can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o man_n it_o be_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n the_o heart_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o goodness_n it_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v perfection_n and_o frequent_o join_v with_o it_o and_o throughout_o the_o bible_n there_o be_v the_o great_a stress_n and_o weight_n lay_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o the_o sum_n and_o comprehension_n of_o all_o religion_n only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n say_v joshua_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n jos._n 24._o 14._o god_n take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o it_o so_o david_n assure_v we_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 17._o i_o know_v my_o god_n that_o thou_o trye_v the_o heart_n and_o have_v pleasure_n in_o uprightness_n and_o again_o thou_o love_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n to_o this_o disposition_n of_o mind_n the_o promise_n of_o divine_a favour_n and_o blessing_n be_v particular_o make_v psal._n 15._o 1_o 2._o lord_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o holy_a hill_n he_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o his_o heart_n psal._n 32._o 2._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v no_o sin_n and_o in_o who_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o guile_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o this_o character_n of_o our_o saviour_n here_o give_v of_o nathaniel_n be_v the_o only_a full_a and_o perfect_a commendation_n that_o we_o read_v be_v ever_o give_v by_o he_o of_o any_o particular_a person_n he_o commend_v some_o particular_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o other_o as_o st._n peter_n confession_n of_o he_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o centurion_n and_o of_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v heal_v by_o touch_v the_o hem_v of_o his_o garment_n the_o charity_n of_o the_o woman_n that_o cast_v she_o two_o mite_n into_o the_o treasury_n and_o the_o bounty_n of_o that_o other_o devout_a woman_n who_o pour_v upon_o he_o a_o box_n of_o precious_a ointment_n but_o here_o he_o give_v the_o particular_a character_n of_o a_o good_a man_n when_o he_o say_v of_o nathaniel_n that_o he_o be_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guilford_n and_o the_o apostle_n mention_n this_o quality_n as_o the_o chief_a ingredient_n into_o the_o character_n of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guilford_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n second_o the_o rarity_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v a_o far_a commendation_n of_o it_o a_o sincere_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n without_o any_o guile_n or_o disguise_n be_v not_o a_o sight_n to_o be_v see_v every_o day_n our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n very_o extraordinary_a and_o of_o special_a remark_n and_o observation_n and_o break_v out_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o wonder_n upon_o the_o occasion_n as_o if_o to_o see_v a_o man_n of_o perfect_a integrity_n and_o simplicity_n be_v a_o occurrence_n very_o rare_a and_o unusual_a and_o such_o as_o call_v for_o our_o more_o especial_a attention_n and_o regard_n behold_v say_v he_o a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guil._n three_o the_o want_n of_o sincerity_n will_v quite_o spoil_v the_o virtue_n and_o acceptance_n of_o all_o our_o piety_n and_o obedience_n and_o certain_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o all_o that_o we_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n all_o our_o external_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n if_o not_o animate_v by_o sincerity_n be_v like_o a_o sacrifice_n without_o a_o heart_n which_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n four_o hypocrisy_n and_o insincerity_n be_v a_o very_a vain_a and_o foolish_a thing_n it_o be_v design_v to_o cheat_v other_o but_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o deceive_a of_o ourselves_o no_o man_n will_v flatter_v or_o dissemble_v do_v he_o believe_v he_o be_v see_v and_o discover_v a_o open_a knave_n be_v a_o great_a fool_n who_o destroy_v at_o once_o both_o his_o design_n and_o his_o reputation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o hypocrite_n all_o the_o disagreement_n which_o be_v between_o his_o tongue_n and_o his_o thought_n his_o action_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v open_a to_o that_o eye_n from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v for_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o see_v all_o his_o go_n there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n may_v hide_v themselves_o five_o truth_n and_o reality_n have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o appearance_n and_o many_o more_o if_o the_o show_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v good_a for_o any_o thing_n i_o be_o sure_a sincerity_n be_v better_a for_o why_o do_v any_o man_n dissemble_v or_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o but_o because_o he_o think_v it_o good_a to_o have_v such_o a_o quality_n as_o he_o pretend_v to_o for_o to_o counterfeit_v and_o dissemble_v be_v to_o put_v on_o the_o appearance_n of_o some_o real_a excellency_n now_o the_o best_a way_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o man_n