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truth_n eternal_a life_n way_n 4,470 5 5.3302 4 true
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A62570 Of sincerity and constancy in the faith and profession of the true religion, in several sermons by the Most Reverend Dr. John Tillotson ... ; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker. ... Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708. 1695 (1695) Wing T1204; ESTC R17209 175,121 492

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and_o terror_n of_o sense_n our_o faith_n and_o hope_n have_v not_o their_o due_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o we_o if_o they_o do_v not_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o make_v we_o steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o in_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n reason_v himself_o into_o this_o holy_a resolution_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n act_n 24._o 15_o 16._o i_o have_v hope_n say_v he_o towards_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o i_o exercise_v myself_o always_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n vi_o and_o last_o if_o we_o be_v sojourner_n and_o traveller_n in_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v often_o think_v of_o our_o end_n and_o careful_o mind_v the_o way_n to_o it_o our_o end_n be_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o the_o direct_a way_n to_o it_o be_v by_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o in_o itself_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o way_n that_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a man_n can_v hardly_o err_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v and_o train_v out_o of_o it_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o not_o by_o the_o wildfire_n of_o pretend_a illumination_n and_o enthusiasm_n nor_o by_o the_o confident_a pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n that_o will_v needs_o show_v we_o another_o way_n and_o persuade_v we_o to_o follow_v he_o blindfold_a in_o it_o let_v we_o not_o quit_v the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n to_o follow_v any_o guide_n whatsoever_o if_o a_o apostle_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n and_o way_n to_o heaven_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v he_o who_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n when_o he_o be_v consult_v with_o about_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n know_v no_o other_o but_o this_o for_o when_o the_o young_a man_n ask_v he_o good_a master_n what_o good_a thing_n shall_v i_o do_v that_o i_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n his_o answer_n be_v if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o corrupt_a inclination_n within_o and_o powerful_a temptation_n without_o this_o way_n especial_o at_o our_o first_o set_v out_o be_v rugged_a and_o difficult_a so_o our_o lord_n have_v forewarn_v we_o tell_v we_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o that_o there_o be_v few_o that_o find_v it_o therefore_o we_o shall_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o take_v great_a care_n and_o pain_n to_o discern_v the_o right_a way_n and_o to_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o and_o shall_v often_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o david_n do_v psalm_n 119._o 19_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n hide_v not_o thy_o commandment_n from_o i_o and_o psalm_n 139._o 23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a thus_o if_o we_o will_v always_o have_v our_o end_n in_o our_o eye_n it_o will_v both_o be_v a_o direction_n to_o we_o in_o our_o way_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o quicken_v our_o pace_n in_o it_o there_o be_v no_o more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o a_o good_a life_n than_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n shall_v be_v everlasting_a life_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 16._o l._n 26._o r._n compliment_n p._n 28._o l._n 6._o r._n nathanael_n p._n 63._o l._n 20._o after_o so_o deal_n p._n 78._o l._n 19_o r._n providence_n p._n 80._o l._n 4._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 88_o l._n 11._o after_o comparison_n put_v p._n 97._o l._n 26._o r._n farther_z p._n 98._o l._n 16._o r._n fare_v p._n 104._o l._n 15._o r._n establish_v p._n 110._o l._n ult_n deal_n p._n 130._o l._n 15._o r._n sleight_n p._n 142._o l._n 13._o r._n against_o p._n 292._o l._n 1._o r._n infinite_o p._n 295._o l._n 18._o after_o confession_n deal_n p._n 298._o l._n 24._o after_o world_n put_v l._n ult_n after_o man_n put_v a_o full_a point_n p._n 299._o l._n 21._o r._n distrust_n p._n 303._o l._n 9_o after_o god_n put_v l._n 11._o after_o we_o put_v a_o full_a point_n p._n 313._o l._n 8._o r._n sufficient_o p._n 426._o l._n 7._o r._n go_v off_o book_n print_v for_o richard_n chiswell_n dr_n thomas_n tenison_n now_o lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n his_o sermon_n concern_v discretion_n in_o give_v alms._n 1668._o his_o sermon_n against_o self-love_n before_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o 1689._o his_o sermon_n of_o do_v good_a to_o posterity_n before_o their_o majesty_n 1690._o his_o sermon_n concern_v the_o wander_v of_o the_o mind_n in_o god_n service_n before_o the_o queen_n feb._n 15._o 1690._o his_o sermon_n of_o the_o folly_n of_o atheism_n before_o the_o queen_n feb._n 22._o 1690._o his_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o anniversary_n meet_v of_o the_o clergyman_n son_n decemb._n 3._o 1691._o his_o sermon_n concern_v the_o celestial_a body_n of_o a_o christian_a before_o the_o queen_n on_o easter-day_n 1694._o his_o sermon_n concern_v holy_a resolution_n before_o the_o king_n at_o kensington_n decemb._n 30._o 1694_o on_o psal._n 119._o 106._o his_o sermon_n at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o queen_n in_o the_o abby-church_n in_o westminster_n march_v 5._o 1694_o 5._o dr._n burnet_n lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n his_o discourse_n of_o the_o pastoral_n care_n 8vo_fw-la his_o four_o discourse_n deliver_v to_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o sarum_n concern_v i._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ii_o the_o divinity_n and_o death_n of_o christ._n iii_o the_o infallibility_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n iv._o the_o obligation_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 8vo_fw-la 1694._o his_o sermon_n at_o the_o funeral_n of_o archbishop_n tillotson_n 1694._o his_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o st._n james_n chapel_n on_o the_o 10_o of_o february_n 1694_o 5_o be_v the_o first_o sunday_n in_o lent_n on_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 1._o dr._n patrick_n now_o lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_n his_o hearts-ease_n or_o a_o remedy_n against_o all_o trouble_n with_o a_o consolatory_a discourse_n particular_o direct_v to_o those_o who_o have_v lose_v their_o friend_n and_o relation_n to_o which_o be_v add_v two_o paper_n print_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a plague_n the_o six_o edition_n correct_v 12mo_fw-la 1695._o his_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n spread_v abroad_o by_o the_o romish_a priest_n entitle_v the_o touchstone_n of_o the_o reform_a gospel_n wherein_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o many_o text_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v faithful_o explain_v 8vo_fw-la 1692._o his_o eight_o several_a occasional_a sermon_n since_o the_o revolution_n 4to_fw-la his_o exposition_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n 8vo_fw-la a_o vindication_n of_o their_o majesty_n authority_n to_o fill_v the_o see_v of_o deprive_v bishop_n in_o a_o letter_n occasion_v by_o dr._n b_o be_v refusal_n of_o the_o bishopric_n of_o bath_n and_o wells_n 4to_fw-la rushworth_n historical_a collection_n the_o three_o part_n in_o two_o volume_n contain_v the_o principal_a matter_n which_o happen_v from_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o parliament_n nou._n 3._o 1640._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o year_n 1644._o wherein_o be_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o civil_a war_n to_o that_o period_n fol._n 1692._o the_o letter_n of_o the_o reverend_a father_n paul_n counsellor_n of_o state_n to_o the_o most_o serene_a republic_n 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chief_o from_o record_n register_n authentic_a letter_n and_o other_o original_a manuscript_n by_o john_n stripe_n m._n a._n fol._n 1694._o a_o commentary_n on_o the_o first_o book_n of_o moses_n call_v genesis_n by_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n simon_n lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_n 4to_o 1695._o the_o history_n of_o the_o trouble_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n william_n laud_v lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n write_v by_o himself_o during_o his_o imprisonment_n in_o the_o tower_n to_o which_o be_v prefix_v the_o diary_n of_o his_o own_o life_n faithful_o and_o entire_o publish_v from_o the_o original_a copy_n and_o subjoin_v a_o supplement_n to_o the_o precede_a history_n the_o archbishop_n last_o will_n his_o large_a answer_n to_o the_o lord_n say_v speech_n concern_v liturgy_n his_o annual_a account_n of_o his_o province_n deliver_v to_o the_o king_n and_o some_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o history_n publish_a by_o henry_n wharton_n chaplain_n to_o archbishop_n sancroft_n fol._n the_o possibility_n and_o expediency_n and_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n martin_n in_o the_o field_n january_n 7._o 1694_o 5._o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o lecture_n for_o the_o ensue_a year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a rob._n boyle_n esq_n