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handsome_a illustration_n be_v design_v to_o take_v off_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n with_o which_o the_o heathen_n entertain_v the_o doctrine_n thus_o they_o speak_v of_o a_o diurnal_a resurrection_n viz._n of_o the_o day_n die_v into_o night_n and_o be_v bury_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o morning_n spring_v out_o of_o its_o grave_a of_o obscurity_n and_o silence_n with_o a_o fresh_a glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o a_o annual_a resurrection_n when_o the_o tree_n begin_v to_o have_v a_o new_a life_n in_o they_o and_o the_o precious_a liquor_n which_o shoot_v up_o into_o the_o wither_a body_n and_o branch_n and_o so_o bring_v forth_o new_a leave_n and_o flower_n and_o fruit._n but_o after_o all_o we_o know_v that_o such_o a_o revolution_n of_o day_n and_o night_n and_o the_o several_a season_n of_o the_o
at_o least_o to_o make_v it_o more_o passable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o will_v have_v introduce_v into_o it_o some_o rite_n of_o the_o jew_n some_o austerity_n of_o the_o gentile_n some_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o will_v recommend_v they_o to_o their_o adversary_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n he_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o they_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o christianity_n alone_o be_v far_o beyond_o any_o mixture_n of_o the_o fancy_n or_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v give_v they_o no_o better_a advice_n than_o as_o they_o have_v first_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o continue_v in_o it_o or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n as_o they_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o he_o the_o design_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v that_o although_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n yet_o those_o occasion_n be_v so_o great_a and_o considerable_a and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v so_o direct_a the_o hand_n and_o pen_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n in_o write_v they_o that_o what_o they_o have_v therein_o deliver_v contain_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n but_o against_o this_o it_o be_v object_v that_o st._n paul_n himself_o charge_v the_o thessalonian_n 15._o to_o stand_v fast_o and_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o his_o epistle_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v other_o tradition_n to_o be_v hold_v that_o be_v not_o write_v the_o force_n of_o all_o this_o will_v be_v take_v away_o if_o we_o consider_v when_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v viz._n one_o of_o the_o first_o which_o st._n paul_n write_v and_o soon_o after_o the_o former_a epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n which_o be_v some_o time_n before_o st._n luke_n gospel_n which_o be_v first_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o greece_n plant_v by_o st._n paul_n therefore_o all_o the_o proper_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o that_o relate_v to_o his_o life_n and_o action_n be_v then_o but_o tradition_n among_o they_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n have_v great_a reason_n then_o to_o require_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o to_o the_o tradition_n they_o have_v be_v teach_v i._n e._n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v receive_v in_o that_o manner_n but_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o he_o mention_n before_o something_o he_o have_v say_v about_o antichrist_n 5._o come_n when_o he_o be_v with_o they_o v_o 5._o if_o this_o be_v allow_v it_o will_v be_v more_o against_o than_o for_o tradition_n for_o what_o be_v become_v of_o that_o tradition_n if_o it_o be_v lose_v than_o it_o follow_v that_o tradition_n be_v no_o infallible_a way_n of_o conveyance_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o adhere_v to_o a_o write_a word_n 2._o which_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o second_o reason_n from_o which_o i_o design_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o write_a rule_n for_o discern_v true_a primitive_a christianity_n and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o notorious_a uncertainty_n of_o mere_a tradition_n i_o say_v notorious_a because_o there_o never_o be_v any_o trial_n make_v of_o it_o but_o it_o fail_v even_o when_o it_o have_v the_o great_a advantage_n i_o may_v insist_v upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n when_o man_n life_n be_v so_o long_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o natural_a religion_n so_o few_o and_o yet_o both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n mankind_n be_v strange_o degenerate_v from_o they_o i_o may_v insist_v on_o many_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o many_o that_o scarce_o one_o can_v be_v produce_v wherein_o they_o plead_v mere_a tradition_n but_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o as_o about_o the_o millennium_n the_o age_n of_o christ_n the_o time_n of_o easter_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o the_o communicate_v infant_n for_o st._n augustin_n quote_v apostolical_a tradition_n for_o it_o 4._o but_o i_o shall_v wave_v all_o these_o and_o only_o mention_v a_o very_a necessary_a and_o important_a thing_n which_o be_v a_o long_a time_n trust_v to_o tradition_n and_o yet_o they_o differ_v so_o much_o about_o it_o as_o evident_o prove_v that_o