only_o upon_o the_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o the_o penitent_a and_o sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n than_o that_o when_o man_n have_v perform_v all_o the_o condition_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v yet_o they_o shall_v notwithstanding_o this_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o intend_v to_o confer_v upon_o they_o because_o the_o priest_n have_v not_o the_o same_o intention_n so_o that_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o work_v out_o his_o own_o salvation_n he_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o near_o only_o for_o want_v of_o that_o which_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o his_o power_n the_o right_a intention_n of_o the_o priest_n beside_o that_o after_o all_o their_o boast_n of_o the_o safe_a condition_n of_o man_n in_o their_o church_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v in_o it_o this_o one_o principle_n that_o the_o 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rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o when_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v grow_v to_o the_o height_n and_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o council_n at_o trent_n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o retrench_v and_o reform_v they_o they_o see_v it_o necessary_a to_o enlarge_v and_o lengthen_v out_o their_o rule_n because_o the_o ancient_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n reach_v several_a of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o church_n which_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v and_o make_v good_a by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o as_o namely_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n of_o purgatory_n and_o of_o the_o seven_o sacracrament_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o saint_n and_o image_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n of_o indulgence_n and_o the_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n and_o several_a other_o superstitious_a practice_n in_o use_n among_o they_o now_o to_o enlarge_v their_o rule_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n they_o take_v these_o two_o way_n 1._o they_o have_v add_v to_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n i_o say_v to_o these_o they_o have_v add_v several_a apocryphal_a book_n not_o warrant_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n because_o they_o be_v write_v after_o prophecy_n and_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n malachi_n be_v the_o last_o of_o their_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o general_a tradition_n of_o that_o church_n but_o because_o the_o addition_n of_o these_o book_n do_v not_o make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n large_a enough_o for_o their_o purpose_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o great_a confusion_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o that_o church_n they_o add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o their_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o call_v the_o write_a word_n a_o unwritten_a word_n which_o they_o call_v oral_a tradition_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o they_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o the_o same_o pious_a veneration_n and_o affection_n of_o which_o tradition_n they_o be_v the_o keeper_n and_o judge_n they_o may_v extend_v they_o to_o what_o they_o please_v and_o have_v they_o in_o their_o own_o breast_n they_o may_v declare_v whatever_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o to_o have_v be_v a_o constant_a and_o universal_a tradition_n of_o their_o church_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o common_a sense_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o uncertain_a and_o more_o liable_a to_o alteration_n and_o mistake_v than_o tradition_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o so_o many_o age_n bring_v down_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n without_o write_v and_o pass_v through_o so_o many_o hand_n he_o that_o can_v think_v these_o to_o be_v of_o equal_a certainty_n and_o authority_n with_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o write_v and_o bring_v down_o by_o book_n undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o a_o strange_a paradox_n viz._n that_o general_a rumour_n and_o report_n of_o thing_n say_v and_o do_v 1500_o year_n ago_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n and_o credit_n with_o a_o record_n and_o a_o write_a history_n by_o which_o proceed_v of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o bring_v their_o faith_n to_o the_o ancient_a rule_n the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o they_o know_v can_v not_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o fit_v their_o rule_n to_o their_o faith_n and_o this_o foundation_n be_v 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
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
rather_o because_o they_o be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o presume_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n aught_o to_o be_v condemn_v at_o all_o adventure_n without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n this_o i_o say_v be_v fond_a partiality_n because_o every_o religion_n and_o every_o church_n may_v for_o aught_o that_o appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v thing_n impartial_o say_v the_o same_o for_o themselves_o and_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n and_o if_o so_o then_o either_o every_o religion_n ought_v to_o permit_v itself_o to_o be_v examine_v or_o else_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o consequent_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_n and_o heretic_n ought_v all_o to_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v and_o none_o of_o they_o to_o change_v because_o they_o can_v reasonable_o change_v without_o examine_v both_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o leave_v and_o that_o which_o they_o embrace_v instead_o of_o it_o 2._o admit_v this_o pretence_n be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o have_v the_o true_a religion_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o they_o shall_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o why_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o they_o shall_v permit_v it_o to_o be_v try_v that_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a reason_n be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o may_v safe_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v because_o if_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v firm_a and_o good_a i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v be_v never_o the_o worse_o for_o be_v examine_v and_o look_v into_o but_o i_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ill_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o sure_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v solid_a and_o firm_a and_o such_o as_o will_v abide_v the_o trial_n that_o they_o be_v so_o very_o loath_a to_o have_v they_o search_v into_o and_o examine_v this_o can_v but_o tempt_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o suspect_v that_o their_o church_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o know_v something_o that_o be_v amiss_o in_o their_o religion_n which_o make_v they_o so_o loath_a to_o have_v it_o try_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o touch._n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a among_o all_o christian_n that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o never_o forbid_v the_o christian_n to_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o frequent_o exhort_v they_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v their_o religion_n and_o whether_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ._n so_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n and_o again_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a intimate_v to_o we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o prove_v and_o try_v it_o and_o so_o likewise_o st._n john_n ep._n 1._o 4._o 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whither_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 