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lay_v in_o their_o first_o decree_n all_o the_o rest_n will_v afterward_o go_v on_o very_o smooth_o for_o do_v but_o give_v man_n the_o make_n of_o their_o rule_n and_o they_o can_v make_v good_a any_o thing_n by_o it_o and_o according_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v thus_o fix_v and_o fit_v a_o rule_n to_o their_o own_o purpose_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o decree_n they_o give_v the_o world_n fair_a warning_n upon_o what_o ground_n and_o in_o what_o way_n they_o intend_v to_o proceed_v in_o their_o follow_a decree_n of_o practice_n and_o definition_n of_o faith_n omnes_fw-la itaque_fw-la intelligant_fw-la quo_fw-la ordine_fw-la &_o via_fw-la ipsa_fw-la synodus_fw-la post_fw-la jactum_fw-la fidei_fw-la confessionis_fw-la fundamentum_fw-la sit_fw-la progressura_fw-la etc._n etc._n be_v it_o know_v therefore_o to_o all_o man_n in_o what_o order_n and_o way_n the_o synod_n after_o have_v lay_v this_o
have_v something_o of_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o it_o and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n therein_o contain_v from_o one_o of_o the_o most_o specious_a objection_n of_o infidelity_n but_o i_o have_v a_o far_a design_n in_o this_o text_n and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n and_o inference_n from_o it_o that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o as_o first_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o clear_a and_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o if_o abraham_n have_v not_o be_v full_o and_o past_o all_o doubt_n assure_v that_o this_o be_v a_o command_n from_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v spare_v his_o son_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v that_o those_o to_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v immediate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v divine_a otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o how_o man_n be_v assure_v concern_v divine_a revelation_n make_v to_o they_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o make_v out_o to_o other_o only_a these_o two_o thing_n we_o be_v sure_a of_o 1._o that_o god_n can_v work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o reveal_v and_o that_o such_o a_o revelation_n be_v from_o he_o this_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o that_o consider_v the_o great_a power_n and_o influence_n which_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o perfect_o know_v our_o frame_n must_v needs_o have_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n 2._o that_o god_n never_o offer_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o man_n belief_n that_o plain_o contradict_v the_o natural_a and_o essential_a notion_n of_o his_o mind_n because_o this_o will_v be_v for_o god_n to_o destroy_v his_o own_o workmanship_n and_o to_o impose_v that_o upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n which_o whilst_o it_o remain_v what_o it_o be_v it_o can_v 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a_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o first_o time_n god_n appear_v to_o abraham_n because_o it_o be_v a_o new_a thing_n that_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o future_a revelation_n god_n do_v show_v himself_o to_o he_o in_o so_o glorious_a a_o manner_n as_o be_v abundant_o to_o his_o conviction_n and_o this_o st._n stephen_n do_v seem_v to_o intimate_v act_n 7._o 2._o the_o god_n of_o glory_n appear_v to_o our_o father_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v in_o mesopotamia_n now_o by_o this_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o he_o at_o first_o he_o be_v so_o prepare_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o after_o revelation_n that_o he_o be_v not_o stagger_v even_o at_o this_o concern_v the_o sacrifice_a of_o his_o son_n be_v both_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o the_o assurance_n that_o accompany_v it_o full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n second_o i_o observe_v from_o hence_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o we_o see_v here_o that_o abraham_n reason_n be_v a_o mighty_a strengthen_n and_o help_n to_o his_o faith_n here_o be_v two_o revelation_n make_v to_o abraham_n which_o seem_v to_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o and_o if_o abraham_n reason_n can_v not_o have_v reconcile_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o they_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v believe_v they_o both_o to_o be_v from_o god_n because_o this_o natural_a notion_n or_o principle_n that_o god_n can_v contradict_v himself_o every_o man_n do_v first_o and_o more_o firm_o believe_v than_o any_o revelation_n whatsoever_o now_o abraham_n reason_n relieve_v he_o in_o this_o strait_a so_o the_o text_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o be_v admit_v the_o command_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o slay_v of_o isaac_n be_v very_o well_o consistent_a with_o his_o former_a promise_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v i_o know_v there_o have_v a_o very_a rude_a clamour_n be_v raise_v by_o some_o person_n but_o of_o more_o zeal_n i_o think_v than_o judgement_n against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o how_o very_o unreasonable_a this_o be_v will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v but_o have_v patience_n to_o consider_v these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o it_o do_v not_o endow_v man_n with_o new_a faculty_n but_o propound_v new_a object_n to_o the_o faculty_n which_o they_o have_v before_o reason_n be_v the_o faculty_n whereby_o revelation_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v for_o when_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o he_o reveal_v it_o to_o our_o understanding_n and_o by_o that_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o it_o therefore_o st._n john_n caution_n we_o 1_o jo._n 4._o 1._o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n that_o be_v there_o be_v many_o that_o false_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n but_o how_o can_v these_o pretender_n be_v try_v and_o discern_v from_o those_o that_o be_v true_o inspire_v but_o by_o use_v our_o reason_n in_o compare_v the_o evidence_n for_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o 2._o this_o will_v far_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n faith_n as_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o something_o as_o reveal_v by_o god_n now_o all_o assent_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o evidence_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v believe_v any_o thing_n unless_o he_o have_v or_o think_v he_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o for_o to_o be_v confident_a of_o a_o thing_n without_o reason_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o a_o presumptuous_a persuasion_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n 3._o this_o will_v yet_o be_v more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o 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and_o by_o consequence_n all_o those_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o those_o article_n and_o be_v imply_v in_o they_o and_o by_o plain_a consequence_n be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o they_o it_o be_v not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o partial_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n since_o the_o primitive_a time_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o have_v be_v since_o declare_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o these_o be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o be_v either_o to_o profess_v or_o to_o hold_v fast_o because_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o admit_v the_o pretence_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o those_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n be_v 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not_o do_v it_o joshua_n 24._o 15._o if_o it_o seem_v evil_a unto_o you_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n choose_v you_o this_o day_n who_o you_o will_v serve_v but_o as_o for_o i_o and_o my_o house_n we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v well_o resolve_v of_o peter_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n when_o he_o say_v to_o our_o saviour_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i._o 2._o another_o sort_n of_o temptation_n and_o which_o be_v common_o more_o powerful_a than_o example_n be_v worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n this_o be_v a_o mighty_a bait_n to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o apt_a to_o work_v very_o strong_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o and_o upon_o the_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o other_o some_o man_n be_v tempt_v by_o necessity_n which_o many_o time_n make_v they_o do_v ugly_a and_o reproachful_a thing_n and_o like_o esau_n for_o a_o morsel_n of_o meat_n to_o sell_v their_o 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err_v or_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n this_o be_v the_o temptation_n which_o draw_v off_o demas_n from_o his_o religion_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n ambition_n be_v likewise_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o proud_a and_o aspire_a mind_n and_o make_v many_o man_n false_a to_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o find_v it_o a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o preferment_n and_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v that_o that_o be_v the_o best_a religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a worldly_a advantage_n and_o will_v raise_v they_o to_o the_o high_a dignity_n the_o devil_n understand_v very_o well_o the_o force_n of_o this_o temptation_n when_o he_o set_v upon_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o reserve_v it_o for_o the_o last_o assault_n he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o say_v to_o he_o all_z this_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o and_o when_o he_o see_v this_o will_v not_o prevail_v he_o give_v he_o over_o in_o despair_n and_o leave_v he_o but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o very_a dazzle_a temptation_n yet_o there_o be_v consideration_n of_o that_o weight_n to_o be_v set_v over-against_o it_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o infinite_a concernment_n of_o it_o to_o our_o immortal_a soul_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o quench_v this_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o put_v all_o the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o to_o render_v all_o the_o riches_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o as_o the_o very_a
of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n declare_v it_o for_o the_o rule_n they_o intend_v to_o proceed_v upon_o and_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o proof_n of_o their_o follow_a determination_n and_o decree_n but_o do_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n lie_v down_o this_o rule_n and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o do_v not_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o as_o the_o only_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v and_o this_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o those_o holy_a father_n that_o be_v assemble_v in_o that_o council_n and_o do_v not_o follow_v council_n proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o rule_n do_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n ever_o mention_v any_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a creed_n which_o because_o it_o be_v a_o abridgement_n of_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v by_o they_o frequent_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o the_o same_o father_n frequent_o and_o express_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v plain_o contain_v in_o they_o which_o concern_v faith_n and_o life_n and_o that_o whatever_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v all_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o can_v make_v good_a by_o innumerable_a express_a testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n which_o be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o that_o be_v verse_v in_o they_o by_o what_o authority_n then_o have_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n set_v up_o this_o new_a rule_n unknown_a to_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o 1500_o year_n and_o who_o give_v they_o this_o authority_n the_o plain_a truth_n be_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o force_v they_o to_o lengthen_v out_o the_o rule_n the_o old_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v too_o short_a for_o their_o purpose_n three_o whereas_o they_o pretend_v that_o holy_a scripture_n as_o expound_v by_o a_o private_a spirit_n may_v not_o seem_v so_o favourable_a to_o some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n yet_o as_o interpret_v by_o tradition_n which_o can_v only_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n it_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o they_o i_o suppose_v they_o mean_v that_o whereas_o a_o private_a spirit_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o understand_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o people_n be_v to_o search_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n tradition_n interpret_v those_o text_n in_o a_o quite_o other_o sense_n that_o people_n be_v not_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n a_o private_a spirit_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o understand_v st._n paul_n discourse_n in_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o one_a to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o be_v against_o celebrate_v prayer_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o edification_n and_o indeed_o to_o common_a sense_n for_o he_o say_v if_o one_o shall_v come_v and_o find_v they_o speak_v and_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n will_v they_o not_o say_v you_o be_v mad_a but_o now_o tradition_n which_o only_o know_v how_o to_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n can_v reconcile_v this_o discourse_n of_o st._n paul_n very_o easy_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o likewise_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n with_o offer_v the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mass_n a_o thousand_o time_n every_o day_n and_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o whereas_o a_o man_n by_o his_o private_a spirit_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o understand_v the_o second_o commandment_n to_o forbid_v all_o worship_n of_o image_n tradition_n discover_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o commandment_n to_o be_v that_o due_a veneration_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o so_o that_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n by_o tradition_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o fix_v any_o objection_n from_o scripture_n upon_o any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n which_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o maintain_v four_o whereas_o they_o pretend_v the_o tradition_n of_o their_o church_n deliver_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n or_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o bring_v down_o to_o they_o and_o preserve_v by_o continnal_a succession_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o so_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v that_o the_o holy_a synod_n do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v these_o tradition_n with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n as_o they_o do_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n this_o we_o must_v declare_v against_o as_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o to_o make_v tradition_n convey_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n from_o one_o to_o another_o through_o so_o many_o age_n and_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o mistake_v and_o miscarriage_n to_o be_v at_o the_o distance_n of_o 1500_o year_n of_o equal_a certainty_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n careful_o preserve_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o because_o this_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v to_o make_v common_a rumour_n and_o report_n of_o equal_a authority_n and_o certainty_n with_o a_o write_a record_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o hereby_o they_o make_v the_o scripture_n a_o imperfect_a rule_n contrary_a to_o the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o so_o in_o truth_n they_o set_v up_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o change_v the_o christian_a religion_n for_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n make_v a_o new_a faith_n and_o religion_n this_o we_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o and_o do_v challenge_v they_o to_o show_v this_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o consequent_o where_o their_o religion_n be_v before_o that_o council_n to_o show_v a_o religion_n consist_v of_o all_o those_o article_n which_o be_v define_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o establish_v upon_o this_o new_a rule_n profess_v by_o any_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o time_n and_o as_o they_o have_v pitch_v upon_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v to_o what_o end_n for_o take_v pope_n pius_n iu._n his_o creed_n and_o we_o may_v see_v where_o the_o old_a and_o new_a religion_n part_n even_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o aplostle_n creed_n which_o be_v the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n to_o which_o be_v add_v in_o pope_n pius_fw-la his_o creed_n twelve_o article_n more_o define_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o support_v only_o by_o tradition_n so_o that_o as_o the_o scripture_n answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o old_a article_n which_o be_v plain_o contain_v there_o so_o tradition_n be_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o twelve_o new_a one_o and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n be_v calculate_v very_o exact_o when_o they_o make_v tradition_n just_a of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n because_o as_o many_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v make_v good_a by_o it_o and_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o those_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o tradition_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o it_o but_o the_o bare_a assertion_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v add_v some_o other_o consideration_n tend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o seduce_v spirit_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o at_o present_a the_o ten_o sermon_n as_o number_v follow_v there_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o number_v of_o these_o sermon_n the_o ten_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o nine_o and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o end_n for_o there_o be_v but_o fifteen_o sermon_n in_o this_o volume_n and_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o a_o sermon_n heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v these_o word_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v by_o the_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o
profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v be_v not_o mean_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v blind_o hold_v it_o fast_o against_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v because_o upon_o these_o term_n every_o man_n must_v continue_v in_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v fix_v by_o education_n or_o a_o ill_a choice_n be_v his_o religion_n true_a or_o false_a without_o examine_v and_o look_v into_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n for_o till_o a_o man_n examine_v every_o man_n think_v his_o religion_n right_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v christian_n to_o hold_v fast_o be_v the_o ancient_a faith_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n in_o their_o baptism_n as_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o context_n and_o this_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o hold_v in_o the_o follow_a instance_n which_o i_o shall_v but_o brief_o mention_v without_o enlarge_n upon_o they_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o all_o terror_n and_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n than_o the_o gospel_n have_v propose_v in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n last_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n but_o without_o enter_v into_o these_o particular_n i_o shall_v in_o order_n to_o establishment_n in_o the_o reform_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n apply_v myself_o at_o this_o time_n to_o make_v a_o short_a comparison_n betwixt_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v on_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n of_o truth_n lie_v and_o in_o make_v this_o comparison_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o three_o thing_n which_o will_v bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o issue_n and_o be_v i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v every_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n which_o of_o these_o he_o ought_v in_o reason_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o embrace_v and_o they_o be_v these_o i._o that_o we_o govern_v our_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o true_a ancient_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v force_v to_o devise_v a_o new_a rule_n never_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o this_o rule_n or_o destitute_a of_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o be_v plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_a christianity_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o iii_o that_o our_o religion_n have_v many_o clear_a advantage_n of_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o very_o considerable_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o obvious_a and_o discernible_a to_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n upon_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o these_o as_o i_o can_v i._o that_o we_o govern_v our_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o true_a ancient_a rule_n of_o christianity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o their_o error_n and_o corruption_n have_v be_v force_v to_o devise_v a_o new_a rule_n never_o own_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o by_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n of_o it_o that_o be_v they_o have_v join_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o their_o church_n concern_v several_a point_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o these_o they_o call_v the_o unwritten_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n have_v decree_v they_o to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o they_o do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v they_o with_o the_o same_o pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n and_o all_o this_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a declaration_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o father_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o this_o never_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v decree_v not_o much_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o this_o sure_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o presume_v to_o alter_v the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o enlarge_v it_o and_o add_v to_o it_o at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n it_o become_v consequent_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n do_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n take_v this_o into_o consideration_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o put_v it_o in_o the_o front_n of_o their_o decree_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o main_a proof_n of_o the_o follow_a definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o practice_n for_o which_o without_o this_o new_a rule_n there_o have_v be_v no_o colour_n ii_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v either_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a rule_n or_o destitute_a of_o the_o warrant_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o plain_a addition_n to_o the_o ancient_n christianity_n and_o corruption_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o instance_v in_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o as_o for_o their_o two_o great_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n over_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o scripture_n concern_v these_o privilege_n nay_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o privilege_n that_o st._n paul_n in_o a_o long_a epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n either_o then_o be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v soon_o after_o the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n which_o be_v now_o grow_v to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o he_o can_v have_v omit_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o remarkable_a privilege_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o church_n above_o any_o in_o the_o world_n have_v he_o know_v they_o have_v belong_v to_o they_o so_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o mighty_a prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o he_o will_v have_v write_v with_o more_o deference_n and_o submission_n to_o this_o seat_n of_o infallibility_n and_o centre_n of_o unity_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v pay_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o this_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n where_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o vicar_n of_o christ_n either_o be_v already_o seat_v or_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n be_v design_v for_o ever_o to_o fix_v his_o throne_n and_o establish_v his_o residence_n but_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n or_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n throughout_o this_o whole_a epistle_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n beside_o that_o both_o these_o pretend_a
obedience_n and_o self-denial_n he_o begin_v with_o the_o patriarch_n before_o the_o flood_n but_o insist_o chief_o upon_o the_o example_n of_o two_o eminent_a person_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n as_o near_o to_o they_o and_o most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n and_o moses_n the_o one_o the_o father_n of_o their_o nation_n the_o other_o their_o great_a lawgiver_n and_o both_o of_o they_o the_o great_a pattern_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o self-denial_n that_o the_o history_n of_o all_o former_a age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v afford_v i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n by_o god_n assistance_n treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o example_n of_o abraham_n the_o constancy_n of_o who_o faith_n and_o the_o cheerfulness_n of_o who_o obedience_n even_o in_o the_o difficult_a case_n be_v so_o remarkable_a above_o all_o the_o other_o example_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n he_o leave_v his_o kindred_n and_o his_o country_n not_o know_v whither_o he_o shall_v go_v by_o which_o eminent_a act_n of_o obedience_n he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v whole_o at_o god_n disposal_n and_o ready_a to_o follow_v he_o but_o this_o be_v no_o trial_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o here_o in_o my_o text_n when_o god_n command_v he_o to_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n but_o such_o be_v the_o immutable_a steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o the_o perfect_a submission_n of_o his_o obedience_n that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o make_v the_o least_o check_n at_o it_o but_o out_o of_o perfect_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n he_o go_v about_o it_o as_o ready_o and_o cheerful_o as_o if_o god_n have_v bid_v he_o do_v some_o small_a thing_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n for_o the_o explication_n of_o which_o word_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v two_o thing_n first_o the_o trial_n or_o temptation_n in_o general_n second_o the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n upon_o this_o trial_n first_o the_o trial_n or_o temptation_n in_o general_a it_o be_v say_v that_o abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v tempt_v that_o be_v god_n intend_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o so_o it_o be_v express_v gen._n 22._o 1._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n do_v tempt_v abraham_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o take_v now_o thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n now_o there_o be_v two_o difficulty_n concern_v this_o matter_n it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n that_o god_n shall_v tempt_v any_o man_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o god_n who_o know_v what_o every_o man_n will_v do_v need_v not_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o any_o man_n faith_n or_o obedience_n first_o it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n which_o say_v god_n tempt_v no_o man_n and_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n with_o a_o design_n to_o draw_v he_o into_o sin_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o he_o may_v try_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n with_o great_a difficulty_n to_o make_v they_o the_o more_o illustrious_a thus_o god_n tempt_v abraham_n and_o he_o permit_v job_n and_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v second_o it_o seem_v contrary_a to_o reason_n that_o god_n who_o know_v what_o any_o man_n will_v do_v in_o any_o circumstance_n shall_v go_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o it_o but_o god_n do_v not_o try_v man_n for_o his_o own_o information_n but_o to_o give_v a_o illustrious_a proof_n and_o example_n to_o other_o of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o though_o after_o this_o trial_n of_o abraham_n god_n say_v to_o he_o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o love_v i_o because_o thou_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n from_o i_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v this_o as_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o god_n elsewhere_o speak_v to_o abraham_n concern_v sodom_n i_o will_v go_v down_o now_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v altogether_o aecord_v to_o the_o cry_n which_o be_v come_v up_o unto_o i_o and_o if_o not_o i_o will_v know_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v the_o excellency_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n upon_o this_o trial_n by_o faith_n abraham_n when_o he_o be_v try_v offer_v up_o isaac_n god_n accept_v of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v do_v it_o because_o he_o have_v do_v it_o in_o part_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v perform_v the_o rest_n if_o god_n have_v not_o countermand_v he_o and_o this_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o abraham_n will_v appear_v the_o more_o illustrious_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o second_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o resolution_n notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n three_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o that_o he_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o hard_a and_o perplex_v a_o case_n first_o the_o firmness_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o his_o faith_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o objection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o case_n enough_o to_o shake_v a_o very_a strong_a faith_n there_o be_v three_o great_a objection_n against_o this_o command_n and_o such_o as_o may_v in_o reason_n make_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n doubtful_a whether_o this_o command_n be_v from_o god_n the_o horrid_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v the_o grievous_a scandal_n that_o may_v seem_v almost_o unavoidable_o to_o follow_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o horrible_a consequence_n of_o it_o which_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o former_a promise_n of_o god_n to_o abraham_n void_a first_o the_o horrid_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v which_o be_v for_o a_o father_n to_o kill_v his_o own_o child_n this_o must_v needs_o appear_v very_o barbarous_a and_o unnatural_a and_o look_v like_a a_o sacrifice_n to_o a_o idol_n than_o to_o the_o true_a god_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o kindness_n and_o affection_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n and_o there_o be_v no_o affection_n more_o natutural_a and_o strong_a than_o this_o for_o there_o be_v many_o person_n that_o will_v redeem_v the_o life_n of_o their_o child_n with_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o own_o now_o that_o god_n have_v plant_v such_o a_o affection_n in_o nature_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v strange_a that_o he_o shall_v command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v two_o circumstance_n that_o increase_v the_o horror_n of_o the_o fact_n that_o his_o son_n be_v innocent_a and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o slay_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n first_o that_o his_o son_n be_v innocent_a it_o will_v grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o any_o father_n to_o give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o undutiful_a and_o disobedient_a so_o passionate_o be_v david_n affect_v with_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n absolom_n as_o to_o wish_v he_o have_v die_v for_o he_o though_o he_o die_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o rebellion_n and_o though_o the_o save_n of_o his_o life_n have_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o government_n how_o deep_o then_o must_v it_o sink_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o father_n to_o give_v up_o his_o innocent_a son_n to_o death_n and_o such_o a_o son_n be_v isaac_n for_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n god_n himself_o give_v he_o this_o testimony_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n who_o his_o father_n love_v and_o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a now_o this_o can_v not_o but_o appear_v strange_a to_o a_o good_a man_n that_o god_n shall_v command_v a_o innocent_a person_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o second_o that_o a_o father_n shall_v be_v command_v not_o only_o to_o give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n but_o to_o slay_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o spectator_n but_o to_o be_v the_o actor_n in_o this_o tragedy_n what_o father_n will_v not_o shrink_v and_o start_v back_o at_o such_o a_o command_n what_o good_a man_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o where_o nature_n be_v so_o hard_o press_v will_v not_o have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v look_v upon_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o rather_o as_o the_o suggestion_n and_o illusion_n of_o a_o evil_a spirit_n than_o a_o command_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o abraham_n faith_n be_v
