promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o warning_n of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v it_o be_v in_o this_o that_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o mend_v the_o temper_n of_o man_n consist_v but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n that_o can_v be_v do_v man_n may_v choose_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n because_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v and_o consider_v and_o it_o well_o become_v divine_a providence_n to_o permit_v those_o to_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o any_o reasonable_a mean_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n 1._o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o clear_a difference_n make_v between_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o insincere_a and_o incorrigible_a on_o the_o other_o which_o have_v be_v impossible_a if_o god_n have_v by_o his_o omnipotence_n equal_o overbear_v all_o man_n into_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n but_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v the_o gospel_n be_v a_o touchstone_n that_o distinguish_v between_o the_o humble_a and_o sincere_a and_o the_o unteachable_a and_o dishonest_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o offence_n which_o be_v give_v by_o those_o that_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o be_v a_o far_a trial_n of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o man_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o one_o kind_n of_o offence_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o offence_n that_o remain_v true_a which_o our_o saviour_n say_v all_o that_o the_o father_n give_v i_o shall_v come_v to_o i_o and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o john_n 6.37_o i_o e._n all_o sincere_a and_o humble_a person_n who_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o special_a care_n of_o christ_n to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o eternal_a life_n will_v be_v sufficient_o arm_v against_o temptation_n and_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v lay_v in_o their_o way_n shall_v but_o clear_v their_o sincerity_n and_o wisdom_n more_o to_o the_o world_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o reward_n 2._o as_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o righteous_a so_o neither_o have_v the_o proper_a advantage_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n be_v see_v have_v god_n interpose_v his_o irresistible_a power_n to_o prevent_v all_o offence_n and_o endeavour_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v please_v to_o suffer_v error_n and_o folly_n to_o appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n even_o after_o the_o heavenly_a wisdom_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v to_o mankind_n that_o by_o its_o own_o strength_n it_o may_v struggle_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o opposition_n and_o prevail_v and_o be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n 3._o by_o this_o way_n the_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o his_o care_n over_o the_o church_n be_v see_v more_o illustrious_o than_o if_o offence_n have_v never_o be_v suffer_v that_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o faith_n lose_v from_o the_o earth_n have_v lie_v in_o the_o gospel_n unobserved_a we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o occasion_n for_o recourse_n to_o it_o no_o mean_n of_o trial_n whether_o we_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o it_o have_v the_o truth_n be_v never_o oppose_v never_o corrupt_v we_o have_v want_v one_o notable_a reason_n to_o praise_n god_n that_o while_o the_o offence_n be_v so_o rise_v in_o this_o world_n this_o church_n give_v no_o offence_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n or_o in_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o god_n may_v count_v we_o worthy_a to_o enjoy_v so_o inestimable_a a_o blessing_n let_v we_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v give_v no_o offence_n by_o our_o example_n let_v we_o adorn_v our_o profession_n by_o our_o conversation_n and_o show_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o action_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o offence_n that_o thus_o will_v arise_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v the_o three_o sermon_n matth_n xviii_o 7._o wo_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o woe_n to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o point_n viz._n that_o offence_n will_v do_v great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n woe_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v i._n what_o mischief_n be_v do_v by_o offence_n ii_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o they_o be_v of_o so_o pernicious_a a_o consequence_n i._o what_o mischief_n be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o in_o this_o question_n i_o need_v not_o be_v large_a because_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o have_v in_o some_o part_n be_v already_o give_v under_o those_o several_a head_n of_o scandal_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o show_v where_o the_o scandal_n of_o any_o practice_n or_o opinion_n lie_v without_o touch_v upon_o the_o mischief_n it_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v but_o to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v something_o may_v be_v add_v 1._o the_o general_a mischief_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o prevail_a temptation_n upon_o many_o in_o the_o world_n to_o forsake_v the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n for_o as_o good_a example_n and_o encouragement_n good_a counsel_n and_o instruction_n be_v proper_a mean_n of_o make_v other_o better_a so_o ill_a example_n and_o the_o art_n of_o seduce_a must_v needs_o have_v a_o contrary_a influence_n god_n have_v put_v we_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o have_v thereby_o give_v we_o opportunity_n of_o the_o great_a charity_n and_o the_o best_a kind_n of_o do_v good_a viz._n of_o lead_v and_o confirm_v one_o another_o in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o virtue_n but_o there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o it_o but_o the_o society_n we_o have_v with_o one_o another_o may_v be_v abuse_v into_o a_o mean_n of_o do_v one_o another_o mischief_n and_o therefore_o as_o where_o truth_n be_v sincere_o represent_v where_o virtue_n be_v encourage_v where_o authority_n protect_v they_o where_o wit_n and_o learning_n be_v engage_v to_o recommend_v they_o there_o abundance_n of_o good_a will_v be_v do_v upon_o those_o who_o be_v frame_v to_o learn_v and_o not_o to_o teach_v to_o follow_v but_o not_o to_o lead_v the_o way_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o the_o abuse_n of_o all_o those_o advantage_n will_v create_v prejudices_fw-la against_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o mislead_v multitude_n and_o this_o be_v too_o evident_a from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n no_o opinion_n how_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a soever_o how_o pernicious_a soever_o to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n if_o they_o have_v be_v set_v off_o with_o plausible_a colour_n or_o support_v by_o authority_n or_o have_v be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o wicked_a man_n but_o they_o have_v have_v abettor_n and_o follower_n and_o have_v very_o often_o take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o convert_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n but_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o the_o scandal_n of_o advance_v doctrine_n that_o give_v liberty_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o ease_v to_o their_o mind_n without_o effectual_a reformation_n this_o scandal_n i_o say_v have_v this_o pernicious_a effect_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o fear_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o all_o reproof_n although_o it_o be_v a_o terrible_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o man_n to_o venture_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o his_o conscience_n pull_v he_o back_o from_o and_o for_o which_o he_o know_v he_o must_v give_v a_o sad_a account_n at_o the_o last_o day_n if_o it_o be_v not_o prevent_v by_o sorrow_n and_o reformation_n yet_o such_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o one_o that_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o himself_o and_o believe_v his_o condition_n to_o be_v good_a enough_o while_o he_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n without_o reformation_n because_o he_o have_v another_o way_n to_o escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n for_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n believe_v the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v and_o know_v the_o term_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o he_o will_v at_o length_n lay_v these_o thing_n serious_o to_o heart_n and_o that_o
of_o christian_n be_v each_o of_o they_o eager_o contend_v for_o their_o own_o way_n man_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o examine_v their_o own_o persuasion_n more_o narrow_o and_o to_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o more_o careful_o so_o that_o if_o they_o apprehend_v a_o mistake_n in_o themselves_o they_o quit_v it_o without_o any_o more_o to_o do_v and_o come_v to_o establish_v themselves_o in_o the_o truth_n upon_o better_a ground_n than_o they_o have_v before_o and_o be_v better_a able_a to_o lead_v other_o into_o it_o 2._o by_o this_o mean_n also_o the_o constancy_n of_o sincere_a person_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v manifest_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o opposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o that_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o this_o not_o only_o because_o a_o man_n steadfastness_n can_v be_v prove_v but_o by_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n but_o likewise_o because_o there_o be_v but_o few_o good_a man_n in_o comparison_n who_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o diligent_a examination_n of_o their_o own_o persuasion_n if_o contrary_a doctrine_n be_v not_o advance_v they_o will_v rely_v most_o upon_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o instead_o of_o believe_a truth_n upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o argument_n but_o if_o as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o first_o instance_n the_o spread_a of_o heresy_n put_v they_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n after_o the_o reason_n of_o truth_n their_o steadfastness_n in_o it_o afterward_o be_v manifest_v to_o be_v the_o true_a virtue_n of_o constancy_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o obstinate_a resolution_n not_o to_o change_v our_o opinion_n let_v what_o will_v be_v produce_v against_o it_o but_o in_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a after_o the_o most_o diligent_a examination_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o thus_o heresy_n make_v good_a man_n more_o constant_a in_o the_o truth_n by_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n of_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o it_o by_o better_a argument_n and_o clear_a evidence_n and_o they_o manifest_v their_o constancy_n to_o the_o world_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o adversary_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o want_v to_o shake_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o true_a believer_n by_o all_o way_n of_o temptation_n imaginable_a 3._o their_o charity_n to_o other_o be_v manifest_v also_o by_o mean_n of_o heresy_n and_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o here_o be_v occasion_n give_v to_o show_v their_o care_n of_o one_o another_o in_o satisfy_v the_o doubtful_a in_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a in_o give_v caution_n to_o the_o confident_a and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o weak_a all_o which_o be_v noble_a instance_n of_o christian_a charity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o since_o their_o care_n to_o recover_v other_o from_o the_o way_n of_o error_n to_o reduce_v those_o that_o be_v go_v aside_o together_o with_o their_o endure_a contradiction_n their_o instruct_n in_o much_o patience_n their_o meekness_n towards_o those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o be_v likewise_o manifest_v upon_o all_o such_o occasion_n 4._o their_o sincerity_n do_v likewise_o appear_v in_o another_o respect_n viz._n of_o defend_v truth_n with_o truth_n only_o and_o a_o good_a cause_n by_o innocence_n and_o honest_a mean_n without_o make_v use_n of_o fraud_n of_o lie_n of_o false_a accusation_n of_o false_a principle_n of_o unconcluding_a argument_n of_o any_o disingenuous_a art_n without_o make_v advantage_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o mistake_n of_o other_o which_o one_o thing_n make_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o those_o that_o be_v honest_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o all_o which_o instance_n do_v express_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o reason_n for_o which_o god_n have_v still_o suffer_v heresy_n to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i._n e._n that_o their_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o their_o diligence_n in_o inquire_v after_o it_o that_o their_o constancy_n in_o profess_v it_o that_o their_o charity_n to_o those_o that_o be_v and_o to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o mislead_v and_o their_o sincerity_n and_o ingenuity_n in_o assert_v truth_n and_o appear_v for_o it_o by_o none_o but_o lawful_a method_n and_o just_a argument_n may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n which_o as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o praise_n of_o good_a man_n so_o there_o be_v other_o benefit_n arise_v from_o it_o for_o instance_n 1._o that_o the_o belief_n of_o true_a doctrine_n come_v hereby_o to_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a and_o firm_a ground_n than_o in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v be_v discover_v if_o opposition_n have_v not_o oblige_v honest_a man_n to_o dig_v the_o deep_a for_o they_o and_o this_o we_o have_v note_v already_o 2._o that_o by_o the_o way_n many_o profitable_a truth_n come_v to_o be_v discover_v which_o have_v otherwise_o lie_v hide_v the_o scripture_n come_v to_o be_v better_o understand_v and_o the_o more_o obscure_a passage_n of_o it_o to_o be_v reasonable_o well_o interpret_v all_o which_o be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n opposition_n whet_v the_o industry_n and_o set_v a_o edge_n upon_o the_o wit_n of_o all_o man_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o whilst_o bad_a man_n be_v concern_v to_o find_v out_o all_o the_o way_n of_o support_a error_n the_o good_a and_o honest_a be_v no_o less_o employ_v to_o arm_v themselves_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o can_v fail_v of_o arrive_v at_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a compass_n of_o understanding_n in_o divine_a matter_n than_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v constrain_v to_o undermine_v the_o approach_n of_o error_n last_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o all_o man_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n to_o maintain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o all_o heresy_n whatsoever_o show_v they_o also_o the_o necessity_n of_o recommend_v true_a opinion_n to_o the_o world_n by_o more_o orthodox_n live_v by_o walk_v more_o wary_o and_o circumspect_o by_o set_v better_a example_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n by_o show_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o true_a doctrine_n to_o make_v man_n live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o when_o god_n suffer_v heresy_n to_o prevail_v most_o in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o loud_a call_n to_o all_o that_o be_v friend_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n to_o justify_v his_o cause_n by_o the_o strong_a argument_n and_o the_o best_a life_n and_o now_o he_o be_v something_o to_o blame_v that_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v 1._o that_o heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o church_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n since_o they_o have_v their_o good_a use_n and_o consequence_n for_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o permit_v they_o and_o this_o especial_o to_o try_v the_o honesty_n of_o man_n and_o to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v to_o the_o world_n which_o will_v in_o the_o end_n make_v extreme_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n and_o common_o the_o more_o heresy_n there_o be_v the_o more_o certain_o be_v this_o trial_n make_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dissemble_v that_o yet_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n have_v its_o manifold_a mischief_n and_o misery_n attend_v upon_o it_o it_o breed_v scandal_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o diversion_n of_o atheist_n and_o unbeliever_n it_o nourish_v discord_n and_o animosity_n it_o remove_v the_o contentious_a far_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o make_v the_o study_n of_o good_a manner_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n forget_v it_o lessen_v the_o reverence_n of_o authority_n it_o produce_v fraud_n and_o force_n unfaithfulness_n and_o cruelty_n and_o have_v make_v man_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o christian_n fox_n and_o wolf_n to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o heresy_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o consequence_n very_o great_a evil_n but_o then_o they_o be_v such_o evil_n as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n permit_v for_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n such_o as_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o have_v their_o good_a consequence_n as_o well_o as_o their_o bad_a one_o and_o the_o good_a that_o be_v wrought_v out_o of_o they_o be_v weighty_a enough_o to_o overbalance_v the_o evil_a for_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o be_v discernible_a in_o
thing_n mean_v by_o all_o these_o expression_n be_v the_o same_o now_o concern_v offence_n our_o saviour_n affirm_v two_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n i_o have_v read_v first_o that_o they_o will_v come_v nay_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o they_o will_v come_v i._n e._n that_o man_n will_v arise_v who_o shall_v hinder_v the_o prevail_a of_o christianity_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v or_o pervert_v the_o design_n of_o it_o to_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o other_o man_n soul_n who_o be_v not_o well_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n second_o that_o the_o consequence_n of_o these_o scandal_n will_v be_v very_o sad_a and_o pernicious_a that_o be_v that_o very_o many_o will_v stumble_v at_o they_o and_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n for_o this_o must_v be_v imply_v in_o those_o word_n woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v no_o ordinary_a misery_n or_o calamity_n which_o be_v express_v in_o denounce_v a_o woe_n and_o this_o woe_n must_v likewise_o refer_v to_o those_o that_o be_v turn_v aside_o by_o the_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n that_o other_o lay_v before_o they_o because_o if_o offence_n be_v not_o take_v as_o well_o as_o give_v it_o seem_v not_o easy_a to_o say_v why_o they_o shall_v produce_v so_o much_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o be_v imply_v in_o denounce_v woe_n upon_o their_o account_n beside_o our_o saviour_n do_v afterward_o express_v the_o guilt_n and_o misery_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v give_v offence_n by_o itself_o but_o woe_n be_v to_o the_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v that_o be_v to_o every_o man_n that_o by_o his_o own_o wickedness_n lay_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o his_o brother_n way_n and_o draw_v he_o into_o sin_n so_o that_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o verse_n that_o mischief_n be_v express_v which_o will_v come_v of_o offence_n because_o they_o will_v be_v take_v and_o then_o 2._o it_o be_v also_o imply_v that_o the_o mischief_n will_v not_o only_o be_v in_o itself_o great_a but_o likewise_o of_o a_o very_a large_a extent_n for_o it_o be_v say_v woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n where_o by_o the_o world_n we_o can_v understand_v less_o than_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o shall_v be_v divert_v by_o offence_n either_o from_o receive_v the_o gospel_n at_o all_o or_o from_o entertain_v it_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n thereof_o there_o be_v therefore_o these_o two_o head_n which_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o i._o that_o offence_n will_v certain_o be_v give_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v ii_o that_o they_o will_v do_v very_o great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n woe_n be_v to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n which_o two_o point_n be_v illustrate_v i_o intend_v to_o apply_v they_o in_o order_n to_o far_a instruction_n i._o that_o offence_n will_v certain_o be_v give_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v by_o which_o word_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a but_o offence_n must_v come_v for_o god_n have_v not_o necessitate_v any_o man_n to_o sin_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o probable_a and_o that_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n thlt_n offence_n will_v come_v and_o moreover_o god_n certain_o foresee_v that_o they_o will_v arise_v if_o he_o do_v not_o interpose_v his_o almighty_a power_n to_o hinder_v they_o which_o he_o determine_v not_o to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o prediction_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v now_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o offence_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o occasion_n give_v whereby_o man_n be_v either_o discourage_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o encourage_v in_o practice_n contrary_a to_o it_o i_o shall_v 1._o lay_v before_o you_o some_o instance_n under_o this_o general_a head_n and_o 2._o show_v why_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o offence_n will_v be_v give_v the_o principal_a instance_n be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o oppose_v the_o gospel_n with_o outward_a violence_n and_o make_v it_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n to_o renounce_v the_o truth_n as_o they_o love_v their_o fortune_n and_o their_o life_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o famous_a parable_n of_o the_o sour_a where_o he_o explain_v he_o that_o receive_v the_o seed_n into_o thorny_a place_n to_o be_v one_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o root_v in_o himself_o and_o not_o be_v fortify_v with_o deep_a resolution_n he_o dure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n for_o when_o tribulation_n or_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o by_o he_o be_v offend_v matth._n 30.20_o 21._o this_o be_v that_o offence_n which_o our_o saviour_n warn_v his_o disciple_n of_o more_o than_o of_o any_o other_o he_o tell_v they_o plain_o beforehand_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v deliver_v up_o to_o council_n and_o bring_v before_o governor_n and_o be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n but_o say_v he_o he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o matth._n 10._o and_o this_o be_v in_o itself_o so_o great_a a_o offence_n or_o stumbling-block_n to_o put_v man_n out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n that_o sometime_o the_o general_a word_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v this_o particular_a instance_n only_o thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v bless_a be_v he_o whoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o mat._n 11.6_o the_o meaning_n be_v bless_a be_v he_o who_o the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n suffering_n do_v not_o fright_v from_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o thus_o when_o peter_n say_v though_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v offend_v because_o of_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o never_o be_v offend_v matth._n 26.33_o he_o explain_v his_o own_o meaning_n afterward_o by_o say_v though_o i_o shall_v die_v with_o thou_o yet_o will_v i_o not_o deny_v thou_o v._o 35._o but_o then_o 2._o doctrine_n that_o give_v liberty_n to_o lust_n and_o that_o give_v ease_n to_o guilty_a mind_n without_o reformation_n be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a offence_n for_o they_o be_v frame_v at_o once_o to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o reconcile_v they_o to_o wicked_a practice_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o be_v under_o the_o strong_a inclination_n to_o sin_n and_o need_v the_o most_o powerful_a restraint_n be_v most_o forward_o to_o receive_v they_o i._n e._n they_o who_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v the_o worst_a use_n of_o they_o he_o that_o offer_v a_o key_n to_o let_v sinner_n into_o heaven_n without_o repentance_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v sure_o to_o meet_v with_o sufficient_a number_n that_o will_v not_o be_v overforward_a to_o examine_v how_o he_o come_v by_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v all_o doctrine_n of_o this_o nature_n offence_n that_o they_o be_v grateful_a to_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n not_o that_o they_o carry_v any_o appearance_n of_o truth_n it_o have_v be_v long_o enough_o ere_o man_n can_v have_v be_v persuade_v that_o particular_a confession_n of_o sin_n to_o a_o man_n in_o secret_a with_o a_o bare_a purpose_n not_o to_o do_v the_o like_a again_o will_v at_o any_o time_n suffice_v for_o the_o effect_n of_o absolution_n if_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v not_o as_o much_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o people_n as_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o that_o bodily_a exercise_n mere_a external_a work_n shall_v either_o be_v godliness_n or_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n bear_v so_o hard_o against_o what_o we_o know_v of_o god_n by_o reason_n and_o by_o scripture_n that_o nothing_o but_o carnal_a interest_n and_o a_o desire_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v true_a can_v make_v way_n for_o they_o and_o provide_v they_o entertainment_n and_o what_o wonder_v that_o can_v do_v be_v too_o evident_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n when_o the_o gnostic_n seduce_v no_o small_a number_n of_o disciple_n by_o give_v liberty_n to_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o discharge_v they_o from_o all_o obligation_n to_o confess_v christ_n when_o they_o be_v to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n 3._o the_o mix_n of_o falsehood_n with_o truth_n be_v another_o great_a offence_n tend_v to_o much_o evil_n as_o it_o meet_v with_o person_n dispose_v either_o to_o overmuch_a credulity_n or_o too_o much_o distrust_n by_o the_o former_a the_o false_a doctrine_n or_o unlawful_a practice_n be_v embrace_v because_o find_v in_o the_o company_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o latter_a truth_n itself_o suspect_v and_o perhaps_o throw_v off_o because_o it_o