and_o he_o give_v a_o very_a notable_a mark_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n carry_v on_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o tend_v to_o secular_a power_n and_o greatness_n vers_fw-la 5._o they_o be_v of_o the_o world_n therefore_o speak_v they_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n hear_v they_o act_n 17._o 11._o st._n luke_n commend_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o the_o beroean_n that_o they_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o without_o disparagement_n to_o their_o infallibility_n these_o say_v he_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o word_n but_o not_o blind_o and_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o use_v due_a care_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o have_v before_o receive_v it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o admit_v and_o swallow_v contradiction_n in_o their_o faith_n and_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o that_o they_o will_v encourage_v the_o people_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o and_o to_o examine_v whether_o their_o doctrine_n be_v according_a to_o they_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v the_o pope_n and_o a_o general_n council_n commend_v to_o the_o people_n the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o try_v their_o definition_n of_o faith_n and_o decree_n of_o worship_n by_o that_o rule_n to_o see_v whether_o what_o they_o have_v define_v and_o decree_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o their_o worship_n of_o image_n their_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o angel_n and_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n depart_v the_o sacrament_n under_o one_o kind_n only_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n in_o the_o mass._n have_v the_o beroean_n be_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o plead_v their_o right_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v very_o troublesome_a and_o impertinent_a and_o will_v not_o have_v be_v praise_v by_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n for_o their_o pain_n as_o they_o be_v by_o st._n luke_n you_o see_v then_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a groundless_a and_o suspicious_a pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o because_o they_o be_v infallible_o in_o the_o right_n and_o they_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n therefore_o their_o people_n must_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o examine_v it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v undoubted_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o they_o not_o only_o permit_v the_o people_n to_o examine_v it_o but_o exhort_v and_o encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o commend_v they_o for_o it_o and_o any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n must_v abhor_v to_o submit_v to_o this_o slavery_n not_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o examine_v his_o religion_n and_o to_o inquire_v free_o into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o will_v break_v with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o single_a point_n and_o will_v tell_v they_o plain_o if_o your_o religion_n be_v too_o good_a to_o be_v examine_v i_o doubt_v it_o be_v too_o bad_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o allow_v of_o this_o liberty_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v people_n perpetual_o doubt_v and_o unsettled_a i_o do_v utter_o deny_v this_o and_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a with_o good_a reason_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o have_v the_o contrary_a effect_n there_o be_v in_o reason_n no_o better_a way_n to_o establish_v any_o man_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o there_o be_v very_o good_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o believe_v which_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o see_v that_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o examine_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o reason_n or_o not_o so_o that_o beside_o the_o reasonablness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v of_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o account_n 1._o to_o arm_v we_o against_o seducer_n he_o that_o have_v examine_v his_o religion_n and_o try_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v most_o able_a to_o maintain_v they_o and_o make_v they_o good_a against_o all_o assault_n that_o may_v be_v make_v upon_o we_o to_o move_v we_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n whereas_o he_o that_o have_v not_o examine_v and_o consequent_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o to_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
considerable_a and_o allow_v itself_o in_o the_o breach_n or_o neglect_v of_o the_o rest_n no_o nor_o with_o observe_v the_o duty_n of_o one_o table_n of_o the_o law_n if_o it_o overlook_v the_o other_o no_o nor_o with_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n one_o only_o except_v st._n james_n put_v this_o case_n and_o determine_v that_o he_o that_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n save_v that_o he_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n be_v guilty_a of_o all_o that_o be_v be_v not_o sincere_a in_o his_o obedience_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o set_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n at_o odds_o and_o dash_v the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n against_o one_o another_o lest_z as_o st._n james_n say_v we_o break_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o i_o fear_v this_o be_v too_o common_a a_o fault_n even_o among_o those_o who_o make_v a_o great_a profession_n of_o piety_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o sensible_a of_o the_o obligation_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o respect_n our_o carriage_n and_o conversation_n with_o one_o another_o man_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v law_n to_o we_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n but_o we_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_a design_n that_o we_o shall_v honour_v he_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o one_o another_o for_o which_o reason_n he_o join_v with_o our_o humble_a and_o dutiful_a deportment_n towards_o himself_o the_o office_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o other_o mich._n 6._o 8._o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n and_o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o this_o commandment_n have_v we_o from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o visible_a that_o many_o who_o make_v a_o great_a profession_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n be_v very_o defective_a in_o moral_a duty_n very_o unpeaceable_a and_o turbulent_a in_o their_o spirit_n very_o peevish_a and_o passionate_a very_a conceit_a and_o censorious_a as_o if_o their_o profession_n of_o godliness_n do_v exempt_v they_o from_o the_o care_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a virtue_n but_o we_o must_v not_o so_o fix_v our_o eye_n upon_o heaven_n as_o to_o forget_v that_o we_o walk_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o order_n of_o our_o step_n and_o conversation_n among_o man_n lest_o while_o we_o be_v gaze_v upon_o the_o star_n we_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n of_o gross_a and_o foul_a immorality_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o man_n may_v be_v devout_a and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n very_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o because_o of_o their_o palpable_a defect_n in_o point_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n may_v be_v gross_a and_o odious_a hypocrite_n for_o man_n must_v not_o think_v for_o some_o act_n either_o of_o outward_a or_o inward_a piety_n to_o compound_v with_o god_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n or_o to_o demand_v it_o as_o a_o right_n from_o man_n to_o be_v excuse_v from_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o humane_a conversation_n or_o pretend_v to_o be_v above_o they_o because_o they_o relate_v chief_o to_o this_o world_n and_o to_o the_o temporal_a