to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o himself_o in_o so_o intricate_a and_o perplex_v a_o case_n the_o constancy_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v not_o a_o obstinate_a and_o stubborn_a persuasion_n but_o the_o result_n of_o the_o wise_a reason_n and_o sober_a consideration_n so_o the_o text_n say_v that_o he_o count_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o reason_v with_o himself_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o he_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o himself_o and_o give_v himself_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n and_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a command_n he_o resolve_v to_o obey_v it_o as_o for_o the_o objection_n i_o have_v mention_v 1._o the_o horrid_a appearance_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o father_n shall_v slay_v his_o innocent_a son_n why_o shall_v abraham_n scruple_n the_o do_v this_o at_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o life_n have_v power_n over_o it_o and_o may_v resume_v what_o he_o have_v give_v and_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n when_o he_o will_v and_o make_v who_o he_o please_v instrument_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o command_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o hard_a case_n consider_v natural_a affection_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v execute_v but_o the_o question_n of_o god_n right_a over_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o of_o his_o authority_n to_o command_v any_o man_n to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o his_o pleasure_n in_o such_o a_o case_n admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n and_o the_o god_n have_v plant_v strong_a affection_n in_o parent_n towards_o their_o child_n yet_o he_o have_v write_v no_o law_n in_o any_o man_n heart_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o own_o sovereign_n right_o this_o be_v a_o case_n always_o except_v and_o this_o take_v away_o the_o objection_n of_o injustice_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o scandal_n of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v no_o great_a objection_n in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o parent_n over_o their_o child_n be_v in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o they_o may_v put_v they_o to_o death_n without_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o so_o that_o then_o it_o be_v no_o such_o startle_a matter_n to_o hear_v of_o a_o father_n put_v his_o child_n to_o death_n nay_o in_o much_o late_a time_n we_o find_v that_o in_o the_o most_o ancient_a law_n of_o the_o roman_n i_o mean_v those_o of_o the_o 12_o table_n child_n be_v absolute_o put_v in_o the_o power_n of_o their_o parent_n to_o who_o be_v give_v jus_o aquavitae_fw-la &_o necis_fw-la a_o power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n over_o they_o and_o likewise_o to_o sell_v they_o for_o slave_n and_o though_o among_o the_o jew_n this_o paternal_a power_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o life_n and_o death_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o father_n hand_n except_o in_o case_n of_o contumacy_n and_o rebellion_n and_o even_o in_o that_o case_n the_o process_n be_v to_o be_v before_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o city_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o elder_a time_n the_o paternal_a power_n be_v more_o absolute_a and_o unaccountable_a which_o take_v off_o much_o from_o the_o horror_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o it_o appear_v now_o to_o we_o who_o have_v no_o such_o power_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o history_n that_o this_o objection_n do_v much_o stick_n with_o abraham_n it_o be_v then_o no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o a_o father_n to_o put_v his_o child_n to_o death_n upon_o a_o just_a account_n and_o the_o command_n of_o god_n who_o have_v absolute_a dominion_n over_o the_o live_v of_o his_o creature_n be_v certain_o a_o just_a reason_n and_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o scruple_n the_o do_v of_o that_o upon_o the_o command_n of_o god_n which_o he_o may_v have_v do_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o action_n to_o any_o but_o god_n only_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o objection_n from_o the_o horrible_a consequence_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v that_o the_o slay_v of_o isaac_n seem_v to_o overthrow_v the_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v before_o to_o abraham_n that_o in_o isaac_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v call_v this_o seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o here_o he_o make_v use_v of_o reason_n to_o reconcile_v the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o this_o command_n of_o god_n to_o his_o former_a promise_n so_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o though_o isaac_n be_v put_v to_o death_n yet_o he_o see_v how_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n may_v still_o be_v make_v good_a by_o his_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o live_v afterward_o to_o have_v a_o numerous_a posterity_n there_o have_v then_o indeed_o be_v no_o instance_n or_o example_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a which_o make_v abraham_n faith_n the_o more_o wonderful_a but_o he_o confirm_v himself_o in_o this_o belief_n by_o a_o example_n as_o near_o the_o case_n as_o may_v be_v he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n this_o i_o know_v be_v by_o interpreter_n general_o understand_v of_o isaac_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o jaw_n of_o death_n when_o he_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v slay_v but_o the_o text_n seem_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o what_o happen_v after_o but_o of_o something_o that_o have_v pass_v before_o by_o which_o abraham_n confirm_v himself_o in_o this_o pervasion_n that_o if_o he_o be_v slay_v god_n will_v raise_v he_o up_o again_o and_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d aught_o to_o be_v render_v in_o the_o past_a time_n from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n so_o that_o this_o expression_n plain_o refer_v to_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o isaac_n when_o his_o parent_n be_v pass_v the_o age_n of_o have_v child_n which_o be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o it_o rom._n 4._o 17._o abraham_n believe_v god_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a and_o call_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v and_o not_o be_v weak_a in_o faith_n he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n which_o be_v dead_a and_o a_o little_a before_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o miraculous_a birth_n of_o isaac_n and_o therefore_o spring_v there_o of_o one_o and_o he_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a as_o many_o as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n from_o whence_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o abraham_n reason_v thus_o that_o god_n who_o give_v he_o isaac_n at_o first_o in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n be_v able_a by_o another_o miracle_n to_o restore_v he_o to_o life_n again_o after_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n he_o reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o abraham_n faith_n he_o pitch_v upon_o the_o main_a difficulty_n in_o the_o case_n and_o he_o answer_v it_o as_o well_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o in_o his_o reason_n about_o this_o matter_n he_o give_v the_o utmost_a weight_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o to_o make_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n consistent_a with_o one_o another_o and_o this_o though_o he_o have_v a_o great_a interest_n and_o a_o very_a tender_a concernment_n of_o his_o own_o to_o have_v bias_v he_o for_o he_o may_v have_v argue_v with_o great_a appearance_n and_o probability_n the_o other_o way_n but_o as_o every_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n shall_v do_v he_o reason_v on_o god_n side_n and_o favour_v that_o part_n rather_o than_o disobey_v a_o command_n of_o god_n or_o believe_v that_o his_o promise_n shall_v be_v frustrate_a he_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v credible_a and_o possible_a how_o improbable_a soever_o thus_o far_o faith_n will_v go_v but_o no_o far_o from_o the_o believe_a of_o plain_a contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n it_o always_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v thus_o much_o for_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n which_o i_o hope_n have_v not_o be_v altogether_o unprofitable_a because_o it_o tend_v to_o clear_v a_o point_n which_o
this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n than_o we_o do_v and_o must_v call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o religion_n 4._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v far_o that_o the_o high_a commendation_n that_o be_v give_v in_o scripture_n to_o any_o one_o faith_n be_v give_v upon_o account_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o abraham_n faith_n be_v famous_a and_o make_v a_o pattern_n to_o all_o generation_n because_o he_o reason_v himself_o into_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o he_o do_v not_o blind_o break_v through_o these_o objection_n and_o wink_v hard_a at_o they_o but_o he_o look_v they_o in_o the_o face_n and_o give_v himself_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n concern_v they_o the_o centurian's_n faith_n be_v commend_v by_o our_o saviour_n math._n 8._o 11._o because_o when_o his_o servant_n be_v sick_a he_o do_v not_o desire_v he_o to_o come_v to_o his_o house_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o word_n only_o and_o his_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v for_o he_o reason_v thus_o i_o be_o a_o man_n under_o authority_n have_v soldier_n under_o i_o and_o i_o say_v to_o this_o man_n go_v and_o he_o go_v and_o to_o another_o come_v and_o he_o come_v and_o to_o my_o servant_n do_v this_o and_o he_o do_v it_o now_o if_o he_o that_o be_v himself_o under_o authority_n can_v thus_o command_v those_o that_o be_v under_o he_o much_o more_o can_v he_o that_o have_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o commission_n do_v what_o he_o please_v by_o his_o word_n and_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reprehend_v he_o for_o reason_v himself_o into_o this_o belief_n that_o he_o admire_v his_o faith_n so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o v_o 10._o when_o jesus_n hear_v this_o he_o marvel_v and_o say_v to_o they_o that_o follow_v he_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o have_v not_o find_v so_o great_a faith_n no_o not_o in_o israel_n inlike_a manner_n our_o saviour_n commend_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n faith_n because_o she_o enforce_v it_o so_o reasonable_o matthew_n 15._o 22._o she_o sue_v to_o he_o to_o help_v her_o daughter_n but_o he_o answer_v she_o not_o a_o word_n and_o when_o his_o disciple_n can_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o mind_v she_o yet_o still_o the_o press_v he_o say_v lord_n help_v i_o and_o when_o he_o repulse_v she_o with_o this_o severe_a answer_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o take_v the_o child_n bread_n and_o cast_v it_o to_o dog_n she_o make_v this_o quick_a and_o modest_a reply_n truth_n lord_n yet_o the_o dog_n eat_v of_o the_o crumb_n which_o fall_v from_o their_o master_n table_n she_o acknowledge_v she_o own_o unworthiness_n but_o yet_o believe_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v such_o that_o he_o will_v not_o utter_o reject_v those_o who_o humble_o seek_v to_o he_o upon_o which_o he_o give_v she_o this_o testimony_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n the_o apostle_n be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o yet_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v because_o they_o inquire_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o belief_n before_o they_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o even_o by_o teacher_n that_o certain_o be_v infallible_a 5._o none_o be_v reprove_v in_o scripture_n for_o their_o unbelief_n but_o where_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o they_o the_o israelite_n be_v general_o blame_v for_o their_o infidelity_n but_o than_o it_o be_v after_o such_o mighty_a wonder_n have_v be_v wrought_v for_o their_o conviction_n the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v not_o condemn_v simple_o for_o their_o unbelief_n but_o for_o not_o believe_v when_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n offer_v to_o they_o so_o our_o saviour_n himself_o say_v if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o no_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n thomas_n indeed_o be_v blame_v for_o the_o perverseness_n of_o his_o unbelief_n because_o he_o will_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o himself_o see_v last_o to_o show_v this_o yet_o more_o plain_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n of_o decline_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a prejudice_n to_o religion_n than_o to_o decline_v this_o trial_n to_o say_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o religion_n be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a indeed_o it_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o any_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o because_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o cogent_a reason_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o we_o say_v god_n have_v reveal_v any_o thing_n we_o must_v be_v ready_a to_o prove_v it_o or_o else_o we_o say_v nothing_o if_o we_o turn_v off_o reason_n here_o we_o level_v the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o wild_a and_o most_o absurd_a enthusiams_n and_o it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n much_o to_o give_v reason_n ill_a name_n to_o call_v it_o blind_a and_o carnal_a reason_n our_o best_a reason_n be_v but_o very_o short_a and_o imperfect_a but_o since_o it_o be_v no_o better_o we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o before_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o argument_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o both_o the_o extreme_n of_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o our_o church_n be_v general_o great_a declamer_n against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n if_o they_o find_v their_o account_n in_o it_o it_o be_v well_o for_o our_o part_n we_o apprehend_v no_o manner_n of_o inconvenience_n in_o have_v reason_n on_o our_o side_n nor_o need_v we_o to_o desire_v a_o better_a evidence_n that_o any_o man_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n than_o to_o hear_v he_o declare_v against_o reason_n and_o thereby_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o reason_n be_v against_o he_o man_n may_v vilify_v reason_n as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v and_o though_o be_v revile_v she_o revile_v not_o again_o yet_o in_o a_o more_o still_a and_o gentle_a way_n she_o common_o have_v her_o full_a revenge_n upon_o all_o those_o that_o rail_v at_o she_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o people_n can_v with_o patience_n endure_v to_o hear_v their_o teacher_n and_o guide_n talk_v against_o reason_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o pay_v they_o the_o great_a submission_n and_o veneration_n for_o it_o one_o will_v think_v this_o but_o a_o odd_a way_n to_o gain_v authority_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o some_o skilful_a and_o design_v man_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a way_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o ignorant_a as_o nurse_n use_v to_o endear_v themselves_o to_o child_n by_o perpetual_a noise_n and_o nonsense_n iii_o i_o observe_v that_o god_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v plain_a and_o evident_a contradiction_n as_o matter_n of_o faith_n abraham_n can_v not_o reasonable_o have_v believe_v this_o second_o revelation_n to_o have_v be_v from_o god_n if_o he_o have_v not_o find_v some_o way_n to_o reconcile_v it_o with_o the_o first_o for_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o dispose_v to_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o divine_a revelation_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v god_n against_o god_n himself_o some_o man_n seem_v to_o think_v that_o they_o oblige_v god_n mighty_o by_o believe_v plain_a contradiction_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o he_o that_o make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v take_v it_o kind_o from_o any_o man_n to_o debase_v his_o workmanship_n by_o make_v himself_o unreasonable_a and_o therefore_o as_o no_o service_n or_o obedience_n so_o no_o faith_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o may_v be_v confidence_n or_o presumption_n but_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n for_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v plain_a contradiction_n may_v believe_v any_o thing_n how_o absurd_a soever_o because_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o plain_a contradiction_n and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n believe_v nothing_o upon_o good_a ground_n because_o to_o he_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v all_o one_o 4._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o man_n obedience_n be_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n do_v we_o believe_v the_o command_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o firm_o as_o abraham_n believe_v god_n in_o this_o case_n what_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v or_o suffer_v in_o obedience_n to_o he_o if_o our_o faith_n be_v but_o as_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a as_o he_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v as_o
