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word_n faith_n rule_n tradition_n 3,406 5 9.4140 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61630 Thirteen sermons preached on several occasions three of which never before printed / by the Right Reverend Father in God Edward, Lord Bishop of Worcester.; Sermons. Selections Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1698 (1698) Wing S5671; ESTC R21899 215,877 540

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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 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only_o speak_v be_v more_o easy_o misunderstand_v which_o maldonat_a prol_n assign_v as_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o evangelist_n write_v their_o several_a gospel_n st._n john_n likewise_o give_v a_o account_n himself_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o writing_n and_o that_o the_o great_a imaginable_a but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v 31_o the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n why_o write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v do_v the_o apostle_n in_o his_o old_a age_n mistrust_v the_o understanding_n or_o the_o memory_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n teach_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n no_o not_o while_n st._n john_n himself_o be_v yet_o live_v he_o have_v certain_o a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o tradition_n that_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o write_v that_o 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not_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v in_o those_o matter_n the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v write_v not_o mere_o to_o reprove_v their_o faction_n and_o disorder_n but_o to_o direct_v they_o and_o to_o establish_v and_o prove_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v 12._o then_o contest_v among_o they_o the_o epistle_n be_v send_v by_o stephanus_n and_o fortunatus_n who_o can_v have_v carry_v the_o apostle_n sense_n without_o his_o write_n but_o there_o be_v many_o weighty_a thing_n beside_o the_o particular_a occasion_n which_o be_v of_o last_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o there_o be_v likewise_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o they_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v write_v on_o occasion_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a point_n of_o controversy_n at_o that_o time_n viz._n the_o use_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o st._n paul_n find_v by_o sad_a experience_n among_o they_o that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o those_o who_o have_v the_o best_a instruction_n either_o to_o forget_v they_o or_o to_o grow_v out_o of_o love_n with_o they_o and_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o a_o change_n else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v o_o foolish_a galatian_n who_o have_v 1._o bewitch_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o 6._o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n into_o another_o gospel_n how_o be_v it_o indeed_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v remove_v and_o to_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v who_o have_v receive_v the_o faith_n by_o the_o delivery_n of_o st._n paul_n himself_o then_o for_o all_o that_o i_o can_v see_v humane_a nature_n take_v with_o all_o its_o advantage_n and_o motive_n and_o evidence_n be_v a_o very_a fallible_a thing_n and_o if_o then_o it_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o that_o so_o easy_o and_o gross_o then_o much_o more_o in_o any_o follow_a age_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o humane_a nature_n be_v mighty_o change_v for_o the_o better_a since_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o any_o teacher_n since_o be_v more_o effectual_a than_o the_o apostle_n and_o especial_o than_o st._n paul_n who_o labour_v more_o 10._o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n though_o write_v upon_o a_o general_a argument_n yet_o do_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v in_o continual_a danger_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o toss_v up_o and_o down_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o 14._o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o therefore_o he_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v upon_o their_o guard_n and_o to_o have_v their_o armour_n about_o they_o and_o one_o choice_a part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 17._o the_o philippian_n be_v assault_v by_o a_o rude_a violent_a headstrong_a faction_n of_o judaizer_n which_o the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o and_o write_v his_o epistle_n to_o 2._o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o 27._o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n and_o in_o both_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n he_o 3._o give_v notice_n of_o a_o great_a defection_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o describe_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o sign_n ●0_n and_o lie_a word_n and_o 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 shall_v speak_v lie_n in_o 3._o hypocrisy_n and_o forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n be_v evil_a man_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v 5._o the_o 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deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v remove_v as_o to_o the_o write_a word_n how_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a we_o have_v it_o if_o not_o by_o tradition_n and_o if_o tradition_n be_v so_o uncertain_a how_o can_v we_o be_v make_v certain_a by_o it_o that_o we_o have_v that_o write_v word_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v for_o may_v not_o that_o fail_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o creed_n and_o then_o what_o security_n can_v we_o have_v for_o our_o faith_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o advantage_n thing_n that_o be_v write_v have_v as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o conveyance_n above_o thing_n mere_o commit_v to_o memory_n and_o tradition_n 2._o what_o advantage_n the_o scripture_n have_v above_o any_o other_o thing_n commit_v to_o write_v as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o conveyance_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o advantage_n thing_n write_v have_v above_o those_o commit_v to_o memory_n and_o 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be_v then_o a_o dangerous_a and_o fundamental_a mistake_n and_o therefore_o christ_n appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o 46._o testify_v of_o i_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n 47._o you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n and_o our_o saviour_n severe_o check_v the_o 9_o pharisee_n for_o regard_v their_o own_o tradition_n more_o than_o the_o write_v law_n and_o yet_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o oral_a tradition_n down_o from_o moses_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v to_o this_o day_n and_o none_o be_v more_o gross_o deceive_v than_o they_o 4._o the_o general_a sense_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n agree_v herein_o that_o all_o matter_n of_o consequence_n be_v more_o certain_o preserve_v by_o write_n then_o by_o mere_a word_n there_o be_v no_o invention_n have_v be_v more_o value_v by_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n than_o that_o of_o 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person_n of_o former_a time_n and_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o other_o writer_n by_o it_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o interpret_v prophecy_n and_o to_o make_v plain_a their_o accomplishment_n which_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o make_v out_o yea_o by_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o those_o be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n who_o think_v fit_a to_o write_v nothing_o themselves_o as_o socrates_n and_o pythagoras_n