say_v as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n lord_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v how_o far_o the_o ignorance_n of_o this_o institution_n or_o the_o mistake_n which_o man_n have_v be_v lead_v into_o about_o it_o may_v extenuate_v this_o neglect_n be_v another_o consideration_n but_o after_o we_o know_v our_o lord_n will_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o have_v the_o law_n plain_o lay_v before_o we_o there_o be_v no_o cloak_n for_o our_o sin_n for_o nothing_o can_v excuse_v the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o a_o plain_a institution_n from_o a_o downright_a contempt_n of_o our_o saviour_n authority_n 2._o we_o be_v likewise_o oblige_v hereunto_o in_o point_n of_o interest_n the_o benefit_n which_o we_o expect_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o by_o this_o sacrament_n be_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o encourage_v we_o in_o well-doing_n and_o to_o support_v we_o under_o suffering_n and_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o in_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n we_o neglect_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n we_o forsake_v our_o own_o mercy_n and_o judge_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o confirm_v and_o convey_v these_o blessing_n to_o we_o so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o interest_n shall_v oblige_v we_o not_o to_o neglect_v so_o excellent_a and_o so_o effectual_a a_o mean_n of_o promote_a our_o own_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n 3._o we_o be_v likewise_o particular_o oblige_v in_o point_n of_o gratitude_n to_o the_o careful_a observance_n of_o this_o institution_n this_o be_v the_o particular_a thing_n our_o lord_n give_v in_o charge_n when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o man_n use_v religious_o to_o observe_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o die_a friend_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o do_v what_o he_o desire_v but_o this_o be_v the_o charge_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n nay_o of_o the_o great_a friend_n and_o benefactor_n of_o all_o mankind_n when_o he_o be_v prepare_v himself_o to_o die_v in_o our_o stead_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o to_o undergo_v the_o most_o grievous_a pain_n and_o suffering_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o to_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o temporal_a death_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o bitter_a pain_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o can_v we_o deny_v he_o any_o thing_n he_o ask_v of_o we_o who_o be_v go_v to_o do_v all_o this_o for_o we_o can_v we_o deny_v he_o this_o so_o little_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a in_o itself_o so_o infinite_o beneficial_a to_o we_o have_v such_o a_o friend_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n bid_v we_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v we_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o when_o he_o have_v only_o commend_v to_o we_o one_o of_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o delightful_a action_n as_o a_o fit_a representation_n and_o memorial_n of_o his_o wonderful_a love_n to_o we_o and_o of_o his_o cruel_a suffering_n for_o our_o sake_n when_o he_o have_v only_o enjoin_v we_o in_o a_o thankful_a commemoration_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o meet_v at_o his_o table_n and_o to_o remember_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o who_o we_o have_v pierce_v and_o to_o resolve_v to_o grieve_v and_o wound_v he_o no_o more_o can_v we_o without_o the_o most_o horrible_a ingratitude_n neglect_v this_o die_a charge_n of_o our_o sovereign_n and_o our_o saviour_n the_o great_a friend_n and_o lover_n of_o soul_n a_o command_n so_o reasonable_a so_o easy_a so_o full_a of_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o faithful_a observer_n of_o it_o one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o this_o particular_a and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v so_o plain_a a_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a thing_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o their_o interest_n and_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o partake_v of_o those_o great_a and_o manifold_a blessing_n which_o all_o christian_n believe_v to_o be_v promise_v and_o make_v good_a to_o the_o frequent_a and_o worthy_a receiver_n of_o this_o sacrament_n where_o then_o lie_v the_o difficulty_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o backwardness_n which_o we_o see_v in_o man_n to_o so_o plain_a so_o necessary_a and_o so_o beneficial_a a_o duty_n the_o truth_n be_v man_n have_v be_v great_o discourage_v from_o this_o sacrament_n by_o the_o unwary_a press_v and_o inculcate_v of_o two_o great_a truth_n the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o it_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o iii_o third_z particular_a i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o objection_n and_o scruple_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o many_o devout_a and_o sincere_a christian_n to_o their_o great_a discouragement_n from_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n at_o least_o so_o frequent_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o these_o objection_n i_o tell_v you_o be_v chief_o ground_v upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v at_o the_o 27_o verse_n wherefore_o whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o again_o ver_fw-la 29._o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o upon_o the_o mistake_n and_o misapplication_n of_o these_o text_n have_v be_v ground_v two_o objection_n of_o great_a force_n to_o discourage_v man_n from_o this_o sacrament_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o clearness_n i_o can_v to_o remove_v first_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v be_v so_o very_o great_a it_o seem_v the_o safe_a way_n not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o second_o that_o so_o much_o preparation_n and_o worthiness_n be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a receive_v the_o more_o timorous_a sort_n of_o devout_a christian_n can_v never_o think_v themselves_o due_o enough_o qualify_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n 1_o obj._n 1_o 1._o that_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v be_v so_o very_o great_a it_o seem_v the_o safe_a way_n whole_o to_o refrain_v from_o this_o sacrament_n and_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o at_o all_o but_o this_o objection_n be_v evident_o of_o no_o force_n if_o there_o be_v as_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v as_o great_a or_o a_o great_a danger_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n viz._n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o so_o though_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v avoid_v by_o not_o receive_v yet_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v and_o contemn_v a_o plain_a institution_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o thereby_o avoid_v sure_o they_o in_o the_o parable_n that_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o marriage-feast_n of_o the_o king_n son_n and_o make_v light_n of_o that_o gracious_a invitation_n be_v at_o least_o as_o faulty_a as_o he_o who_o come_v without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o we_o find_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o parable_n that_o as_o he_o be_v severe_o punish_v for_o his_o disrespect_n so_o they_o be_v destroy_v for_o their_o disobedience_n nay_o of_o the_o two_o it_o be_v the_o great_a sign_n of_o contempt_n whole_o to_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n than_o to_o partake_v of_o it_o without_o some_o due_a qualification_n the_o great_a indisposition_n that_o can_v be_v for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v one_o be_v a_o bad_a man_n and_o he_o may_v be_v as_o bad_a and_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o continue_v so_o who_o wilful_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n than_o he_o that_o come_v to_o it_o with_o any_o degree_n of_o reverence_n and_o preparation_n though_o much_o less_o than_o he_o ought_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a sore_a man_n to_o come_v to_o so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n without_o some_o kind_n of_o religious_a awe_n upon_o their_o spirit_n and_o without_o some_o good_a thought_n and_o resolution_n at_o least_o for_o the_o present_a if_o a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o know_a wickedness_n of_o life_n do_v before_o he_o receive_v