mere_a tradition_n be_v no_o infallible_a mean_n of_o conveyance_n and_o that_o be_v about_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o be_v to_o be_v repeat_v by_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v we_o have_v many_o plain_a testimony_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v write_v but_o to_o be_v convey_v from_o one_o to_o another_o by_o a_o oral_a tradition_n hierosol_n st._n hierom_n 75._o st._n augustin_n symbol_n ruffinus_n all_o affirm_v it_o and_o the_o creed_n be_v common_o then_o call_v prooem_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o show_v that_o they_o look_v on_o all_o the_o article_n therein_o contain_v as_o the_o standard_n of_o necessary_a point_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o considerable_a difference_n in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n some_o article_n be_v in_o some_o which_o be_v not_o in_o other_o although_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o necessary_a point_n be_v at_o first_o the_o same_o in_o all_o or_o else_o the_o several_a church_n must_v have_v different_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v call_v 9_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o church_n by_o the_o general_n council_n of_o constantinople_n and_o in_o the_o creed_n there_o deliver_v to_o the_o catechuman_n 11._o st._n cyril_n mention_n the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n before_o all_o world_n and_o so_o do_v 12._o eusebius_n at_o coesarea_n in_o the_o creed_n which_o he_o say_v he_o learn_v at_o his_o baptism_n which_o be_v long_o before_o the_o nicene_n creed_n 4._o cassian_n make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o that_o creed_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v particular_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o western_a creed_n as_o far_o as_o now_o appear_v by_o what_o st._n augustin_n russinus_n and_o other_o say_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o it_o st._n jerom_n write_v against_o the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n urge_v he_o with_o the_o creed_n pammach_n no_o doubt_n that_o which_o be_v receive_v in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o he_o say_v it_o consist_v of_o three_o main_a point_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh._n and_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o church_n of_o aquileia_n go_v no_o far_o say_v 9_o ruffinus_n nor_o some_o old_a copy_n of_o the_o roman_a creed_n but_o marcellus_n of_o ancyra_n have_v eternal_a life_n in_o his_o 72._o creed_n and_o so_o have_v 18._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o have_v the_o african_a church_n in_o st._n etc._n augustin_n time_n so_o have_v the_o church_n of_o ravenna_n but_o not_o the_o church_n of_o turin_n nor_o the_o gallican_n church_n if_o maximus_n taurinensis_n and_o venantius_n fortunatus_n explain_v all_o the_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n ruffinus_n confess_v the_o article_n of_o descent_n into_o hell_n be_v not_o in_o the_o roman_a nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o eastern_a creed_n the_o creed_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o aquileia_n have_v not_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n nor_o those_o of_o marcellus_n and_o ancorat_n epiphanius_n the_o title_n of_o catholic_n be_v not_o add_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o creed_n in_o st._n 243._o augustin_n time_n for_o the_o make_v it_o a_o periphrasis_n utique_fw-la catholicam_fw-la from_o whence_o probable_o it_o come_v to_o be_v add_v afterward_o ruffinus_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o the_o old_a copy_n of_o the_o roman_a creed_n nor_o in_o that_o of_o marcellus_n ancyranus_n these_o thing_n i_o mention_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o shake_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o 1._o st._n augustin_n say_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o scripture_n and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o but_o to_o show_v what_o a_o uncertain_a way_n of_o conveyance_n mere_a oral_a tradition_n be_v when_o a_o thing_n so_o easy_o remember_v so_o constant_o use_v of_o so_o much_o weight_n and_o consequence_n fall_v into_o such_o variety_n in_o the_o great_a church_n while_o they_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o write_n of_o it_o what_o cause_n have_v we_o then_o to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n that_o have_v take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o his_o church_n as_o to_o provide_v we_o a_o infallible_a write_v rule_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o we_o certain_o know_v what_o the_o true_a primitive_a christianity_n be_v which_o be_v
