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this_o liberty_n to_o private_a person_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v use_v this_o privilege_n with_o much_o modesty_n and_o humility_n with_o great_a submission_n and_o deference_n to_o our_o spiritual_a ruler_n and_o guide_n who_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n and_o there_o be_v very_o great_a need_n of_o this_o caution_n since_o by_o experience_n we_o find_v this_o liberty_n so_o much_o abuse_v by_o many_o to_o the_o nourish_a of_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n of_o division_n and_o faction_n and_o those_o who_o be_v least_o able_a to_o judge_v to_o be_v frequent_o the_o most_o forward_o and_o confident_a the_o most_o peremptory_a and_o perverse_a and_o instead_o of_o demeaning_n themselves_o with_o the_o submission_n of_o learner_n to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o authority_n of_o judge_n even_o in_o the_o most_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a matter_n the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n over_o the_o mind_n and_o 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nothing_o how_o much_o right_a apprehension_n have_v the_o heathen_a of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o so_o benign_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n that_o as_o tully_n admirable_o say_v dii_fw-la immortales_fw-la ad_fw-la usum_fw-la hominum_fw-la fabrefacti_fw-la penè_fw-la videantur_fw-la the_o nature_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n may_v almost_o seem_v to_o be_v exact_o frame_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o man_n and_o as_o for_o religion_n they_o always_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o the_o great_a band_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n and_o justice_n among_o man_n but_o when_o religion_n once_o come_v to_o supplant_v moral_a righteousness_n and_o to_o teach_v man_n the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o lie_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o kill_v man_n for_o god_n sake_n when_o it_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o be_v a_o bond_n of_o conspiracy_n to_o inflame_v the_o 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i_o speak_v it_o with_o grief_n and_o shame_n because_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o common_a christianity_n be_v somewhat_o concern_v in_o it_o that_o panaetius_n and_o antipater_n and_o diogenes_n the_o stoic_a tully_n and_o plutarch_n and_o seneca_n be_v much_o honest_a and_o more_o christian_a casuist_n than_o the_o jesuit_n be_v or_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o casuist_n of_o any_o other_o order_n that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n to_o make_v some_o application_n of_o this_o discourse_n 1._o let_v not_o religion_n suffer_v for_o those_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o real_o proceed_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o religion_n and_o from_o the_o want_n of_o it_o that_o under_o colour_n and_o pretence_n of_o religion_n very_o bad_a thing_n be_v do_v be_v no_o argument_n that_o religion_n itself_o be_v not_o good_a because_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n nay_o the_o corruption_n of_o they_o be_v common_o the_o worst_a as_o they_o say_v the_o rich_a and_o noble_a wine_n make_v the_o sharp_a vinegar_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o you_o say_v our_o saviour_n be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n 2._o let_v we_o beware_v of_o that_o church_n which_o countenance_v this_o unchristian_a spirit_n here_o condemn_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o which_o teach_v such_o doctrine_n and_o warrant_v such_o practice_n as_o be_v consonant_a thereto_o you_o all_o know_v without_o my_o say_n so_o that_o i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o which_o be_v teach_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o that_o heretic_n that_o be_v all_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v extirpate_v by_o fire_n and_o sword_n which_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o lateran_n council_n where_o all_o christian_n be_v strict_o charge_v to_o endeavour_v this_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n sicut_fw-la reputari_fw-la cupiunt_fw-la &_o haberi_fw-la fideles_fw-la as_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o account_v christian_n next_o their_o doctrine_n of_o depose_v king_n and_o of_o absolve_v their_o subject_n from_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o be_v not_o only_o universal_o believe_v but_o practise_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o roman_a church_n for_o several_a age_n indeed_o this_o doctrine_n have_v not_o be_v at_o all_o time_n alike_o frank_o and_o open_o avow_v but_o it_o be_v undoubted_o they_o and_o have_v frequent_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n though_o they_o have_v not_o think_v it_o so_o convenient_a at_o all_o turn_v to_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o engine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v screw_v up_o or_o let_v down_o as_o occasion_n serve_v and_o be_v common_o keep_v like_o goliah_n sword_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n behind_o the_o ephod_n but_o yet_o so_o that_o the_o highpriest_n can_v lend_v it_o out_o upon_o a_o extraordinary_a occasion_n and_o for_o practice_n consonant_a to_o these_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o horrid_a and_o bloody_a design_n of_o this_o day_n such_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n as_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n such_o a_o masterpiece_n of_o villainy_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o ever_o before_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n so_o prodigious_o barbarous_a both_o in_o the_o substance_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v parallel_v in_o all_o the_o voluminous_a record_n of_o time_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o late_a year_n our_o adversary_n for_o so_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o without_o any_o provocation_n of_o we_o have_v almost_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o deny_v so_o plain_a a_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o i_o wish_v they_o have_v not_o take_v a_o effectual_a course_n by_o fresh_a conspiracy_n of_o equal_a or_o great_a horror_n to_o confirm_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o with_o a_o witness_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o anticipate_v what_o will_v be_v more_o proper_a for_o another_o day_n but_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o present_a occasion_n i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o particular_a narrative_n of_o this_o dark_a conspiracy_n nor_o the_o obscure_a manner_n of_o its_o discovery_n which_o bellarmin_n himself_o acknowledge_v not_o to_o have_v be_v without_o a_o miracle_n let_v we_o thank_v god_n that_o it_o be_v so_o happy_o discover_v and_o disappoint_v as_o i_o hope_v their_o present_a design_n will_v be_v by_o the_o same_o wonderful_a and_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o a_o most_o unworthy_a people_n and_o may_v the_o lameness_n and_o halt_n of_o ignatius_n loyola_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o jesuit_n never_o depart_v from_o that_o order_n but_o be_v a_o fate_n continual_o attend_v all_o their_o villainous_a plot_n and_o contrivance_n
father_n have_v not_o one_o god_n create_v we_o and_o be_v we_o not_o in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a manner_n brethren_n be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v we_o not_o all_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o same_o bless_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o be_v brethren_n upon_o so_o many_o account_n and_o by_o so_o many_o bond_n and_o endearment_n all_o unite_a to_o one_o another_o and_o all_o travel_n towards_o the_o same_o heavenly_a country_n why_o do_v we_o fall_v out_o by_o the_o way_n since_o we_o be_v brethren_n why_o do_v we_o not_o as_o become_v brethren_n dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n but_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o quarrel_v and_o break_v out_o into_o heat_n to_o crumble_v into_o sect_n and_o party_n to_o divide_v and_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o upon_o every_o slight_a and_o trifle_a occasion_n give_v i_o leave_v a_o little_a more_o full_o to_o 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convince_v what_o mighty_a advantage_n our_o enemy_n have_v make_v of_o our_o division_n and_o what_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n they_o have_v have_v among_o we_o during_o our_o difference_n and_o upon_o occasion_n of_o they_o and_o how_o near_o their_o religion_n be_v to_o have_v enter_v in_o upon_o we_o at_o once_o at_o those_o wide_a breach_n which_o we_o have_v make_v for_o it_o and_o will_v we_o still_o take_v counsel_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o choose_v to_o follow_v that_o course_n to_o which_o of_o all_o other_o they_o who_o hate_v we_o and_o seek_v our_o ruin_n will_v most_o certain_o advise_v and_o direct_v we_o will_v we_o free_o offer_v they_o that_o advantage_n which_o they_o will_v be_v content_v to_o purchase_v at_o any_o rate_n let_v we_o after_o all_o our_o sad_a experience_n at_o last_o take_v warn_v to_o keep_v a_o steadfast_a eye_n upon_o our_o chief_a enemy_n and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o consideration_n and_o regard_n of_o our_o great_a danger_n by_o the_o petty_a provocation_n of_o our_o friend_n so_o i_o choose_v to_o call_v those_o who_o dissent_v from_o we_o in_o lesser_a matter_n because_o i_o will_v fain_o have_v they_o so_o and_o they_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o but_o however_o they_o behave_v themselves_o we_o ought_v not_o much_o to_o mind_v those_o who_o only_o fling_v dirt_n at_o we_o whilst_o we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v other_o who_o fly_v at_o our_o throat_n and_o strike_v at_o our_o very_a heart_n let_v we_o learn_v this_o wisdom_n of_o our_o enemy_n who_o though_o they_o have_v many_o great_a difference_n among_o themselves_o yet_o they_o have_v make_v a_o shift_n at_o this_o time_n to_o unite_v together_o to_o destroy_v we_o and_o shall_v not_o we_o do_v as_o much_o to_o save_v ourselves_o fas_fw-la est_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la host_n doceri_fw-la it_o be_v a_o principle_n among_o the_o ancient_a roman_n a_o brave_a and_o a_o wise_a people_n donare_fw-la inimicitias_fw-la reip._n to_o give_v up_o and_o sacrifice_v their_o private_a enmity_n and_o quarrel_n to_o the_o public_a good_a and_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o be_v it_o not_o to_o every_o considerate_a man_n