happiness_n of_o man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o great_a devotion_n to_o give_v a_o licence_n to_o man_n to_o be_v peevish_a and_o froward_a sour_a and_o morose_n supercilious_a and_o censorious_a in_o their_o behaviour_n towards_o other_o man_n must_v have_v a_o great_a care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o intent_n upon_o the_o outward_a part_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o inward_a and_o real_a goodness_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o neglect_v and_o lose_v the_o main_a end_n of_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o place_v all_o religion_n in_o fast_v and_o outward_a mortification_n for_o though_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o their_o place_n if_o they_o be_v discreet_o manage_v and_o make_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v often_o see_v that_o man_n have_v so_o unequal_a a_o respect_n to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o fast_v and_o corporal_a severity_n those_o meager_a and_o lean_a duty_n of_o piety_n in_o comparison_n do_v like_o pharaoh_n lean_a cow_n devour_v and_o eat_v up_o almost_o all_o the_o goodly_a and_o well-favoured_a the_o great_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n and_o therefore_o man_n must_v take_v great_a heed_n lest_o whilst_o they_o be_v so_o intent_n upon_o mortify_v themselves_o they_o do_v not_o mortify_v virtue_n and_o good_a nature_n humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o charity_n thing_n high_o valuable_a in_o themselves_o and_o amiable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n be_v not_o only_o a_o mighty_a scandal_n to_o religion_n but_o of_o pernicious_a consequence_n many_o other_o way_n a_o fierce_a and_o ill_o govern_v a_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o something_o or_o other_o belong_v necessary_o as_o they_o think_v to_o his_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n have_v make_v many_o man_n do_v many_o unreasonable_a immoral_a and_o impious_a thing_n of_o which_o history_n will_v furnish_v we_o with_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jesuit_n and_o other_o zealot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o there_o be_v not_o want_v too_o many_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n among_o ourselves_o for_o man_n that_o be_v not_o sober_a and_o considerate_a in_o their_o religion_n but_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o blind_a prejudice_n and_o furious_a zeal_n do_v easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o they_o strong_o fancy_v to_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n hence_o some_o have_v proceed_v to_o that_o height_n of_o absurdity_n in_o their_o zeal_n for_o their_o religion_n and_o church_n as_o to_o think_v it_o not_o only_o lawful_a but_o high_o commendable_a and_o meritorious_a to_o equivocate_v upon_o oath_n and_o break_v faith_n with_o heretic_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v piety_n in_o some_o case_n to_o lie_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o kill_v man_n for_o god_n sake_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v approve_v the_o integrity_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o evidence_n to_o ourselves_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o obedience_n we_o ought_v impartial_o to_o regard_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o with_o god_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o sincerity_n in_o scripture_n be_v often_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n because_o it_o be_v integrate_v and_o make_v up_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n 6._o the_o last_o evidence_n i_o shall_v mention_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v if_o it_o hold_v out_o against_o persecution_n and_o endure_v the_o fiery_a trial_n this_o be_v the_o utmost_a proof_n of_o our_o integrity_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o bear_v the_o cross_n to_o be_v willing_a then_o to_o expose_v all_o our_o worldly_a interest_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o trial_n which_o god_n do_v not_o always_o call_v his_o faithful_a servant_n to_o but_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o in_o the_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o their_o mind_n this_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o great_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_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 this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n into_o good_a ground_n and_o be_v well_o root_v in_o their_o religion_n when_o they_o be_v not_o shake_v by_o these_o fierce_a assault_n for_o many_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o with_o joy_n receive_v it_o but_o have_v not_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o persecution_n or_o tribulation_n arise_v because_o of_o
present_a in_o hope_n to_o have_v more_o trouble_n afterward_o than_o the_o pleasure_n come_v to_o but_o especial_o no_o man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n in_o hope_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o afterward_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o repentance_n for_o such_o sin_n without_o restitution_n and_o it_o be_v perfect_a madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o get_v a_o estate_n in_o hope_n of_o restore_v it_o again_o for_o so_o he_o must_v do_v that_o true_o repent_v of_o such_o a_o sin_n but_o 2._o in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o final_a issue_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o will_v certain_o be_v misery_n and_o sorrow_n how_o quiet_o soever_o a_o sinner_n may_v pass_v through_o this_o world_n or_o out_o of_o it_o misery_n will_v certain_o overtake_v he_o in_o the_o next_o unspeakable_a and_o eternal_a misery_n arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o great_a loss_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o sharp_a pain_n and_o those_o sad_o aggravate_v by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o future_a ease_n from_o a_o sad_a apprehension_n and_o melancholy_a reflection_n upon_o his_o inestimable_a loss_n in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o sinner_n shall_v be_v eternal_o separate_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o that_o miserable_a sentence_n which_o shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o the_o wicked_a depart_v from_o i_o sinner_n be_v not_o now_o sensible_a of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o estimate_v the_o greatness_n of_o such_o a_o loss_n but_o this_o stupidity_n and_o insensibleness_n of_o sinner_n continue_v only_o during_o this_o present_a state_n which_o afford_v man_n variety_n of_o object_n and_o pleasure_n to_o divert_v and_o entertain_v they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o enter_v upon_o the_o other_o world_n they_o will_v then_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o take_v up_o their_o thought_n but_o the_o sad_a condition_n into_o which_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a negligence_n and_o folly_n they_o have_v plunge_v themselves_o they_o shall_v then_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n and_o with_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o parable_n at_o once_o see_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o feel_v their_o own_o misery_n and_o torment_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o beside_o the_o apprehension_n of_o so_o great_a a_o loss_n they_o shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o sore_a and_o sharp_a pain_n and_o how_o grievous_a those_o shall_v be_v we_o may_v conjecture_v by_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o they_o in_o general_a that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o mighty_a displeasure_n of_o anger_n and_o omnipotence_n meet_v together_o far_o great_a than_o can_v be_v describe_v by_o any_o pain_n and_o suffering_n which_o we_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n for_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o what_o omnipotent_a justice_n can_v do_v to_o sinner_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n one_o will_v think_v this_o be_v misery_n enough_o and_o need_v no_o