religion_n as_o machiavelli_n well_o observe_v be_v not_o calculate_v for_o the_o inspire_a of_o man_n with_o great_a design_n such_o i_o suppose_v as_o his_o caesar_n borgia_n aim_v at_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a too_o philosophical_a too_o innocent_a and_o charitable_a to_o raise_v a_o ambitious_a heat_n or_o to_o serve_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a in_o process_n of_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v help_v out_o by_o other_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n that_o will_v bring_v in_o the_o swell_n of_o worldly_a pride_n into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o african_a father_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o celestine_n call_v it_o and_o advance_v one_o part_n of_o it_o to_o the_o depress_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o true_a christianity_n serve_v no_o such_o design_n therefore_o be_v our_o saviour_n oppose_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n his_o doctrine_n do_v not_o tend_v at_o all_o that_o way_n viz._n to_o make_v jerusalem_n the_o mistress_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o shall_v depend_v upon_o she_o it_o do_v not_o minister_v to_o their_o ambitious_a and_o worldly_a hope_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o for_o their_o turn_n 3._o if_o we_o look_v upon_o christianity_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o worship_n it_o will_v still_o hold_v true_a that_o offence_n must_v needs_o come_v because_o the_o worship_n it_o prescribe_v be_v a_o worship_n of_o great_a simplicity_n that_o have_v but_o two_o or_o three_o positive_a institution_n of_o divine_a authority_n viz._n the_o two_o sacrament_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o holy_a son_n jesus_n now_o this_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o be_v acceptable_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n who_o love_n rather_o a_o pompous_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o nice_a observation_n than_o a_o grave_n and_o decent_a administration_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o former_a do_v amuse_n the_o sense_n and_o entertain_v the_o imagination_n the_o latter_a do_v that_o but_o very_o little_a in_o comparison_n and_o rather_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n but_o most_o people_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v affect_v with_o thing_n that_o touch_v their_o fancy_n than_o their_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o time_n their_o will_v grow_v very_o great_a excess_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o there_o do_v even_o in_o st._n augustine_n day_n who_o complain_v of_o it_o not_o a_o little_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o januarius_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v but_o such_o excess_n will_v be_v accompany_v with_o false_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o please_v god_n for_o whereas_o the_o excellent_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o appoint_v so_o small_a a_o number_n of_o external_a observation_n leave_v the_o necessary_a rule_n of_o decency_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o church_n be_v this_o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o all_o pretence_n of_o place_v the_o weight_n of_o religion_n in_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o by_o their_o very_a worship_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o show_v they_o that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v please_v without_o those_o thing_n whereas_o he_o do_v hereby_o effectual_o declare_v that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n that_o be_v with_o the_o affection_n of_o a_o pious_a heart_n and_o the_o obedience_n that_o be_v express_v in_o a_o good_a life_n the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n be_v as_o averse_a from_o this_o as_o it_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o other_o and_o desire_n to_o please_v god_n by_o so_o easy_a a_o religion_n as_o that_o which_o run_v out_o into_o a_o world_n of_o mystery_n and_o show_v and_o observation_n and_o seem_v to_o save_v they_o the_o labour_n of_o subdue_a their_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o of_o serve_v god_n by_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n contemptible_a and_o odious_a to_o the_o heathen_n that_o they_o have_v so_o few_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n so_o plain_a and_o simple_a a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n but_o one_o altar_n but_o one_o mediator_n no_o tutelar_a deity_n and_o patron_n no_o throng_n of_o petty_a god_n but_o one_o or_o two_o mystery_n and_o those_o too_o plain_a and_o instruct_v without_o pomp_n and_o amuzement_n for_o such_o cause_n as_o these_o they_o reckon_v the_o christian_n little_o better_a than_o atheist_n believe_v that_o a_o religion_n which_o make_v no_o stately_a show_n to_o be_v as_o good_a as_o none_o at_o all_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n himself_o appoint_v a_o form_n of_o divine_a service_n to_o the_o israelite_n that_o consist_v of_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o ceremony_n but_o beside_o this_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o type_n to_o discover_v the_o messiah_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v there_o be_v another_o end_n of_o divine_a providence_n observable_a in_o that_o constitution_n which_o be_v this_o that_o they_o have_v a_o stately_a and_o mystical_a form_n of_o worship_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v less_o under_o a_o temptation_n of_o learning_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o who_o numerous_a and_o gaudy_a ceremony_n in_o their_o worship_n will_v have_v bewitch_v the_o jew_n ten_o time_n more_o than_o they_o do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o vie_v with_o they_o but_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n say_v that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a to_o be_v sure_a not_o the_o best_a in_o themselves_o but_o consider_v the_o time_n the_o best_a for_o they_o for_o when_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n who_o be_v to_o teach_v all_o mankind_n to_o worship_n the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o to_o convert_v the_o nation_n from_o idolatry_n the_o scheme_n of_o the_o mosaic_a worship_n be_v take_v down_o and_o the_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o nothing_o but_o prayer_n and_o praise_n two_o sacrament_n and_o one_o mediator_n but_o by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n run_v counter_a to_o the_o fond_a and_o foolish_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o that_o offence_n be_v ready_a to_o come_v upon_o this_o account_n also_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v a_o religion_n too_o good_a for_o a_o wicked_a world_n too_o wise_a for_o a_o vain_a and_o foolish_a world_n i_o mean_v it_o be_v too_o good_a and_o too_o wise_a to_o escape_v opposition_n and_o all_o change_n the_o world_n will_v either_o try_v to_o keep_v it_o out_o or_o when_o that_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v any_o long_o to_o square_v and_o form_v it_o better_o to_o its_o own_o purpose_n and_o inclination_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n viz._n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o a_o worldly_a spirit_n that_o a_o peculiar_a temper_n be_v require_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o order_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o his_o doctrine_n a_o spirit_n of_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n of_o humility_n and_o teachableness_n love_v of_o the_o truth_n willingness_n to_o learn_v patience_n of_o reproof_n and_o the_o like_a without_o which_o disposition_n the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n will_v certain_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o argument_n and_o motive_n by_o which_o it_o be_v recommend_v and_o therefore_o since_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o over-rule_v they_o into_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v first_o of_o all_o great_o oppose_v as_o it_o be_v and_o afterward_o insincere_o handle_v as_o it_o have_v be_v and_o this_o although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v peculiar_o furnish_v with_o mean_n to_o infuse_v a_o wise_a and_o honest_a disposition_n into_o they_o that_o want_v it_o for_o those_o mean_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o after_o all_o man_n may_v be_v the_o worse_o and_o not_o the_o better_a for_o they_o nothing_o can_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v more_o fit_a to_o awaken_v man_n to_o consideration_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o honesty_n and_o wisdom_n and_o to_o conquer_v all_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la than_o the_o 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
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 practice_n 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_a 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 every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o truth_n may_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o if_o i_o may_v arrive_v at_o a_o certain_a sense_n of_o these_o scripture_n without_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n then_o why_o may_v i_o not_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o other_o text_n as_o plain_a as_o these_o without_o such_o a_o interpreter_n it_o
be_v christian_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o common_a scandal_n of_o the_o world_n that_o truth_n be_v so_o often_o insincere_o represent_v and_o false_a doctrine_n propound_v still_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o hold_v forth_o some_o necessary_a truth_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o gospel_n do_v not_o allow_v but_o command_v we_o to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n not_o to_o reject_v that_o which_o be_v good_a because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o require_v evil_a nor_o to_o admit_v error_n because_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o truth_n but_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 4._o all_o popular_a artifices_fw-la that_o be_v use_v to_o recommend_v either_o wicked_a error_n or_o practice_n be_v also_o great_a offence_n and_o lead_v many_o silly_a soul_n astray_o of_o which_o kind_n the_o most_o obvious_a be_v these_o a_o external_a show_n of_o strictness_n and_o piety_n without_o real_a virtue_n and_o godliness_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o first_o notable_a instance_n who_o place_v religion_n in_o abundance_n of_o nice_a observation_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o strict_a and_o devour_v people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n know_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n compare_v they_o to_o white_v sepulcher_n that_o within_o be_v full_a of_o dead_a go_v bone_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o this_o offence_n will_v be_v so_o powerful_a whenever_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o spirit_n to_o foretell_v it_o express_o 〈◊〉_d that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o another_o offence_n of_o this_o kind_n when_o be_v also_o express_o foretell_v be_v pretend_v the_o testimony_n of_o miracle_n for_o say_v our_o saviour_n himself_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a behold_v say_v he_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o matth._n 24.24_o 25._o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n foretell_v that_o when_o that_o wicked_a one_o shall_v be_v reveal_v his_o come_n