of_o the_o true_a ancient_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n or_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o heathen_a persecution_n which_o be_v so_o hot_a against_o they_o at_o that_o time_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o author_n of_o this_o epistle_n do_v by_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o in_o all_o those_o respect_n upon_o which_o the_o jew_n value_v themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n as_o namely_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o lawgiver_n their_o high-priest_n and_o their_o sacrifice_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v every_o way_n the_o advantage_n of_o they_o and_o have_v make_v this_o clear_a he_o conclude_v with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o they_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o great_a highpriest_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o into_o which_o they_o have_v solemn_o be_v initiate_v and_o admit_v by_o baptism_n vers_fw-la 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o have_v therefore_o brethren_n boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o have_v a_o highpriest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v let_v we_o sincere_o serve_v god_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n into_o the_o profession_n whereof_o we_o be_v solemn_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o that_o be_v undoubted_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o follow_a word_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n the_o water_n with_o which_o our_o body_n be_v wash_v in_o baptism_n signify_v our_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o the_o purge_n of_o our_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n from_o all_o which_o he_o conclude_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v this_o refer_v to_o that_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o christian_n at_o their_o baptism_n and_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n call_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o firm_o retain_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 4._o 14._o see_v then_o we_o have_v a_o great_a highpriest_n which_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v we_o take_v fast_o hold_v of_o our_o profession_n so_o here_o in_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n exhort_v christian_n to_o retain_v or_o hold_v fast_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o everlasting_a life_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o faith_n or_o creed_n whereof_o in_o baptism_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a profession_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inflexible_a unmoveable_a steady_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v if_o we_o continue_v faithful_a and_o steady_a to_o god_n he_o will_v be_v faithful_a to_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o consider_v i._o the_o exhortation_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o ii_o the_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n use_v to_o enâ—â—â—ce_v it_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v so_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o the_o exhortation_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n here_o in_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o here_o i_o shall_v remove_v one_o or_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v negative_o what_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o imply_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 2._o that_o man_n shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o they_o think_v which_o they_o have_v once_o entertain_v 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v forbid_v in_o this_o exhortation_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o a_o thorough_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o all_o person_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v find_v great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o nor_o indeed_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o all_o person_n because_o all_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o do_v it_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n incapable_a of_o do_v it_o 1._o child_n 2._o such_o grow_a person_n as_o be_v of_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o low_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n child_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o examine_v but_o only_o to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n they_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n instill_v into_o they_o but_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o discern_v between_o a_o true_a and_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o make_v a_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o have_v of_o late_o be_v allow_v to_o they_o in_o a_o nation_n not_o far_o from_o we_o and_o by_o public_a edict_n declare_v that_o child_n at_o seven_o year_n old_a be_v fit_a to_o choose_v and_o to_o change_v their_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o law_n i_o ever_o hear_v of_o that_o allow_v child_n of_o that_o age_n to_o do_v any_o act_n for_o themselves_o that_o be_v of_o consequence_n and_o importance_n to_o they_o for_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o their_o life_n and_o which_o they_o shall_v stand_v oblige_v to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a they_o be_v indeed_o baptise_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o their_o infancy_n but_o they_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o this_o obligation_n themselves_o but_o their_o surety_n undertake_v for_o they_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n they_o shall_v take_v this_o promise_n upon_o themselves_o and_o confirm_v and_o make_v it_o good_a but_o sure_o they_o can_v do_v no_o act_n for_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o name_n at_o that_o age_n which_o can_v be_v obligatory_a they_o can_v neither_o make_v any_o contract_n that_o shall_v be_v valid_a nor_o incur_v any_o debt_n nor_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o any_o promise_n nor_o choose_v themselves_o a_o guardian_n nor_o do_v any_o act_n that_o may_v bring_v
be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o do_v contain_v in_o they_o i._o a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v if_o we_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o faithful_a to_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v he_o faithful_a to_o we_o in_o make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o whether_o of_o aid_n and_o support_v or_o of_o recompense_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o fidelity_n to_o he_o i_o have_v begin_v to_o handle_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o text_n viz._n the_o apoostle_n exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v without_o waver_v signify_v inflexible_a and_o unmovable_a not_o apt_a to_o waver_v and_o to_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o contrary_a doctrine_n nor_o by_o the_o blast_n and_o storm_n of_o persecution_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o full_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o propound_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v and_o 2._o to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v and_o intend_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o to_o show_v negative_o wherein_o this_o constancy_n and_o the_o steadiness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v not_o consist_v this_o i_o speak_v to_o the_o last_o day_n and_o show_v at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v and_o intend_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o that_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o such_o i_o mean_v as_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n which_o some_o i_o show_v be_v not_o as_o child_n who_o while_o they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n be_v only_o fit_a to_o learn_v and_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n and_o likewise_o such_o grow_a person_n as_o either_o by_o the_o natural_a weakness_n of_o their_o faculty_n or_o by_o some_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o education_n be_v of_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a capacity_n and_o improvement_n of_o understanding_n these_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o child_n and_o learner_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o 2._o this_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v do_v not_o imply_v that_o when_o man_n upon_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v aga_v they_o both_o these_o principle_n i_o show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o argument_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v by_o show_v in_o the_o second_o place_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o constant_a and_o steady_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n namely_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a search_n and_o examination_n we_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v embrace_v or_o as_o st._n peter_n express_v it_o one_a epistle_n 5._o 12._o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n wherein_o we_o stand_v that_o then_o we_o shall_v adhere_v steadfast_o to_o it_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o and_o not_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o we_o nor_o ourselves_o to_o be_v move_v from_o it_o by_o any_o pretence_n or_o insinuation_n or_o temptation_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o confidence_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o a_o ignorant_a man_n who_o have_v never_o consider_v thing_n and_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o the_o assurance_n and_o settlement_n of_o one_o who_o have_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n and_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v and_o examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o first_o be_v mere_a wilfulness_n and_o obstinacy_n a_o man_n have_v entertain_v and_o drink_v in_o such_o principle_n of_o religion_n by_o education_n or_o have_v take_v they_o up_o by_o chance_n but_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o they_o and_o yet_o however_o he_o come_v by_o they_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v they_o fast_o and_o not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o the_o other_o be_v the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n of_o a_o wise_a man._n he_o have_v embrace_v his_o religion_n upon_o good_a ground_n and_o he_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o alter_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o steadfast_o to_o the_o end_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v many_o exhortation_n and_o caution_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a establish_v in_o the_o truth_n root_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o unto_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o another_o gospel_n that_o we_o shall_v stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n and_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v â—n_o nothing_o terrifle_v by_o our_o adversary_n and_o that_o if_o occasion_n be_v we_o shall_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o the_o explain_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n 1._o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o 2._o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v it_o fast_o or_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o namely_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n i._n e._n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o religion_n for_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o this_o profession_n or_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_n as_o the_o word_n proper_o signify_v be_v a_o allusion_n to_o that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n by_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v mention_v immediate_o before_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v let_v we_o draw_v near_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v the_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o make_v in_o our_o baptism_n and_o which_o by_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 6._o 17._o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o i._n e._n to_o all_o christian_n and_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n hold_v fast_o say_v he_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o by_o st._n judas_n the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o ancient_a faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n
can_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n who_o be_v in_o hell_n concern_v his_o brethren_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n how_o they_o may_v prevent_v their_o come_n into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n and_o he_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o that_o purpose_n they_o have_v say_v he_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o now_o if_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o same_o course_n have_v be_v take_v that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o rich_a man_n may_v and_o in_o all_o reason_n ought_v to_o have_v reply_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o they_o have_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o be_v they_o permit_v to_o read_v they_o in_o a_o language_n that_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o this_o advice_n be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o and_o then_o he_o may_v with_o reason_n have_v press_v he_o as_o he_o do_v that_o one_o may_v be_v send_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o testify_v unto_o they_o but_o it_o appear_v that_o abraham_n be_v very_o positive_a and_o peremptory_a in_o this_o advice_n and_o that_o he_o prefer_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o any_o other_o way_n and_o means_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o and_o that_o if_o this_o have_v not_o its_o effect_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o hell_n he_o do_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v so_o likely_a to_o do_v it_o for_o he_o conclude_v if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v the_o one_o rose_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o parable_n which_o plain_o show_v what_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o it_o namely_o to_o recommend_v to_o we_o the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o now_o any_o man_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o declare_a judgement_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o case_n shall_v go_v a_o great_a way_n even_o with_o the_o most_o infallible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n however_o this_o we_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o very_a hard_a case_n to_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v reduce_v man_n that_o it_o will_v neither_o allow_v they_o salvation_n out_o of_o their_o church_n nor_o the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o salvation_n when_o they_o be_v in_o it_o i_o may_v say_v much_o more_o upon_o this_o head_n but_o this_o i_o hope_v may_v be_v sufficient_a the_o next_o instance_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o after_o consecration_n so_o frequent_o call_v the_o element_n bread_n and_o wine_n and_o which_o without_o reason_n or_o necessity_n put_v a_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a sense_n upon_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o do_v no_o more_o prove_v transubstantiation_n than_o those_o word_n this_o cup_n be_v the_o new_a testament_n do_v prove_v that_o the_o material_a cup_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v substantial_o change_v into_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o no_o more_o than_o those_o text_n which_o affirm_v god_n to_o have_v eye_n and_o ear_n and_o hand_n do_v prove_v that_o he_o real_o have_v so_o but_o beside_o the_o contrariety_n of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o scripture_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n it_o be_v so_o big_a with_o contradiction_n and_o so_o surfeit_v of_o impossibility_n that_o it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o reckon_v they_o up_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o plain_o contradict_v the_o clear_a and_o constant_a evidence_n of_o four_o of_o our_o five_o sense_n which_o whoever_o contradict_v undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n and_o then_o the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o both_o kind_n as_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v and_o therefore_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n be_v sensible_a of_o this_o be_v force_v to_o decree_v it_o with_o a_o express_a non_fw-fr obstante_fw-la to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o doctrine_n of_o concomitancy_n as_o if_o the_o blood_n be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o together_o with_o it_o will_v not_o help_v the_o matter_n because_o in_o the_o sacrament_n christ_n body_n be_v represent_v as_o break_v and_o pierce_v and_o exhaust_v and_o drain_v of_o its_o blood_n and_o his_o blood_n be_v represent_v as_o shed_v and_o pour_v out_o so_o that_o one_o kind_a can_v by_o no_o mean_n contain_v and_o exhibit_v both_o the_o next_o instance_n be_v the_o repetition_n of_o christ_n propitiatory_a sacrifice_n in_o the_o mass_n so_o often_o as_o that_o be_v celebrate_v against_o all_o reason_n because_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n once_o offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o because_o it_o need_v not_o to_o be_v again_o repeat_v for_o that_o end_n in_o any_o manner_n whatsoever_o and_o it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o the_o law_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o the_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v offer_v once_o for_o all_o whereas_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o law_n be_v perpetual_o repeat_v chap._n 7._o 27._o speak_v of_o christ_n who_o need_v not_o daily_o as_o those_o high-priest_n to_o offer_v up_o sacrifice_n first_o for_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o then_o for_o the_o people_n for_o this_o he_o do_v once_o when_o he_o offer_v up_o himself_o chap._n 9_o 26._o but_o once_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n have_v he_o appear_v to_o take_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o and_o as_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v so_o christ_n be_v once_o offer_v to_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o and_o chap._n 10._o 10._o by_o the_o which_o will_v we_o be_v sanctify_v through_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n once_o for_o all_o and_o verse_n the_o 12._o but_o this_o man_n after_o he_o have_v offer_v one_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n for_o ever_o sit_v down_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o verse_n the_o 14._o for_o by_o one_o offer_v he_o have_v perfect_v for_o ever_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v there_o can_v be_v plain_a text_n for_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o bible_n than_o that_o this_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n be_v never_o to_o be_v repeat_v and_o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n be_v a_o unbloody_a sacrifice_n this_o instead_o of_o bring_v they_o off_o do_v but_o entangle_v the_o matter_n more_o for_o if_o blood_n be_v offer_v in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n how_o be_v it_o a_o unbloody_a sacrifice_n what_o can_v be_v more_o bloody_a than_o blood_n and_o if_o blood_n be_v not_o offer_v how_o be_v it_o propitiatory_a since_o the_o apostle_n lay_v it_o down_o for_o a_o certain_a rule_n that_o without_o shed_v of_o blood_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n of_o sin_n i._n e._n there_o can_v be_v no_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o live_n or_o the_o dead_a which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n affirm_v there_o be_v i_o may_v have_v add_v one_o or_o two_o instance_n more_o and_o then_o shall_v have_v proceed_v to_o show_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o temtation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v more_o especial_o and_o principal_o here_o intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o at_o present_a a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v contain_v i._o a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o hope_v without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o that_o we_o
