very_a same_o epistle_n he_o commend_v they_o all_o for_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o which_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n as_o hard_o to_o be_v sure_a as_o any_o be_v in_o st_n paul_n write_n and_o i_o hope_v st._n peter_n be_v as_o wise_a a_o man_n in_o this_o point_n as_o any_o that_o have_v come_v after_o he_o and_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o let_v we_o not_o say_v that_o we_o be_v believer_n already_o and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o constant_a read_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o they_o so_o to_o who_o st._n peter_n write_v nay_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o alive_a to_o instruct_v they_o by_o word_n as_o well_o as_o by_o write_v and_o moreover_o daily_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n yet_o they_o do_v well_o in_o take_v diligent_a heed_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o do_v so_o too_o who_o can_v find_v apostle_n and_o miracle_n no_o where_n but_o there_o we_o believe_v already_o but_o have_v we_o all_o of_o we_o that_o steadfast_a faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v which_o be_v not_o ground_v mere_o upon_o education_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n but_o upon_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n have_v we_o that_o faith_n which_o will_v bear_v examination_n and_o encounter_v opposition_n if_o we_o have_v a_o very_a little_a exhortation_n will_v serve_v the_o turn_n to_o make_v we_o persevere_v in_o read_v god_n book_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v yet_o more_o strong_o build_v up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n but_o if_o not_o our_o want_n of_o faith_n will_v not_o be_v admit_v at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o a_o excuse_n of_o the_o badness_n of_o our_o life_n when_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n lay_v before_o we_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o say_v which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v diligent_o and_o honest_o read_v by_o we_o will_v have_v furnish_v we_o with_o such_o a_o immovable_a 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therefore_o doubt_v not_o to_o say_v and_o i_o wish_v we_o may_v all_o well_o consider_v that_o earnest_a say_n of_o so_o wise_a and_o holy_a a_o man_n as_o he_o be_v it_o can_v be_v say_v he_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v attain_v salvation_n unless_o he_o be_v diligent_o conversant_a in_o spiritual_a read_n himself_o be_v so_o excellent_a and_o constant_a a_o preacher_n that_o if_o any_o one_o man_n not_o extraordinary_o inspire_v can_v have_v make_v it_o needless_a for_o his_o hearer_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n at_o home_n he_o i_o shall_v reckon_v be_v the_o man_n and_o yet_o i_o observe_v he_o often_o complain_v to_o they_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o most_o of_o they_o gain_v little_a profit_n by_o what_o he_o say_v either_o as_o to_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n or_o good_a practice_n be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n he_o explain_v to_o they_o either_o before_o or_o after_o his_o sermon_n and_o say_v he_o it_o be_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o read_n that_o cause_v all_o heresy_n and_o corrupt_a life_n now_o i_o beseech_v you_o how_o much_o time_n do_v we_o spend_v in_o other_o thing_n of_o little_a concern_v to_o we_o either_o as_o to_o our_o health_n or_o wealth_n or_o our_o worldly_a calling_n and_o what_o a_o shame_n and_o a_o sin_n be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o find_v so_o little_a time_n as_o general_o we_o do_v to_o furnish_v ourselves_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n truth_n and_o with_o pious_a affection_n towards_o the_o do_n of_o his_o will_n out_o of_o god_n holy_a book_n what_o a_o great_a matter_n be_v it_o if_o we_o borrow_v some_o time_n for_o this_o purpose_n from_o our_o recreation_n or_o even_o from_o our_o ordinary_a business_n for_o what_o be_v this_o life_n to_o life_n everlasting_a what_o be_v the_o wealth_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n to_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o the_o forementioned_a excellent_a person_n argue_v with_o his_o hearer_n in_o this_o manner_n perhaps_o some_o may_v say_v that_o they_o be_v otherwise_o employ_v in_o their_o worldly_a calling_n and_o other_o that_o they_o have_v not_o money_n to_o spare_v to_o buy_v the_o scripture_n but_o say_v he_o what_o a_o ridiculous_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n of_o a_o secular_a employment_n to_o neglect_v it_o upon_o pretence_n that_o he_o have_v not_o time_n for_o it_o or_o that_o he_o have_v not_o wherewithal_o to_o purchase_v the_o necessary_a tool_n of_o his_o call_v these_o thing_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o plead_v but_o by_o idle_a person_n and_o do_v you_o not_o all_o know_v that_o you_o be_v profess_a christian_n and_o call_v to_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o diligent_a read_n and_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o your_o christian_a call_v as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v to_o the_o successful_a management_n of_o your_o secular_a profession_n i_o shall_v add_v this_o one_o thing_n that_o beside_o that_o improvement_n in_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v natural_o consequent_a upon_o much_o converse_v with_o god_n book_n they_o that_o do_v so_o have_v a_o peculiar_a title_n to_o god_n supernatural_a blessing_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o reward_v a_o pious_a and_o reverend_a use_n of_o holy_a thing_n with_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o one_o word_n by_o other_o study_v we_o may_v grow_v wise_a for_o this_o world_n but_o if_o we_o add_v this_o to_o the_o rest_n we_o shall_v yet_o grow_v wise_a for_o this_o world_n by_o take_v heed_n to_o those_o incomparable_a instruction_n that_o the_o holy_a bible_n abound_v with_o and_o which_o be_v something_o more_o we_o shall_v grow_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n the_o ten_o sermon_n 1_o cor._n xii_o 13._o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n be_v we_o all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n after_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v a_o continual_a communication_n of_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o other_o believer_n for_o a_o long_a time_n to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o faith_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o work_v of_o miracle_n to_o another_o discern_v of_o spirit_n to_o another_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n to_o another_o the_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_n and_o this_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o i._n e._n to_o profit_n the_o whole_a body_n whereof_o himself_o be_v a_o member_n for_o though_o that_o one_o spirit_n which_o distribute_v his_o wonderful_a gift_n among_o the_o faithful_a can_v have_v give_v they_o all_o to_o the_o same_o man_n so_o as_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v have_v have_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n and_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o a_o prophetic_a power_n and_o discern_v of_o spirit_n and_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n yet_o to_o maintain_v a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o a_o charitable_a serviceableness_n of_o the_o member_n one_o among_o another_o he_o give_v to_o one_o one_o gift_n to_o another_o another_z divide_v several_o to_o every_o man_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v one_o will_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o another_o and_o each_o member_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o rest_n
of_o the_o jewish_a state_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o manifest_a token_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o the_o christian_n and_o of_o his_o indignation_n at_o their_o enemy_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o passage_n in_o st._n peter_n the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v you_o therefore_o sober_a and_o watch_v unto_o prayer_n 1_o pet._n 4.7_o not_o that_o this_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n the_o come_v of_o christ_n because_o he_o do_v not_o come_v in_o person_n as_o he_o will_v do_v at_o the_o last_o day_n but_o in_o some_o sense_n it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v because_o he_o appear_v by_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n to_o do_v the_o same_o work_n in_o part_n which_o will_v with_o incomparable_o great_a perfection_n be_v do_v at_o the_o last_o i.e._n to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o to_o save_v his_o own_o people_n for_o the_o incorrigibleness_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o their_o incurable_a hatred_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o obstinate_a persecution_n of_o it_o be_v dreadful_o punish_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o christian_n have_v not_o only_o all_o escape_v out_o of_o it_o before_o the_o roman_a army_n come_v against_o it_o but_o by_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o they_o gain_v also_o a_o very_a considerable_a rest_n from_o persecution_n for_o some_o time_n after_o and_o now_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o wonderful_a providence_n be_v call_v the_o come_v of_o christ_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o that_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n he_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o have_v all_o power_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v he_o that_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n such_o remarkable_a revolution_n as_o that_o be_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o save_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v call_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o such_o passage_n as_o that_o be_v be_v call_v his_o come_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n no_o less_o than_o if_o he_o have_v come_v in_o person_n to_o order_v they_o as_o he_o will_v do_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o order_v all_o thing_n then_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n then_o though_o in_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o his_o come_n he_o will_v come_v but_o once_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o this_o improper_a sense_n of_o it_o his_o appearance_n to_o destroy_v his_o enemy_n and_o to_o save_v his_o people_n that_o trust_n in_o he_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o come_v often_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i._n e._n as_o often_o as_o his_o providence_n do_v signal_o and_o remarkable_o appear_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o 2_o thes_n 2.8_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o wicked_a one_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v consume_v he_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o destroy_v he_o with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o personal_a come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n the_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o his_o destruction_n shall_v be_v so_o remarkable_o the_o work_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n that_o all_o shall_v confess_v it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o worldly_a policy_n but_o no_o less_o the_o do_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o if_o himself_o have_v come_v in_o person_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o whenever_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n cover_v the_o earth_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n when_o those_o magnificent_a prediction_n be_v fulfil_v concern_v the_o universal_a prevalence_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n among_o man_n with_o which_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v plentiful_o furnish_v and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o last_o judgement_n then_o also_o be_v it_o true_a that_o the_o lord_n come_v i.e._n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o providence_n to_o renew_v and_o reform_v a_o degenerate_a world_n that_o be_v run_v headlong_o into_o perdition_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o i_o have_v show_v do_v principal_o signify_v that_o great_a and_o amaze_a revolution_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v by_o come_v in_o his_o own_o person_n at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n do_v also_o signify_v the_o remarkable_a work_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o punish_v some_o and_o save_v other_o even_o in_o this_o life_n now_o 2._o how_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o other_o clause_n will_v he_o find_v faith_n upon_o the_o eartb_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o question_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o he_o will_v not_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n or_o very_o little_a in_o comparison_n but_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v easy_o discern_v by_o the_o parable_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o that_o go_v before_o the_o design_n of_o both_o which_o be_v to_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_n