by_o john_n williams_n d._n d._n the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v his_o second_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o say_a lecture_n feb._n 4._o 1695._o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o sermon_n of_o his_o grace_n john_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n concern_v the_o divinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n bishop_n of_o worcester_n sermon_n on_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n from_o the_o exception_n of_o a_o late_a socinian_n book_n entitle_v consideration_n on_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o which_o be_v annex_v a_o letter_n from_o the_o lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o say_a vindication_n on_o the_o same_o subject_a 1695._o 4to_fw-la historia_fw-la de_fw-la episcopis_fw-la &_o decanis_fw-la londinensibus_fw-la necnon_fw-la de_fw-la episcopis_fw-la &_o decanis_fw-la assavensibus_fw-la à_fw-la prima_fw-la utriusque_fw-la fundatione_fw-la ad_fw-la annum_fw-la mdxl._n accessit_fw-la appendix_n instrumentorum_fw-la quorundam_fw-la insignium_fw-la duplex_fw-la autore_fw-la henrico_n whartono_n a._n m._n 8vo_fw-la 1695._o a_o essay_n on_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o late_a queen_n by_o gilbert_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n 8vo_fw-la advertisement_n there_o will_v be_v publish_v several_a sermon_n and_o discourse_n of_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n by_o order_n of_o his_o administratrix_n faithful_o transcribe_v from_o his_o own_o paper_n by_o dr._n ralph_n barker_n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v dispose_v of_o to_o richard_n 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who_o live_v in_o the_o revive_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o be_v possess_v of_o those_o joy_n which_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v understand_v these_o thing_n in_o another_o manner_n and_o have_v a_o more_o perfect_a assurance_n concern_v they_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a spirit_n who_o feel_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o horror_n of_o eternal_a darkness_n do_v believe_v upon_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o have_v other_o kind_n of_o conviction_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o that_o state_n and_o the_o insupportable_a misery_n of_o it_o than_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n 2._o if_o our_o present_a state_n will_v admit_v of_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o assurance_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o such_o a_o overpower_v evidence_n will_v quite_o take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o much_o 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and_o reserve_v for_o we_o in_o another_o place_n which_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v and_o make_v amends_o to_o we_o for_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v how_o fast_o most_o man_n cling_v to_o life_n and_o that_o even_o in_o old_a age_n how_o they_o catch_v at_o every_o twig_n that_o may_v but_o hold_v they_o up_o a_o little_a while_n and_o how_o fond_o they_o hanker_v after_o a_o miserable_a life_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o of_o pleasure_n to_o be_v enjoy_v nothing_o more_o of_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o hope_v for_o in_o it_o when_o they_o be_v just_o put_v in_o to_o the_o port_n and_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v rejoice_v at_o their_o very_a heart_n that_o they_o see_v land_n yet_o how_o glad_a will_v they_o be_v then_o of_o any_o cross_a wind_n that_o will_v carry_v they_o back_o into_o the_o sea_n again_o as_o if_o they_o love_v to_o be_v toss_v and_o be_v fond_a of_o storm_n and_o tempest_n nay_o the_o very_o best_a of_o we_o even_o after_o we_o have_v make_v that_o acknowledgement_n of_o david_n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o sojourner_n with_o thou_o as_o all_o my_o father_n be_v be_v apt_a with_o he_o to_o be_v still_o importune_v god_n for_o a_o little_o long_a life_n o_o spare_v i_o a_o little_a that_o i_o may_v recover_v strength_n before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o and_o when_o god_n have_v grant_v we_o this_o request_n than_o we_o will_v be_v spare_v yet_o a_o little_a long_o but_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o god_n do_v not_o design_n we_o to_o continue_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n make_v it_o so_o uneasy_a to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o leave_v it_o and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o linger_v here_o below_o we_o be_v detain_v from_o our_o happiness_n while_o we_o be_v present_a in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n this_o consideration_n make_v st._n paul_n so_o desirous_a to_o be_v dissolve_v because_o he_o know_v that_o when_o his_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v he_o shall_v have_v a_o much_o better_a habitation_n a_o building_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v he_o so_o full_a of_o joy_n and_o triumph_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o leave_v the_o world_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 6._o i_o be_o now_o ready_a say_v he_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o and_o the_o time_n of_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o in_o that_o day_n nay_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o though_o but_o obscure_o apprehend_v by_o they_o do_v raise_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o better_a heathen_a and_o fill_v they_o with_o great_a joy_n and_o comfort_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o dissolution_n with_o what_o constancy_n and_o evenness_n of_o mind_n do_v socrates_n receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n and_o with_o what_o excellent_a discourse_n do_v he_o entertain_v his_o friend_n just_a before_o he_o drink_v off_o the_o fatal_a cup_n and_o after_o he_o have_v take_v it_o down_o whilst_o death_n be_v gradual_o seize_v upon_o he_o one_o can_v hardly_o without_o a_o very_a sensible_a transport_n read_v cato_n discourse_n concern_v his_o death_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o tully_n in_o his_o book_n of_o old_a age._n i_o be_o say_v he_o transport_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o see_v my_o forefather_n those_o excellent_a person_n of_o who_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o read_v and_o write_a and_o now_o i_o be_o go_v to_o they_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v draw_v back_o into_o this_o world_n again_o quod_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la deus_fw-la mihi_fw-la largiatur_fw-la ut_fw-la ex_fw-la hac_fw-la aetate_fw-la repuerascam_fw-la &_o in_o cunis_fw-la vagiam_fw-la valde_fw-la recusem_fw-la if_o some_o god_n will_v offer_v i_o at_o this_o age_n to_o be_v a_o child_n again_o and_o to_o cry_v in_o the_o cradle_n i_o will_v earnest_o refuse_v it_o and_o upon_o no_o term_n accept_v it_o and_o now_o that_o my_o race_n be_v almost_o run_v and_o my_o course_n just_o finish_v how_o loath_a shall_v i_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v back_o and_o make_v to_o begin_v again_o for_o what_o advantage_n be_v there_o in_o life_n nay_o rather_o what_o labour_n and_o trouble_v be_v there_o not_o in_o it_o but_o let_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v there_o be_v certain_o some_o measure_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o thing_n and_o man_n ought_v to_o know_v when_o they_o have_v enough_o of_o it_o o_o praeclarum_fw-la diem_fw-la cum_fw-la in_o illud_fw-la animorum_fw-la consilium_fw-la caetumque_fw-la proficiscar_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la ex_fw-la hac_fw-la turbâ_fw-la &_o colluvione_fw-la discedam_fw-la o_o bless_a and_o glorious_a day_n when_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o that_o great_a council_n and_o assembly_n of_o spirit_n and_o have_v get_v out_o of_o this_o tumult_n and_o sink_v and_o if_o a_o heathen_a who_o have_v but_o some_o obscure_a glimmering_n of_o another_o life_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a state_n of_o depart_a soul_n can_v speak_v thus_o cheerful_o of_o death_n how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o who_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o who_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n v._o we_o shall_v always_o prefer_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o all_o the_o world_n because_o it_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n infinite_o more_o valuable_a if_o so_o be_v our_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o do_v survive_v in_o another_o world_n and_o we_o must_v there_o give_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o all_o the_o action_n do_v by_o we_o in_o this_o life_n and_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a to_o the_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o they_o be_v evil._n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v concern_v the_o case_n of_o deny_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffer_v and_o death_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v tempt_v by_o temporal_a interest_n and_o advantage_n or_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o present_a loss_n and_o suffer_v to_o deny_v or_o dissemble_v our_o religion_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v sinful_a in_o any_o kind_n and_o contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o conscience_n let_v we_o ask_v ourselves_o what_o will_v be_v the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o what_o if_o for_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o what_o they_o can_v do_v to_o i_o i_o incur_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n