that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n do_v thwart_v the_o natural_a inclination_n of_o man_n which_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o that_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v set_v our_o nature_n and_o our_o duty_n at_o variance_n to_o have_v give_v we_o appetite_n and_o inclination_n one_o way_n and_o law_n another_o which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a must_v needs_o render_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n very_o grievous_a and_o uneasy_a the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v very_o smart_o express_v in_o those_o celebrate_a verse_n of_o a_o noble_a poet_n of_o our_o own_o which_o be_v so_o frequent_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o who_o be_v think_v to_o bear_v no_o good_a will_n to_o religion_n o_o wearisome_a condition_n of_o humanity_n bear_v under_o one_o law_n to_o another_o bound_n vain_o beget_v and_o yet_o forbid_a vanity_n create_v sick_a command_v to_o be_v sound_a if_o nature_n do_v not_o take_v delight_n in_o blood_n she_o will_v have_v make_v more_o easy_a way_n to_o good_a so_o that_o this_o objection_n will_v say_v charge_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o god_n first_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o evil_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o then_o of_o the_o contrariety_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o those_o inclination_n and_o from_o the_o beginning_n man_n have_v always_o be_v apt_a to_o lay_v the_o blame_n of_o his_o fault_n where_o it_o can_v least_o lie_n upon_o goodness_n and_o perfection_n itself_o the_o very_a first_o sin_n that_o ever_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o he_o endeavour_v to_o throw_v upon_o god_n the_o woman_n who_o thou_o give_v i_o say_v adam_n she_o give_v i_o of_o the_o tree_n and_o i_o do_v eat_v and_o his_o posterity_n be_v still_o apt_a to_o excuse_v themselves_o the_o same_o way_n but_o to_o return_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n 1._o we_o will_v acknowledge_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n from_o what_o it_o be_v original_o frame_v when_o it_o come_v out_o of_o god_n hand_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o this_o account_n that_o it_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o voluntary_a transgression_n of_o a_o plain_a and_o easy_a command_n give_v by_o god_n to_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o this_o weakness_n contract_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n natural_o descend_v upon_o we_o their_o posterity_n and_o visible_o discover_v itself_o in_o our_o inclination_n to_o evil_a and_o impotence_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o of_o this_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v very_o sensible_a that_o humane_a nature_n be_v very_o much_o decline_v from_o its_o primitive_a rectitude_n and_o sink_v into_o a_o weak_a and_o droop_a and_o sickly_a state_n which_o they_o call_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o moult_a of_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a as_o not_o to_o charge_v this_o upon_o god_n but_o upon_o some_o corruption_n and_o impurity_n contract_v by_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o former_a state_n before_o its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o these_o gross_a earthly_a body_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o partly_o the_o punishment_n of_o fault_n commit_v in_o a_o former_a state_n and_o partly_o as_o the_o opportunity_n of_o a_o new_a trial_n in_o order_n to_o its_o purgation_n and_o recovery_n and_o this_o be_v the_o best_a account_n they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o this_o matter_n without_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o god_n acquit_v from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o but_o however_o the_o posterity_n of_o adam_n do_v all_o partake_v of_o the_o weakness_n contract_v by_o his_o fall_n and_o do_v still_o labour_v under_o the_o misery_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o but_o then_o this_o degeneracy_n be_v not_o total_a for_o though_o our_o faculty_n be_v much_o weaken_v and_o disorder_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o destroy_v nor_o whole_o pervert_v our_o natural_a judgement_n and_o conscience_n do_v still_o direct_a to_o we_o what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n as_o to_o the_o great_a line_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v still_o legible_a upon_o our_o heart_n so_o that_o the_o law_n write_v in_o god_n word_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n write_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_o say_v that_o we_o be_v bear_v under_o one_o law_n and_o bind_v to_o another_o but_o the_o great_a disorder_n be_v that_o our_o infeririour_a faculty_n our_o sensitive_a appetite_n and_o passion_n be_v break_v loose_a and_o have_v get_v head_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n apt_a to_o rebel_v i_o against_o it_o but_o our_o judgement_n still_o dictate_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v enjoin_v it_o be_v likewise_o very_o visible_a that_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o this_o degeneracy_n do_v not_o appear_v equal_o and_o alike_o in_o all_o whether_o from_o the_o better_o or_o worse_a temper_n of_o our_o body_n or_o from_o some_o other_o more_o secret_a cause_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v because_o i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n be_v evident_a for_o though_o a_o proneness_n to_o evil_n and_o some_o seed_n of_o it_o be_v in_o all_o yet_o we_o may_v plain_o discover_v in_o many_o very_a early_a and_o forward_a inclination_n to_o some_o kind_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v cultivate_v by_o education_n may_v under_o the_o ordinary_a influence_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v carry_v on_o with_o great_a case_n to_o great_a perfection_n and_o there_o be_v other_o who_o be_v not_o so_o strong_o bend_v to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a but_o that_o by_o good_a instruction_n and_o example_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n they_o may_v be_v sway_v the_o other_o way_n and_o without_o great_a difficulty_n form_v to_o goodness_n there_o be_v some_o indeed_o which_o be_v the_o hard_a case_n in_o who_o there_o do_v very_o early_o appear_v strong_a propension_n and_o inclination_n to_o evil_a especial_o to_o some_o particular_a kind_n of_o vice_n but_o the_o case_n of_o these_o be_v not_o desperate_a though_o great_a attention_n and_o care_n and_o a_o much_o more_o prudent_a management_n be_v require_v in_o the_o education_n of_o such_o person_n to_o correct_v their_o evil_a temper_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o bend_v their_o inclination_n the_o right_a way_n and_o if_o the_o seed_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v but_o careful_o sow_o at_o first_o very_o much_o may_v be_v do_v by_o this_o mean_n even_o in_o the_o most_o deprave_a nature_n towards_o the_o alter_n and_o change_v of_o they_o however_o to_o the_o check_v and_o control_a of_o their_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o if_o these_o person_n when_o they_o come_v to_o ripe_a year_n will_v pursue_v these_o advantage_n of_o education_n and_o take_v some_o pain_n with_o themselves_o and_o earnest_o seek_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o even_o these_o person_n by_o degree_n may_v at_o last_o get_v the_o mastery_n of_o their_o unhappy_a temper_n for_o next_o to_o the_o be_v and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o i_o do_v more_o firm_o believe_v than_o this_o that_o god_n have_v that_o love_n for_o man_n that_o if_o we_o do_v hearty_o beg_v his_o assistance_n and_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o he_o will_v afford_v it_o to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o proportion_n to_o our_o need_n of_o it_o that_o he_o be_v always_o before_o hand_n with_o we_o and_o prevent_v every_o man_n with_o the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o his_o help_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o very_a perverse_a nature_n have_v thus_o be_v reclaim_v for_o god_n who_o be_v the_o lover_n of_o soul_n as_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n call_v he_o though_o he_o may_v put_v some_o man_n under_o more_o difficult_a circumstance_n of_o become_v good_a than_o other_o yet_o he_o leave_v no_o man_n under_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o be_v wicked_a and_o perish_v everlasting_o he_o tender_o consider_v every_o man_n case_n and_o circumstance_n and_o it_o be_v we_o that_o pull_v destruction_n upon_o ourselves_o with_o the_o work_n of_o our_o own_o hand_n but_o as_o sure_a as_o god_n be_v good_a and_o just_a no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v ruin_v for_o want_n of_o have_v sufficient_a help_n and_o aid_v afford_v to_o he_o by_o god_n for_o his_o recovery_n
be_v the_o great_a doctor_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o teacher_n and_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o because_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o above_o all_o other_o pretend_v to_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v so_o often_o put_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n together_o and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n of_o chief_a authority_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n who_o equal_v their_o own_o unwritten_a word_n and_o tradition_n with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nay_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o they_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o their_o tradition_n they_o do_v in_o effect_n assume_v to_o themselves_o infallibility_n and_o all_o that_o oppose_a and_o contradict_v they_o they_o brand_v with_o the_o odious_a name_n of_o heretic_n against_o these_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v this_o woe_n here_o in_o the_o text_n woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n etc._n etc._n all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o word_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n st._n luke_n express_v it_o more_o plain_o you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n you_o enter_v not_o in_o yourselves_o and_o they_o that_o be_v enter_v in_o you_o hinder_v by_o put_v these_o two_o expression_n together_o we_o shall_v the_o more_o easy_o come_v at_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text._n you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o have_v shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o men._n this_o metaphor_n of_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v undoubted_o a_o allusion_n to_o that_o know_a custom_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o their_o doctor_n for_o to_o whosoever_o they_o give_v authority_n to_o interpret_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o that_o office_n by_o deliver_v to_o they_o a_o key_n and_o a_o table-book_n so_o that_o by_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v here_o mean_v the_o interpretation_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n not_o only_o that_o they_o arrogate_a to_o themselves_o