which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o he_o will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o that_o be_v to_o say_v god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n take_v their_o cause_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o then_o say_v our_o saviour_n nevertheless_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n i._n e._n notwithstanding_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o interpose_v for_o they_o that_o depend_v upon_o he_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o these_o promise_v find_v up-upon_a the_o earth_n even_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v to_o fulfil_v they_o the_o great_a part_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o they_o and_o so_o will_v be_v surprise_v with_o that_o day_n without_o any_o preparation_n for_o it_o or_o expectation_n of_o it_o many_o will_v yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o throw_v off_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n will_v think_v to_o secure_v themselves_o by_o flattery_n and_o hypocrisy_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o wicked_a man_n other_o will_v despair_v of_o any_o better_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o very_o few_o will_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o to_o save_v they_o few_o will_v strengthen_v themselves_o in_o god_n by_o cry_v to_o he_o day_n and_o night_n and_o by_o put_v their_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o and_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a and_o strong_a reason_n they_o have_v from_o his_o word_n so_o to_o do_v nevertheless_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n observe_v that_o immediate_o before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a fall_v away_o from_o christian_a piety_n and_o charity_n nay_o and_o the_o world_n shall_v begin_v once_o more_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o and_o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a but_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v thereby_o intimate_v that_o it_o will_v be_v some_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n to_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n thus_o also_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v plain_o mean_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n before_o which_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n satan_n be_v to_o be_v loose_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o to_o go_v out_o and_o to_o deceive_v the_o nation_n and_o to_o gather_v they_o together_o against_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v remarkable_o true_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o
little_a faith_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o world_n will_v be_v in_o a_o careless_a posture_n as_o it_o be_v before_o that_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o take_v they_o all_o away_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o the_o earth_n when_o god_n enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o the_o world_n for_o the_o violence_n and_o iniquity_n of_o man_n and_o assert_n the_o cause_n of_o innocence_n and_o righteousness_n against_o they_o for_o in_o 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_a judgement_n or_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o general_a 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_n 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_a come_v to_o judge_v 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_v 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 even_o the_o faith_n 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 assure_a 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
in_o those_o error_n than_o it_o have_v be_v and_o perhaps_o utter_o impossible_a to_o maintain_v they_o among_o christian_n without_o destroy_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o such_o caution_n have_v be_v necessary_a a_o thousand_o time_n as_o many_o more_o have_v be_v necessary_a too_o for_o so_o many_o addition_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n must_v have_v be_v make_v as_o there_o be_v way_n of_o elude_v and_o pervert_v a_o rule_n which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o to_o have_v provide_v express_o against_o they_o all_o will_v have_v make_v the_o bible_n a_o more_o voluminous_a book_n than_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o say_v the_o most_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v see_v for_o whoever_o write_v or_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o possible_a way_n of_o be_v mistake_v or_o have_v his_o word_n pervert_v according_a to_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o 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 human_a nature_n do_v affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v well_o bear_v to_o be_v confine_v and_o it_o be_v so_o disease_a that_o it_o do_v not_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v heal_v it_o be_v therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o remedy_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v have_v be_v so_o tamper_v withal_o by_o man_n as_o to_o make_v it_o ineffectual_a for_o 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 human_a nature_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o cure_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o there_o will_v be_v faction_n and_o heresy_n against_o the_o truth_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v there_o must_v be_v heresy_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v after_o all_o the_o care_n that_o god_n have_v take_v to_o restore_v mankind_n there_o will_v be_v pride_n and_o ambition_n there_o will_v be_v covetousness_n and_o injustice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n there_o will_v be_v luxury_n and_o licentiousness_n there_o will_v be_v both_o inconstancy_n and_o stiffneckedness_n there_o will_v be_v laziness_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o unaptness_n for_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v no_o infallible_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o as_o certain_o as_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n will_v break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n so_o certain_o 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 and_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 there_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 steadfastness_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 of_o false_a principle_n of_o unconcluding_a argument_n of_o any_o disingenuous_a art_n without_o make_v advantage_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n of_o other_o which_o one_o thing_n make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o those_o that_o be_v honest_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o all_o which_o instance_n do_v express_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o reason_n for_o which_o god_n have_v still_o suffer_v heresy_n to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v 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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 no_o less_o employ_v to_o arm_v themselves_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o can_v fail_v of_o arrive_v at_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a compass_n of_o understanding_n in_o divine_a matter_n than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v constrain_v to_o undermine_v the_o approach_n of_o error_n last_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o all_o man_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n to_o maintain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o all_o heresy_n whatsoever_o show_v they_o also_o the_o necessity_n of_o recommend_v true_a opinion_n to_o the_o world_n by_o more_o orthodox_n live_v by_o walk_v more_o wary_o and_o circumspect_o by_o set_v better_a example_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n by_o show_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o true_a doctrine_n to_o make_v man_n live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o when_o god_n suffer_v heresy_n to_o prevail_v most_o in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n to_o all_o that_o be_v friend_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n to_o justify_v his_o cause_n by_o the_o strong_a argument_n and_o the_o best_a life_n and_o now_o he_o be_v something_o to_o blame_v that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v 1._o that_o heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o church_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n since_o they_o have_v their_o good_a use_n and_o consequence_n for_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o permit_v they_o and_o this_o especial_o to_o try_v the_o honesty_n of_o man_n and_o to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v to_o the_o world_n which_o will_v in_o the_o end_n make_v extreme_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o common_o the_o 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_o 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 evil_n but_o then_o they_o be_v such_o evil_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n permit_v for_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n such_o as_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o have_v their_o good_a consequence_n as_o well_o as_o their_o bad_a one_o and_o the_o good_a that_o be_v wrought_v out_o of_o they_o be_v weighty_a enough_o to_o overbalance_v the_o evil_a for_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o be_v discernible_a in_o
themselves_o allow_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n st._n paul_n and_o such_o as_o he_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n those_o very_a write_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o though_o to_o this_o faith_n they_o add_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n yet_o they_o be_v esteem_v heretic_n because_o they_o undertake_v to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o instead_o of_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n that_o have_v betray_v and_o murder_v the_o lord_n jesus_n 2._o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o sedition_n too_o as_o if_o they_o design_v to_o make_v stir_v and_o commotion_n and_o to_o alienate_v the_o people_n from_o theia_n governor_n thus_o when_o paul_n and_o silas_n have_v convert_v a_o multitude_n of_o devout_a greek_n and_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o chief_a woman_n at_o thessalonica_n the_o jew_n who_o believe_v not_o move_v with_o envy_n take_v unto_o they_o certain_a lewd_a fellow_n of_o the_o base_a sort_n and_o draw_v some_o of_o the_o brethren_n to_o the_o ruler_n cry_v these_o that_o have_v turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o be_v come_v hither_o also_o who_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o caesar_n say_v that_o there_o be_v another_o king_n one_o jesus_n act_v 17.5_o 6._o and_o yet_o they_o never_o make_v one_o step_n by_o word_n or_o deed_n towards_o depose_v prince_n and_o change_a government_n jesus_n indeed_o who_o have_v command_v they_o to_o pay_v tribute_n unto_o caesar_n have_v also_o forbid_v they_o to_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n which_o caesar_n be_v then_o of_o and_o this_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o accusation_n of_o faction_n and_o disloyalty_n thus_o also_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n be_v bring_v before_o foelix_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o jew_n complain_v by_o tertullian_n their_o orator_n that_o they_o have_v find_v he_o a_o pestilent_a fellow_n and_o a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n among_o all_o the_o jew_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarenes_n act_v 24.5_o 3._o they_o conclude_v they_o under_o a_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v do_v it_o indeed_o they_o will_v have_v it_o think_v so_o impossible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v save_v that_o some_o of_o they_o after_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v strong_o persuade_v that_o they_o still_o ought_v to_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o will_v have_v mingle_v judaisme_n and_o christianity_n together_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v act_v 15.1_o 4._o as_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o such_o case_n to_o damn_v first_o and_o then_o to_o kill_v they_o deliver_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o death_n and_o pretend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o it_o for_o which_o we_o may_v take_v those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o st._n paul_n describe_v the_o temper_n of_o the_o jew_n then_o and_o what_o his_o own_o once_o be_v say_v he_o i_o be_v teach_v according_a to_o the_o perfect_a manner_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o father_n and_o be_v zealous_a towards_o god_n as_o you_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n act_n 22.3_o 4._o and_o in_o chap._n 26._o v._n 10_o 11._o he_o declare_v that_o he_o persecute_v they_o oft_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o he_o persecute_v they_o even_o into_o strange_a city_n such_o be_v the_o entertainment_n they_o have_v from_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n be_v