this_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v and_o these_o frown_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o terrible_a than_o the_o bitter_a wrath_n and_o cruel_a malice_n of_o men._n what_o if_o to_o preserve_v this_o frail_a and_o mortal_a body_n i_o shall_v evident_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o my_o immortal_a soul_n and_o to_o escape_v a_o temporal_a inconvenience_n i_o forfeit_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o plunge_v myself_o into_o eternal_a misery_n and_o ruin_n will_v not_o this_o be_v a_o wild_a bargain_n and_o a_o mad_a exchange_n for_o any_o temporal_a gain_n and_o advantage_n to_o lose_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v eternal_a and_o for_o the_o please_a of_o ourselves_o for_o a_o little_a while_n to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a for_o ever_o if_o we_o confess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n concern_v a_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o hope_v to_o arrive_v after_o the_o few_o and_o evil_a day_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n be_v over_o let_v we_o not_o by_o comply_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o stranger_n and_o the_o vicious_a custom_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o evil_a world_n bar_v ourselves_o of_o our_o hope_n and_o banish_v ourselves_o from_o that_o happy_a place_n to_o which_o we_o all_o profess_v we_o be_v go_v we_o pretend_v to_o be_v travel_v towards_o heaven_n but_o if_o we_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n we_o destroy_v our_o own_o hope_n of_o ever_o arrive_v at_o that_o happy_a port._n we_o do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o our_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n if_o the_o unseen_a glory_n of_o another_o world_n do_v not_o raise_v we_o above_o all_o the_o temptation_n
another_o but_o truth_n be_v always_o consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o needs_o nothing_o to_o help_v it_o out_o it_o be_v always_o near_o at_o hand_n and_o sit_v upon_o our_o lip_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o drop_v out_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a whereas_o a_o lie_n be_v troublesome_a and_o set_v a_o man_n invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n and_o one_o trick_n needs_o a_o great_a many_o more_o to_o make_v it_o good_a it_o be_v like_a building_n upon_o a_o false_a foundation_n which_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o prop_n to_o shore_n it_o up_o and_o prove_v at_o last_o more_o chargeable_a than_o to_o have_v raise_v a_o substantial_a building_n at_o first_o upon_o a_o true_a and_o solid_a foundation_n for_o sincerity_n be_v firm_a and_o substantial_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o hollow_a and_o unsound_a in_o it_o and_o because_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a fear_v no_o discovery_n of_o which_o the_o crafty_a man_n be_v always_o in_o danger_n and_o when_o he_o think_v he_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a all_o his_o pretence_n be_v so_o transparent_a that_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o he_o be_v the_o last_o man_n that_o find_v himself_o to_o be_v find_v out_o and_o whilst_o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o make_v fool_n of_o other_o he_o render_v himself_o ridiculous_a add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o sincerity_n be_v the_o most_o compendious_a wisdom_n and_o a_o excellent_a instrument_n for_o the_o speedy_a dispatch_n of_o business_n it_o create_v confidence_n in_o those_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o save_v the_o labour_n of_o many_o inquiry_n and_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o issue_n in_o few_o word_n it_o be_v like_o travel_v in_o a_o plain_a beat_a road_n which_o common_o bring_v a_o man_n soon_o to_o his_o journey_n end_v than_o byway_n in_o which_o man_n often_o lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o convenience_n may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v in_o falsehood_n and_o dissimulation_n it_o be_v soon_o over_o but_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o be_v perpetual_a because_o it_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o a_o everlasting_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o believe_v when_o he_o speak_v truth_n nor_o trust_v when_o perhaps_o he_o mean_v honest_o when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o forfeit_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o integrity_n he_o be_v set_v fast_o and_o nothing_o will_v then_o serve_v his_o turn_n neither_o truth_n nor_o falsehood_n and_o i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o god_n have_v in_o great_a wisdom_n hide_v from_o man_n of_o false_a and_o dishonest_a mind_n the_o wonderful_a advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o integrity_n to_o the_o prosperity_n even_o of_o our_o worldly_a affair_n these_o man_n be_v so_o blind_v by_o their_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n that_o they_o can_v look_v beyond_o a_o present_a advantage_n nor_o forbear_v to_o seize_v upon_o it_o though_o by_o way_n never_o so_o indirect_a they_o can_v see_v so_o far_o as_o to_o the_o remote_a consequence_n of_o a_o steady_a integrity_n and_o the_o vast_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o it_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n at_o last_o be_v but_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n wise_a and_o clear-sighted_a enough_o to_o discern_v this_o they_o will_v be_v honest_a out_o of_o very_a knavery_n not_o out_o of_o any_o love_n to_o honesty_n and_o virtue_n but_o with_o a_o crafty_a design_n to_o promote_v and_o advance_v more_o effectual_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o therefore_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v hide_v this_o true_a point_n of_o wisdom_n from_o their_o eye_n that_o bad_a man_n may_v not_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o the_o just_a and_o upright_a and_o serve_v their_o own_o wicked_a design_n by_o honest_a and_o lawful_a mean_n indeed_o if_o a_o man_n be_v only_o to_o deal_v in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o day_n and_o shall_v never_o have_v occasion_n to_o converse_v more_o with_o mankind_n never_o more_o need_v their_o good_a opinion_n or_o good_a word_n it_o be_v then_o no_o great_a matter_n speak_v as_o to_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o world_n if_o a_o man_n spend_v his_o reputation_n all_o at_o once_o and_o venture_v it_o at_o one_o throw_v but_o if_o he_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n and_o will_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o conversation_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o it_o let_v he_o make_v use_n of_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n in_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n for_o nothing_o but_o this_o will_v last_v and_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n all_o other_o art_n will_v fail_v but_o truth_n and_o integrity_n will_v carry_v a_o man_n through_o and_o bear_v he_o out_o to_o the_o last_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o solomon_n prov._n 12._o 19_o the_o lip_n of_o truth_n be_v establish_v for_o ever_o but_o a_o lie_a tongue_n be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o the_o wise_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o clear_o will_v he_o discern_v how_o serviceable_a sincerity_n be_v to_o all_o the_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o that_o man_n have_v make_v a_o good_a progress_n and_o profit_v much_o in_o the_o school_n of_o wisdom_n who_o value_v truth_n and_o sincerity_n according_a to_o their_o worth_n every_o man_n will_v ready_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v great_a virtue_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o generous_a mind_n but_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o true_a wisdom_n in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o real_o serve_v to_o profit_v our_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n seem_v a_o great_a paradox_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a and_o general_o find_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n last_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o dissemble_v consider_v the_o shortness_n and_o especial_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o be_v so_o cunning_a when_o our_o abode_n in_o this_o world_n be_v so_o short_a and_o uncertain_a why_o shall_v any_o man_n by_o dissemble_v his_o judgement_n or_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o incur_v at_o once_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o the_o discontent_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o our_o dissimulation_n shall_v one_o day_n be_v make_v manifest_a and_o publish_v on_o the_o open_a theatre_n of_o the_o world_n before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n to_o our_o everlasting_a shame_n and_o confusion_n all_o disguise_n and_o vizard_n shall_v then_o be_v pluck_v off_o and_o every_o man_n shall_v appear_v in_o his_o true_a colour_n for_o then_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v and_o god_n will_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n and_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil._n nothing_o be_v now_o cover_v which_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v reveal_v nor_o hide_v which_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v know_v let_v we_o then_o be_v now_o what_o we_o will_v 〈◊〉_d glad_a to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o day_n when_o all_o pretence_n shall_v be_v examine_v and_o the_o close_a hypocrisy_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o dash_v out_o of_o countenance_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v and_o all_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o darkness_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o strict_a and_o severe_a trial_n and_o be_v censure_v by_o that_o impartial_a and_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_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 glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n mdclxxxvi_o before_o the_o princess_n ann._n heb._n xi_o 17_o 18_o 19_o by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n and_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a begotton_n son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v account_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n the_o design_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v to_o recommend_v to_o they_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v but_o new_o convert_v and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o constancy_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o suffering_n which_o attend_v it_o he_o set_v before_o they_o in_o this_o chapter_n several_a example_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o those_o who_o tho_o they_o be_v under_o a_o much_o more_o imperfect_a dispensation_n yet_o by_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n in_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n have_v perform_v such_o wonderful_a act_n of_o