they_o be_v but_o this_o that_o they_o do_v effectual_o draw_v forth_o that_o wickedness_n which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v lie_v more_o undiscovered_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o then_o also_o they_o manifest_v more_o clear_o that_o integrity_n that_o piety_n that_o diligence_n and_o constancy_n and_o virtue_n and_o charity_n of_o good_a man_n which_o otherwise_o have_v not_o so_o much_o appear_v bad_a man_n do_v by_o mean_n of_o heresy_n grow_v worse_o and_o the_o good_a grow_v better_o by_o they_o according_a to_o that_o say_n in_o daniel_n chap._n 12.10_o the_o wicked_a shall_v do_v wicked_o and_o shall_v not_o understand_v but_o the_o wise_a shall_v understand_v they_o be_v harden_v and_o these_o be_v purify_v and_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o sincerity_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o vice_n on_o the_o other_o be_v so_o clear_o see_v that_o the_o good_a example_n will_v at_o last_o prevail_v against_o the_o scandal_n of_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o the_o indirect_a way_n of_o support_a error_n will_v show_v the_o simplicity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o child_n of_o truth_n to_o more_o advantage_n than_o it_o can_v possible_o have_v have_v without_o the_o comparison_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o easy_a for_o people_n of_o honest_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o discern_v which_o be_v the_o true_a flock_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o what_o communion_n they_o be_v to_o betake_v themselves_o when_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n plant_v the_o church_n thing_n be_v not_o so_o order_v as_o to_o make_v proselyte_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n however_o they_o be_v qualify_v but_o rather_o to_o gather_v together_o the_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o that_o be_v all_o that_o be_v of_o pious_a and_o honest_a disposition_n and_o though_o the_o mighty_a evidence_n wherewith_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v draw_v in_o some_o that_o be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a yet_o either_o persecution_n or_o schism_n soon_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o they_o again_o and_o heresy_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v permit_v ever_o since_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o make_v it_o appear_v more_o evident_o who_o be_v the_o faithful_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v those_o evil_n to_o happen_v which_o he_o make_v to_o work_v for_o the_o same_o good_a end_n which_o be_v design_v by_o that_o manner_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o reveal_v 2._o neither_o be_v schism_n and_o heresy_n any_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o a_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v always_o a_o disparagement_n to_o be_v oppose_v and_o forsake_v which_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o for_o otherwise_o christianity_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v a_o false_a religion_n and_o the_o church_n which_o they_o found_v a_o false_a church_n for_o thence_o come_v the_o gnostic_n and_o valentinian_o and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o heresy_n more_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o elder_n at_o miletum_n act_v 20.30_o that_o from_o themselves_o will_v arise_v man_n teach_v perverse_a thing_n that_o will_v draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o for_o want_v of_o better_a argument_n that_o the_o reformation_n be_v to_o be_v object_v against_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o party_n into_o which_o it_o be_v divide_v and_o this_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o party_n that_o have_v break_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o for_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v either_o no_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o hold_v fast_o all_o that_o be_v once_o of_o it_o or_o else_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o that_o true_a church_n since_o many_o go_v off_o from_o it_o and_o which_o perhaps_o they_o that_o make_v this_o objection_n will_v be_v more_o concern_v to_o consider_v they_o from_o who_o so_o many_o nation_n have_v break_v off_o can_v escape_v their_o own_o censure_n as_o for_o the_o unity_n of_o those_o that_o keep_v together_o in_o one_o profession_n and_o communion_n this_o be_v no_o certain_a mark_n of_o truth_n for_o as_o man_n may_v be_v unite_v in_o truth_n so_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v in_o error_n and_o all_o party_n have_v this_o mark_v common_a to_o they_o that_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v not_o differ_v they_o agree_v together_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o truth_n those_o party_n equal_o have_v it_o that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o but_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o silly_a objection_n in_o the_o world_n against_o a_o common_a cause_n that_o be_v maintain_v by_o people_n that_o can_v agree_v in_o many_o thing_n that_o therefore_o that_o cause_n be_v naughty_a and_o erroneous_a this_o i_o say_v be_v intolerable_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a since_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o reason_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o uncertain_a passion_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o men._n for_o by_o this_o mean_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o ill-disposed_a person_n that_o for_o whatever_o reason_n may_v bring_v in_o a_o new_a heresy_n to_o make_v all_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o profess_v before_o to_o be_v truth_n no_o long_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o we_o it_o be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n in_o the_o general_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o jew_n christian_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v agree_v what_o be_v true_a christianity_n that_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o party_n that_o have_v no_o religious_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o christianity_n be_v a_o false_a religion_n nay_o it_o be_v still_o a_o strong_a argument_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o atheist_n against_o all_o religion_n whatsoever_o since_o christianity_n mahometanism_n judaisme_n and_o paganism_n be_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o one_o another_o but_o there_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n than_o that_o which_o the_o text_n afford_v by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o heresy_n and_o party_n be_v unavoidable_a and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v they_o even_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o be_v so_o offend_v at_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o either_o to_o throw_v off_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n till_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v about_o it_o or_o to_o take_v up_o with_o that_o which_o pretend_v to_o most_o unity_n without_o any_o far_a examination_n be_v hereby_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v insincere_a and_o vicious_a person_n for_o as_o heresy_n be_v permit_v by_o providence_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v so_o they_o be_v permit_v that_o they_o which_o be_v reprobate_a and_o can_v bear_v a_o trial_n may_v be_v also_o make_v manifest_a and_o it_o be_v no_o loss_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o she_o be_v not_o find_v by_o those_o that_o love_v she_o not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o that_o be_v of_o god_n will_v hear_v his_o word_n and_o wisdom_n will_v be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v find_v in_o that_o number_n we_o be_v to_o make_v it_o our_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n to_o avoid_v the_o great_a heresy_n of_o all_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o be_v the_o heresy_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o vicious_a affection_n then_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o and_o more_o build_v up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n for_o as_o evil_a deed_n make_v man_n hate_v the_o light_n so_o if_o our_o deed_n be_v good_a and_o our_o conscience_n pure_a we_o shall_v love_v the_o light_n and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v buy_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o sell_v it_o we_o shall_v buy_v it_o with_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o impartial_a enquiry_n and_o consideration_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o sell_v it_o for_o either_o comfortable_a or_o gainful_a error_n to_o conclude_v god_n have_v in_o that_o manner_n reveal_v the_o truth_n which_o concern_v our_o salvation_n that_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v deceive_v who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v but_o that_o they_o who_o seek_v it_o sincere_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o the_o nine_o sermon_n 2_o pet._n i._o 19_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a
worse_o but_o still_o crush_v all_o imposture_n and_o discountenance_v all_o villainy_n and_o hypocrisy_n at_o its_o first_o set_v out_o in_o the_o world_n where_o will_v be_v the_o patience_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o take_v his_o word_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o their_o comfort_n and_o live_v in_o the_o expectation_n of_o his_o promise_n but_o when_o iniquity_n grow_v and_o thrive_v and_o can_v plead_v prescription_n and_o authority_n when_o it_o have_v stand_v long_o enough_o to_o have_v some_o colour_n for_o antiquity_n and_o have_v obtain_v interest_n enough_o to_o pretend_v to_o a_o kind_n of_o universality_n than_o it_o will_v be_v see_v who_o they_o be_v that_o love_n god_n and_o truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v that_o will_v take_v pain_n not_o to_o be_v deceive_v that_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v that_o prefer_v truth_n before_o glorious_a name_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o applause_n and_o flattery_n and_o eternal_a life_n before_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n god_n bear_v long_o with_o all_o the_o provocation_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o permit_v heresy_n which_o be_v that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n as_o these_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n bear_v with_o infinite_a patience_n those_o provocation_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o which_o he_o can_v be_v avenge_v of_o in_o a_o moment_n and_o which_o he_o utter_o abominate_v which_o be_v the_o first_o observation_n upon_o the_o text._n 2._o the_o second_o be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o just_a in_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o incurable_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n when_o their_o iniquity_n be_v full_a and_o ripe_a for_o vengeance_n for_o as_o there_o be_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n see_v for_o four_o hundred_o year_n together_o while_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o amorites_n be_v grow_v from_o bad_a to_o worse_o so_o at_o the_o end_n of_o that_o period_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v see_v when_o their_o iniquity_n be_v full_a to_o grow_v worse_o for_o the_o forbearance_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o criminal_a presumption_n in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o man_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n as_o quite_o to_o forget_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o he_o either_o approve_v or_o at_o least_o connive_n at_o their_o impiety_n then_o the_o same_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o hitherto_o have_v keep_v off_o their_o punishment_n will_v bring_v they_o on_o swift_o and_o sudden_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n if_o the_o degeneracy_n and_o the_o impudence_n of_o sinner_n shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o flourish_v long_o there_o will_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o honest_a man_n so_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o last_v always_o the_o temptation_n will_v at_o length_n grow_v too_o hard_o for_o they_o god_n exercise_v his_o own_o patience_n that_o good_a man_n may_v exercise_v they_o at_o length_n he_o show_v his_o justice_n to_o reward_v their_o patience_n the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v a_o forbearance_n guide_v by_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o severity_n that_o be_v also_o guide_v by_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o have_v any_o mixture_n of_o that_o selfishness_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o sometime_o be_v and_o sometime_o be_v not_o severe_a with_o those_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o this_o be_v the_o true_a justice_n of_o punishment_n to_o respect_v the_o evil_a that_o be_v commit_v and_o to_o punish_v for_o that_o reason_n and_o this_o appear_v in_o no_o instance_n more_o than_o when_o god_n punish_v after_o long_o spare_v for_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o selfish_n or_o a_o passionate_a be_v he_o have_v never_o suffer_v man_n to_o go_v on_o so_o long_o together_o in_o the_o most_o provoke_a way_n of_o wickedness_n because_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o punish_v they_o long_o before_o as_o he_o punish_v they_o at_o last_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o punish_v they_o at_o last_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o common_a good_a require_v it_o and_o as_o there_o be_v several_a good_a end_n to_o which_o god_n patience_n tend_v in_o bear_v with_o general_a impiety_n so_o long_o as_o he_o often_o do_v so_o there_o be_v as_o many_o to_o which_o his_o justice_n tend_v in_o take_v vengeance_n of_o they_o at_o last_o for_o 1._o this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o his_o providence_n be_v not_o asleep_o before_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o clear_a instruction_n that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o presume_v upon_o god_n favour_n mere_o because_o they_o prosper_v in_o their_o way_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v measure_v his_o love_n or_o his_o anger_n by_o what_o they_o do_v and_o not_o by_o what_o happen_v to_o they_o since_o they_o who_o do_v the_o same_o wicked_a thing_n may_v go_v unpunished_a from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o and_o in_o this_o world_n but_o one_o generation_n may_v suffer_v for_o they_o 3._o that_o we_o shall_v not_o forget_v to_o call_v our_o past_a sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n for_o they_o since_o if_o god_n punish_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n in_o this_o life_n the_o like_a cause_n have_v we_o to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o youth_n and_o our_o ripe_a year_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o our_o life_n 4._o that_o we_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o the_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v of_o god_n to_o ourselves_o to_o prevent_v his_o anger_n from_o flame_v out_o against_o we_o because_o otherwise_o we_o treasure_v up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o truth_n be_v these_o be_v the_o use_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o both_o those_o consideration_n that_o i_o lay_v before_o you_o from_o the_o text_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o inculcate_v again_o and_o 1._o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v either_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o god_n providence_n or_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o perplexity_n and_o doubt_n whether_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n of_o error_n the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o the_o way_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o wickedness_n be_v so_o different_a from_o one_o another_o as_o be_v pretend_v in_o religion_n we_o have_v i_o say_v no_o reason_n to_o perplex_v ourselves_o about_o these_o thing_n because_o for_o many_o generation_n god_n have_v suffer_v deceit_n and_o violence_n to_o prevail_v to_o spread_v and_o to_o flourish_v in_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v not_o as_o a_o man_n his_o way_n be_v above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n when_o we_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o look_v back_o upon_o so_o many_o past_a age_n wherein_o religion_n have_v be_v make_v a_o formal_a pretence_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o dominion_n upon_o gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n support_v by_o fraud_n and_o force_n it_o be_v foolish_o do_v of_o we_o to_o disquiet_v ourselves_o with_o doubt_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o not_o since_o it_o please_v god_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n to_o suffer_v the_o contrary_a to_o prevail_v mighty_o in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o some_o age_n to_o baffle_v all_o opposition_n for_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o ourselves_o impatient_a of_o high_a indignity_n and_o great_a provocation_n ready_a to_o kindle_v upon_o any_o notable_a affront_n or_o however_o unable_a to_o bear_v repeat_v and_o long-continued_a injury_n no_o doubt_n if_o our_o opinion_n have_v be_v ask_v the_o luxury_n of_o the_o old_a world_n shall_v have_v be_v mortify_v by_o some_o amaze_a judgement_n and_o the_o flood_n shall_v have_v be_v spare_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o new_a race_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v prevent_v or_o at_o least_o by_o some_o irresistible_a evidence_n of_o god_n displeasure_n banish_v long_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o mahomet_n shall_v either_o have_v never_o appear_v or_o he_o shall_v have_v glare_v only_o like_o a_o comet_n and_o so_o go_v out_o instead_o of_o sound_v so_o vast_a and_o so_o long_a a_o empire_n as_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v do_v but_o let_v we_o leave_v god_n to_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o be_v content_a that_o he_o shall_v rule_v we_o we_o be_v too_o angry_a and_o too_o passionate_a to_o say_v
fail_v to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a nor_o to_o protect_v the_o righteous_a brethren_n let_v we_o remember_v our_o profession_n which_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o consequent_o to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v not_o make_v safe_a by_o wealth_n or_o by_o favour_n by_o worldly_a power_n or_o by_o worldly_a policy_n but_o that_o god_n be_v more_o to_o we_o than_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o depend_v entire_o upon_o he_o that_o by_o forsake_v he_o we_o forsake_v our_o strength_n and_o defence_n that_o by_o adhere_v to_o he_o we_o have_v that_o power_n for_o our_o security_n and_o that_o goodness_n for_o our_o security_n which_o make_v the_o world_n and_o which_o govern_v the_o world_n let_v we_o then_o in_o this_o our_o day_n consider_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n and_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o that_o he_o may_v be_v near_o unto_o we_o in_o all_o our_o trouble_n and_o adversity_n whensoever_o they_o oppress_v we_o and_o be_v find_v of_o we_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o god_n of_o mercy_n and_o love_n which_o in_o himself_o he_o always_o be_v and_o which_o he_o desire_v to_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v to_o we_o all_o let_v therefore_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o wicked_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v to_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n let_v we_o ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n the_o twelve_o sermon_n luk._n xiii_o v._o i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v concern_v the_o galilean_n who_o blood_n pilate_n mingle_v with_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o eighteen_o jew_n upon_o who_o the_o tower_n in_o siloam_n fall_v and_o slay_v they_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o those_o that_o be_v present_a be_v this_o suppose_v you_o that_o these_o glileans_n and_o these_o jew_n be_v sinner_n above_o all_o the_o galilean_n because_o they_o suffer_v such_o thing_n and_o above_o all_o man_n that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o peperish_v from_o which_o word_n take_v in_o connexion_n with_o what_o go_v before_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o observation_n that_o may_v be_v lay_v down_o the_o former_a be_v rather_o suppose_v than_o express_v and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o god_n be_v just_a in_o the_o punishment_n that_o he_o inflict_v upon_o sinner_n 2._o that_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o evil_a happen_v to_o man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o the_o second_o kind_n be_v intend_v more_o direct_o viz._n 1._o that_o they_o who_o suffer_v very_o great_a evil_n be_v not_o always_o great_a sinner_n than_o those_o who_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n suffer_v nothing_o 2._o that_o one_o reason_n why_o such_o evil_n do_v not_o befall_v all_o person_n at_o the_o same_o time_n who_o be_v equal_o sinner_n be_v that_o while_o some_o be_v visit_v with_o the_o rod_n other_o may_v take_v warning_n by_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v warning_n they_o shall_v not_o escape_v these_o be_v all_o profitable_a instruction_n and_o such_o as_o this_o place_n natural_o yield_v which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o pursue_v without_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o show_v how_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o something_o i_o shall_v say_v but_o very_o brief_o of_o the_o two_o first_o because_o they_o be_v suppose_v in_o these_o say_n of_o our_o lord_n though_o not_o the_o main_a thing_n intend_v the_o first_o be_v that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n discourse_v here_o concern_v the_o end_n of_o those_o unhappy_a man_n he_o know_v that_o his_o hearer_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o pass_v a_o hard_a censure_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o take_v care_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o run_v into_o that_o extreme_a if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v fix_v in_o all_o of_o they_o that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n and_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v far_o from_o correct_v but_o rather_o confirm_v they_o in_o it_o by_o conclude_v that_o they_o also_o shall_v perish_v except_o they_o repent_v the_o truth_n be_v this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o man_n know_v by_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v well_o that_o they_o do_v for_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o sense_n the_o world_n be_v so_o bad_a how_o much_o worse_o will_v it_o have_v be_v if_o these_o apprehension_n can_v have_v be_v extinguish_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n inspire_v a_o man_n with_o assurance_n and_o that_o gild_n make_v he_o a_o coward_n that_o the_o disaster_n of_o other_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v hardly_o think_v of_o and_o that_o our_o own_o affliction_n bring_v our_o old_a sin_n to_o remembrance_n the_o native_n of_o melita_n though_o they_o be_v barbarian_n yet_o when_o they_o see_v a_o viper_n fasten_v upon_o st._n paul_n hand_n present_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o murderer_n who_o though_o he_o have_v escape_v the_o sea_n yet_o vengeance_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o live_v act_v 28._o there_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n wrought_v though_o they_o carry_v it_o too_o far_o but_o with_o something_o better_a reason_n do_v joseph_n brethren_n when_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o distress_n argue_v with_o one_o another_o very_o we_o be_v guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n therefore_o this_o distress_n be_v come_v upon_o we_o gen._n 42.21_o it_o be_v this_o natural_a belief_n that_o support_v many_o mystery_n of_o religion_n every_o where_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o those_o mystery_n be_v of_o god_n appoint_v or_o of_o man_n invent_v a_o good_a part_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o worship_n be_v to_o make_v expiation_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o beast_n be_v kill_v to_o confess_v that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o that_o man_n for_o who_o it_o be_v offer_v it_o be_v this_o sense_n that_o dispose_v man_n to_o believe_v strange_a delusion_n that_o there_o be_v virtue_n in_o little_a thing_n which_o seem_v to_o he_o no_o better_o than_o charm_n to_o take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o punishment_n of_o it_o when_o people_n wear_v habit_n and_o go_v pilgrimage_n and_o touch_v relic_n and_o apply_v holy_a water_n and_o twenty_o other_o such_o remedy_n to_o themselves_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o their_o mind_n though_o they_o take_v a_o silly_a way_n to_o their_o end_n yet_o the_o principle_n be_v good_a at_o the_o bottom_n that_o sin_n and_o punishment_n be_v link_v together_o and_o that_o one_o natural_o draw_v on_o the_o other_o if_o some_o method_n be_v not_o use_v to_o break_v the_o chain_n which_o belief_n be_v so_o troublesome_a to_o a_o guilty_a mind_n that_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o dispose_v to_o like_v a_o religion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o have_v great_a variety_n of_o relief_n for_o a_o uneasy_a conscience_n which_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o mankind_n if_o good_a care_n be_v not_o take_v be_v ready_a to_o run_v into_o a_o thousand_o superstition_n to_o prevent_v which_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o that_o we_o have_v so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n shall_v cheerful_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o serve_v god_n without_o fear_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n this_o be_v the_o first_o observation_n that_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o all_o this_o discourse_n proceed_v be_v a_o natural_a truth_n viz._n that_o punishment_n be_v due_a to_o sin_n 2._o that_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o evil_n befall_v man_n it_o still_o come_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n either_o direct_o send_v it_o or_o at_o least_o know_o permit_v it_o and_o for_o wise_a and_o good_a reason_n determine_v to_o permit_v it_o this_o also_o be_v evident_o presume_v in_o this_o discourse_n for_o upon_o the_o relation_n of_o those_o disaster_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o hearer_n present_o turn_v to_o this_o conclusion_n that_o they_o be_v very_o great_a sinner_n that_o suffer_v such_o thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o evil_n be_v send_v by_o a_o just_a and_o wise_a