first_o deliver_v but_o when_o it_o be_v carry_v among_o the_o gentile_n they_o condemn_v it_o too_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v run_v down_o as_o if_o it_o have_v bring_v irreligion_n and_o atheism_n into_o the_o world_n insomuch_o that_o the_o ancient_a apologist_n be_v fain_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o set_v themselves_o against_o this_o absurd_a accusation_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o one_o to_o serve_v god_n at_o all_o and_o not_o to_o serve_v many_o god_n that_o there_o may_v be_v devotion_n without_o bow_v down_o to_o image_n and_o religion_n and_o worship_n without_o idolatry_n and_o better_o a_o great_a deal_n without_o these_o thing_n than_o with_o they_o it_o be_v exclaim_v against_o as_o a_o late_a upstart_n religion_n that_o begin_v but_o yesterday_o and_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v hiss_v than_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o world_n they_o use_v to_o ask_v the_o christian_n what_o sort_n of_o man_n they_o can_v name_v either_o greek_n or_o barbarian_n that_o make_v their_o profession_n and_o have_v their_o rite_n and_o worship_n before_o jesus_n appear_v you_o have_v forsake_v say_v they_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o father_n that_o have_v be_v observe_v of_o old_a time_n in_o all_o city_n and_o country_n you_o have_v revolt_v from_o a_o worship_n which_o have_v have_v the_o tradition_n of_o all_o age_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o king_n and_o people_n lawmaker_n and_o philosopher_n and_o by_o almost_o all_o the_o world_n till_o such_o as_o you_o appear_v who_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o 3._o they_o try_v to_o overwhelm_v it_o with_o the_o most_o gross_a and_o palpable_a untruth_n they_o give_v it_o out_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v worshipper_n of_o the_o sun_n nay_o that_o they_o adore_v a_o asses-head_n and_o sometime_o a_o cross_n they_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v that_o in_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n they_o kill_v a_o child_n and_o commit_v incest_n they_o also_o upon_o no_o occasion_n in_o the_o world_n disarm_v they_o as_o a_o seditious_a and_o disloyal_a people_n and_o accuse_v they_o of_o treason_n though_o none_o ever_o set_v better_a example_n of_o fidelity_n to_o their_o governor_n to_o conclude_v our_o predecessor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v now_o and_o then_o condemn_v to_o several_a sort_n of_o death_n and_o it_o be_v often_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o safe_a to_o be_v some_o notorious_a malefactor_n than_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n in_o a_o word_n the_o gospel_n meet_v with_o that_o opposition_n which_o no_o religion_n ever_o do_v before_o the_o god_n of_o other_o nation_n new_a god_n every_o day_n be_v admit_v into_o a_o temple_n at_o rome_n with_o some_o formality_n and_o without_o trouble_n but_o when_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n come_v to_o call_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v jew_n and_o gentile_n conspire_v to_o extinguish_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o blot_v out_o their_o name_n for_o ever_o insomuch_o that_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n can_v tell_v st._n paul_n as_o concern_v this_o sect_n we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o those_o therefore_o who_o god_n justify_v have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v condemn_v by_o man_n which_o will_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o any_o of_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v for_o instance_n 1._o that_o hatred_n of_o truth_n which_o reign_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n they_o can_v bear_v sound_a doctrine_n nor_o can_v they_o therefore_o bear_v those_o that_o profess_v and_o practise_v it_o truth_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v be_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o that_o follow_v it_o so_o long_o as_o pride_n lust_n avarice_n revenge_n luxury_n and_o such_o thing_n remain_v there_o will_v be_v so_o many_o cause_n of_o condemn_v that_o which_o god_n approve_v to_o which_o we_o must_v add_v 2._o the_o inflexibleness_n of_o true_a doctrine_n and_o of_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o to_o the_o design_n of_o worldly_a men._n christianity_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a scheme_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v suffer_v no_o addition_n or_o alteration_n it_o be_v stiff_a and_o will_v not_o bend_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o priest_n or_o of_o statesman_n as_o all_o that_o will_v which_o the_o heathen_n call_v religion_n among_o themselves_o whilst_o it_o be_v keep_v in_o wise_a and_o honest_a hand_n and_o true_o represent_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o cheat_v no_o allowance_n for_o pious_a fraud_n no_o place_n for_o convenient_a invention_n innovation_n can_v not_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n or_o the_o substance_n of_o their_o worship_n but_o they_o will_v be_v corruption_n of_o both_o without_o tamper_n with_o it_o it_o can_v not_o serve_v the_o ambition_n of_o a_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 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 practise_v 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-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
thing_n mean_v by_o all_o these_o expression_n be_v the_o same_o now_o concern_v offence_n our_o saviour_n affirm_v two_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n i_o have_v read_v first_o that_o they_o will_v come_v nay_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o they_o will_v come_v i._n e._n that_o man_n will_v arise_v who_o shall_v hinder_v the_o prevail_a of_o christianity_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v or_o pervert_v the_o design_n of_o it_o to_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o other_o man_n soul_n who_o be_v not_o well_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n second_o that_o the_o consequence_n of_o these_o scandal_n will_v be_v very_o sad_a and_o pernicious_a that_o be_v that_o very_o many_o will_v stumble_v at_o they_o and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n for_o this_o must_v be_v imply_v in_o those_o word_n woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v no_o ordinary_a misery_n or_o calamity_n which_o be_v express_v in_o denounce_v a_o woe_n and_o this_o woe_n must_v likewise_o refer_v to_o those_o that_o be_v turn_v aside_o by_o the_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n that_o other_o lay_v before_o they_o because_o if_o offence_n be_v not_o take_v as_o well_o as_o give_v it_o seem_v not_o easy_a to_o say_v why_o they_o shall_v produce_v so_o much_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o be_v imply_v in_o denounce_v woe_n upon_o their_o account_n beside_o our_o saviour_n do_v afterward_o express_v the_o guilt_n and_o misery_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v give_v offence_n by_o itself_o but_o woe_n be_v to_o the_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v that_o be_v to_o every_o man_n that_o by_o his_o own_o wickedness_n lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o his_o brother_n way_n and_o draw_v he_o into_o sin_n so_o that_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n that_o mischief_n be_v express_v which_o will_v come_v of_o offence_n because_o they_o will_v be_v take_v and_o then_o 2._o it_o be_v also_o imply_v that_o the_o mischief_n will_v not_o only_o be_v in_o itself_o great_a but_o likewise_o of_o a_o very_a large_a extent_n for_o it_o be_v say_v woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n where_o by_o the_o world_n we_o can_v understand_v less_o than_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o shall_v be_v divert_v by_o offence_n either_o from_o receive_v the_o gospel_n at_o all_o or_o from_o entertain_v it_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n thereof_o there_o be_v therefore_o these_o two_o head_n which_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o i._o that_o offence_n will_v certain_o be_v give_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v ii_o that_o they_o will_v do_v very_o great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n woe_n be_v to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n which_o two_o point_n be_v illustrate_v i_o intend_v to_o apply_v they_o in_o order_n to_o far_a instruction_n i._o that_o offence_n will_v certain_o be_v give_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v by_o which_o word_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a but_o offence_n must_v come_v for_o god_n have_v not_o necessitate_v any_o man_n to_o sin_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o probable_a and_o that_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n thlt_n offence_n will_v come_v and_o moreover_o god_n certain_o foresee_v that_o they_o will_v arise_v if_o he_o do_v not_o interpose_v his_o almighty_a power_n to_o hinder_v they_o which_o he_o determine_v not_o to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prediction_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v now_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o offence_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o occasion_n give_v whereby_o man_n be_v either_o discourage_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o encourage_v in_o practice_n contrary_a to_o it_o i_o shall_v 1._o lay_v before_o you_o some_o instance_n under_o this_o general_a head_n and_o 2._o show_v why_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o offence_n will_v be_v give_v the_o principal_a instance_n be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o oppose_v the_o gospel_n with_o outward_a violence_n and_o make_v it_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n to_o renounce_v the_o truth_n as_o they_o love_v their_o fortune_n and_o their_o life_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o famous_a parable_n of_o the_o sour_a where_o he_o explain_v he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o thorny_a place_n to_o be_v one_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o and_o not_o be_v fortify_v with_o deep_a resolution_n he_o dure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o he_o be_v offend_v matth._n 30.20_o 21._o this_o be_v that_o offence_n which_o our_o saviour_n warn_v his_o disciple_n of_o more_o than_o of_o any_o other_o he_o tell_v they_o plain_o beforehand_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v deliver_v up_o to_o council_n and_o bring_v before_o governor_n and_o be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n but_o say_v he_o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o matth._n 10._o and_o this_o be_v in_o itself_o so_o great_a a_o offence_n or_o stumbling-block_n to_o put_v man_n out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n that_o sometime_o the_o general_a word_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v this_o particular_a instance_n only_o thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v bless_a be_v he_o whoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o mat._n 11.6_o the_o meaning_n be_v bless_a be_v he_o who_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n suffering_n do_v not_o fright_v from_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o thus_o when_o peter_n say_v though_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o never_o be_v offend_v matth._n 26.33_o he_o explain_v his_o own_o meaning_n afterward_o by_o say_v though_o i_o shall_v die_v with_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o deny_v thou_o v._o 35._o but_o then_o 2._o doctrine_n that_o give_v liberty_n to_o lust_n and_o that_o give_v ease_n to_o guilty_a mind_n without_o reformation_n be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a offence_n for_o they_o be_v frame_v at_o once_o to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o reconcile_v they_o to_o wicked_a practice_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o strong_a inclination_n to_o sin_n and_o need_v the_o most_o powerful_a restraint_n be_v most_o forward_o to_o receive_v they_o i._n e._n they_o who_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v the_o worst_a use_n of_o they_o he_o that_o offer_v a_o key_n to_o let_v sinner_n into_o heaven_n without_o repentance_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v sure_o to_o meet_v with_o sufficient_a number_n that_o will_v not_o be_v overforward_a to_o examine_v how_o he_o come_v by_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v all_o doctrine_n of_o this_o nature_n offence_n that_o they_o be_v grateful_a to_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n not_o that_o they_o carry_v any_o appearance_n of_o truth_n it_o have_v be_v long_o enough_o ere_o man_n can_v have_v be_v persuade_v that_o particular_a confession_n of_o sin_n to_o a_o man_n in_o secret_a with_o a_o bare_a purpose_n not_o to_o do_v the_o like_a again_o will_v at_o any_o time_n suffice_v for_o the_o effect_n of_o absolution_n if_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v not_o as_o much_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o people_n as_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o that_o bodily_a exercise_n mere_a external_a work_n shall_v either_o be_v godliness_n or_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n bear_v so_o hard_o against_o what_o we_o know_v of_o god_n by_o reason_n and_o by_o scripture_n that_o nothing_o but_o carnal_a interest_n and_o a_o desire_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v true_a can_v make_v way_n for_o they_o and_o provide_v they_o entertainment_n and_o what_o wonder_v that_o can_v do_v be_v too_o evident_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n when_o the_o gnostic_n seduce_v no_o small_a number_n of_o disciple_n by_o give_v liberty_n to_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o discharge_v they_o from_o all_o obligation_n to_o confess_v christ_n when_o they_o be_v to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n 3._o the_o mix_n of_o falsehood_n with_o truth_n be_v another_o great_a offence_n tend_v to_o much_o evil_n as_o it_o meet_v with_o person_n dispose_v either_o to_o overmuch_a credulity_n or_o too_o much_o distrust_n by_o the_o former_a the_o false_a doctrine_n or_o unlawful_a practice_n be_v embrace_v because_o find_v in_o the_o company_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o latter_a truth_n itself_o suspect_v and_o perhaps_o throw_v off_o because_o it_o