the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n therefore_o our_o business_n be_v to_o consider_v whether_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o all_o own_o and_o if_o they_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o although_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v they_o now_o here_o be_v two_o remarkable_a character_n in_o these_o word_n by_o which_o we_o may_v examine_v these_o different_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ._n i._o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v concern_v our_o salvation_n by_o christ._n ii_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n i._n e._n most_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n now_o by_o these_o two_o i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o i._o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n ii_o which_o do_v offer_v fair_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o mankind_n i._o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n for_o that_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v the_o most_o faithful_a say_n since_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o reason_n may_v deceive_v we_o but_o god_n can_v when_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n till_o they_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o authority_n from_o god_n by_o the_o wonderful_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o now_o this_o faithful_a say_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o when_o two_o different_a sense_n of_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v offer_v we_o be_v to_o consider_v which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o be_v prefer_v and_o herein_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o exercise_v our_o reason_n as_o much_o as_o we_o please_v and_o the_o more_o we_o do_v so_o the_o soon_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n now_o according_a to_o reason_n we_o may_v judge_v that_o sense_n to_o be_v prefer_v 1._o which_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o easy_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o most_o receive_a sense_n of_o word_n not_o that_o which_o be_v force_v and_o intricate_a or_o which_o put_v improper_a and_o metaphorical_a sense_n upon_o word_n which_o be_v common_o take_v in_o other_o sense_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v no_o sacramental_a thing_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v figurative_a 2._o that_o which_o suit_v most_o with_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n not_o only_o of_o the_o particular_a place_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n which_o be_v to_o magnify_v god_n and_o to_o depress_v man_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o condescension_n of_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o true_a god_n in_o opposition_n to_o creature_n to_o represent_v and_o declare_v the_o mighty_a advantage_n mankind_n receive_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 3._o that_o which_o have_v be_v general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o place_n for_o we_o be_v certain_a this_o be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o they_o have_v as_o great_a capacity_n of_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v great_a help_n for_o know_v it_o than_o other_o at_o so_o much_o great_a distance_n and_o therefore_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o modern_a invention_n or_o criticism_n or_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n but_o that_o which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o have_v be_v since_o receive_v and_o embrace_v by_o it_o in_o the_o several_a age_n and_o have_v be_v most_o strenuous_o assert_v when_o it_o have_v meet_v with_o opposition_n as_o found_v on_o scripture_n and_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o that_o which_o best_a agree_v with_o the_o character_n of_o those_o person_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o those_o be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n for_o if_o their_o authority_n be_v lose_v our_o religion_n be_v go_v and_o their_o authority_n depend_v upon_o their_o sincerity_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o care_n to_o inform_v the_o world_n aright_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o character_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v of_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o which_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o the_o great_a humility_n and_o condescension_n that_o he_o do_v not_o assume_v to_o himself_o that_o which_o he_o may_v just_o have_v do_v for_o let_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v understand_v either_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n or_o dignity_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o must_v imply_v thus_o much_o that_o when_o christ_n jesus_n be_v here_o on_o earth_n he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o vain_a assume_v humour_n that_o he_o do_v not_o boast_v of_o himself_o nor_o magnify_v his_o own_o greatness_n but_o be_v content_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o other_o man_n although_o he_o have_v at_o that_o time_n far_o great_a and_o divine_a excellency_n in_o he_o than_o the_o world_n will_v believe_v less_o than_o this_o can_v be_v make_v of_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n he_o 7._o think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n but_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n now_o this_o be_v the_o character_n give_v of_o he_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o he_o do_v affirm_v concern_v himself_o for_o although_o he_o be_v far_o from_o draw_v the_o people_n after_o he_o by_o set_v forth_o his_o own_o perfection_n yet_o upon_o just_a occasion_n when_o the_o jew_n contest_v with_o he_o he_o do_v assert_v such_o thing_n which_o must_v savour_v of_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n or_o else_o must_v imply_v that_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n for_o all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o ambition_n lie_v in_o affect_v divine_a honour_n or_o for_o a_o mere_a man_n to_o be_v think_v a_o god_n how_o severe_o do_v god_n punish_v