to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o intricate_a and_o perplex_v a_o case_n the_o constancy_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o obstinate_a and_o stubborn_a persuasion_n but_o the_o result_n of_o the_o wise_a reason_n and_o sober_a consideration_n so_o the_o text_n say_v that_o he_o count_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o he_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o himself_o and_o give_v himself_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n and_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a command_n he_o resolve_v to_o obey_v it_o as_o for_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v mention_v 1._o the_o horrid_a appearance_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o father_n shall_v slay_v his_o innocent_a son_n why_o shall_v abraham_n scruple_n the_o do_v this_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o life_n have_v power_n over_o it_o and_o may_v resume_v what_o he_o have_v give_v and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n when_o he_o will_v and_o make_v who_o he_o please_v instrument_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o command_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o hard_a case_n consider_v natural_a affection_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v execute_v but_o the_o question_n of_o god_n right_a over_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o of_o his_o authority_n to_o command_v any_o man_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o his_o pleasure_n in_o such_o a_o case_n admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n and_o the_o god_n have_v plant_v strong_a affection_n in_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n yet_o he_o have_v write_v no_o law_n in_o any_o man_n heart_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o own_o sovereign_n right_o this_o be_v a_o case_n always_o except_v and_o this_o take_v away_o the_o objection_n of_o injustice_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o scandal_n of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v no_o great_a objection_n in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o parent_n over_o their_o child_n be_v in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o they_o may_v put_v they_o to_o death_n without_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o so_o that_o then_o it_o be_v no_o such_o startle_a matter_n to_o hear_v of_o a_o father_n put_v his_o child_n to_o death_n nay_o in_o much_o late_a time_n we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o most_o ancient_a law_n of_o the_o roman_n i_o mean_v those_o of_o the_o 12_o table_n child_n be_v absolute_o put_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o parent_n to_o who_o be_v give_v jus_o aquavitae_fw-la &_o necis_fw-la a_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n over_o they_o and_o likewise_o to_o sell_v they_o for_o slave_n and_o though_o among_o the_o jew_n this_o paternal_a power_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o life_n and_o death_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o father_n hand_n except_o in_o case_n of_o contumacy_n and_o rebellion_n and_o even_o in_o that_o case_n the_o process_n be_v to_o be_v before_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o city_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o elder_a time_n the_o paternal_a power_n be_v more_o absolute_a and_o unaccountable_a which_o take_v off_o much_o from_o the_o horror_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o it_o appear_v now_o to_o we_o who_o have_v no_o such_o power_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o history_n that_o this_o objection_n do_v much_o stick_n with_o abraham_n it_o be_v then_o no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o a_o father_n to_o put_v his_o child_n to_o death_n upon_o a_o just_a account_n and_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o have_v absolute_a dominion_n over_o the_o live_v of_o his_o creature_n be_v certain_o a_o just_a reason_n and_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o that_o upon_o the_o command_n of_o god_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o action_n to_o any_o but_o god_n only_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o objection_n from_o the_o horrible_a consequence_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v that_o the_o slay_v of_o isaac_n seem_v to_o overthrow_v the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v before_o to_o abraham_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v this_o seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o here_o he_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n to_o reconcile_v the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o this_o command_n of_o god_n to_o his_o former_a promise_n so_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o though_o isaac_n be_v put_v to_o death_n yet_o he_o see_v how_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n may_v still_o be_v make_v good_a by_o his_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o live_v afterward_o to_o have_v a_o numerous_a posterity_n there_o have_v then_o indeed_o be_v no_o instance_n or_o example_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a which_o make_v abraham_n faith_n the_o more_o wonderful_a but_o he_o confirm_v himself_o in_o this_o belief_n by_o a_o example_n as_o near_o the_o case_n as_o may_v be_v he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n this_o i_o know_v be_v by_o interpreter_n general_o understand_v of_o isaac_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o jaw_n of_o death_n when_o he_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v slay_v but_o the_o text_n seem_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o what_o happen_v after_o but_o of_o something_o that_o have_v pass_v before_o by_o which_o abraham_n confirm_v himself_o in_o this_o pervasion_n that_o if_o he_o be_v slay_v god_n will_v raise_v he_o up_o again_o and_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aught_o to_o be_v render_v in_o the_o past_a time_n from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n so_o that_o this_o expression_n plain_o refer_v to_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o isaac_n when_o his_o parent_n be_v pass_v the_o age_n of_o have_v child_n which_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o rom._n 4._o 17._o abraham_n believe_v god_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a and_o call_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v and_o not_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n which_o be_v dead_a and_o a_o little_a before_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o isaac_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o and_o he_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n from_o whence_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o abraham_n reason_v thus_o that_o god_n who_o give_v he_o isaac_n at_o first_o in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n be_v able_a by_o another_o miracle_n to_o restore_v he_o to_o life_n again_o after_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o abraham_n faith_n he_o pitch_v upon_o the_o main_a difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n and_o he_o answer_v it_o as_o well_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o in_o his_o reason_n about_o this_o matter_n he_o give_v the_o utmost_a weight_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o to_o make_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n consistent_a with_o one_o another_o and_o this_o though_o he_o have_v a_o great_a interest_n and_o a_o very_a tender_a concernment_n of_o his_o own_o to_o have_v bias_v he_o for_o he_o may_v have_v argue_v with_o great_a appearance_n and_o probability_n the_o other_o way_n but_o as_o every_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n shall_v do_v he_o reason_v on_o god_n side_n and_o favour_v that_o part_n rather_o than_o disobey_v a_o command_n of_o god_n or_o believe_v that_o his_o promise_n shall_v be_v frustrate_a he_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v credible_a and_o possible_a how_o improbable_a soever_o thus_o far_o faith_n will_v go_v but_o no_o far_o from_o the_o believe_a of_o plain_a contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n it_o always_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v thus_o much_o for_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o hope_n have_v not_o be_v altogether_o unprofitable_a because_o it_o tend_v to_o clear_v a_o point_n which_o