shall_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o other_o popular_a device_n for_o the_o support_v of_o error_n and_o that_o be_v to_o denounce_v damnation_n peremptory_o against_o all_o gainsayer_n with_o which_o artifice_n the_o judaizer_n secure_v themselves_o against_o the_o gentile_a christian_n say_v except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v now_o although_o every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o tongue_n may_v if_o he_o please_v lay_v this_o weight_n upon_o his_o cause_n as_o to_o exclude_v all_o from_o salvation_n that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o the_o threaten_a be_v not_o worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n thought_n till_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v examine_v yet_o it_o have_v two_o notable_a advantage_n that_o it_o be_v frame_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n more_o than_o upon_o their_o judgement_n and_o in_o most_o man_n their_o passion_n be_v strong_a than_o their_o reason_n and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o use_v as_o to_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v not_o uncharitableness_n but_o mere_a pity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o compel_v they_o to_o speak_v so_o harsh_a but_o so_o necessary_a a_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o observe_v how_o easy_a man_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v when_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v a_o positive_a sentence_n of_o damnation_n to_o work_v upon_o their_o fear_n and_o on_o the_o other_o a_o appearance_n of_o serious_a charity_n to_o win_v their_o affection_n for_o by_o this_o art_n man_n of_o contrary_a party_n have_v with_o strange_a success_n serve_v contrary_a opinion_n and_o practice_n i_o can_v if_o i_o be_v willing_a reckon_v all_o the_o offence_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v popular_a and_o plausible_a way_n of_o deceive_v but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v such_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o only_o foretell_v in_o the_o general_n when_o he_o say_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o in_o particular_a also_o when_o he_o say_v beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheeps-clothing_n mat._n 7.15_o 5._o to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v what_o st._n paul_n observe_v 1_o tim._n 6.5_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n that_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v defend_v as_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v for_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v no_o such_o hard_a matter_n to_o perplex_v thing_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o find_v colour_n for_o deny_v thing_n that_o be_v evident_a to_o hide_v the_o weakness_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o argument_n to_o divert_v from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o person_n so_o artificial_o as_o if_o the_o cause_n go_v on_o still_o to_o lose_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n to_o make_v truth_n look_v like_o error_n and_o error_n like_o truth_n to_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v if_o a_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o bend_v all_o his_o wit_n this_o way_n for_o something_o may_v be_v say_v for_o any_o thing_n 6._o and_o last_o bad_a example_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v another_o most_o dangerous_a offence_n since_o i_o doubt_v most_o man_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o take_v up_o their_o opinion_n more_o easy_o from_o authority_n than_o from_o other_o argument_n and_o they_o understand_v more_o easy_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a manner_n than_o between_o strong_a and_o weak_a reason_n and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a fruit_n of_o practice_n it_o bring_v forth_o in_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o which_o doubtless_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v in_o those_o word_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o see_v your_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n be_v not_o only_o a_o scandal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o error_n confirm_v they_o in_o their_o wrong_a way_n but_o likewise_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n by_o encourage_v they_o to_o sin_n in_o like_a manner_n especial_o when_o evil_a example_n be_v set_v by_o those_o that_o be_v particular_o oblige_v to_o set_v none_o but_o good_a one_o who_o place_n or_o office_n wealth_n or_o quality_n make_v they_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o gives_z other_o any_o kind_n of_o dependence_n upon_o they_o and_o because_o of_o the_o pernicious_a influence_n of_o bad_a example_n we_o find_v st._n paul_n often_o call_v upon_o the_o christian_n with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v to_o fix_v their_o observation_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v good_a brethren_n say_v he_o be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n for_o many_o walk_n of_o who_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n thus_o i_o have_v very_o brief_o consider_v the_o largeness_n of_o the_o subject_a show_v what_o offence_n be_v to_o come_v by_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o obvious_a offence_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o alas_o for_o the_o world_n by_o too_o sad_a experience_n and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v why_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n shall_v come_v that_o be_v why_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o these_o or_o such_o scandal_n as_o these_o will_v be_v give_v to_o the_o world._n and_o this_o inquiry_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v pursue_v upon_o this_o account_n if_o upon_o no_o other_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o offence_n come_v do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n of_o the_o bless_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o harmless_a and_o dovelike_a temper_n of_o christianity_n the_o excellency_n of_o its_o design_n the_o richness_n of_o its_o promise_n the_o divinity_n of_o its_o rule_n and_o precept_n the_o comfort_n it_o
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 incourigible_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 joh._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 rife_o 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 1._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_v 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 some_o awaken_n reproof_n from_o man_n or_o some_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o be_v already_o provide_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o effectual_a to_o his_o conversion_n but_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o hope_v this_o of_o a_o man_n who_o very_a principle_n be_v corrupt_v and_o have_v no_o fear_n within_o himself_o for_o a_o charitable_a man_n to_o take_v hold_n upon_o and_o therefore_o that_o say_n
of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o person_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n moreover_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n to_o reform_v that_o man_n evil_a practice_n who_o persuasion_n make_v he_o secure_a and_o easy_a all_o the_o while_n so_o there_o be_v no_o little_a difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o try_v to_o undeceive_v he_o for_o man_n will_v hold_v comfortable_a error_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v find_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mischief_n of_o this_o offence_n though_o such_o error_n be_v not_o lay_v down_o without_o a_o great_a trouble_n yet_o they_o be_v take_v up_o with_o much_o readiness_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o spread_v far_o and_o wide_o and_o to_o this_o i_o believe_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n agree_v viz._n that_o although_o there_o be_v mistake_n that_o lead_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o overmuch_o restraint_n yet_o for_o one_o that_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o such_o mistake_n a_o hundred_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v comfortable_a lie_n which_o either_o whole_o take_v off_o the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o such_o part_n as_o to_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a 3._o perverse_a dispute_n and_o a_o obstinate_a maintenance_n of_o error_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o sophistry_n have_v this_o lamentable_a evil_n common_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o render_v many_o person_n utter_o careless_a to_o examine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v perhaps_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n or_o by_o education_n must_v force_v their_o temper_n to_o patience_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o themselves_o which_o be_v a_o employment_n that_o man_n soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o and_o common_o they_o break_v off_o pretend_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o search_v any_o far_o but_o that_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o and_o against_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o give_v over_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o indeed_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o real_o disputable_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n this_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v blame_v but_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a consequence_n and_o question_n that_o touch_v the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o man_n grow_v weary_a of_o search_a truth_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o after_o the_o controversy_n be_v stiff_o maintain_v for_o some_o time_n on_o both_o side_n and_o it_o be_v well_o in_o this_o case_n if_o it_o be_v a_o even_o lie_v whether_o they_o choose_v the_o true_a guide_n or_o not_o but_o when_o a_o guide_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o follow_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n the_o false_a guide_n have_v this_o advantage_n always_o that_o he_o exceed_v in_o confidence_n in_o lofty_a pretence_n in_o swell_a title_n in_o positive_a denounce_v damnation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o though_o a_o modest_a man_n that_o speak_v just_o of_o thing_n and_o claim_v not_o to_o be_v infallible_a deserve_v the_o most_o credit_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o that_o the_o other_o have_v most_o follower_n among_o those_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n 4._o the_o same_o cause_n have_v too_o often_o a_o yet_o worse_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v to_o run_v some_o person_n into_o infidelity_n and_o a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o no_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o controversy_n about_o it_o and_o some_o have_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v then_o time_n enough_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o when_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v upon_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o monstrous_a error_n that_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n under_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n and_o the_o fraud_n wherewith_o they_o have_v be_v maintain_v have_v let_v in_o atheism_n like_o a_o deluge_n upon_o the_o world_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v so_o full_a of_o zeal_n for_o their_o own_o way_n that_o they_o have_v no_o tenderness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v