small_a dust_n upon_o the_o balance_n what_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n can_v stand_v against_o that_o argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o it_o be_v serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n if_o we_o will_v consider_v thing_n impartial_o and_o weigh_v they_o in_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a balance_n the_o thing_n which_o concern_v our_o body_n and_o this_o present_a life_n be_v of_o no_o consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a and_o vast_a concernment_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n and_o the_o happy_a or_o miserable_a condition_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o this_o vast_a concernment_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v bargain_v away_o and_o part_v with_o by_o we_o for_o the_o great_a thing_n this_o world_n can_v offer_v there_o be_v no_o great_a sign_n of_o a_o sordid_a spirit_n than_o to_o put_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o thing_n of_o little_a worth_n and_o no_o great_a mark_n of_o folly_n than_o to_o make_v a_o unequal_a bargain_n to_o part_v with_o thing_n of_o great_a price_n for_o a_o slender_a and_o trifle_a consideration_n as_o if_o a_o man_n of_o great_a fortune_n and_o estate_n shall_v sell_v the_o inheritance_n of_o it_o for_o a_o picture_n which_o when_o he_o have_v it_o will_v not_o perhaps_o yield_v so_o much_o as_o will_v maintain_v he_o for_o one_o year_n the_o folly_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a in_o thing_n of_o infinite_o great_a value_n as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o quit_v god_n and_o religion_n to_o sell_v the_o truth_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o to_o part_v with_o his_o everlasting_a inheritance_n for_o a_o convenient_a service_n for_o a_o good_a customer_n and_o some_o present_a advantage_n in_o his_o trade_n and_o profession_n or_o indeed_o for_o any_o condition_n which_o the_o foolish_a language_n of_o this_o world_n call_v a_o high_a place_n or_o a_o great_a preferment_n the_o thing_n which_o these_o man_n part_v with_o upon_o these_o cheap_a term_n god_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n be_v to_o those_o who_o understand_v themselves_o and_o the_o just_a value_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n thing_n of_o inestimable_a worth_n and_o not_o to_o be_v part_v with_o by_o a_o considerate_a man_n for_o any_o price_n that_o this_o world_n can_v bid_v and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v buy_v out_o of_o their_o religion_n upon_o such_o low_a term_n and_o so_o easy_o part_v from_o it_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o religion_n to_o hold_v fast_o 2._o as_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o the_o temptation_n and_o allurement_n of_o this_o world_n so_o likewise_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o fear_n be_v a_o passion_n of_o great_a force_n and_o if_o man_n be_v not_o very_o resolute_a and_o constant_a will_v be_v apt_a to_o stagger_v they_o and_o to_o move_v they_o from_o their_o steadfastness_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o case_n of_o suffer_v and_o persecution_n for_o the_o truth_n happen_v we_o have_v need_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n our_o saviour_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sower_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v many_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o when_o persecution_n and_o tribulation_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v and_o though_o bless_a be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o now_o our_o case_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o it_o be_v the_o general_a case_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n and_o for_o several_a age_n after_o though_o with_o some_o intermission_n and_o interval_n of_o ease_n it_o be_v then_o a_o general_a rule_n and_o the_o common_a expectation_n of_o christian_n that_o through_o many_o tribulation_n they_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o must_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o in_o several_a age_n since_o those_o primitive_a time_n the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n have_v in_o divers_a place_n be_v expose_v to_o most_o grievous_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o even_o at_o this_o day_n in_o several_a place_n the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n be_v exercise_v with_o the_o sharp_a and_o sore_a trial_n that_o perhaps_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o any_o age_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o the_o constant_a profession_n of_o his_o true_a religion_n be_v torment_v and_o kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o be_v account_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n it_o be_v their_o hard_a lot_n to_o be_v call_v to_o these_o cruel_a and_o bitter_a suffering_n and_o our_o happy_a opportunity_n to_o be_v call_v upon_o for_o their_o relief_n those_o of_o they_o i_o mean_v that_o have_v escape_v that_o terrible_a storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o have_v take_v refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n here_o among_o we_o and_o out_o of_o his_o majesty_n great_a humanity_n and_o goodness_n be_v by_o his_o public_a letter_n recommend_v to_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o distress_a protestant_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o much_o easy_o our_o lot_n and_o our_o duty_n be_v than_o they_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o compassionate_v the_o suffering_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o distress_n of_o other_o than_o to_o be_v such_o sufferer_n and_o in_o such_o distress_n ourselves_o let_v we_o make_v their_o case_n our_o own_o and_o then_o we_o ourselves_o will_v be_v the_o best_a judge_n how_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o and_o to_o what_o degree_n we_o ought_v to_o extend_v our_o charity_n and_o compassion_n to_o they_o let_v we_o put_v on_o their_o case_n and_o circumstance_n and_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v the_o sufferer_n and_o have_v flee_v to_o they_o for_o refuge_n the_o same_o pity_n and_o commiseration_n the_o same_o tender_a regard_n and_o consideration_n of_o our_o sad_a case_n the_o same_o liberal_a and_o effectual_a relief_n that_o we_o shall_v desire_v and_o expect_v and_o be_v glad_a to_o have_v show_v and_o afford_v to_o ourselves_o let_v we_o give_v to_o they_o and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v want_v no_o fit_a comfort_n and_o support_v from_o we_o we_o enjoy_v bless_a be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o great_a peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o freedom_n from_o evil_a and_o suffer_a and_o sure_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o have_v these_o blessing_n continue_v to_o we_o and_o our_o tranquillity_n prolong_v be_v to_o consider_v and_o relieve_v those_o who_o want_v the_o blessing_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o provoke_v god_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o these_o blessing_n be_v to_o shut_v up_o the_o bowel_n of_o our_o compassion_n from_o our_o distress_a brethren_n god_n can_v easy_o change_v the_o scene_n and_o make_v our_o suffering_n if_o not_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n yet_o in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o equal_a to_o they_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v remember_v the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n and_o say_v as_o his_o brethren_n do_v when_o they_o fall_v into_o trouble_n we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n in_o that_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o beseech_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v therefore_o be_v this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o god_n alone_o know_v what_o storm_n the_o devil_n may_v yet_o raise_v in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o christian_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o christ_n religion_n to_o consider_v well_o beforehand_o and_o to_o calculate_v the_o danger_n and_o suffering_n it_o may_v expose_v they_o to_o and_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o resolution_n and_o patience_n against_o the_o fierce_a assault_n of_o temptation_n consider_v the_o shortness_n of_o all_o temporal_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o glorious_a reward_n of_o they_o and_o the_o lightness_n of_o they_o too_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o endless_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n of_o another_o world_n to_o which_o every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o forsake_v god_n and_o renounce_v his_o truth_n and_o wound_n his_o conscience_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffering_n and_o though_o fear_v in_o many_o case_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o death_n and_o extreme_a suffer_v be_v a_o great_a excuse_n for_o several_a action_n because_o it_o may_v cadere_fw-la in_o constantem_fw-la virum_fw-la happen_v to_o a_o resolute_a man_n yet_o in_o
this_o case_n of_o renounce_v our_o religion_n unless_o it_o be_v very_o sudden_a and_o surprise_v out_o of_o which_o a_o man_n recover_v himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o as_o st._n peter_n do_v or_o the_o suffer_a be_v so_o extreme_a as_o to_o put_v a_o man_n beside_o himself_o for_o the_o time_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n of_o renounce_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n god_n will_v not_o admit_v fear_n for_o a_o just_a excuse_n of_o our_o apostasy_n which_o if_o it_o be_v unrepented_a of_o and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o repentance_n in_o that_o case_n as_o very_o difficult_a will_v be_v our_o ruin_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n have_v give_v we_o such_o fair_a warn_v of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o we_o enter_v into_o religion_n upon_o these_o term_n with_o a_o profess_a expectation_n of_o suffer_v and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n if_o god_n shall_v call_v we_o to_o it_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v our_o lord_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o and_o again_o he_o that_o love_v life_n itself_o more_o than_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o unfaithful_a generation_n of_o he_o will_v i_o be_v ashamed_a before_o my_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o therefore_o to_o master_n and_o subdue_v this_o fear_n our_o saviour_n have_v propound_v great_a object_n of_o terror_n to_o we_o and_o a_o danger_n infinite_o more_o to_o be_v dread_v which_o every_o man_n run_v himself_o wilful_o upon_o who_o shall_v quit_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o avoid_v temporal_a suffering_n luke_o 12._o 4_o 5._o fear_v not_o they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o after_o that_o have_v nothing_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o and_o to_o this_o dreadful_a hazard_n every_o man_n expose_v himself_o who_o for_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n venture_v thus_o to_o offend_v god_n these_o be_v the_o fearful_a and_o unbeliever_n speak_v of_o by_o st._n john_n who_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n which_o be_v the_o second_o death_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o world_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o particular_a namely_o that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o be_v contain_v these_o two_o part_n i._n a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v ii_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o steady_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o comprehend_v the_o true_a and_o full_a meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n i_o show_v i._n negative_o what_o be_v not_o mean_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o and_o i_o mention_v these_o two_o particular_n 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o and_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o 2._o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n and_o examination_n man_n be_v settle_v as_o they_o think_v and_o very_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n for_o reason_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o offer_v be_v always_o to_o be_v hear_v i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n positive_o to_o explain_v the_o mean_v of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n of_o in_o his_o baptism_n not_o the_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a tradition_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v and_o doctrine_n of_o any_o church_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o with_o never_o so_o confident_a a_o pretence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o procee_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o i_o mention_v these_o follow_v particular_n as_o probable_o imply_v and_o comprehend_v in_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 1._o that_o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n under_o both_o which_o head_n i_o give_v several_a instance_n of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n impose_v with_o great_a confidence_n upon_o the_o world_n some_o without_o and_o other_o plain_o against_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n the_o temptation_n of_o fashion_n and_o example_n and_o of_o worldly_a interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o persecution_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v go_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o two_o other_o particular_n which_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o 4._o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n god_n have_v plain_o declare_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o what_o will_v certain_o exclude_v we_o from_o it_o that_o except_o we_o repent_v i._n e._n without_o true_a contrition_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o forsake_v of_o they_o we_o shall_v perish_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o no_o fornicator_n or_o adulterer_n or_o idolater_n or_o covetous_a person_n nor_o any_o one_o that_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o sin_n shall_v have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o christ._n there_o be_v as_o great_a and_o unpassable_a a_o gulf_n fix_v between_o heaven_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o there_o be_v betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o when_o man_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o debauch_v and_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reconcile_v a_o wicked_a life_n with_o any_o reasonable_a and_o wellgrounded_n hope_v of_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n no_o church_n have_v that_o privilege_n to_o save_v a_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o those_o which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v declare_v in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n all_o religion_n be_v equal_a in_o this_o that_o a_o bad_a man_n can_v be_v save_v in_o none_o of_o they_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v their_o church_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v the_o only_a safe_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o if_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a concern_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o they_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v in_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o intention_n