be_v disgrace_v with_o the_o company_n of_o folly_n and_o lie_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n recommend_v their_o absurd_a tradition_n to_o the_o people_n because_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n they_o teach_v they_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thus_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v ready_a to_o reject_v christianity_n when_o they_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v it_o necessary_a for_o they_o also_o to_o observe_v the_o moysaicall_a law_n if_o they_o will_v be_v christian_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o common_a scandal_n of_o the_o world_n that_o truth_n be_v so_o often_o insincere_o represent_v and_o false_a doctrine_n propound_v still_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o hold_v forth_o some_o necessary_a truth_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o gospel_n do_v not_o allow_v but_o command_v we_o to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n not_o to_o reject_v that_o which_o be_v good_a because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o require_v evil_a nor_o to_o admit_v error_n because_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o truth_n but_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 4._o all_o popular_a artifices_fw-la that_o be_v use_v to_o recommend_v either_o wicked_a error_n or_o practice_n be_v also_o great_a offence_n and_o lead_v many_o silly_a soul_n astray_o of_o which_o kind_n the_o most_o obvious_a be_v these_o a_o external_a show_n of_o strictness_n and_o piety_n without_o real_a virtue_n and_o godliness_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o first_o notable_a instance_n who_o place_v religion_n in_o abundance_n of_o nice_a observation_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o strict_a and_o devout_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n know_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n compare_v they_o to_o white_v sepulcher_n that_o within_o be_v full_a of_o dead_a man_n bone_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o this_o offence_n will_v be_v so_o powerful_a whenever_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o spirit_n to_o foretell_v it_o express_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o another_o offence_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v also_o express_o foretell_v be_v pretend_v the_o testimony_n of_o miracle_n for_o say_v our_o saviour_n himself_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a behold_v say_v he_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o matth._n 24.24_o 25._o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n foretell_v that_o when_o that_o wicked_a one_o shall_v be_v reveal_v his_o come_n shall_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o other_o popular_a device_n for_o the_o support_v of_o error_n and_o that_o be_v to_o denounce_v damnation_n peremptory_a against_o all_o gainsayer_n with_o which_o artifice_n the_o judaizer_n secure_v themselves_o against_o the_o gentile_a christian_n say_v except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v now_o although_o every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o tongue_n may_v if_o he_o please_v lay_v this_o weight_n upon_o his_o cause_n as_o to_o exclude_v all_o from_o salvation_n that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o the_o threaten_v be_v not_o worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n thought_n till_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v examine_v yet_o it_o have_v two_o notable_a advantage_n that_o it_o be_v frame_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n more_o than_o upon_o their_o judgement_n and_o in_o most_o man_n their_o passion_n be_v strong_a than_o their_o reason_n and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o use_v as_o to_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v not_o uncharitableness_n but_o mere_a pity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o compel_v they_o to_o speak_v so_o harsh_a but_o so_o necessary_a a_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o observe_v how_o easy_a man_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v when_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v a_o positive_a sentence_n of_o damnation_n to_o work_v upon_o their_o fear_n and_o on_o the_o other_o a_o appearance_n of_o serious_a charity_n to_o win_v their_o affection_n for_o by_o this_o art_n man_n of_o contrary_a party_n have_v with_o strange_a success_n serve_v contrary_a opinion_n and_o practice_n i_o can_v if_o i_o be_v willing_a reckon_v all_o the_o offence_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v popular_a and_o plausible_a way_n of_o deceive_v but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v such_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o only_o foretell_v in_o the_o general_n when_o he_o say_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o in_o particular_a also_o when_o he_o say_v beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n matth._n 7.15_o 5._o to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v what_o st._n paul_n observe_v 1_o tim._n 6.5_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n that_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v defend_v as_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v for_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v no_o such_o hard_a matter_n to_o perplex_v thing_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o find_v colour_n for_o deny_v thing_n that_o be_v evident_a to_o hide_v the_o weakness_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o argument_n to_o divert_v from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o person_n so_o artificial_o as_o if_o the_o cause_n go_v on_o still_o to_o lose_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n to_o make_v truth_n look_v like_o error_n and_o error_n like_o truth_n to_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v if_o a_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o bend_v all_o his_o wit_n this_o way_n for_o something_o may_v be_v say_v for_o any_o thing_n 6._o and_o last_o bad_a example_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v another_o most_o dangerous_a offence_n since_o i_o doubt_v most_o man_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o take_v up_o their_o opinion_n more_o easy_o from_o authority_n than_o from_o other_o argument_n and_o they_o understand_v more_o easy_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a manner_n than_o between_o strong_a and_o weak_a reason_n and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a fruit_n of_o practice_n it_o bring_v forth_o in_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o which_o doubtless_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v in_o those_o word_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o see_v your_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n be_v not_o only_o a_o scandal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o error_n confirm_v they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_a way_n but_o likewise_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n by_o encourage_v they_o to_o sin_n in_o like_a manner_n especial_o when_o evil_a example_n be_v set_v by_o those_o that_o be_v particular_o oblige_v to_o set_v none_o but_o good_a one_o who_o place_n or_o office_n wealth_n or_o quality_n make_v they_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o gives_z other_o any_o kind_n of_o dependence_n upon_o they_o and_o because_o of_o the_o pernicious_a influence_n of_o bad_a example_n we_o find_v st._n paul_n often_o call_v upon_o the_o christian_n with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v to_o fix_v their_o observation_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v good_a brethren_n say_v he_o be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n for_o many_o walk_n of_o who_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n thus_o i_o have_v very_o brief_o consider_v the_o largeness_n of_o the_o subject_a show_v what_o offence_n be_v to_o come_v by_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o obvious_a offence_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o alas_o for_o the_o world_n by_o too_o sad_a experience_n and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v why_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n shall_v come_v that_o be_v why_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o these_o or_o such_o scandal_n as_o these_o will_v be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o enquiry_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v
some_o awaken_n reproof_n from_o man_n or_o some_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o be_v already_o provide_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o effectual_a to_o his_o conversion_n but_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o hope_v this_o of_o a_o man_n who_o very_a principle_n be_v corrupt_v and_o have_v no_o fear_n within_o himself_o for_o a_o charitable_a man_n to_o take_v hold_n upon_o and_o therefore_o that_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o person_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n moreover_o as_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n to_o reform_v that_o man_n evil_a practice_n who_o persuasion_n make_v he_o secure_a and_o easy_a all_o the_o while_n so_o there_o be_v no_o little_a difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o try_v to_o undeceive_v he_o for_o man_n will_v hold_v comfortable_a error_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v find_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mischief_n of_o this_o offence_n though_o such_o error_n be_v not_o lay_v down_o without_o a_o great_a trouble_n yet_o they_o be_v take_v up_o with_o much_o readiness_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o spread_v far_o and_o wide_o and_o to_o this_o i_o believe_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n agree_v viz._n that_o although_o there_o be_v mistake_n that_o lead_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o overmuch_o restraint_n yet_o for_o one_o that_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o such_o mistake_v a_o hundred_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v comfortable_a lie_n which_o either_o whole_o take_v off_o the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o such_o part_n as_o to_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a 3._o perverse_a dispute_n and_o a_o obstinate_a maintenance_n of_o error_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o sophistry_n have_v this_o lamentable_a evil_n common_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o render_v many_o person_n utter_o careless_a to_o examine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v perhaps_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n or_o by_o education_n must_v force_v their_o temper_n to_o patience_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o themselves_o which_o be_v a_o employment_n that_o man_n soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o and_o common_o they_o break_v off_o pretend_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o search_v any_o far_o but_o that_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o and_o against_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o give_v over_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o indeed_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o real_o disputable_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n this_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v blame_v but_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a consequence_n and_o question_n that_o touch_v the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o man_n grow_v weary_a of_o search_a truth_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o after_o the_o controversy_n be_v stiff_o maintain_v for_o some_o time_n on_o both_o side_n and_o it_o be_v well_o in_o this_o case_n if_o it_o be_v a_o even_o lay_v whether_o they_o choose_v the_o true_a guide_n or_o not_o but_o when_o a_o guide_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o follow_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n the_o false_a guide_n have_v this_o advantage_n always_o that_o he_o exceed_v in_o confidence_n in_o