rather_o content_a that_o all_o shall_v sink_v together_o than_o that_o their_o own_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o stand_v we_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o hand_n that_o no_o assurance_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n and_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o other_o ground_n have_v as_o good_a have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o one_o article_n that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o same_o exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o story_n of_o latter_a miracle_n and_o final_o that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o any_o of_o their_o tradition_n be_v reject_v the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v reject_v too_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n now_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a offence_n and_o have_v do_v infinite_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n who_o be_v violent_o engage_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n of_o religion_n care_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n what_o they_o venture_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o while_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o false_a or_o at_o least_o disputable_a point_n that_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o show_v that_o no_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v they_o give_v occasion_n to_o man_n that_o will_v fain_o be_v atheist_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o what_o they_o will_v be_v for_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o something_o be_v false_a which_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o as_o a_o object_n of_o their_o faith._n and_o they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v then_o leave_v give_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v true_a 5._o there_o be_v another_o great_a mischief_n of_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o a_o mischief_n that_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v that_o of_o run_v into_o a_o contrary_a extreme_a the_o church_n find_v this_o by_o sad_a experience_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o age_n when_o man_n of_o no_o small_a note_n dispute_v against_o one_o heresy_n fall_v into_o another_o of_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o the_o no_o small_a trouble_n of_o christendom_n truth_n sometime_o as_o well_o as_o virtue_n lie_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o they_o that_o transgress_v on_o any_o one_o side_n do_v not_o only_o this_o mischief_n to_o give_v what_o authority_n they_o can_v to_o the_o wrong_a side_n they_o be_v of_o but_o they_o do_v this_o mischief_n too_o of_o give_v occasion_n to_o other_o to_o offend_v on_o the_o other_o extreme_a thus_o the_o abuse_n of_o church-authority_n on_o the_o one_o side_n have_v breed_v in_o some_o man_n contempt_n of_o all_o such_o authority_n on_o the_o other_o the_o scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v by_o propagate_a opinion_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n have_v produce_v in_o many_o a_o fond_a persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o restraint_n whatsoever_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n superior_n have_v require_v unlawful_a thing_n in_o divine_a service_n and_o to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o that_o abuse_n it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obey_v in_o matter_n of_o prudence_n and_o expedience_n religion_n have_v be_v make_v to_o run_v out_o into_o show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o this_o have_v beget_v prejudices_fw-la against_o all_o appearance_n of_o beauty_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o external_a worship_n of_o god._n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o excess_n of_o man_n in_o depart_v from_o one_o extreme_a be_v scandalous_a to_o those_o who_o they_o leave_v and_o do_v confirm_v they_o
in_o their_o error_n thus_o because_o there_o be_v some_o who_o abuse_v the_o liberty_n this_o church_n give_v to_o all_o of_o use_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o who_o reject_v the_o assistance_n of_o their_o guide_n they_o that_o be_v concern_v the_o people_n shall_v know_v as_o little_a of_o the_o bible_n as_o be_v possible_a argue_v from_o the_o folly_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o former_a how_o dangerous_a a_o instrument_n it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n and_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v allow_v to_o all_o must_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v they_o that_o abuse_v it_o to_o the_o make_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o innovation_n give_v a_o candle_n to_o that_o church_n to_o glory_n in_o her_o dissension_n which_o provide_v that_o all_o shall_v believe_v as_o she_o believe_v because_o of_o her_o authority_n and_o that_o no_o man_n judge_n of_o the_o particular_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o himself_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o instance_n of_o this_o mischief_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o undeniable_a that_o whenever_o any_o great_a scandal_n be_v give_v by_o community_n or_o church_n that_o consist_v in_o one_o extreme_a a_o man_n may_v without_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n foretell_v that_o if_o the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n prevent_v it_o not_o it_o will_v in_o time_n beget_v the_o other_o extreme_a it_o be_v the_o great_a unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o opposite_a error_n which_o look_v as_o if_o one_o will_v destroy_v the_o other_o do_v real_o strive_v to_o support_v one_o another_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o foolish_a advice_n more_o frequent_a than_o to_o run_v from_o a_o extreme_a as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a as_o if_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o it_o but_o by_o this_o mean_v woeful_a mischief_n have_v happen_v in_o the_o world_n division_n have_v be_v multiply_v uncharitableness_n increase_v and_o man_n more_o and_o more_o harden_a in_o their_o way_n of_o error_n and_o sin._n 6._o the_o scandal_n of_o mix_v absurd_a and_o impious_a doctrine_n with_o the_o truth_n and_o unjustifiable_a practice_n with_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v have_v this_o notorious_a mischief_n still_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o hinder_v the_o conversion_n of_o insidel_n and_o be_v a_o terrible_a obstruction_n to_o the_o propagate_a of_o christianity_n averro_n do_v not_o speak_v his_o own_o sense_n alone_o when_o he_o say_v since_o the_o christian_n eat_v their_o god_n let_v my_o soul_n be_v with_o the_o philosopher_n the_o scandal_n that_o be_v give_v to_o jew_n and_o turk_n i_o need_v not_o name_n but_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o this_o unpleasing_a argument_n 7._o and_o last_o the_o mischief_n of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o offence_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o when_o once_o offence_n be_v give_v no_o man_n can_v tell_v where_o the_o mischief_n will_v end_v for_o instance_n suppose_v by_o my_o example_n i_o animate_v another_o to_o sin_n in_o like_a manner_n or_o that_o i_o do_v not_o only_o corrupt_v his_o manner_n but_o his_o principle_n too_o and_o so_o do_v he_o all_o the_o hurt_n i_o can_v who_o can_v say_v that_o this_o be_v all_o the_o mischief_n i_o have_v do_v be_v it_o not_o likely_a that_o he_o will_v infect_v other_o as_o i_o have_v infect_v he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o to_o propagate_v the_o mischief_n which_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o i_o and_o that_o the_o next_o age_n may_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o i_o and_o that_o my_o gild_n may_v be_v grow_a age_n after_o i_o be_o dead_a apply_v this_o to_o all_o the_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o world_n and_o consider_v not_o only_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mischief_n they_o do_v but_o the_o spread_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v great_a reason_n in_o those_o sad_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n but_o 2._o whence_o come_v it_o that_o offence_n be_v take_v and_o so_o all_o this_o mischief_n do_v by_o they_o in_o general_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o for_o whatever_o cause_n some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v offence_n for_o the_o same_o other_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o call_v over_o in_o this_o place_n the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o to_o the_o vanity_n of_o mankind_n whether_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o manner_n or_o worship_n but_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v add_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o for_o want_v of_o either_o good_a natural_a ability_n or_o good_a education_n have_v little_a ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o part_n take_v their_o impression_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o man_n example_n or_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o fall_v into_o ill_a hand_n they_o fare_v according_o to_o which_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o particular_a regard_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n so_o that_o because_o there_o will_v be_v some_o person_n sincere_o dispose_v who_o in_o many_o thing_n can_v not_o judge_v for_o themselves_o but_o must_v be_v lead_v by_o authority_n our_o saviour_n for_o their_o great_a security_n provide_v this_o frightful_a threaten_v to_o deter_v all_o man_n from_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o weakness_n to_o mislead_v they_o 2._o some_o stumble_v at_o offence_n lay_v before_o they_o and_o take_v up_o pernicious_a doctrine_n mere_o from_o impatience_n of_o consider_v and_o take_v time_n to_o lay_v thing_n together_o he_o that_o judge_v rash_o and_o hasty_o may_v by_o chance_n make_v a_o true_a judgement_n but_o he_o shall_v as_o often_o judge_v false_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a thing_n as_o i_o observe_v last_o time_n to_o lay_v such_o colour_n upon_o error_n as_o will_v require_v some_o leisure_n to_o see_v through_o they_o and_o in_o such_o case_n if_o a_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o take_v pain_n and_o desire_n to_o come_v present_o and_o easy_o to_o the_o conclusion_n he_o give_v the_o seducer_n all_o the_o advantage_n he_o can_v desire_v and_o be_v indeed_o just_a the_o person_n he_o desire_v to_o meet_v with_o one_o easy_o deceive_v by_o a_o false_a appearance_n of_o reason_n 3._o the_o strange_a influence_n which_o the_o carnal_a affection_n of_o man_n and_o their_o worldly_a interest_n have_v upon_o their_o judgement_n be_v a_o fatal_a cause_n of_o lay_v they_o open_a to_o the_o mischief_n of_o scandal_n we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o desire_v doctrine_n and_o example_n in_o favour_n of_o liberty_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a as_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o guard_v ourselves_o against_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o god_n say_v by_o jeremy_n jer._n 5.31_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v false_o and_o my_o people_n love_n to_o have_v it_o so_o to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v other_o cause_n viz._n the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n undue_a admiration_n of_o man_n person_n prejudice_n against_o truth_n arise_v from_o prejudice_n against_o person_n a_o inclination_n to_o opinion_n suitable_a to_o our_o own_o temper_n and_o complexion_n love_v of_o novelty_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hatred_n to_o change_v though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o better_a all_o which_o disposition_n and_o circumstance_n expose_v those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o to_o the_o mischief_n of_o offence_n but_o i_o shall_v be_v over-tedious_a to_o run_v into_o all_o the_o particular_n under_o this_o head_n which_o may_v also_o be_v more_o profitable_o supply_v by_o direction_n in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o intention_n which_o be_v to_o reduce_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o matter_n of_o exhortation_n and_o i_o shall_v leave_v with_o you_o these_o two_o necessary_a caution_n i._o be_v careful_a to_o give_v no_o offence_n ii_o be_v careful_a to_o take_v none_o 1._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 in_o as_o much_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 difplease_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_a 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 foretold_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 forewarned_a 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 in_o as_o much_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 in_o as_o much_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 humane_a authority_n whatsoever_o which_o rule_n as_o it_o be_v most_o