to_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o thing_n be_v real_o to_o be_v what_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v beside_o that_o it_o be_v many_o time_n as_o troublesome_a to_o make_v good_a the_o pretence_n of_o a_o good_a quality_n as_o to_o have_v it_o and_o if_o a_o man_n have_v it_o not_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o but_o he_o be_v discover_v to_o want_v it_o and_o then_o all_o his_o pain_n and_o labour_n to_o seem_v to_o have_v it_o be_v lose_v there_o be_v something_o unnatural_a in_o paint_v which_o a_o skilful_a eye_n will_v easy_o discern_v from_o native_a beauty_n and_o complexion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o personate_v and_o act_v a_o part_n long_o for_o where_o truth_n be_v not_o at_o the_o bottom_n nature_n will_v always_o be_v endeavour_v to_o return_v and_o will_v peep_v out_o and_o betray_v herself_o one_o time_n or_o other_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n think_v it_o convenient_a to_o seem_v good_a let_v he_o be_v so_o indeed_o and_o then_o his_o goodness_n will_v appear_v to_o every_o body_n satisfaction_n for_o truth_n be_v convince_a and_o carry_v it_o be_v own_o light_n and_o evidence_n along_o with_o it_o and_o will_v not_o only_o commend_v we_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n but_o which_o be_v much_o more_o to_o god_n who_o search_v and_o see_v our_o heart_n so_o that_o upon_o all_o account_n sincerity_n be_v true_a wisdom_n particular_o as_o to_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n integrity_n have_v many_o advantage_n over_o all_o the_o fine_a and_o artificial_a way_n of_o dissimulation_n and_o deceit_n it_o be_v much_o the_o plain_o and_o easy_o much_o the_o safe_a and_o more_o secure_a way_n of_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v less_o of_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o entanglement_n and_o perplexity_n of_o danger_n and_o hazard_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o short_a and_o near_a way_n to_o our_o end_n carry_v we_o thither_o in_o a_o straight_a line_n and_o will_v hold_v out_o and_o last_o long_a the_o art_n of_o deceit_n and_o cunning_a do_v continual_o grow_v weak_a and_o less_o effectual_a and_o serviceable_a to_o they_o that_o use_v they_o whereas_o integrity_n gain_v strength_n by_o use_n and_o the_o more_o and_o long_o any_o man_n practise_v it_o the_o great_a service_n it_o do_v he_o by_o confirm_v his_o reputation_n and_o encourage_v those_o with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v to_o repose_v the_o great_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o which_o be_v a_o unspeakable_a advantage_n in_o the_o business_n and_o affair_n of_o life_n but_o a_o dissembler_n must_v always_o be_v upon_o his_o guard_n and_o watch_v himself_o careful_o that_o he_o do_v not_o contradict_v his_o own_o pretence_n for_o he_o act_v a_o unnatural_a part_n and_o therefore_o must_v put_v a_o continual_a force_n and_o restraint_n upon_o himself_o truth_n always_o lie_v uppermost_a and_o if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o careful_o attend_v he_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o bolt_n it_o out_o whereas_o he_o that_o act_v sincere_o have_v the_o easy_a task_n in_o the_o world_n because_o he_o follow_v nature_n and_o so_o be_v put_v to_o no_o trouble_n and_o care_n about_o his_o word_n and_o action_n he_o need_v not_o invent_v any_o pretence_n beforehand_o nor_o make_v excuse_n afterward_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v say_v or_o do_v but_o insincerity_n be_v very_o troublesome_a to_o manage_v a_o man_n have_v so_o many_o thing_n to_o attend_v to_o so_o many_o end_n to_o bring_v together_o as_o make_v his_o life_n a_o very_a perplex_a and_o intricate_a thing_n oportet_fw-la mendacem_fw-la esse_fw-la memorem_fw-la a_o liar_n have_v need_n have_v a_o good_a memory_n lest_o he_o contradict_v at_o one_o time_n what_o he_o say_v at_o
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
this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n than_o we_o do_v and_o must_v call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o religion_n 4._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v far_o that_o the_o high_a commendation_n that_o be_v give_v in_o scripture_n to_o any_o one_o faith_n be_v give_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o abraham_n faith_n be_v famous_a and_o make_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o generation_n because_o he_o reason_v himself_o into_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o he_o do_v not_o blind_o break_v through_o these_o objection_n and_o wink_v hard_a at_o they_o but_o he_o look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n and_o give_v himself_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n concern_v they_o the_o centurian's_n faith_n be_v commend_v by_o our_o saviour_n math._n 8._o 11._o because_o when_o his_o servant_n be_v sick_a he_o do_v not_o desire_v he_o to_o come_v to_o his_o house_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n only_o and_o his_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v for_o he_o reason_v thus_o i_o be_o a_o man_n under_o authority_n have_v soldier_n under_o i_o and_o i_o say_v to_o this_o man_n go_v and_o he_o go_v and_o to_o another_o come_v and_o he_o come_v and_o to_o my_o servant_n do_v this_o and_o he_o do_v it_o now_o if_o he_o that_o be_v himself_o under_o authority_n can_v