alone_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o likewise_o that_o they_o have_v convey_v away_o this_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o as_o it_o be_v hide_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n neither_o use_v it_o themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v nor_o suffer_v other_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o they_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n which_o be_v very_o fit_o say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v lock_v the_o door_n against_o they_o that_o be_v go_v in_o and_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o metaphorical_a expression_n be_v that_o the_o scribe_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o law_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n have_v pervert_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o they_o from_o the_o people_n especial_o those_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v shut_v against_o man_n and_o they_o not_o only_o reject_v the_o truth_n themselves_o but_o by_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o hinder_v many_o from_o embrace_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v otherwise_o well_o enough_o dispose_v for_o it_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o shall_v from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o they_o observe_v to_o you_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n that_o which_o let_v man_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o the_o great_a and_o inexcusable_a fault_n of_o those_o who_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o but_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o hinder_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v so_o heavy_a a_o woe_n against_o they_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o these_o two_o observation_n and_o then_o apply_v they_o to_o those_o who_o be_v principal_o concern_v in_o they_o i._n first_o i_o observe_v hence_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n this_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n that_o which_o let_v man_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n knowledge_n be_v necessary_a to_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o it_o and_o necessary_a to_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o without_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n because_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v some_o knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v to_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v some_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n so_o that_o without_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o devotion_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n religion_n begin_v in_o the_o understanding_n and_o from_o thence_o descend_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o we_o must_v first_o know_v god_n before_o we_o can_v worship_v he_o and_o understand_v what_o be_v his_o will_n before_o we_o can_v do_v it_o this_o be_v so_o very_o evident_a that_o one_o will_v think_v there_o need_v no_o discourse_n about_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o world_n that_o cry_v up_o ignorance_n as_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n and_o to_o show_v that_o we_o do_v not_o wrong_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n mr._n rushworth_n in_o his_o dialogue_n a_o book_n in_o great_a vogue_n among_o the_o papist_n here_o in_o england_n do_v express_o reckon_v up_o ignorance_n among_o the_o parent_n of_o religion_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v say_v more_o absurd_o and_o more_o to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o derive_v the_o pedigree_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n from_o so_o obscure_a and_o ignoble_a a_o original_a and_o to_o make_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o ignorance_n and_o a_o child_n of_o darkness_n ignorance_n indeed_o may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o folly_n and_o superstition_n but_o sure_o religion_n be_v of_o a_o noble_a extraction_n and_o be_v the_o issue_n and_o result_v of_o the_o best_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o descend_v from_o above_o from_o the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n even_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o as_o knowledge_n in_o general_n be_v necessary_a to_o religion_n so_o more_o particular_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n because_o these_o be_v the_o great_a and_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n concern_v our_o duty_n and_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n be_v full_o and_o plain_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o whence_o can_v we_o learn_v the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o well_o as_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n they_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o shall_v not_o every_o man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o that_o which_o alone_o can_v perfect_o instruct_v he_o what_o he_o must_v believe_v and_o what_o he_o must_v do_v that_o he_o may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o testimony_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o fit_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v this_o wisdom_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o free_a use_n of_o that_o book_n from_o whence_o this_o wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v ii_o second_o i_o observe_v the_o great_a and_o inexcusable_a fault_n of_o those_o who_o keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n of_o religion_n and_o take_v away_o from_o they_o so_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a a_o mean_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n as_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v this_o our_o saviour_n call_v take_v away_o the_o
and_o clear_a enough_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o his_o providence_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o though_o neither_o pope_n nor_o council_n have_v ever_o declare_v any_o thing_n about_o these_o matter_n and_o for_o reveal_v doctrine_n we_o may_v be_v certain_a enough_o of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o the_o father_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n four_o a_o infallible_a judge_n if_o there_o be_v one_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o end_v controversy_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v likewise_o infallible_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n and_o who_o he_o be_v for_o till_o man_n be_v sure_a of_o both_o these_o there_o will_v still_o be_v a_o controversy_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o who_o he_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n controversy_n can_v be_v end_v than_o a_o controversy_n concern_v a_o infallible_a judge_n can_v never_o be_v end_v and_o there_o be_v two_o controversy_n actual_o on_o foot_n about_o a_o infallible_a judge_n one_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a judge_n or_o not_o which_o be_v a_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o other_o who_o this_o infallible_a judge_n be_v which_o be_v a_o controversy_n among_o themselves_o which_o can_v never_o yet_o be_v decide_v and_o yet_o till_o it_o be_v decide_v infallibility_n if_o they_o have_v it_o will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n five_o there_o be_v no_o such_o absolute_a need_n as_o be_v pretend_v of_o determine_v all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n if_o man_n will_v divest_v themselves_o of_o prejudice_n and_o interest_n as_o they_o ought_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o necessary_a thing_n of_o religion_n be_v plain_a enough_o and_o man_n will_v general_o agree_v well_o enough_o about_o they_o but_o if_o man_n will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v by_o ass_v by_o these_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o a_o infallible_a judge_n if_o there_o be_v one_o or_o they_o will_v find_v out_o some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o call_v his_o infallibility_n into_o question_n and_o as_o for_o doubtful_a and_o lesser_a matter_n in_o religion_n charity_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n among_o christian_n will_v make_v the_o church_n as_o peaceable_a and_o happy_a as_o perhaps_o it_o be_v ever_o design_v to_o be_v in_o this_o world_n without_o absolute_a unity_n in_o opinion_n six_o and_o last_o whatever_o may_v be_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o man_n judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o religion_n yet_o take_v this_o principle_n with_o the_o caution_n i_o have_v give_v i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o inconvenience_n be_v far_o the_o least_o on_o that_o side_n the_o present_a condition_n of_o humane_a nature_n do_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o constitution_n of_o thing_n whether_o in_o religion_n or_o civil_a matter_n which_o be_v free_a from_o all_o kind_n of_o exception_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o be_v the_o best_a state_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o least_o and_o few_o if_o man_n be_v modest_a and_o humble_a and_o willing_a to_o learn_v god_n have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o i_o can_v tell_v what_o will_v be_v sufficient_a i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v heresy_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o those_o who_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v certain_o guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n god_n have_v appoint_v guide_n and_o teacher_n for_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v content_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o they_o in_o those_o necessary_a article_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v counsel_v and_o direct_v by_o they_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o