human_a frailty_n we_o shall_v never_o fall_v for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o our_o lord_n give_v the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o text_n to_o watch_v and_o pray_v but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o for_o their_o instruction_n only_o but_o it_o be_v for_o we_o also_o in_o all_o age_n that_o he_o leave_v this_o direction_n with_o they_o they_o be_v not_o always_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n will_v attend_v they_o and_o either_o keep_v they_o from_o great_a fault_n or_o set_v they_o right_n again_o after_o their_o miscarrying_n while_o they_o neglect_v to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o action_n and_o to_o seek_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o we_o much_o less_o who_o have_v be_v long_o under_o the_o guidance_n of_o god_n grace_n than_o they_o have_v be_v even_o from_o our_o infancy_n ever_o since_o we_o be_v baptize_v and_o take_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n who_o have_v also_o have_v the_o instruction_n of_o their_o example_n and_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o our_o lord_n admonition_n to_o they_o and_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o more_o neglect_n and_o miscarrying_n than_o they_o be_v who_o moreover_o have_v be_v educate_v to_o a_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o nature_n of_o christianity_n than_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o under_o these_o circumstance_n we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v the_o watchful_a care_n of_o god_n spirit_n over_o we_o to_o lead_v we_o out_o of_o temptation_n and_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a if_o we_o do_v not_o watch_v ourselves_o and_o to_o watchfulness_n add_v prayer_n that_o we_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n we_o be_v not_o to_o trust_v to_o our_o general_a good_a purpose_n and_o honest_a way_n but_o to_o remember_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o flesh_n i._n e._n the_o unsteadiness_n of_o our_o purpose_n the_o mutability_n of_o our_o affection_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o to_o supply_v all_o our_o defect_n with_o what_o diligence_n and_o circumspection_n we_o can_v and_o in_o do_v all_o this_o to_o be_v very_o earnest_a in_o our_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v crown_v all_o with_o his_o grace_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o we_o be_v undoubted_o safe_a if_o we_o continual_o keep_v ourselves_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o put_v ourselves_o under_o his_o protection_n by_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o it_o avail_v much_o for_o another_o much_o more_o for_o himself_o it_o avail_v much_o for_o the_o procure_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n much_o more_o for_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a god_n do_v not_o always_o crown_v the_o industry_n of_o a_o man_n in_o his_o labour_v for_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n with_o desire_a success_n and_o sometime_o he_o send_v they_o to_o the_o lazy_a and_o bestow_v they_o upon_o those_o that_o never_o pray_v but_o the_o most_o necessary_a thing_n a_o good_a mind_n the_o best_a wisdom_n the_o improvement_n of_o the_o soul_n he_o ever_o give_v to_o the_o diligent_a and_o to_o those_o that_o depend_v upon_o he_o by_o prayer_n and_o never_o otherwise_o and_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a conviction_n that_o if_o we_o be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n if_o we_o make_v no_o progress_n in_o virtue_n nor_o move_v at_o all_o towards_o perfection_n it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n who_o have_v so_o ready_a a_o way_n to_o gain_v that_o help_n from_o god_n which_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o better_v our_o nature_n and_o to_o strengthen_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o deliver_v we_o from_o temptation_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o how_o vain_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o plead_v frailty_n and_o infirmity_n for_o not_o watch_v and_o pray_v since_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n our_o saviour_n direct_v we_o to_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n because_o although_o the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a yet_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o it_o be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n to_o make_v the_o same_o plea_n for_o those_o miscarriage_n that_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o infirmity_n since_o there_o be_v this_o to_o make_v they_o the_o effect_n of_o wilfulness_n too_o that_o we_o have_v neglect_v to_o consider_v our_o own_o weakness_n and_o to_o go_v to_o god_n for_o help_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v more_o easy_a and_o natural_a than_o for_o a_o frail_a creature_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o his_o be_v and_o the_o author_n of_o all_o good_a the_o god_n of_o power_n and_o mercy_n for_o a_o supply_n of_o his_o own_o defect_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o excusable_a if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o constant_o and_o earnest_o when_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o it_o i_o have_v but_o one_o motive_n more_o to_o lay_v before_o you_o but_o that_o methinks_v a_o very_a prevail_a one_o and_o that_o be_v that_o our_o bless_a master_n himself_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n nor_o sinful_a infirmity_n he_o i_o say_v himself_z who_o so_o little_o need_v any_o other_o strength_n but_o his_o own_o practise_v that_o advice_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o disciple_n he_o watch_v and_o pray_v when_o the_o hour_n of_o temptation_n be_v come_v on_o whilst_o his_o disciple_n throw_v away_o their_o time_n and_o we_o see_v the_o different_a effect_n of_o their_o different_a behaviour_n our_o lord_n witness_v a_o good_a confession_n but_o his_o slothful_a disciple_n flee_v away_o shameful_o and_o peter_n the_o most_o forward_o of_o all_o a_o little_a before_o miscarry_v the_o most_o shameful_o of_o all_o and_o deny_v his_o master_n a_o very_a instruct_v example_n to_o show_v we_o how_o much_o depend_v upon_o prayer_n and_o how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o stand_v against_o temptation_n when_o we_o have_v so_o ready_a but_o withal_o so_o necessary_a a_o mean_n of_o relief_n that_o jesus_n himself_o make_v use_v of_o it_o and_o sure_o one_o main_a reason_n why_o he_o he_o do_v so_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v instruct_v by_o his_o example_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v tempt_v for_o we_o because_o we_o also_o be_v to_o be_v tempt_v and_o he_o pray_v under_o his_o temptation_n for_o our_o sake_n too_o that_o we_o may_v learn_v of_o he_o the_o way_n to_o overcome_v temptation_n and_o to_o be_v always_o prepare_v against_o they_o let_v we_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n remember_v the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n let_v we_o also_o remember_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o himself_o watch_v and_o pray_v though_o he_o of_o all_o man_n that_o ever_o live_v lest_o need_v any_o assistance_n against_o temptation_n let_v we_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o frequent_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o let_v we_o enter_v into_o our_o closet_n and_o never_o omit_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o secret_a for_o by_o every_o such_o omission_n we_o lose_v a_o opportunity_n for_o our_o soul_n we_o weaken_v our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n we_o lie_v more_o open_a to_o danger_n from_o within_o and_o from_o without_o and_o have_v make_v one_o step_n more_o backward_o and_o be_v far_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o god._n in_o a_o word_n let_v we_o purge_v ourselves_o from_o all_o insincerity_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o do_v not_o suffer_v the_o guilt_n of_o any_o wilful_a sin_n to_o lie_v upon_o we_o and_o ever_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o to_o this_o general_a habit_n of_o honesty_n let_v we_o add_v a_o jealousy_n over_o ourselves_o do_v like_o those_o that_o depend_v upon_o the_o grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o if_o we_o continue_v thus_o do_v we_o shall_v not_o fall_v and_o that_o because_o god_n be_v our_o help_n who_o be_v not_o want_v to_o prevent_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o will_v therefore_o never_o fail_v to_o follow_v we_o with_o it_o whilst_o we_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o study_v to_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o humble_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o our_o safety_n in_o this_o world_n and_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o five_o sermon_n matth_n iv_o 10._o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v here_o be_v two_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v i._o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v god._n ii_o to_o