have_v something_o of_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o it_o and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n therein_o contain_v from_o one_o of_o the_o most_o specious_a objection_n of_o infidelity_n but_o i_o have_v a_o far_a design_n in_o this_o text_n and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n and_o inference_n from_o it_o that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o as_o first_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o clear_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o if_o abraham_n have_v not_o be_v full_o and_o past_o all_o doubt_n assure_v that_o this_o be_v a_o command_n from_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v spare_v his_o son_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v that_o those_o to_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v immediate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v divine_a otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o how_o man_n be_v assure_v concern_v divine_a revelation_n make_v to_o they_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o to_o other_o only_a these_o two_o thing_n we_o be_v sure_a of_o 1._o that_o god_n can_v work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o reveal_v and_o that_o such_o a_o revelation_n be_v from_o he_o this_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o that_o consider_v the_o great_a power_n and_o influence_n which_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o perfect_o know_v our_o frame_n must_v needs_o have_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n 2._o that_o god_n never_o offer_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o man_n belief_n that_o plain_o contradict_v the_o natural_a and_o essential_a notion_n of_o his_o mind_n because_o this_o will_v be_v for_o god_n to_o destroy_v his_o own_o workmanship_n and_o to_o impose_v that_o upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n which_o whilst_o it_o remain_v what_o it_o be_v it_o can_v 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of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n of_o their_o seven_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o then_o several_a of_o their_o practice_n as_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n of_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_a and_o several_a other_o thing_n so_o plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o practice_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o almost_o the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v easy_o be_v make_v sensible_a and_o convince_v of_o it_o these_o be_v sore_a place_n which_o they_o desire_v not_o to_o have_v touch_v and_o therefore_o they_o use_v all_o possible_a artifice_n to_o keep_v man_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o partly_o because_o the_o particular_a discussion_n of_o they_o be_v tedious_a and_o it_o require_v more_o than_o ordinary_a skill_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v tenable_a for_o they_o and_o so_o to_o paint_v and_o varnish_v they_o over_o as_o to_o hide_v the_o corruption_n and_o deformity_n of_o they_o but_o chief_o because_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o as_o in_o all_o these_o point_n they_o be_v upon_o the_o defensive_a so_o they_o be_v also_o upon_o very_o great_a disadvantage_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a be_v trouble_v with_o they_o they_o have_v devise_v this_o short_a and_o easy_a and_o more_o convenient_a way_n of_o make_v proselyte_n not_o that_o they_o be_v always_o able_a to_o keep_v themselves_o thus_o within_o their_o trench_n but_o be_v sometime_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o draw_v out_o to_o encounter_n some_o of_o these_o objection_n but_o they_o ride_v themselves_o of_o they_o as_o soon_o and_o as_o dexterous_o as_o they_o can_v by_o tell_v those_o that_o make_v they_o that_o they_o will_v hereafter_o give_v they_o full_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o these_o matter_n when_o they_o be_v get_v over_o the_o first_o and_o main_a enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n for_o if_o they_o can_v keep_v they_o to_o this_o point_n and_o gain_v they_o to_o it_o they_o can_v deal_v with_o they_o more_o easy_o in_o the_o rest_n for_o when_o they_o can_v once_o swallow_v this_o principle_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o as_o they_o have_v tell_v they_o all_o along_o infallible_a this_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n once_o entertain_v will_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a error_n and_o mistake_v and_o it_o will_v very_o much_o help_v to_o cure_v the_o weakness_n and_o defect_n of_o some_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o at_o least_o to_o silence_n and_o over-rule_v all_o objection_n against_o they_o so_o that_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o method_n be_v visible_o and_o at_o first_o sight_n very_o great_a and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n they_o be_v so_o steady_a and_o constant_a to_o it_o and_o do_v so_o obstinate_o insist_v upon_o it_o but_o how_o convenient_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o they_o it_o be_v i_o be_o sure_a very_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o account_n 1._o because_o the_o true_a church_n do_v not_o constitute_v and_o make_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n the_o profession_n whereof_o make_v the_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n the_o first_o enquiry_n must_v be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o by_o he_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o publish_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o their_o write_n transmit_v and_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v find_v every_o society_n of_o christian_n which_o hold_v this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o true_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o all_o the_o christian_n throughout_o the_o world_n that_o agree_v in_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n 2._o the_o enquiry_n about_o the_o true_a church_n can_v have_v no_o issue_n even_o according_a to_o their_o own_o way_n of_o proceed_v without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n the_o communion_n whereof_o they_o will_v persuade_v a_o man_n to_o embrace_v we_o will_v admit_v at_o present_a this_o to_o be_v the_o first_o enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n let_v we_o now_o see_v in_o what_o way_n they_o manage_v this_o to_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o their_o church_n they_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ._n the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n we_o will_v particular_o examine_v afterward_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o next_o step_n of_o their_o method_n in_o deal_v with_o their_o convert_v at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n in_o the_o general_n what_o way_n they_o take_v to_o prove_v this_o assertion_n namely_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n which_o they_o call_v their_o motive_n of_o credibility_n because_o by_o these_o they_o design_v to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o one_o true_a catholic_n church_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n which_o they_o give_v of_o the_o true_a church_n but_o only_o observe_v that_o one_o of_o their_o principal_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v this_o that_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n i._n e._n to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o this_o bellarmine_n make_v one_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o they_o must_v unavoidable_o make_v it_o so_o because_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o indeed_o constitute_v the_o true_a church_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o essential_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n then_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o know_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n till_o he_o have_v examine_v the_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o the_o agreement_n of_o they_o with_o the_o primitive_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o this_o necessary_o draw_v on_o and_o engage_v they_o in_o a_o dispute_n of_o the_o particular_a point_n and_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n they_o will_v avoid_v by_o this_o method_n and_o which_o i_o have_v now_o plain_o show_v they_o can_v do_v because_o they_o can_v possible_o prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n without_o show_v the_o conformity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o this_o will_v give_v they_o work_v enough_o and_o will_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o draw_v they_o out_o of_o their_o hold_n and_o fastness_n which_o be_v to_o amuse_v people_n with_o a_o general_a enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n without_o descend_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n but_o this_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n come_v to_o before_o they_o can_v prove_v by_o the_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o their_o method_n of_o satisfaction_n as_o it_o be_v unnatural_a and_o unreasonable_a so_o it_o can_v serve_v the_o purpose_n they_o aim_v at_o by_o it_o which_o be_v to_o divert_v man_n from_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o particular_a point_n in_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o we_o and_o to_o gain_v they_o over_o to_o they_o by_o a_o wile_n and_o trick_n because_o the_o very_a method_n they_o take_v to_o prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n will_v enforce_v they_o to_o justify_v all_o their_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n before_o they_o can_v finish_v this_o proof_n and_o here_o we_o fix_v our_o foot_n that_o the_o single_a question_n and_o point_n upon_o which_o they_o will_v put_v the_o whole_a issue_n of_o the_o matter_n can_v possible_o be_v bring_v to_o any_o reasonable_a issue_n without_o a_o particular_a discussion_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o point_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o their_o church_n and_o we_o and_o when_o they_o can_v make_v out_o these_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o primitive_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n