be_v take_v do_v suppose_v that_o when_o man_n suffer_v for_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v great_a sinner_n mere_o for_o that_o reason_n than_o those_o who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n escape_v and_o suffer_v nothing_o for_o when_o he_o say_v that_o neither_o shall_v they_o escape_v that_o hear_v he_o unless_o they_o repent_v it_o be_v imply_v or_o at_o least_o not_o deny_v that_o those_o thing_n happen_v to_o the_o aforesaid_a galilean_n and_o jew_n as_o a_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o a_o plain_a case_n it_o be_v that_o in_o this_o life_n where_o the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n grow_v together_o that_o by_o the_o same_o affliction_n god_n punish_v the_o sin_n of_o some_o while_o he_o manifest_v the_o sincerity_n of_o other_o and_o in_o this_o case_n it_o remain_v true_a that_o those_o who_o be_v punish_v be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v great_a sinner_n than_o all_o those_o that_o escape_n of_o which_o we_o need_v not_o desire_v any_o other_o proof_n than_o our_o saviour_n word_n for_o it_o but_o in_o some_o case_n we_o have_v very_o evident_a and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o for_o sometime_o god_n punish_v the_o sin_n of_o some_o man_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o that_o be_v worse_o than_o they_o who_o he_o reserve_v for_o far_o great_a punishment_n in_o this_o life_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n do_v abundant_o testify_v now_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o must_v not_o be_v conclude_v of_o those_o that_o suffer_v under_o the_o oppression_n of_o other_o that_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o those_o that_o oppress_v they_o it_o ought_v not_o neither_o to_o be_v conclude_v of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o suffer_v by_o they_o that_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o those_o that_o do_v for_o the_o former_a observation_n be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v first_o who_o deserve_v it_o most_o which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n that_o our_o saviour_n think_v fit_a to_o deliver_v in_o his_o day_n and_o will_v be_v of_o constant_a use_n while_o the_o world_n last_v to_o keep_v christian_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o that_o jewish_a error_n that_o man_n may_v discern_v god_n love_n and_o hatred_n by_o what_o befall_v they_o in_o this_o world_n i_o will_v therefore_o never_o suffer_v myself_o to_o be_v run_v into_o a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o any_o man_n or_o any_o people_n by_o any_o adversity_n how_o great_a soever_o it_o be_v which_o happen_v to_o they_o before_o my_o eye_n much_o less_o will_v i_o enter_v into_o comparison_n i_o will_v not_o conclude_v from_o the_o affliction_n i_o see_v that_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o great_a sin_n at_o the_o bottom_n which_o vengeance_n have_v find_v out_o and_o when_o i_o see_v the_o sin_n and_o can_v forbear_v acknowledge_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n i_o will_v not_o go_v on_o to_o suppose_v there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o i_o do_v see_v and_o make_v he_o to_o be_v a_o worse_a man_n than_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v nor_o will_v i_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v worse_a than_o those_o that_o do_v not_o suffer_v such_o thing_n and_o what_o construction_n i_o will_v forbear_v to_o make_v of_o a_o single_a person_n i_o will_v much_o more_o forbear_v to_o make_v of_o multitude_n because_o i_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n proceed_n with_o peoples_n and_o nation_n and_o great_a body_n of_o man_n be_v by_o i_o unsearchable_a and_o that_o time_n discover_v that_o wisdom_n of_o his_o counsel_n which_o my_o reason_n can_v fathom_v in_o a_o word_n i_o will_v conclude_v ill_a of_o none_o because_o they_o suffer_v but_o rather_o well_o of_o they_o if_o i_o know_v no_o cause_n to_o the_o contrary_a because_o it_o be_v often_o god_n method_n to_o afflict_v his_o own_o best_a servant_n and_o when_o he_o punish_v for_o sin_n to_o begin_v with_o those_o that_o do_v not_o most_o of_o all_o deserve_v it_o shall_v i_o conclude_v for_o instance_n that_o the_o french_a protestant_n have_v be_v the_o great_a sinner_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_n in_o europe_n or_o great_a than_o ourselves_o because_o they_o have_v suffer_v such_o thing_n god_n forbid_v i_o speak_v not_o of_o those_o who_o to_o their_o glory_n in_o this_o world_n but_o alas_o that_o be_v little_a worth_n it_o become_v i_o to_o say_v and_o you_o to_o hear_v it_o who_o to_o their_o praise_n with_o god_n and_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o reward_n hereafter_o in_o a_o better_a life_n have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n but_o of_o those_o who_o the_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n have_v prevail_v with_o more_o than_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o the_o desire_n of_o ease_n here_o have_v be_v too_o hard_o for_o the_o desire_n of_o salvation_n hereafter_o i_o will_v not_o say_v and_o we_o must_v not_o say_v that_o even_o these_o be_v great_a sinner_n than_o ourselves_o who_o have_v not_o fall_v into_o their_o temptation_n such_o instance_n as_o these_o brethren_n do_v best_a explain_v the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o word_n and_o will_v affect_v we_o with_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o the_o more_o that_o we_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n and_o consider_v the_o unsearchableness_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o that_o his_o way_n be_v past_o find_v out_o as_o we_o can_v but_o do_v if_o we_o ask_v ourselves_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o and_o that_o happen_v the_o more_o sensible_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n in_o this_o place_n and_o shall_v forbear_v pass_v judgement_n upon_o the_o unhappy_a mere_o because_o they_o be_v so_o but_o yet_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o god_n do_v of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o a_o unprofitable_a observation_n and_o that_o because_o the_o second_o point_n of_o the_o three_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v as_o true_a as_o the_o first_o and_o that_o be_v this_o 2._o that_o one_o reason_n why_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n do_v not_o befall_v all_o person_n at_o the_o same_o time_n who_o be_v equal_o sinner_n be_v that_o while_o some_o be_v visit_v with_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n other_o may_v take_v warning_n by_o it_o this_o proposition_n i_o lay_v down_o with_o great_a confidence_n not_o only_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o general_a but_o also_o of_o the_o pertinence_n of_o it_o to_o the_o text_n for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o our_o saviour_n upon_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o former_a of_o the_o two_o tragical_a story_n observe_v the_o latter_a himself_o and_z takes_z occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o divert_v his_o hearer_n from_o censure_v those_o miserable_a person_n as_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v and_o to_o employ_v they_o in_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v he_o employ_v they_o in_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o sin_n for_o say_v he_o except_o you_o repent_v and_o upon_o their_o own_o danger_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v and_o now_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o wander_v from_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o those_o person_n nor_o make_v a_o application_n of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o since_o he_o give_v warning_n by_o their_o example_n it_o remain_v true_a as_o i_o say_v that_o one_o reason_n why_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n do_v not_o befall_v all_o person_n at_o the_o same_o time_n who_o equal_o deserve_v they_o and_o i_o will_v add_v who_o equal_o need_v they_o be_v this_o that_o while_o some_o be_v correct_v other_o may_v be_v instruct_v i_o rather_o keep_v to_o the_o case_n of_o punish_v sin_n than_o try_v virtue_n because_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o text_n though_o i_o may_v say_v too_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o all_o that_o can_v bear_v a_o trial_n be_v not_o try_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v because_o the_o trial_n of_o some_o righteous_a man_n be_v not_o only_o profitable_a to_o themselves_o but_o the_o example_n of_o they_o also_o be_v profitable_a to_o other_o good_a man_n to_o encourage_v and_o fortify_v they_o but_o when_o god_n punish_v he_o do_v not_o at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n punish_v all_o that_o deserve_v it_o equal_o but_o he_o punish_v some_o that_o the_o rest_n may_v take_v warning_n for_o if_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n will_v instruct_v all_o the_o rest_n god_n end_n be_v gain_v which_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v learn_v righteousness_n when_o his_o judgement_n be_v abroad_o in_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o argument_n
little_a faith_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o world_n will_v be_v in_o a_o careless_a posture_n as_o it_o be_v before_o that_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o take_v they_o all_o away_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o the_o earth_n when_o god_n enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o the_o world_n for_o the_o violence_n and_o iniquity_n of_o man_n and_o assert_n the_o cause_n of_o innocence_n and_o righteousness_n against_o they_o for_o in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n and_o apostasy_n be_v very_o great_a and_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o many_o of_o those_o that_o believe_v so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n that_o in_o such_o a_o wicked_a age_n as_o call_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o open_a enemy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a number_n will_v be_v void_a of_o all_o regard_n whatsoever_o to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o his_o providence_n or_o if_o they_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o scoffer_n mention_v by_o st._n peter_n who_o will_v say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n many_o of_o his_o profess_a servant_n will_v be_v weary_a of_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o give_v way_n to_o temptation_n and_o depend_v more_o upon_o the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n than_o upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o many_o good_a man_n will_v be_v very_o much_o weaken_v and_o abate_v so_o that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o i_o persuade_v myself_o to_o have_v give_v you_o a_o true_a illustration_n of_o these_o remarkable_a word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o two_o signification_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v both_o intend_a in_o this_o text_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o know_v which_o be_v principal_o intend_v the_o day_n of_o the_o general_a judgement_n or_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o general_a judgement_n be_v in_o itself_o the_o principal_a meaning_n of_o christ_n come_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v but_o yet_o the_o parable_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o be_v manifest_o intend_v to_o stir_v up_o that_o generation_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v and_o to_o give_v a_o firm_a faith_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a trouble_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n therefore_o neither_o can_v the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o be_v avenge_v of_o these_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o deliver_v his_o servant_n be_v exclude_v but_o be_v as_o direct_o intend_v as_o the_o other_o and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o observe_v the_o two_o main_a point_n which_o the_o text_n suppose_v beside_o those_o which_o it_o affirm_v and_o the_o consider_v of_o they_o will_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n 1._o it_o be_v suppose_v manifest_o that_o after_o the_o first_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o call_v the_o world_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o be_v offer_v up_o for_o our_o sin_n there_o will_v yet_o be_v degenerate_a age_n sometime_o and_o a_o most_o corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n before_o his_o second_o personal_a come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o suppose_a that_o his_o providence_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v all_o thing_n right_a when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o his_o church_n 1._o that_o his_o first_o come_n will_v not_o infallible_o prevent_v the_o degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o future_a age_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o teach_v many_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o his_o doctrine_n iniquity_n will_v abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o will_v wax_v cold_a and_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o advantage_n yet_o his_o own_o servant_n will_v sometime_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o state_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o they_o to_o cry_v unto_o god_n day_n and_o night_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o may_v cause_v some_o wonder_n if_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o general_o corrupt_v before_o the_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o may_v not_o appear_v strange_a at_o all_o to_o those_o that_o consider_v the_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o mankind_n that_o after_o the_o creation_n the_o earth_n shall_v so_o abound_v with_o luxury_n and_o violence_n that_o god_n sweep_v all_o mankind_n away_o with_o the_o flood_n but_o eight_o person_n that_o after_o noah_n family_n have_v people_v the_o earth_n again_o man_n shall_v fall_v into_o idolatry_n so_o universal_o that_o god_n call_v abraham_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a covenant_n with_o he_o for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n in_o his_o family_n and_o posterity_n that_o pharaoh_n shall_v oppress_v the_o israelite_n after_o his_o country_n have_v be_v save_v by_o they_o that_o the_o israelite_n shall_v fall_v to_o worship_v other_o god_n after_o that_o the_o true_a god_n have_v wrought_v so_o many_o miraculous_a deliverance_n for_o they_o that_o when_o not_o without_o much_o ado_n they_o be_v cure_v of_o idolatry_n they_o shall_v fall_v into_o scandalous_a way_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o immorality_n these_o and_o the_o like_a thing_n perhaps_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o because_o god_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o use_v the_o last_o mean_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v time_n as_o bad_a as_o the_o worst_a of_o those_o after_o christ_n himself_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n with_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v and_o with_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o oppression_n violence_n fraud_n hypocrisy_n error_n superstition_n idolatry_n and_o scandalous_a example_n shall_v for_o some_o age_n reign_v no_o less_o than_o before_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o shake_v even_o the_o faith_n of_o good_a man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deceive_v the_o very_o best_a of_o all_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o amaze_a consideration_n and_o though_o the_o noble_a example_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o assure_a expectation_n of_o a_o large_a progress_n that_o christianity_n will_v make_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o better_a effect_n that_o it_o will_v produce_v may_v answer_v the_o objection_n yet_o that_o the_o world_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o bad_a under_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v what_o may_v raise_v some_o admiration_n but_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n first_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o come_v not_o to_o establish_v a_o religion_n which_o shall_v either_o by_o its_o truth_n convince_v or_o by_o its_o power_n reform_v mankind_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o both_o purpose_n if_o they_o will_v be_v wise_a and_o honest_a and_o suffer_v the_o concernment_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o above_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o expect_v a_o universal_a reformation_n as_o to_o expect_v that_o man_n will_v not_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v to_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o the_o gospel_n be_v furnish_v with_o no_o irresistible_a mean_n but_o leave_v they_o under_o the_o natural_a liberty_n they_o have_v before_o with_o a_o provision_n of_o grace_n that_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o likely_a that_o the_o truth_n will_v be_v oppose_v by_o some_o and_o corrupt_v by_o other_o and_o by_o many_o hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n that_o several_a to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v will_v not_o believe_v it_o and_o several_a that_o believe_v it_o will_v not_o obey_v it_o and_o in_o time_n that_o it_o will_v be_v mix_v with_o error_n and_o superstition_n and_o frame_v to_o the_o design_n of_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n nay_o the_o better_a and_o more_o divine_a a_o religion_n that_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o more_o violent_o it_o will_v be_v oppose_v by_o some_o and_o the_o more_o certain_o corrupt_v by_o other_o so_o that_o if_o we_o
want_v to_o maintain_v it_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n god_n come_v and_o sweep_v away_o mankind_n with_o a_o flood_n and_o save_v noah_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a generation_n when_o their_o prosperity_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n he_o call_v abraham_n forth_o to_o preserve_v true_a religion_n in_o he_o and_o in_o his_o family_n and_o these_o and_o the_o like_a providence_n be_v pledge_n of_o the_o same_o care_n to_o interpose_v in_o behalf_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n when_o the_o faithful_a seem_v to_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o men._n while_o god_n seem_v to_o let_v the_o world_n alone_o and_o to_o suffer_v all_o man_n to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o own_o way_n as_o if_o he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v at_o all_o concern_v at_o what_o they_o do_v he_o be_v all_o the_o while_n try_v and_o prove_v what_o they_o be_v not_o indeed_o for_o his_o own_o information_n for_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o come_v after_o if_o he_o at_o every_o turn_n shall_v interpose_v when_o we_o think_v it_o needful_a we_o shall_v very_o seldom_o know_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o who_o be_v hypocrite_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v sometime_o see_v whether_o man_n be_v what_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v whether_o indeed_o they_o be_v concern_v for_o that_o truth_n for_o which_o they_o have_v once_o pretend_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n whether_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o conscience_n as_o they_o say_v or_o by_o mere_a worldly_a and_o politic_a consideration_n for_o such_o discovery_n as_o these_o be_v very_o instruct_v and_o serve_v for_o the_o bring_n about_o of_o much_o good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n which_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v to_o be_v one_o cause_n why_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n because_o while_o he_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o go_v on_o as_o if_o he_o mind_v it_o not_o he_o be_v try_v those_o that_o pretend_v to_o faith_n and_o upon_o the_o trial_n many_o be_v discover_v not_o to_o have_v it_o in_o short_a divine_a providence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v regardless_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n that_o it_o then_o most_o of_o all_o show_v itself_o when_o man_n be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o it_o regard_v nothing_o i._n e._n when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o will_v be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v at_o the_o close_a of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o will_v be_v the_o most_o convince_a act_n of_o providence_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o one_o forerunner_n of_o it_o will_v be_v that_o question_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o now_o the_o use_n of_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o declare_a intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o parable_n and_o he_o speak_v a_o parable_n to_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v for_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o prayer_n be_v faith_n in_o the_o providence_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o time_n when_o these_o fail_n than_o ought_v man_n always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v i.e._n they_o ought_v always_o to_o depend_v upon_o god_n providence_n they_o ought_v always_o to_o believe_v his_o promise_n they_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v certain_a that_o their_o prayer_n be_v hear_v and_o will_v turn_v to_o good_a account_n for_o they_o that_o god_n be_v gracious_a to_o all_o and_o much_o more_o to_o they_o that_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o if_o they_o do_v all_o this_o than_o they_o will_v always_o pray_v and_o not_o faint_a i.e._n and_o not_o be_v discourage_v and_o if_o they_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v then_o also_o when_o they_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v and_o when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o earth_n nay_o than_o most_o of_o all_o because_o when_o temptation_n to_o unbelief_n be_v great_a we_o shall_v the_o most_o of_o all_o strengthen_v ourselves_o by_o recourse_n to_o god_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o to_o this_o instance_n in_o prayer_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n must_v go_v 1._o a_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o be_v divert_v out_o of_o they_o by_o any_o worldly_a interest_n whatsoever_o for_o he_o can_v have_v no_o faith_n to_o go_v to_o god_n who_o think_v of_o take_v care_n for_o himself_o without_o regard_n to_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n a_o man_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o seek_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o to_o commend_v his_o case_n to_o he_o that_o contrive_v how_o to_o shift_v for_o himself_o without_o he_o 2._o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o by_o this_o also_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n entitle_v himself_o to_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o obtain_v the_o particular_a blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o at_o any_o time_n if_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v prove_v evil_a as_o well_o as_o good_a for_o we_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o matter_n after_o all_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o than_o if_o we_o obtain_v they_o we_o get_v his_o blessing_n with_o they_o too_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o get_v his_o blessing_n without_o they_o which_o be_v the_o general_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o always_o with_o these_o disposition_n we_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a case_n to_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o spiritual_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v assure_o come_v accompany_v with_o temporal_a one_o too_o if_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o if_o god_n see_v that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o his_o church_n to_o be_v prosperous_a than_o to_o be_v afflict_v in_o this_o world_n and_o than_o it_o be_v better_a so_o to_o be_v when_o man_n be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o god_n correction_n and_o their_o own_o repentance_n man_n ought_v therefore_o always_o to_o pray_v and_o not_o to_o faint_v for_o their_o prayer_n thus_o qualify_v will_v not_o fail_v of_o obtain_v what_o they_o ask_v which_o our_o saviour_n think_v good_a to_o illustrate_v by_o a_o example_n in_o the_o parable_n deliver_v before_o the_o text_n viz._n of_o a_o unjust_a judge_n that_o neither_o fear_a god_n nor_o regard_v man_n who_o nevertheless_o upon_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o widow_n do_v what_o be_v right_a in_o her_o case_n much_o more_o shall_v god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n for_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o just_a god_n and_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o right_v those_o that_o do_v at_o any_o time_n suffer_v wrong_a 2._o he_o be_v also_o the_o merciful_a god_n that_o regard_v man_n and_o when_o we_o desire_v thing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v needful_a he_o be_v of_o himself_o ready_a to_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v or_o at_o least_o that_o which_o be_v more_o needful_a than_o what_o we_o ask_v 3._o whereas_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o parable_n seem_v to_o contemn_v the_o poverty_n and_o meanness_n of_o that_o person_n that_o sue_v to_o he_o for_o justice_n for_o which_o reason_n she_o be_v represent_v here_o to_o be_v a_o widow_n one_o of_o a_o destitute_a condition_n that_o want_v a_o patron_n to_o assert_v she_o right_o god_n who_o be_v just_a and_o good_a to_o all_o be_v particular_o gracious_a to_o his_o servant_n and_o esteem_v they_o high_o and_o no_o circumstance_n of_o meanness_n and_o distress_n which_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o can_v alter_v his_o favour_n towards_o they_o for_o all_o which_o reason_n if_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o parable_n grant_v the_o widow_n suit_n mere_o because_o she_o lie_v upon_o he_o and_o be_v troublesome_a to_o he_o much_o more_o will_v god_n to_o who_o we_o be_v never_o troublesome_a when_o we_o make_v our_o request_n know_v to_o he_o grant_v what_o we_o ask_v because_o he_o be_v righteous_a and_o gracious_a and_o love_v and_o pity_v we_o as_o a_o father_n do_v his_o child_n the_o fourteen_o sermon_n a_o assize-sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n mary_n in_o bury_n 1678._o levit._fw-la xix_o twelve_o you_o shall_v not_o swear_v by_o my_o name_n false_o the_o religious_a use_n of_o a_o oath_n depend_v chief_o upon_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o discharge_v the_o matter_n must_v be_v worthy_a of_o that_o obligation_n which_o a_o oath_n imply_v in_o promise_v it_o must_v not_o be_v unlawful_a that_o we_o may_v swear_v in_o righteousness_n