worship_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o these_o be_v rule_n of_o both_o testament_n and_o in_o truth_n law_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o violate_v they_o be_v without_o excuse_n my_o design_n be_v to_o lay_v before_o you_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a duty_n prescribe_v in_o these_o rule_n with_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v oppose_v to_o they_o now_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o worship_n god_n be_v to_o honour_v he_o as_o god_n which_o consist_v chief_o in_o two_o thing_n viz._n in_o a_o right_a esteem_n of_o he_o and_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o the_o esteem_n i._n e._n in_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v the_o sovereign_n be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n in_o duration_n in_o wisdom_n and_o in_o power_n and_o above_o all_o in_o goodness_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o affection_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o esteem_n of_o god_n be_v also_o worship_n because_o they_o be_v the_o most_o real_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n he_o that_o trust_v in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n more_o than_o in_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o honour_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n he_o that_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n and_o tremble_v at_o his_o word_n give_v he_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n he_o that_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n do_v thereby_o effectual_o confess_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n by_o such_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o disposition_n towards_o he_o we_o worship_v he_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o outward_a worship_n of_o god_n it_o consist_v in_o such_o action_n as_o either_o by_o god_n himself_o or_o by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o mankind_n or_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v make_v expression_n of_o divine_a honour_n and_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o heart_n sacrifice_n have_v be_v ever_o esteem_v mark_n of_o divine_a honour_n give_v to_o that_o be_v to_o who_o they_o be_v offer_v and_o god_n appropriate_v they_o to_o himself_o in_o the_o covenant_n he_o make_v with_o his_o own_o people_n he_o that_o sacrifice_v unto_o any_o god_n save_v unto_o the_o lord_n only_o he_o shall_v be_v utter_o destroy_v exod._n 22.20_o whether_o sin-offering_n or_o thank-offering_n they_o be_v testimony_n and_o declaration_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n that_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o and_o the_o giver_n of_o all_o to_o who_o all_o praise_n and_o obedience_n be_v due_a for_o this_o reason_n the_o christian_a worship_n which_o know_v no_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o that_o which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v offer_v but_o once_o and_o which_o have_v take_v away_o the_o slay_v of_o beast_n and_o the_o kill_n of_o bird_n the_o christian_a worship_n itself_o i_o say_v be_v call_v a_o sacrifice_n by_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n i._n e._n by_o christ_n let_v we_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n continual_o heb._n 13.15_o for_o though_o the_o gross_a sacrifice_n be_v leave_v off_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o incommunicable_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o remain_v viz._n the_o more_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n before_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o a_o more_o excellent_a worship_n than_o they_o for_o sacrifice_n be_v but_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n be_v but_o the_o outward_a rite_n of_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o mercy_n a_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n be_v but_o the_o outwaid_a rite_n of_o offer_v praise_n and_o therefore_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v proper_a expression_n of_o divine_a honour_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o with_o sacrifice_n and_o indeed_o a_o more_o excellent_a worship_n than_o what_o be_v ancient_o call_v by_o that_o name_n and_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v proper_a expression_n of_o honour_v god_n as_o god._n 1._o the_o matter_n of_o religious_a invocation_n which_o be_v either_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n of_o to_o give_v he_o thanks_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o only_o can_v give_v and_o for_o every_o thing_n which_o we_o either_o need_v or_o have_v receive_v and_o this_o make_v prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n omnipotence_n sovereignty_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n 2._o our_o call_n upon_o he_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o omnipresence_n and_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o hear_n of_o prayer_n be_v one_o of_o those_o title_n wherewith_o the_o psalmist_n address_v himself_o to_o god_n psalm_n 65.2_o and_o thou_o that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v for_o when_o we_o speak_v to_o a_o invisible_a be_v we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v hear_v but_o only_o this_o assurance_n that_o the_o be_v be_v everywhere_o present_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o see_v he_o not_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v with_o we_o and_o our_o prayer_n be_v not_o lose_v and_o they_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n each_o of_o which_o distinguish_v that_o which_o in_o religion_n we_o call_v prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n from_o ask_v benefit_n of_o one_o another_o and_o give_v thanks_o for_o benefit_n receive_v that_o the_o latter_a suppose_v a_o limit_a power_n the_o former_a a_o absolute_a power_n over_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v express_v very_o often_o by_o desire_v such_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o he_o only_o can_v bestow_v and_o again_o when_o we_o ask_v fit_a thing_n of_o one_o another_o it_o be_v within_o the_o line_n of_o civil_a communication_n by_o speak_v if_o present_a by_o message_n if_o absent_a but_o when_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n we_o speak_v to_o a_o invisible_a be_v who_o we_o therefore_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v everywhere_o present_n and_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n or_o to_o include_v both_o in_o one_o expression_n in_o religious_a invocation_n the_o substance_n of_o divine_a worship_n consist_v and_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o dedicate_v or_o set_v apart_o place_n for_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o erect_n of_o house_n for_o the_o service_n of_o a_o invisible_a be_v be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o omnipresence_n no_o less_o than_o call_v upon_o he_o there_o thus_o bodily_a adoration_n bow_v kneel_v or_o prostrate_v be_v act_n of_o divine_a worship_n also_o when_o they_o be_v pay_v to_o a_o invisible_a be_v because_o they_o too_o suppose_v the_o presence_n of_o it_o everywhere_o to_o receive_v those_o outward_a honour_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o all_o this_o together_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v all_o a_o address_n or_o application_n to_o he_o this_o be_v what_o we_o common_o mean_v by_o religious_a worship_n though_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n all_o piety_n may_v be_v so_o call_v and_o he_o that_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n worship_v he_o because_o he_o make_v a_o effectual_a acknowledgement_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n 2._o since_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o understand_v that_o other_o rule_n main_o intend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n that_o god_n only_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_a shall_v thou_o serve_v i._n e._n infinite_a perfection_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o only_o infinite_a knowledge_n or_o power_n or_o goodness_n or_o presence_n or_o dominion_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o only_o he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v love_v and_o reverence_v and_o trust_v in_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v absolute_o obey_v to_o he_o alone_o we_o be_v to_o perform_v those_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o imply_v any_o part_n of_o that_o acknowledgement_n and_o therefore_o to_o none_o but_o he_o be_v religious_a supplication_n and_o intercession_n with_o thanksgiving_n to_o be_v offer_v beside_o he_o no_o other_o invisible_a be_v aught_o to_o be_v address_v unto_o by_o we_o to_o he_o only_o we_o be_v to_o pay_v those_o bodily_a adoration_n of_o kneel_v bow_v and_o falling-down_a which_o be_v proper_o religious_a that_o be_v which_o accompany_v and_o go_v along_o with_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n or_o any_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o divine_a perfection_n we_o be_v to_o give_v to_o no_o other_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o outward_a worship_n which_o by_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v religious_a or_o a_o signification_n of_o the_o least_o divine_a honour_n upon_o these_o ground_n i_o intend_v
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 pharise_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 pharise_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 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 there_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_n 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
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 humane_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 humane_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 for_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 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 they_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 dfastness_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 countermine_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_a 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_n the_o evil_a for_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o be_v discernible_a in_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_o dispose_v 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 again_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 place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o star_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n in_o these_o word_n st._n peter_n commend_v believer_n for_o take_v heed_n or_o careful_o attend_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o moreover_o express_v a_o weighty_a reason_n why_o in_o do_v so_o they_o do_v well_o because_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n till_o the_o day_n dawn_v and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o
heart_n i_o shall_v first_o endeavour_v to_o explain_v this_o reason_n for_o the_o diligent_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o shall_v try_v to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o some_o man_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o produce_v against_o it_o and_o last_o recommend_v it_o to_o your_o care_n and_o conscience_n by_o earnest_a exhortation_n first_o as_o to_o the_o reason_n itself_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n mention_v that_o testimony_n which_o have_v be_v give_v to_o jesus_n by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n but_o say_v he_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n i._n e._n we_o have_v yet_o a_o more_o convince_a testimony_n of_o god_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n viz._n the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n again_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n or_o rather_o of_o the_o prophet_n own_o skill_n and_o motion_n for_o so_o the_o original_a will_v bear_v and_o the_o follow_a word_n require_v for_o prophecy_n come_v not_o of_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o that_o testimony_n the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n give_v to_o jesus_n by_o have_v foretell_v those_o thing_n concern_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o jesus_n and_o in_o he_o only_o so_o that_o st._n peter_n commend_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o diligent_a study_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n because_o their_o write_n do_v abound_v with_o those_o prediction_n concern_v christ_n which_o have_v raise_v a_o expectation_n of_o he_o in_o the_o world_n before_o he_o come_v which_o will_v clear_o demonstrate_v he_o to_o the_o world_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v and_o