the_o reason_n which_o the_o learned_a man_n give_v why_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n depart_v be_v not_o practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v a_o plain_a acknowledgement_n that_o these_o practice_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o idolatry_n for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o christian_n do_v then_o forbear_v those_o practice_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o come_v too_o near_o to_o the_o pagan_a idolatry_n and_o lest_o the_o heathen_a shall_v have_v take_v occasion_n to_o have_v justify_v themselves_o if_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v practise_v among_o christian_n and_o they_o can_v now_o be_v ignorant_a what_o scandal_n they_o give_v by_o these_o practice_n both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o how_o much_o they_o alienate_v they_o from_o christianity_n by_o this_o scandal_n nor_o can_v they_o choose_v but_o be_v sensible_a upon_o how_o great_a disadvantage_n they_o be_v in_o defend_v these_o practice_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o idolatry_n and_o that_o by_o all_o their_o blind_a distinction_n with_o which_o they_o raise_v such_o a_o cloud_n and_o dust_n they_o can_v hardly_o make_v any_o plausible_a and_o tolerable_a defence_n of_o themselves_o from_o this_o charge_n insomuch_o that_o to_o secure_v their_o own_o people_n from_o discern_v their_o gild_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o that_o shameful_a shift_n of_o leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o their_o common_a catechism_n and_o manual_n lest_o the_o people_n see_v so_o plain_a a_o law_n of_o god_n against_o so_o common_a a_o practice_n of_o their_o church_n shall_v upon_o that_o discovery_n have_v break_v off_o from_o they_o 5._o nor_o be_v our_o religion_n encumber_a with_o such_o a_o endless_a number_n of_o superstitious_a and_o troublesome_a observance_n as_o they_o infiinte_o be_v even_o beyond_o the_o number_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n to_o the_o great_a burden_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o divert_v of_o man_n mind_n from_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n a_o devout_a pastor_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o external_a rite_n and_o little_a observance_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o have_v little_a or_o no_o time_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o good_a man_n and_o to_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v his_o mind_n in_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n 6._o our_o religion_n be_v evident_o more_o charitable_a to_o all_o christian_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o particular_o to_o they_o who_o by_o their_o uncharitableness_n to_o we_o have_v do_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a to_o discharge_v and_o damp_n our_o charity_n towards_o they_o and_o charity_n as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a so_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o best_a mark_n and_o ornament_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o methinks_v the_o want_n of_o charity_n in_o any_o church_n shall_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o no_o man_n to_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o it_o and_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o its_o communion_n 7._o our_o religion_n do_v not_o clash_n and_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o the_o great_a moral_a duty_n to_o which_o all_o mankind_n stand_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o fidelity_n mercy_n and_o truth_n we_o do_v not_o teach_v man_n to_o break_v faith_n with_o heretic_n or_o infidel_n nor_o to_o destroy_v and_o extirpate_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o with_o fire_n and_o sword_n no_o such_o thing_n as_o equivocation_n or_o mental_a reservation_n or_o any_o other_o artificial_a way_n of_o falsehood_n be_v either_o teach_v or_o maintain_v either_o by_o the_o doctrine_n or_o by_o the_o casuist_n of_o our_o church_n 8._o our_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v perfect_o consistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o humane_a society_n we_o neither_o exempt_v the_o clergy_n from_o subjection_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n nor_o absolve_v subject_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o from_o allegiance_n to_o their_o prince_n both_o which_o point_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o other_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o stiff_o maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o by_o private_a doctor_n but_o by_o pope_n and_o general_a council_n 9_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n whereas_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o erroneous_a doctrine_n with_o which_o we_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v plain_o calculate_v to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o dominion_n the_o pope_n kingdom_n be_v plain_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o maxim_n of_o it_o like_v so_o many_o servant_n be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o fight_v for_o he_o for_o most_o of_o they_o do_v plain_o tend_v either_o to_o the_o establishment_n and_o enlargement_n of_o his_o authority_n or_o to_o the_o magnify_v of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o give_v they_o a_o perfect_a power_n over_o the_o conscienees_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o slavish_a subjection_n and_o blind_a obedience_n to_o they_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v plain_o tend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o exempt_n the_o clergy_n from_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v the_o priest_n a_o great_a man_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o people_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v make_v god_n as_o they_o love_v to_o express_v it_o without_o all_o reason_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o like_a tendency_n be_v the_o communicate_v of_o the_o laity_n only_o in_o one_o kind_n thereby_o make_v it_o the_o sole_a privilege_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o both_o the_o withhold_a the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n and_o celebrate_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o their_o teacher_n these_o do_v all_o direct_o tend_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o ignorance_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o teacher_n so_o likewise_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o the_o save_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o doctrine_n the_o people_n do_v upon_o the_o matter_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o good_a will_n of_o the_o priest_n as_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o their_o salvation_n but_o above_o all_o their_o doctrine_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a and_o private_a confession_n of_o all_o mortal_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o this_o not_o only_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o direction_n of_o their_o conscience_n but_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o have_v their_o sin_n pardon_v and_o forgive_v by_o god_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o people_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o fault_n scire_fw-la volunt_fw-la secreta_fw-la domus_fw-la atque_fw-la inde_fw-la timeri_fw-la or_o else_o their_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n and_o the_o enrich_n of_o their_o church_n as_o their_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n and_o indulgence_n and_o their_o prayer_n and_o mass_n for_o the_o dead_a and_o many_o more_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n plain_o do_v 10._o our_o religion_n be_v free_a from_o all_o disingenuous_a and_o dishonest_a art_n of_o maintain_v and_o support_v itself_o such_o be_v clip_v of_o ancient_a author_n nay_o and_o even_o the_o author_n and_o writer_n of_o their_o own_o church_n when_o they_o speak_v too_o free_o of_o any_o point_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o indices_fw-la expurgatorii_n which_o much_o against_o their_o will_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o light_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v these_o three_o gross_a forgery_n which_o lie_v all_o at_o their_o door_n and_o they_o can_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v so_o 1._o the_o pretend_a canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o the_o case_n of_o appeal_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o african_a church_n upon_o which_o they_o insist_v a_o great_a while_n very_o confident_o till_o at_o last_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o authentic_a copy_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o that_o council_n 2._o constantine_n donation_n to_o the_o pope_n which_o they_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n with_o till_o the_o forgery_n of_o it_o