then_o have_v we_o confidence_n of_o ourselves_o by_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o please_v he_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o please_v ourselves_o by_o make_v he_o our_o friend_n we_o shall_v infallible_o make_v one_o friend_n more_o and_o that_o be_v our_o own_o conscience_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o we_o than_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o follow_v truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o we_o know_v will_v not_o put_v we_o upon_o struggle_v with_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o strain_v point_n against_o our_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o the_o while_o we_o be_v gain_v his_o favour_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o do_v well_o and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v it_o we_o shall_v thank_v ourselves_o instead_o of_o be_v plague_v with_o a_o sad_a and_o black_a remembrance_n of_o the_o way_n we_o take_v to_o get_v it_o acquaint_v now_o thyself_o with_o god_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v good_a come_v unto_o thy_o soul_n 5._o there_o lie_v no_o flattery_n nor_o false_a accusation_n nor_o outward_a accident_n against_o we_o to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o god_n favour_n or_o to_o make_v we_o lose_v that_o we_o have_v wrought_v to_o turn_v his_o mind_n or_o to_o blot_v our_o service_n out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n no_o change_n of_o fortune_n shall_v bring_v we_o into_o disgrace_n which_o consideration_n st._n paul_n lay_v great_a strength_n upon_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o text._n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n v._o 35._o i_o be_o persuade_v say_v he_o that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n v._o 38._o nay_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n that_o be_v we_o get_v by_o be_v condemn_v by_o other_o because_o by_o that_o we_o be_v make_v more_o dear_a to_o god_n who_o will_v consider_v not_o only_o that_o we_o serve_v he_o but_o under_o what_o discouragement_n from_o the_o world_n we_o do_v so_o last_o 6._o who_o god_n justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o he_o conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n v._o 29_o 30._o i_o e._n those_o who_o he_o foreknow_v to_o be_v his_o most_o faithful_a servant_n he_o do_v before_o time_n decree_n that_o by_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n they_o shall_v follow_v so_o glorious_a a_o pattern_n as_o their_o elder_a brother_n the_o lord_n jesus_n moreover_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v i._o e._n he_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o hazardous_a time_n that_o they_o shall_v show_v their_o integrity_n and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v which_o be_v so_o sure_a that_o the_o apostle_n mention_n it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v do_v already_o then_o he_o proceed_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o these_o thing_n if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_a it_o be_v god_n that_o justify_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o the_o conclusion_n be_v this_o that_o whoever_o condemn_v we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discourage_v if_o god_n justify_v but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o all_o this_o be_v very_o true_a indeed_o but_o it_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o all_o party_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v most_o severe_o condemn_v by_o each_o other_o while_o each_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v god_n and_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n and_o therefore_o that_o this_o subject_n may_v have_v be_v more_o useful_o pursue_v by_o show_v particular_o what_o that_o faith_n and_o that_o practice_n be_v with_o which_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v who_o god_n justify_v and_o how_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o now_o i_o consider_v all_o this_o at_o first_o but_o then_o i_o know_v that_o i_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o person_n who_o be_v neither_o ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o church_n nor_o of_o the_o evidence_n whereby_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o which_o whoever_o govern_v himself_o in_o worship_v god_n in_o behave_v himself_o to_o other_o and_o in_o all_o his_o way_n shall_v be_v assure_o justify_v of_o god_n though_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v condemn_v he_o for_o it_o but_o i_o consider_v also_o that_o of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o shake_v the_o constancy_n of_o modest_a person_n nothing_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o do_v it_o than_o the_o mighty_a confidence_n wherewith_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n condemn_v we_o and_o exclaim_v against_o we_o for_o to_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o surprise_n that_o man_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v learned_a and_o know_v to_o be_v zealous_a do_v pronounce_v against_o we_o with_o no_o less_o severity_n than_o if_o we_o be_v mere_a infidel_n one_o will_v think_v there_o must_v be_v some_o deep_a reason_n for_o it_o when_o they_o make_v we_o nothing_o at_o all_o and_o themselves_o all_o in_o all_o for_o thus_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o we_o be_v a_o church_n or_o that_o we_o have_v any_o certainty_n so_o much_o as_o of_o that_o true_a doctrine_n we_o profess_v for_o they_o know_v we_o better_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o as_o for_o our_o salvation_n they_o be_v as_o sure_a it_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o till_o we_o be_v convert_v to_o they_o as_o if_o they_o keep_v the_o key_n of_o heaven_n nor_o do_v they_o sink_v we_o more_o than_o they_o raise_v themselves_o who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o church_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o only_o not_o deceive_v but_o even_o infallible_a they_o talk_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o safety_n with_o we_o and_o no_o danger_n with_o they_o which_o may_v raise_v such_o doubt_n in_o weak_a mind_n that_o i_o think_v it_o not_o unseasonable_a to_o bring_v to_o your_o remembrance_n how_o violent_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o christian_a brethren_n be_v condemn_v by_o man_n of_o who_o yet_o these_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v justify_v of_o god_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v this_o be_v a_o common-place_n argument_n of_o which_o all_o man_n serve_v themselves_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o argument_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a for_o if_o these_o man_n themselves_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o confidence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v you_o will_v i_o hope_v make_v this_o application_n that_o neither_o be_v their_o confidence_n to_o be_v trust_v and_o therefore_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v before_o you_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v what_o they_o call_v themselves_o and_o examine_v what_o they_o teach_v before_o you_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o yourselves_o for_o what_o they_o call_v you_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o desire_v of_o you_o that_o you_o will_v weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o not_o mind_n swel_v word_n brethren_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o new_a artifice_n to_o talk_v in_o a_o very_a high_a strain_n when_o argument_n run_v very_o low_a thus_o jew_n and_o gentile_n exclaim_v against_o our_o father_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a believer_n condemn_v they_o for_o go_v against_o antiquity_n universality_n authority_n tradition_n philosopher_n lawmaker_n king_n and_o nation_n and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v all_o this_o be_v but_o empty_a noise_n and_o vain_a pretence_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n foul_a error_n have_v be_v dress_v with_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o truth_n have_v be_v oppose_v with_o confidence_n and_o god_n suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o to_o try_v the_o sincerity_n of_o man_n that_o while_o they_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v delude_v fall_v by_o
many_o age_n afterward_o till_o at_o length_n fall_v again_o into_o great_a corruption_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n she_o with_o all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n write_v to_o by_o our_o lord_n fall_v to_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o and_o the_o temple_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v upon_o be_v now_o become_v turkish_a mosque_n and_o so_o the_o burden_n of_o pergamos_n be_v fulfil_v and_o now_o have_v give_v you_o this_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o from_o this_o authority_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o the_o most_o specious_a and_o popular_a exception_n which_o they_o of_o rome_n make_v against_o our_o reformation_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v under_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o in_o this_o church_n whilst_o it_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o and_o subjection_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v notorious_a abuse_n and_o error_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n add_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n second_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n we_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o reform_v ourselves_o as_o we_o have_v do_v three_o that_o the_o main_a objection_n which_o they_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v bring_v and_o whereby_o they_o seek_v to_o stagger_v those_o of_o our_o communion_n and_o to_o fright_v they_o into_o their_o own_o may_v by_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o message_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v vain_a and_o fallacious_a and_o therefore_o by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o remove_v we_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n first_o that_o in_o this_o church_n as_o in_o all_o other_o that_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v notorious_a abuse_n and_o error_n introduce_v into_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christian_n and_o first_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n so_o in_o these_o church_n there_o be_v doctrine_n and_o practice_n lead_v to_o idolatry_n i_o wish_v that_o be_v all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o all_o for_o idolatry_n itself_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v be_v practise_v and_o that_o practise_v not_o only_o connive_v at_o but_o encourage_v and_o command_v and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o adore_v the_o host_n pray_v to_o saint_n to_o dead_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o worship_v of_o image_n contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n provide_v that_o we_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o that_o he_o only_o we_o shall_v serve_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o when_o we_o urge_v they_o with_o these_o thing_n they_o defend_v themselves_o from_o idolatry_n by_o the_o use_n of_o such_o distinction_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o save_v themselves_o by_o if_o indeed_o these_o distinction_n will_v do_v the_o business_n as_o for_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o licentiousness_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_o such_o than_o the_o easy_a term_n upon_o which_o they_o promise_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o security_n from_o hell_n confession_n to_o a_o priest_n with_o attrition_n be_v reckon_v sufficient_a to_o receive_v a_o pretorial_n absolution_n which_o shall_v be_v valid_a in_o heaven_n as_o also_o the_o invention_n of_o purgatory_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o shorten_v the_o pain_n of_o it_o by_o indulgence_n by_o apply_v the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n merit_n by_o mass_n and_o prayer_n with_o a_o great_a many_o abuse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o half-communion_n their_o latin_a service_n their_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n or_o rule_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o antiquity_n but_o plain_a and_o full_a consent_n there_o be_v both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o against_o they_o but_o now_o to_o all_o this_o they_o make_v one_o general_a reply_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n mean_v the_o roman_a church_n have_v not_o err_v in_o these_o point_n because_o she_o can_v err_v at_o all_o for_o she_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o faith_n she_o be_v that_o one_o catholic_n church_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o which_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o perpetual_a presence_n and_o assistance_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o she_o and_o of_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o she_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o word_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v by_o she_o define_v be_v infallible_o true_a and_o therefore_o that_o these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v neither_o damnable_a error_n and_o sin_n nor_o error_n and_o sin_n at_o all_o now_o if_o indeed_o such_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o that_o church_n we_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o very_a great_a strait_n and_o not_o very_o well_o know_v whether_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n impose_v by_o that_o church_n or_o the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v as_o that_o church_n require_v but_o first_o of_o all_o we_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o do_v not_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o these_o promise_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n and_o that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o she_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o so_o much_o error_n as_o will_v utter_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n not_o from_o all_o error_n whatsoever_o but_o that_o no_o promise_n in_o particular_a be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o much_o as_o to_o secure_v she_o from_o fundamental_a error_n utter_o destructive_a of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n especial_o since_o st._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n plain_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n rom._n 11.21_o 22._o where_n speak_v of_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o have_v these_o word_n for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o which_o have_v be_v vain_a word_n if_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o privilege_n confer_v upon_o the_o see_v of_o peter_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o to_o continue_v in_o god_n goodness_n or_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a truth_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o we_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o find_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o we_o can_v find_v it_o there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o she_o have_v err_v because_o some_o of_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o apparent_o to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n than_o to_o believe_v she_o be_v infallible_a because_o she_o say_v so_o of_o herself_o but_o to_o this_o they_o say_v that_o we_o misinterpret_v those_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v what_o they_o profess_v and_o practice_v and_o in_o short_a that_o we_o can_v arrive_v to_o certainty_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n which_o the_o church_n be_v well_o for_o the_o present_a i_o will_v suppose_v this_o but_o then_o this_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o that_o church_n ever_o to_o convince_v i_o or_o any_o reasonable_a man_n of_o she_o own_o infallibility_n by_o the_o scripture_n for_o when_o she_o tell_v i_o that_o christ_n have_v say_v thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n she_o suppose_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o herself_o be_v so_o plain_o make_v that_o
to_o be_v train_v up_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o they_o and_o bear_v with_o all_o their_o infirmity_n mistake_v and_o folly_n till_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o perfection_n whereas_o judas_n who_o he_o except_v out_o of_o this_o commendation_n you_o be_v clean_a be_v a_o man_n false_a and_o close_o covetous_a and_o treacherous_a and_o for_o the_o compass_v of_o his_o end_n ready_a for_o any_o mischief_n he_o be_v a_o thief_n and_o keep_v himself_o a_o follower_n of_o jesus_n long_a in_o all_o likelihood_n than_o he_o will_v have_v do_v otherwise_o because_o he_o bear_v the_o bag_n he_o seem_v to_o have_v become_v his_o disciple_n at_o first_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o expect_v to_o have_v be_v some_o great_a man_n in_o the_o world_n under_o jesus_n who_o miracle_n have_v convince_v he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o when_o by_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o by_o his_o example_n he_o find_v he_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v deceive_v in_o that_o expectation_n of_o worldly_a greatness_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o make_v the_o best_a he_o can_v of_o his_o be_v one_o of_o our_o lord_n disciple_n and_o that_o by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o opportunity_n he_o have_v to_o get_v both_o money_n and_o favour_n from_o the_o ruler_n by_o betray_v he_o this_o be_v the_o character_n of_o judas_n who_o our_o lord_n know_v full_a well_o before_o he_o betray_v he_o and_o he_o be_v such_o a_o vicious_a hypocrite_n so_o great_a a_o villain_n as_o he_o be_v jesus_n seem_v not_o to_o regard_v he_o at_o all_o nor_o to_o take_v any_o particular_a care_n of_o he_o but_o do_v even_o let_v he_o go_v from_o one_o wickedness_n to_o another_o till_o he_o come_v to_o utter_v ruin_n and_o for_o what_o reason_n shall_v we_o think_v but_o because_o he_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o honesty_n in_o he_o and_o be_v therefore_o incapable_a of_o be_v improve_v in_o any_o degree_n of_o virtue_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o argument_n whereby_o i_o will_v recommend_v to_o all_o man_n that_o simplicity_n and_o honesty_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v discernible_a in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n whilst_o though_o they_o be_v but_o very_o imperfect_a in_o religion_n and_o virtue_n in_o comparison_n to_o what_o they_o be_v afterward_o yet_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o cast_v they_o off_o for_o every_o fault_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o for_o every_o mistake_n they_o be_v under_o but_o rather_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o they_o and_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o set_v they_o right_o when_o they_o be_v wrong_v and_o to_o lead_v they_o from_o one_o degree_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n to_o another_o till_o at_o length_n they_o become_v teacher_n of_o truth_n and_o example_n of_o piety_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o believe_v very_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o six_o chapter_n of_o st._n john_n and_o in_o other_o place_n that_o jesus_n will_v not_o cast_v away_o those_o that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o i._n e._n man_n of_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_a disposition_n these_o word_n allude_v to_o what_o be_v common_o see_v among_o we_o of_o a_o father_n commit_v a_o child_n of_o probity_n and_o a_o towardly_a disposition_n to_o a_o skilful_a master_n to_o be_v educate_v and_o improve_v by_o he_o and_o his_o expect_v a_o good_a account_n of_o he_o at_o last_o and_o therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 17.12_o of_o those_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o or_o commit_v to_o my_o care_n i_o have_v lose_v none_o but_o the_o son_n of_o perdition_n i._n e._n judas_n have_v utter_o fall_v off_o and_o miscarry_v because_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o reprobate_a disposition_n but_o of_o those_o that_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o he_o i._n e._n man_n of_o teachable_a and_o willing_a spirit_n he_o have_v lose_v none_o although_o they_o have_v a_o great_a many_o fail_n and_o be_v often_o in_o very_o great_a danger_n but_o i_o be_o to_o make_v out_o this_o point_n from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o elsewhere_o which_o afford_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o it_o in_o st._n peter_n to_o wit_n how_o great_a be_v the_o care_n of_o god_n over_o a_o sincere_a man_n to_o save_v he_o from_o utter_a miscarry_v notwithstanding_o many_o unblamable_a defect_n and_o i_o the_o rather_o shall_v instance_n in_o st._n peter_n because_o upon_o every_o notable_a occasion_n of_o instruct_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o disciple_n our_o saviour_n still_o address_v himself_o to_o st._n peter_n not_o that_o the_o rest_n be_v unconcern_v but_o that_o he_o be_v most_o of_o all_o concern_v because_o he_o most_o of_o all_o need_v his_o instruction_n and_o admonition_n as_o you_o will_v plain_o see_v it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v many_o notable_a good_a quality_n wherein_o he_o excel_v the_o rest_n for_o in_o quickness_n of_o apprehension_n in_o boldness_n of_o spirit_n in_o concern_v for_o his_o master_n in_o activity_n and_o industry_n in_o forward_a undertake_n and_o in_o contempt_n of_o danger_n he_o seem_v to_o outdo_v all_o his_o brethren_n but_o this_o forward_a vigorous_a and_o active_a man_n made_z more_z falls_z as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v than_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n do_v but_o be_v also_o sincere_a and_o honest_a he_o be_v therefore_o more_o watch_v and_o particular_o instruct_v than_o the_o rest_n and_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v this_o by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n address_v himself_o in_o particular_a to_o peter_n so_o much_o often_o than_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o that_o he_o give_v he_o a_o more_o singular_a power_n and_o authority_n than_o he_o do_v the_o rest_n but_o because_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o more_o forward_o and_o active_a spirit_n than_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o do_v well_o he_o common_o do_v better_a in_o do_v ill_a he_o most_o do_v worse_o than_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n of_o that_o particular_a application_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o he_o either_o in_o commend_v or_o reprove_v he_o and_o thus_o when_o peter_n forwardness_n of_o spirit_n lead_v he_o to_o speak_v well_o before_o any_o of_o his_o brethren_n be_v ready_a as_o when_o he_o confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v what_o they_o all_o assent_v to_o jesus_n in_o commend_v he_o commend_v all_o in_o encourage_v he_o he_o encourage_v all_o and_o though_o he_o allude_v to_o his_o name_n in_o particular_a by_o say_v thou_o be_v peter_n yet_o that_o which_o follow_v and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o be_v equal_o a_o commendation_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o of_o their_o profess_v that_o faith_n upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v found_v so_o sure_o that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v destroy_v so_o likewise_o when_o he_o rebuke_v his_o master_n for_o foretell_v what_o he_o must_v suffer_v and_o have_v that_o severe_a reprimand_n from_o he_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n for_o thou_o savory_a not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n neither_o be_v this_o speak_v so_o particular_o to_o he_o as_o not_o to_o extend_v to_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v say_v also_o for_o their_o reproof_n and_o instruction_n who_o be_v as_o unwilling_a as_o peter_n that_o jesus_n shall_v die_v a_o ignominious_a death_n and_o as_o ignorant_a as_o he_o what_o wise_a and_o good_a end_v divine_a providence_n will_v bring_v about_o by_o it_o wherefore_o i_o mention_v peter_n rather_o than_o any_o one_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n as_o a_o instance_n how_o a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n a_o sincere_a mind_n or_o as_o it_o be_v call_v in_o the_o text_n a_o willing_a spirit_n how_o this_o i_o say_v put_v a_o man_n under_o the_o special_a care_n and_o protection_n of_o divine_a grace_n because_o this_o very_a admonition_n of_o the_o text_n though_o intend_v to_o all_o be_v particular_o direct_v to_o peter_n and_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a how_o our_o saviour_n like_o a_o watchful_a and_o prudent_a guide_n take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o set_v he_o right_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o peter_n be_v one_o who_o presume_v more_o than_o enough_o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o resolution_n he_o it_o be_v that_o upon_o our_o lord_n be_v foretell_v the_o dangerous_a temptation_n that_o be_v near_o do_v with_o some_o confidence_n in_o himself_o make_v this_o boast_n though_o all_o man_n shall_v