thus_o command_v those_o that_o be_v under_o he_o much_o more_o can_v he_o that_o have_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o commission_n do_v what_o he_o please_v by_o his_o word_n and_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reprehend_v he_o for_o reason_v himself_o into_o this_o belief_n that_o he_o admire_v his_o faith_n so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o v_o 10._o when_o jesus_n hear_v this_o he_o marvel_v and_o say_v to_o they_o that_o follow_v he_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o have_v not_o find_v so_o great_a faith_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n inlike_a manner_n our_o saviour_n commend_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n faith_n because_o she_o enforce_v it_o so_o reasonable_o matthew_n 15._o 22._o she_o sue_v to_o he_o to_o help_v her_o daughter_n but_o he_o answer_v she_o not_o a_o word_n and_o when_o his_o disciple_n can_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o mind_v she_o yet_o still_o the_o press_v he_o say_v lord_n help_v i_o and_o when_o he_o repulse_v she_o with_o this_o severe_a answer_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o take_v the_o child_n bread_n and_o cast_v it_o to_o dog_n she_o make_v this_o quick_a and_o modest_a reply_n truth_n lord_n yet_o the_o dog_n eat_v of_o the_o crumb_n which_o fall_v from_o their_o master_n table_n she_o acknowledge_v she_o own_o unworthiness_n but_o yet_o believe_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v not_o utter_o reject_v those_o who_o humble_o seek_v to_o he_o upon_o which_o he_o give_v she_o this_o testimony_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n the_o apostle_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o yet_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v because_o they_o inquire_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o belief_n before_o they_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o even_o by_o teacher_n that_o certain_o be_v infallible_a 5._o none_o be_v reprove_v in_o scripture_n for_o their_o unbelief_n but_o where_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o the_o israelite_n be_v general_o blame_v for_o their_o infidelity_n but_o than_o it_o be_v after_o such_o mighty_a wonder_n have_v be_v wrought_v for_o their_o conviction_n the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v not_o condemn_v simple_o for_o their_o unbelief_n but_o for_o not_o believe_v when_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n offer_v to_o they_o so_o our_o saviour_n himself_o say_v if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o no_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n thomas_n indeed_o be_v blame_v for_o the_o perverseness_n of_o his_o unbelief_n because_o he_o will_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o himself_o see_v last_o to_o show_v this_o yet_o more_o plain_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n of_o decline_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a prejudice_n to_o religion_n than_o to_o decline_v this_o trial_n to_o say_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o religion_n be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a indeed_o it_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o any_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o because_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o cogent_a reason_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o we_o say_v god_n have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n we_o must_v be_v ready_a to_o prove_v it_o or_o else_o we_o say_v nothing_o if_o we_o turn_v off_o reason_n here_o we_o level_v the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o wild_a and_o most_o absurd_a enthusiams_n and_o it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n much_o to_o give_v reason_n ill_a name_n to_o call_v it_o blind_a and_o carnal_a reason_n our_o best_a reason_n be_v but_o very_o short_a and_o imperfect_a but_o since_o it_o be_v no_o better_o we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o before_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o both_o the_o extreme_n of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o our_o church_n be_v general_o great_a declamer_n against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n if_o they_o find_v their_o account_n in_o it_o it_o be_v well_o for_o our_o part_n we_o apprehend_v no_o manner_n of_o inconvenience_n in_o have_v reason_n on_o our_o side_n nor_o need_v we_o to_o desire_v a_o better_a evidence_n that_o any_o man_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n than_o to_o hear_v he_o declare_v against_o reason_n and_o thereby_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o reason_n be_v against_o he_o man_n may_v vilify_v reason_n as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v and_o though_o be_v revile_v she_o revile_v not_o again_o yet_o in_o a_o more_o still_a and_o gentle_a way_n she_o common_o have_v her_o full_a revenge_n upon_o all_o those_o that_o rail_v at_o she_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o people_n can_v with_o patience_n endure_v to_o hear_v their_o teacher_n and_o guide_n talk_v against_o reason_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o pay_v they_o the_o great_a submission_n and_o veneration_n for_o it_o one_o will_v think_v this_o but_o a_o odd_a way_n to_o gain_v authority_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o