we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o communion_n whereof_o a_o man_n may_v be_v safe_a but_o till_o that_o be_v make_v out_o they_o have_v do_v nothing_o to_o persuade_v any_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v safe_a much_o less_o necessary_a to_o be_v of_o their_o communion_n but_o if_o particular_a point_n must_v be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v before_o a_o man_n can_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o enquiry_n after_o the_o true_a church_n then_o they_o must_v allow_v their_o intend_a convert_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n likewise_o of_o particular_a point_n and_o if_o he_o be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o too_o before_o he_o come_v into_o their_o church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v of_o what_o use_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o it_o a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o have_v already_o make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n in_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o a_o argument_n or_o encouragement_n thereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v i_o be_o yet_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v by_o which_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o intend_v that_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o that_o when_o upon_o due_a enquiry_n they_o be_v as_o they_o very_o believe_v establish_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n they_o shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o hear_v any_o reason_n that_o be_v fair_o offer_v against_o their_o present_a persuasion_n and_o then_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v positive_o first_o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v here_o exhort_v to_o hold_v fast_o viz._n the_o confession_n or_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ancient_a christian_a faith_n of_o which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n in_o his_o baptism_n for_o it_o be_v of_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v as_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o context_n second_o how_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o of_o this_o i_o give_v account_n in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o we_o shall_v hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n without_o scripture_n or_o reason_n to_o support_v that_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n contrary_a to_o plain_a scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n of_o which_o i_o give_v you_o particular_a instance_n 3._o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o against_o all_o vain_a promise_n of_o be_v put_v into_o a_o safe_a condition_n and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n upon_o easy_a term_n in_o some_o other_o church_n and_o religion_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o the_o 5._o and_o last_o particular_a i_o mention_v namely_o that_o we_o be_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busy_a and_o dispute_a man_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o unhinge_v man_n from_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n i_o have_v already_o mention_v some_o of_o the_o art_n which_o they_o use_v i_o mean_v particular_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o make_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o i_o have_v show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o as_o first_o in_o allow_v man_n to_o be_v very_o competent_a and_o sufficient_a judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n i._n e._n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o alone_a salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o yet_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o judge_v of_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n as_o for_o these_o they_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o will_v certain_o run_v into_o damnable_a error_n and_o mistake_v and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n allow_v they_o the_o first_o a_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o religion_n otherwise_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o offer_v they_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o they_o if_o they_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o force_n of_o they_o but_o now_o after_o this_o to_o deny_v they_o all_o ability_n to_o judge_v of_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o very_a absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a pretence_n second_o another_o art_n they_o use_v in_o order_n to_o their_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v earnest_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v only_o the_o argument_n and_o book_n on_o their_o side_n which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v a_o judge_n in_o order_n to_o the_o better_a understanding_n and_o clear_a decision_n of_o a_o cause_n to_o hear_v only_o the_o council_n on_o one_o side_n three_o they_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o only_a thing_n they_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n the_o one_o catholic_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o creed_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o when_o they_o have_v find_v that_o they_o be_v to_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v infallible_a for_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o this_o method_n they_o wise_o take_v to_o avoid_v particular_a dispute_n about_o the_o innovation_n and_o error_n which_o we_o charge_v they_o withal_o but_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a that_o this_o can_v be_v the_o first_o enquiry_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o true_a church_n that_o make_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o make_v the_o true_a church_n beside_o their_o way_n of_o prove_v their_o church_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n be_v by_o the_o mark_n and_o property_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o which_o the_o chief_a be_v the_o conformity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n with_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n this_o avoidable_a draw_v on_o a_o examination_n of_o their_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n whether_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n before_o their_o great_a enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o issue_n which_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o can_v never_o be_v without_o enter_v into_o the_o ocean_n of_o particular_a dispute_n which_o they_o desire_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o avoid_v so_o that_o they_o be_v never_o the_o near_o by_o this_o method_n they_o can_v neither_o shorten_v their_o work_n by_o it_o nor_o keep_v off_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o particular_a error_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v a_o very_a sore_a place_n and_o they_o can_v endure_v we_o shall_v touch_v it_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o discover_v some_o other_o art_n and_o method_n which_o they_o use_v in_o seduce_a people_n to_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a in_o they_o as_o i_o can_v four_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n i._n e._n the_o visible_a society_n of_o all_o christian_n unite_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o supreme_a pastor_n and_o visible_a head_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o earth_n from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n otherwise_o they_o can_v be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n we_o grant_v the_o consequence_n that_o if_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v of_o that_o communion_n because_o out_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v ordinary_o no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v but_o how_o do_v they_o prove_v that_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n they_o will_v fain_o have_v we_o so_o civil_a as_o to_o take_v this_o for_o grant_v because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o they_o do_v not_o well_o know_v how_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o and_o indeed_o some_o thing_n be_v obstinate_a and_o
they_o by_o faith_n for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o he_o resume_v the_o same_o argument_n again_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n for_o we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o building_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n that_o be_v we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o when_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v but_o exchange_v these_o earthly_a and_o perish_a body_n these_o house_n of_o clay_n for_o a_o heavenly_a mansion_n which_o will_v never_o decay_v nor_o come_v to_o ruin_v from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v verse_n 6._o therefore_o we_o be_v always_o confident_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o what_o ever_o happen_v to_o we_o we_o be_v always_o of_o good_a courage_n and_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n know_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v since_o our_o continuance_n in_o the_o body_n be_v to_o our_o disadvantage_n and_o while_o we_o live_v we_o be_v absent_a from_o our_o happiness_n and_o when_o we_o die_v we_o shall_v then_o enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o that_o which_o give_v we_o this_o confidence_n and_o good_a courage_n be_v our_o faith_n for_o though_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o possess_v of_o this_o happiness_n which_o we_o speak_v of_o yet_o we_o have_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o support_v our_o spirit_n and_o keep_v up_o our_o courage_n under_o all_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n whatsoever_o verse_n 7._o for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n these_o word_n come_v in_o by_o way_n of_o parenthesis_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o general_a what_o be_v the_o sway_v and_o govern_v principle_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o persecution_n and_o affliction_n but_o under_o all_o event_n and_o in_o every_o condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o sight_n and_o present_a enjoyment_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n what_o ever_o principle_n sway_v and_o govern_v a_o man_n life_n and_o action_n he_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v and_o live_v by_o it_o and_o as_o here_o a_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o walk_v by_o faith_n so_o elsewhere_o the_o just_a be_v say_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o principle_n which_o animate_v all_o his_o resolution_n and_o action_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o thing_n itself_o in_o present_a view_n and_o possession_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o thing_n future_a and_o invisible_a sight_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o hand_n and_o faith_n the_o thing_n only_o in_o hope_n and_o expectation_n sight_n be_v a_o clear_a view_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n present_a and_o near_o to_o we_o faith_n a_o obscure_a discovery_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o distance_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 13._o 12._o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o this_o be_v faith_n but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n this_o be_v present_a sight_n as_o one_o man_n see_v another_o face_n to_o face_n and_o thus_o likewise_o the_o same_o apostle_n distinguish_v betwixt_o hope_n and_o sight_n rom._n 8._o 24._o 25._o hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v not_o hope_n for_o what_o a_o man_n see_v why_o do_v he_o yet_o hope_v for_o it_o but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o that_o which_o we_o see_v not_o then_o do_v we_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o sight_n be_v possession_n and_o enjoyment_n faith_n be_v the_o firm_a persuasion_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o govern_v principle_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v observe_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o govern_v principle_n and_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_a we_o walk_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o order_v and_o govern_v our_o life_n in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o principle_n ii_o faith_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o assent_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o sense_n this_o be_v sufficient-intimated_n in_o the_o opposition_n betwixt_o faith_n and_o sight_n he_o have_v say_v before_o that_o whilst_o we_o be_v at_o home_n in_o the_o body_n we_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n and_o proof_n of_o our_o absence_n from_o the_o lord_n for_o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v whilst_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o enjoy_v but_o believe_v and_o expect_v if_o we_o be_v present_a with_o the_o lord_n than_o faith_n will_v cease_v and_o be_v turn_v into_o sight_n but_o though_o we_o have_v not_o that_o assurance_n of_o another_o world_n which_o we_o shall_v have_v when_o we_o come_v to_o see_v and_o enjoy_v these_o thing_n yet_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o they_o iii_o notwithstanding_o faith_n be_v a_o inferior_a degree_n of_o assurance_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sufficient_a power_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n it_o be_v such_o a_o assurance_n as_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n i._o that_o faith_n be_v the_o govern_v principle_n and_o that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o christian_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v we_o order_v and_o govern_v our_o life_n in_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o principle_n a_o christian_n life_n consist_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o in_o a_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v what_o he_o call_v we_o to_o and_o the_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n hereto_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o sense_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v absent_a and_o future_a and_o not_o present_a and_o in_o possession_n for_o instance_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o invisible_a god_n of_o a_o secret_a power_n and_o providence_n that_o order_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v bless_v or_o blast_v we_o and_o all_o our_o design_n and_o undertake_n according_a as_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o secret_a aid_n and_o influence_n always_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o evil_a and_o to_o strengthen_v and_o assist_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a more_o especial_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o world_n which_o though_o they_o be_v now_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o invisible_a to_o we_o yet_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v shall_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a and_o this_o faith_n this_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o absent_a and_o invisible_a thing_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o he_o call_v ch._n 11._o verse_n 1._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v viz._n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o promise_n such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abel_n he_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o faithful_o serve_v he_o such_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o noah_n who_o be_v warn_v of_o god_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o not_o see_v as_o yet_o notwithstanding_o believe_v the_o divine_a prediction_n concern_v the_o flood_n and_o prepare_v a_o ark_n such_o also_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n concern_v a_o numerous_a posterity_n by_o isaac_n and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o such_o likewise_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v as_o firm_o believe_v the_o invisible_a god_n and_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n as_o if_o he_o have_v behold_v they_o with_o his_o eye_n and_o of_o this_o recompense_n of_o reward_n we_o christian_n have_v