it_o and_o speak_v to_o it_o and_o desire_v it_o to_o bless_v he_o and_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v do_v so_o and_o he_o must_v withal_o take_v it_o for_o his_o supreme_a deity_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o pass_v for_o a_o idolater_n nay_o more_o for_o one_o that_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n but_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o people_n as_o those_o israelite_n be_v once_o to_o be_v serve_v who_o entice_v their_o brethren_n away_o to_o serve_v other_o god_n now_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o even_o these_o kind_n of_o worshipper_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n as_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v not_o aught_o to_o be_v thus_o serve_v for_o it_o be_v barbarous_a inhumanity_n to_o kill_v those_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v care_n for_o in_o a_o hospital_n proper_a for_o they_o for_o what_o great_a madness_n can_v be_v imagine_v than_o for_o a_o man_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o worship_v a_o senseless_a thing_n as_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o senseless_a thing_n as_o he_o must_v do_v if_o he_o exclude_v all_o apprehension_n of_o a_o invisible_a and_o spiritual_a godhead_n for_o by_o the_o supreme_a god_n all_o man_n understand_v something_o that_o be_v able_a to_o help_v or_o to_o hinder_v and_o that_o know_v when_o to_o do_v the_o one_o and_o when_o the_o other_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v according_o and_o therefore_o to_o worship_v either_o sun_n moon_n or_o star_n or_o any_o visible_a or_o corporeal_a deity_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o exclude_v all_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a godhead_n be_v to_o worship_v a_o thing_n because_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o know_v something_o while_o i_o be_o as_o sure_a at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o it_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o that_o which_o have_v nothing_o of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a nature_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n no_o more_o than_o a_o block_n have_v and_o if_o to_o worship_v such_o a_o thing_n know_v it_o to_o be_v such_o be_v all_o the_o idolatry_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n i_o do_v believe_v you_o will_v all_o grant_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o idolater_n in_o the_o world_n who_o may_v not_o have_v be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o fall_v down_o upon_o his_o knee_n to_o a_o tree_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v his_o father_n and_o to_o ask_v it_o blessing_n only_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o case_n that_o such_o a_o distemper_a man_n may_v possible_o believe_v that_o tree_n capable_a of_o blessing_n he_o but_o it_o seem_v the_o idolater_n must_v be_v more_o mad_a than_o so_o for_o he_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n believe_v that_o what_o he_o worship_v know_v nothing_o of_o he_o and_o be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v concern_v about_o he_o because_o he_o exclude_v all_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a godhead_n in_o his_o corporeal_a deity_n but_o if_o the_o maker_n of_o this_o notion_n do_v real_o think_v that_o his_o idolater_n be_v a_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n than_o he_o have_v real_o make_v the_o idolater_n to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o the_o atheist_n whereas_o they_o be_v two_o person_n this_o rule_n of_o the_o text_n have_v two_o part_n as_o i_o have_v show_v one_o that_o we_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n which_o he_o that_o do_v not_o be_v a_o atheist_n another_o to_o worship_n god_n only_o which_o he_o that_o do_v not_o be_v a_o idolater_n but_o now_o he_o that_o have_v no_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o spiritual_a godhead_n and_o yet_o worship_v for_o the_o supreme_a god_n senseless_a matter_n do_v not_o if_o he_o be_v in_o his_o wit_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o god_n at_o all_o and_o if_o he_o pretend_v to_o worship_v the_o sun_n or_o the_o moon_n or_o leek_n and_o onion_n without_o any_o reference_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v see_v or_o hear_v help_v or_o hinder_v understand_v or_o choose_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v manifest_o in_o derision_n of_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n and_o worship_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n be_v only_o at_o last_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o atheism_n very_o odd_o represent_v and_o so_o as_o a_o ingenious_a atheist_n will_v have_v do_v it_o much_o better_a for_o himself_o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o look_v upon_o this_o true_a and_o only_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n to_o be_v a_o overstrained_a repetition_n of_o what_o have_v be_v to_o much_o better_a advantage_n pretend_v by_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n viz._n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o idolater_n who_o do_v firm_o believe_v there_o be_v one_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o who_o do_v worship_v he_o as_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o this_o indeed_o be_v something_o that_o be_v it_o be_v what_o we_o understand_v but_o then_o this_o be_v very_o false_a as_o i_o shall_v demonstrate_v by_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o text_n seem_v to_o give_v clear_a evidence_n against_o it_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o etc._n etc._n for_o they_o all_o say_v that_o this_o speak_v of_o divine_a worship_n and_o at_o other_o time_n they_o grant_v that_o to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o god_n be_v idolatry_n but_o now_o the_o text_n suppose_v not_o only_o that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o god_n but_o it_o express_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v it_o to_o he_o only_o it_o be_v therefore_o possible_a to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o god_n and_o to_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o something_o else_o too_o which_o be_v not_o god_n and_o to_o do_v that_o they_o themselves_o confess_v to_o be_v idolatry_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o acknowledge_v and_o to_o worship_v one_o god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o yet_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o point_n that_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o insist_v upon_o something_o more_o particular_o because_o i_o perceive_v there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v very_o loath_a to_o have_v it_o believe_v and_o first_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o that_o instance_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n the_o devil_n promise_v our_o saviour_n that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o if_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o now_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o to_o worship_v the_o devil_n be_v idolatry_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o arrogant_a as_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v worship_v so_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o belief_n and_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o but_o indeed_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v question_v that_o he_o do_v not_o desire_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o himself_o acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o god_n for_o in_o his_o very_a first_o temptation_n he_o say_v if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v a_o plain_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o so_o in_o his_o second_o temptation_n he_o say_v if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n cast_v thyself_o down_o for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o he_o acknowledge_v also_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n nay_o when_o he_o promise_v to_o jesus_n the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o if_o he_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v he_o it_o appear_v by_o st._n luke_n that_o he_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o supreme_a disposer_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n i.e._n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a god_n but_o acknowledge_v he_o that_o be_v true_o so_o for_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v luke_n 4.6_o and_o the_o devil_n say_v unto_o he_o all_z this_o power_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o for_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o i_o and_o to_o whosoever_o i_o will_v i_o give_v it_o now_o here_o the_o devil_n plain_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o power_n be_v but_o deliver_v to_o he_o and_o not_o original_o in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o signification_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v that_o he_o do_v not_o design_n to_o draw_v our_o saviour_n to_o worship_v he_o as_o the_o supreme_a deity_n since_o he_o confess_v a_o superior_a whereas_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n answer_v he_o get_v thou_o behind_o
of_o cup_n and_o pot_n as_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o good_a and_o holy_a be_v universal_o receive_v and_o practise_v as_o st._n mark_n tell_v we_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o have_v reason_v in_o this_o fashion_n we_o in_o this_o age_n receive_v this_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n from_o our_o forefather_n who_o profess_v they_o receive_v it_o from_o they_o and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o from_o they_o than_o they_o all_o agree_v together_o to_o cheat_v we_o as_o their_o forefather_n agree_v to_o cheat_v they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o from_o they_o and_o so_o this_o tradition_n must_v have_v come_v original_o from_o moses_n or_o else_o there_o be_v one_o age_n that_o agree_v to_o cheat_v the_o next_o in_o thing_n concern_v the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n but_o after_o all_o the_o prettiness_n of_o this_o demonstration_n i_o think_v we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o superstition_n never_o come_v from_o moses_n because_o our_o saviour_n expose_v it_o as_o a_o vain_a and_o foolish_a doctrine_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o do_v because_o the_o jew_n ever_o since_o the_o pharisee_n time_n who_o be_v a_o sect_n of_o full_a three_o hundred_o year_n stand_v be_v teach_v to_o pretend_v tradition_n for_o the_o innovation_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o for_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o pretend_v that_o because_o such_o and_o such_o traditionary_a doctrine_n be_v in_o such_o a_o age_n teach_v without_o control_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v teach_v so_o from_o the_o very_a first_o 4._o that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o stick_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o examine_v all_o doctrine_n and_o pretence_n by_o this_o rule_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v indeed_o the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o try_v that_o pretence_n that_o there_o be_v another_o rule_n viz._n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o if_o that_o other_o pretend_a rule_n do_v in_o any_o thing_n contradict_v the_o scripture_n most_o certain_o it_o be_v but_o a_o pretend_a rule_n and_o to_o be_v reject_v to_o deal_v plain_o this_o same_o plain_a oral_a tradition_n be_v never_o pretend_v for_o any_o good_a either_o by_o jew_n or_o christian_n nor_o make_v use_n of_o but_o to_o advance_v and_o protect_v some_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n that_o stand_v condemn_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o after_o so_o long_a experience_n have_v of_o the_o mischief_n as_o well_o as_o vanity_n of_o this_o pretence_n it_o be_v perhaps_o not_o unreasonable_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o reject_v the_o argument_n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n and_o to_o entertain_v no_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o can_v be_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o to_o entertain_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o that_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o let_v man_n talk_v of_o tradition_n or_o any_o other_o authority_n as_o long_o as_o they_o please_v and_o now_o i_o question_v not_o but_o this_o discourse_n will_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o convince_a but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o the_o argument_n of_o itself_o will_v secure_v we_o from_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o sophistry_n of_o other_o if_o we_o do_v not_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o all_o and_o that_o be_v to_o lead_v such_o life_n as_o the_o scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o lead_v for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o temptation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v fond_a of_o traditionary_a doctrine_n as_o to_o live_v in_o that_o manner_n that_o if_o the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n be_v not_o true_a we_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n if_o we_o will_v live_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o temptation_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n let_v we_o often_o think_v that_o here_o we_o have_v no_o continue_a place_n we_o must_v not_o always_o live_v here_o but_o that_o in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n we_o be_v to_o go_v into_o another_o world_n and_o to_o appear_v before_o our_o judge_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n engage_v we_o to_o live_v a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a life_n and_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o strong_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o to_o do_v according_o and_o this_o will_n above_o all_o thing_n establish_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v something_o hard_o to_o keep_v that_o man_n from_o be_v deceive_v who_o need_v the_o comfort_n of_o false_a principle_n for_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o be_v run_v for_o comfort_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v though_o they_o cheat_v themselves_o for_o it_o brethren_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v god_n book_n and_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o by_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o i_o say_v it_o again_o and_o again_o stick_v to_o the_o scripture_n live_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o your_o practice_n and_o then_o you_o will_v need_v no_o more_o argument_n to_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n will_v be_v upon_o they_o the_o eight_o sermon_n 1_o cor._n xi_o 19_o for_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n also_o among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o the_o word_n heresy_n do_v at_o first_o indifferent_o signify_v any_o party_n distinguish_v from_o other_o by_o opinion_n and_o practice_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o whether_o those_o opinion_n be_v true_a or_o false_a those_o practice_n good_a or_o bad_a insomuch_o that_o christianity_n itself_o be_v call_v a_o sect_n or_o heresy_n for_o some_o time_n but_o in_o time_n it_o come_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o worse_a sense_n and_o be_v restrain_v to_o those_o that_o distinguish_v themselves_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o false_a doctrine_n or_o by_o unjustifiable_a practice_n which_o use_v of_o the_o word_n begin_v soon_o after_o christianity_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v and_o there_o be_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o christianity_n have_v establish_v one_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v universal_o receive_v there_o be_v now_o to_o be_v no_o heresy_n or_o sect_n that_o be_v no_o departure_n from_o the_o unity_n of_o that_o doctrine_n and_o every_o new_a sect_n from_o that_o time_n forward_o must_v necessary_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n thus_o also_o the_o word_n schism_n or_o division_n come_v in_o a_o little_a time_n to_o be_v restrain_v to_o that_o side_n or_o party_n by_o who_o fault_n the_o breach_n of_o christian_a communion_n and_o concord_n be_v make_v and_o although_o when_o a_o dissension_n and_o breach_n of_o unity_n happen_v they_o that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o fault_n be_v at_o the_o same_o distance_n from_o those_o that_o be_v that_o the_o faulty_a be_v from_o the_o innocent_a yet_o the_o faulty_a be_v only_o say_v to_o be_v in_o schism_n or_o division_n moreover_o it_o seem_v that_o heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v word_n at_o first_o use_v indifferent_o to_o signify_v the_o same_o fault_n of_o discord_n and_o contention_n because_o breach_n of_o charity_n and_o communion_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n make_v by_o depart_v from_o unity_n of_o doctrine_n though_o in_o process_n of_o time_n heresy_n be_v restrain_v to_o signify_v a_o error_n about_o the_o faith_n and_o schism_n a_o breach_n of_o order_n and_o christian_a communion_n st._n paul_n do_v in_o this_o place_n seem_v to_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o both_o word_n for_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n say_v he_o i_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v division_n or_o schism_n among_o you_o and_o i_o partly_o believe_v it_o that_o be_v i_o believe_v it_o of_o some_o of_o you_o and_o then_o he_o add_v for_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o be_v sect_n and_o party_n distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o by_o their_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n the_o matter_n about_o which_o there_o be_v a_o disagreement_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n that_o have_v happen_v so_o early_o which_o in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v obtain_v in_o a_o much_o high_a degree_n that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v in_o great_a part_n institute_v to_o unite_v the_o faithful_a in_o
one_o body_n be_v pervert_v into_o a_o occasion_n of_o divide_v they_o from_o one_o another_o upon_o which_o observation_n st._n paul_n insert_v this_o memorable_a say_v there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a there_o must_v be_v heresy_n i._n e._n party_n that_o will_v contend_v for_o false_a doctrine_n and_o unlawful_a practice_n that_o will_v either_o take_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n or_o add_v to_o the_o faith_n that_o will_v either_o dispense_v with_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n or_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o that_o be_v this_o must_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o man_n shall_v arise_v from_o among_o themselves_o speak_v perverse_a thing_n and_o thus_o also_o st._n peter_n foretell_v there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o you_o who_o privy_o shall_v bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n 2_o pet._n 2.1_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v do_v it_o privy_o or_o sly_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v not_o thereby_o a_o opportunity_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o piety_n and_o care_n of_o christian_a truth_n to_o slip_v their_o innovation_n into_o the_o church_n by_o degree_n whereas_o it_o be_v add_v that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a the_o meaning_n be_v that_o honest_a man_n may_v more_o and_o more_o appear_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v so_o that_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n observable_a i._o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o ii_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v heresy_n that_o they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a 1._o the_o unavoidableness_n of_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o by_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o heresy_n shall_v arise_v for_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o liberty_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o religion_n and_o god_n deal_n with_o mankind_n in_o give_v we_o law_n and_o make_v we_o to_o expect_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v but_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v in_o itself_o high_o probable_a that_o heresy_n will_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o god_n certain_o foresee_v that_o they_o will_v come_v in_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o that_o liberty_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v abuse_v and_o under_o that_o grace_n that_o may_v be_v resist_v all_o therefore_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o head_n will_v be_v this_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o probability_n of_o the_o come_n in_o of_o heresy_n which_o the_o text_n suppose_v of_o heresy_n i_o say_v which_o god_n see_v will_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o he_o interpose_v not_o his_o irresistible_a power_n to_o prevent_v it_o now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o heresy_n will_v be_v if_o we_o consider_v on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o revelation_n of_o christian_a truth_n and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o temper_n and_o circumstance_n of_o mankind_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o revelation_n of_o christian_a truth_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o tendency_n and_o design_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o and_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o 1._o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v plain_o to_o rectify_v the_o ill_a manner_n and_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o mankind_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o liberty_n which_o most_o man_n desire_n how_o unreasonable_a and_o hurtful_a soever_o they_o be_v and_o to_o tie_v they_o up_o to_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n moreover_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n true_o represent_v be_v equal_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n frame_v to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o ambition_n and_o to_o advance_v one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o slavery_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n last_o it_o teach_v a_o worship_n of_o great_a simplicity_n that_o have_v but_o very_o few_o mystery_n and_o nothing_o of_o that_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v so_o please_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o place_v the_o weight_n of_o religion_n in_o any_o outward_a show_n and_o performance_n but_o in_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o to_o such_o a_o course_n of_o life_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n it_o oblige_v we_o by_o all_o that_o it_o teach_v concern_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v our_o creed_n serve_v no_o other_o turn_n but_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o live_v a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a life_n but_o then_o 2._o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o be_v not_o so_o irresistible_a as_o to_o over-rule_v all_o contradiction_n and_o perverseness_n though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o wise_a and_o honest_a man_n nor_o be_v the_o manner_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v testify_v and_o declare_v to_o we_o so_o enlighten_v as_o to_o make_v it_o absolute_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o mistake_v about_o they_o or_o for_o those_o that_o wilful_o pervert_v they_o to_o delude_v other_o with_o put_v false_a colour_n upon_o they_o although_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o we_o must_v be_v extraordinary_o to_o blame_v if_o we_o run_v into_o any_o error_n against_o sound_a faith_n or_o good_a life_n one_o will_v think_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n have_v be_v plain_o enough_o deliver_v first_o by_o our_o saviour_n then_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o order_n which_o the_o apostle_n observe_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v also_o plain_a enough_o and_o yet_o in_o this_o very_a church_n of_o corinth_n there_o be_v divers_a foul_o mistake_v as_o to_o the_o one_o and_o still_o want_v instruction_n as_o to_o the_o other_o one_o will_v think_v that_o those_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o need_n for_o our_o lord_n to_o have_v add_v present_o after_o that_o say_n but_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o mean_v this_o be_v my_o body_n by_o deputation_n or_o representation_n or_o in_o a_o figurative_a sense_n any_o more_o than_o to_o have_v so_o explain_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o door_n i_o be_o the_o vine_n etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o because_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o leave_v a_o express_a caution_n against_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n we_o know_v it_o have_v be_v insist_v upon_o against_o plain_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n sense_n and_o reason_n again_o let_v a_o man_n consider_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o have_v no_o prejudice_n upon_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o will_v never_o desire_v that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v more_o plain_o express_v that_o the_o cup_n be_v administer_v to_o all_o than_o it_o be_v especial_o since_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o cup_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o and_o they_o all_o drink_v of_o it_o but_o yet_o because_o these_o word_n be_v not_o add_v or_o the_o like_a and_o let_v no_o man_n ever_o presume_v to_o administer_v the_o bread_n without_o administer_a the_o cup_n to_o the_o same_o person_n the_o cup_n have_v be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o people_n for_o the_o great_a reverence_n of_o administration_n when_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o language_n in_o which_o prayer_n or_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v be_v not_o edify_v it_o can_v hardly_o have_v be_v think_v necessary_a to_o have_v add_v this_o let_v therefore_o all_o form_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v make_v in_o the_o tongue_n that_o the_o people_n understand_v and_o yet_o for_o want_v of_o some_o such_o conclusion_n public_a prayer_n have_v be_v make_v in_o a_o language_n that_o the_o people_n understand_v not_o and_o the_o practice_n maintain_v as_o confident_o as_o if_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v itself_o in_o a_o language_n that_o we_o can_v not_o understand_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o god_n can_v have_v add_v such_o explication_n and_o caution_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o will_v have_v make_v it_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o difficult_a and_o troublesome_a to_o bring_v
