and_o above_o all_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o excellent_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n let_v we_o hearty_o obey_v that_o doctrine_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v we_o who_o enjoy_v the_o protestant_a religion_n have_v all_o the_o mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n free_a liberty_n and_o full_a scope_n of_o inquire_v into_o it_o and_o inform_v ourselves_o concern_v it_o we_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n we_o can_v wish_v of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n lie_v open_a to_o we_o and_o his_o law_n be_v continual_o before_o our_o eye_n his_o word_n be_v nigh_o unto_o we_o in_o our_o mouth_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v we_o may_v read_v it_o and_o meditate_v upon_o it_o that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v 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be_v lose_v in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o perish_v in_o the_o very_a road_n to_o salvation_n but_o if_o we_o will_v in_o good_a earnest_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n holy_a law_n his_o grace_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o we_o to_o so_o good_a a_o purpose_n i_o have_v not_o time_n to_o recommend_v religion_n to_o you_o at_o large_a with_o all_o its_o advantage_n i_o will_v comprise_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v in_o a_o few_o word_n and_o mind_n they_o at_o your_o peril_n let_v that_o which_o be_v our_o great_a concernment_n be_v our_o great_a care_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v it_o to_o fear_n god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n consider_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o piety_n arid_a virtue_n nothing_o can_v be_v wise_a and_o consider_v the_o mighty_a assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v to_o we_o and_o the_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n and_o delight_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n nothing_o can_v be_v easy_o nothing_o will_v give_v we_o that_o pleasure_n while_o we_o live_v nothing_o can_v minister_v that_o true_a and_o solid_a comfort_n to_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v there_o be_v probable_o no_v such_o way_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o way_n but_o this_o to_o escape_v the_o intolerable_a and_o endless_a misery_n of_o another_o world_n now_o god_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v all_o know_v and_o do_v in_o this_o our_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o kingston_n upon_o thames_n july_n 21._o 1681._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a and_o my_o honour_a friend_n joseph_n reeve_n esq_n high_a sheriff_n of_o the_o county_n of_o surrey_z sir_n when_o i_o have_v perform_v the_o service_n which_o you_o be_v please_v to_o call_v i_o to_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o this_o sermon_n i_o have_v no_o thought_n of_o make_v it_o more_o public_a and_o yet_o in_o this_o also_o i_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o induce_v to_o comply_v with_o your_o desire_n because_o of_o the_o suitableness_n of_o the_o argument_n to_o the_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v wherein_o as_o man_n have_v run_v into_o the_o wild_a extremity_n in_o other_o thing_n so_o particular_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o oath_n some_o make_v conscience_n of_o take_v any_o oath_n at_o all_o and_o too_o many_o none_o at_o all_o of_o break_v they_o to_o convince_v the_o great_a mistake_n of_o the_o one_o extreme_a and_o to_o check_v the_o grow_a evil_a and_o mischief_n of_o the_o other_o be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a if_o by_o god_n blessing_n it_o may_v prove_v any-wise_a serviceable_a i_o be_o sir_n your_o very_a faithful_a and_o humble_a servant_n jo._n tillotson_n the_o lawfulness_n and_o obligation_n of_o oath_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o kingston_n upon_o thames_n july_n 21._o 1681._o heb._n vi_o 16._o and_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o support_n of_o humane_a society_n in_o nothing_o appear_v more_o evident_o than_o in_o this_o that_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o peace_n and_o justice_n among_o man_n depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o sense_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n for_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o any_o man_n that_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n shall_v make_v the_o least_o conscience_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o solemn_a appeal_n to_o god_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o 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 end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o approach_a dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o faith_n and_o truth_n shall_v hardly_o be_v find_v among_o man_n luke_n 18.8_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 this_o state_n of_o thing_n do_v loud_o call_v for_o his_o come_n to_o destroy_v the_o world_n which_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o dissolve_v and_o fall_v in_o piece_n of_o itself_o when_o these_o band_n and_o pillar_n of_o humane_a society_n do_v break_v and_o fail_v and_o sure_o never_o in_o any_o age_n be_v this_o sign_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n more_o glare_a and_o terrible_a than_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n wherein_o we_o live_v when_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n seem_v to_o have_v break_v loose_a from_o all_o obligation_n to_o faith_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o argument_n more_o proper_a and_o useful_a to_o be_v treat_v of_o upon_o this_o occasion_n than_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a security_n that_o one_o man_n can_v give_v to_o another_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v