jesus_n stand_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n with_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o his_o hand_n ready_a to_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o all_o those_o who_o continue_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o and_o why_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o commit_v any_o sin_n as_o if_o hell_n be_v naked_a before_o i_o and_o i_o see_v the_o astonish_a misery_n of_o the_o damn_a thus_o we_o shall_v by_o frequent_a meditation_n represent_v these_o great_a thing_n to_o ourselves_o and_o bring_v they_o near_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o oppose_v to_o the_o present_a temptation_n of_o sense_n the_o great_a and_o endless_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o thus_o exercise_v ourselves_o about_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o make_v eternity_n familiar_a to_o ourselves_o by_o a_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o little_o move_v with_o present_a and_o sensible_a thing_n we_o shall_v walk_v and_o live_v by_o faith_n as_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n do_v by_o sense_n and_o be_v more_o serious_a and_o earnest_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o our_o great_a and_o everlasting_a interest_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o sensual_a enjoyment_n and_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o great_a business_n of_o this_o present_a and_o temporal_a life_n to_o secure_v a_o future_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 38._o but_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o epistle_n whoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v into_o be_v plain_o this_o to_o confirm_v the_o jew_n who_o be_v but_o new_o convert_v to_o christanity_n in_o the_o steadfast_a profession_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v and_o to_o arm_v they_o against_o that_o temptation_n which_o christian_n be_v then_o expose_v to_o viz._n the_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a persecution_n which_o threaten_v those_o of_o that_o profession_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o religion_n above_o any_o other_o former_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o author_n and_o revealer_n of_o it_o who_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o revelatition_n itself_o which_o as_o it_o contain_v better_a and_o more_o perfect_a direction_n of_o a_o good_a life_n so_o likewise_o more_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a motive_n thereto_o better_a promise_n and_o more_o terrible_a threaten_n than_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n or_o clear_o and_o certain_o discoverable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n from_o these_o consideration_n he_o earnest_o persuade_v they_o all_o along_o throughout_o this_o epistle_n to_o continue_v constant_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v fright_v out_o of_o it_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o persecution_n chap._n 2._o v._o 1._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v leave_v at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v and_o chap._n 4._o 1._o let_v we_o therefore_o fear_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v we_o of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o you_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o it_o and_o verse_n 23._o of_o this_o chapter_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o constancy_n he_o set_v before_o they_o the_o glorious_a reward_n and_o recompense_n of_o the_o gospel_n verse_n 35._o cast_v not_o away_o therefore_o your_o confidence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d your_o free_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n which_o have_v great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o deter_v they_o from_o apostasy_n from_o this_o profession_n he_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o horrible_a danger_n of_o it_o here_o in_o the_o text_n but_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v the_o word_n and_o then_o prosecute_v that_o which_o i_o main_o intend_v in_o they_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o word_n with_o the_o forego_n be_v cite_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n chap._n 2._o verse_n 3_o 4._o and_o they_o be_v cite_v by_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o lxx_o which_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o difference_n arise_v from_o the_o various_a reading_n of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o be_v render_v by_o the_o lxx_o to_o draw_v back_o but_o by_o the_o change_n of_o a_o letter_n signify_v to_o be_v lift_v up_o as_o we_o render_v it_o in_o the_o prophet_n but_o however_o that_o be_v the_o apostle_n follow_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o lxx_o and_o accommodate_v it_o to_o his_o purpose_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o the_o word_n signify_v to_o keep_v back_o to_o withdraw_v to_o sneak_v and_o slink_v away_o out_o of_o fear_n to_o fail_v or_o faint_v in_o any_o enterprise_n and_o thus_o this_o word_n be_v render_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n act_v 20._o 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o do_v not_o withhold_v or_o keep_v back_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v profitable_a for_o you_o and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o st._n peter_n gal._n 2._o 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o slink_v away_o or_o withdraw_v himself_o fear_v they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n and_o the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o be_v here_o render_v by_o the_o lxx_o to_o draw_v back_o be_v elsewhere_o render_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v to_o fail_v or_o faint_v from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o by_o draw_v back_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v man_n quit_v their_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o slink_a out_o of_o it_o for_o fear_v of_o suffer_v for_o it_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o these_o word_n be_v plain_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o less_o be_v say_v than_o be_v mean_v for_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o god_n will_v be_v extreme_o displease_v with_o they_o and_o punish_v they_o very_o severe_o the_o like_a figure_n to_o this_o you_o have_v psal._n 5._o 4._o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n which_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v explain_v by_o his_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o thou_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n so_o that_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v this_o that_o apostasy_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n be_v a_o thing_n high_o provoke_v to_o he_o and_o will_v be_v most_o severe_o punish_v by_o he_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o four_o thing_n i._o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n ii_o the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o iv._o the_o great_a danger_n of_o it_o and_o the_o terrible_a punishment_n it_o expose_v man_n to_o and_o when_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o these_o i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o a_o short_a exhortation_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v i._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n and_o it_o consist_v in_o forsake_v or_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o a_o open_a declaration_n in_o word_n or_o a_o virtual_a declaration_n of_o it_o by_o our_o action_n for_o it_o come_v all_o to_o one_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o do_v it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o indeed_o that_o renounce_v religion_n by_o a_o open_a declaration_n in_o word_n offer_v the_o great_a and_o bold_a defiance_n to_o it_o but_o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o apostate_n who_o silent_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o who_o quit_v it_o for_o his_o interest_n or_o for_o fear_n disow_v it_o and_o sneak_n out_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o own_o it_o thus_o demas_n be_v a_o apostate_n in_o quit_v christianity_n for_o some_o worldly_a interest_n demas_n have_v forsake_v we_o have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n say_v st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o and_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n describe_v mat._n 13._o 20_o 21._o who_o receive_v the_o word_n into_o stony_a ground_n be_v apostate_n out_o of_o fear_n they_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v
plain_a then_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n nor_o necessity_n to_o extend_v this_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v self-denial_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n and_o therefore_o this_o precept_n must_v be_v limit_v by_o the_o plain_a scope_n and_o intendment_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n and_o no_o man_n can_v argue_v thus_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v self-denial_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n require_v it_o of_o his_o disciple_n for_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o here_o require_v all_o kind_n of_o self-denial_n but_o limit_n it_o by_o his_o discourse_n to_o one_o certain_a kind_n beyond_o which_o self-denial_n be_v no_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o text_n and_o therefore_o for_o our_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o remove_v some_o sort_n of_o self-denial_n which_o be_v instance_a in_o by_o some_o as_o intend_v in_o this_o precept_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o kind_n of_o self-denial_n that_o be_v which_o our_o saviour_n here_o intend_v 1._o there_o be_v several_a thing_n bring_v under_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n which_o be_v never_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o frequent_o insist_v upon_o and_o some_o of_o they_o by_o very_o devout_a and_o well-meaning_a man_n as_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o our_o reason_n nay_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o renounce_v our_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o our_o brethren_n but_o all_o these_o be_v so_o apparent_o and_o gross_o unreasonable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o one_o shall_v ever_o take_v they_o for_o instance_n of_o that_o self-denial_n which_o our_o saviour_n require_v especial_o consider_v that_o in_o all_o his_o discourse_n of_o self-denial_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o glance_v at_o any_o of_o these_o instance_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o to_o they_o 1._o some_o comprehend_v under_o self-denial_n the_o deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o own_o sense_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o this_o can_v be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o precept_n we_o need_v not_o dispute_v any_o of_o the_o other_o instance_n for_o he_o that_o renounce_v the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n so_o as_o not_o to_o believe_v what_o he_o see_v may_v after_o this_o renounce_v and_o deny_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a than_o that_o of_o faith_n as_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o intimate_v as_o john_n 20._o 29._o where_o our_o saviour_n reprove_v thomas_n for_o refuse_v to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o any_o less_o evidence_n than_o that_o of_o sense_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v thou_o have_v believe_v bless_a be_v they_o which_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v which_o plain_o suppose_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n to_o be_v the_o high_a and_o clear_a degree_n of_o evidence_n so_o likewise_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 7._o we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n where_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o which_o be_v more_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a be_v oppose_v to_o that_o of_o sight_n as_o more_o clear_a and_o certain_a so_o that_o to_o believe_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o assent_n which_o always_o yield_v to_o the_o great_a and_o clear_a evidence_n beside_o that_o our_o belief_n of_o religion_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n so_o that_o by_o renounce_v that_o we_o destroy_v and_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n one_o of_o the_o plain_a and_o principal_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o all_o religion_n rely_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n namely_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n by_o the_o contemplation_n whereof_o we_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o invisible_a author_n of_o it_o so_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1._o 20._o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o the_o great_a external_a evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v miracle_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n without_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o any_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n likewise_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o our_o sense_n the_o evidence_n whereof_o if_o it_o be_v uncertain_a take_v away_o all_o certainty_n of_o faith_n how_o shall_v they_o believe_v say_v st._n paul_n rom._n 10._o 14._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o ver_fw-la 17._o so_o then_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o to_o deny_v and_o renounce_v our_o sense_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o main_a pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o 2._o other_o almost_o with_o equal_a absurdity_n will_v comprehend_v under_o our_o saviour_n precept_n of_o self-denial_n the_o deny_v and_o renounce_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v self-denial_n with_o a_o witness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o deny_v his_o own_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o man._n this_o sure_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n and_o though_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o may_v be_v innocent_a yet_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o the_o discourse_n upon_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a the_o ground_n of_o the_o mistake_n be_v this_o man_n think_v they_o deny_v their_o own_o reason_n when_o they_o assent_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o their_o own_o reason_n can_v neither_o have_v discover_v nor_o be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o whereas_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deny_v his_o own_o reason_n that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o it_o for_o what_o more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v whatever_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o god_n who_o can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v himself_o nor_o deceive_v we_o but_o though_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o mistake_n may_v be_v innocent_a yet_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a for_o if_o we_o be_v to_o renounce_v our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n then_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v or_o if_o he_o can_v than_o faith_n will_v be_v unreasonable_a and_o infidelity_n reasonable_a so_o that_o this_o instance_n likewise_o of_o self-denial_n to_o renounce_v and_o deny_v our_o own_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v no_o where_o express_v so_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o be_v intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o precept_n 3._o nor_o do_v this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n require_v man_n to_o be_v content_a to_o renounce_v their_o own_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v damn_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o their_o brethren_n if_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n we_o may_v just_o say_v as_o the_o disciple_n do_v to_o our_o saviour_n in_o another_o case_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n and_o who_o can_v hear_v it_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v humane_a nature_n to_o tremble_v at_o its_o very_a foundation_n for_o the_o deep_a principle_n that_o 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to_o he_o do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o we_o than_o any_o man_n ever_o do_v for_o his_o best_a friend_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n and_o want_n let_v we_o consider_v he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n who_o be_v rich_a for_o our_o sake_n become_v poor_a that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v make_v rich_a if_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o lot_n to_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o exercise_v with_o suffering_n and_o reproach_n let_v we_o look_v unto_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n who_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n for_o our_o sake_n in_o a_o word_n can_v we_o be_v discontent_v at_o any_o condition_n or_o decline_v it_o in_o a_o good_a cause_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o content_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o destitute_a how_o meek_a and_o patient_a in_o the_o most_o afflict_a and_o suffer_a condition_n how_o 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of_o choice_n but_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n he_o do_v it_o for_o our_o sake_n we_o do_v it_o for_o our_o own_o his_o own_o goodness_n move_v he_o to_o deny_v himself_o for_o we_o but_o gratitude_n oblige_v we_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o in_o any_o thing_n for_o he_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o deserve_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o but_o he_o have_v whole_o merit_v all_o this_o and_o infinite_o more_o from_o we_o so_o that_o such_o a_o example_n as_o this_o be_v in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o but_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o precept_n will_v yet_o far_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n all_o needful_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o to_o support_v and_o comfort_v they_o therein_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o all_o christian_n and_o the_o same_o glorious_a power_n that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a work_v mighty_o in_o they_o that_o believe_v eph._n 1._o 19_o that_o you_o may_v know_v say_v st._n paul_n speak_v in_o general_a to_o all_o christian_n what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o the_o temptation_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o world_n very_o powerful_a but_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n reside_v in_o every_o true_a christian_a able_a to_o bear_v we_o up_o against_o the_o world_n and_o the_o power_n of_o all_o its_o temptation_n whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n say_v st._n john_n overcome_v the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n you_o be_v of_o god_n little_a child_n and_o have_v overcome_v because_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o grace_n and_o strength_n be_v afford_v to_o the_o first_o christian_n in_o a_o most_o extraordinary_a manner_n for_o their_o comfort_n and_o support_v under_o suffering_n so_o that_o they_o be_v strengthen_v with_o all_o may_v according_a to_o god_n glorious_a power_n unto_o all_o long-suffering_a with_o joyfulness_n as_o st._n paul_n pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n ch._n 1._o 11._o and_o these_o consolation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o peculiar_o appropriate_v to_o the_o first_o time_n of_o christianity_n but_o be_v still_o afford_v to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n in_o such_o degree_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o and_o whenever_o god_n exercise_v good_a man_n with_o trial_n more_o than_o humane_a and_o such_o suffering_n as_o be_v beyond_o 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this_o bless_a state_n of_o good_a man_n in_o another_o world_n so_o have_v he_o likewise_o assure_v we_o that_o great_a degree_n of_o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n mat._n 5._o 10_o 11_o 12._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o