in_o those_o error_n than_o it_o have_v be_v and_o perhaps_o utter_o impossible_a to_o maintain_v they_o among_o christian_n without_o destroy_v the_o bible_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o such_o caution_n have_v be_v necessary_a a_o thousand_o time_n as_o many_o more_o have_v be_v necessary_a too_o for_o so_o many_o addition_n by_o way_n of_o caution_n must_v have_v be_v make_v as_o there_o be_v way_n of_o elude_v and_o pervert_v a_o rule_n which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o to_o have_v provide_v express_o against_o they_o all_o will_v have_v make_v the_o bible_n a_o more_o voluminous_a book_n than_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o say_v the_o most_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v see_v for_o whoever_o write_v or_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o possible_a way_n of_o be_v mistake_v or_o have_v his_o word_n pervert_v according_a to_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o a_o sentence_n in_o a_o hour_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v his_o explication_n may_v be_v pervert_v too_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o god_n have_v not_o provide_v express_a caution_n against_o all_o possible_a mistake_v and_o abuse_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o think_v good_a to_o leave_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o worship_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v all_o honest_a person_n and_o lover_n of_o truth_n though_o not_o sufficient_a to_o exclude_v all_o cavil_v and_o abuse_v for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o pretend_v that_o all_o who_o see_v his_o work_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n must_v necessary_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o he_o require_v constant_o a_o certain_a temper_n of_o mind_n consist_v of_o humility_n sincerity_n love_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o a_o word_n a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n be_v his_o true_a disciple_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n but_o there_o must_v be_v also_o a_o peculiar_a probity_n or_o teachable_a spirit_n a_o mind_n ready_a to_o believe_v all_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v all_o duty_n these_o be_v the_o sheep_n that_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o the_o ground_n that_o will_v receive_v his_o seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n such_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v hear_v and_o understand_v and_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n but_o as_o for_o other_o they_o will_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o reject_v it_o with_o some_o colour_n for_o so_o do_v or_o to_o pervert_v it_o if_o they_o once_o admit_v it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o deliver_v truth_n that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n gratify_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n or_o please_v their_o imagination_n or_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o all_o other_o and_o than_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v deliver_v in_o that_o way_n which_o though_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o instruct_v and_o convince_v all_o honest_a man_n yet_o will_v not_o infallible_o bear_v down_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n now_o to_o this_o we_o must_v add_v 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o general_a temper_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o sake_n the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o exceed_o prone_a to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o to_o error_n impatient_a of_o true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o therefore_o of_o true_a doctrine_n human_a nature_n do_v affect_v a_o lawless_a liberty_n and_o can_v well_o bear_v to_o be_v confine_v and_o it_o be_v so_o disease_a that_o it_o do_v not_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v heal_v it_o be_v therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o remedy_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v have_v be_v so_o tamper_v withal_o by_o man_n as_o to_o make_v it_o ineffectual_a for_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o he_o have_v send_v it_o to_o we_o and_o doctrine_n have_v be_v teach_v which_o give_v that_o liberty_n that_o truth_n deny_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n shall_v not_o effectual_o overcome_v those_o lust_n that_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n those_o lust_n will_v corrupt_v and_o pervert_v that_o doctrine_n and_o bring_v in_o heresy_n ambition_n and_o covetousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o worldly_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n licentiousness_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n for_o make_v void_a the_o commandment_n of_o god_n pride_n will_v bring_v in_o heresy_n though_o for_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n satisfaction_n and_o glory_n in_o draw_v many_o people_n into_o a_o party_n and_o become_v the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o natural_a inconstancy_n and_o waver_v of_o some_o will_v carry_v they_o away_o from_o the_o truth_n the_o natural_a stiffness_n and_o inflexibility_n of_o other_o will_v detain_v they_o in_o error_n the_o very_a desire_n and_o love_n of_o novelty_n will_v at_o first_o help_n to_o bring_v in_o some_o and_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n will_v be_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o able_a to_o gain_v other_o final_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o most_o man_n to_o take_v pain_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o great_a ease_n of_o depend_v upon_o the_o absolute_a authority_n of_o other_o will_v give_v a_o far_a advantage_n to_o error_n which_o fear_v nothing_o more_o than_o a_o examination_n and_o therefore_o discourage_v all_o person_n from_o give_v themselves_o so_o needless_a a_o trouble_n since_o they_o have_v the_o word_n of_o those_o for_o their_o security_n who_o can_v possible_o mislead_v they_o consider_v the_o disease_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o cure_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o there_o will_v be_v faction_n and_o heresy_n against_o the_o truth_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v say_v there_o must_v be_v heresy_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o if_o he_o have_v say_v after_o all_o the_o care_n that_o god_n have_v take_v to_o restore_v mankind_n there_o will_v be_v pride_n and_o ambition_n there_o will_v be_v covetousness_n and_o injustice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n there_o will_v be_v luxury_n and_o licentiousness_n there_o will_v be_v both_o inconstancy_n and_o stiffneckedness_n there_o will_v be_v laziness_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o unaptness_n for_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v no_o infallible_a remedy_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o as_o certain_o as_o the_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n will_v break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n so_o certain_o will_v error_n get_v into_o it_o by_o degree_n and_o usurp_v the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v absolute_o have_v hinder_v it_o by_o his_o overrule_a power_n but_o in_o this_o say_n it_o be_v imply_v that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v so_o and_o experience_n have_v show_v that_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o make_v all_o man_n good_a by_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n and_o there_o be_v less_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o man_n orthodox_n by_o a_o irresistible_a illumination_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o concern_v the_o reason_n assign_v why_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v heresy_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a i._n e._n that_o it_o may_v most_o evident_o appear_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a and_o who_o be_v not_o so_o for_o opposition_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o way_n that_o be_v take_v to_o advance_v error_n do_v prove_v what_o man_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o distinguish_v between_o those_o that_o will_v appear_v all_o alike_o if_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v equal_o profess_v by_o all_o the_o great_a difference_n that_o break_v out_o be_v that_o between_o the_o probity_n of_o some_o man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o on_o the_o other_o side_n which_o appear_v in_o these_o instance_n 1._o in_o a_o more_o diligent_a search_n after_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n heresy_n have_v upon_o honest_a and_o godly_a man_n while_o they_o give_v occasion_n to_o hypocrite_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v most_o for_o their_o ease_n their_o safety_n their_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n whilst_o the_o several_a party_n
bible_n and_o yet_o they_o modest_o attend_v upon_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n for_o far_a instruction_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o therefore_o if_o some_o man_n in_o late_a age_n have_v gross_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n and_o will_v not_o be_v set_v right_o by_o those_o that_o have_v more_o skill_n to_o interpret_v they_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o people_n ungovernable_a for_o than_o it_o must_v always_o have_v be_v so_o which_o be_v notorious_o false_a and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o almost_o all_o heresy_n have_v come_v of_o misinterpreting_a scripture_n this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o christian_a people_n must_v not_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o those_o heresy_n which_o have_v give_v any_o considerable_a disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v begin_v not_o by_o laic_n or_o illiterate_a person_n but_o by_o such_o man_n as_o the_o objector_n do_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o right_n of_o read_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n i._n e._n by_o bishop_n or_o priest_n wherefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o argue_n of_o these_o man_n against_o the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o bible_n conclude_v against_o the_o priest_n as_o strong_o as_o against_o the_o people_n for_o if_o to_o prevent_v heresy_n the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o layman_n who_o may_v bring_v heresy_n into_o the_o church_n by_o misinterpret_v the_o scripture_n then_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n man_n in_o order_n shall_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o read_v they_o since_o they_o have_v actual_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o heresy_n nay_o the_o reason_n be_v something_o strong_a since_o the_o wrest_n of_o the_o holy_a text_n by_o man_n of_o office_n or_o learning_n will_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n and_o do_v more_o mischief_n than_o the_o mistake_v of_o private_a and_o unlearned_a person_n but_o if_o the_o danger_n of_o pervert_v difficult_a place_n be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o deprive_v man_n of_o all_o use_n of_o the_o bible_n this_o reason_n have_v a_o particular_a force_n upon_o some_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o look_v upon_o a_o bible_n more_o for_o the_o best_a way_n to_o judge_v how_o the_o scripture_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v use_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v to_o consider_v how_o they_o have_v constant_o use_v they_o heretofore_o and_o let_v any_o indifferent_a man_n judge_v of_o they_o by_o these_o follow_a instance_n because_o god_n say_v let_v we_o make_v man_n after_o our_o own_o image_n therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o fall_v down_o before_o a_o image_n of_o wood_n or_o stone_n because_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n therefore_o his_o pretend_a successor_n have_v power_n to_o depose_v heretical_a prince_n because_o peter_n say_v to_o christ_n lord_n here_o be_v two_o sword_n therefore_o they_o have_v a_o temporal_a as_o well_o as_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n because_o jacob_n in_o blessing_n ephraim_n and_o manasses_n pray_v that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v name_v on_o they_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v to_o saint_n because_o it_o be_v say_v the_o disciple_n meet_v together_o to_o break_v bread_n therefore_o the_o laity_n may_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o cup._n because_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o he_o that_o pray_v in_o a_o tongue_n not_o understand_v by_o other_o thou_o very_o give_v thanks_o well_o but_o the_o other_o be_v not_o edify_v therefore_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o good_a to_o appoint_v public_a prayer_n in_o a_o language_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n that_o be_v because_o he_o that_o understand_v what_o himself_n say_v do_v well_o for_o himself_o because_o he_o understand_v therefore_o he_o do_v well_o for_o other_o that_o understand_v not_o a_o word_n and_o be_v therefore_o not_o edify_v because_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o must_v glorify_v god_n with_o one_o mouth_n therefore_o in_o all_o public_a office_n of_o liturgy_n there_o be_v to_o be_v but_o one_o and_o that_o the_o latin_a tongue_n in_o all_o place_n of_o christendom_n because_o that_o many_o language_n at_o babel_n cause_v confusion_n therefore_o for_o god_n to_o be_v serve_v in_o the_o many_o vulgar_a tongue_n of_o christian_a nation_n will_v breed_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n because_o the_o beast_n that_o touch_v the_o mountain_n be_v to_o die_v and_o because_o christ_n say_v give_v not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o dog_n therefore_o ordinary_a people_n be_v not_o to_o have_v the_o bible_n these_o exposition_n be_v not_o invent_v but_o there_o be_v good_a authority_n for_o they_o and_o for_o a_o great_a many_o more_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v farther_o be_v object_v but_o this_o that_o if_o priest_n and_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v so_o foul_o mistake_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o unlearned_a in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o mistake_v which_o though_o perhaps_o will_v never_o come_v to_o be_v heresy_n in_o the_o church_n may_v yet_o prove_v damnable_a to_o themselves_o as_o st._n peter_n plain_o say_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o st._n peter_n unlearned_a man_n be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a life_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o call_v they_o unstable_a not_o yet_o fix_v in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o plain_a truth_n and_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o as_o those_o whether_o they_o be_v man_n of_o good_a part_n or_o not_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o interpret_v the_o hard_a place_n of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o open_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o necessary_a and_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o moreover_o furnish_v with_o modesty_n and_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o willingness_n to_o learn_v quality_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v common_a to_o all_o he_o shall_v be_v as_o far_o from_o wrest_v the_o difficult_a scripture_n to_o his_o own_o destruction_n as_o one_o that_o have_v vast_o great_a ability_n nay_o i_o will_v add_v one_o thing_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v no_o force_n at_o all_o in_o the_o objection_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o service_n of_o a_o cause_n and_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o by-party_n do_v more_o fatal_o lead_v to_o misinterpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o bear_v weakness_n of_o understanding_n and_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o modesty_n and_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v secure_v a_o man_n of_o no_o great_a ability_n from_o rash_a conclude_v upon_o the_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n but_o partiality_n and_o the_o service_n of_o a_o because_n shall_v engage_v a_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n to_o trouble_v the_o clear_a and_o to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a text_n as_o the_o forementioned_a instance_n evident_o show_v so_o that_o either_o the_o danger_n of_o misinterpreting_a scripture_n be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o prohibit_v the_o laity_n from_o read_v it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v better_a that_o no_o order_n of_o man_n be_v trust_v with_o it_o at_o all_o and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a i_o think_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o have_v better_o never_o have_v be_v write_v at_o all_o which_o no_o man_n will_v say_v whatever_o he_o think_v but_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n the_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o a_o universal_a good_a and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o for_o common_a use_n here_o be_v all_o divine_a truth_n and_o reason_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o every_o man_n plain_o express_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n here_o be_v also_o difficulty_n and_o mystery_n of_o several_a size_n fit_a to_o employ_v the_o industry_n of_o the_o learned_a according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o their_o ability_n and_o to_o exercise_v the_o modesty_n the_o humility_n and_o the_o reverence_n of_o all_o but_o still_o we_o confess_v that_o they_o may_v be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o interdict_v the_o general_a use_n of_o they_o then_o farewell_n at_o once_o to_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o a_o better_a with_o every_o one_o of_o which_o man_n in_o their_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n may_v and_o very_o often_o have_v hurt_v themselves_o and_o other_o st._n peter_n be_v aware_a of_o this_o that_o some_o man_n wrest_v those_o hard_a thing_n in_o s._n paul_n epistle_n and_o in_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n but_o do_v he_o therefore_o dissuade_v the_o faithful_a from_o read_v they_o no_o but_o in_o the_o
and_o curse_n of_o god_n may_v fall_v upon_o we_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o invoke_v of_o divine_a vengeance_n if_o we_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n be_v only_o consequent_a upon_o swear_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o learned_a man_n but_o also_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o oath_n for_o that_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o which_o if_o it_o be_v remove_v the_o fear_n of_o perjury_n will_v be_v take_v away_o with_o it_o but_o no_o man_n doubt_v that_o appeal_n to_o god_n as_o a_o judge_n be_v imply_v in_o appeal_n to_o he_o as_o a_o witness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o septuagint_n sometime_o use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o curse_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o oath_n say_a abraham_n to_o his_o servant_n gen._n 24.41_o thou_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o this_o my_o oath_n but_o the_o septuagint_n render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o this_o my_o curse_n and_o this_o be_v that_o meaning_n of_o a_o oath_n which_o be_v well_o express_v both_o by_o the_o form_n and_o rite_n of_o swear_v use_v among_o we_o the_o common_a form_n be_v this_o so_o help_v you_o god_n to_o which_o the_o party_n sworn_n give_v his_o assent_n by_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o the_o holy_a gospel_n and_o kiss_v it_o all_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o i_o falsify_v let_v i_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n may_v i_o be_v accurse_v in_o this_o world_n and_o let_v my_o name_n be_v blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o be_v there_o not_o good_a reason_n then_o why_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n since_o of_o all_o other_o obligation_n to_o truth_n this_o plain_o be_v the_o strong_a and_o if_o a_o man_n conscience_n will_v not_o be_v hold_v by_o this_o it_o will_v be_v hold_v by_o nothing_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o sacred_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o many_o way_n it_o may_v be_v violate_v and_o the_o gild_n of_o perjury_n incur_v it_o be_v usual_o say_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v either_o promissory_a or_o assertory_n but_o i_o think_v that_o in_o strictness_n every_o oath_n include_v a_o promise_n even_o the_o assertory_n oath_n by_o which_o a_o man_n bind_v himself_o to_o declare_v what_o he_o know_v concern_v some_o matter_n of_o fact_n past_a or_o present_a for_o this_o oath_n include_v a_o promise_n of_o declare_v the_o truth_n concern_v it_o only_o the_o promise_n and_o performance_n be_v so_o close_o to_o each_o other_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v distinguish_v whereas_o the_o obligation_n of_o those_o oath_n we_o call_v promissory_a continue_v for_o some_o considerable_a time_n to_o come_v these_o oath_n be_v most_o take_v out_o of_o court_n of_o judicature_n such_o as_o the_o oath_n of_o subordinate_a magistrate_n to_o execute_v the_o law_n honest_o and_o to_o administer_v justice_n impartial_o of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n to_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o vindicate_v the_o right_n of_o the_o same_o of_o inferior_a officer_n such_o as_o churchwarden_n and_o constable_n to_o present_a offender_n and_o execute_v their_o office_n according_a to_o law_n final_o of_o subject_n to_o yield_v true_a allegiance_n and_o faithful_a subjection_n to_o the_o king_n such_o oath_n as_o these_o be_v direct_o violate_v two_o way_n first_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o honest_a intention_n at_o the_o time_n of_o swear_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o faithful_a performance_n afterward_o for_o a_o promise_n have_v a_o double_a aspect_n both_o upon_o the_o present_a intention_n and_o the_o future_a performance_n he_o that_o make_v a_o promise_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o intend_v not_o to_o perform_v be_v guilty_a of_o lie_v and_o though_o he_o intend_v at_o first_o yet_o if_o he_o willing_o neglect_v the_o performance_n afterward_o he_o have_v break_v his_o word_n therefore_o if_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v under_o oath_n he_o be_v forswear_v in_o either_o case_n and_o if_o he_o be_v false_a in_o both_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o double_a act_n of_o perjury_n nay_o though_o the_o oath_n be_v but_o one_o yet_o his_o perjury_n may_v be_v many_o for_o so_o long_o as_o those_o circumstance_n remain_v in_o which_o the_o oath_n bind_v he_o every_o wilful_a omission_n of_o perform_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o promise_n be_v contrary_a to_o his_o oath_n and_o consequent_o a_o new_a violation_n of_o it_o so_o often_o as_o he_o fail_v so_o often_o he_o be_v forswear_v as_o true_o so_o often_o as_o if_o he_o have_v every_o time_n before_o each_o guilty_a failure_n take_v the_o same_o oath_n which_o he_o bind_v himself_o withal_o at_o first_o thou_o may_v be_v swear_v once_o for_o all_o the_o year_n or_o for_o all_o thy_o life_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v forswear_v once_o for_o all_o as_o vain_a people_n talk_v for_o by_o disobey_v thy_o superior_a suppose_v thou_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o thy_o oath_n yesterday_o that_o be_v one_o perjury_n and_o shall_v thou_o do_v the_o like_a to_o morrow_n that_o will_v be_v another_o if_o thou_o be_v under_o a_o promise_v confirm_v by_o oath_n but_o not_o under_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n thou_o may_v bind_v one_o curse_n fast_o upon_o thy_o head_n with_o another_o and_o seal_v they_o with_o a_o three_o and_o go_v on_o to_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath._n in_o court_n of_o judicature_n perjury_n be_v incur_v when_o false_a witness_n be_v give_v in_o upon_o oath_n i._n e._n either_o when_o a_o man_n swear_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v false_a or_o that_o he_o be_v certain_a of_o a_o matter_n whereof_o he_o be_v uncertain_a or_o that_o he_o declare_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o knowledge_n concern_v a_o fact_n when_o yet_o he_o conceal_v any_o part_n thereof_o in_o this_o last_o case_n the_o witness_n be_v forswear_v as_o plain_o as_o in_o the_o two_o former_a for_o his_o oath_n be_v to_o give_v in_o evidence_n not_o only_o the_o truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n but_o likewise_o the_o whole_a truth_n to_o answer_v such_o question_n as_o the_o court_n shall_v put_v to_o he_o therefore_o the_o witness_n be_v not_o clear_a from_o perjury_n mere_o by_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_a touch_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n if_o in_o favour_n to_o either_o side_n he_o conceal_v so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o circumstance_n in_o his_o answer_n and_o deposition_n which_o he_o know_v will_v alter_v the_o case_n what_o can_v be_v plain_o he_o that_o swear_v to_o declare_v the_o whole_a truth_n be_v forswear_v if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o and_o he_o sure_o do_v it_o not_o who_o declare_v it_o in_o part_n only_o moreover_o a_o witness_n may_v incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n by_o endeavour_v to_o blind_v the_o evidence_n with_o deceitful_a shuffle_a answer_n instead_o of_o declare_v what_o he_o know_v in_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o speak_v for_o though_o the_o court_n by_o multiplying-question_n may_v screw_v out_o the_o truth_n at_o last_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o discharge_v his_o oath_n which_o oblige_v he_o not_o only_o to_o a_o actual_a and_o final_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o a_o honest_a intention_n of_o so_o do_v and_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o he_o intend_v not_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v discover_v who_o darken_v and_o hide_v it_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v much_o less_o can_v his_o oath_n be_v discharge_v by_o the_o help_n of_o equivocation_n and_o mental_a reservation_n which_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o save_v a_o lie_n be_v much_o less_o able_a to_o excuse_v from_o perjury_n the_o oath_n of_o the_o jury_n be_v a_o promissory_a oath_n to_o bring_v in_o a_o verdict_n according_a to_o evidence_n their_o oath_n may_v be_v double_o violate_v as_o be_v now_o observe_v by_o not_o intend_v so_o to_o do_v and_o by_o not_o do_v of_o it_o if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o jury_n be_v prepossess_v in_o favour_n of_o one_o side_n intend_v be_v the_o evidence_n what_o it_o will_v to_o use_v all_o his_o interest_n with_o the_o rest_n in_o favour_n of_o that_o that_o man_n i_o say_v be_v perjure_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v swear_v he_o have_v swear_v false_o though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v overrule_v and_o a_o honest_a verdict_n be_v bring_v in_o at_o last_o again_o if_o any_o of_o they_o intend_v honest_o at_o first_o but_o be_v afterward_o wrought_v to_o conspire_v in_o a_o verdict_n contrary_n to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v