be_v discover_v 3._o the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o ancient_a pope_n a_o large_a volume_n of_o forgery_n compile_v by_o isidore_n mercator_n to_o countenance_v the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v great_a use_n for_o several_a age_n and_o pertinacious_o defend_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o till_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o their_o own_o church_n have_v at_o last_o be_v force_v for_o very_a shame_n to_o disclaim_v they_o and_o to_o confess_v the_o imposture_n of_o they_o a_o like_a instance_n whereto_o be_v not_o i_o hope_v to_o be_v show_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o slight_a of_o man_n such_o as_o gamester_n use_v at_o dice_n for_o to_o allege_v false_a and_o forge_a author_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o play_v with_o false_a dice_n when_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n lie_v at_o stake_n 11._o our_o religion_n have_v this_o mighty_a advantage_n that_o it_o do_v not_o decline_v trial_n and_o examination_n which_o to_o any_o man_n of_o ingenuity_n must_v needs_o appear_v a_o very_a good_a sign_n of_o a_o honest_a cause_n but_o if_o any_o church_n be_v shy_a of_o have_v her_o religion_n examine_v and_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n bring_v into_o the_o open_a light_n this_o give_v just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o she_o have_v some_o distrust_n of_o they_o for_o truth_n do_v not_o seek_v corner_n nor_o shun_v the_o light_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o who_o they_o be_v that_o love_n darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v viz._n they_o who_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o say_v he_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v he_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v and_o make_v manifest_a there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o render_v a_o religion_n suspect_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n than_o to_o see_v those_o who_o profess_v it_o and_o make_v such_o 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be_v convey_v be_v uncertain_a and_o we_o may_v say_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o another_o case_n then_o be_v our_o preach_a vain_a and_o your_o faith_n also_o be_v vain_a last_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o particular_n as_o to_o several_a thing_n use_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o be_v on_o the_o much_o safe_a side_n if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o than_o they_o be_v if_o they_o shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o lawful_a to_o permit_v to_o the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n otherwise_o we_o must_v condemn_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o allow_v this_o liberty_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o have_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n celebrate_v in_o a_o language_n which_o all_o that_o join_v in_o it_o can_v understand_v it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o people_n in_o both_o kind_n otherwise_o the_o christian_a church_n will_v not_o have_v do_v it_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n it_o be_v certain_o lawful_a not_o to_o worship_n image_n not_o to_o pray_v to_o angel_n or_o saint_n or_o the_o bless_a virgin_n otherwise_o the_o primitive_a church_n will_v not_o have_v forbear_v these_o practice_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v pray_v to_o god_n only_o and_o offer_v up_o all_o his_o prayer_n to_o he_o only_o by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n with_o god_n for_o we_o rely_v herein_o upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v our_o high_a priest_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n heb._n 7_o 25._o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a who_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o i._n e._n by_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n since_o he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o may_v not_o a_o man_n reasonable_o hope_v to_o obtain_v of_o god_n all_o the_o blessing_n he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o by_z addressing_z himself_z only_o to_o he_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o intercession_n of_o that_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n nay_o why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n reasonable_o think_v that_o this_o be_v both_o a_o short_a and_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v our_o request_n than_o by_o turn_v ourselves_o to_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o importune_v they_o to_o solicit_v god_n for_o we_o especial_o if_o we_o shall_v order_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o make_v ten_o time_n more_o frequent_a address_n to_o these_o than_o we_o do_v to_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o to_o neglect_v these_o we_o can_v certain_o think_v any_o more_o able_a to_o help_v we_o and_o do_v we_o good_a than_o the_o great_a 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you_o and_o will_v pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n to_o you_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v and_o those_o who_o be_v seduce_v by_o these_o teacher_n he_o charge_v they_o with_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n quit_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o embrace_v another_o gospel_n v._o 6._o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o who_o thus_o pervert_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v plain_o guilty_a of_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n and_o they_o who_o quit_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v thus_o pervert_v christianity_n be_v in_o a_o most_o dangerous_a state_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n remove_v unto_o another_o gospel_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v in_o the_o iii_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v very_o heinous_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o affront_n it_o be_v to_o god_n and_o how_o great_a a_o contempt_n of_o he_o when_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o send_v no_o less_o person_n than_o his_o own_o son_n out_o of_o his_o own_o bosom_n to_o do_v it_o and_o have_v give_v such_o testimony_n to_o he_o from_o heaven_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o he_o have_v transmit_v down_o to_o we_o so_o faithful_a a_o record_n of_o this_o revelation_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o when_o we_o ourselves_o have_v so_o often_o declare_v our_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o revelation_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o deny_v it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o or_o to_o embrace_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o this_o certain_o can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o great_a affront_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n to_o declare_v that_o either_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o god_n say_v or_o that_o we_o do_v not_o fear_v what_o he_o can_v do_v so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o ep._n 5._o 10._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n and_o all_o along_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o apostle_n set_v himself_o to_o aggravate_v this_o sin_n call_v it_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n ch._n 3_o 12._o and_o he_o frequent_o call_v it_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o be_v of_o all_o sin_n the_o great_a and_o most_o heinous_a ch._n 10._o 26._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o his_o discourse_n for_o have_v exhort_v they_o before_o v_o 23._o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o he_o immediate_o add_v for_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v if_o we_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o and_o ch._n 12_o 1._o let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o so_o easy_o beset_v we_o that_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n to_o which_o they_o be_v then_o so_o strong_o tempt_v by_o that_o fierce_a persecution_n which_o attend_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o that_o be_v let_v we_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o patience_n against_o the_o suffering_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o our_o christian_a course_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o man_n be_v just_o condemn_v for_o it_o john_n 3._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v but_o to_o desert_v the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o to_o fall_v off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v embrace_v it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a sin_n opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n may_v proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n which_o be_v a_o great_a extenuation_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o after_o all_o his_o violent_a persecution_n of_o christianity_n he_o find_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o unbelief_n to_o revolt_v from_o the_o truth_n after_o we_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o after_o we_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n this_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n the_o apostle_n make_v wilfulness_n a_o usual_a ingredient_n into_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o this_o sin_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a affront_n to_o god_n so_o it_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o effectual_a disparagement_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o consider_v what_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n speak_v against_o it_o because_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o