frather_o aggravation_n but_o yet_o it_o have_v two_o terrible_a one_o from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n and_o the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o remembrance_n of_o past_a pleasure_n make_v present_a suffering_n more_o sharp_a and_o sensible_a for_o as_o nothing_o commend_v pleasure_n more_o and_o give_v a_o quick_a relish_n to_o happiness_n than_o precedent_a pain_n and_o suffering_n for_o perhaps_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n than_o in_o the_o sudden_a ease_n which_o a_o man_n find_v after_o a_o sharp_a fit_a of_o the_o stone_n so_o nothing_o enrage_v affliction_n more_o and_o set_v a_o keen_a edge_n upon_o misery_n than_o to_o pass_v into_o great_a pain_n immediate_o out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n this_o be_v the_o sting_a aggravation_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n torment_n that_o in_o his_o life_n time_n he_o have_v receive_v his_o good_a thing_n and_o have_v fair_v so_o delicious_o every_o day_n but_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o all_o be_v the_o despair_n of_o any_o future_a ease_n and_o remedy_n the_o duration_n of_o this_o misery_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o such_o expression_n as_o do_v signify_v the_o long_a and_o most_o interminable_a duration_n depart_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n matth._n 25._o and_o mark_v 9_o 43._o where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v and_o in_o the_o revel_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o without_o intermission_n and_o without_o end_n and_o this_o sure_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o misery_n for_o a_o man_n to_o lie_v under_o the_o great_a torment_n and_o to_o be_v in_o despair_n of_o ever_o find_v the_o least_o ease_n let_v we_o now_o compare_v thing_n together_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n for_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o reward_n that_o follow_v they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o mischief_n and_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o and_o will_v certain_o overtake_v they_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v in_o a_o wise_a man_n choice_n and_o indeed_o the_o choice_n be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v strange_o forsake_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o blind_v by_o sense_n who_o do_v not_o prefer_v that_o course_n of_o life_n which_o will_v probable_o make_v he_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n but_o most_o certain_o in_o the_o next_o there_o remain_v now_o only_a the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o viz._n suppose_v this_o choice_n to_o be_v reasonable_a to_o inquire_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o make_v a_o quite_o contrary_a choice_n how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o wide_o mistake_v as_o to_o prefer_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n before_o conscience_n and_o religion_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o great_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o as_o brief_a a_o account_n as_o i_o can_v and_o so_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n this_o wrong_a choice_n general_o proceed_v from_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n from_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o from_o want_n of_o consideration_n or_o of_o both_o 1._o one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n make_v so_o imprudent_a a_o choice_n be_v unbelief_n either_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o either_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v the_o recompense_n of_o another_o life_n or_o they_o be_v not_o so_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o if_o man_n do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o foundation_n for_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n that_o be_v he_o that_o think_v of_o be_v religious_a must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v infidel_n as_o to_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o great_a many_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o waver_a their_o faith_n be_v rather_o negative_a they_o do_v not_o disbelieve_v these_o thing_n but_o they_o be_v not_o firm_o persuade_v of_o they_o their_o faith_n be_v rather_o a_o opinion_n than_o a_o root_a and_o well_o ground_a persuasion_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a a_o principle_n of_o action_n and_o like_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o moses_n and_o other_o worthy_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n for_o where_o faith_n be_v in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o vigour_n it_o will_v have_v proportionable_a effect_n upon_o the_o resolution_n and_o will_n of_o man_n but_o where_o it_o be_v but_o weak_a it_o be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o efficacy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o forsake_fw-mi religion_n and_o cleave_v to_o this_o present_a world_n and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o push_n choose_v rather_o to_o sin_n than_o to_o suffer_v and_o will_v rather_o quit_v the_o truth_n than_o endure_v persecution_n for_o it_o these_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n describe_v who_o receive_v receive_v the_o word_n with_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 1._o 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 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 both_o these_o 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 and_o therefore_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o exhortation_n 2._o i_o proceed_v positive_o to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o propose_v 1._o to_o consider_v 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 of_o which_o every_o christian_a make_v profession_n in_o his_o baptism_n for_o of_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o context_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 not_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n impose_v upon_o the_o christian_a church_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 propose_v or_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o proposer_n of_o they_o and_o then_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o 2._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 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 their_o confidence_n 2._o and_o much_o more_o against_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n 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 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 another_o religion_n 5._o against_o all_o the_o cunning_a art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o busiy_n 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 gain_v proselyte_n to_o their_o party_n and_o faction_n 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 their_o confidence_n and_o of_o this_o i_o give_v several_a instance_n as_o in_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o infallibility_n without_o any_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o it_o either_o by_o scripture_n or_o miracle_n i_o mean_v such_o miracle_n as_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v for_o as_o for_o their_o legend_n since_o the_o wise_a among_o themselves_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o they_o i_o hope_v they_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o or_o be_v move_v by_o they_o and_o then_o their_o pretence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n which_o be_v now_o make_v a_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o successor_n of_o saint_n peter_n there_o be_v by_o divine_a appointment_n the_o supreme_a and_o universal_a pastor_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o every_o humane_a creature_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o and_o last_o their_o invocation_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o saint_n depart_v without_o any_o warrant_n or_o example_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o without_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o hear_v the_o prayer_n which_o be_v put_v up_o to_o they_o 2._o much_o more_o be_v we_o 