herod_n for_o be_v please_v with_o the_o people_n folly_n in_o cry_v out_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o have_v bear_v with_o such_o positive_a 22._o assertion_n and_o such_o repeat_v defence_n of_o his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o imply_v his_o be_v so_o from_o eternity_n this_o in_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n he_o affirm_v several_a time_n that_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a but_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n 33._o as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n what_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o 62._o where_o he_o be_v before_o in_o another_o conference_n he_o assert_v that_o he_o be_v before_o abraham_n 58._o which_o the_o jew_n so_o literal_o understand_v that_o without_o a_o metaphor_n they_o go_v about_o to_o stone_n he_o little_o imagine_v 59_o that_o by_o abraham_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v but_o above_o all_o be_v that_o expression_n which_o he_o use_v to_o the_o jew_n at_o another_o conference_n i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o which_o they_o 30._o understand_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o immediate_o they_o take_v up_o stone_n to_o have_v stone_v 31._o he_o what_o mean_v all_o this_o rage_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o he_o what_o for_o say_v that_o he_o have_v unity_n of_o consent_n with_o his_o father_n no_o certain_o but_o the_o jew_n misunderstand_v he_o let_v we_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o our_o saviour_n have_v immediate_o explain_v himself_o to_o prevent_v so_o dangerous_a a_o misconstruction_n but_o he_o ask_v they_o what_o it_o be_v they_o stone_v he_o for_o they_o answer_v he_o direct_o and_o plain_o because_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o 33._o man_n make_v thyself_o god_n this_o be_v home_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o here_o be_v the_o time_n for_o he_o to_o have_v deny_v it_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o but_o do_v he_o deny_v it_o do_v he_o say_v it_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n in_o he_o to_o own_v it_o no_o but_o he_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v it_o and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v no_o blasphemy_n for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o 36._o god_n i._n e._n so_o as_o to_o be_v god_n as_o the_o jew_n
such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v and_o now_o resolve_v in_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n never_o more_o to_o return_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o this_o no_o doubt_n be_v far_o more_o please_a to_o god_n than_o go_v on_o to_o offend_v still_o but_o all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n in_o justice_n to_o god_n and_o to_o himself_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v for_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n law_n and_o to_o condemn_v himself_o for_o his_o own_o folly_n and_o to_o return_v no_o more_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o what_o amends_o be_v make_v by_o all_o this_o for_o the_o infinite_a dishonour_n which_o have_v be_v do_v to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n by_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o the_o court_n of_o justice_n among_o man_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o malefactor_n repentance_n however_o he_o be_v affect_v the_o law_n must_v be_v observe_v and_o offender_n punish_v how_o then_o can_v any_o person_n be_v 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do_v it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o his_o own_o goodwill_n he_o may_v forgive_v sin_n if_o he_o please_v and_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o natute_n to_o do_v it_o if_o sinner_n do_v repent_v and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n but_o whether_o god_n have_v actual_o make_v know_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n can_v be_v know_v by_o any_o principle_n of_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o must_v have_v such_o proof_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o ii_o have_v thus_o show_v how_o strong_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n do_v make_v way_n for_o entertain_v this_o point_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o to_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o and_o our_o salvation_n by_o he_o it_o remain_v now_o to_o show_v how_o just_o god_n do_v require_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o from_o we_o as_o true_a for_o the_o next_o word_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v not_o condemn_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n v_o 18._o this_o some_o may_v say_v be_v very_o hard_a doctrine_n for_o they_o believe_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o can_v believe_v no_o more_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v more_o than_o he_o can_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o nicodemus_n to_o who_o these_o word_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n think_v he_o have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n when_o he_o use_v those_o word_n to_o christ_n v_o 2._o rabbi_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o i_o e._n he_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v he_o some_o great_a prophet_n who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a step_n 