which_o now_o be_v a_o most_o convince_a testimony_n that_o he_o be_v come_v and_o that_o jesus_n in_o who_o all_o those_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v be_v he_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n will_v appear_v by_o consider_v these_o particular_n of_o the_o text._n i._o that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n ii_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n till_o the_o day_n dawn_v and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o their_o heart_n iii_o a_o sure_a word_n iv_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n 1._o that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n do_v indeed_o contain_v other_o matter_n and_o particular_o history_n of_o thing_n past_a as_o well_o as_o prediction_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n this_o impli_v that_o the_o main_a design_n and_o business_n of_o those_o holy_a book_n be_v to_o foretell_v christ_n by_o those_o character_n of_o his_o person_n and_o circumstance_n of_o his_o appearance_n that_o shall_v demonstrate_v he_o afterward_o and_o though_o upon_o other_o account_n the_o prophet_n have_v their_o several_a argument_n of_o write_v yet_o in_o this_o they_o all_o conspire_v as_o st._n peter_n tell_v cornelius_n and_o his_o company_n to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 8.43_o and_o this_o might_n in_o great_a part_n be_v make_v good_a by_o produce_v the_o clear_a prophecy_n of_o all_o concern_v christ_n those_o which_o speak_v direct_o of_o he_o and_o of_o nothing_o else_o but_o those_o circumstance_n by_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v know_v of_o this_o sort_n be_v that_o prediction_n of_o jacob_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v before_o the_o final_a subversion_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n till_o shiloh_n come_v and_o that_o of_o daniel_n 70_o week_n which_o punctual_o six_v the_o time_n of_o his_o manifestation_n and_o suffering_n from_o the_o persian_a king_n decree_n for_o the_o rebuilding_n the_o wall_n of_o jerasalem_fw-la but_o beside_o such_o prophecy_n as_o these_o there_o be_v a_o great_a abundance_n of_o another_o sort_n such_o namely_o as_o be_v mix_v with_o some_o thing_n which_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o themselves_o or_o other_o of_o which_o kind_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o instance_n which_o st._n peter_n with_o good_a success_n allege_v to_o the_o jew_n act_n 2.25_o david_n speak_v concern_v he_o the_o lord_n be_v on_o my_o right_a hand_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v therefore_o do_v my_o heart_n rejoice_v and_o my_o tongue_n be_v glad_a moreover_o also_o my_o flesh_n shall_v rest_v in_o hope_n because_o thou_o will_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n neither_o will_v thou_o suffer_v thy_o holy_a one_o to_o see_v corruption_n now_o the_o former_a expression_n and_o indeed_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o psalm_n may_v well_o be_v apply_v to_o david_n himself_o but_o the_o latter_a be_v too_o magnificent_a to_o be_v true_a of_o he_o in_o any_o good_a sense_n and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n argue_v from_o hence_o in_o this_o manner_n man_n and_o brethren_n let_v i_o free_o speak_v unto_o you_o of_o the_o patriach_n david_n that_o he_o be_v both_o dead_a and_o bury_v and_o his_o sepulchre_n be_v with_o we_o unto_o this_o day_n therefore_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o know_v that_o god_n have_v swear_v with_o a_o oath_n unto_o he_o that_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o loin_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n he_o will_v raise_v up_o christ_n to_o sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n he_o see_v this_o before_o speak_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n that_o his_o soul_n be_v not_o leave_v in_o hell_n neither_o do_v his_o flesh_n see_v corruption_n now_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o these_o prophecy_n that_o some_o passage_n they_o be_v join_v with_o be_v mean_v of_o other_o person_n as_o well_o as_o of_o christ_n since_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o care_n of_o divine_a providence_n to_o fill_v the_o holy_a book_n with_o prediction_n concern_v christ_n that_o be_v not_o only_o diverse_a prophecy_n which_o speak_v entire_o of_o he_o and_o of_o he_o only_o but_o upon_o all_o fit_a occasion_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n break_v out_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v he_o and_o though_o other_o matter_n be_v begin_v with_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v any_o congruity_n in_o the_o subject_n it_o perpetual_o divert_v into_o this_o hereunto_o we_o may_v add_v those_o passage_n which_o in_o their_o first_o meaning_n signify_v some_o thing_n past_a or_o present_a and_o yet_o be_v design_v to_o presignifie_v christ_n too_o such_o as_o these_o out_o of_o egypt_n have_v i_o call_v my_o son_n and_o a_o bone_n of_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v break_v the_o former_a being_n first_o mean_v of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o latter_a of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n both_o afterward_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n again_o the_o true_a son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a paschal_n lamb._n nay_o the_o omission_n of_o melchisedeck_n descent_n birth_n and_o death_n do_v at_o length_n appear_v to_o hint_n this_o signification_n that_o christ_n who_o type_n he_o be_v have_v neither_o begin_n of_o day_n nor_o end_n of_o life_n so_o true_o be_v the_o old_a testament_n the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n that_o the_o very_a omission_n of_o this_o thing_n be_v prophetical_a to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o most_o illustrious_a person_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o joshua_n and_o david_n and_o solomon_n be_v design_v by_o divine_a providence_n to_o represent_v beforehand_o by_o lively_a resemblance_n what_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v and_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v afterward_o and_o the_o most_o memorable_a passage_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o israelite_n together_o with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o levititical_a service_n be_v clear_a and_o natural_a type_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o of_o a_o more_o perfect_a state_n of_o thing_n under_o he_o foretell_v in_o thing_n as_o other_o prophecy_n do_v in_o word_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a plenty_n of_o prediction_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v christ_n and_o if_o we_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o general_a head_n by_o more_o particular_a inquiry_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n be_v so_o overrule_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o look_v into_o they_o we_o can_v light_o turn_v ourselves_o any_o way_n but_o we_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 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 better_a 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 which_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o god_n do_v not_o willing_o afflict_v and_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n for_o if_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o that_o then_o without_o question_n where_o there_o be_v the_o same_o cause_n there_o will_v be_v the_o same_o effect_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o where_o the_o same_o need_n appear_v the_o same_o remedy_n will_v be_v use_v but_o if_o where_o all_o may_v just_o be_v punish_v he_o use_v his_o prerogative_n to_o punish_v some_o only_a and_o for_o the_o
sense_n the_o come_v of_o christ_n because_o he_o do_v not_o come_v in_o person_n as_o he_o will_v do_v at_o the_o last_o day_n but_o in_o some_o sense_n it_o may_v be_v so_o call_v because_o he_o appear_v by_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n to_o do_v the_o same_o work_n in_o part_n which_o will_v with_o incomparable_o great_a perfection_n be_v do_v at_o the_o last_o i._n e._n to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o to_o save_v his_o own_o people_n for_o the_o incorrigibleness_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o their_o incurable_a hatred_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o obstinate_a persecution_n of_o it_o be_v dreadful_o punish_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o christian_n have_v not_o only_o all_o escape_v out_o of_o it_o before_o the_o roman_a army_n come_v against_o it_o but_o by_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o they_o gain_v also_o a_o very_a considerable_a rest_n from_o persecution_n for_o some_o time_n after_o and_o now_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o wonderful_a providence_n be_v call_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o that_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n he_o set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o have_v all_o power_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o because_o it_o be_v he_o that_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n such_o remarkable_a revolution_n as_o that_o be_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o save_n of_o his_o servant_n be_v call_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o such_o passage_n as_o that_o be_v be_v call_v his_o come_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n no_o less_o than_o if_o he_o have_v come_v in_o person_n to_o order_v they_o as_o he_o will_v do_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o order_v all_o thing_n then_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n though_o in_o the_o proper_a sense_n of_o his_o come_n he_o will_v come_v but_o once_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o this_o improper_a sense_n of_o it_o his_o appeaance_n to_o destroy_v his_o enemy_n and_o to_o save_v his_o people_n that_o trust_v in_o he_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o come_v often_o before_o the_o end_n of_o world_n i._n e._n as_o often_o as_o his_o providence_n do_v signal_o and_o remarkable_o appear_v for_o this_o purpose_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o 2_o thes_n 2.8_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n that_o wicked_a one_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v consume_v he_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o destroy_v he_o with_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o personal_a come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n the_o meaning_n must_v be_v that_o his_o destruction_n shall_v be_v so_o remarkable_o the_o work_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n that_o all_o shall_v confess_v it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o worldly_a policy_n but_o no_o less_o the_o do_n of_o the_o lord_n than_o if_o himself_o have_v come_v in_o person_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o whenever_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n cover_v the_o earth_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n when_o those_o magnificent_a prediction_n be_v fulfil_v concern_v the_o universal_a prevalence_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n among_o man_n with_o which_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v plentiful_o furnish_v and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o last_o judgement_n then_o also_o be_v it_o true_a that_o the_o lord_n come_v i._n e._n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o providence_n to_o renew_v and_o reform_v a_o degenerate_a world_n that_o be_v run_v headlong_o into_o