lofty_a pretence_n in_o swell_a title_n in_o positive_a denounce_v damnation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o though_o a_o modest_a man_n that_o speak_v just_o of_o thing_n and_o claim_v not_o to_o be_v infallible_a deserve_v the_o most_o credit_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o that_o the_o other_o have_v most_o follower_n among_o those_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n 4._o the_o same_o cause_n have_v too_o often_o a_o yet_o worse_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v to_o run_v some_o person_n into_o infidelity_n and_o a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o no_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o controversy_n about_o it_o and_o some_o have_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v then_o time_n enough_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o when_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v upon_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o monstrous_a error_n that_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n under_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n and_o the_o fraud_n wherewith_o they_o have_v be_v maintain_v have_v let_v in_o atheism_n like_o a_o deluge_n upon_o the_o world_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v so_o full_a of_o zeal_n for_o their_o own_o way_n that_o they_o have_v no_o tenderness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v rather_o content_a that_o all_o shall_v sink_v together_o than_o that_o their_o own_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o stand_v we_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o hand_n that_o no_o assurance_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n and_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o other_o ground_n have_v as_o good_a have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o one_o article_n that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o same_o exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o story_n of_o latter_a miracle_n and_o final_o that_o 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one_o body_n be_v pervert_v into_o a_o occasion_n of_o divide_v they_o from_o one_o another_o upon_o which_o observation_n st._n paul_n insert_v this_o memorable_a say_v there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a there_o must_v be_v heresy_n i._n e._n party_n that_o will_v contend_v for_o false_a doctrine_n and_o unlawful_a practice_n that_o will_v either_o take_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n or_o add_v 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 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they_o be_v but_o this_o that_o they_o do_v effectual_o draw_v forth_o that_o wickedness_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v lie_v more_o undiscovered_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o then_o also_o they_o manifest_v more_o clear_o that_o integrity_n that_o piety_n that_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n and_o virtue_n and_o charity_n of_o good_a man_n which_o otherwise_o have_v not_o so_o much_o appear_v bad_a man_n do_v by_o mean_n of_o heresy_n grow_v worse_o and_o the_o good_a grow_v better_o by_o they_o according_a to_o that_o say_n in_o daniel_n chap._n 12.10_o the_o wicked_a shall_v do_v wicked_o and_o shall_v not_o understand_v but_o the_o wise_a shall_v understand_v they_o be_v harden_v and_o these_o be_v purify_v and_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o sincerity_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o vice_n on_o the_o other_o be_v so_o clear_o see_v that_o the_o good_a example_n will_v at_o last_o prevail_v against_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o that_o 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religion_n and_o the_o church_n which_o they_o found_v a_o false_a church_n for_o thence_o come_v the_o gnostic_n and_o valentinian_o and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o heresy_n more_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o elder_n at_o miletum_n act_v 20.30_o that_o from_o themselves_o will_v arise_v man_n teach_v perverse_a thing_n that_o will_v draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o for_o want_v of_o better_a argument_n that_o the_o reformation_n be_v to_o be_v object_v against_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o party_n into_o which_o it_o be_v divide_v and_o this_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o party_n that_o have_v break_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o for_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v either_o no_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o hold_v fast_o all_o that_o be_v once_o of_o it_o or_o else_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o that_o true_a church_n since_o many_o go_v off_o from_o it_o and_o which_o perhaps_o 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vain_a and_o impertinent_a since_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o reason_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o uncertain_a passion_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o men._n for_o by_o this_o mean_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o ill-disposed_a person_n that_o for_o whatever_o reason_n may_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a heresy_n to_o make_v all_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o profess_v before_o to_o be_v truth_n no_o long_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o we_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n in_o the_o general_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o jew_n christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v agree_v what_o be_v true_a christianity_n that_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o party_n that_o have_v no_o religious_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o christianity_n be_v a_o false_a religion_n nay_o it_o be_v still_o a_o strong_a argument_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o atheist_n against_o all_o religion_n 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that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v so_o they_o be_v permit_v that_o they_o which_o be_v reprobate_a and_o can_v bear_v a_o trial_n may_v be_v also_o make_v manifest_a and_o it_o be_v no_o loss_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o she_o be_v not_o find_v by_o those_o that_o love_v she_o not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o that_o be_v of_o god_n will_v hear_v his_o word_n and_o wisdom_n will_v be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v in_o that_o number_n we_o be_v to_o make_v it_o our_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n to_o avoid_v the_o great_a heresy_n of_o all_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o vicious_a affection_n then_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o build_v up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n for_o as_o evil_a deed_n make_v man_n hate_v the_o light_n so_o if_o our_o deed_n be_v good_a and_o our_o 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prediction_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v christ_n and_o if_o we_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o general_a head_n by_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v so_o overrule_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o look_v into_o they_o we_o can_v light_o turn_v ourselves_o any_o way_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v encounter_v with_o some_o or_o other_o prophetic_a passage_n concern_v christ_n all_o which_o be_v design_v of_o god_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o who_o not_o only_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o unquestionable_a prophecy_n but_o all_o other_o type_n and_o the_o more_o obscure_a prefiguration_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v be_v fulfil_v we_o may_v without_o the_o least_o doubt_n believe_v and_o follow_v he_o 2._o this_o word_n of_o prophecy_n be_v say_v 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lie_v round_o about_o it_o be_v yet_o apt_a to_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o towards_o it_o that_o be_v within_o distance_n and_o the_o prediction_n concern_v christ_n be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o they_o awaken_v the_o gentile_n themselves_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n not_o indeed_o clear_o reveal_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o at_o present_a but_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v it_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v foretell_v and_o whereas_o this_o light_n be_v say_v to_o shine_v till_o the_o day_n dawn_v and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o plain_a meaning_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n the_o prophecy_n concern_v he_o grow_v still_o more_o express_a clear_a and_o particular_a as_o the_o time_n draw_v on_o that_o they_o be_v 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itself_o and_o lay_v all_o the_o stress_n upon_o that_o no_o but_o beginning_n at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v this_o that_o clear_v all_o their_o doubt_n and_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n so_o perfect_o that_o they_o afterward_o say_v one_o to_o another_o do_v not_o our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o while_o he_o talk_v with_o we_o by_o the_o way_n and_o while_o he_o open_v to_o we_o the_o scripture_n luke_n 24._o 3._o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sure_a that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a testimony_n of_o god_n to_o make_v we_o sure_a that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o ascribe_v the_o prediction_n of_o these_o event_n to_o any_o cause_n less_o than_o divine_a omniscience_n for_o as_o st._n peter_n say_v prophecy_n come_v not_o by_o the_o 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have_v no_o authority_n at_o all_o till_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o i_o will_v make_v bold_a to_o add_v that_o when_o all_o those_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v put_v into_o this_o form_n of_o book_n from_o the_o light_a oversight_n of_o transcriber_n from_o various_a reading_n and_o all_o the_o cavil_n upon_o any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v put_v together_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o run_v through_o it_o all_o will_v bear_v all_o this_o reckon_n and_o still_o remain_v a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o the_o first_o author_n be_v inspire_v that_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o that_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n well_o therefore_o might_n st._n peter_n commend_v the_o jewish_a convert_v for_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n since_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o wellgrounded_n faith_n indeed_o and_o to_o grow_v every_o day_n to_o great_a assurance_n and_o steadfastness_n therein_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n let_v we_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v exhort_v to_o like_a diligence_n in_o converse_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v more_o enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o that_o every_o doubt_n if_o any_o there_o be_v that_o shake_v 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 madman_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 one_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 divers_a thing_n hard_a 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 destructien_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 general_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 deligent_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 they_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 be_v so_o which_o be_v notorious_o false_a and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o almost_o all_o heresy_n have_v come_v of_o misinterpreting_a scripture_n this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o christian_a people_n must_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o those_o heresy_n which_o have_v give_v any_o considerable_a disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v begin_v not_o by_o laic_n or_o illiterate_a person_n but_o by_o such_o man_n as_o the_o objector_n do_v allow_v to_o have_v 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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 will_v be_v take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n say_v i_o be_o christ_n and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o many_o false_a prophet_n stall_n arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o there_o be_v christ_n believe_v it_o not_o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a 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believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n theâ—e_n he_o foretell_v a_o fearful_a apostasy_n from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n again_o say_v he_o 2_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o this_o know_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n truce-breaker_n false_a accuser_n incontinent_a fierce_a despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a high-minded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n there_o he_o foretell_v a_o terrible_a corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o again_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v 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whether_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n by_o such_o prediction_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v guard_v themselves_o against_o error_n and_o evil_a example_n and_o therefore_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n will_n in_o all_o likelihood_n shake_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o believer_n and_o cause_v some_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o not_o regard_v the_o admonition_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n beforehand_o and_o so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o observation_n which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v unavoidable_a from_o the_o text_n that_o even_o after_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v degenerate_a age_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v as_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n find_v when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o visit_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o iniquity_n and_o offence_n it_o abound_v with_o the_o 2._o supposition_n be_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o our_o lord_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v intimate_v manifest_o that_o his_o come_n be_v then_o to_o be_v expect_v when_o little_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o consequent_o when_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o bear_v up_o against_o they_o i_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o man_n receive_v it_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o that_o receive_v it_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o christian_n themselves_o there_o be_v as_o monstrous_a error_n and_o lewd_a example_n as_o ever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christianity_n or_o as_o there_o be_v now_o where_o christianity_n be_v not_o at_o all_o profess_a now_o at_o this_o rate_n shall_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v thing_n go_v as_o they_o will_v it_o will_v in_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o nothing_o of_o christianity_n will_v remain_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o name_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o do_v more_o hurt_n with_o it_o than_o can_v be_v do_v without_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o that_o divine_a providence_n will_v interpose_v or_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o text_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v come_v and_o will_v make_v good_a his_o promise_n of_o be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v never_o more_o remarkable_o fulfil_v than_o when_o he_o interpose_v in_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v man_n think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o interpose_v and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v what_o become_v of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n because_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o make_v the_o gospel_n a_o irresistible_a mean_n of_o convince_a vnbeliever_n and_o reform_v wicked_a man_n therefore_o it_o will_v in_o time_n be_v needful_a that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o true_a religion_n and_o make_v christian_n such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o i_o say_v shall_v by_o his_o providence_n correct_v his_o own_o disciple_n and_o reduce_v wretched_a mankind_n into_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o consideration_n that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o utter_o fall_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o men._n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n our_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v
want_v to_o maintain_v it_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n god_n come_v and_o sweep_v away_o mankind_n with_o a_o flood_n and_o save_v noah_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a generation_n when_o their_o prosperity_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n he_o call_v abraham_n forth_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o he_o and_o in_o his_o family_n and_o these_o and_o the_o like_a providence_n be_v pledge_n of_o the_o same_o care_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n when_o the_o faithful_a seem_v to_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o men._n while_o god_n seem_v to_o let_v the_o world_n alone_o and_o to_o suffer_v all_o man_n to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o own_o way_n as_o if_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v at_o all_o concern_v at_o what_o they_o do_v he_o be_v all_o the_o while_n try_v and_o prove_v what_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o for_o his_o own_o information_n for_o he_o know_v all_o 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the_o world_n to_o go_v on_o as_o if_o he_o mind_v it_o not_o he_o be_v try_v those_o that_o pretend_v to_o faith_n and_o upon_o the_o trial_n many_o be_v discover_v not_o to_o have_v it_o in_o short_a divine_a providence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v regardless_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n that_o it_o then_o most_o of_o all_o show_v itself_o when_o man_n be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o it_o regard_v nothing_o i._n e._n when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o will_v be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o convince_a act_n of_o providence_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o one_o forerunner_n of_o it_o will_v be_v that_o question_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o now_o the_o use_n of_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o declare_a intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o he_o speak_v a_o parable_n to_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v for_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o prayer_n be_v faith_n in_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o time_n when_o these_o fail_n than_o ought_v man_n always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v i.e._n they_o ought_v always_o to_o depend_v upon_o god_n providence_n they_o ought_v always_o to_o believe_v his_o promise_n they_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v certain_a that_o their_o prayer_n be_v hear_v and_o will_v turn_v to_o good_a account_n for_o they_o that_o god_n be_v gracious_a to_o all_o and_o much_o more_o to_o they_o that_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o if_o they_o do_v all_o this_o than_o they_o will_v always_o pray_v and_o not_o faint_a i.e._n and_o not_o be_v discourage_v and_o if_o they_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v then_o also_o when_o they_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v and_o when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o earth_n nay_o than_o most_o of_o all_o because_o when_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n be_v great_a we_o shall_v the_o most_o of_o all_o strengthen_v ourselves_o by_o recourse_n to_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o to_o this_o instance_n in_o prayer_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n must_v go_v 1._o a_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o be_v divert_v out_o of_o they_o by_o any_o worldly_a interest_n whatsoever_o for_o he_o can_v have_v no_o faith_n to_o go_v to_o god_n who_o think_v of_o take_v care_n for_o himself_o without_o regard_n to_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n a_o man_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o seek_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o to_o commend_v his_o case_n to_o he_o that_o contrive_v how_o to_o shift_v for_o himself_o without_o he_o 2._o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o by_o this_o also_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n entitle_v himself_o to_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v the_o particular_a blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o at_o any_o time_n if_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v evil_a as_o well_o as_o good_a for_o we_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o matter_n after_o all_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o than_o if_o we_o obtain_v they_o we_o get_v his_o blessing_n with_o they_o too_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o get_v his_o blessing_n without_o they_o which_o be_v the_o general_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o always_o with_o these_o disposition_n we_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a case_n to_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o spiritual_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v assure_o come_v accompany_v with_o temporal_a one_o too_o if_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o his_o church_n to_o be_v prosperous_a than_o to_o be_v afflict_v in_o this_o world_n and_o than_o it_o be_v better_a so_o to_o be_v when_o man_n be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o god_n correction_n and_o their_o own_o repentance_n man_n ought_v therefore_o always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v for_o their_o prayer_n thus_o qualify_v will_v not_o fail_v of_o obtain_v what_o they_o ask_v which_o our_o saviour_n think_v good_a to_o illustrate_v by_o a_o example_n in_o the_o parable_n deliver_v before_o the_o text_n viz._n of_o a_o unjust_a judge_n that_o neither_o fear_a god_n nor_o regard_v man_n who_o nevertheless_o upon_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o widow_n do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o her_o case_n much_o more_o shall_v god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o just_a god_n and_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o right_v those_o that_o do_v at_o any_o time_n suffer_v wrong_a 2._o he_o be_v also_o the_o merciful_a god_n that_o regard_v man_n and_o when_o we_o desire_v thing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v needful_a he_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o be_v more_o needful_a than_o what_o we_o ask_v 3._o whereas_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o parable_n seem_v to_o contemn_v the_o poverty_n and_o meanness_n of_o that_o person_n that_o sue_v to_o he_o for_o justice_n for_o which_o reason_n she_o be_v represent_v here_o to_o be_v a_o widow_n one_o of_o a_o destitute_a condition_n that_o want_v a_o patron_n to_o assert_v she_o right_o god_n who_o be_v just_a and_o good_a to_o all_o be_v particular_o gracious_a to_o his_o servant_n and_o esteem_v they_o high_o and_o no_o circumstance_n of_o meanness_n and_o distress_n which_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o can_v alter_v his_o favour_n towards_o they_o for_o all_o which_o reason_n if_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o parable_n grant_v the_o widow_n suit_n mere_o because_o she_o lie_v upon_o he_o and_o be_v troublesome_a to_o he_o much_o more_o will_v god_n to_o who_o we_o be_v never_o troublesome_a when_o we_o make_v our_o request_n know_v to_o he_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v because_o he_o be_v righteous_a and_o gracious_a and_o love_v and_o pity_v we_o as_o a_o father_n do_v his_o child_n the_o fourteen_o sermon_n a_o assize-sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n mary_n in_o bury_n 1678._o levit._fw-la xix_o twelve_o you_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n false_o the_o religious_a use_n of_o a_o oath_n depend_v chief_o upon_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o discharge_v the_o matter_n must_v be_v worthy_a of_o that_o obligation_n which_o a_o oath_n imply_v in_o promise_v it_o must_v not_o be_v unlawful_a that_o we_o may_v swear_v in_o righteousness_n