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first_o resolution_n and_o to_o improve_v they_o into_o a_o present_a practice_n agreeable_a thereto_o as_o the_o prodigal_a son_n here_o do_v who_o when_o he_o have_v resolve_v upon_o it_o do_v according_o arise_v and_o go_v to_o his_o father_n v_o 20._o i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v many_o person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v conviction_n upon_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n but_o do_v resolve_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o before_o they_o die_v to_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n but_o alas_o these_o be_v ova_fw-mi subventanea_fw-mi they_o make_v a_o fair_a appearance_n but_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o life_n in_o they_o or_o as_o st._n judas_n express_v it_o they_o be_v cloud_n without_o water_n of_o no_o consistency_n 12._o but_o carry_v about_o with_o wind_n hurry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o then_o their_o resolution_n be_v like_o the_o vapour_n st._n james_n speak_v of_o which_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n 14._o and_o then_o vanish_v away_o tree_n they_o be_v without_o fruit_n as_o st._n judas_n go_v on_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o that_o make_v no_o show_n or_o appearance_n of_o fruit_n but_o it_o have_v no_o such_o firmness_n and_o substance_n in_o it_o as_o to_o endure_v the_o nip_a frost_n and_o so_o it_o drop_v off_o and_o wither_v away_o just_o such_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o faint_a and_o imperfect_a resolution_n they_o never_o hold_v out_o long_o and_o only_o aggravate_v the_o sin_n commit_v after_o they_o for_o every_o such_o sin_n be_v a_o plain_a sin_n against_o conscience_n or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v any_o resolution_n against_o it_o and_o those_o who_o continue_v to_o sin_n after_o resolution_n against_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o lose_v all_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o their_o mind_n but_o make_v it_o much_o hard_a for_o they_o either_o to_o make_v or_o trust_v 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if_o we_o have_v sin_v we_o must_v repent_v and_o the_o soon_o the_o better_a but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o awaken_n the_o drowsy_a and_o benumb_a faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o exercise_v the_o secret_a and_o hide_a power_n therein_o not_o as_o though_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n prevent_v and_o assist_v we_o but_o because_o god_n work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n we_o ought_v to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v let_v we_o then_o trifle_v no_o long_o in_o a_o work_n we_o can_v never_o do_v too_o well_o nor_o too_o soon_o nor_o go_v about_o it_o with_o too_o much_o resolution_n it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o this_o which_o ruin_v such_o a_o number_n of_o those_o who_o will_v fain_o go_v to_o heaven_n but_o have_v not_o courage_n and_o resolution_n enough_o to_o own_o their_o repentance_n and_o to_o break_v off_o their_o former_a sin_n they_o be_v half_a penitent_n they_o be_v inward_o trouble_v for_o they_o and_o wish_v themselves_o able_a to_o withstand_v the_o next_o temptation_n but_o when_o it_o come_v they_o yield_v and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v draw_v away_o as_o a_o bird_n haste_v to_o the_o snare_n and_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v for_o his_o life_n 23._o now_o in_o such_o case_n resolution_n be_v not_o only_o a_o convenient_a and_o proper_a thing_n but_o a_o very_a wise_a thing_n for_o when_o once_o a_o resolution_n be_v find_v to_o be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n the_o former_a companion_n in_o wickedness_n will_v leave_v off_o to_o solicit_v and_o if_o once_o a_o penitent_a sinner_n can_v endure_v to_o be_v despise_v and_o expose_v for_o a_o time_n by_o evil_a man_n for_o own_v his_o repentance_n he_o will_v find_v the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o change_n grow_v more_o easy_a to_o he_o and_o the_o devil_n instrument_n in_o tempt_a will_v be_v like_o himself_o i._n e._n they_o will_v give_v over_o tempt_a when_o they_o see_v no_o hope_n to_o prevail_v and_o let_v no_o man_n ever_o complain_v that_o they_o want_v power_n to_o break_v off_o their_o former_a sin_n till_o they_o have_v try_v what_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o vigorous_a resolution_n will_v do_v but_o because_o we_o have_v always_o reason_n to_o suspect_v ourselves_o let_v we_o make_v our_o devout_a application_n to_o almighty_a god_n to_o give_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n through_o the_o only_a mediation_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n sermon_n ii_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n compare_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o guild-hall-chapel_n novemb_n the_o 27_o the_o 1687._o coloss._n ii_o 6._o as_o you_o have_v therefore_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n observable_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o st._n paul_n express_v himself_o to_o the_o colossian_n in_o this_o epistle_n 1._o that_o he_o have_v a_o very_a good_a opinion_n of_o they_o at_o present_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o forego_n verse_n for_o though_o i_o be_v absent_a in_o the_o flesh_n yet_o be_o i_o with_o you_o in_o the_o spirit_n joy_v and_o behold_v your_o