as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n that_o nothing_o can_v maintain_v and_o support_v the_o protestant_a religion_n among_o we_o and_o find_v our_o church_n upon_o a_o rock_n so_o that_o when_o the_o rain_n fall_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o the_o flood_n beat_v upon_o it_o it_o shall_v stand_v firm_a and_o unshaken_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o bulwark_n of_o sufficient_a force_n to_o resist_v all_o the_o art_n and_o attempt_n of_o popery_n but_o a_o establish_a national_a religion_n firm_o unite_v and_o compact_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o plain_a to_o every_o eye_n that_o little_a sect_n and_o separate_a congregation_n can_v never_o do_v it_o but_o will_v be_v like_o a_o foundation_n of_o sand_n to_o a_o weighty_a building_n which_o 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side_n man_n ought_v to_o bring_v along_o with_o they_o a_o peaceable_a disposition_n and_o a_o mind_n ready_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o baptize_v in_o all_o reasonable_a and_o lawful_a thing_n and_o desirous_a upon_o any_o term_n that_o be_v tolerable_a to_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o a_o mind_n free_a from_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n from_o peevish_a exception_n and_o groundless_a and_o endless_a scruple_n not_o apt_a to_o insist_v upon_o little_a cavil_n and_o objection_n to_o which_o the_o very_o best_a thing_n and_o the_o great_a and_o clear_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v liable_a and_o whatever_o they_o have_v be_v heretofore_o to_o be_v henceforth_o no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o
that_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v some_o way_n to_o discern_v mere_a pretender_n to_o inspiration_n from_o those_o who_o be_v true_o and_o divine_o inspire_v and_o this_o be_v necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o make_v any_o trial_n if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o discern_v between_o pretend_a and_o real_a inspiration_n now_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o will_v give_v occasion_n to_o two_o very_a material_a inquiry_n and_o useful_a to_o be_v resolve_v i._o how_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a doctrine_n those_o which_o real_o be_v from_o god_n and_o those_o which_o only_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o ii_o to_o who_o this_o judgement_n of_o discern_v do_v appertain_v i._o how_o we_o may_v discern_v between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a doctrine_n and_o revelation_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n i._o that_o reason_n be_v the_o faculty_n whereby_o revelation_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v or_o to_o use_v the_o phrase_n in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v what_o spirit_n be_v of_o god_n and_o what_o not_o for_o all_o revelation_n from_o god_n suppose_v we_o to_o be_v man_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o create_v new_a faculty_n in_o we_o but_o propound_v new_a object_n to_o that_o faculty_n which_o be_v in_o we_o before_o whatever_o doctrine_n god_n reveal_v to_o man_n be_v propound_v to_o their_o understanding_n and_o by_o this_o faculty_n we_o be_v to_o examine_v all_o doctrine_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o upon_o on_o examination_n to_o judge_v whether_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o divine_a or_o to_o reject_v they_o as_o imposture_n 2._o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n we_o must_v first_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n before_o we_o can_v know_v that_o he_o have_v make_v any_o revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o we_o must_v know_v that_o his_o word_n be_v true_a otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v to_o we_o and_o we_o must_v believe_v his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v reward_v our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o punish_v our_o breach_n of_o they_o otherwise_o there_o will_v neither_o be_v sufficient_a obligation_n nor_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n these_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v true_a and_o natural_o know_v to_o we_o antecedent_o to_o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n otherwise_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o nor_o be_v of_o any_o force_n with_o we_o 3._o all_o reason_v about_o divine_a revelation_n must_v necessary_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o be_v by_o 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have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reject_v that_o sense_n which_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o for_o instance_n when_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o have_v a_o humane_a shape_n eye_n ear_n and_o hand_n the_o notion_n which_o man_n natural_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n do_v sufficient_o direct_v we_o to_o interptet_fw-la these_o expression_n in_o a_o sense_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o understand_v they_o as_o rather_o speak_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o in_o a_o figure_n than_o to_o be_v literal_o intend_v and_o this_o will_v proportionable_o hold_v in_o many_o other_o case_n 4._o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o plain_o contradict_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n or_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o they_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n so_o likewise_o to_o pretend_v a_o command_n from_o god_n that_o we_o be_v to_o hate_v and_o despise_v he_o because_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o god_n shall_v require_v any_o thing_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o unsuitable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o to_o their_o obligation_n to_o he_o beside_o that_o such_o a_o law_n as_o this_o do_v tacit_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n because_o upon_o such_o a_o supposition_n to_o despise_v god_n will_v be_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o yet_o to_o obey_v he_o be_v certain_o to_o honour_v he_o so_o that_o in_o this_o case_n to_o honour_n god_n and_o to_o despise_v he_o will_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o equal_a contempt_n of_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o will_v be_v vain_a to_o pretend_v any_o revelation_n from_o god_n that_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o nor_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n because_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o those_o natural_a apprehension_n which_o have_v general_o possess_v mankind_n and_o will_v take_v away_o the_o main_a force_n and_o sanction_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v any_o pretend_a revelation_n from_o god_n which_o evident_o contradict_v those_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o that_o god_n shall_v command_v or_o allow_v sedition_n and_o rebellion_n perfidiousness_n and_o perjury_n because_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o will_v be_v apparent_o destructive_a of_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o will_v natural_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o world_n but_o god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n which_o st._n paul_n appeal_v to_o as_o a_o principle_n natural_o knowu_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v entertain_v as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n because_o that_o will_v take_v away_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o which_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o principle_n for_o instance_n whoever_o pretend_v any_o revelation_n that_o bring_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o question_n do_v by_o that_o very_a thing_n make_v such_o a_o revelation_n questionable_a for_o if_o god_n take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o world_n have_v no_o concernment_n for_o humane_a affair_n why_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o make_v any_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o by_o this_o principle_n moses_n will_v have_v false_a prophet_n to_o be_v try_v deut._n 13.1_o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o wonder_n and_o the_o signior_n the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n and_o 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we_o say_v so_o that_o whoever_o promote_v atheism_n and_o infidelity_n do_v the_o most_o destructive_a thing_n imaginable_a to_o human_a society_n because_o he_o take_v away_o the_o reverence_n and_o obligation_n of_o oath_n and_o whenever_o that_o be_v general_o cast_v off_o human_a society_n must_v disband_v and_o all_o thing_n run_v into_o disorder_n the_o just_a sense_n whereof_o make_v david_n cry_v out_o to_o god_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n as_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v crack_v and_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o ready_a to_o break_v in_o piece_n psal_n 12._o help_v lord_n for_o the_o righteous_a man_n cease_v and_o the_o faithful_a fail_n from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n intimate_v that_o when_o faith_n fail_v from_o among_o man_n nothing_o but_o a_o particular_a and_o immediate_a interposition_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v preserve_v the_o world_n from_o fall_v into_o confusion_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v this_o as_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o 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the_o meaning_n of_o st._n james_n when_o he_o caution_n christian_n so_o vehement_o against_o common_a swear_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o so_o some_o of_o the_o best_a ancient_a copy_n read_v it_o lest_o you_o fall_v into_o hypocrisy_n that_o be_v lest_o you_o lie_v and_o be_v perjure_v by_o use_v yourselves_o to_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a swear_n and_o man_n expose_v themselves_o to_o this_o danger_n to_o no_o purpose_n oath_n in_o common_a discourse_n be_v so_o far_o from_o confirm_v a_o man_n word_n that_o with_o wise_a man_n they_o much_o weaken_v it_o for_o common_a swear_n if_o it_o have_v any_o serious_a meaning_n at_o all_o argue_v in_o a_o man_n a_o perpetual_a distrust_n of_o his_o own_o reputation_n and_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n that_o he_o think_v his_o bare_a word_n not_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o credit_n and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o adorn_v and_o fill_v a_o man_n discourse_n that_o it_o make_v it_o look_v swell_v and_o bloat_v and_o more_o bold_a and_o bluster_a than_o become_v person_n of_o gentle_a and_o good_a breed_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a