the_o strong_a tie_n of_o fideility_n the_o sure_a ground_n of_o judicial_a proceed_n and_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o sacred_a bond_n that_o can_v be_v lay_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a justice_n upon_o judge_n and_o jury_n and_o witness_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n of_o oath_n among_o man_n a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o they_o a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n he_o have_v say_v before_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 those_o apprehension_n which_o man_n natural_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o by_o the_o clear_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v imprint_v upon_o our_o nature_n because_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o credible_a to_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o and_o what_o not_o but_o by_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o essential_a perfection_n which_o because_o we_o know_v he_o to_o be_v immutable_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v he_o will_v never_o contradict_v and_o by_o these_o principle_n likewise_o we_o be_v to_o interpret_v what_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o when_o any_o doubt_n arise_v concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o we_o 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 he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o ver_fw-la 5._o because_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o to_o turn_v you_o away_o from_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n which_o bring_v you_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n here_o be_v a_o case_n wherein_o a_o false_a prophet_n be_v suppose_v to_o work_v a_o true_a miracle_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o his_o doctrine_n which_o in_o other_o case_n the_o scripture_n make_v the_o sign_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n but_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n he_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o impostor_n because_o the_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v will_v draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n who_o be_v natural_o know_v and_o have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n by_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n so_o that_o a_o miracle_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o
prophet_n who_o teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n who_o only_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v 5._o nothing_o ought_v to_o he_o receive_v as_o a_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o revelation_n without_o good_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o be_v without_o some_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o prudent_a and_o considerate_a man_n now_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o be_v evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n nor_o to_o any_o former_a revelation_n which_o have_v already_o receive_v a_o great_a and_o more_o solemn_a attestation_n from_o god_n miracle_n be_v own_v by_o all_o mankind_n to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o any_o person_n or_o doctrine_n that_o be_v from_o god_n this_o be_v the_o testimony_n which_o god_n give_v to_o moses_n to_o satisfy_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o he_o have_v 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to_o prove_v a_o doctrine_n or_o revelation_n to_o be_v from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o strong_a than_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o because_o all_o assent_n be_v ground_v upon_o evidence_n and_o the_o strong_a and_o clear_a evidence_n always_o carry_v it_o but_o where_o the_o evidence_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n that_o can_v produce_v nothing_o but_o a_o suspense_n and_o doubt_n in_o the_o mind_n whether_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o not_o if_o moses_n have_v not_o confute_v pharaoh_n magician_n by_o work_a miracle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o work_v they_o may_v reasonable_o have_v dispute_v it_o with_o he_o who_o have_v be_v the_o true_a prophet_n but_o when_o he_o do_v work_n plain_o above_o the_o power_n of_o their_o magic_n and_o the_o devil_n to_o do_v than_o they_o submit_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n so_o likewise_o though_o a_o person_n work_v a_o miracle_n which_o ordinary_o be_v a_o good_a 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to_o christian_n in_o general_a or_o to_o some_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n authorise_v by_o god_n to_o judge_v for_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o who_o judgement_n all_o man_n be_v conclude_v and_o bind_v up_o and_o this_o be_v a_o enquiry_n of_o no_o small_a importance_n because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o fundamental_a point_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o however_o in_o many_o particular_a controversy_n as_o concern_v transubstantiation_n the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o business_n of_o indulgence_n the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n the_o worship_n of_o image_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o offer_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v fit_a to_o move_v a_o reasonable_a and_o considerate_a man_n yet_o in_o this_o controversy_n concern_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n they_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o some_o specious_a appearance_n of_o reason_n which_o deserve_v to_o 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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 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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 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