doubtful_a and_o difficult_a i_o do_v not_o see_v why_o we_o may_v hot_o do_v well_o enough_o without_o any_o infallible_a judge_n or_o guide_n but_o still_o it_o will_v be_v say_v who_o shall_v judge_v what_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o what_o doubtful_a the_o answer_n to_o this_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v not_o difficult_a for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n plain_a in_o religion_n every_o man_n that_o have_v be_v due_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o religtion_n can_v judge_v of_o it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a but_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o religion_n so_o very_o plain_a that_o no_o guide_n or_o judge_n can_v in_o reason_n claim_v that_o authority_n over_o man_n as_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v or_o do_v the_o contrary_a no_o though_o he_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n no_o though_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n though_o he_o be_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n s._n paul_n put_v the_o case_n so_o high_a gal._n 1.8_o though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v which_o plain_o suppose_v that_o christian_n may_v and_o can_v judge_v when_o doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n what_o not_o believe_v a_o apostle_n nor_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n if_o he_o shall_v teach_v any_o thing_n evident_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o he_o shall_v determine_v virtue_n to_o be_v vice_n and_o vice_n to_o be_v virtue_n no_o not_o a_o apostle_n nor_o a_o angel_n because_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o will_v confound_v and_o overturn_v all_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o bellarmin_n put_v this_o very_a case_n and_o say_v if_o the_o pope_n shall_v so_o determine_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o unless_o we_o will_v sin_v against_o conscience_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n by_o put_v a_o very_a plain_a and_o familiar_a case_n by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v what_o credit_n and_o authority_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o guide_n and_o what_o not_o suppose_v i_o come_v a_o stranger_n into_o england_n and_o land_v at_o dover_n take_v a_o guide_n there_o to_o conduct_v i_o in_o my_o way_n to_o york_n which_o i_o know_v before_o by_o the_o map_n to_o lie_v north_n of_o dover_n have_v commit_v myself_o to_o he_o if_o he_o lead_v i_o for_o two_o or_o three_o day_n together_o out_o of_o any_o plain_a road_n and_o many_o time_n over_o hedge_n and_o ditch_n i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o in_o a_o civil_a and_o well_o inhabit_v country_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o highway_n from_o one_o part_n of_o it_o to_o another_o yet_o thus_o far_o i_o submit_v to_o he_o though_o not_o without_o some_o regret_n and_o impatience_n but_o then_o if_o after_o this_o for_o two_o or_o three_o day_n more_o he_o lead_v i_o direct_o south_n and_o with_o my_o face_n full_a upon_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n and_o at_o last_o bring_v i_o back_o again_o to_o dover_n pere_n and_o still_o bid_v i_o follow_v he_o then_o certain_o no_o modesty_n do_v oblige_v a_o man_n not_o to_o dispute_v with_o his_o guide_n and_o to_o tell_v he_o sure_o that_o can_v be_v no_o way_n because_o it_o be_v sea_n now_o though_o he_o set_v never_o so_o bold_a a_o face_n upon_o the_o matter_n and_o tell_v i_o with_o all_o the_o gravity_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sea_n but_o dry_a land_n under_o the_o species_n and_o appearance_n of_o water_n and_o that_o whatever_o my_o eye_n tell_v i_o have_v once_o commit_v myself_o to_o his_o guidance_n i_o must_v not_o trust_v my_o own_o sense_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a sort_n of_o infidelity_n for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v his_o own_o eye_n rather_o than_o his_o faithful_a and_o infallible_a guide_n all_o this_o move_v i_o not_o but_o i_o begin_v to_o expostulate_v roundly_o with_o he_o and_o to_o let_v he_o understand_v that_o if_o i_o must_v not_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v of_o no_o far_o use_v to_o i_o because_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a at_o this_o rate_n to_o know_v whether_o i_o have_v a_o guide_n and_o whether_o i_o follow_v he_o or_o not_o in_o short_a i_o tell_v he_o plain_o that_o when_o i_o take_v he_o for_o my_o guide_n i_o do_v not_o take_v he_o to_o tell_v i_o the_o difference_n between_o north_n and_o south_n between_o a_o hedge_n and_o a_o highway_n between_o sea_n and_o dry_a land_n all_o this_o i_o know_v before_o as_o well_o as_o he_o
or_o any_o man_n else_o can_v tell_v i_o but_o i_o take_v he_o to_o conduct_v and_o direct_v i_o the_o near_a way_n to_o york_n and_o therefore_o after_o all_o his_o impertinent_a talk_n after_o all_o his_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o persuade_v i_o to_o believe_v he_o and_o all_o his_o confident_a say_n which_o he_o grave_o call_v demonstration_n i_o stand_v stiff_o upon_o the_o shore_n and_o leave_v my_o learned_a and_o reverend_a guide_n to_o take_v his_o own_o course_n and_o to_o dispose_v of_o himself_o as_o he_o please_v but_o firm_o resolve_v not_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o be_v any_o man_n to_o be_v blame_v that_o break_v with_o his_o guide_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o this_o be_v true_o the_o case_n when_o a_o man_n commit_v himself_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o any_o person_n or_o church_n if_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o authority_n they_o will_v needs_o persuade_v i_o out_o of_o my_o sense_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v what_o i_o see_v but_o what_o they_o say_v that_o virtue_n be_v vice_n and_o vice_n virtue_n it_o they_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o because_o they_o say_v they_o be_v infallible_a i_o be_o to_o receive_v all_o their_o dictate_v for_o oracle_n though_o never_o so_o evident_o false_a and_o absurd_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o these_o unreasonable_a people_n but_o to_o desire_v of_o they_o since_o one_o kindness_n deserve_v another_o and_o all_o contradiction_n be_v alike_o easy_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o believe_v that_o infidelity_n be_v faith_n and_o that_o when_o i_o absolute_o renounce_v their_o authority_n i_o do_v yield_v a_o most_o perfect_a submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o it_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n of_o man_n go_v upon_o this_o presumption_n that_o man_n be_v not_o stark_a fool_n but_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o interest_n and_o have_v some_o regard_n to_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o to_o secure_a man_n from_o mistake_n in_o matter_n of_o belief_n as_o god_n have_v afford_v to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n he_o have_v make_v no_o effectual_a and_o infallible_a provision_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o sin_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v puzzle_v any_o man_n to_o give_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v take_v more_o care_n to_o secure_a man_n against_o error_n in_o belief_n than_o against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o their_o life_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o draw_v three_o or_o four_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v make_v and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n who_o have_v ability_n and_o capacity_n for_o it_o to_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o to_o try_v doctrine_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o which_o the_o better_a any_o man_n understand_v the_o more_o firm_o he_o will_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v the_o more_o resolute_a in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o the_o better_a able_a to_o withstand_v the_o art_n and_o assault_n of_o cunning_a adversary_n and_o the_o fierce_a storm_n of_o persecution_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o man_n will_v soon_o be_v move_v from_o his_o steadfastness_n who_o never_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o belief_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n he_o that_o have_v but_o little_a to_o say_v for_o his_o religion_n will_v probable_o neither_o do_v nor_o suffer_v much_o for_o it_o 2._o that_o all_o doctrine_n be_v vehement_o to_o be_v suspect_v which_o decline_v trial_n and_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o light_n which_o will_v hot_a endure_v a_o fair_a examination_n but_o magisterial_o require_v a_o implicit_a faith_n whereas_o truth_n be_v bold_a and_o full_a of_o courage_n and_o love_v to_o appear_v open_o and_o be_v so_o secure_a and_o confident_a of_o her_o own_o strength_n as_o to_o offer_v herself_o to_o the_o severe_a trial_n and_o examination_n but_o to_o deny_v all_o liberty_n of_o enquiry_n and_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a injury_n and_o disparagement_n to_o truth_n that_o can_v be_v and_o a_o tacit_a acknowledgement_n that_o she_o lie_v under_o some_o disadvantage_n and_o that_o there_o be_v less_o to_o be_v say_v for_o she_o than_o for_o error_n i_o have_v often_o wonder_v why_o the_o people_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o suspect_v their_o teacher_n and_o guide_n to_o have_v some_o ill_a design_n upon_o they_o when_o they_o do_v so_o industrious_o debar_v they_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o be_v so_o very_o loath_a to_o let_v they_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v to_o say_v against_o their_o religion_n for_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v more_o suspicious_a than_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n upon_o promise_n that_o they_o will_v help_v they_o