus_n moreover_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v i._n e._n he_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o hazardous_a time_n that_o they_o shall_v show_v their_o integrity_n and_o whâ—m_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v which_o be_v so_o sure_a that_o the_o apostle_n mention_n it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v do_v already_o then_o he_o proceed_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o these_o thing_n if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_a it_o be_v god_n that_o justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o the_o conclusion_n be_v this_o that_o whoever_o condemn_v we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v if_o god_n justify_v but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o all_o this_o be_v very_o true_a indeed_o but_o it_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o all_o party_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v most_o severe_o condemn_v by_o each_o other_o while_o each_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v god_n and_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n and_o therefore_o that_o this_o subject_n may_v have_v be_v more_o useful_o pursue_v by_o show_v particular_o what_o that_o faith_n and_o that_o practice_n be_v with_o which_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v who_o god_n justify_v and_o how_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o now_o i_o consider_v all_o this_o at_o first_o but_o then_o i_o know_v that_o i_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o person_n who_o be_v neither_o ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n nor_o of_o the_o evidence_n whereby_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o whoever_o govern_v himself_o in_o worship_v god_n in_o behave_v himself_o to_o other_o and_o in_o all_o his_o way_n shall_v be_v assure_o justify_v of_o god_n though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v condemn_v he_o for_o it_o but_o i_o consider_v also_o that_o of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o shake_v the_o constancy_n of_o modest_a person_n nothing_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o do_v it_o than_o the_o mighty_a confidence_n wherewith_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n condemn_v we_o and_o exclaim_v against_o we_o for_o to_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o surprise_n that_o man_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v learned_a and_o know_v to_o be_v zealous_a do_v pronounce_v against_o we_o with_o no_o less_o severity_n than_o if_o we_o be_v mere_a infidel_n one_o will_v think_v there_o must_v be_v some_o deep_a reason_n for_o it_o when_o they_o make_v we_o nothing_o at_o all_o and_o themselves_o all_o in_o all_o for_o thus_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o we_o be_v a_o church_n or_o that_o we_o have_v any_o certainty_n so_o much_o as_o of_o that_o true_a doctrine_n we_o profess_v for_o they_o know_v we_o better_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o as_o for_o our_o salvation_n they_o be_v as_o sure_a it_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o till_o we_o be_v convert_v to_o they_o as_o if_o they_o keep_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n nor_o do_v they_o sink_v we_o more_o than_o they_o raise_v themselves_o who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o church_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o only_o not_o deceive_v but_o even_o infallible_a they_o talk_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o safety_n with_o we_o and_o no_o danger_n with_o they_o which_o may_v raise_v such_o doubt_n in_o weak_a mind_n that_o i_o think_v it_o not_o unseasonable_a to_o bring_v to_o your_o remembrance_n how_o violent_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o christian_a brethren_n be_v condemn_v by_o man_n of_o who_o yet_o these_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v justify_v of_o god._n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v this_o be_v a_o common-place_n argument_n of_o which_o all_o man_n serve_v themselves_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o argument_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a for_o if_o these_o man_n themselves_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o confidence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v you_o will_v i_o hope_v make_v this_o application_n that_o neither_o be_v their_o confidence_n to_o be_v trust_v and_o therefore_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v before_o you_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v what_o they_o call_v themselves_o and_o examine_v what_o they_o teach_v before_o you_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o yourselves_o for_o what_o they_o call_v you_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o desire_v of_o you_o that_o you_o will_v weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o not_o mind_n swell_a word_n brethren_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o new_a artifice_n to_o talk_v in_o a_o very_a high_a strain_n when_o argument_n run_v very_o low_a thus_o jew_n and_o gentile_n exclaim_v against_o our_o father_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a believer_n condemn_v they_o for_o go_v against_o antiquity_n universality_n authority_n tradition_n philosopher_n lawmaker_n king_n and_o nation_n and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v all_o this_o be_v but_o empty_a noise_n and_o vain_a pretence_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o god._n foul_a error_n have_v be_v dress_v with_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o truth_n have_v be_v oppose_v with_o confidence_n and_o god_n suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o to_o try_v the_o sincerity_n of_o man_n that_o while_o they_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v delude_v fall_v by_o the_o temptation_n man_n of_o probity_n and_o lover_n of_o truth_n shall_v upon_o diligent_a examination_n hold_v it_o fast_o than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o which_o that_o opposition_n tend_v which_o truth_n have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o world._n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o lofty_a those_o pretence_n be_v by_o which_o the_o other_o church_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a