ease_n and_o comfort_n in_o this_o uncertain_a and_o miserable_a world_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n illustrate_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o passage_n and_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o receive_v evil_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v propound_v to_o your_o consideration_n some_o of_o those_o many_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v effectual_o persuade_v ourselves_o so_o to_o do_v as_o to_o the_o first_o the_o manner_n of_o bear_v evil_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o receive_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n particular_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o receive_v evil_a with_o the_o same_o honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n wherewith_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v good_a from_o he_o we_o must_v abate_v nothing_o of_o our_o esteem_n of_o his_o righteousness_n or_o of_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n the_o sense_n of_o misery_n be_v indeed_o apt_a to_o breed_v hard_a thought_n of_o all_o those_o by_o who_o mean_n it_o come_v if_o they_o have_v know_o contribute_v towards_o it_o and_o design_v what_o we_o suffer_v but_o let_v we_o remember_v brethren_n that_o this_o be_v a_o case_n always_o to_o be_v except_v god_n know_v and_o see_v all_o the_o trouble_n that_o befall_v we_o nay_o and_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o he_o for_o it_o and_o though_o we_o take_v it_o ill_o of_o any_o man_n that_o can_v easy_o help_v we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o distress_n and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o affect_v towards_o god_n and_o whilst_o we_o complain_v of_o that_o grief_n from_o which_o it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v deliver_v we_o in_o one_o moment_n we_o must_v at_o no_o hand_n complain_v of_o he_o nor_o entertain_v the_o least_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o he_o for_o see_v we_o in_o pain_n and_o suffer_v we_o to_o continue_v under_o it_o 2._o we_o be_v to_o receive_v evil_a with_o the_o same_o constancy_n of_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o as_o if_o we_o receive_v nothing_o but_o good_a we_o be_v not_o to_o grow_v weary_a of_o religion_n nor_o to_o give_v over_o pray_v nor_o to_o depart_v from_o justice_n or_o charity_n or_o any_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o we_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o must_v be_v great_a stranger_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n who_o can_v be_v tempt_v to_o count_v their_o prayer_n and_o their_o repentance_n and_o righteousness_n unprofitable_a when_o they_o do_v not_o save_v they_o from_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n under_o the_o law_n indeed_o the_o promise_n whereof_o be_v temporal_a we_o may_v observe_v the_o temptation_n prevail_v upon_o some_o good_a men._n very_o say_v asaph_n i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a and_o wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n for_o all_o the_o day_n long_o have_v i_o be_v plague_v and_o chasten_v every_o morning_n psal_n 73.13_o 14._o but_o then_o he_o recover_v a_o better_a mind_n ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o thus_o my_o heart_n be_v grieve_v and_o i_o be_v prick_v in_o my_o reins_o so_o foolish_a be_v i_o and_o ignorant_a i_o be_v as_o a_o beast_n before_o thou_o it_o be_v this_o that_o job_n wife_n bid_v he_o do_v i.e._n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o serve_v god_n who_o have_v thus_o forsake_v he_o say_v she_o curse_v god_n and_o die_v scorn_v to_o serve_v he_o any_o long_o and_o make_v a_o end_n of_o thy_o life_n but_o say_v he_o thou_o speak_v as_o one_o of_o the_o foolish_a woman_n speak_v what_o shall_v we_o receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a nay_o 3._o we_o be_v to_o receive_v evil_a from_o god_n with_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v enjoy_v for_o those_o which_o remain_v and_o for_o those_o which_o we_o expect_v and_o above_o all_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n we_o must_v thank_v he_o for_o the_o care_n he_o take_v of_o we_o and_o therefore_o for_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o for_o send_v we_o that_o which_o he_o see_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o we_o yea_o for_o those_o very_a trial_n and_o chastisement_n which_o we_o complain_v of_o though_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v grievous_a and_o thus_o job_n receive_v evil_a the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o i_o confess_v seem_v to_o be_v hard_a lesson_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o we_o must_v learn_v and_o how_o hard_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o let_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o point_n i_o be_v to_o show_v and_o what_o i_o chief_o design_v to_o insist_v upon_o at_o present_a therefore_o 1._o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o we_o have_v not_o deserve_v the_o good_a that_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o receive_v that_o we_o have_v abundant_o deserve_v all_o indeed_o do_v not_o deserve_v evil_a from_o god_n equal_o but_o all_o deserve_v it_o more_o or_o less_o and_o as_o for_o merit_v good_a from_o he_o that_o no_o man_n must_v pretend_v to_o how_o righteous_a and_o godly_a soever_o he_o be_v for_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v severe_a to_o mark_v what_o be_v amss_n who_o can_v stand_v before_o he_o if_o he_o shall_v enter_v into_o judgement_n with_o his_o servant_n no_o flesh_n live_v will_v be_v justify_v now_o if_o job_n who_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n a_o man_n of_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n receive_v evil_a from_o god_n as_o he_o ought_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o do_v so_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o perfection_n when_o we_o suffer_v affliction_n our_o heart_n must_v justify_v god_n in_o all_o because_o they_o condemn_v we_o in_o so_o many_o thing_n our_o own_o conscience_n be_v enough_o to_o stop_v our_o mouth_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v we_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v sin_v but_o that_o god_n be_v righteous_a especial_o since_o all_o the_o good_a that_o we_o eveâ—_n enjoy_v and_o do_v now_o enjoy_v be_v from_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n for_o if_o we_o who_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o his_o purity_n and_o justice_n have_v yet_o receive_v innumerable_a benefit_n from_o he_o it_o be_v hard_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o complain_v of_o he_o though_o but_o in_o our_o thought_n that_o he_o sometime_o let_v we_o feel_v a_o little_a of_o his_o anger_n and_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o own_o justice_n and_o that_o as_o he_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o a_o bountiful_a so_o he_o be_v withal_o a_o holy_a god_n which_o consideration_n shall_v prevail_v the_o more_o because_o 2._o god_n have_v absolute_a authority_n over_o we_o and_o so_o be_v every_o way_n just_a in_o correct_v we_o for_o our_o offence_n not_o only_o because_o we_o have_v do_v that_o which_o deserve_v punishment_n but_o because_o also_o he_o have_v a_o just_a and_o rightful_a power_n to_o punish_v we_o for_o it_o though_o a_o man_n know_v that_o he_o have_v do_v ill_o yet_o every_o body_n must_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v he_o correction_n a_o servant_n will_v submit_v to_o his_o master_n and_o a_o child_n to_o his_o father_n and_o the_o subject_a to_o the_o magistrate_n when_o they_o will_v not_o bear_v punishment_n from_o every_o hand_n as_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o submit_v to_o the_o chastisement_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n upon_o who_o we_o absolute_o depend_v because_o he_o make_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o and_o sustain_v we_o every_o moment_n that_o we_o live_v when_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o bring_v nothing_o with_o we_o into_o the_o world_n but_o have_v live_v ever_o since_o upon_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o god_n of_o his_o bounty_n have_v lend_v we_o for_o our_o use_n and_o if_o he_o for_o good_a reason_n take_v they_o away_o he_o do_v we_o no_o wrong_n for_o they_o be_v not_o we_o otherwise_o than_o by_o his_o continual_a gift_n which_o consideration_n dispose_v job_n to_o submit_v when_o he_o be_v divest_v of_o all_o naked_a come_v i_o out_o of_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a shall_v i_o return_v thither_o to_o the_o earth_n from_o whence_o i_o be_v take_v the_o lord_n give_v etc._n etc._n let_v we_o remember_v that_o no_o lord_n have_v that_o right_a over_o his_o servant_n nor_o parent_n in_o his_o child_n which_o god_n have_v in_o we_o all_o and_o that_o since_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n like_a to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v to_o god_n that_o
make_v we_o nor_o any_o authority_n that_o one_o can_v have_v over_o another_o equal_a to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v over_o we_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v meek_o submit_v to_o his_o chastisement_n and_o be_v content_a to_o receive_v not_o only_o that_o good_a which_o we_o have_v not_o deserve_v but_o that_o evil_a also_o which_o we_o have_v deserve_v at_o his_o hand_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 3._o to_o confess_v the_o truth_n when_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n happen_v they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n very_o necessary_a and_o may_v be_v always_o very_o profitable_a to_o we_o they_o make_v we_o to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o sin_n and_o they_o dispose_v we_o to_o repentance_n for_o a_o great_a truth_n it_o be_v and_o we_o may_v happy_o know_v it_o by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v our_o way_n to_o do_v many_o thing_n in_o our_o prosperity_n which_o trouble_v we_o in_o our_o adversity_n when_o joseph_n brethren_n be_v bring_v into_o distress_n themselves_o than_o they_o can_v say_v very_o we_o be_v guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n and_o therefore_o be_v this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o our_o fault_n do_v not_o much_o trouble_v we_o when_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o give_v we_o disturbance_n and_o in_o this_o case_n affliction_n do_v well_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o they_o again_o we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o feel_v our_o need_n of_o dependence_n upon_o god_n when_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v be_v round_o about_o we_o we_o must_v confess_v to_o our_o shame_n that_o piety_n and_o prosperity_n be_v seldom_o find_v together_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o when_o we_o be_v full_a we_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v god_n but_o in_o our_o affliction_n we_o seek_v he_o early_o not_o but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v grow_v more_o impious_a under_o the_o chastisement_n of_o god_n as_o ahab_n do_v but_o then_o this_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o infamy_n upon_o he_o that_o in_o his_o distress_n he_o wax_v worse_a and_o worse_o this_o be_v that_o king_n ahab_n we_o shall_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o life_n teach_v we_o patience_n a_o quality_n very_o necessary_a for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o continual_a ease_n and_o fullness_n and_o enjoy_v all_o that_o we_o will_v have_v incline_v we_o to_o be_v soft_a and_o hard_o to_o be_v please_v every_o little_a thing_n almost_o be_v enough_o to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o passion_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v always_o let_v we_o alone_o we_o shall_v make_v great_a trouble_n to_o ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o small_a disappointment_n and_o when_o affliction_n happen_v to_o we_o in_o good_a earnest_n our_o very_a impatience_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o need_v they_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o wisdom_n and_o a_o good_a temper_n god_n trial_n make_v we_o able_a to_o bear_v what_o once_o we_o can_v not_o they_o correct_v the_o intemperance_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o give_v we_o a_o firmness_n of_o mind_n they_o bring_v our_o contentment_n within_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o make_v it_o more_o easy_a for_o we_o to_o be_v happy_a than_o it_o be_v before_o and_o therefore_o say_v st._n paul_n we_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n know_v that_o tribulation_n work_v patience_n rom._n 5.3_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o disengage_v our_o affection_n from_o worldly_a thing_n more_o than_o we_o be_v well_o able_a to_o do_v it_o without_o they_o for_o it_o be_v indulgence_n that_o make_v we_o fond_a of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n but_o when_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v take_v away_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o be_v content_a without_o it_o and_o by_o satisfy_v ourselves_o wheh_a we_o have_v lose_v one_o we_o learn_v to_o moderate_v our_o desire_n about_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v a_o good_a that_o recompense_v all_o the_o grief_n we_o endure_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o especial_o since_o it_o lead_v to_o another_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o moderate_n of_o our_o love_n to_o this_o life_n itself_o which_o when_o we_o feel_v to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o care_n and_o trouble_v as_o well_o as_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n we_o grow_v more_o reconcile_v to_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n which_o put_v a_o end_n as_o well_o to_o the_o trouble_n as_o to_o the_o delight_n of_o this_o world_n all_o which_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o great_a good_a of_o all_o even_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v add_v that_o whatever_o duty_n be_v necessary_a to_o this_o great_a end_n we_o shall_v perform_v they_o most_o careful_o for_o when_o by_o experience_n we_o be_v convince_v how_o foolish_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o think_v of_o find_v a_o complete_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n or_o indeed_o any_o thing_n that_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o happiness_n we_o shall_v seek_v for_o a_o more_o solid_a and_o endure_a substance_n for_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o solicitous_a to_o secure_v that_o rest_n and_o happiness_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o a_o better_a life_n when_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v here_o we_o be_v not_o so_o deep_o affect_v with_o the_o danger_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n as_o with_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o they_o they_o be_v indeed_o apt_a to_o corrupt_v our_o mind_n but_o we_o do_v not_o use_v to_o be_v jealous_a of_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n but_o when_o we_o lose_v they_o we_o be_v easy_o sensible_a that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v and_o that_o if_o we_o will_v be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o we_o must_v take_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o these_o perish_a thing_n and_o grow_v wise_a to_o salvation_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o evil_n of_o life_n do_v not_o only_o offer_v good_a consideration_n to_o our_o mind_n but_o they_o be_v proper_a mean_n to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o consider_a temper_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o full_a weight_n of_o they_o they_o cure_v we_o of_o the_o levity_n and_o easiness_n of_o mind_n which_o grow_v out_o of_o ease_n and_o luxury_n and_o indispose_v we_o to_o dwell_v for_o any_o long_a time_n upon_o wise_a and_o profitable_a thought_n final_o the_o patience_n and_o the_o godly_a manner_n of_o bear_v evil_n and_o the_o good_a use_n we_o make_v of_o they_o work_v the_o increase_n of_o our_o reward_n especial_o if_o we_o endure_v grief_n suffer_v wrongful_o and_o most_o of_o all_o if_o we_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n peter_n make_v no_o doubt_n to_o say_v be_v thankworthy_a and_o it_o turn_v so_o great_o to_o our_o account_n that_o instead_o of_o mention_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n fit_a to_o discourage_v and_o deject_v his_o disciple_n our_o saviour_n bid_v they_o to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o say_v he_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n 4._o as_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n be_v for_o our_o good_a so_o god_n mean_v and_o design_n they_o for_o our_o good_a too_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o good_a use_n which_o may_v be_v make_v of_o they_o but_o god_n intend_v it_o when_o he_o send_v they_o and_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o do_v not_o grow_v the_o better_a for_o they_o david_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o he_o that_o he_o be_v afflict_v and_o he_o confess_v that_o god_n in_o very_a faithfulness_n have_v afflict_v bim_n i._n e._n meaning_n all_o the_o advantage_n to_o he_o which_o he_o have_v gain_v for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v say_v god_n do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n not_o mere_o to_o make_v we_o feel_v pain_n and_o trouble_v but_o because_o our_o good_a require_v it_o physic_n be_v sometime_o as_o necessary_a for_o we_o as_o food_n and_o though_o it_o be_v bitter_a we_o do_v not_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o he_o that_o administer_v it_o because_o it_o be_v administer_v for_o our_o health_n either_o for_o the_o cure_n or_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o a_o disease_n and_o shall_v we_o take_v it_o in_o ill_a part_n from_o god_n when_o for_o the_o health_n and_o improvement_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o give_v we_o wholesome_a though_o sharp_a medicine_n he_o give_v we_o food_n raiment_n plenty_n peace_n and_o health_n that_o we_o may_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o good_a thing_n serve_v he_o with_o thankfulness_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n we_o have_v to_o rejoice_v in_o they_o be_v that_o they_o be_v of_o his_o send_n who_o intend_v they_o not_o for_o snare_n but_o for_o blessing_n to_o we_o when_o therefore_o he_o take_v any_o of_o they_o away_o he_o do_v it_o with_o the_o same_o good_a meaning_n
be_v not_o bribe_v with_o the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o all_o the_o virtue_n that_o be_v exercise_v while_o every_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o we_o as_o heart_n can_v wish_v be_v something_o necessary_a for_o our_o welfare_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o go_v wise_o to_o work_v for_o it_o a_o liar_n will_v not_o be_v believe_v a_o false_a man_n will_v not_o be_v trust_v drunkard_n will_v hardly_o thrive_v a_o malicious_a and_o hard-hearted_a man_n will_v be_v hate_v and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n shall_v be_v reproach_v the_o vice_n and_o impiety_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v enemy_n to_o our_o well-doing_n in_o this_o world_n affect_v either_o our_o body_n or_o our_o estate_n or_o our_o quiet_n or_o our_o reputation_n so_o that_o the_o very_a love_n of_o this_o world_n will_v teach_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o live_v well_o and_o religious_o in_o appearance_n that_o he_o may_v fare_v the_o better_a for_o it_o here_o but_o when_o god_n send_v those_o evil_n that_o our_o piety_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v that_o it_o do_v expose_v we_o to_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o go_v on_o to_o bless_v and_o serve_v he_o this_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o question_n that_o we_o be_v real_o and_o in_o earnest_n what_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n as_o god_n speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n say_v to_o abraham_n when_o he_o offer_v up_o his_o son_n isaac_n now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n because_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o thus_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o some_o consideration_n very_o useful_a i_o be_o persuade_v to_o prepare_v we_o for_o all_o the_o portion_n of_o evil_n which_o god_n may_v think_v fit_a to_o send_v upon_o any_o of_o we_o in_o this_o world_n that_o whenever_o any_o of_o it_o happen_v we_o may_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o job_n and_o receive_v evil_a from_o god_n hand_n as_o well_o as_o good_a but_o then_o brethren_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o very_a much_o before_o or_o we_o shall_v be_v little_a the_o better_a for_o they_o when_o once_o adversity_n happen_v for_o it_o be_v not_o bare_o know_v nor_o hear_v they_o but_o it_o be_v much_o consider_v they_o that_o must_v make_v they_o principle_n within_o we_o and_o fortify_v we_o against_o all_o surprise_v it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n that_o these_o thought_n must_v make_v we_o melancholy_n and_o spoil_v that_o reasonable_a comfort_n we_o shall_v take_v in_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o god_n lend_v we_o for_o our_o use_n for_o while_o we_o enjoy_v they_o without_o overvalue_v they_o we_o have_v all_o that_o they_o be_v good_a for_o and_o they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o pleasant_a because_o we_o know_v of_o great_a blessing_n than_o they_o be_v our_o part_n be_v to_o use_v they_o thankful_o while_o they_o be_v we_o for_o our_o use_n and_o by_o all_o prudent_a mean_n as_o far_o as_o lawful_o we_o can_v to_o keep_v off_o adversity_n because_o than_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o those_o evil_n which_o befall_v we_o without_o our_o own_o fault_n be_v most_o proper_o of_o god_n send_v and_o so_o we_o shall_v feel_v ourselves_o under_o the_o power_n of_o all_o those_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v with_o submission_n and_o thankfulness_n receive_v not_o only_o good_a but_o evil_a also_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o seventeen_o sermon_n rom_n viii_o part_v of_o 33._o and_o 34._o v._n it_o be_v god_n that_o justifi_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v these_o word_n signify_v one_o of_o these_o thing_n either_o that_o when_o god_n justify_v no_o man_n will_v condemn_v but_o that_o when_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o please_v he_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o please_v all_o too_o or_o else_o that_o if_o he_o approve_v and_o justify_v it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n nor_o shall_v we_o be_v much_o concern_v by_o who_o we_o be_v accuse_v or_o condemn_v but_o the_o first_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n that_o no_o man_n condemn_v who_o god_n justistify_v for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v use_v in_o that_o manner_n that_o st._n paul_n apply_v this_o say_v to_o their_o case_n v._o 36._o for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o be_v appoint_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n he_o mean_v therefore_o that_o if_o god_n justify_v it_o be_v not_o considerable_a who_o condemn_v they_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o man_n where_o grievous_a thing_n be_v lay_v to_o their_o charge_n yet_o because_o god_n see_v their_o innocence_n say_v the_o apostle_n who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_a they_o be_v deal_v with_o as_o malefactor_n yet_o say_v he_o who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v so_o that_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v condemn_v by_o no_o body_n in_o comparison_n because_o while_o they_o be_v condemn_v by_o man_n god_n justify_v they_o which_o offer_v two_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o man_n do_v sometime_o condemn_v those_o who_o god_n justify_v 2._o that_o they_o who_o god_n justify_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v deject_v when_o they_o be_v condemn_v by_o men._n 1._o that_o man_n do_v sometime_o condemn_v those_o who_o god_n justify_v and_o they_o condemn_v they_o too_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o approve_v and_o lay_v that_o to_o their_o charge_n which_o he_o be_v now_o please_v with_o and_o will_v hereafter_o reward_v it_o be_v such_o a_o case_n which_o our_o saviour_n prepare_v his_o disciple_n for_o when_o he_o say_v bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n false_o against_o you_o for_o my_o sake_n which_o begin_v to_o be_v fulfil_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o world_n take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o here_o let_v we_o brief_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n they_o then_o be_v and_o how_o they_o be_v use_v the_o apostle_n and_o those_o that_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o they_o profess_v the_o sincere_a and_o uncorrupted_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v all_o purity_n and_o virtue_n and_o whatever_o they_o receive_v in_o command_n from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n nor_o will_v any_o christian_n of_o what_o other_o name_n soever_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o or_o too_o little_a in_o their_o doctrine_n all_o be_v agree_v not_o only_o that_o christianity_n be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v by_o they_o profess_v entire_o and_o without_o mixture_n as_o to_o their_o manner_n they_o be_v person_n of_o the_o great_a simplicity_n easy_a to_o be_v know_v what_o they_o be_v give_v to_o no_o deceit_n desire_v to_o live_v in_o quiet_a because_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o their_o doctrine_n or_o in_o their_o way_n of_o life_n to_o create_v jealousy_n in_o other_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o their_o neighbour_n they_o do_v not_o aim_v at_o worldly_a power_n and_o greatness_n but_o instead_o of_o use_v that_o interest_n they_o have_v in_o the_o people_n to_o save_v themselves_o by_o violence_n from_o persecution_n they_o urge_v subjection_n to_o law_n and_o government_n upon_o principle_n of_o conscience_n they_o be_v such_o kind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n justify_v they_o let_v we_o therefore_o see_v how_o they_o be_v use_v by_o man_n by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o for_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o very_o likely_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v treat_v much_o better_a than_o their_o master_n have_v be_v before_o and_o so_o the_o event_n show_v it_o be_v true_a they_o make_v many_o convert_v and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o people_n cleave_v to_o their_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n but_o this_o enrage_a their_o enemy_n so_o much_o the_o more_o and_o the_o more_o numerous_a that_o christian_n grow_v there_o be_v so_o many_o more_o to_o be_v hate_v and_o revile_v and_o persecute_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v charge_v with_o heresy_n and_o represent_v as_o a_o sect_n that_o subsist_v upon_o the_o profession_n of_o new_a and_o false_a doctrine_n for_o thus_o we_o find_v st._n paul_n oblige_v to_o apologise_v for_o himself_o before_o foelix_n against_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o can_v say_v he_o prove_v the_o thing_n whereof_o they_o now_o accuse_v i_o but_o this_o i_o confess_v unto_o thou_o that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o in_o the_o prophet_n act_n 24.14_o and_o have_v hope_n towards_o god_n which_o they_o