incivility_n because_o it_o high_o offend_v and_o grate_v upon_o all_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n who_o can_v be_v presume_v with_o any_o manner_n of_o ease_n and_o patience_n to_o hear_v god_n affront_v and_o his_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n so_o irreverent_o to_o stup_a one_o very_o slight_a occasion_n and_o it_o be_v no_o excuse_n to_o man_n that_o many_o time_n they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o not_o observe_v and_o know_v what_o they_o do_v for_o certain_o it_o be_v no_o extenuation_n of_o a_o fault_n that_o a_o man_n have_v get_v the_o habit_n of_o it_o so_o perfect_a that_o he_o commit_v it_o when_o he_o do_v not_o think_v of_o it_o which_o consideration_n shall_v make_v man_n oppose_v the_o beginning_n of_o this_o vice_n lest_o it_o grow_v into_o a_o habit_n very_o hard_o to_o be_v leave_v nemo_fw-la novit_fw-la nisi_fw-la qui_fw-la expertus_fw-la 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reconcile_v a_o common_a custom_n of_o swear_v with_o a_o serious_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o will_v to_o god_n those_o who_o be_v concern_v will_v serious_o lay_v to_o heart_n especial_o since_o this_o sin_n of_o all_o other_o have_v the_o least_o of_o temptation_n to_o it_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n there_o be_v none_o in_o it_o nor_o any_o thing_n in_o man_n natural_a temper_n to_o incite_v they_o to_o it_o for_o though_o some_o man_n pour_v out_o oath_n so_o free_o as_o if_o they_o come_v natural_o from_o they_o yet_o sure_o no_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o swear_a constitution_n all_o that_o can_v be_v pretend_v for_o it_o be_v custom_n and_o fashion_n but_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o excuse_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o it_o be_v particular_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o oath_n and_o perjury_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v that_o caution_n thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a and_o last_o it_o deserve_v to_o 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plainness_n and_o simplicity_n in_o oath_n but_o answer_v aequivocal_o and_o doubtful_o or_o with_o reservation_n of_o something_o in_o their_o mind_n think_v thereby_o to_o salve_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o we_o all_o know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o make_v use_v of_o these_o art_n and_o maintain_v they_o to_o be_v lawful_a to_o the_o infinite_a scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o prejudice_n of_o humane_a society_n by_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o destroy_v all_o faith_n and_o mutual_a confidence_n among_o man_n for_o what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n than_o to_o use_v his_o name_n to_o deceive_v man_n and_o what_o can_v more_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o great_a end_n and_o use_v of_o oath_n which_o be_v for_o confirmation_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o strife_n whereas_o by_o these_o art_n the_o thing_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o same_o uncertainty_n it_o be_v before_o and_o there_o be_v no_o decision_n of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o form_n of_o word_n can_v be_v devise_v so_o plain_a as_o not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o equivocation_n to_o be_v sure_a a_o man_n when_o he_o swear_v may_v always_o reserve_v something_o in_o his_o mind_n which_o will_v quite_o alter_v the_o sense_n of_o whatever_o he_o can_v say_v or_o promise_v upon_o oath_n and_o this_o may_v be_v lay_v down_o for_o a_o certain_a rule_n that_o all_o departure_n from_o the_o simplicity_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o perjury_n and_o a_o man_n be_v never_o a_o whit_n the_o less_o forswear_v because_o his_o perjury_n be_v a_o little_o fine_a and_o more_o artificial_a than_o ordinary_a and_o though_o man_n think_v by_o this_o device_n to_o save_v themselves_o harmless_a from_o the_o guilt_n of_o so_o great_a a_o sin_n they_o do_v real_o increase_v it_o by_o add_v to_o their_o iniquity_n the_o impudent_a folly_n of_o mock_v god_n and_o deceive_a themselves_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v plead_v in_o the_o favour_n of_o mental_a reservation_n that_o the_o whole_a proposition_n as_o make_v up_o of_o what_o be_v express_v in_o word_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v reserve_v in_o the_o mind_n be_v true_a for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n be_v ask_v upon_o oath_n whether_o he_o be_v a_o priest_n shall_v answer_v he_o be_v not_o reserve_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o priest_n of_o bacchus_n or_o some_o such_o thing_n the_o whole_a proposition_n be_v true_a and_o then_o they_o say_v a_o man_n may_v swear_v to_o that_o which_o be_v true_a without_o danger_n of_o perjury_n this_o be_v of_o no_o force_n because_o though_o the_o whole_a proposition_n be_v true_a it_o be_v deceitful_a and_o contrary_a to_o that_o sincerity_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o a_o oath_n and_o the_o
themselves_o can_v not_o deny_v may_v be_v very_o proper_a and_o effectual_a but_o although_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v more_o than_o a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v the_o better_a to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v absolute_o and_o in_o itself_o conclusive_a of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v will_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o that_o for_o god_n to_o be_v any_o one_o god_n do_v signify_v some_o very_a extraordinary_a blessing_n and_o happiness_n to_o those_o person_n of_o who_o this_o be_v say_v 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o eminent_a faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v 3._o their_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n 4._o the_o general_a importance_n of_o this_o promise_n abstract_v from_o the_o person_n particular_o specify_v and_o name_v in_o it_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n first_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o for_o god_n to_o be_v any_o one_o god_n do_v signify_v some_o very_a extraordinary_a blessing_n and_o happiness_n to_o those_o person_n of_o who_o this_o be_v say_v it_o be_v a_o big_a word_n for_o god_n to_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v any_o one_o god_n and_o the_o least_o we_o can_v imagine_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o be_v that_o god_n will_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n employ_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n to_o do_v he_o good_a that_o he_o will_v concern_v himself_o more_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o those_o who_o god_n he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v than_o for_o other_o second_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o eminent_a faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n abraham_n leave_v his_o country_n in_o obedience_n to_o god_n not_o know_v whither_o he_o be_v to_o go_v and_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o unparalleled_a and_o strange_a instance_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o can_v almost_o be_v imagine_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n be_v also_o very_o good_a man_n and_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n when_o almost_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v sink_v into_o idolatry_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n now_o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v but_o that_o the_o good_a god_n do_v design_n some_o extraordinary_a reward_n to_o such_o faithful_a servant_n of_o he_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o he_o intend_v this_o gracious_a declaration_n of_o his_o concern_v they_o for_o a_o stand_a encouragement_n to_o all_o those_o who_o in_o after_o age_n shall_v follow_v the_o faith_n and_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n three_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o condition_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o this_o world_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n upon_o the_o earth_n have_v no_o fix_a and_o settle_a habitation_n but_o be_v force_v to_o wander_v from_o one_o kingdom_n and_o country_n to_o another_o that_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o many_o hazard_n and_o difficulty_n to_o great_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o peculiar_a happiness_n befall_v they_o in_o this_o life_n above_o the_o common_a rate_n of_o man_n as_o may_v seem_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o big_a word_n of_o this_o promise_n that_o god_n will_v be_v their_o god_n for_o so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n history_n inform_v we_o and_o further_o we_o can_v know_v of_o this_o matter_n esau_n be_v as_o prosperous_a as_o jacob_n and_o jacob_n have_v a_o great_a many_o more_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n in_o this_o life_n than_o esau_n have_v but_o sure_o when_o god_n call_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n this_o signify_v that_o god_n intend_v some_o very_a peculiar_a blessing_n and_o advantage_n to_o they_o above_o other_o which_o see_v they_o do_v not_o enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o one_o time_n or_o other_o this_o gracious_a declaration_n and_o promise_n or_o god_n be_v make_v good_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 11._o from_o this_o very_a expression_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o other_o argue_v that_o some_o extraordinary_a happiness_n be_v reserve_v for_o they_o in_o another_o world_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o namely_o because_o the_o condition_n of_o abraham_n and_o some_o other_o be_v not_o such_o in_o this_o world_n as_o may_v seem_v to_o answer_v the_o fullness_n of_o this_o promise_n all_o these_o say_v he_o die_v in_o the_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o aâ—ar_v off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o he_o reason_v very_o strong_o that_o these_o good_a man_n may_v reasonable_o expect_v something_o better_a than_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v befall_v they_o in_o this_o world_n for_o they_o say_v he_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o seek_v a_o country_n which_o at_o the_o 16._o verse_n he_o call_v a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a they_o that_o say_v such_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o who_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o yet_o pretend_v that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v their_o god_n declare_v plain_o that_o they_o expect_v some_o reward_n beyond_o this_o life_n from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v