it_o must_v not_o be_v impossible_a it_o must_v not_o be_v trivial_a and_o in_o affirm_v it_o must_v be_v some_o fact_n provable_a by_o our_o own_o testimony_n that_o we_o may_v swear_v in_o judgement_n all_o which_o imply_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o swear_v indeliberate_o passionate_o or_o common_o the_o discharge_v of_o a_o oath_n must_v be_v answerable_a to_o the_o obligation_n which_o be_v to_o sincerity_n of_o intention_n fidelity_n of_o performance_n and_o the_o give_v 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_v 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 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_n 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 will_v be_v take_v away_o with_o it_o but_o no_o man_n doubt_v that_o appeal_n to_o god_n as_o a_o judge_n be_v imply_v in_o appeal_n to_o he_o as_o a_o witness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o septuagint_n sometime_o use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o curse_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o oath_n say_a abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n gen._n 24.41_o thou_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o this_o my_o oath_n but_o the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o this_o my_o curse_n and_o this_o be_v that_o meaning_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v well_o express_v both_o by_o the_o form_n and_o rite_n of_o swear_v use_v among_o we_o the_o common_a form_n be_v this_o so_o help_v you_o god_n to_o which_o the_o party_n sworn_n give_v his_o assent_n by_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o the_o holy_a gospel_n and_o kiss_v it_o all_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o falsify_v let_v i_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n may_v i_o be_v accurse_v in_o this_o world_n and_o let_v my_o name_n be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o be_v there_o not_o good_a reason_n then_o why_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n since_o of_o all_o other_o obligation_n to_o truth_n this_o plain_o be_v the_o strong_a and_o if_o a_o man_n conscience_n will_v not_o be_v hold_v by_o this_o it_o will_v be_v hold_v by_o nothing_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o sacred_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o many_o way_n it_o may_v be_v violate_v and_o the_o gild_n of_o perjury_n incur_v it_o be_v usual_o say_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v either_o promissory_a or_o assertory_n but_o i_o think_v that_o in_o strictness_n every_o oath_n include_v a_o promise_n even_o the_o assertory_n oath_n by_o which_o a_o man_n bind_v himself_o to_o declare_v what_o he_o know_v concern_v some_o matter_n of_o fact_n past_a or_o present_a for_o this_o oath_n include_v a_o promise_n of_o declare_v the_o truth_n concern_v it_o only_o the_o promise_n and_o performance_n be_v so_o close_o to_o each_o other_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v distinguish_v whereas_o the_o obligation_n of_o those_o oath_n we_o call_v promissory_a continue_v for_o some_o considerable_a time_n to_o come_v these_o oath_n be_v most_o take_v out_o of_o court_n of_o judicature_n such_o as_o the_o oath_n of_o subordinate_a magistrate_n to_o execute_v the_o law_n honest_o and_o to_o administer_v justice_n impartial_o of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n to_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o vindicate_v the_o right_n of_o the_o same_o of_o inferior_a officer_n such_o as_o churchwarden_n and_o constable_n to_o present_a offender_n and_o execute_v their_o office_n according_a to_o law_n final_o of_o subject_n to_o yield_v true_a allegiance_n and_o faithful_a subjection_n to_o the_o king_n such_o oath_n as_o these_o be_v direct_o violate_v two_o way_n first_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o honest_a intention_n at_o the_o time_n of_o swear_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o faithful_a performance_n afterward_o for_o a_o promise_n have_v a_o double_a aspect_n both_o upon_o the_o present_a intention_n and_o the_o future_a performance_n he_o that_o make_v a_o promise_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o intend_v not_o to_o perform_v be_v guilty_a of_o lie_v and_o though_o he_o intend_v at_o first_o yet_o if_o he_o willing_o neglect_v the_o performance_n afterward_o he_o have_v break_v his_o word_n therefore_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v under_o oath_n he_o be_v forswear_v in_o either_o case_n and_o if_o he_o be_v false_a in_o both_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o double_a act_n of_o perjury_n nay_o though_o the_o oath_n be_v but_o one_o yet_o his_o perjury_n may_v be_v many_o for_o so_o long_o as_o those_o circumstance_n remain_v in_o which_o the_o oath_n bind_v he_o every_o wilful_a omission_n of_o perform_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o promise_n be_v contrary_a to_o his_o oath_n and_o consequent_o a_o new_a violation_n of_o it_o so_o often_o as_o he_o fail_v so_o often_o he_o be_v forswear_v as_o true_o so_o often_o as_o if_o he_o have_v every_o time_n before_o each_o guilty_a failure_n take_v the_o same_o oath_n which_o he_o bind_v himself_o withal_o at_o first_o thou_o may_v be_v swear_v once_o for_o all_o the_o year_n or_o for_o all_o thy_o life_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v forswear_v once_o for_o all_o as_o vain_a people_n talk_v for_o by_o disobey_v thy_o superior_a suppose_v thou_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o thy_o oath_n yesterday_o that_o be_v one_o perjury_n and_o shall_v thou_o do_v the_o like_a to_o morrow_n that_o will_v be_v another_o if_o thou_o be_v under_o a_o promise_v confirm_v by_o oath_n but_o not_o under_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v bind_v one_o curse_n fast_o upon_o thy_o head_n with_o another_o and_o seal_v they_o with_o a_o three_o and_o go_v on_o to_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath._n in_o court_n of_o judicature_n perjury_n be_v incur_v when_o false_a witness_n be_v give_v in_o upon_o oath_n i._n e._n either_o when_o a_o man_n swear_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v false_a or_o that_o he_o be_v certain_a of_o a_o matter_n whereof_o he_o be_v uncertain_a or_o that_o he_o declare_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o knowledge_n concern_v a_o fact_n when_o yet_o he_o conceal_v any_o part_n thereof_o in_o this_o last_o case_n the_o witness_n be_v forswear_v as_o plain_o as_o in_o the_o two_o former_a for_o his_o oath_n be_v to_o give_v in_o evidence_n not_o only_o the_o truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n but_o likewise_o the_o whole_a truth_n to_o answer_v such_o question_n as_o the_o court_n shall_v put_v to_o he_o therefore_o the_o witness_n be_v not_o clear_a from_o perjury_n mere_o by_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_a touch_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n if_o in_o favour_n to_o either_o side_n he_o conceal_v so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o circumstance_n in_o his_o answer_n and_o deposition_n which_o he_o know_v will_v alter_v the_o case_n what_o can_v be_v plain_o he_o that_o swear_v to_o declare_v the_o whole_a truth_n be_v forswear_v if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o and_o he_o sure_o do_v it_o not_o who_o declare_v it_o in_o part_n only_o moreover_o a_o witness_n may_v incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n by_o endeavour_v to_o blind_v the_o evidence_n with_o deceitful_a shuffle_a answer_n instead_o of_o declare_v what_o he_o know_v in_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o speak_v for_o though_o the_o court_n by_o multiplying-question_n may_v screw_v out_o the_o truth_n at_o last_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o discharge_v his_o oath_n which_o oblige_v he_o not_o only_o to_o a_o actual_a and_o final_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o a_o honest_a intention_n of_o so_o do_v and_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o he_o intend_v not_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v discover_v who_o darken_v and_o hide_v it_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v much_o less_o can_v his_o oath_n be_v discharge_v by_o the_o help_n of_o equivocation_n and_o mental_a reservation_n which_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o save_v a_o lie_n be_v much_o less_o able_a to_o excuse_v from_o perjury_n the_o oath_n of_o the_o jury_n be_v a_o promissory_a oath_n to_o bring_v in_o a_o verdict_n according_a to_o evidence_n their_o oath_n may_v be_v double_o violate_v as_o be_v now_o observe_v by_o not_o intend_v so_o to_o do_v and_o by_o not_o do_v of_o it_o if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o jury_n be_v prepossess_v in_o favour_n of_o one_o side_n intend_v be_v the_o evidence_n what_o it_o will_v to_o use_v all_o his_o interest_n with_o the_o rest_n in_o favour_n of_o that_o that_o man_n i_o say_v be_v perjure_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v swear_v he_o have_v swear_v false_o though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v overrule_v and_o a_o honest_a verdict_n be_v bring_v in_o at_o last_o again_o if_o any_o of_o they_o intend_v honest_o at_o first_o but_o be_v afterward_o wrought_v to_o conspire_v in_o a_o verdict_n contrary_n to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v
ease_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o uncertain_a and_o miserable_a world_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n illustrate_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o passage_n and_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o receive_v evil_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v propound_v to_o your_o consideration_n some_o of_o those_o many_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v effectual_o persuade_v ourselves_o so_o to_o do_v as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o manner_n of_o bear_v evil_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o receive_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n particular_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o receive_v evil_a with_o the_o same_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n wherewith_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v good_a from_o he_o we_o must_v abate_v nothing_o of_o our_o esteem_n of_o his_o righteousness_n or_o of_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n the_o sense_n of_o misery_n be_v indeed_o apt_a to_o breed_v hard_a thought_n of_o all_o those_o by_o who_o mean_n it_o come_v if_o they_o have_v know_o contribute_v towards_o it_o and_o design_v what_o we_o suffer_v but_o let_v we_o remember_v brethren_n that_o this_o be_v a_o case_n always_o to_o be_v except_v god_n know_v and_o see_v all_o the_o trouble_n that_o befall_v we_o nay_o and_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o he_o for_o it_o and_o though_o we_o take_v it_o ill_o of_o any_o man_n that_o can_v easy_o help_v we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o distress_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o affect_v towards_o god_n and_o whilst_o we_o complain_v of_o that_o grief_n from_o which_o it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v deliver_v we_o in_o one_o moment_n we_o must_v at_o no_o hand_n complain_v of_o he_o nor_o entertain_v the_o least_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o he_o for_o see_v we_o in_o pain_n and_o suffer_v we_o to_o continue_v under_o it_o 2._o we_o be_v to_o receive_v evil_a with_o the_o same_o constancy_n of_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o as_o if_o we_o receive_v nothing_o but_o good_a we_o be_v not_o to_o grow_v weary_a of_o religion_n nor_o to_o give_v over_o pray_v nor_o to_o depart_v from_o justice_n or_o charity_n or_o any_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o must_v be_v great_a stranger_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n who_o can_v be_v tempt_v to_o count_v their_o prayer_n and_o their_o repentance_n and_o righteousness_n unprofitable_a when_o they_o do_v not_o save_v they_o from_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n under_o the_o law_n indeed_o the_o promise_n whereof_o be_v temporal_a we_o may_v observe_v the_o temptation_n prevail_v upon_o some_o good_a men._n very_o say_v asaph_n i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n for_o all_o the_o day_n long_o have_v i_o be_v plague_v and_o chasten_v every_o morning_n psal_n 73.13_o 14._o but_o then_o he_o recover_v a_o better_a mind_n ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o thus_o my_o heart_n be_v grieve_v and_o i_o be_v prick_v in_o my_o reins_o so_o foolish_a be_v i_o and_o ignorant_a i_o be_v as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o it_o be_v this_o that_o job_n wife_n bid_v he_o do_v i.e._n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o serve_v god_n who_o have_v thus_o forsake_v he_o say_v she_o curse_v god_n and_o die_v scorn_v to_o serve_v he_o any_o long_o and_o make_v a_o end_n of_o thy_o life_n but_o say_v he_o thou_o speak_v as_o one_o of_o the_o foolish_a woman_n speak_v what_o shall_v we_o receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a nay_o 3._o we_o be_v to_o receive_v evil_a from_o god_n with_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v enjoy_v for_o those_o which_o remain_v and_o for_o those_o which_o we_o expect_v and_o above_o all_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n we_o must_v thank_v he_o for_o the_o care_n he_o take_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o for_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o for_o send_v we_o that_o which_o he_o see_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o we_o yea_o for_o those_o very_a trial_n and_o chastisement_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o though_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v grievous_a and_o thus_o job_n receive_v evil_a the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o i_o confess_v seem_v to_o be_v hard_a lesson_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o we_o must_v learn_v and_o how_o hard_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o let_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o point_n i_o be_v to_o show_v and_o what_o i_o chief_o design_v to_o insist_v upon_o at_o present_a therefore_o 1._o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o we_o have_v not_o deserve_v the_o good_a that_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o receive_v that_o we_o have_v abundant_o deserve_v all_o indeed_o do_v not_o deserve_v evil_a from_o god_n equal_o but_o all_o deserve_v it_o more_o or_o less_o and_o as_o for_o merit_v good_a from_o he_o that_o no_o man_n must_v pretend_v to_o how_o righteous_a and_o godly_a soever_o he_o be_v for_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v severe_a to_o mark_v what_o be_v amss_n who_o can_v stand_v before_o he_o if_o he_o shall_v enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o his_o