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 contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o here_o i_o instance_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n the_o lock_v up_o of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o people_n and_o celebrate_v the_o public_a prayer_n and_o service_n of_o god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n in_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n their_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n and_o their_o daily_a repetition_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n of_o the_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v offer_v once_o for_o all_o and_o be_v of_o eternal_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o because_o it_o need_v not_o like_o jewish_a sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n to_o be_v repeat_v to_o these_o instance_n which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o or_o two_o more_o as_o namely_o that_o to_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n a_o intention_n in_o the_o minister_n at_o least_o to_o do_v what_o the_o church_n do_v be_v requisite_a this_o be_v express_o define_v and_o under_o a_o anathema_n upon_o all_o that_o shall_v say_v otherwise_o by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n sess._n the_o seven_o can._n 11_o which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o validity_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o minister_n so_o that_o if_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o baptise_v the_o party_n he_o pretend_v to_o baptise_v than_o it_o be_v no_o baptism_n and_o consequent_o the_o person_n baptise_a be_v not_o make_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n nor_o be_v any_o grace_n or_o special_a benefit_n confer_v upon_o he_o nor_o be_v he_o a_o christian._n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o the_o priest_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o consecrate_v the_o host_n then_o be_v it_o no_o sacrament_n and_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o it_o and_o which_o according_a to_o their_o opinion_n be_v a_o dreadful_a consequence_n by_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n there_o be_v no_o change_n make_v of_o the_o element_n into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o they_o that_o give_v adoration_n to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o such_o case_n worship_n bread_n and_o wine_n for_o god_n which_o be_v idolatry_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o their_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n though_o the_o priest_n pronounce_v the_o word_n of_o absolution_n yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o true_o penitent_a and_o god_n on_o his_o part_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v he_o yet_o if_o the_o priest_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v and_o the_o man_n be_v still_o in_o his_o sin_n so_o likewise_o in_o ordination_n which_o be_v another_o of_o their_o sacrament_n if_o the_o bishop_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o ordain_v the_o man_n he_o be_v no_o priest_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v as_o a_o priest_n afterward_o either_o in_o administration_n of_o baptism_n or_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o the_o absolution_n of_o penitent_n all_o be_v vain_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n nay_o in_o marriage_n which_o they_o will_v needs_o have_v to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n too_o if_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v want_v there_o be_v nothing_o do_v the_o contract_n be_v null_v and_o they_o that_o be_v so_o marry_v do_v real_o live_v in_o adultery_n though_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o nor_o have_v any_o suspicion_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o scripture_n and_o the_o whole_a tenure_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o promise_v the_o benefit_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o all_o those_o that_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v require_v on_o their_o part_n and_o declare_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n to_o those_o who_o confess_v they_o to_o god_n and_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n give_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o administer_v they_o or_o that_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o intention_n or_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n but_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
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
it_o but_o have_v no_o root_n in_o themselves_o they_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o while_n and_o when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n arise_v because_o of_o the_o word_n present_o they_o fall_v off_o and_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n when_o some_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v whereby_o in_o effect_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n be_v overthrow_v of_o this_o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n be_v guilty_a of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o they_o err_v concern_v the_o truth_n say_v that_o tbe_n resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o and_o thereby_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 17_o 18._o that_o be_v they_o turn_v the_o resurrection_n into_o a_o allegory_n and_o do_v thereby_o real_o destroy_v a_o most_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o apostate_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v solemn_o renounce_v his_o baptism_n and_o declare_v christianity_n to_o be_v false_a there_o be_v several_a other_o way_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v bring_v himself_o under_o this_o guilt_n as_o by_o a_o silent_a quit_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o withdraw_a himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o that_o profess_v it_o by_o deny_v a_o essential_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n by_o undermine_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o by_o teach_v doctrine_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o encourage_v man_n in_o impenitence_n and_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n nay_o to_o authorize_v all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o vice_n in_o tell_v man_n that_o whatever_o they_o do_v they_o can_v sin_n for_o which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v look_v upon_o the_o gnostic_n as_o no_o better_a than_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n and_o though_o they_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v true_o and_o real_o so_o and_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_n religion_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v under_o the_o ii_o head_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o several_a sort_n and_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n the_o high_a of_o all_o be_v the_o renounce_n and_o forsake_v of_o christianity_n or_o of_o some_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o virtual_a apostafie_n from_o it_o but_o there_o be_v several_a tendency_n towards_o this_o which_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n as_o 1._o indifferency_n in_o religion_n and_o want_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o concernment_n for_o it_o when_o a_o man_n though_o he_o never_o quit_v his_o religion_n yet_o be_v so_o little_o concern_v for_o it_o that_o a_o very_a small_a occasion_n or_o temptation_n will_v make_v he_o do_v it_o he_o be_v content_v to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n and_o he_o find_v no_o great_a inconvenience_n by_o it_o but_o be_v so_o indifferent_a in_o his_o mind_n about_o it_o like_a gallio_n who_o mind_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v turn_v himself_o into_o any_o other_o shape_n when_o his_o interest_n require_v it_o so_o that_o though_o he_o never_o actual_o desert_v it_o yet_o he_o be_v 2_o kind_n of_o apostate_n in_o the_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o to_o such_o person_n that_o title_n which_o solomon_n give_v to_o some_o may_v fit_o enough_o