wherefore_o god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n because_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o a_o city_n intimate_v that_o if_o no_o happiness_n have_v remain_v for_o these_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n this_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v their_o god_n will_v shameful_o have_v fall_v short_a of_o what_o it_o seem_v to_o import_v viz._n some_o extraordinary_a reward_n and_o blessing_n worthy_a of_o god_n to_o bestow_v something_o more_o certain_a and_o last_a than_o any_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n which_o since_o god_n have_v abundant_o perform_v to_o they_o in_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n his_o promise_n to_o they_o be_v make_v good_a to_o the_o full_a and_o he_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n but_o if_o nothing_o beyond_o this_o life_n have_v be_v reserve_v for_o they_o that_o say_v of_o old_a jacob_n towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o life_n few_o and_o evil_n have_v the_o day_n of_o the_o year_n of_o my_o life_n be_v will_v have_v be_v a_o eternal_a reflection_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o he_o who_o have_v so_o often_o call_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o jacob._n but_o now_o because_o to_o all_o this_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o this_o promise_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v make_v good_a to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o this_o world_n for_o be_v not_o god_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n when_o he_o take_v such_o a_o particular_a and_o extraoadinary_a care_n of_o they_o and_o protect_v they_o from_o the_o manifold_a danger_n they_o be_v expose_v to_o by_o such_o a_o special_a and_o immediate_a providence_n suffer_v no_o one_o to_o do_v they_o harm_n but_o rebuke_v even_o king_n for_o their_o sake_n be_v not_o he_o abraham_n god_n when_o he_o blessed_v he_o so_o miraculous_o with_o a_o son_n in_o his_o old_a age_n and_o with_o so_o considerable_a a_o estate_n to_o leave_v to_o he_o be_v not_o that_o say_v of_o jacob_n a_o great_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o with_o my_o staff_n pass_v i_o over_o this_o jordan_n and_o now_o i_o be_o become_v two_o band_n and_o though_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a cut_a affliction_n to_o he_o to_o lose_v his_o son_n joseph_n as_o he_o think_v he_o have_v do_v yet_o that_o be_v more_o than_o recompense_v to_o he_o in_o joseph_n strange_a advancement_n in_o egypt_n whereby_o god_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n the_o opportunity_n of_o save_v his_o father_n and_o his_o whole_a family_n alive_a and_o be_v not_o god_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o make_v they_o father_n of_o so_o numeron_n a_o offspring_n as_o afterward_o become_v come_v a_o great_a nation_n and_o in_o give_v they_o a_o fruitful_a land_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o quiet_a possession_n of_o it_o by_o such_o a_o series_n of_o wonderful_a miracle_n what_o need_v then_o be_v there_o of_o extend_v this_o promise_n to_o another_o world_n do_v it_o not_o seem_v abundant_o make_v good_a in_o those_o great_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o whilst_o they_o live_v and_o
what_o that_o be_v he_o express_v more_o particular_o c._n 26._o v._n 6_o 7_o and_o now_o i_o stand_v and_o be_o judge_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_n make_v of_o god_n unto_o our_o father_n unto_o which_o promise_n our_o twelve_o tribe_n instant_o serve_v god_n day_n and_o night_n hope_v to_o come_v by_o the_o promise_n make_v of_o god_n unto_o the_o father_n he_o mean_v some_o promise_n make_v by_o god_n to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n for_o so_o s._n luke_n more_o than_o once_o in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o act_n explain_v this_o phrase_n of_o the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n act_n 3.13_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o of_o isaac_n and_o of_o jacob_n the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n and_o c._n 7._o v._n 32._o i_o be_o the_o god_n thy_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o god_n of_o isaac_n and_o the_o god_n of_o jacob._n now_o what_o be_v the_o great_a and_o famous_a promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n be_v it_o not_o this_o of_o be_v their_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v this_o very_a promise_n upon_o which_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o jew_n ground_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a state_n because_o they_o understand_v it_o necessary_o to_o signify_v some_o blessing_n and_o happiness_n beyond_o this_o life_n and_o now_o have_v i_o hope_v sufficient_o clear_v this_o matter_n i_o shall_v make_v some_o improvement_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o that_o to_o these_o three_o purpose_n 1._o to_o raise_v our_o mind_n above_o this_o world_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v but_o man_n thorough_o convince_v of_o this_o plain_a and_o certain_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n between_o a_o few_o year_n and_o everlasting_a age_n will_v we_o but_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o what_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n die_v person_n have_v of_o this_o world_n how_o vain_a and_o empty_a a_o thing_n it_o appear_v to_o they_o how_o like_o a_o pageant_n and_o a_o shadow_n it_o look_v as_o it_o pass_v away_o from_o they_o methinks_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a temptation_n to_o any_o man_n to_o forget_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n we_o shall_v be_v strange_o intent_n upon_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o world_n and_o almost_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o that_o vast_a eternity_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o launch_v into_o for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o this_o world_n this_o waste_n and_o howl_a wilderness_n this_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n which_o we_o be_v but_o to_o pass_v through_o which_o shall_v detain_v our_o affection_n here_o and_o take_v off_o our_o thought_n from_o our_o everlasting_a habitation_n from_o that_o better_a and_o that_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o hope_v to_o live_v and_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o settle_v our_o affection_n upon_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n so_o as_o to_o be_v extreme_o please_v and_o transport_v with_o they_o and_o to_o say_v in_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v here_o if_o we_o be_v excessive_o grieve_v or_o discontent_v for_o the_o want_n or_o loss_n of_o they_o and_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o present_a state_n in_o this_o world_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o preparation_n and_o passage_n to_o a_o better_a life_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n be_v but_o very_o weak_a and_o faint_a and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o hearty_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v what_o we_o pretend_v to_o do_v concern_v these_o thing_n for_o do_v we_o steadfast_o believe_v and_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o what_o our_o religion_n so_o plain_o declare_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o unspeakable_a and_o endless_a happiness_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n our_o affection_n will_v sit_v more_o loose_a to_o this_o world_n and_o our_o hope_n will_v raise_v our_o heart_n as_o much_o above_o these_o present_a and_o sensible_a thing_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n we_o shall_v value_v nothing_o here_o below_o but_o as_o it_o serve_v for_o our_o present_a support_n and_o passage_n or_o may_v be_v make_v a_o mean_n to_o secure_v and_o increase_v our_o future_a felicity_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o life_n shall_v quicken_v our_o preparation_n for_o that_o bless_a state_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o in_o the_o other_o world_n this_o life_n be_v a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n this_o world_n be_v god_n school_n where_o immortal_a spirit_n clothe_v with_o flesh_n be_v train_v and_o breed_v up_o for_o eternity_n and_o then_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o a_o matter_n of_o slight_a concernment_n to_o we_o how_o we_o live_v and_o demean_v ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n whether_o we_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n or_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n no_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o infinite_a moment_n as_o much_o as_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o eternity_n be_v worth_a let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o for_o as_o we_o sow_v so_o shall_v we_o reap_v if_o we_o sow_v to_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v of_o the_o flesh_n reap_v corruption_n but_o if_o we_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n we_o shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v everlasting_a life_n light_n be_v sow_o for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n mark_v the_o perfect_a man_n and_o behold_v the_o upright_a for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v peace_n but_o the_o ungodly_a be_v not_o so_o whoever_o have_v live_v a_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a life_n feel_v strange_a throw_n and_o pang_n in_o his_o conscience_n when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v cast_v upon_o a_o sick_a bed_n the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n say_v the_o prophet_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v full_a of_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n especial_o in_o a_o die_a hour_n it_o be_v death_n to_o such_o a_o man_n to_o look_v back_o upon_o his_o life_n and_o a_o hell_n to_o he_o to_o think_v of_o eternity_n when_o his_o guilty_a and_o tremble_a soul_n be_v ready_a to_o leave_v his_o body_n and_o just_a step_v into_o the_o other_o world_n what_o horror_n and_o amazement_n do_v then_o seize_v upon_o he_o what_o a_o rage_n do_v such_o a_o man_n feel_v in_o his_o breast_n when_o he_o serious_o consider_v that_o he_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o fool_n as_o for_o the_o false_a and_o imperfect_a pleasure_n of_o a_o few_o day_n to_o make_v himself_o miserable_a for_o ever_o 3._o let_v the_o consideration_n of_o that_o unspeakable_a reward_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o good_a man_n at_o the_o resurrection_n encourage_v we_o to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n we_o serve_v a_o great_a prince_n who_o be_v able_a to_o promote_v we_o to_o