to_o a_o much_o better_a and_o more_o faithful_a guide_n if_o any_o church_n any_o profession_n of_o man_n be_v unwilling_a their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o trial_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n they_o know_v something_o by_o they_o that_o be_v faulty_a and_o which_o will_v not_o endure_v the_o light_n this_o be_v the_o account_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o in_o a_o like_a case_n it_o be_v because_o man_n deed_n be_v evil_a that_o they_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v he_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o god_n 3._o since_o reason_n and_o christianity_n allow_v this_o liberty_n to_o private_a person_n to_o judge_n for_o themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v use_v this_o privilege_n with_o much_o modesty_n and_o humility_n with_o great_a submission_n and_o deference_n to_o our_o spiritual_a ruler_n and_o guide_n who_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n and_o there_o be_v very_o great_a need_n of_o this_o caution_n since_o by_o experience_n we_o find_v this_o liberty_n so_o much_o abuse_v by_o many_o to_o the_o nourish_a of_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n of_o division_n and_o faction_n and_o those_o who_o be_v least_o able_a to_o judge_v to_o be_v frequent_o the_o most_o forward_o and_o confident_a the_o most_o peremptory_a and_o perverse_a and_o instead_o of_o demeaning_n themselves_o with_o the_o submission_n of_o learner_n to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o authority_n of_o judge_n even_o in_o the_o most_o doubtful_a and_o disputable_a matter_n the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n over_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v justify_v upon_o any_o account_n but_o nothing_o put_v so_o plausible_a a_o colour_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o ill_a use_n that_o be_v too_o frequent_o make_v of_o this_o natural_a privilege_n of_o man_n judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o infinite_a concernment_n as_o that_o of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o proper_a remedy_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o to_o deprive_v man_n of_o this_o privilege_n but_o to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n of_o it_o for_o though_o the_o inconvenience_n arise_v from_o the_o ill_a use_n of_o it_o may_v be_v very_o great_a yet_o the_o mischief_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v intolerable_a religion_n itself_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v to_o very_o bad_a purpose_n and_o frequent_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o best_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o religion_n and_o yet_o this_o objection_n if_o it_o be_v of_o any_o force_n and_o be_v pursue_v home_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o strong_a against_o religion_n itself_o as_o against_o man_n liberty_n of_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n nay_o i_o add_v far_o that_o no_o man_n can_v judicious_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n unless_o he_o be_v permit_v to_o judge_v whether_o that_o which_o he_o embrace_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o not_o 4._o when_o upon_o due_a trial_n and_z examination_n we_o be_v well_o settle_v and_o establish_v in_o our_o religion_n let_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o procession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v and_o not_o be_v like_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n through_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v
the_o sacrament_n set_v himself_o serious_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o to_o beg_v god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n against_o they_o and_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o do_v continue_v for_o some_o time_n in_o these_o good_a resolution_n though_o after_o a_o while_o he_o may_v possible_o relapse_n into_o the_o same_o sin_n again_o this_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o restraint_n to_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o these_o good_a mood_n and_o sit_v of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n be_v much_o better_a than_o a_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a course_n of_o sin_n even_o this_o righteousness_n which_o be_v but_o as_o the_o morning_n cloud_n and_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o so_o soon_o pass_v away_o be_v better_a than_o none_o and_o indeed_o scarce_o any_o man_n can_v think_v of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o he_o will_v by_o this_o consideration_n be_v excite_v to_o some_o good_a purpose_n and_o put_v upon_o some_o sort_n of_o endeavour_n to_o amend_v and_o reform_v his_o life_n and_o though_o he_o be_v very_o much_o under_o the_o bondage_n and_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n if_o he_o do_v with_o any_o competent_a degree_n of_o sincerity_n and_o it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o excellent_a mean_n and_o instrument_n for_o the_o mortify_n and_o subdue_a of_o his_o lust_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistence_n it_o may_v please_v god_n by_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n so_o to_o abate_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o to_o imprint_v such_o consideration_n upon_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o that_o he_o may_v at_o last_o break_v off_o his_o wicked_a course_n and_o become_v a_o good_a man_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o to_o those_o who_o neglect_v this_o sacrament_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n leave_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o the_o great_a enormity_n of_o life_n and_o to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o they_o in_o their_o evil_a course_n nothing_o but_o the_o penalty_n of_o humane_a law_n which_o man_n may_v avoid_v and_o yet_o be_v wicked_a enough_o heretofore_o man_n use_v to_o be_v restrain_v from_o great_a and_o scandalous_a vice_n by_o shame_n and_o fear_n of_o disgrace_n and_o will_v astain_v from_o many_o sin_n out_o of_o regard_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n among_o man_n but_o man_n have_v harden_v their_o face_n in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n and_o those_o gentle_a restraint_n of_o modesty_n which_o govern_v and_o keep_v man_n in_o order_n heretofore_o signify_v nothing_o now_o adays_o blush_v be_v out_o of_o fashion_n and_o shame_n be_v cease_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o the_o sacrament_n do_v always_o use_v to_o lay_v some_o kind_n of_o restraint_n upon_o the_o worst_a of_o mer_fw-fr and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o whole_o reform_v they_o it_o will_v at_o least_o have_v some_o good_a effect_n upon_o they_o for_o a_o time_n if_o it_o do_v not_o make_v man_n good_a yet_o it_o will_v make_v they_o resolve_v to_o be_v so_o and_o leave_v some_o good_a thought_n and_o impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o have_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n to_o discourage_v man_n so_o much_o from_o the_o sacrament_n as_o the_o way_n have_v be_v of_o late_a year_n and_o that_o many_o man_n who_o be_v under_o some_o kind_n of_o check_n before_o since_o they_o have_v be_v drive_v away_o from_o the_o sacrament_n have_v quite_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o and_o prostitute_a themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o impiety_n and_o vice_n and_o among_o the_o many_o ill_a effect_n of_o our_o past_a confusion_n this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o in_o many_o congregation_n of_o this_o kingdom_n christians_n be_v general_o difuse_v and_o deter_v from_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v unfit_a for_o it_o and_o be_v so_o they_o must_v necessary_o incur_v the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v better_a whole_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o very_a many_o place_n this_o great_a and_o solemn_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v almost_o quite_o forget_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n even_o lose_v among_o christian_n so_o that_o many_o congregation_n in_o england_n may_v just_o have_v take_v up_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o woman_n at_o our_o saviour_n sepulchre_n they_o have_v take_v away_o our_o lord_n and_o we_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o but_o sure_o man_n do_v not_o well_o consider_v what_o they_o do_v nor_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o will_v be_v when_o they_o do_v so_o earnest_o dissuade_v man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v great_a but_o the_o proper_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v not_o that_o man_n shall_v upon_o this_o consideration_n be_v deter_v from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v affright_v from_o their_o sin_n and_o from_o that_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v a_o habitual_a indisposition_n and_o unworthiness_n st._n paul_n indeed_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o true_o represent_v and_o very_o much_o aggravate_v the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n but_o he_o do_v not_o deter_v the_o corinthian_n from_o it_o because_o they_o have_v sometime_o come_v to_o it_o without_o due_a reverence_n but_o exhort_v they_o to_o amend_v what_o have_v be_v amiss_o and_o to_o come_v better_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o future_a and_o therefore_o after_o that_o terrible_a declaration_n in_o the_o text_n whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o do_v not_o add_v therefore_o let_v christian_n take_v heed_n of_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o let_v they_o come_v prepare_v and_o with_o due_a reverence_n not_o as_o to_o a_o common_a meal_n but_o to_o a_o solemn_a participation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o fear_v