the_o temptation_n man_n of_o probity_n and_o lover_n of_o truth_n shall_v upon_o diligent_a examination_n hold_v it_o fast_o than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o which_o that_o opposition_n tend_v which_o truth_n have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o lofty_a those_o pretence_n be_v by_o which_o the_o other_o church_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a submission_n to_o her_o authority_n in_o every_o point_n of_o religion_n so_o much_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o examine_v every_o one_o of_o her_o particular_n and_o if_o i_o find_v that_o she_o be_v mistake_v in_o any_o of_o they_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a that_o she_o be_v not_o infallible_a in_o all_o and_o if_o she_o will_v not_o allow_v i_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o particular_n it_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v try_v to_o hinder_v i_o from_o cast_v up_o my_o own_o account_n by_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o can_v possible_o mistake_v in_o do_v it_o he_o may_v indeed_o show_v some_o wit_n in_o work_v his_o demonstration_n but_o i_o shall_v show_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o folly_n in_o trust_v he_o to_o conclude_v we_o have_v a_o rule_n whereby_o to_o try_v the_o doctrine_n i_o will_v not_o only_o say_v of_o a_o church_n or_o a_o pope_n or_o a_o council_n but_o even_o of_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v and_o preach_v to_o we_o and_o that_o rule_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n these_o be_v by_o all_o christian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a and_o the_o most_o ancient_a record_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o they_o have_v have_v a_o tradition_n so_o uncontrollable_a as_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v the_o like_a whoever_o therefore_o be_v our_o guide_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o rule_n and_o of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v never_o trust_v myself_o to_o her_o discretion_n that_o will_v not_o trust_v i_o with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o study_n of_o this_o rule_n here_o we_o may_v if_o we_o please_v make_v ourselves_o very_o sure_o that_o we_o be_v of_o those_o who_o god_n will_v justify_v for_o here_o we_o may_v discern_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n st._n paul_n and_o the_o christian_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n and_o what_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v for_o those_o book_n which_o acquaint_v we_o with_o their_o name_n and_o which_o be_v write_v by_o some_o of_o themselves_o do_v also_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o faith_n they_o profess_v what_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o what_o live_v they_o lead_v now_o if_o we_o profess_v that_o very_a faith_n and_o teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n and_o frame_v our_o practice_n by_o their_o rule_n and_o good_a example_n then_o without_o all_o question_n we_o be_v such_o kind_n of_o christian_n as_o they_o be_v and_o than_o although_o we_o shall_v be_v use_v by_o the_o world_n as_o they_o be_v too_o yet_o the_o encouragement_n and_o comfort_n which_o they_o have_v will_v also_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o we_o too_o may_v say_v who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n it_o be_v god_n that_o justifi_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o have_v therefore_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n whereby_o to_o guide_v ourselves_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n and_o exhort_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o as_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o we_o how_o you_o ought_v to_o walk_v and_o to_o please_v god_n so_o you_o will_v abound_v more_o and_o more_o that_o while_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n shall_v wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v you_o may_v continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v know_v of_o who_o you_o have_v learn_v they_o even_o from_o the_o say_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o we_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o we_o not_o forget_v by_o any_o mean_n that_o it_o be_v a_o way_n of_o righteousness_n we_o have_v be_v make_v to_o know_v and_o a_o holy_a commandment_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o from_o which_o therefore_o we_o may_v depart_v as_o damnable_o by_o a_o impure_a conversation_n as_o by_o let_v go_v our_o pure_a profession_n in_o which_o case_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v justify_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o condemn_v by_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v no_o false_a principle_n to_o save_v our_o heart_n from_o condemn_v we_o if_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o any_o way_n of_o wickedness_n and_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n whoever_o else_o condemn_v we_o that_o be_v more_o than_o recompense_n enough_o if_o god_n justifi_v but_o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v justify_v we_o if_o god_n condemn_v finis_fw-la the_o sum_n of_o a_o conference_n on_o feb._n 21._o 1686._o between_o dr._n clagett_n and_o father_n gooden_o about_o the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n the_o three_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over-against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1698._o the_o sum_fw-la of_o a_o conference_n on_o feb._n 21._o 1686._o between_o dr._n clagett_n and_o father_n gooden_o about_o the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n introduction_n it_o will_v perhaps_o appear_v to_o some_o a_o little_a strange_a that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v almost_o incredible_a that_o there_o shall_v have_v pass_v a_o conference_n above_o two_o year_n since_o in_o which_o mr._n gooden_o be_v concern_v and_o the_o world_n yet_o to_o learn_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o the_o vanity_n of_o that_o gentleman_n to_o thrust_v himself_o upon_o all_o occasion_n into_o dispute_n with_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o church_n first_o and_o then_o to_o boast_v of_o his_o own_o performance_n in_o they_o be_v so_o great_a that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o coffee-house_n in_o the_o town_n that_o have_v not_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o noise_n of_o his_o impertinent_a vapour_n and_o if_o those_o of_o the_o other_o communion_n have_v be_v always_o remarkable_a for_o a_o assurance_n become_v the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n i_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o next_o to_o father_n p_o the_o jesuit_n and_o his_o friend_n mr._n m_o i_o scarce_o know_v any_o among_o they_o that_o have_v ever_o talk_v so_o loud_o or_o make_v such_o heroical_a defiance_n of_o the_o champion_n and_o army_n of_o our_o israel_n in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o mr._n gooden_o these_o late_a year_n have_v do_v among_o we_o but_o thus_o shallow_a water_n always_o run_v with_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o violence_n and_o little_a sophister_n who_o either_o want_n capacity_n to_o see_v into_o their_o own_o fallacy_n or_o think_v they_o have_v forehead_n enough_o to_o carry_v that_o off_o with_o clamour_n and_o confidence_n which_o they_o can_v do_v by_o reason_n and_o argument_n delight_v to_o expose_v themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n to_o the_o most_o dangerous_a trial_n whilst_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o judgement_n be_v modest_a and_o ingenuous_a and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v neither_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o church_n nor_o their_o own_o reputation_n to_o challenge_v all_o mankind_n to_o answer_v paradox_n and_o to_o show_v that_o not_o to_o be_v demonstration_n which_o when_o bring_v to_o the_o trial_n be_v hardly_o sense_n pap._n see_v mr._n g's_o pap._n i_o hope_v this_o will_v not_o be_v think_v too_o severe_a a_o reflection_n on_o the_o late_a pretender_n of_o this_o kind_n among_o we_o which_o i_o speak_v out_o of_o a_o just_a respect_n to_o the_o more_o learned_a and_o charitable_a person_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v be_v no_o less_o scandalize_v at_o these_o forward_a zealot_n than_o ourselves_o and_o to_o who_o i_o ought_v to_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o during_o a_o long_a acquaintance_n with_o many_o of_o they_o i_o never_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o those_o i_o have_v beforementioned_a our_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n make_v no_o disturbance_n either_o in_o our_o friendship_n or_o conversation_n with_o one_o another_o if_o the_o discourse_n at_o anytime_n lead_v to_o a_o controversy_n of_o
careful_a to_o take_v none_o i._o be_v careful_a to_o give_v no_o offence_n i._n e._n to_o lay_v no_o stumbling-block_n in_o any_o man_n way_n to_o lead_v he_o into_o sin_n or_o error_n or_o to_o confirm_v he_o in_o it_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v now_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a from_o this_o guilt_n be_v to_o love_v the_o truth_n ourselves_o sincere_o to_o desire_v it_o diligent_o to_o pursue_v it_o and_o likewise_o in_o all_o our_o action_n to_o live_v by_o rule_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v give_v ill_a example_n and_o we_o be_v the_o more_o oblige_v to_o this_o because_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n but_o of_o ourselves_o also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o good_a or_o ill_n that_o other_o have_v receive_v by_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v my_o brethren_n how_o careful_a we_o shall_v be_v of_o our_o own_o action_n and_o those_o especial_o that_o lie_v open_a to_o other_o when_o if_o we_o do_v ill_a ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o our_o own_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n but_o very_o likely_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o who_o be_v either_o lead_v into_o some_o unlawful_a practice_n or_o confirm_v in_o it_o by_o our_o example_n which_o make_v such_o a_o increase_n of_o gild_n and_o be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n in_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v sometime_o needful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o abate_v of_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o liberty_n in_o thing_n not_o unlawful_a of_o themselves_o lest_o another_o that_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o make_v a_o wrong_a construction_n of_o it_o and_o to_o encourage_v himself_o in_o manifest_a sin_n shall_v indeed_o do_v so_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n st._n paul_n handle_v the_o question_n of_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n acknowledge_v that_o meat_n commend_v we_o not_o unto_o god_n for_o neither_o if_o we_o eat_v be_v we_o the_o better_a neither_o if_o we_o eat_v not_o be_v we_o the_o worse_o but_o say_v he_o take_v heed_n lest_o by_o any_o mean_v this_o liberty_n of_o you_o become_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a who_o be_v not_o thorough_o confirm_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o which_o be_v weak_a be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n i._o e._n be_v embolden_v to_o commit_v idolatry_n 1_o cor._n 8._o so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a to_o be_v present_a at_o those_o sacrifice_n yet_o the_o example_n be_v scandalous_a st._n paul_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n and_o against_o christ_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o this_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o will_v grieve_v their_o weak_a conscience_n i._n e._n not_o as_o we_o use_v i_o doubt_v to_o understand_v that_o word_n grieve_v that_o it_o will_v trouble_v and_o displease_v they_o but_o real_o hurt_v they_o by_o make_v they_o bold_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o idolatrous_a sacrifice_n and_o now_o brethren_n if_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v perhaps_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n lawful_a we_o ought_v to_o use_v caution_n lest_o by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n we_o encourage_v other_o to_o do_v thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o absolute_o unlawful_a how_o much_o more_o cautious_a shall_v we_o be_v not_o to_o give_v any_o authority_n to_o sin_n by_o a_o example_n that_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o so_o likewise_o we_o ought_v with_o the_o more_o care_n to_o choose_v our_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n because_o in_o all_o likelihood_n we_o do_v not_o choose_v they_o for_o ourselves_o only_o but_o for_o our_o child_n for_o our_o servant_n for_o some_o of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o many_o that_o some_o way_n or_o other_o depend_v upon_o we_o and_o for_o who_o we_o must_v answer_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o since_o we_o can_v profess_v we_o can_v live_v but_o the_o world_n observe_v we_o so_o how_o instruct_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o profession_n how_o instruct_v our_o conversation_n how_o apt_a to_o promote_v innocence_n truth_n virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o this_o the_o more_o the_o more_o we_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o in_o short_a no_o word_n i_o can_v use_v can_v make_v such_o a_o impression_n upon_o you_o as_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n ought_v to_o make_v woe_n be_v to_o he_o by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o 2._o we_o must_v also_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o take_v offence_n not_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o sin_n and_o error_n by_o example_n or_o allurement_n by_o any_o kind_n of_o temptation_n whatsoever_o to_o justify_v which_o exhortation_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o observe_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v foretell_v that_o offence_n will_v come_v nay_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o they_o come_v nay_o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o most_o dangerous_a offence_n be_v particular_o foretell_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o brethren_n this_o very_a warning_n in_o general_n much_o more_o those_o particular_a warning_n be_v design_v to_o take_v away_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n the_o danger_n of_o those_o scandal_n by_o arm_v we_o with_o caution_n against_o they_o beforehand_o since_o that_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o other_o particular_a scandal_n that_o be_v express_o add_v to_o the_o prediction_n of_o lie_a wonder_n behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o now_o if_o the_o offence_n though_o very_o dangerous_a of_o themselves_o be_v lessen_v by_o be_v foretell_v our_o guilt_n in_o fall_v by_o such_o offence_n must_v be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o be_v forewarn_v we_o will_v yet_o take_v no_o warning_n the_o offensiveness_n of_o these_o offence_n be_v in_o some_o part_n abate_v by_o the_o caution_n of_o the_o scripture_n inasmuch_o as_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v startle_v and_o amaze_v and_o to_o question_v the_o care_n of_o god_n providence_n over_o his_o church_n because_o offence_n come_v since_o the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v tell_v we_o beforehand_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o come_v and_o 2._o we_o be_v also_o forewarn_v of_o the_o guilt_n and_o misery_n of_o fall_v by_o offence_n inasmuch_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n i_o e._n as_o i_o tell_v you_o at_o first_o because_o of_o that_o evil_n which_o will_v happen_v by_o take_v offence_n but_o if_o man_n be_v free_a from_o guilt_n in_o the_o commit_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o they_o fall_v into_o by_o reason_n of_o scandal_n that_o be_v lay_v in_o their_o way_n in_o short_a if_o take_v offence_n be_v not_o itself_o a_o sin_n and_o in_o many_o case_n a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o we_o shall_v be_v sad_o accountable_a for_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v why_o our_o saviour_n shall_v denounce_v a_o woe_n upon_o this_o account_n woe_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n 3._o let_v we_o not_o forget_v what_o be_v observe_v last_o time_n that_o god_n permit_v offence_n to_o come_v which_o according_a to_o the_o common_a course_n of_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o most_o likely_a to_o come_v he_o permit_v they_o i_o say_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o ingenuity_n our_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n unavoidable_a to_o stumble_v at_o scandal_n because_o we_o be_v forewarn_v of_o they_o but_o if_o we_o take_v warning_n it_o be_v for_o the_o praise_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o keep_v to_o god_n word_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n do_v by_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_n that_o be_v they_o will_v deceive_v the_o very_o best_a man_n but_o that_o they_o be_v guard_v by_o sincerity_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o these_o word_n plain_o intimate_v that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o touchstone_n to_o distinguish_v person_n true_o and_o solid_o good_a from_o all_o other_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o fair_a colour_n that_o will_v be_v put_v upon_o wicked_a practice_n and_o error_n they_o will_v persevere_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o now_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v mislead_v by_o offence_n but_o keep_v ourselves_o
unspotted_a from_o this_o present_a world_n and_o escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n let_v we_o take_v these_o few_o follow_a rule_n along_o with_o we_o 1._o let_v that_o which_o be_v on_o all_o side_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o more_o power_n and_o force_v with_o we_o than_o all_o human_a authority_n whatsoever_o which_o rule_n as_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a so_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o if_o it_o be_v follow_v it_o will_v secure_v we_o from_o the_o great_a offence_n as_o those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v which_o be_v evident_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n 2._o let_v we_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o our_o church_n faithful_o deliver_v for_o no_o man_n have_v yet_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o offer_v the_o least_o doubt_n against_o that_o nay_o all_o that_o we_o be_v challenge_v for_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v those_o addition_n to_o the_o creed_n which_o in_o comparison_n be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o these_o ancient_a form_n of_o confess_v the_o faith_n show_v what_o article_n of_o mere_a belief_n be_v think_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o hold_v by_o all_o and_o because_o the_o faith_n be_v at_o once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n no_o more_o can_v be_v necessary_a now_o than_o be_v then_o now_o if_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o christian_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_o guard_v against_o all_o erroneous_a doctrine_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o by_o any_o party_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o necessary_a truth_n for_o whilst_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o profess_v all_o that_o be_v think_v necessary_a at_o first_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o ease_n and_o feel_v no_o disturbance_n in_o examine_v what_o be_v moreover_o propound_v and_o determine_v to_o receive_v it_o if_o it_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o reject_v it_o if_o it_o have_v none_o much_o more_o if_o it_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o which_o rule_n i_o hope_v you_o perceive_v be_v to_o take_v place_n in_o judge_v what_o you_o be_v to_o believe_v not_o in_o judge_v whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o even_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a precept_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o which_o we_o may_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o will_n of_o our_o superior_n and_o he_o can_v miscarry_v great_o but_o be_v in_o great_a measure_n secure_v from_o the_o mischief_n of_o offence_n who_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n will_v be_v determine_v by_o nothing_o less_o than_o divine_a authority_n and_o who_o in_o matter_n of_o external_a order_n which_o be_v no_o way_n determine_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v still_o ready_a to_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o man._n but_o then_o 3._o let_v we_o keep_v ourselves_o always_o in_o the_o proper_a disposition_n and_o preparation_n to_o judge_v and_o conclude_v aright_o for_o ourselves_o i._n e._n by_o sincerity_n which_o consist_v chief_o in_o a_o vehement_a desire_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n we_o must_v lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o this_o that_o we_o will_v be_v honest_a and_o good_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v use_v all_o good_a rule_n well_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o whit_n the_o more_o incline_v to_o embrace_v doctrine_n for_o our_o belief_n or_o practice_n because_o they_o make_v for_o our_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o this_o go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n good_a and_o evil._n offence_n from_o without_o will_v not_o stumble_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o weaken_v and_o blind_v by_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o vicious_a disposition_n within_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v warning_n against_o the_o former_a in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n do_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n proceed_v to_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o secure_v ourselves_o against_o they_o and_o that_o by_o prevent_v the_o latter_a wherefore_o say_v he_o if_o thy_o right_a hand_n or_o foot_n offend_v thou_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o and_o cast_v it_o from_o thou_o that_o be_v subdue_v thy_o dear_a lust_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o that_o be_v hard_a to_o part_v with_o than_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v grow_v a_o part_n of_o thyself_o though_o it_o cost_v thou_o as_o much_o pain_n to_o divide_v thyself_o from_o it_o as_o it_o will_v to_o cut_v off_o thy_o hand_n or_o pull_v out_o thy_o eye_n for_o that_o very_a reason_n do_v thou_o mortify_v it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o when_o the_o world_n will_v be_v full_a of_o offence_n i._n e._n encouragement_n to_o sin_n and_o of_o deceitful_a error_n if_o thou_o also_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o thyself_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a heart_n and_o purify_n thy_o mind_n from_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a lust_n thou_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v the_o art_n and_o force_n of_o outward_a temptation_n now_o the_o way_n to_o gain_v this_o honest_a mind_n be_v to_o fix_v our_o thought_n steadfast_o upon_o the_o life_n to_o come_v which_o be_v the_o mean_v our_o saviour_n direct_v to_o the_o use_n of_o in_o this_o place_n too_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o for_o it_o be_v better_a for_o thou_o to_o enter_v into_o life_n with_o one_o eye_n rather_o than_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n fire_n last_o let_v all_o our_o other_o care_n be_v begin_v continue_v and_o end_v in_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o purify_v our_o intention_n and_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n and_o keep_v we_o in_o it_o by_o his_o grace_n for_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o for_o another_o but_o much_o more_o for_o himself_o and_o most_o of_o all_o when_o he_o ask_v the_o best_a thing_n when_o he_o ask_v those_o thing_n that_o please_v god_n best_a a_o mind_n purify_v from_o worldly_a lust_n and_o a_o understanding_n enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n shall_v never_o fall_v the_o four_o sermon_n matth_n xxvi_o 41_o watch_z and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o watch_v and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n and_o a_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o exhortation_n be_v make_v the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a in_o the_o exhortation_n we_o may_v observe_v a_o direction_n to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n watch_n and_o pray_v and_o then_o the_o end_v why_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n as_o to_o the_o mean_n watch_v and_o pray_v the_o use_n of_o they_o both_o suppose_v a_o great_a concern_v for_o the_o event_n for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o only_a to_o be_v careful_a myself_o but_o to_o get_v all_o the_o help_n i_o can_v nay_o if_o i_o be_o to_o go_v to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o his_o help_n and_o to_o seek_v it_o constant_o to_o be_v sure_a as_o the_o end_v i_o aim_v at_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o itself_o trivial_a so_o neither_o ought_v i_o to_o be_v trivial_o affect_v with_o it_o a_o great_a concern_v for_o the_o end_n be_v suppose_v in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n but_o more_o particular_o as_o to_o watch_v that_o signify_v such_o a_o care_n of_o ourselves_o as_o suppose_v danger_n and_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o disciple_n to_o who_o the_o exhortation_n be_v immediate_o give_v our_o saviour_n be_v now_o prepare_v they_o for_o his_o approach_a passion_n he_o will_v therefore_o have_v they_o consider_v beforehand_o what_o a_o terrible_a temptation_n it_o will_v be_v to_o see_v their_o own_o master_n forsake_v and_o contemn_v and_o almost_o every_o body_n ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o own_v he_o he_o will_v have_v they_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o infirmity_n and_o examine_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v likely_a to_o hold_v out_o against_o such_o a_o temptation_n as_o be_v come_v upon_o they_o he_o will_v have_v they_o furnish_v their_o mind_n with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n with_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o