honour_n a_o most_o gracious_a master_n who_o will_v not_o let_v the_o least_o service_n we_o do_v for_o he_o pass_v unrewarded_a this_o be_v the_o inference_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v from_o this_o large_a discourse_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrrection_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n nothing_o will_v make_v death_n more_o welcome_a to_o we_o than_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o service_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n sleep_v say_v solomon_n be_v sweet_a to_o the_o labour_a man_n so_o after_o a_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o david_n serve_v our_o generation_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n how_o pleasant_a will_v it_o be_v to_o fall_v asleep_a and_o as_o a_o useful_a and_o well-spent_a life_n will_v make_v our_o death_n to_o be_v sweet_a so_o our_o resurrection_n to_o be_v glorious_a whatever_o act_v of_o piety_n we_o do_v to_o god_n or_o of_o charity_n to_o man_n whatever_o we_o lie_v out_o upon_o the_o poor_a and_o afflict_a and_o necessitous_a will_v all_o be_v consider_v by_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o recompense_n and_o most_o plentiful_o reward_v to_o we_o and_o sure_o no_o consideration_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o prevalent_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o alms-deed_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a than_o that_o of_o a_o resurrection_n to_o another_o life_n beside_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v make_v to_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o
long_o before_o his_o death_n great_a love_n than_o this_o have_v no_o man_n that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a love_n which_o he_o have_v express_v to_o we_o and_o worthy_a to_o be_v have_v in_o perpetual_a remembrance_n and_o all_o that_o he_o expect_v from_o we_o by_o way_n of_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o frequent_a participation_n of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o shall_v this_o charge_n lay_v upon_o we_o by_o he_o who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o the_o solemn_a remembrance_n of_o that_o unparalleled_a kindness_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o so_o many_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n we_o have_v no_o great_a sense_n of_o the_o benefit_n when_o we_o be_v so_o unmindful_a of_o our_o benefactor_n as_o to_o forget_v he_o day_n without_o number_n the_o obligation_n he_o have_v lay_v upon_o we_o be_v so_o vast_o great_a not_o only_o beyond_o all_o requital_n but_o beyond_o all_o expression_n that_o if_o he_o have_v command_v we_o some_o very_a grievous_a thing_n we_o ought_v with_o all_o the_o readiness_n and_o cheerfulness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o so_o easy_a a_o commandment_n a_o thing_n of_o no_o burden_n but_o of_o immense_a benefit_n when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v to_o we_o eat_v o_o friend_n and_o drink_v o_o belove_v when_o he_o only_o invite_v we_o to_o his_o table_n to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o delicious_a feast_n that_o we_o can_v partake_v of_o on_o this_o side_n heaven_n if_o we_o serious_o believe_v the_o great_a blessing_n which_o be_v there_o exhibit_v to_o we_o and_o ready_a to_o be_v confer_v upon_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o neglect_v they_o that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o thank_v god_n for_o every_o opportunity_n he_o offer_v to_o we_o of_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o such_o benefit_n when_o such_o a_o price_n be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n shall_v we_o want_v heart_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o methinks_v we_o shall_v long_o with_o david_n who_o see_v but_o the_o shadow_n of_o these_o blessing_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o god_n house_n and_o to_o draw_v near_o his_o altar_n and_o shall_v cry_v out_o with_o he_o o_o when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o thou_o my_o soul_n long_v yea_o even_o faint_v for_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o my_o flesh_n cry_v out_o for_o the_o live_a god_n and_o if_o we_o have_v a_o just_a esteem_n of_o thing_n we_o shall_v account_v it_o the_o great_a infelicity_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v debar_v of_o this_o privilege_n which_o yet_o we_o do_v deliberate_o and_o frequent_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o we_o exclaim_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o great_a impatience_n and_o with_o a_o very_a just_a indignation_n for_o rob_v the_o people_n of_o half_a of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o take_v from_o they_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v patient_o endure_v for_o some_o month_n nay_o year_n to_o exclude_v ourselves_o whole_o from_o it_o if_o no_o such_o great_a benefit_n and_o blessing_n belong_v to_o it_o why_o do_v we_o complain_v of_o they_o for_o hinder_v we_o of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o if_o there_o do_v why_o do_v we_o by_o our_o own_o neglect_n deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o whole_a in_o vain_a do_v we_o bemoan_v the_o decay_n of_o our_o grace_n and_o our_o slow_a progress_n and_o improvement_n in_o christianity_n whilst_o we_o wilful_o despise_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o our_o growth_n in_o goodness_n well_o do_v we_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v send_v leanness_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o make_v they_o to_o consume_v and_o pine_v away_o in_o perpetual_a doubt_v and_o trouble_n if_o when_o god_n himself_o do_v spread_v so_o bountiful_a a_o table_n for_o we_o and_o set_v before_o we_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n we_o will_v not_o come_v and_o feed_v upon_o it_o with_o joy_n and_o thankfulness_n a_o discourse_n against_o transubstantiation_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n one_o of_o the_o two_o great_a positive_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v two_o main_a point_n of_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n one_o about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n in_o which_o they_o think_v but_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o they_o have_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n on_o their_o side_n the_o other_o about_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n to_o the_o people_n in_o both_o kind_n in_o which_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n and_o our_o saviour_n institution_n on_o our_o side_n and_o that_o so_o plain_o that_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v not_o deny_v it_o of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v now_o treat_v and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o in_o this_o sacrament_n there_o be_v no_o substantial_a change_n make_v of_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o natural_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o body_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o suffer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o so_o they_o explain_v that_o hard_a word_n transubstantiation_n before_o i_o engage_v in_o this_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v what_o a_o unreasonable_a task_n we_o be_v put_v upon_o by_o the_o bold_a confidence_n of_o our_o adversary_n to_o dispute_v a_o matter_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n about_o which_o aristotle_n have_v long_o since_o pronounce_v there_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o dispute_n it_o may_v well_o seem_v strange_a if_o any_o man_n shall_v write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o egg_n be_v not_o a_o elephant_n and_o that_o a_o musket-bullet_n be_v not_o a_o pike_n it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o hard_o a_o case_n to_o put_v to_o maintain_v by_o a_o long_a discourse_n that_o what_o we_o see_v and_o handle_v and_o taste_v to_o be_v bread_n be_v bread_n and_o not_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n and_o what_o we_o see_v and_o taste_v to_o be_v wine_n be_v wine_n and_o not_o blood_n and_o if_o this_o evidence_n may_v not_o pass_v for_o sufficient_a without_o any_o far_a proof_n i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o any_o man_n that_o have_v confidence_n enough_o to_o do_v so_o may_v not_o deny_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o all_o the_o world_n see_v it_o be_v or_o affirm_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o all_o the_o world_n see_v it_o be_v not_o and_o this_o without_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v far_o confute_v so_o that_o the_o business_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v not_o a_o controversy_n of_o scripture_n against_o scripture_n or_o of_o reason_n against_o reason_n but_o of_o downright_a impudence_n against_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o most_o self-evident_a falsehood_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o more_o evident_o true_a than_o transubstantiation_n be_v evident_o false_a and_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o ill-natured_a and_o pernicious_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n because_o it_o will_v suffer_v nothing_o else_o to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v like_o the_o roman-catholick_n church_n which_o will_v needs_o be_v the_o whole_a christian_a church_n and_o will_v allow_v no_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o it_o so_o transubstantiation_n if_o it_o be_v true_a at_o all_o it_o be_v all_o truth_n and_o nothing_o else_o be_v true_a for_o it_o can_v be_v true_a unless_o our_o sense_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v deceive_v about_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o if_o this_o he_o true_a and_o certain_a than_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v so_o for_o if_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o what_o we_o see_v we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o abandon_v and_o give_v up_o by_o god_n to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o delusion_n as_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o believe_v this_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n and_o to_o impose_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o christian_a world_n under_o no_o less_o penalty_n than_o of_o temporal_a death_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o therefore_o to_o undeceive_v if_o possible_a these_o delude_a soul_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v the_o pretend_a ground_n of_o