some_o skilful_a and_o design_v man_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a way_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o ignorant_a as_o nurse_n use_v to_o endear_v themselves_o to_o child_n by_o perpetual_a noise_n and_o nonsense_n iii_o i_o observe_v that_o god_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v plain_a and_o evident_a contradiction_n as_o matter_n of_o faith_n abraham_n can_v not_o reasonable_o have_v believe_v this_o second_o revelation_n to_o have_v be_v from_o god_n if_o he_o have_v not_o find_v some_o way_n to_o reconcile_v it_o with_o the_o first_o for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o dispose_v to_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o divine_a revelation_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v god_n against_o god_n himself_o some_o man_n seem_v to_o think_v that_o they_o oblige_v god_n mighty_o by_o believe_v plain_a contradiction_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o he_o that_o make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v take_v it_o kind_o from_o any_o man_n to_o debase_v his_o workmanship_n by_o make_v himself_o unreasonable_a and_o therefore_o as_o no_o service_n or_o obedience_n so_o no_o faith_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o may_v be_v confidence_n or_o presumption_n but_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n for_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v plain_a contradiction_n may_v believe_v any_o thing_n how_o absurd_a soever_o because_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o plain_a contradiction_n and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n believe_v nothing_o upon_o good_a ground_n because_o to_o he_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v all_o one_o 4._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o man_n obedience_n be_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n do_v we_o believe_v the_o command_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o firm_o as_o abraham_n believe_v god_n in_o this_o case_n what_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v or_o suffer_v in_o obedience_n to_o he_o if_o our_o faith_n be_v but_o as_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a as_o he_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v as_o
of_o the_o true_a ancient_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n or_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o heathen_a persecution_n which_o be_v so_o hot_a against_o they_o at_o that_o time_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v by_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o in_o all_o those_o respect_n upon_o which_o the_o jew_n value_v themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n as_o namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o lawgiver_n their_o high-priest_n and_o their_o sacrifice_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v every_o way_n the_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o have_v make_v this_o clear_a he_o conclude_v with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o great_a highpriest_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o into_o which_o they_o have_v solemn_o be_v initiate_v and_o admit_v by_o baptism_n vers_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o have_v a_o highpriest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v we_o sincere_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n into_o the_o profession_n whereof_o we_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v undoubted_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n the_o water_n with_o which_o our_o body_n be_v wash_v in_o baptism_n signify_v our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v this_o refer_v to_o that_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n call_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o firm_o retain_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 4._o 14._o see_v then_o we_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n which_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v fast_o hold_v of_o our_o profession_n so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n exhort_v christian_n to_o retain_v or_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o everlasting_a life_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o creed_n whereof_o in_o baptism_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inflexible_a unmoveable_a steady_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o continue_v faithful_a and_o steady_a to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v i._o the_o exhortation_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o ii_o the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n use_v to_o enâ—â—â—ce_v it_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v so_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o the_o exhortation_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v remove_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o what_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o imply_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o man_n shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o they_o think_v which_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o exhortation_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o a_o thorough_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o