nothing_o sure_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o part_v with_o thing_n of_o small_a value_n for_o thing_n infinite_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a to_o forego_v the_o transient_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o the_o imperfect_a felicity_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o solid_a and_o perfect_a and_o perpetual_a happiness_n 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true_a that_o if_o we_o suffer_v with_o christ_n we_o shall_v also_o reign_v with_o he_o if_o we_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n great_a shall_v be_v our_o reward_n in_o heaven_n if_o we_o part_v with_o our_o temporal_a life_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o eternal_a life_n he_o that_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o world_n and_o believe_v the_o glory_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v reveal_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o much_o offend_v at_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n so_o long_o as_o he_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o these_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n will_v work_v for_o he_o a_o for_o more_o exceed_o and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2._o see_v this_o be_v require_v of_o every_o christian_a to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o to_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n resolve_v to_o be_v christian_n we_o ought_v to_o fit_v down_o and_o consider_v well_o with_o ourselves_o what_o our_o religion_n will_v cost_v we_o and_o whether_o we_o be_v content_a to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o price_n of_o it_o if_o we_o value_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n above_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o if_o it_o come_v to_o this_o that_o we_o must_v either_o renounce_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n or_o quit_v our_o temporal_a interest_n if_o we_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o forego_v these_o nay_o and_o to_o part_v even_o with_o life_n itself_o rather_o than_o to_o forsake_v he_o and_o his_o truth_n we_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o these_o be_v the_o term_n of_o our_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v require_v in_o baptism_n solemn_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o this_o very_a consideration_n infer_v that_o all_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n shall_v consider_v serious_o beforehand_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n of_o it_o luke_o 14._o 28._o which_o of_o you_o say_v he_o intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o count_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o war_n with_o another_o king_n do_v not_o sit_v down_o and_o consult_v whether_o with_o 10000_o he_o be_v able_a to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o 20000._o so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o forsake_v not_o all_o he_o have_v can_v be_v my_o disciple_n you_o see_v the_o term_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v christian_n we_o must_v always_o be_v prepare_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n though_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o put_v upon_o this_o trial_n 3._o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o all_o those_o who_o deny_v themselves_o and_o suffer_v upon_o so_o good_a a_o account_n of_o who_o god_n know_v there_o be_v too_o great_a a_o number_n at_o this_o day_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n some_o under_o actual_a suffering_n such_o as_o can_v but_o move_v compassion_n and_o horror_n in_o all_o that_o hear_v of_o they_o other_o who_o be_v flee_v hither_o and_o into_o other_o country_n for_o refuge_n and_o shelter_n from_o one_o of_o the_o sharp_a persecution_n that_o perhaps_o ever_o be_v if_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v but_o not_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o so_o unpleasant_a a_o theme_n they_o who_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n sake_n have_v all_o the_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n that_o the_o best_a example_n and_o the_o great_a and_o most_o glorious_a promise_n of_o god_n can_v give_v they_o have_v the_o best_a example_n in_o their_o view_n jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n so_o that_o how_o great_a and_o terrible_a soever_o their_o suffering_n be_v they_o do_v but_o tread_v in_o the_o step_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o he_o who_o be_v their_o great_a example_n in_o suffer_v will_v likewise_o be_v their_o support_n and_o their_o exceed_a great_a reward_n so_o that_o though_o suffer_v for_o christ_n be_v account_v great_a self-denial_n and_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v so_o to_o accept_v it_o because_o in_o deny_v thing_n present_a and_o sensible_a for_o thing_n future_a and_o invisible_a we_o do_v not_o only_o declare_v our_o affection_n to_o he_o but_o our_o great_a faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o by_o show_v that_o we_o rely_v upon_o his_o word_n and_o venture_v all_o upon_o the_o security_n which_o he_o offer_v we_o in_o
in_o this_o world_n which_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o gracious_a providence_n and_o care_n of_o good_a man_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o itself_o extreme_o credible_a have_v thus_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v dispatch_v the_o two_o particular_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o text_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v what_o influence_n these_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o practice_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o these_o our_o hope_n and_o expectation_n as_o to_o another_o life_n if_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o look_v for_o a_o better_a country_n that_o be_v a_o heavenly_a this_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o we_o in_o these_o follow_a respect_n which_o i_o shall_v at_o present_v but_o very_o brief_o mention_v 1._o let_v we_o entangle_v and_o encumber_v ourselves_o as_o little_a as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o our_o pilgrimage_n let_v we_o not_o engage_v our_o affection_n too_o far_o in_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o continue_v and_o settle_v in_o it_o but_o to_o pass_v through_o it_o a_o little_a will_v serve_v for_o our_o passage_n and_o accommodation_n in_o this_o journey_n and_o beyond_o that_o why_o shall_v we_o so_o earnest_o covet_v and_o seek_v more_o 2._o if_o we_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n than_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o blameless_o and_o inoffensive_o remember_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o people_n be_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o those_o among_o who_o we_o live_v will_v be_v very_o curious_a and_o observant_a of_o our_o manner_n and_o carriage_n 3._o let_v we_o be_v cheerful_a and_o patient_a under_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o present_a life_n they_o who_o be_v in_o a_o strange_a country_n must_v expect_v to_o encounter_v many_o injury_n and_o affront_v and_o to_o be_v put_v to_o great_a difficulty_n and_o hazard_n which_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bear_v with_o that_o cheerfulness_n as_o man_n that_o be_v upon_o a_o journey_n use_v to_o bear_v foul_a way_n and_o bad_a wether_n and_o inconvenient_a lodging_n and_o accommodation_n 4._o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o future_a hope_n shall_v set_v we_o above_o the_o fondness_n of_o life_n and_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n for_o our_o mind_n will_v never_o be_v raise_v to_o their_o true_a pitch_n and_o hight_n till_o we_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n conquer_v these_o two_o passion_n and_o make_v they_o subject_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o for_o this_o present_a life_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o what_o do_v we_o see_v in_o they_o that_o shall_v make_v we_o so_o strange_o to_o dote_v upon_o they_o quae_fw-la miseri_fw-la lucis_fw-la tam_fw-la dira_fw-la cupido_fw-la this_o world_n at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o very_a indifferent_a place_n and_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o bear_v himself_o towards_o it_o with_o the_o most_o indifferent_a affection_n that_o be_v always_o willing_a to_o leave_v it_o and_o yet_o patient_a to_o stay_v in_o it_o as_o long_o as_o god_n please_v 5._o we_o shall_v always_o prefer_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n before_o all_o the_o world_n because_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n more_o valuable_a if_o our_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o do_v survive_v in_o another_o world_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o thus_o st._n paul_n reason_v with_o himself_o from_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o i_o exercise_v myself_o always_o to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man._n last_o if_o we_o be_v sojourner_n and_o traveller_n we_o shall_v often_o think_v of_o our_o end_n and_o careful_o mind_v the_o way_n to_o it_o our_o end_n be_v everlasting_a happiness_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n when_o the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n inquire_v of_o our_o saviour_n the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n say_v good_a master_n what_o good_a thing_n shall_v i_o do_v that_o i_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n his_o answer_n to_o he_o be_v if_o thou_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n keep_v the_o commandment_n we_o may_v easy_o mistake_v our_o way_n for_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o therefore_o we_o shall_v often_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o david_n do_v psalm_n 119._o 19_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o earth_n hide_v not_o thy_o commandment_n from_o i_o and_o psalm_n 139._o 23_o 24._o search_v i_o o_o god_n and_o know_v my_o heart_n try_v i_o and_o know_v my_o thought_n and_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o wicked_a way_n in_o i_o and_o lead_v i_o in_o the_o way_n everlasting_a a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n xi_o 13._o and_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o these_o all_o die_v in_o faith_n not_o have_v receive_v the_o promise_n but_o have_v see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o and_o confess_v that_o they_o etc._n etc._n i_o have_v late_o in_o this_o place_n upon_o a_o particular_a day_n and_o occasion_n begin_v to_o handle_v these_o word_n i_o shall_v brief_o give_v you_o the_o head_n of_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v and_o proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v and_o that_o which_o i_o design_v from_o this_o text_n be_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o awaken_v we_o to_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o consideration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o same_o condition_n that_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o be_v in_o in_o this_o world_n and_o we_o may_v all_o of_o we_o say_v with_o david_n psal._n 39_o 12._o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n with_o thou_o and_o a_o sojourner_n as_o all_o my_o father_n be_v it_o be_v very_o frequent_a not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o in_o other_o author_n to_o represent_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n by_o that_o of_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n in_o a_o far_a country_n for_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o man_n and_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o be_v by_o far_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a part_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o native_n of_o heaven_n and_o but_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n here_o on_o the_o earth_n and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v be_v design_v to_o return_v to_o that_o heavenly_a country_n from_o which_o they_o come_v and_o to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o for_o the_o 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be_v carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o that_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v for_o when_o he_o be_v attempt_v he_o will_v either_o defend_v his_o religion_n or_o not_o if_o he_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o it_o before_o he_o have_v examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o he_o make_v himself_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o crafty_a man_n that_o will_v set_v upon_o he_o he_o expose_v at_o once_o himself_o to_o danger_n and_o his_o religion_n to_o disgrace_n if_o he_o decline_v the_o defence_n of_o it_o he_o must_v be_v force_v to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o that_o ignorant_a and_o obstinate_a principle_n that_o because_o he_o be_v of_o a_o infallible_a church_n and_o sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n therefore_o he_o never_o do_v nor_o will_v examine_v whether_o he_o be_v so_o or_o not_o but_o how_o be_v he_o or_o can_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a if_o 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himself_o and_o his_o doctrine_n to_o this_o trial_n john_n 8._o 46._o which_o of_o you_o convince_v i_o of_o sin_n that_o be_v of_o falsehood_n and_o error_n and_o if_o i_o speak_v the_o truth_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v i_o he_o be_v sure_a he_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o if_o they_o can_v convince_v he_o of_o error_n and_o mistake_v he_o be_v ready_a to_o hear_v any_o reason_n they_o can_v bring_v to_o that_o purpose_n though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o never_o so_o resolve_v to_o continue_v constant_a and_o steadfast_a in_o it_o yet_o reason_n be_v always_o to_o be_v hear_v when_o it_o be_v fair_o offer_v and_o as_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n and_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o we_o so_o ought_v we_o likewise_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o hear_v the_o reason_n which_o other_o do_v fair_o offer_v against_o our_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o they_o that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o in_o the_o wrong_n we_o may_v rectify_v their_o mistake_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o meekness_n if_o god_n peradventure_o may_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o examine_v our_o religion_n before_o we_o peremptory_o fix_v upon_o it_o but_o after_o we_o be_v as_o we_o think_v upon_o the_o best_a reason_n establish_v and_o settle_v in_o it_o though_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o doubt_v and_o waver_v in_o our_o religion_n upon_o every_o slight_a and_o trifle_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o yet_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o have_v a_o ear_n open_a to_o hear_v reason_n and_o consider_v any_o thing_n of_o weight_n and_o moment_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o we_o about_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disparagement_n to_o truth_n and_o argue_v a_o distrust_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o hear_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o as_o if_o truth_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o in_o every_o conflict_n it_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v baffle_v and_o run_v down_o and_o go_v by_o the_o worst_a and_o as_o if_o the_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o be_v too_o hard_o for_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v encounter_v by_o those_o force_n which_o truth_n have_v on_o its_o side_n we_o have_v that_o honest_a confidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o religion_n that_o we_o do_v not_o fear_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o forbid_v our_o people_n to_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o our_o adversary_n and_o to_o read_v the_o best_a book_n they_o can_v write_v against_o it_o but_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v so_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n that_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v those_o of_o their_o communion_n to_o hear_v or_o read_v what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o nay_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o with_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v at_o least_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o tell_v their_o people_n that_o after_o they_o be_v once_o of_o their_o church_n and_o religion_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o hear_v any_o reason_n against_o it_o and_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o strong_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o entertain_v any_o doubt_n concern_v it_o because_o all_o doubt_v be_v a_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o mortal_a sin_n but_o sure_o that_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v which_o will_v not_o hear_v reason_n nor_o that_o religion_n to_o be_v much_o admire_v which_o will_v not_o allow_v those_o that_o have_v once_o embrace_v it_o to_o hear_v it_o ever_o after_o debate_v and_o examine_v this_o be_v a_o very_a suspicious_a business_n and_o argue_v that_o either_o they_o have_v not_o truth_n on_o their_o side_n or_o that_o truth_n be_v a_o weak_a and_o pitiful_a and_o sneak_a thing_n and_o not_o able_a to_o make_v its_o party_n good_a against_o error_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v positive_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o then_o to_o have_v consider_v the_o argument_n and_o encouragement_n hereto_o because_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o promise_v but_o i_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o at_o this_o time_n a_o sermon_n on_o heb._n x._o 23._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v for_o he_o