all_o the_o brevity_n and_o clearness_n i_o can_v and_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o universality_n though_o that_o be_v no-wise_a necessary_a to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o they_o if_o we_o take_v in_o the_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n and_o of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o antiquity_n that_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v clear_o the_o advantage_n of_o they_o all_o our_o faith_n be_v unquestionable_o ancient_a there_o be_v not_o so_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o universality_n which_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n will_v needs_o make_v a_o inseparable_a property_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o they_o never_o stout_a at_o the_o protestant_a religion_n with_o so_o good_a a_o grace_n among_o the_o ignorant_a people_n as_o when_o they_o be_v brag_v of_o their_o number_n and_o despise_v poor_a protestancy_n because_o embrace_v by_o so_o few_o this_o pestilent_a northern_a heresy_n as_o of_o late_o they_o scornful_o call_v it_o entertain_v it_o seem_v only_o in_o this_o cold_a and_o cloudy_a corner_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o company_n of_o dull_a stupid_a people_n that_o can_v neither_o penetrate_v into_o the_o proof_n nor_o the_o possibility_n of_o transubstantiation_n whereas_o to_o the_o more_o refine_a southern_a wit_n all_o these_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a point_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o their_o sun_n at_o noonday_n but_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n itself_o if_o number_n be_v necessary_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o any_o religion_n we_o upon_o enquiry_n will_v be_v find_v not_o so_o inconsiderable_a as_o our_o adversary_n will_v make_v it_o those_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o most_o exact_a calculation_n that_o have_v be_v make_v by_o learned_a man_n be_v esteem_v not_o much_o unequal_a in_o number_n to_o those_o of_o the_o romish_a persuasion_n but_o then_o if_o we_o take_v in_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n who_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o other_o christian_a church_n at_o this_o day_n which_o all_o together_o be_v vast_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a than_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o which_o agree_v with_o we_o several_a of_o they_o in_o very_o considerable_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o of_o they_o in_o disclaim_v that_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n and_o sum_n of_o christianity_n as_o bellarmine_n call_v it_o i_o mean_v the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n over_o all_o christian_n and_o church_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o number_n on_o our_o side_n will_v be_v much_o great_a than_o on_o they_o but_o we_o will_v not_o stand_v upon_o this_o advantage_n with_o they_o suppose_v we_o be_v by_o much_o the_o sewer_n so_o have_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n often_o be_v without_o any_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n what_o think_v we_o of_o the_o church_n in_o abraham_n time_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v confine_v to_o one_o family_n and_o one_o small_a kingdom_n that_o of_o melchisedec_n king_n of_o salem_n what_o think_v we_o of_o it_o in_o moses_n his_o time_n when_o it_o be_v confine_v to_o one_o people_n wander_v in_o a_o wilderness_n what_o of_o it_o in_o elijah_n time_n when_o beside_o the_o two_o tribe_n that_o worship_v at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v in_o the_o other_o ten_o but_o seven_o thousand_o that_o have_v not_o bow_v their_o knee_n to_o baal_n what_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n when_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n consist_v of_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n and_o some_o few_o follower_n beside_o how_o will_v bellarmine_n have_v despise_v this_o little_a flock_n because_o it_o want_v one_o or_o two_o of_o his_o goodly_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n universality_n and_o splendour_n and_o what_o think_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o height_n of_o arianism_n and_o pelagianism_n when_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n be_v overrun_v with_o these_o error_n and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o orthodox_n be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o heretic_n but_o what_o need_v i_o to_o urge_v these_o instance_n as_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v and_o carry_v by_o the_o major_a vote_n which_o as_o it_o can_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o none_o but_o fool_n so_o i_o dare_v say_v no_o honest_a and_o wise_a man_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o a_o solid_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o any_o church_n or_o religion_n if_o multitude_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o vain_a then_o have_v the_o scripture_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o follow_v a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a for_o if_o this_o argument_n be_v of_o any_o force_n the_o great_a number_n never_o go_v wrong_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o antiquity_n this_o be_v not_o always_o a_o certain_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n for_o sure_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o christianity_n begin_v and_o be_v a_o new_a profession_n and_o then_o both_o judaisme_n and_o paganism_n have_v certain_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n but_o the_o proper_a question_n in_o this_o case_n be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_a christian_a faith_n that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o we_o and_o to_o make_v this_o matter_n plain_a it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o namely_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n as_o explain_v by_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n and_o these_o make_v up_o our_o whole_a faith_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v matter_n of_o mere_a and_o simple_a belief_n that_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o salvation_n and_o in_o this_o faith_n of_o we_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v that_o can_v be_v show_v in_o any_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o thus_o far_o our_o faith_n and_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v undoubted_o of_o equal_a antiquity_n that_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o christianity_n itself_o all_o the_o question_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o the_o principal_a whereof_o be_v the_o twelve_o new_a article_n of_o the_o creed_n of_o pope_n pius_n the_o iv_o concern_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n transubstantiation_n the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n only_o purgatory_n etc._n etc._n not_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o ancient_a creed_n or_o confession_n of_o faith_n general_o allow_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o we_o deny_v and_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v innovation_n and_o have_v particular_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o not_o only_o to_o the_o answer_v but_o almost_o to_o the_o silence_v of_o our_o adversary_n and_o as_o for_o the_o negative_a article_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o romish_a faith_n these_o be_v by_o accident_n become_v a_o part_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n occasion_v by_o their_o error_n as_o the_o renounce_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o arianism_n become_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n after_o the_o rise_n of_o that_o heresy_n so_o that_o the_o case_n be_v plain_o this_o we_o believe_v and_o teach_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n and_o be_v by_o they_o esteem_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v our_o religion_n but_o now_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v innovate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v several_a addition_n to_o it_o and_o great_o corrupt_v it_o both_o in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o these_o addition_n and_o corruption_n be_v their_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o we_o and_o both_o because_o they_o be_v corruption_n and_o novelty_n we_o have_v reject_v they_o and_o our_o rejection_n of_o these_o be_v our_o reformation_n and_o our_o reformation_n we_o grant_v if_o this_o will_v do_v they_o any_o good_a not_o to_o be_v so_o ancient_a as_o their_o corruption_n all_o reformation_n necessary_o suppose_v corruption_n and_o error_n to_o have_v be_v before_o it_o and_o now_o we_o be_v at_o a_o little_a better_a leisure_n to_o answer_v that_o captious_a question_n of_o they_o where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o luther_n wherever_o christianity_n be_v in_o some_o place_n more_o pure_a in_o other_o more_o corrupt_v but_o especial_o in_o these_o western_a part_n of_o christendom_n overgrow_v for_o several_a age_n with_o
and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o have_v give_v we_o commandment_n because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o language_n you_o can_v understand_v and_o to_o have_v the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o to_o have_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o religion_n entire_o administer_v to_o we_o as_o our_o lord_n do_v institute_v and_o appoint_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o we_o to_o put_v our_o neck_n once_o more_o under_o that_o yoke_n which_o our_o father_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v if_o it_o be_v real_o a_o preferment_n to_o a_o prince_n to_o hold_v the_o pope_n stirrup_n and_o a_o privilege_n to_o be_v depose_v by_o he_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o a_o courtesy_n to_o be_v kill_v at_o his_o command_n if_o to_o pray_v without_o understanding_n and_o to_o obey_v without_o reason_n and_o to_o believe_v against_o sense_n if_o ignorance_n and_o implicit_a faith_n and_o a_o inquisition_n be_v in_o good_a earnest_n such_o charm_a and_o desirable_a thing_n then_o welcome_a popery_n which_o wherever_o thou_o come_v do_v infallible_o bring_v all_o these_o wonderful_a privilege_n and_o blessing_n along_o with_o thou_o but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o now_o about_o the_o choice_n but_o the_o change_n of_o our_o religion_n after_o we_o have_v be_v so_o long_o settle_v in_o the_o quiet_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o man_n be_v very_o loath_a to_o change_v even_o a_o false_a religion_n have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o god_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v tenacious_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a we_o have_v