perdition_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v which_o i_o have_v show_v do_v principal_o signify_v that_o great_a and_o amaze_a revolution_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v by_o come_v in_o his_o own_o person_n at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n but_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n do_v also_o signify_v the_o remarkable_a work_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o punish_v some_o and_o save_v other_o even_o in_o this_o life_n now_o 2._o how_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o other_o clause_n will_v he_o find_v faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o question_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o he_o will_v not_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n or_o very_o little_a in_o comparison_n but_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o faith_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v easy_o discern_v by_o the_o parable_n and_o the_o application_n of_o it_o that_o go_v before_o the_o design_n of_o both_o which_o be_v to_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o i_o tell_v you_o he_o will_v avenge_v they_o speedy_o that_o be_v to_o say_v god_n will_v hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n take_v their_o cause_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o then_o say_v our_o saviour_n nevertheless_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n i._n e._n notwithstanding_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o praver_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o interpose_v for_o they_o that_o depend_v upon_o he_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o these_o promise_v find_v upon_o the_o earth_n even_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v to_o fulfil_v they_o the_o great_a part_n will_v not_o be_v find_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o they_o and_o so_o will_v be_v surprise_v with_o that_o day_n without_o any_o preparation_n for_o it_o or_o expectation_n of_o it_o many_o will_v yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o throw_v off_o their_o dependence_n upon_o god_n will_v think_v to_o secure_v themselves_o by_o flattery_n and_o hypocrisy_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o wicked_a man_n other_o will_v despair_v of_o any_o better_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o very_o few_o will_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o to_o save_v they_o few_o will_v strengthen_v themselves_o in_o god_n by_o cry_v to_o he_o day_n and_o night_n and_o by_o put_v their_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o and_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a and_o strong_a reason_n they_o have_v from_o his_o word_n so_o to_o do_v nevertheless_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n observe_v that_o immediate_o before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a fall_v away_o from_o christian_a piety_n and_o charity_n nay_o and_o the_o world_n shall_v begin_v once_o more_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o and_o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a but_o say_v our_o saviour_n he_o that_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v thereby_o intimate_v that_o it_o will_v be_v some_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n to_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n thus_o also_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v plain_o mean_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n before_o which_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n satan_n be_v to_o be_v loose_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o to_o go_v out_o and_o to_o deceive_v the_o nation_n and_o to_o gather_v they_o together_o against_o the_o city_n of_o god._n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v remarkable_o true_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_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 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_n judgement_n or_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o general_n 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_v 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_n come_v to_o judge_n 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_n 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 the_o faith_n even_o 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 affure_v 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 consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n not_o to_o overbear_v the_o world_n into_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o by_o force_v the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o man_n it_o have_v rather_o be_v much_o more_o strange_a if_o it_o have_v escape_v opposition_n and_o corruption_n than_o to_o have_v be_v both_o oppose_v and_o corrupt_v as_o it_o have_v thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o it_o
will_v be_v take_v heed_n lest_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v in_o my_o name_n say_v i_o be_o christ_n and_o shall_v deceive_v many_o many_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o there_o be_v christ_n believe_v it_o not_o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o thus_o he_o foretell_v how_o christianity_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v by_o imposture_n and_o fraud_n again_o say_v he_o they_o shall_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o kill_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o nation_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n and_o then_o shall_v many_o be_v offend_v and_o shall_v betray_v one_o another_o and_o shall_v hate_v one_o another_o thus_o he_o foretell_v the_o violence_n that_o shall_v be_v use_v to_o extinguish_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n again_o say_v st._n paul_n 2_o thes_n 2._o there_o shall_v be_v a_o fall_v away_o and_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v come_v with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n there_o he_o foretell_v a_o fearful_a apostasy_n from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n again_o say_v he_o 2_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o this_o know_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n trucebreaker_n false_a accuser_n incontinent_a fierce_a despiser_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a highminded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n there_o he_o foretell_v a_o terrible_a corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o again_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n which_o god_n have_v create_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o thanskgiving_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v and_o know_v the_o truth_n now_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o here_o be_v as_o plain_a warning_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v of_o most_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a time_n even_o after_o christ_n first_o come_v and_o so_o that_o be_v express_o foretell_v which_o the_o text_n evident_o suppose_v for_o here_o will_v be_v glorious_a pretence_n to_o deceive_v violence_n to_o compel_v and_o wicked_a example_n to_o offend_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o provision_n have_v our_o lord_n leave_v to_o secure_v they_o from_o be_v mislead_v where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o danger_n they_o be_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v we_o at_o first_o by_o his_o holy_a apostle_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o be_v deceive_v they_o must_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a example_n and_o they_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v foretell_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v scandalize_v when_o they_o shall_v happen_v nor_o be_v tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o either_o christianity_n be_v not_o of_o god_n from_o the_o first_o or_o at_o least_o that_o our_o lord_n have_v neglect_v all_o care_n of_o it_o since_o because_o it_o do_v so_o little_a good_a as_o yet_o in_o the_o world_n because_o it_o run_v out_o into_o so_o many_o error_n and_o because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v so_o vehement_o oppose_v for_o say_v our_o saviour_n behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o but_o still_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n whether_o they_o will_v take_v warning_n by_o such_o prediction_n and_o whether_o they_o will_v guard_v themselves_o against_o error_n and_o evil_a example_n and_o therefore_o a_o very_a corrupt_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n shake_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o believer_n and_o cause_v some_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o they_o not_o regard_v the_o admonition_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n beforehand_o and_o so_o when_o christ_n come_v he_o will_v find_v but_o little_a faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o observation_n which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v unavoidable_a from_o the_o text_n that_o even_o after_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v degenerate_a age_n for_o this_o be_v plain_o suppose_v as_o the_o cause_n why_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a faith_n find_v when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o visit_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o iniquity_n and_o offence_n it_o abound_v with_o the_o 2._o supposition_n be_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o our_o lord_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o set_v 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 for_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v intimate_v manifest_o that_o his_o come_n be_v then_o to_o be_v expect_v when_o little_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n and_o consequent_o when_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o bear_v up_o against_o they_o i_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o man_n receive_v it_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v all_o that_o receive_v it_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o christian_n themselves_o there_o be_v as_o monstrous_a error_n and_o lewd_a example_n as_o ever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n before_o christianity_n or_o as_o there_o be_v now_o where_o christianity_n be_v not_o at_o all_o profess_a now_o at_o this_o rate_n shall_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v thing_n go_v as_o they_o will_v it_o will_v in_o time_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o nothing_o of_o christianity_n will_v remain_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o name_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o do_v more_o hurt_n with_o it_o than_o can_v be_v do_v without_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o that_o divine_a providence_n will_v interpose_v or_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o text_n that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v come_v and_o will_v make_v good_a his_o promise_n of_o be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v never_o more_o remarkable_o fulfil_v than_o when_o he_o interpose_v in_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v man_n think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o interpose_v and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v what_o become_v of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n because_o our_o lord_n have_v not_o make_v the_o gospel_n a_o irresistible_a mean_n of_o convince_a unbeliever_n and_o reform_v wicked_a man_n therefore_o it_o will_v in_o time_n be_v needful_a that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o true_a religion_n and_o make_v christian_n such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o i_o say_v shall_v by_o his_o providence_n correct_v his_o own_o disciple_n and_o reduce_v wretched_a mankind_n into_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o consideration_n that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v not_o utter_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v the_o true_a profession_n of_o christianity_n our_o lord_n will_v not_o be_v 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