but_o their_o disciple_n take_v care_n in_o time_n to_o write_v their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o write_v be_v a_o far_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o conveyance_n than_o mere_a tradition_n 2._o and_o especial_o in_o our_o case_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o particular_a advantage_n as_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n above_o any_o other_o write_n 1._o from_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o for_o since_o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o these_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a care_n will_v be_v take_v to_o preserve_v they_o and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v any_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v lose_v which_o contain_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o great_a reflection_n on_o divine_a providence_n for_o if_o god_n watch_v over_o his_o church_n he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o let_v such_o book_n be_v lose_v which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o universal_a and_o last_a benefit_n of_o his_o church_n 2._o from_o the_o mighty_a esteem_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v always_o for_o they_o for_o they_o build_v their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n upon_o the_o promise_v contain_v in_o they_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v their_o evidence_n for_o their_o future_a inheritance_n the_o foundation_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n their_o defence_n against_o assault_n and_o temptation_n their_o counsellor_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n their_o support_n under_o trouble_n and_o their_o sure_a guide_n to_o a_o happy_a eternity_n and_o therefore_o the_o primitive_a christian_n choose_v rather_o to_o endure_v any_o torment_n than_o base_o to_o betray_v it_o and_o give_v it_o up_o to_o their_o enemy_n 3._o from_o the_o early_a dispute_n that_o be_v about_o they_o which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v no_o invention_n of_o aftertime_n nor_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o stealth_n and_o art_n for_o they_o endure_v the_o great_a shock_n of_o opposition_n at_o first_o while_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v they_o be_v the_o most_o easy_o prove_v and_o have_v pass_v the_o severe_a scrutiny_n of_o the_o first_o age_n when_o so_o many_o counterfeit_a write_n be_v send_v abroad_o the_o follow_a age_n can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v their_o authority_n in_o question_n 4._o from_o the_o general_a consent_n 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understand_v it_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o a_o mere_a man_n know_v himself_o to_o be_v such_o shall_v assume_v this_o to_o himself_o and_o yet_o god_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o he_o not_o only_o by_o miracle_n but_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v his_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v can_v god_n 17._o be_v please_v with_o a_o mortal_a finite_a despicable_a creature_n as_o the_o jew_n think_v he_o that_o assume_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n and_o maintain_v and_o defend_v it_o among_o his_o own_o people_n in_o a_o solemn_a conference_n at_o a_o very_a public_a place_n in_o one_o of_o the_o portico_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o this_o he_o persist_v in_o to_o the_o last_o for_o when_o the_o high_a priest_n adjure_v he_o by_o the_o live_a 63._o god_n to_o tell_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o he_o no_o doubt_n have_v hear_v of_o the_o result_n of_o this_o conference_n in_o solomon_n porch_n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o 64._o thou_o have_v say_v st._n mark_v more_o express_o 62._o jesus_n say_v i_o be_o and_o this_o be_v the_o blasphemy_n for_o which_o they_o put_v he_o to_o death_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o evangelist_n 64._o so_o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o dispute_n only_o between_o jew_n and_o christian_n since_o 66._o it_o be_v the_o very_a point_n for_o which_o they_o condemn_v he_o to_o death_n and_o in_o his_o last_n most_o divine_a prayer_n just_a before_o his_o suffer_v he_o own_v the_o glory_n which_o he_o have_v with_o the_o father_n before_o the_o world_n 7●_n have_v a_o be_v and_o now_o o_o father_n glorisie_n thou_o i_o with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v 5._o with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v be_v this_o nothing_o but_o the_o glory_n which_o god_n have_v design_v to_o give_v he_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v peculiar_a to_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o who_o god_n design_n to_o glorify_v and_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o the_o decree_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n the_o reason_n we_o believe_v their_o testimony_n be_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o great_a sincerity_n and_o plainness_n and_o of_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o this_o character_n let_v we_o examine_v what_o they_o say_v concern_v christ_n jesus_n he_o that_o be_v most_o conversant_a with_o he_o and_o belove_v by_o he_o and_o live_v to_o see_v his_o divinity_n contest_v by_o some_o and_o deny_v by_o other_o be_v most_o ample_a in_o set_v it_o forth_o in_o his_o admirable_a sublime_a and_o divine_a introduction_n to_o his_o gospel_n which_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o mankind_n can_v never_o make_v tolerable_a sense_n of_o if_o they_o deny_v christ_n be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n etc._n and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v preserve_v those_o conference_n with_o the_o jew_n wherein_o he_o assert_v his_o own_o divinity_n st._n paul_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o he_o while_o he_o live_v but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o he_o be_v so_o zealous_a to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o creature_n he_o call_v he_o god_n over_o all_o bless_a for_o evermore_o and_o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 5._o be_v know_v by_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o 20._o world_n he_o attribute_n the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o christ_n apply_v to_o he_o those_o 16._o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n thou_o lord_n in_o the_o 10._o begin_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o any_o metaphorical_a creation_n and_o after_o the_o strict_a examination_n of_o copy_n those_o will_v be_v find_v the_o best_a which_o have_v that_o read_n on_o which_o our_o translation_n be_v ground_v and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n 16._o god_n be_v 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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 their_o resolution_n again_o and_o consequent_o to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n if_o we_o will_v then_o lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o unconceivable_a moment_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o repentance_n be_v let_v we_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o account_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n of_o the_o firm_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n have_v we_o strict_o examine_v ourselves_o as_o to_o our_o particular_a sin_n for_o there_o be_v no_o age_n no_o employment_n no_o condition_n of_o life_n but_o have_v its_o temptation_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o require_v not_o only_o our_o care_n and_o consideration_n but_o resolution_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o they_o but_o suppose_v we_o have_v be_v overcome_v by_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o the_o work_n be_v hard_a to_o recover_v the_o ground_n we_o have_v lose_v than_o at_o first_o to_o maintain_v it_o but_o 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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