order_n and_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o your_o faith_n in_o christ._n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o the_o advantage_n and_o honour_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n for_o order_n be_v the_o strength_n and_o beauty_n of_o any_o society_n unite_n the_o several_a part_n to_o each_o other_o and_o thereby_o preserve_v and_o adorn_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o this_o in_o any_o christian_a church_n the_o more_o it_o resemble_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o great_a honour_n it_o bring_v to_o the_o christian_a profession_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v join_v with_o a_o steadfastness_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n i._n e._n with_o a_o firm_a and_o well_o settle_a resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o christ_n himself_o deliver_v for_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o the_o mark_n which_o distinguish_v but_o the_o soul_n which_o enlivens_fw-la the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o its_o vigour_n and_o influence_n make_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o become_v the_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n but_o if_o all_o this_o be_v see_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o colossian_n what_o need_v he_o to_o write_v so_o warm_o and_o earnest_o as_o he_o do_v to_o they_o must_v we_o think_v as_o some_o do_v that_o he_o use_v these_o expression_n as_o gentle_a method_n of_o insinuation_n and_o commend_v they_o for_o that_o which_o he_o will_v persuade_v they_o to_o but_o this_o do_v not_o seem_v agreeable_a to_o the_o apostle_n simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n 12._o which_o he_o elsewhere_o set_v such_o a_o value_n upon_o but_o it_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a that_o hitherto_o they_o have_v be_v very_o orderly_a and_o steadfast_a but_o epaphras_n go_v to_o st._n paul_n have_v inform_v he_o thorough_o of_o their_o condition_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v like_o a_o garrison_n close_o besiege_v on_o all_o side_n and_o although_o hitherto_o they_o have_v hold_v out_o with_o great_a courage_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o earnest_a solicitation_n and_o fair_a promise_n and_o tempt_a motive_n may_v do_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o steadfastness_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o against_o temptation_n which_o he_o do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o show_v 2._o that_o he_o have_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a apprehension_n of_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o and_o this_o i_o say_v say_v he_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v beguile_v you_o with_o entice_a word_n v_o 4_o and_o beware_v lest_o
any_o man_n spoil_v you_o with_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n v_o 8._o let_v no_o man_n beguile_v you_o of_o your_o reward_n in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n etc._n etc._n v._n 18._o all_o which_o expression_n do_v imply_v that_o he_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o fear_n and_o to_o give_v they_o caution_n in_o time_n that_o while_o they_o do_v yet_o think_v that_o they_o stand_v they_o shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o they_o fall_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n as_o you_o have_v therefore_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o here_o relate_v to_o his_o person_n but_o to_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o his_o doctrine_n so_o the_o apostle_n himself_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o he_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n as_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v walk_v in_o he_o be_v a_o eastern-way_n of_o speak_v and_o suppose_v both_o a_o adhere_n to_o that_o faith_n they_o have_v then_o receive_v and_o live_v according_a to_o it_o look_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n as_o their_o only_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o as_o you_o have_v receive_v he_o so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o imply_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o receive_n christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n at_o first_o be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o the_o false_a apostle_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v in_o among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o pure_a and_o primitive_a doctrine_n which_o they_o at_o first_o receive_v from_o hence_o we_o may_v consider_v a_o double_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o 1._o to_o keep_v steadfast_a to_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o first_o receive_v without_o be_v seduce_v from_o it_o by_o the_o art_n of_o deceiver_n who_o be_v then_o busy_a among_o they_o 2._o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o by_o make_v that_o faith_n the_o principle_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o so_o walk_v in_o he_o as_o they_o have_v receive_v he_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o former_a the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o can_v but_o appear_v from_o the_o supposition_n here_o make_v viz._n that_o they_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n for_o thereby_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o christ_n i._n e._n as_o he_o who_o be_v anoint_v of_o