all_o person_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v find_v great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o nor_o indeed_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o all_o person_n because_o all_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n incapable_a of_o do_v it_o 1._o child_n 2._o such_o grow_a person_n as_o be_v of_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o low_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n child_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o examine_v but_o only_o to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n instill_v into_o they_o but_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o discern_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o have_v of_o late_o be_v allow_v to_o they_o in_o a_o nation_n not_o far_o from_o we_o and_o by_o public_a edict_n declare_v that_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n old_a be_v fit_a to_o choose_v and_o to_o change_v their_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o law_n i_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o allow_v child_n of_o that_o age_n to_o do_v any_o act_n for_o themselves_o that_o be_v of_o consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o they_o for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o which_o they_o shall_v stand_v oblige_v to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a they_o be_v indeed_o baptise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o their_o infancy_n but_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o this_o obligation_n themselves_o but_o their_o surety_n undertake_v for_o they_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o shall_v take_v this_o promise_n upon_o themselves_o and_o confirm_v and_o make_v it_o good_a but_o sure_o they_o can_v do_v no_o act_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n at_o that_o age_n which_o can_v be_v obligatory_a they_o can_v neither_o make_v any_o contract_n that_o shall_v be_v valid_a nor_o incur_v any_o debt_n nor_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o any_o promise_n nor_o choose_v themselves_o a_o guardian_n nor_o do_v any_o act_n that_o may_v bring_v
this_o case_n of_o renounce_v our_o religion_n unless_o it_o be_v very_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v out_o of_o which_o a_o man_n recover_v himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o as_o st._n peter_n do_v or_o the_o suffer_a be_v so_o extreme_a as_o to_o put_v a_o man_n beside_o himself_o for_o the_o time_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n of_o renounce_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n god_n will_v not_o admit_v fear_n for_o a_o just_a excuse_n of_o our_o apostasy_n which_o if_o it_o be_v unrepented_a of_o and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o repentance_n in_o that_o case_n as_o very_o difficult_a will_v be_v our_o ruin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v give_v we_o such_o fair_a warn_v of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o we_o enter_v into_o religion_n upon_o these_o term_n with_o a_o profess_a expectation_n of_o suffer_v and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n to_o 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but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o this_o dreadful_a hazard_n every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n venture_v thus_o to_o offend_v god_n these_o be_v the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n speak_v of_o by_o st._n john_n who_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_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 thus_o you_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o particular_a namely_o that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v contain_v these_o two_o part_n i._n a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o true_a and_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o show_v i._n negative_o what_o be_v not_o mean_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o and_o i_o mention_v these_o two_o particular_n 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o 2._o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n and_o examination_n man_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n for_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o offer_v be_v always_o to_o be_v hear_v i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n positive_o to_o explain_v the_o mean_v of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n of_o in_o his_o baptism_n not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o procee_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o mention_v these_o follow_v particular_n as_o probable_o imply_v and_o comprehend_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o 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than_o in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n always_o hear_v the_o petition_n which_o we_o put_v up_o to_o he_o and_o so_o do_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o who_o we_o put_v they_o up_o to_o the_o father_n because_o he_o also_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o but_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n hear_v our_o prayer_n because_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v neither_o omniscient_a nor_o omnipresent_v and_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a