and_o of_o which_o they_o have_v have_v no_o trial_n and_o experience_n but_o he_o that_o fall_v off_o from_o religion_n after_o he_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v try_v it_o and_o dislike_v it_o and_o pretend_v to_o leave_v it_o because_o he_o have_v not_o find_v that_o truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o which_o he_o expect_v and_o upon_o long_a experience_n of_o it_o see_v reason_n to_o prefer_v another_o religion_n before_o it_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o despiteful_a to_o religion_n than_o this_o and_o more_o likely_a to_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n v._n 29._o of_o this_o chapter_n call_v it_o a_o trample_n under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o profane_a thing_n and_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n for_o we_o can_v put_v a_o great_a scorn_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o reveal_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n nor_o upon_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v to_o confirm_v and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o come_v down_o in_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o than_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o to_o renounce_v this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o forsake_v this_o religion_n but_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o see_v the_o heinousness_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n it_o expose_v man_n to_o which_o be_v the_o iv._o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v and_o this_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o a_o most_o terrible_a manner_n not_o only_o in_o this_o epistle_n but_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n this_o sin_n be_v place_v in_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o pardonable_a sin_n and_o next_o to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a and_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n speak_v very_o doubtful_o of_o the_o pardonableness_n of_o this_o sin_n as_o be_v near_o akin_a to_o that_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o offer_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o 6_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o a_o very_a severe_a manner_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o have_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n after_o the_o solemn_a profession_n of_o it_o in_o baptism_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v baptize_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n that_o be_v regeneration_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o christian_n religion_n and_o endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o gospel
for_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o call_v the_o age_n of_o the_o messiah_n seculum_fw-la futurum_fw-la or_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o to_o be_v renew_v again_o unto_o repentance_n where_o the_o least_o we_o can_v understand_v by_o impossible_a be_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o so_o the_o word_n impossible_a be_v sometime_o use_v as_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o ch._n 10._o 26._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n say_v if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v they_o who_o renounce_v christianity_n since_o they_o reject_v the_o only_a way_n of_o expiation_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o their_o sin_n st._n peter_n likewise_o express_v himself_o very_o severe_o concern_v this_o sort_n of_o person_n 2_o epist._n 2._o 20_o 21._o for_o if_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v after_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v from_o heathenism_n to_o christianity_n they_o be_v entangle_v therein_o again_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n he_o seem_v loath_a to_o say_v how_o sad_a the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n be_v but_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o when_o they_o be_v heathen_n before_o and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o and_o st._n john_n call_v this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o forbid_v christian_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v pray_v for_o they_o 1_o epist._n 5._o 16._o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o they_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v a_o sin_n unto_o death_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v pray_v for_o it_o now_o that_o by_o this_o sin_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n mean_v apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o idolatry_n be_v most_o probable_a from_o what_o follow_v verse_n 18._o we_o know_v that_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o that_o be_v this_o sin_n unto_o death_n but_o he_o that_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n keep_v himself_o and_o the_o wicked_a one_o touch_v he_o not_o that_o be_v he_o be_v preserve_v from_o idolatry_n unto_o which_o the_o devil_n have_v seduce_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o that_o wicked_a one_o viz._n the_o devil_n who_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o call_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v have_v bring_v we_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n which_o caution_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o dependence_n upon_o what_o go_v before_o unless_o we_o understand_v the_o sin_n unto_o death_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v because_o apostasy_n be_v so_o often_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o sin_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n as_o it_o be_v here_o by_o st._n john_n whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o so_o that_o at_o the_o very_o best_a the_o scripture_n speak_v doubtful_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o this_o sin_n however_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o unrepented_a of_o shall_v be_v very_o dreadful_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v mild_o express_v here_o in_o the_o text_n if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o but_o it_o be_v the_o more_o severe_a for_o be_v express_v so_o mild_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o figure_n here_o use_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o word_n this_o expression_n of_o god_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o such_o person_n be_v explain_v by_o their_o utter_a ruin_n and_o perdition_n but_o we_o be_v not_o of_o they_o that_o draw_v back_o unto_o perdition_n and_o in_o several_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n there_o be_v very_o severe_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n ch._n 2._o 2_o 3._o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n and_o ch._n 10._o 26_o 27._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n he_o that_o despise_v moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a that_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n for_o we_o know_v he_o who_o have_v say_v vengeance_n be_v i_o i_o will_v recompense_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o again_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v his_o people_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o severe_a and_o terrible_a than_o these_o expression_n i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o and_o that_o be_v rev._n 21._o 8._o where_o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o great_a sinner_n those_o who_o apostatise_v from_o religion_n out_o of_o fear_n do_v lead_v the_o van_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o this_o book_n express_v by_o continue_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n he_o that_o overcome_v shall_v inherit_v all_o thing_n and_o i_o will_v be_v his_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a and_o the_o abominable_a and_o whoremonger_n and_o sorcerer_n and_o idolater_n and_o all_o liar_n shall_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n and_o liar_n that_o be_v they_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n relapse_n into_o infidelity_n and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v reckon_v in_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o offender_n and_o be_v punish_v according_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o four_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n the_o nature_n of_o apostasy_n the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o this_o sin_n the_o danger_n of_o it_o and_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n in_o expose_v man_n to_o and_o be_v there_o any_o need_n now_o to_o exhort_v man_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n when_o the_o danger_n of_o draw_v back_o be_v so_o evident_a and_o so_o terrible_a or_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n and_o occasion_n for_o it_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n among_o we_o of_o man_n apostatise_v from_o christianity_n and_o turn_v jew_n or_o turk_n or_o heathen_n i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n there_o be_v great_a danger_n not_o of_o man_n apostatise_v from_o one_o religion_n to_o another_o but_o from_o religion_n to_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n and_o of_o this_o worst_a kind_n of_o apostasy_n of_o all_o other_o i_o wish_v the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o have_v not_o afford_v we_o too_o many_o instance_n it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v profess_v christianity_n any_o shall_v be_v find_v that_o shall_v make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o undermine_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o most_o serious_a matter_n in_o the_o world_n into_o contempt_n and_o