the_o father_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v his_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o his_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o other_o who_o the_o father_n have_v seal_v and_o appoint_v to_o declare_v his_o will_n and_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n 3._o they_o receive_v he_o as_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v they_o hope_v for_o redemption_n through_o 14._o his_o blood_n even_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o if_o their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n depend_v upon_o his_o mediation_n they_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o adhere_v only_o to_o he_o they_o receive_v he_o as_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o authority_n to_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o to_o observe_v his_o institution_n and_o in_o all_o circumstance_n of_o life_n to_o keep_v steadfast_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v but_o here_o arise_v the_o great_a difficulty_n how_o they_o shall_v know_v by_o any_o certain_a rule_n what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o himself_o deliver_v for_o 1._o the_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n 2._o that_o which_o they_o at_o first_o receive_v be_v no_o certain_a rule_n for_o the_o false_a teacher_n may_v have_v be_v before_o they_o and_o first_o possession_n give_v no_o title_n in_o religion_n 3._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o put_v the_o whole_a trial_n mere_o upon_o their_o judgement_n or_o memory_n or_o capacity_n viz._n what_o they_o think_v or_o remember_v be_v at_o first_o teach_v they_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n for_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v mistake_v or_o to_o have_v mis-remembred_n what_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o weak_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o people_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v form_v according_a to_o the_o skill_n and_o excellency_n of_o their_o teacher_n for_o the_o hearer_n of_o christ_n himself_o although_o he_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v yet_o do_v very_o often_o mistake_v his_o meaning_n and_o at_o one_o time_n so_o remarkable_o that_o although_o he_o take_v care_n to_o rectify_v their_o misapprehension_n yet_o it_o be_v say_v from_o that_o time_n many_o of_o his_o disciple_n 66._o go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o so_o that_o the_o high_a infallibility_n in_o the_o teacher_n do_v not_o prevent_v the_o possibility_n or_o the_o danger_n of_o mistake_v in_o the_o hearer_n and_o whatsoever_o any_o vain_o pretend_v nothing_o can_v do_v it_o but_o transfuse_v the_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n into_o all_o if_o we_o look_v over_o the_o apostolical_a church_n while_o they_o be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o prevent_v their_o run_n into_o great_a error_n and_o mistake_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o they_o give_v by_o that_o spirit_n which_o can_v deceive_v in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o even_o at_o that_o time_n when_o its_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n yet_o there_o be_v 8._o dissension_n and_o difference_n there_o and_o such_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v and_o st._n paul_n bid_v they_o to_o mark_v such_o which_o cause_v they_o 17._o he_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o introduce_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n but_o he_o not_o only_o suppose_v it_o very_o possible_a but_o he_o bid_v they_o have_v a_o particular_a eye_n to_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v by_o they_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v plant_v by_o paul_n and_o water_v by_o apollo_n and_o there_o be_v disciple_n of_o cephas_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o infallible_a teacher_n they_o have_v like_a to_o have_v lose_v all_o their_o faith_n as_o one_o of_o they_o tell_v they_o how_o say_v some_o among_o 14._o you_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v then_o be_v our_o preach_a vain_a and_o your_o faith_n be_v also_o vain_a can_v not_o they_o remember_v to_o day_n what_o be_v teach_v they_o yesterday_o and_o so_o what_o the_o apostle_n at_o first_o preach_v to_o they_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o st._n paul_n upon_o his_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o that_o they_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n even_o as_o 14._o christ_n jesus_n yet_o present_o after_o he_o say_v be_o i_o therefore_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n what!_o of_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n or_o of_o one_o receive_v as_o christ_n jesus_n 16._o to_o become_v their_o enemy_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o most_o unjustifiable_a account_n because_o he_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n but_o where_o truth_n can_v make_v enemy_n error_n may_v easy_o gain_v friend_n and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o be_v in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n even_o under_o the_o conduct_n and_o teach_v of_o the_o apostle_n the_o colossian_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o far_o go_v but_o they_o be_v in_o such_o danger_n that_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o epistle_n with_o great_a 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