be_v apply_v they_o be_v backslider_n in_o heart_n 2._o another_o tendency_n to_o this_o sin_n and_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o it_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a mark_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n by_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o those_o for_o fear_v of_o danger_n or_o suffer_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o denial_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o persecution_n grow_v hot_a and_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o christianity_n dangerous_a to_o avoid_v this_o danger_n many_o appear_v not_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v observe_v and_o bring_v into_o trouble_n for_o it_o this_o the_o apostle_n tax_v some_o for_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o let_v go_v our_o profession_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o desert_v of_o christianity_n v_o 23_o 35._o let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v he_o do_v not_o say_v they_o have_v quit_v their_o profession_n but_o they_o have_v but_o a_o loose_a hold_n of_o it_o and_o be_v silent_o steal_v away_o from_o it_o 3._o a_o light_a temper_n of_o mind_n which_o easy_o receive_v impression_n from_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o truth_n when_o man_n be_v not_o well_o root_v and_o establish_v in_o religion_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v inveigle_v by_o the_o crafty_a insinuation_n of_o seducer_n to_o be_v move_v with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o to_o be_v easy_o shake_v in_o mind_n by_o every_o trifle_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n that_o be_v confident_o obtrude_v upon_o they_o for_o a_o weighty_a argument_n now_o this_o be_v a_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o dispose_v man_n to_o apostasy_n and_o render_v they_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o one_o that_o take_v a_o pleasure_n and_o a_o pride_n in_o make_v proselyte_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o a_o man_n shall_v always_o have_v a_o mind_n ready_a to_o entertain_v truth_n when_o it_o be_v fair_o propose_v to_o he_o but_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o plain_o reveal_v and_o lie_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o ordinary_a capacity_n that_o every_o man_n may_v discern_v they_o and_o when_o he_o have_v once_o entertain_v they_o aught_o to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o they_o and_o not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v whiffle_v out_o of_o they_o by_o any_o insignificant_a noise_n about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n much_o less_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v move_v by_o any_o man_n uncharitableness_n and_o positiveness_n in_o damn_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n so_o very_o plain_a not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o no_o subtlety_n of_o discourse_n no_o pretend_a authority_n or_o even_o infallibility_n of_o any_o church_n aught_o to_o stagger_v we_o in_o the_o least_o about_o they_o as_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o or_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o in_o a_o language_n which_o they_o understand_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o our_o saviour_n institute_v and_o appoint_v it_o that_o be_v in_o both_o kind_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v our_o duty_n nor_o lawful_a to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o worship_n of_o image_n in_o the_o second_o commandment_n as_o plain_o as_o word_n can_v do_v it_o upon_o any_o one_o of_o these_o point_n a_o man_n will_v fix_v his_o foot_n and_o stand_v alone_o against_o the_o whole_a world_n 4._o another_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n be_v a_o departure_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n in_o a_o gross_a and_o notorious_a manner_n this_o be_v a_o partial_a though_o not_o a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o there_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v just_o charge_v with_o this_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o religion_n namely_o such_o as_o though_o they_o retain_v and_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n yet_o have_v great_o pervert_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o superinduce_v and_o add_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o gross_a corruption_n and_o superstition_n in_o worship_n and_o impose_v upon_o man_n the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o these_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o st._n paul_n be_v my_o warrant_n for_o this_o censure_n who_o charge_v those_o who_o add_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o thereby_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o guilty_a in_o some_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n for_o he_o call_v it_o preach_v another_o gospel_n gal._n 1._o 7_o 8._o there_o be_v some_o that_o trouble_v
and_o live_v of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o his_o gospel_n a_o sermon_n on_o matth_n xvi_o 24._o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o than_o say_v jesus_n to_o his_o disciple_n that_o be_v upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o former_a discourse_n with_o they_o wherein_o he_o have_v acquaint_v they_o with_o his_o approach_a passion_n that_o he_o must_v short_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o suffer_v many_o thing_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o they_o then_o say_v jesus_n unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o or_o follow_v i_o that_o be_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o undertake_v the_o profession_n of_o my_o religion_n if_o any_o man_n choose_v and_o resolve_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a he_o must_v be_v so_o upon_o these_o term_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o he_o must_v follow_v i_o in_o self-denial_n and_o suffer_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o way_n and_o method_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v in_o make_v proselyte_n and_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o his_o religion_n he_o offer_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o compel_v they_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o fair_o offer_v it_o to_o their_o consideration_n and_o choice_n and_o tell_v they_o plain_o upon_o what_o term_n they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o if_o they_o be_v content_v and_o resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o these_o term_n well_o if_o not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o follow_v he_o any_o long_o for_o they_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n ii_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v this_o duty_n of_o self-denial_n express_v in_o these_o word_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 iii_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o strict_a and_o indispensible_a obligation_n of_o it_o whenever_o we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o without_o this_o we_o can_v be_v christ_n disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o or_o be_v my_o disciple_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o iv._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n and_o suffering_n for_o christ_n which_o at_o first_o appearance_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a and_o i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o particular_n as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v i._o we_o will_v consider_v the_o way_n and_o method_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o use_v in_o make_v proselyte_n and_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o his_o religion_n he_o offer_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o fair_o propose_v it_o to_o their_o consideration_n and_o choice_n tell_v they_o plain_o upon_o what_o term_n they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n if_o they_o like_v they_o and_o be_v content_a and_o resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o well_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v they_o