of_o perform_v so_o sacred_a a_o action_n in_o a_o undue_a manner_n it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o bad_a man_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o give_v over_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o piety_n of_o prayer_n of_o read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v a_o proportionable_a danger_n in_o the_o unworthy_a and_o unprofitable_a use_n of_o any_o of_o these_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v of_o one_o that_o resolve_v to_o continue_v so_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o our_o saviour_n give_v we_o the_o same_o caution_n concern_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o reform_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n that_o be_v deadly_a and_o damnable_a to_o such_o person_n but_o now_o will_v any_o man_n from_o hence_o argue_v that_o it_o be_v best_o for_o a_o wicked_a man_n not_o to_o pray_v nor_o to_o hear_v or_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o by_o so_o do_v he_o shall_v endanger_v and_o aggravate_v his_o condemmation_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n from_o this_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o give_v over_o pray_v and_o attend_v to_o god_n word_n as_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o true_a that_o he_o that_o pray_v unworthy_o and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n unworthy_o that_o be_v without_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o by_o his_o indevout_a prayer_n and_o unfruitful_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n do_v further_a and_o aggravate_v his_o own_o damnation_n i_o say_v this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o true_a as_o that_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o sacrament_n unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o high_a contempt_n of_o christ_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v his_o own_o judgement_n so_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o unworthy_a perform_v this_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n be_v no_o otherwise_o a_o reason_n to_o any_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n than_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o he_o to_o cast_v
off_o all_o religion_n he_o that_o unworthy_o use_v or_o perform_v any_o part_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a condition_n but_o he_o that_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n plunge_v himself_o into_o a_o most_o desperate_a state_n and_o do_v certain_o damn_v himself_o to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o damnation_n because_o he_o that_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n throw_v off_o all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v reclaim_v and_o bring_v into_o a_o better_a state_n i_o can_v more_o fit_o illustrate_v this_o matter_n than_o by_o this_o plain_a similitude_n he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v intemperate_o endanger_v his_o health_n and_o his_o life_n but_o he_o that_o to_o avoid_v this_o danger_n will_v not_o eat_v at_o all_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o what_o will_v certain_o become_v of_o he_o in_o a_o very_a short_a space_n there_o be_v some_o conscientious_a person_n who_o abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o shall_v commit_v afterward_o be_v unpardonable_a but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n our_o saviour_n have_v so_o plain_o declare_v that_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n mall_n be_v forgive_v man_n except_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v those_o great_a miracle_n which_o they_o see_v he_o work_v and_o which_o he_o real_o wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n indeed_o to_o sin_n deliberate_o after_o so_o solemn_a a_o engagement_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n but_o not_o such_o as_o to_o make_v it_o unpardonable_a but_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v these_o sin_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o constant_a receive_n of_o it_o with_o the_o best_a preparation_n we_o can_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v sin_n for_o the_o future_a and_o to_o obtain_v the_o assistence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o that_o end_n and_o if_o we_o fall_v into_o sin_n afterward_o we_o may_v be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n for_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a who_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o as_o such_o be_v in_o a_o very_a lively_a and_o affect_a manner_n exhibit_v to_o we_o in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o his_o body_n break_v and_o his_o blood_n shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o so_o frequent_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n do_v never_o after_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o fall_v into_o any_o deliberate_a sin_n undoubted_o many_o of_o they_o do_v but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o think_v that_o such_o sin_n be_v unpardonable_a and_o that_o so_o many_o good_a man_n shall_v because_v of_o their_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o our_o lord_n institution_n unavoidable_o fall_v into_o condemnation_n to_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o matter_n such_o groundless_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n as_o these_o may_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a meaning_n but_o they_o be_v certain_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o injudicious_a mind_n for_o if_o we_o stand_v upon_o these_o scruple_n no_o man_n perhaps_o be_v ever_o so_o worthy_o prepare_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n in_o any_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v still_o some_o defect_n or_o other_o in_o the_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o preparation_n but_o if_o we_o prepare_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v this_o be_v all_o god_n expect_v and_o for_o our_o fear_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n afterward_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a answer_n to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o that_o the_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o sin_n be_v not_o prevent_v by_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n but_o encrcase_v because_o a_o powerful_a and_o probable_a mean_n of_o preserve_a man_n from_o sin_n be_v neglect_v and_o why_o shall_v not_o every_o sincere_a christian_a by_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o sacrament_n and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n with_o god_n rather_o hope_v to_o be_v confirm_v in_o goodness_n and_o to_o receive_v far_a assistence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o strengthen_v he_o against_o sin_n and_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o subdue_v it_o than_o trouble_n himself_o with_o fear_n which_o be_v either_o without_o ground_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o keep_v any_o man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n we_o can_v sure_o entertain_v so_o unworthy_a a_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o do_v institute_v the_o sacrament_n not_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o as_o a_o snare_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o our_o ruin_n and_o damnation_n this_o be_v to_o pervert_v the_o gracious_a design_n of_o god_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o cup_n of_o salvation_n into_o a_o cup_n of_o deadly_a poison_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n all_o then_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n be_v that_o upon_o this_o consideration_n man_n shall_v be_v quicken_v to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o mind_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o to_o fortify_v their_o resolution_n of_o live_v suitable_o to_o that_o holy_a covenant_n which_o they_o solemn_o renew_v every_o time_n they_o receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n but_o not_o to_o deter_v we_o from_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n which_o may_v contribute_v to_o make_v we_o good_a therefore_o as_o a_o learned_a divine_a say_v very_o well_o this_o sacrament_n can_v be_v neglect_v by_o none_o but_o those_o that_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o but_o those_o who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v tie_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v engage_v to_o use_v their_o best_a diligence_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o person_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n since_o they_o be_v already_o in_o so_o bad_a a_o state_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o objection_n concern_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o 2._o second_o objection_n 2._o obj._n 2._o which_o be_v this_o that_o so_o much_o preparation_n and_o worthiness_n be_v require_v to_o our_o worthy_a receive_n the_o more_o timorus_a sort_n of_o christian_n can_v never_o think_v themselves_o due_o enough_o qualify_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o action_n for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o clear_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o every_o degree_n of_o imperfection_n in_o our_o preparation_n for_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o man_n to_o refrain_v from_o it_o second_o that_o a_o total_a want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n not_o only_o in_o the_o degree_n but_o in_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o it_o render_v we_o unfit_a at_o present_a to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n excuse_v our_o neglect_n of_o it_o three_o that_o the_o proper_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n from_o the_o total_a want_n of_o a_o due_a preparation_n be_v not_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o thought_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o immediate_o to_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o preparation_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o if_o i_o can_v clear_o make_v out_o these_o three_o thing_n i_o hope_v this_o objection_n be_v full_o answer_v 1._o that_o every_o degree_n of_o imperfection_n in_o our_o preparation_n for_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o for_o than_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o receive_v it_o for_o who_o be_v every_o way_n worthy_a and_o in_o all_o degree_n and_o respect_n due_o qualify_v to_o approach_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n who_o can_v wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocency_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v perfect_o fit_a to_o approach_v god_n altar_n there_o be_v not_o man_n on_o earth_n that_o live_v and_o sin_n not_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o best_a man_n be_v imperfect_a and_o every_o imperfection_n in_o grace_n and_o goodness_n be_v a_o imperfection_n in_o the_o disposition_n and_o preparation_n of_o out_o mind_n for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n but_o if_o we_o do_v hearty_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o sincere_o resolve_v to_o obey_v and_o perform_v the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o