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 promissery_n 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 vield_n 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 in_o answer_n to_o 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 multiply_a 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_a 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 violate_v their_o oath_n at_o last_o nay_o a_o corrupt_a jury_n be_v guilty_a of_o perjury_n in_o another_o respect_n since_o they_o swear_v against_o that_o very_a temptation_n which_o mislead_v they_o they_o be_v to_o bring_v in_o a_o verdict_n according_a to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o fact_n whereas_o they_o make_v it_o according_a as_o they_o be_v incline_v to_o the_o party_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v swear_v not_o to_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n for_o
every_o where_o but_o to_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v particular_o demand_v by_o the_o magistrate_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o justice_n and_o public_a security_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o prevent_n of_o war_n and_o the_o do_v of_o right_a but_o these_o be_v light_a aggravation_n in_o comparison_n to_o those_o that_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o particular_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n itself_o at_o least_o they_o will_v receive_v great_a weight_n from_o these_o as_o you_o shall_v see_v present_o it_o be_v a_o excess_n of_o impious_a boldness_n to_o worship_n god_n with_o a_o lie_n at_o the_o tongue_n end_n but_o swear_v be_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n swear_v be_v a_o direct_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o to_o swear_v false_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o make_v long_a prayer_n to_o devour_v widow_n house_n but_o he_o that_o swear_v do_v not_o bare_o worship_n god_n he_o take_v he_o to_o witness_v in_o his_o behalf_n too_o so_o the_o forswear_a man_n call_v he_o to_o attest_v a_o lye._n to_o imagine_v the_o wickedness_n of_o this_o what_o will_v you_o think_v of_o a_o man_n who_o shall_v appeal_v to_o some_o worthy_a person_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o matter_n which_o he_o be_v sure_a the_o gentleman_n know_v to_o be_v a_o lie_n far_o what_o if_o he_o shall_v dare_v to_o appeal_v to_o the_o judge_n himself_o or_o to_o the_o whole_a court_n of_o judicature_n though_o he_o know_v that_o every_o one_o there_o will_v utter_o deny_v it_o however_o that_o they_o will_v not_o confess_v it_o without_o be_v liar_n like_v unto_o himself_o but_o this_o be_v a_o shameless_a insolence_n that_o no_o man_n ever_o venture_v upon_o what_o think_v you_o then_o of_o he_o that_o appeal_v to_o god_n testimony_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o lie_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n i_o say_v who_o be_v infinite_o great_a and_o to_o be_v have_v in_o more_o reverence_n than_o the_o most_o venerable_a assembly_n of_o men._n when_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o other_o sin_n we_o sneak_v away_o from_o the_o thought_n of_o god._n the_o drunkard_n and_o the_o adulterer_n and_o the_o thief_n be_v ashamed_a and_o afraid_a to_o think_v there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o witness_n of_o their_o crime_n and_o in_o comparison_n to_o the_o false_a swearer_n they_o retire_v with_o some_o sort_n of_o modesty_n from_o his_o presence_n hide_v he_o from_o themselves_o at_o least_o though_o they_o can_v hide_v themselves_o from_o he_o it_o be_v only_o the_o forswear_a wretch_n that_o must_v of_o necessity_n sin_n without_o any_o shamefac'dness_n that_o tell_v a_o lie_n to_o the_o very_a face_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o observe_v it_o and_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o his_o own_o dishonour_n and_o yet_o a_o more_o desperate_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n be_v imply_v in_o perjury_n than_o this_o and_o that_o because_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o appeal_n to_o god_n justice_n for_o the_o swearer_n by_o consent_v to_o fall_v under_o the_o rigour_n of_o justice_n unless_o he_o deal_v upright_o as_o far_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v he_o call_v himself_o off_o by_o perjury_n from_o any_o appeal_n to_o mercy_n afterward_o by_o other_o sin_n we_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o by_o this_o we_o set_v it_o at_o defiance_n the_o perjure_a man_n deprive_v himself_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v of_o the_o last_o hope_n of_o sinner_n who_o though_o they_o put_v many_o affront_n upon_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n attribute_n yet_o study_v to_o keep_v a_o reserve_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o compassion_n but_o he_o throw_v himself_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o consent_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o its_o utmost_a severity_n yet_o far_o through_o all_o these_o obstacle_n do_v the_o false_a swearer_n make_v his_o way_n that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o pervert_v justice_n and_o equity_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v horrible_o afraid_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o so_o much_o impiety_n if_o his_o end_n be_v to_o help_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n and_o to_o save_v the_o poor_a from_o wrong_n or_o to_o secure_v his_o country_n out_o of_o danger_n but_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o hunt_v for_o the_o precious_a life_n when_o he_o betray_v the_o simple_a and_o protect_v the_o crafty_a or_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o faction_n or_o oppression_n for_o i_o shall_v guess_v that_o forswear_n be_v never_o practise_v but_o upon_o the_o wrong_a side_n at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v call_v in_o very_o rare_o in_o comparison_n to_o assist_v the_o right_n it_o be_v the_o unjust_a man_n that_o seek_v to_o defend_v himself_o by_o artificial_a delay_n by_o indirect_a proceed_n and_o at_o a_o dead_a lift_n by_o downright_a perjury_n while_o the_o righteous_a trust_n to_o the_o honesty_n of_o his_o cause_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god._n but_o if_o i_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o this_o if_o forswear_n shall_v be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o i_o imagine_v even_o on_o the_o right_a side_n sure_o it_o must_v be_v because_o it_o be_v so_o common_a on_o the_o wrong_n that_o nothing_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v safe_a without_o it_o behold_v then_o what_o horrible_a confusion_n it_o make_v in_o the_o world_n while_o it_o confound_v right_o and_o wrong_n truth_n and_o falsehood_n justice_n and_o injustice_n blot_v out_o the_o clear_a character_n by_o which_o they_o can_v be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o in_o court_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v this_o which_o level_v a_o honest_a cause_n with_o the_o unjust_a one_o that_o be_v advance_v against_o it_o nay_o which_o create_v confidence_n of_o success_n in_o the_o oppressor_n and_o fill_v the_o good_a man_n who_o dare_v not_o be_v damn_v with_o mistrust_n and_o fear_n it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v the_o fortune_n of_o verdict_n as_o uncertain_a as_o that_o of_o arm_n and_o give_v courage_n to_o the_o villain_n to_o wage_v law_n with_o the_o innocent_a it_o rob_v virtue_n of_o much_o of_o its_o defence_n and_o security_n in_o this_o world_n and_o put_v power_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o malicious_a and_o afford_v protection_n to_o the_o murderer_n and_o the_o traitor_n the_o detestable_a effect_n thereof_o in_o the_o present_a life_n can_v be_v describe_v but_o by_o the_o cry_v of_o the_o oppress_a the_o sigh_n of_o orphan_n the_o tear_n of_o widow_n the_o ruin_n of_o family_n and_o the_o shed_v of_o innocent_a blood._n and_o though_o every_o man_n that_o dare_v be_v forswear_v have_v not_o arrive_v thus_o far_o in_o do_v mischief_n yet_o he_o only_o want_v a_o gainful_a opportunity_n or_o a_o unlucky_a provocation_n and_o then_o a_o devil_n to_o put_v it_o into_o his_o head_n to_o conclude_v what_o shall_v i_o say_v far_o to_o enkindle_v your_o zeal_n against_o a_o sin_n already_o swell_v into_o so_o vast_a a_o bigness_n but_o this_o that_o so_o far_o as_o it_o prevail_v it_o be_v always_o likely_a to_o intercept_v between_o we_o and_o the_o most_o happy_a influence_n of_o the_o honourable_a judge_n when_o they_o come_v to_o we_o full_o of_o the_o invaluable_a blessing_n of_o government_n they_o in_o who_o good_a subject_n and_o wrong_a innocent_n expect_v to_o meet_v with_o powerful_a patron_n while_o none_o but_o the_o criminal_a and_o seditious_a shrink_v away_o with_o shame_n and_o fear_n who_o to_o the_o state_n bring_v along_o with_o they_o peace_n by_o decide_v our_o controversy_n and_o plenty_n and_o honour_n and_o safety_n by_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n who_o to_o the_o church_n bring_v the_o security_n of_o her_o patrimony_n and_o right_n make_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o justice_n to_o bear_v good_a proportion_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v not_o only_o from_o the_o king_n but_o by_o he_o from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a dispenser_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o most_o welcome_a messenger_n of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n for_o the_o people_n who_o from_o the_o sovereign_n convey_v life_n and_o spirit_n through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o nation_n return_v the_o same_o in_o grateful_a loyalty_n and_o duty_n from_o his_o subject_n and_o in_o their_o blessing_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o throne_n shall_v we_o not_o all_o conspire_v to_o remove_v every_o hindrance_n of_o such_o advantage_n as_o these_o which_o be_v right_o consider_v seem_v to_o be_v no_o less_o desirable_a necessary_a and_o universal_a than_o the_o refresh_a shower_n and_o the_o return_n of_o fruitful_a seaons_n but_o than_o perjury_n nothing_o do_v more_o fatal_o intercept_v the_o communication_n of_o those_o excellent_a benefit_n than_o perjury_n
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 be_v 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_o better_o 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_a 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 34_o and_o 35._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 justify_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_n to_o their_o case_n shall_fw-mi 36._o for_o thy_o sake_n be_v we_o 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 man_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 lay_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 themselves_o allow_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n st._n paul_n and_o such_o as_o he_o believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n those_o very_a writing_n which_o the_o jew_n themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o though_o to_o this_o