and_o own_v they_o for_o his_o disciple_n if_o not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o follow_v he_o any_o long_o for_o they_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n he_o offer_v they_o no_o worldly_a preferment_n and_o advantage_n to_o entice_v they_o into_o his_o religion_n and_o to_o tempt_v they_o outward_o to_o profess_v what_o they_o do_v not_o inward_o believe_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o do_v not_o hale_v and_o drag_v they_o by_o force_n and_o awe_v they_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o torture_n and_o death_n to_o sign_v the_o christian_a faith_n though_o most_o undoubted_o true_a and_o to_o confess_v with_o their_o mouth_n and_o subscribe_v with_o their_o hand_n what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n he_o do_v not_o obtrude_v his_o sacrament_n upon_o they_o and_o plunge_v they_o into_o the_o water_n to_o baptise_v they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o and_o thrust_v the_o sacrament_n of_o bread_n into_o their_o mouth_n as_o if_o man_n may_v be_v worthy_a receiver_n of_o that_o bless_a sacrament_n whether_o they_o receive_v it_o willing_o or_o no._n our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n make_v use_v of_o none_o of_o these_o way_n of_o violence_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o of_o all_o religion_n and_o especial_o of_o christianity_n and_o fit_v only_o to_o make_v man_n hypocrite_n but_o not_o convert_v he_o only_o say_v if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v my_o disciple_n he_o use_v no_o argument_n but_o such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o proper_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n for_o as_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o induce_v man_n to_o be_v his_o subject_n take_v from_o this_o world_n but_o from_o the_o endless_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o the_o weapon_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o subdue_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o carnal_a and_o yet_o they_o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n to_o conquer_v the_o obstinacy_n and_o infidelity_n of_o man_n this_o great_a and_o infallible_a teacher_n who_o certain_o come_v from_o god_n all_o that_o he_o do_v be_v to_o propose_v his_o religion_n to_o man_n with_o such_o evidence_n and_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o he_o acquaint_v they_o likewise_o with_o all_o the_o worldly_a disadvantage_n of_o it_o and_o the_o hazard_n and_o suffering_n that_o will_v attend_v it_o and_o now_o if_o upon_o full_a consideration_n they_o will_v make_v his_o religion_n their_o free_a choice_n and_o become_v his_o disciple_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o he_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n better_o than_o to_o go_v about_o to_o force_v it_o upon_o man_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n ii_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v this_o duty_n or_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n express_v in_o these_o word_n let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n these_o be_v difficult_a term_n for_o a_o man_n to_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o own_o cross_n that_o be_v willing_o to_o submit_v to_o all_o those_o suffering_n which_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n may_v inflict_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n for_o this_o expression_n of_o take_v up_o one_o cross_n be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o roman_a custom_n which_o be_v this_o that_o he_o that_o be_v condemn_v to_o be_v crucify_a be_v to_o take_v his_o cross_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n this_o the_o jew_n make_v our_o saviour_n to_o do_v as_o we_o read_v joh._n 19_o 17._o till_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o faint_v under_o it_o and_o lest_o he_o shall_v die_v away_o before_o he_o be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n they_o compel_v simon_n of_o cyrene_n to_o carry_v it_o for_o he_o as_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n and_o yet_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n must_v follow_v he_o bear_v their_o own_o cross_n that_o be_v be_v ready_a if_o god_n call_v they_o to_o it_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o like_a suffering_n for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n which_o he_o be_v short_o to_o undergo_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o their_o sake_n but_o though_o these_o term_n seem_v very_o hard_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n some_o indeed_o have_v make_v they_o so_o by_o extend_v this_o self-denial_n too_o far_o attend_v more_o to_o the_o latitude_n of_o the_o word_n than_o to_o the_o meaning_n and_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n which_o may_v proper_o enough_o be_v call_v self-denial_n which_o yet_o our_o saviour_n never_o intend_v to_o oblige_v christian_n to_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n great_a self-denial_n for_o a_o man_n without_o any_o necessity_n to_o deny_v himself_o the_o necessary_a support_v of_o life_n for_o a_o man_n to_o starve_v and_o make_v away_o himself_o but_o no_o man_n certain_o ever_o imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n ever_o intend_v by_o this_o precept_n to_o enjoin_v this_o kind_n of_o self-denial_n it_o be_v
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 explication_n of_o this_o metaphor_n i_o insist_v only_o upon_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v design_v and_o intend_v by_o it_o 1._o that_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unsettled_a they_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n on_o the_o earth_n ii_o it_o imply_v a_o tendency_n to_o a_o future_a settlement_n and_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o happy_a condition_n into_o which_o we_o shall_v enter_v when_o we_o go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o these_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v two_o very_a weighty_a and_o useful_a consideration_n that_o we_o shall_v both_o understand_v our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o our_o future_a hope_n and_o expectation_n after_o our_o departure_n out_o of_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v demean_v ourselves_o suitable_o to_o both_o these_o condition_n both_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o those_o who_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o pilgrim_n and_o sojourner_n in_o this_o world_n and_o likewise_o as_o it_o become_v those_o who_o seek_v and_o expect_v a_o better_a country_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o another_o world_n i._o that_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unsettled_a and_o this_o be_v principal_o intend_v by_o the_o metaphor_n of_o pilgrim_n and_o stranger_n such_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n they_o have_v no_o constant_a abide_v and_o fix_v habitation_n but_o be_v continual_o wander_v from_o one_o kingdom_n and_o country_n to_o another_o in_o which_o travel_n they_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o great_a many_o danger_n and_o suffering_n affront_v and_o injury_n as_o we_o read_v at_o large_a in_o the_o history_n of_o their_o travel_n