the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n the_o very_a same_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n reveal_v which_o the_o apostle_n plant_v and_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n and_o which_o the_o noble_a army_n of_o martyr_n seal_v with_o their_o blood_n and_o we_o have_v retrench_v from_o it_o all_o false_a doctrine_n and_o superstitious_a practice_n which_o have_v be_v add_v since_o and_o i_o think_v we_o may_v without_o immodesty_n say_v that_o upon_o the_o plain_a square_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o tradition_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o and_o best_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o have_v full_o justify_v our_o religion_n and_o make_v it_o evident_a to_o the_o world_n that_o our_o adversary_n be_v put_v to_o very_o hard_a shift_n and_o upon_o a_o perpetual_a disadvantage_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o they_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o we_o to_o justify_v our_o life_n as_o our_o religion_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v in_o comparison_n of_o our_o adversary_n for_o that_o as_o bad_a as_o we_o be_v i_o hope_v we_o be_v yet_o able_a to_o do_v but_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n from_o which_o we_o be_v infinite_o swerve_v which_o i_o will_v to_o god_n we_o all_o do_v serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n i_o say_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o expectation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n joshua_n xxiv_o 15._o and_o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v these_o word_n as_o i_o have_v already_o declare_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n be_v the_o last_o counsel_n and_o advice_n which_o joshua_n give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n after_o he_o have_v safe_o conduct_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o that_o he_o may_v more_o effectual_o persuade_v they_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n by_o a_o eloquent_a kind_n of_o insinuation_n he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v once_o more_o set_v they_o at_o liberty_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o which_o word_n may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o proposition_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n yet_o it_o have_v those_o real_a advantage_n on_o its_o side_n that_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v refer_v to_o any_o impartial_a and_o considerate_a man_n choice_n if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n intimate_v that_o to_o some_o person_n and_o upon_o some_o account_n it_o may_v seem_v so_o but_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v thorough_o examine_v the_o resolution_n and_o choice_n can_v be_v difficult_a nor_o require_v any_o long_a deliberation_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v the_o true_a religion_n have_v always_o lie_v under_o some_o prejudices_fw-la with_o partial_a arid_a inconsiderate_a man_n arise_v chief_o from_o these_o two_o cause_n the_o prepossession_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o the_o contrariety_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n and_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o it_o in_o point_n of_o practice_n first_o from_o the_o prepossession_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n which_o have_v always_o be_v wont_a to_o lay_v claim_n to_o antiquity_n and_o universality_n and_o to_o charge_v the_o true_a religion_n with_o novelty_n and_o singularity_n and_o both_o these_o be_v intimate_v before_o the_o text_n put_v away_o the_o god_n who_o your_o father_n serve_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o in_o egypt_n and_o choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n be_v the_o ancient_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n of_o those_o great_a nation_n the_o egyptian_n and_o chaldean_n and_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o but_o this_o have_v already_o be_v consider_v at_o large_a second_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la against_o religion_n more_o apt_a to_o stick_v with_o man_n of_o better_a sense_n and_o reason_n and_o these_o arise_v principal_o from_o the_o contrariety_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n and_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o it_o in_o point_n of_o practice_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o heavy_a yoke_n and_o lay_v too_o great_a a_o restraint_n upon_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o it_o bear_v too_o hard_o upon_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a meddle_v with_o the_o speculative_a objection_n against_o religion_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o pretend_a unreasonableness_n of_o many_o thing_n in_o point_n of_o belief_n because_o the_o contrariety_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n and_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o it_o in_o point_n of_o practice_n be_v that_o which_o in_o truth_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o atheism_n and_o insidelity_n and_o raise_v all_o that_o animosity_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o bad_a man_n against_o religion_n and_o exasperate_v they_o to_o oppose_v it_o with_o all_o their_o wit_n and_o malice_n man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o if_o this_o prejudice_n be_v but_o once_o remove_v and_o man_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n reconcile_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n the_o speculative_a objection_n against_o it_o will_v almost_o vanish_v of_o themselves_o for_o there_o want_v little_a else_o to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o answer_v they_o but_o a_o willingness_n of_o mind_n to_o have_v they_o answer_v and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o interest_n and_o inclination_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v at_o present_v whole_o apply_v myself_o to_o remove_v this_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n from_o the_o contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n and_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o it_o in_o point_n of_o practice_n and_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o objection_n one_a that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n do_v thwart_v the_o natural_a inclination_n of_o man_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o 2_o that_o all_o of_o they_o together_o be_v a_o heavy_a yoke_n and_o do_v lay_v too_o great_a a_o restraint_n upon_o humane_a nature_n entrench_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o pleasure_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o i
key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n that_o be_v do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o render_v it_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v save_v for_o this_o he_o denounce_v a_o terrible_a woe_n against_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n but_o only_o of_o the_o right_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o they_o this_o alone_a be_v a_o horrible_a impiety_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o a_o false_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n but_o much_o great_a to_o forbid_v they_o the_o read_n of_o it_o this_o be_v to_o stop_v knowledge_n at_o the_o very_a fountainhead_n and_o not_o only_o to_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n but_o to_o take_v away_o from_o they_o all_o possibility_n of_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a sacrilege_n than_o to_o rob_v man_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o best_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n of_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n of_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o save_v they_o be_v to_o judge_v they_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o to_o declare_v it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o they_o and_o malicious_o to_o contrive_v the_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o lock_v up_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n from_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n what_o be_v this_o but_o in_o effect_n to_o forbid_v man_n to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o to_o render_v they_o incapable_a of_o know_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n of_o join_v in_o his_o worship_n or_o perform_v any_o part_n of_o it_o or_o receive_v any_o benefit_n or_o edification_n from_o it_o and_o what_o be_v if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n this_o be_v so_o outrageous_a a_o cruelty_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v excuse_v upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v to_o take_v the_o sure_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n in_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v those_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o direct_o to_o thwart_v the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n man_n may_v misâ—â—â—ry_v with_o their_o knowledge_n but_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o it_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v their_o inconvenience_n aâ—â—â—ding_v they_o and_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v aâ—used_v but_o sure_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ruâ—â—â—d_v and_o damn_v for_o fear_n of_o abuse_v their_o knowledge_n or_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o any_o other_o inconvenience_n whatsoever_o beside_o this_o be_v to_o cross_v the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o inspire_a man_n to_o write_v they_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o god_n shall_v send_v this_o great_a light_n of_o his_o word_n into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o priest_n to_o hide_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n and_o not_o rather_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n for_o the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o world_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 15._o 4._o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v hope_n and_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o that_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v prositable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o these_o end_n can_v any_o man_n have_v the_o face_n to_o pretend_v that_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o their_o teacher_n nay_o st._n paul_n express_o tell_v the_o churâ—â—_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o their_o learning_n however_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o be_v not_o now_o permit_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o be_v