servant_n no_o flesh_n live_v will_v be_v justify_v now_o if_o job_n who_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n a_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n receive_v evil_a from_o god_n as_o he_o ought_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o do_v so_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o perfection_n when_o we_o suffer_v affliction_n our_o heart_n must_v justify_v god_n in_o all_o because_o they_o condemn_v we_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n our_o own_o conscience_n be_v enough_o to_o stop_v our_o mouth_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v we_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v sin_v but_o that_o god_n be_v righteous_a especial_o since_o all_o the_o good_a that_o we_o eveâ—_n enjoy_v and_o do_v now_o enjoy_v be_v from_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n for_o if_o we_o who_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o his_o purity_n and_o justice_n have_v yet_o receive_v innumerable_a benefit_n from_o he_o it_o be_v hard_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o complain_v of_o he_o though_o but_o in_o our_o thought_n that_o he_o sometime_o let_v we_o feel_v a_o little_a of_o his_o anger_n and_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o own_o justice_n and_o that_o as_o he_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o a_o bountiful_a so_o he_o be_v withal_o a_o holy_a god_n which_o consideration_n shall_v prevail_v the_o more_o because_o 2._o god_n have_v absolute_a authority_n over_o we_o and_o so_o be_v every_o way_n just_a in_o correct_v we_o for_o our_o offence_n not_o only_o because_o we_o have_v do_v that_o which_o deserve_v punishment_n but_o because_o also_o he_o have_v a_o just_a and_o rightful_a power_n to_o punish_v we_o for_o it_o though_o a_o man_n know_v that_o he_o have_v do_v ill_o yet_o every_o body_n must_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v he_o correction_n a_o servant_n will_v submit_v to_o his_o master_n and_o a_o child_n to_o his_o father_n and_o the_o subject_a to_o the_o magistrate_n when_o they_o will_v not_o bear_v punishment_n from_o every_o hand_n as_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o submit_v to_o the_o chastisement_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n upon_o who_o we_o absolute_o depend_v because_o he_o make_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o and_o sustain_v we_o every_o moment_n that_o we_o live_v when_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o bring_v nothing_o with_o we_o into_o the_o world_n but_o have_v live_v ever_o since_o upon_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o god_n of_o his_o bounty_n have_v lend_v we_o for_o our_o use_n and_o if_o he_o for_o good_a reason_n take_v they_o away_o he_o do_v we_o no_o wrong_n for_o they_o be_v not_o we_o otherwise_o than_o by_o his_o continual_a gift_n which_o consideration_n dispose_v job_n to_o submit_v when_o he_o be_v divest_v of_o all_o naked_a come_v i_o out_o of_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a shall_v i_o return_v thither_o to_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o i_o be_v take_v the_o lord_n give_v etc._n etc._n let_v we_o remember_v that_o no_o lord_n have_v that_o right_a over_o his_o servant_n nor_o parent_n in_o his_o child_n which_o god_n have_v in_o we_o all_o and_o that_o since_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n like_a to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v to_o god_n that_o
make_v we_o nor_o any_o authority_n that_o one_o can_v have_v over_o another_o equal_a to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v over_o we_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v meek_o submit_v to_o his_o chastisement_n and_o be_v content_a to_o receive_v not_o only_o that_o good_a which_o we_o have_v not_o deserve_v but_o that_o evil_a also_o which_o we_o have_v deserve_v at_o his_o hand_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 3._o to_o confess_v the_o truth_n when_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n happen_v they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n very_o necessary_a and_o may_v be_v always_o very_o profitable_a to_o we_o they_o make_v we_o to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o sin_n and_o they_o dispose_v we_o to_o repentance_n for_o a_o great_a truth_n it_o be_v and_o we_o may_v happy_o know_v it_o by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v our_o way_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n in_o our_o prosperity_n which_o trouble_v we_o in_o our_o adversity_n when_o joseph_n brethren_n be_v bring_v into_o distress_n themselves_o than_o they_o can_v say_v very_o we_o be_v guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n and_o therefore_o be_v this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o our_o fault_n do_v not_o much_o trouble_v we_o when_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o give_v we_o disturbance_n and_o in_o this_o case_n affliction_n do_v well_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o they_o again_o we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o feel_v our_o need_n of_o dependence_n upon_o god_n when_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v be_v round_o about_o we_o we_o must_v confess_v to_o our_o shame_n that_o piety_n and_o prosperity_n be_v seldom_o find_v together_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o when_o we_o be_v full_a we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v god_n but_o in_o our_o affliction_n we_o seek_v he_o early_o not_o but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v grow_v more_o impious_a under_o the_o chastisement_n of_o god_n as_o ahab_n do_v but_o then_o this_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o infamy_n upon_o he_o that_o in_o his_o distress_n he_o wax_v worse_a and_o worse_o this_o be_v that_o king_n ahab_n we_o shall_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o life_n teach_v we_o patience_n a_o quality_n very_o necessary_a for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o continual_a ease_n and_o fullness_n and_o enjoy_v all_o that_o we_o will_v have_v incline_v we_o to_o be_v soft_a and_o hard_o to_o be_v please_v every_o little_a thing_n almost_o be_v enough_o to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o passion_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v always_o let_v we_o alone_o we_o shall_v make_v great_a trouble_n to_o ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o small_a disappointment_n and_o when_o affliction_n happen_v to_o we_o in_o good_a earnest_n our_o very_a impatience_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o need_v they_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o wisdom_n and_o a_o good_a temper_n god_n trial_n make_v we_o able_a to_o bear_v what_o once_o we_o can_v not_o they_o correct_v the_o intemperance_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o give_v we_o a_o firmness_n of_o mind_n they_o bring_v our_o contentment_n within_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o make_v it_o more_o easy_a for_o we_o to_o be_v happy_a than_o it_o be_v before_o and_o therefore_o say_v st._n paul_n we_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n know_v that_o tribulation_n work_v patience_n rom._n 5.3_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o disengage_v our_o affection_n from_o worldly_a thing_n more_o than_o we_o be_v well_o able_a to_o do_v it_o without_o they_o for_o it_o be_v indulgence_n that_o make_v we_o fond_a of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n but_o when_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v take_v away_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o be_v content_a without_o it_o and_o by_o satisfy_v ourselves_o wheh_a we_o have_v lose_v one_o we_o learn_v to_o moderate_v our_o desire_n about_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v a_o good_a that_o recompense_v all_o the_o grief_n we_o endure_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o especial_o since_o it_o lead_v to_o another_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o moderate_n of_o our_o love_n to_o this_o life_n itself_o which_o when_o we_o feel_v to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o care_n and_o trouble_v as_o well_o as_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n we_o grow_v more_o reconcile_v to_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n which_o put_v a_o end_n as_o well_o to_o the_o trouble_n as_o to_o the_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n all_o which_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o great_a good_a of_o all_o even_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v add_v that_o whatever_o duty_n be_v necessary_a to_o this_o great_a end_n we_o shall_v perform_v they_o most_o careful_o for_o when_o by_o experience_n we_o be_v convince_v how_o foolish_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o think_v of_o find_v a_o complete_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n or_o indeed_o any_o thing_n that_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o happiness_n we_o shall_v seek_v for_o a_o more_o solid_a and_o endure_a substance_n for_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o solicitous_a to_o secure_v that_o rest_n and_o happiness_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o a_o better_a life_n when_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v here_o we_o be_v not_o so_o deep_o affect_v with_o the_o danger_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n as_o with_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o they_o they_o be_v indeed_o apt_a to_o corrupt_v our_o mind_n but_o we_o do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v jealous_a of_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n but_o when_o we_o lose_v they_o we_o be_v easy_o sensible_a that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v and_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o we_o must_v take_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o these_o perish_a thing_n and_o grow_v wise_a to_o salvation_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o evil_n of_o life_n do_v not_o only_o offer_v good_a consideration_n to_o our_o mind_n but_o they_o be_v proper_a mean_n to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o consider_a temper_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o full_a weight_n of_o they_o they_o 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have_v lay_v down_o principle_n that_o do_v effectual_o overthrow_v all_o way_n of_o make_v man_n sure_a of_o any_o thing_n and_o in_o particular_a the_o use_n of_o those_o very_a method_n by_o which_o his_o own_o church_n pretend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o faith_n pap._n and_o he_o that_o doubt_v in_o faith_n the_o apostle_n say_v be_v infidelis_fw-la and_o a_o company_n of_o doubter_n be_v not_o a_o church_n of_o faithful_a but_o a_o society_n of_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v infidel_n ans_fw-fr what_o apostle_n say_v this_o if_o the_o disputer_n refer_v to_o rom._n 14.23_o as_o i_o think_v he_o do_v he_o have_v show_v his_o skill_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o his_o mastery_n in_o reason_v if_o in_o the_o infallible_a church_n they_o can_v interpret_v scripture_n no_o better_o than_o thus_o give_v i_o the_o honesty_n and_o industry_n of_o a_o fallible_a church_n before_o it_o the_o conclusion_n and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o paper_n be_v 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more_o frivolous_a than_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v to_o a_o man_n by_o fine_a reason_v that_o he_o do_v doubt_n of_o a_o thing_n when_o hâ—_n be_v as_o sure_a that_o he_o do_v not_o doubt_n of_o it_o as_o he_o caâ—_n be_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o design_n of_o this_o paper_n seem_v to_o be_v as_o impious_a as_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o that_o be_v to_o bring_v weak_a person_n to_o infidelity_n first_o that_o they_o may_v afterward_o be_v settle_v upon_o romish_a ground_n i_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a way_n to_o bring_v we_o over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o make_v we_o infidel_n first_o but_o this_o they_o will_v not_o find_v so_o easy_a a_o matter_n for_o we_o trust_v that_o we_o be_v not_o of_o those_o who_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n but_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n i_o have_v omit_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a paper_n but_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o little_a and_o mean_a reflection_n in_o call_v the_o protestant_n a_o parliamentary_a protestant_n i_o have_v tell_v this_o disputer_n the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o we_o moreover_o be_v protect_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o will_v desire_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o popery_n and_o he_o will_v think_v never_o the_o worse_o of_o himself_o for_o be_v a_o parliamentary_a papist_n thus_o i_o have_v answer_v this_o paper_n through_o every_o clause_n of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o confident_a destroy_v all_o that_o little_a appearance_n of_o reason_v that_o it_o make_v let_v the_o disputer_n build_v it_o up_o again_o if_o he_o can_v i_o promise_v he_o by_o god_n grace_n that_o i_o will_v pull_v it_o down_o again_o finis_fw-la