unsuitable_a carriage_n at_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o come_v to_o it_o very_o disorderly_a one_o before_o another_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o christian_n to_o meet_v at_o their_o feast_n of_o charity_n in_o which_o they_o do_v communicate_v with_o great_a sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o when_o that_o be_v end_v they_o celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o among_o the_o corinthian_n this_o order_n be_v break_v the_o rich_a meet_v and_o exclude_v the_o poor_a from_o this_o common_a feast_n and_o after_o a_o irregular_a feast_n one_o before_o another_o eat_v his_o own_o supper_n as_o he_o come_v they_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n in_o great_a disorder_n one_o be_v hungry_a have_v eat_v nothing_o at_o all_o other_o be_v drink_v have_v eat_v intemperate_o and_o the_o poor_a be_v despise_v and_o neglect_v this_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v as_o a_o great_a profanation_n of_o that_o solemn_a institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n at_o the_o participation_n whereof_o they_o behave_v themselves_o with_o as_o little_a reverence_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v meet_v at_o a_o common_a supper_n or_o feast_n and_o this_o he_o call_v not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n make_v no_o difference_n in_o their_o behaviour_n between_o the_o sacrament_n and_o a_o common_a meal_n which_o irreverent_a and_o contemptuous_a carriage_n of_o they_o he_o call_v eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o for_o which_o he_o pronounce_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v represent_v and_o commemorate_a in_o their_o eat_n of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n by_o which_o irreverent_a and_o contemptuous_a usage_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o do_v incur_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o he_o call_v eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o judgement_n for_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translatour_n render_v damnation_n do_v not_o here_o signify_v eternal_a condemnation_n but_o a_o temporal_a judgement_n and_o chastisement_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prevention_n of_o eternal_a condemnation_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o follow_v he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o and_o then_o he_o say_v for_o this_o cause_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o sleep_n that_o be_v for_o this_o irreverence_n of_o they_o god_n have_v send_v among_o they_o several_a disease_n of_o which_o many_o have_v dye_v and_o then_o he_o add_v for_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o whether_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o public_a censure_n of_o the_o church_n or_o our_o private_a censure_v of_o ourselves_o in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a amendment_n and_o reformation_n be_v not_o certain_a if_o of_o the_o latter_a which_o i_o think_v most_o probable_a then_o judge_v here_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o examine_v ourselves_o ver_fw-la 28._o and_o then_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v that_o if_o we_o will_v censure_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o future_a we_o shall_v escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n in_o these_o temporal_a punishment_n but_o when_o we_o be_v judge_v we_o be_v chastened_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n but_o when_o we_o be_v judge_v that_o be_v when_o by_o neglect_v thus_o to_o judge_v ourselves_o we_o provoke_v god_n to_o judge_v we_o we_o be_v chastened_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n that_o be_v he_o inflict_v these_o temporal_a judgement_n upon_o we_o to_o prevent_v our_o eternal_a condemnation_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o judgement_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o eternal_a condemnation_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v wherefore_o my_o brethren_n when_o you_o come_v together_o to_o eat_v tarry_v for_o one_o another_o and_o if_o any_o man_n hunger_n let_v he_o eat_v at_o home_n that_o you_o come_v not_o together_o unto_o judgement_n where_o the_o apostle_n plain_o show_v both_o what_o be_v the_o crime_n of_o unworthy_a receive_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o their_o crime_n be_v their_o irreverent_a and_o disorderly_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o their_o punishment_n be_v those_o temporal_a judgement_n which_o god_n inflict_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o sacrament_n now_o this_o be_v i_o think_v very_o plain_a we_o be_v proportionable_o to_o understand_v the_o precept_n of_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o before_o we_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o that_o be_v consider_v well_o with_o himself_o what_o a_o sacred_a action_n he_o be_v go_v about_o and_o what_o behaviour_n become_v he_o when_o he_o be_v celebrate_v this_o sacrament_n institute_v by_o our_o lord_n in_o memorial_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n that_o be_v of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o if_o heretofore_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o disorder_n and_o irreverence_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n here_o tax_v they_o withal_o let_v he_o censure_v and_o judge_v himself_o for_o it_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o sorry_a for_o his_o fault_n and_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o future_a and_o have_v thus_o examine_v himself_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup._n this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n and_o that_o if_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o scope_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o it_o can_v well_o have_v any_o other_o meaning_n but_o some_o will_v say_v be_v this_o all_o the_o preparation_n that_o be_v require_v to_o our_o worthy_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o we_o take_v care_v not_o to_o come_v drink_v to_o it_o nor_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o irreverence_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o i_o answer_v in_o short_a this_o be_v the_o particular_a unworthiness_n with_o which_o the_o apostle_n tax_v the_o corinthian_n and_o which_o he_o warn_v they_o to_o amend_v as_o they_o desire_v to_o escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n such_o as_o they_o have_v already_o feel_v for_o this_o irreverent_a carriage_n of_o they_o so_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n he_o find_v no_o other_o fault_n with_o they_o at_o present_a in_o this_o matter_n though_o any_o other_o fort_n of_o irreverence_n will_v proportionable_o expose_v man_n to_o the_o like_a punishment_n he_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o their_o habitual_a preparation_n by_o the_o sincere_a purpofe_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o good_a life_n answerable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o we_o may_v suppose_v he_o take_v for_o grant_v however_o it_o concern_v the_o sacrament_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v prayer_n or_o any_o other_o religious_a duty_n not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o none_o but_o those_o who_o do_v hearty_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o be_v sincere_o resolve_v to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o communicate_v in_o this_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o practice_n very_o much_o to_o be_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v because_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o christian_n by_o way_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n to_o examine_v themselves_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n than_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o apostle_n here_o intend_v i_o mean_v to_o examine_v our_o past_a life_n and_o the_o action_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n of_o all_o our_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o fix_v we_o in_o the_o steady_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a life_n particular_o when_o we_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n seal_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v lay_v aside_o all_o enmity_n and_o thought_n of_o revenge_n and_o hearty_o forgive_v those_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o and_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o this_o holy_a communion_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v earnest_o exhort_v in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o communion_n by_o way_n of_o due_a preparation_n and_o disposition_n for_o it_o to_o repent_v we_o true_o of_o our_o sin_n past_a to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o to_o be_v in_o perfect_a charity_n with_o all_o man_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v meet_a partaker_n of_o those_o holy_a mystery_n and_o because_o this_o work_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o concern_v our_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o of_o exercise_v repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n be_v incumbent_n upon_o we_o as_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o can_v