nor_o probable_o certain_a that_o our_o prayer_n be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o any_o other_o way_n there_o be_v no_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o that_o purpose_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o honour_n to_o another_o and_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a but_o that_o prayer_n be_v part_n of_o the_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o we_o can_v hardly_o think_v but_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v please_v with_o our_o make_n so_o frequent_a use_n of_o those_o other_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n and_o from_o grant_v our_o desire_n the_o soon_o upon_o that_o account_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v he_o shall_v be_v high_o offend_v when_o he_o himself_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v all_o our_o petition_n and_o have_v appoint_v a_o great_a mediator_n to_o that_o purpose_n to_o see_v more_o address_n make_v to_o and_o by_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o bless_a virgin_n than_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o bless_a son_n and_o to_o see_v the_o worship_n of_o himself_o almost_o jostle_v out_o by_o the_o devotion_n of_o people_n to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o our_o lord_n a_o thing_n which_o he_o never_o command_v and_o which_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o scripture_n 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about_o they_o the_o utmost_a they_o pretend_v which_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v good_a be_v that_o these_o thing_n may_v lawful_o be_v do_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o enjoin_v they_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o so_o pertinacious_o to_o insist_v upon_o thing_n so_o hard_o i_o may_v say_v impossible_a to_o be_v defend_v or_o excuse_v and_o which_o by_o their_o own_o acknowledgement_n be_v of_o no_o great_a weight_n and_o necessity_n in_o which_o we_o be_v certain_o safe_a in_o not_o do_v they_o if_o they_o shall_v prove_v lawful_a but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v so_o they_o be_v in_o a_o most_o dangerous_a condition_n so_o that_o here_o be_v certain_a safety_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o damnation_n on_o the_o other_o which_o be_v as_o great_a odds_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o they_o must_v not_o tell_v 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the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o you_o stand_v that_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o which_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v by_o law_n establish_v in_o this_o nation_n be_v the_o true_a ancient_n christianity_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o which_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o evangelist_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n remember_v therefore_o how_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o encouragement_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o establish_v strengthen_v and_o settle_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o under_o all_o trial_n and_o temptation_n and_o to_o seal_v we_o up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v to_o reward_v our_o constancy_n and_o fidelity_n to_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n with_o a_o crown_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o glory_n wherefore_o my_o belove_a brethren_n be_v you_o steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v and_o let_v we_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o charity_n and_o good_a work_n which_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n and_o glory_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o the_o day_n approach_v in_o which_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o belief_n and_o life_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n not_o according_a to_o the_o imperious_a and_o uncharitable_a dictate_v of_o any_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_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 now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n which_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n keep_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n a_o sermon_n 2_o cor._n v._o 7._o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o former_a chapter_n the_o apostle_n declare_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v the_o great_a support_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n which_o befall_v they_o viz._n the_o assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a resurrection_n to_o another_o life_n verse_n 14._o know_v that_o he_o which_o raise_v up_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v raise_v up_o we_o also_o by_o jesus_n for_o which_o cause_n say_v he_o verse_n 16._o we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v our_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o be_v though_o our_o body_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n which_o we_o undergo_v be_v continual_o decay_v and_o decline_v yet_o our_o mind_n grow_v every_o day_n more_o healthful_a and_o vigorous_a and_o gain_v new_a strength_n and_o resolution_n by_o contemplate_v the_o glory_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n and_o as_o it_o be_v feed_v upon_o