the_o scripture_n so_o useful_a and_o profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n and_o why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v use_v by_o the_o people_n for_o those_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o most_o know_a and_o learned_a and_o sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n as_o the_o apostle_n there_o tell_v we_o but_o do_v this_o exclude_v their_o be_v profitable_a also_o to_o the_o people_n who_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v to_o stand_v much_o more_o in_o need_n of_o all_o mean_n and_o help_v of_o instruction_n than_o their_o teacher_n and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o 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charge_v and_o exhort_v the_o people_n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o read_v they_o daily_o and_o diligent_o and_o attentive_o and_o i_o challenge_v our_o adversary_n to_o show_v i_o where_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v discourage_v the_o people_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n much_o less_o forbid_v they_o so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o they_o who_o do_v it_o now_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o they_o who_o pretend_v so_o confident_o to_o antiquity_n in_o other_o case_n be_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v against_o they_o in_o this_o though_o they_o have_v ten_o thousand_o schoolman_n on_o their_o side_n yet_o have_v they_o not_o one_o father_n not_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o scripture_n or_o rag_n of_o antiquity_n to_o cover_v their_o nakedness_n in_o this_o point_n with_o great_a reason_n then_o do_v our_o saviour_n denounce_v so_o heavy_a a_o woe_n againd_v such_o teacher_n of_o 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to_o punish_v such_o person_n not_o only_o as_o the_o occasion_n but_o as_o the_o author_n of_o their_o ruin_n for_o who_o can_v judge_v otherwise_o but_o that_o they_o who_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n to_o any_o end_n do_v purposely_o design_n to_o hinder_v they_o of_o attain_v that_o end_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v pretend_v in_o this_o case_n to_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o ignorant_a of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o while_o they_o do_v so_o to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o their_o salvation_n be_v just_a such_o a_o mockery_n as_o if_o one_o of_o you_o that_o be_v a_o master_n shall_v tell_v his_o apprentice_n how_o much_o you_o desire_v he_o shall_v thrive_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v a_o rich_a
people_n nay_o it_o be_v evident_o no_o public_a service_n of_o god_n when_o the_o priest_n only_o understand_v it_o for_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v public_a prayer_n if_o the_o people_n do_v not_o join_v in_o they_o and_o how_o can_v they_o join_v in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v lesson_n of_o scripture_n read_v if_o people_n be_v to_o learn_v nothing_o by_o they_o and_o how_o shall_v they_o learn_v when_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v this_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v pretend_v to_o teach_v a_o man_n greek_n by_o read_v he_o lecture_n every_o day_n out_o of_o a_o arabic_a and_o persian_a book_n of_o which_o he_o understand_v not_o one_o syllable_n ii_o as_o to_o their_o deprive_v rhe_n people_n of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n our_o bless_a saviour_n exhort_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o st._n paul_n charge_v the_o christian_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v dwell_v rich_o in_o 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there_o no_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n then_o in_o the_o scripture_n capable_a of_o be_v wrest_v by_o the_o unstable_a and_o unlearned_a be_v not_o people_n then_o liable_a to_o error_n and_o be_v there_o no_o danger_n of_o heresy_n in_o those_o time_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v their_o great_a objection_n against_o put_v the_o scripture_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v just_a like_o their_o argue_v against_o give_v the_o cup_n to_o the_o laity_n from_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o their_o beard_n lest_o some_o of_o the_o consecrate_a wine_n shall_v be_v spill_v upon_o they_o as_o if_o error_n and_o beard_n be_v inconvenience_n late_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o mankind_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n but_o if_o there_o be_v the_o same_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n in_o all_o age_n this_o reason_n make_v against_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n at_o first_o as_o much_o as_o against_o permit_v they_o the_o use_n of_o they_o now_o and_o in_o truth_n all_o these_o objection_n be_v against_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o that_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v find_v fault_n with_o if_o they_o dare_v be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o any_o body_n hand_n learned_a or_o unlearned_a for_o if_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o any_o none_o be_v so_o capable_a of_o do_v mischief_n with_o it_o as_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n so_o that_o at_o the_o bottom_n if_o they_o will_v speak_v out_o the_o quarrel_n be_v against_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o this_o be_v too_o evident_a by_o the_o counsel_n give_v to_o pope_n julius_n the_o iii_o by_o the_o bishop_n meet_v at_o bononia_n to_o consult_v about_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o roman_a see_v where_o among_o other_o thing_n they_o give_v this_o as_o their_o last_o advice_n and_o as_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a of_o all_o that_o by_o all_o mean_n as_o little_a of_o the_o gospel_n as_o may_v be_v especial_o in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n shall_v be_v read_v to_o the_o people_n and_o that_o little_a which_o be_v in_o the_o mass_n ought_v to_o be_v sufficient_a neither_o shall_v it_o be_v permit_v to_o any_o mortal_a to_o read_v more_o for_o so_o long_o say_v they_o as_o man_n be_v content_v with_o that_o little_a all_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o they_o but_o quite_o otherwise_o since_o more_o be_v common_o read_v and_o speak_v of_o the_o scripture_n they_o give_v this_o remarkable_a testimony_n and_o commendation_n of_o it_o this_o in_o short_a be_v that_o book_n which_o above_o all_o other_o have_v raise_v those_o tempest_n and_o whirlwind_n which_o we_o be_v almost_o carry_v away_o with_o and_o in_o truth_n if_o any_o one_o diligent_o consider_v it_o and_o compare_v it_o with_o what_o be_v do_v in_o our_o church_n he_o will_v find_v they_o very_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o and_o our_o doctrine_n not_o only_o to_o be_v very_o different_a from_o it_o but_o repugnant_a to_o it_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n they_o do_v like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n prudent_o enough_o in_o their_o generation_n can_v we_o blame_v they_o for_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n when_o the_o scripture_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o clear_o against_o they_o but_o sure_o no_o body_n that_o consider_v these_o thing_n will_v be_v of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o to_o this_o shameful_a confession_n that_o several_a of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v very_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n much_o more_o may_v have_v be_v say_v against_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o these_o two_o particular_n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a i_o shall_v in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v what_o be_v pretend_v for_o they_o and_o indeed_o what_o can_v be_v pretend_v in_o justification_n of_o so_o contumelious_a a_o affront_n to_o mankind_n so_o great_a a_o tyranny_n and_o cruelty_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v god_n forbid_v the_o people_n to_o look_v into_o the_o scripture_n no_o quite_o contrary_a be_v it_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n to_o lay_v this_o restraint_n upon_o man_n or_o to_o celebrate_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n our_o adversary_n themselves_o have_v not_o the_o face_n to_o pretend_v this_o i_o shall_v true_o represent_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o they_o say_v in_o these_o two_o point_n i._o as_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n they_o say_v these_o four_o thing_n for_o themselves_o 1._o that_o the_o people_n do_v exercise_v a_o general_a devotion_n and_o come_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o be_v accept_v though_o they_o do_v not_o particular_o understand_v the_o prayer_n rhat_o be_v make_v and_o the_o lesson_n that_o be_v read_v but_o be_v this_o all_o that_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n do_v not_o st._n paul_n express_o require_v more_o that_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v edify_v by_o the_o particular_a service_n that_o be_v perform_v and_o if_o what_o be_v do_v be_v not_o particular_o understand_v he_o tell_v we_o the_o people_n be_v not_o edify_v nor_o can_v say_v amen_o to_o the_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n that_o be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n and_o that_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v come_v in_o and_o find_v people_n serve_v of_o god_n in_o this_o unprofitable_a and_o unreasonable_a manner_n will_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v mad_a and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o general_a devotion_n in_o the_o people_n it_o be_v because_o in_o general_a they_o understand_v what_o they_o be_v about_o and_o why_o may_v they_o not_o as_o well_o understand_v the_o particular_a service_n that_o be_v perform_v that_o so_o they_o may_v exercise_v a_o particular_a devotion_n so_o that_o they_o be_v devout_a no_o far_o than_o they_o understand_v and_o consequent_o as_o to_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v have_v every_o whit_n as_o good_a be_v absent_a 2._o they_o say_v the_o prayer_n be_v to_o god_n and_o he_o understand_v they_o and_o that_o be_v enough_o but_o what_o harm_n be_v it_o if_o all_o they_o that_o pray_v understand_v they_o also_o or_o indeed_o how_o can_v man_n pray_v to_o god_n without_o understanding_n what_o they_o ask_v of_o he_o be_v not_o prayer_n a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o be_v any_o service_n reasonable_a that_o be_v not_o direct_v by_o our_o understanding_n and_o accompany_v with_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n but_o then_o what_o say_v they_o to_o the_o lesson_n and_o