the_o word_n present_o they_o be_v offend_v nay_o some_o when_o they_o see_v persecution_n come_v at_o a_o distance_n wheel_v off_o and_o bethink_v themselves_o of_o make_v their_o retreat_n in_o time_n and_o of_o agree_v with_o their_o adversary_n whilst_o he_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o way_n so_o that_o constancy_n to_o our_o religion_n in_o case_n of_o danger_n and_o suffer_v for_o it_o be_v the_o best_a proof_n of_o our_o sincerity_n this_o be_v the_o fiery_a trial_n as_o the_o scripture_n call_v it_o which_o will_v try_v what_o material_n we_o be_v make_v of_o and_o whether_o we_o love_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v consider_v sincerity_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n and_o import_v true_a piety_n and_o religion_n towards_o he_o and_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o consideration_n ii_o of_o sincerity_n as_o it_o regard_v man_n and_o so_o it_o signify_v a_o simplicity_n of_o mind_n and_o manner_n in_o our_o conversation_n and_o carriage_n one_o towards_o another_o singleness_n of_o heart_n discover_v itself_o in_o a_o constant_a plainness_n and_o honest_a openness_n of_o behaviour_n free_a from_o all_o insidious_a devise_n and_o little_a trick_n and_o fetch_v of_o craft_n and_o cunning_a from_o all_o false_a appearance_n and_o deceitful_a disguise_n of_o ourselves_o in_o word_n or_o action_n or_o yet_o more_o plain_o it_o be_v to_o speak_v as_o we_o think_v and_o do_v what_o we_o pretend_v and_o profess_v to_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a what_o we_o promise_v and_o in_o a_o word_n real_o to_o be_v what_o we_o will_v seem_v and_o appear_v to_o be_v not_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o tell_v every_o man_n all_o our_o mind_n but_o we_o be_v never_o to_o declare_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o we_o may_v be_v silent_a and_o conceal_v as_o much_o of_o ourselves_o as_o prudence_n or_o any_o other_o good_a reason_n require_v but_o we_o must_v not_o put_v on_o a_o disguise_n and_o make_v a_o false_a appearance_n and_o empty_a show_n of_o what_o we_o be_v not_o either_o by_o word_n or_o action_n contrary_n to_o this_o virtue_n be_v i_o fear_v most_o of_o that_o compliment_n which_o be_v current_n in_o conversation_n and_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v nothing_o but_o word_n to_o fill_v up_o the_o gap_n and_o supply_v the_o emptiness_n of_o discourse_n and_o a_o pretence_n to_o that_o kindness_n and_o esteem_n for_o person_n which_o either_o in_o truth_n we_o have_v not_o or_o not_o to_o that_o degree_n which_o our_o expression_n seem_v to_o import_v which_o if_o do_v with_o design_n be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v flattery_n a_o very_a odious_a sort_n of_o insincerity_n and_o so_o much_o the_o worse_o because_o it_o abuse_v man_n into_o a_o vain_a and_o foolish_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o a_o ill_a ground_a confidence_n of_o the_o kindness_n and_o goodwill_n of_o other_o towards_o they_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a because_o it_o have_v a_o party_n within_o we_o which_o be_v ready_a to_o let_v it_o in_o it_o play_v upon_o our_o self-love_n which_o greedy_o catch_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o magnify_v and_o advance_v we_o for_o god_n know_v we_o be_v all_o too_o apt_a to_o think_v and_o make_v the_o best_a of_o our_o bad_a self_n so_o that_o very_o few_o temper_n have_v wisdom_n and_o firmness_n enough_o to_o be_v proof_n against_o flattery_n it_o require_v great_a consideration_n and_o a_o resolute_a modesty_n and_o humility_n to_o resist_v the_o insinuation_n of_o this_o serpent_n yea_o a_o little_a rudeness_n and_o moroseness_n of_o nature_n a_o prudent_a distrust_n and_o infidelity_n in_o mankind_n to_o make_v a_o man_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o reject_v and_o despise_v it_o now_o beside_o that_o all_o hypocrisy_n and_o insincerity_n be_v mean_a in_o itself_o have_v falsehood_n at_o the_o bottom_n it_o be_v also_o often_o make_v use_n of_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o other_o in_o their_o right_n and_o interest_n for_o not_o only_a dissimulation_n be_v contrary_a to_o sincerity_n because_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o vain_a show_n of_o what_o we_o be_v not_o in_o a_o false_a muster_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o good_a quality_n in_o a_o deceitful_a representation_n and_o undue_a character_n of_o our_o life_n but_o there_o be_v likewise_o other_o quality_n and_o action_n more_o inconsistent_a with_o integrity_n which_o be_v of_o a_o more_o injurious_a and_o mischievous_a consequence_n to_o our_o nature_n as_o falsehood_n and_o fraud_n and_o perfidiousness_n and_o infinite_a little_a craft_n and_o art_n of_o deceit_n which_o man_n practise_v upon_o one_o another_o in_o their_o ordinary_a conversation_n and_o intercourse_n the_o former_a be_v great_a vanity_n but_o this_o be_v gross_a iniquity_n and_o yet_o these_o quality_n dexterous_o manage_v so_o as_o not_o to_o lie_v too_o plain_a and_o open_a to_o discovery_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o many_o as_o sign_n of_o great_a depth_n and_o shrewdness_n admirable_a instrument_n of_o business_n and_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o compass_v our_o own_o end_n and_o design_n and_o though_o in_o those_o that_o have_v suffer_v by_o they_o and_o feel_v the_o mischief_n of_o they_o they_o be_v always_o account_v dishonest_a yet_o among_o the_o generality_n of_o looker_n on_o they_o pass_v for_o great_a policy_n as_o if_o the_o very_a skill_n of_o govern_v and_o manage_v humane_a affair_n do_v consist_v in_o these_o little_a trick_n and_o device_n but_o he_o that_o look_v more_o narrow_o into_o they_o and_o will_v but_o have_v the_o patience_n to_o observe_v the_o end_n of_o they_o will_v find_v they_o to_o be_v great_a folly_n and_o that_o it_o be_v only_o for_o want_v of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n that_o man_n turn_v aside_o to_o trick_n and_o make_v dissimulation_n and_o lie_v their_o refuge_n it_o be_v solomon_n observation_n that_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o walk_v sure_o but_o the_o folly_n of_o fool_n be_v deceit_n the_o folly_n of_o fool_n that_o be_v the_o most_o egregious_a piece_n of_o folly_n that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o be_v to_o play_v the_o knave_n the_o vulgar_a translation_n render_v this_o clause_n a_o little_a otherwise_o but_o yet_o towards_o the_o same_o sense_n sed_fw-la stultus_fw-la divertit_fw-la ad_fw-la dolos_fw-la but_o the_o fool_n turn_v aside_o to_o trick_n to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o man_n want_v understanding_n to_o see_v the_o plain_a and_o direct_a way_n to_o his_o end_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o these_o little_a art_n may_v serve_v a_o present_a turn_n and_o perhaps_o successful_o enough_o but_o true_a wisdom_n go_v deep_a and_o reach_v a_o great_a way_n further_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n and_o regard_v the_o future_a as_o well_o as_o the_o present_a and_o by_o judge_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o sum_n of_o affair_n do_v clear_o discern_v that_o craft_n and_o cunning_n be_v only_o useful_a for_o the_o present_a occasion_n whereas_o integrity_n be_v of_o a_o last_a use_n and_o will_v be_v serviceable_a to_o we_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o dissimulation_n and_o deceit_n though_o they_o may_v do_v some_o present_a execution_n in_o business_n yet_o they_o recoil_v upon_o a_o man_n terrible_o afterward_o so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o stagger_v and_o by_o degree_n to_o weaken_v and_o at_o last_o to_o destroy_v his_o reputation_n which_o be_v a_o much_o more_o useful_a and_o substantial_a and_o last_a instrument_n of_o prosperity_n and_o success_n in_o humane_a affair_n than_o any_o trick_n and_o device_n whatsoever_o thus_o have_v i_o consider_v this_o great_a virtue_n of_o sincerity_n both_o as_o it_o regard_v god_n and_o the_o mutual_a conversation_n and_o intercourse_n of_o man_n one_o with_o another_o and_o now_o have_v explain_v the_o nature_n of_o sincerity_n to_o god_n and_o man_n by_o declare_v the_o property_n of_o it_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o ought_v chief_o to_o practice_v it_o and_o what_o thing_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o that_o which_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o endeavour_v after_o this_o excellent_a quality_n 〈◊〉_d to_o practice_v it_o in_o all_o the_o word_n and_o 〈◊〉_d of_o their_o life_n let_v we_o then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v sincere_a in_o our_o religion_n and_o serve_v god_n in_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n out_o of_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o he_o and_o not_o with_o sinister_a respect_n to_o our_o private_a interest_n or_o passion_n to_o the_o public_a approbation_n or_o censure_n of_o man_n let_v we_o never_o make_v use_n of_o religion_n to_o serve_v any_o base_a and_o unworthy_a end_n cloak_v our_o design_n of_o covetousness_n or_o ambition_n or_o revenge_n with_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o let_v we_o endeavour_v