make_v they_o to_o be_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n all_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o beset_v with_o thorn_n and_o difficulty_n on_o every_o side_n there_o be_v so_o many_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o vice_n from_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o ugliness_n of_o it_o from_o the_o remorse_n that_o attend_v it_o from_o the_o endless_a misery_n that_o follow_v it_o that_o none_o but_o the_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a can_v obtain_v leave_n of_o themselves_o to_o commit_v it_o it_o be_v the_o daughter_n of_o inadvertency_n and_o blindness_n and_o folly_n and_o the_o mother_n of_o guilt_n and_o repentance_n and_o woe_n there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n that_o will_v hold_v out_o and_o abide_v with_o we_o to_o the_o last_o but_o that_o of_o innocency_n and_o well-doing_n all_o sin_n be_v folly_n and_o as_o seneca_n true_o say_v omnis_fw-la stultitia_fw-la laborat_fw-la fastidio_fw-la svi_fw-la all_o folly_n soon_o grow_v sick_a and_o weary_a of_o itself_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v slight_a and_o superficial_a but_o the_o trouble_n and_o remorse_n of_o it_o pierce_v our_o very_a heart_n and_o then_o as_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o religion_n restrain_v we_o of_o our_o liberty_n the_o contrary_n be_v most_o evident_o true_a that_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v the_o great_a slavery_n for_o he_o be_v true_o a_o slave_n who_o be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o judgement_n and_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v inward_o convince_v it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o to_o do_v but_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o unreasonable_a command_n and_o the_o tyrannical_a power_n and_o violence_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o master_n of_o himself_o but_o other_o lord_n have_v get_v dominion_n over_o he_o and_o he_o be_v perfect_o at_o their_o beck_n and_o command_n one_o vice_n or_o passion_n bid_v he_o go_v and_o he_o go_v another_o come_v and_o he_o come_v and_o a_o three_o do_v this_o and_o he_o do_v it_o the_o man_n be_v at_o perpetual_a variance_n with_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o continual_o commit_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o condemn_v in_o himself_o and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o will_n and_o humour_n of_o another_o person_n or_o to_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n only_o this_o of_o the_o two_o be_v the_o worse_o because_o the_o tyrant_n be_v at_o home_n and_o always_o ready_a at_o hand_n to_o domineer_v over_o he_o he_o be_v get_v within_o he_o and_o so_o much_o the_o hard_a to_o be_v vanquish_v and_o overcome_v but_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v perfect_a liberty_n because_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o what_o be_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o do_v it_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v much_o more_o for_o our_o own_o interest_n to_o do_v it_o than_o it_o can_v be_v for_o god_n to_o command_v it_o and_o if_o in_o some_o thing_n god_n exact_a obedience_n of_o we_o more_o indispensible_o and_o under_o severe_a penalty_n it_o be_v because_o those_o thing_n be_v in_o their_o nature_n more_o necessary_a to_o our_o felicity_n and_o how_o can_v god_n possible_o have_v deal_v more_o gracious_o and_o kind_o with_o we_o than_o to_o oblige_v we_o most_o strict_o to_o that_o which_o be_v most_o evident_o for_o our_o good_a and_o to_o make_v such_o law_n for_o we_o as_o if_o we_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o they_o will_v infallible_o make_v we_o happy_a so_o that_o take_v all_o thing_n into_o consideration_n the_o interest_n of_o our_o body_n and_o our_o soul_n of_o the_o present_a and_o the_o future_a of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o wise_a the_o most_o comfortable_a and_o compendious_a course_n that_o any_o man_n can_v take_v in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o happiness_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a endearment_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o a_o most_o prevalent_a argument_n with_o we_o to_o yield_v a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o truth_n so_o many_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n to_o mankind_n the_o real_a privilege_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o proper_a mean_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o do_v restrain_v we_o from_o nothing_o but_o from_o do_v mischief_n to_o ourselves_o from_o play_v the_o fool_n and_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o oppose_a religion_n upon_o pretence_n of_o the_o unreasonable_a restraint_n of_o it_o we_o ought_v to_o thank_v god_n hearty_o that_o he_o have_v lay_v so_o strict_a a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o regard_v and_o pursue_v our_o true_a interest_n and_o have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v that_o care_n of_o we_o as_o to_o set_v bound_n to_o our_o loose_a and_o wild_a appetite_n by_o our_o duty_n and_o in_o give_v we_o rule_n to_o live_v by_o have_v no_o way_n comply_v with_o our_o inconsiderate_a and_o foolish_a inclination_n to_o our_o real_a harm_n and_o prejudice_n but_o have_v make_v those_o thing_n necessary_a for_o we_o to_o do_v which_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o which_o if_o we_o be_v perfect_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o liberty_n aught_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v our_o free_a and_o first_o choice_n and_o have_v make_v the_o folly_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o sin_n so_o gross_o palpable_a that_o every_o man_n may_v see_v it_o beforehand_o that_o will_v but_o consider_v and_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o bad_a course_n look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o they_o that_o will_v not_o consider_v shall_v be_v force_v from_o woeful_a experience_n at_o last_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o when_o they_o find_v the_o dismal_a effect_n and_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o their_o vice_n still_o meet_v they_o at_o one_o turn_n or_o other_o and_o now_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n i_o hope_v we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o religion_n be_v no_o such_o intolerable_a yoke_n and_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a and_o full_a consideration_n of_o thing_n it_o can_v seem_v evil_a unto_o any_o of_o we_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a both_o to_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o our_o future_a felicity_n and_o that_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n be_v not_o only_o upon_o all_o account_v the_o most_o prudent_a but_o after_o we_o be_v enter_v upon_o it_o and_o accustom_v to_o it_o the_o most_o pleasant_a course_n that_o any_o man_n can_v take_v and_o however_o inconsiderate_a man_n may_v complain_v of_o the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v not_o one_o jot_n more_o our_o duty_n than_o it_o be_v our_o privilege_n and_o our_o happiness_n and_o i_o can_v think_v that_o upon_o sober_a consideration_n any_o man_n can_v see_v reason_n to_o thank_v god_n to_o be_v release_v from_o any_o of_o his_o law_n or_o to_o have_v have_v the_o contrary_a to_o they_o enjoin_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v be_v just_o the_o reverse_n of_o what_o they_o now_o be_v that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o under_o severe_a penalty_n to_o deal_v false_o and_o fraudulent_o with_o our_o neighbour_n to_o demean_v ourselves_o ungrateful_o to_o our_o best_a friend_n and_o benefactor_n to_o be_v drink_v every_o day_n and_o to_o pursue_v sensual_a pleasure_n to_o the_o endanger_n of_o our_o health_n and_o life_n how_o shall_v we_o have_v complain_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o these_o law_n and_o have_v murmur_v at_o the_o slavery_n of_o such_o intolerable_a imposition_n and_o yet_o now_o that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o the_o contrary_a thing_n every_o way_n agreeable_a to_o our_o reason_n and_o interest_n we_o be_v not_o please_v neither_o what_o will_v content_v we_o as_o our_o saviour_n expostulate_v in_o a_o like_a case_n whereunto_o shall_v i_o liken_v this_o generation_n it_o be_v like_a unto_o child_n play_v in_o the_o marketplace_n and_o call_v unto_o their_o companion_n we_o have_v pipe_v unto_o you_o and_o you_o have_v not_o dance_v we_o have_v mourn_v and_o you_o have_v not_o lament_v this_o be_v perfect_o childish_a to_o be_v please_v with_o nothing_o neither_o to_o like_v this_o nor_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v not_o content_v with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o the_o contrary_a to_o they_o we_o shall_v have_v esteem_v the_o great_a grievance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n how_o contrary_a soever_o to_o our_o vicious_a inclination_n be_v real_o calculate_v for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n it_o will_v almost_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n