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knowledge_n and_o a_o sincere_a love_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o faith_n unfeigned_a and_o who_o that_o love_v god_n and_o religion_n can_v choose_v but_o take_v great_a contentment_n to_o see_v so_o general_a and_o forward_o a_o inclination_n in_o people_n this_o way_n which_o have_v be_v very_o much_o cherish_v of_o late_a year_n by_o this_o sort_n of_o meeting_n and_o that_o to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o effect_n in_o many_o charitable_a contribution_n dispose_v in_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a way_n and_o which_o likewise_o have_v tend_v very_o much_o to_o the_o reconcile_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o allay_n of_o those_o fierce_a heat_n and_o animosity_n which_o have_v be_v cause_v by_o our_o civil_a confusion_n and_o religious_a distraction_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o many_o time_n want_v to_o take_v away_o prejudice_n and_o to_o extinguish_v hatred_n and_o ill-will_n but_o a_o opportunity_n for_o man_n to_o see_v and_o understand_v one_o another_o by_o which_o they_o will_v quick_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o monster_n as_o they_o have_v be_v represent_v one_o to_o another_o at_o a_o distance_n we_o be_v i_o think_v one_o of_o the_o last_o county_n of_o england_n that_o have_v enter_v into_o this_o friendly_a and_o charitable_a kind_n of_o society_n let_v we_o make_v amends_o for_o our_o late_a set_v out_o by_o quicken_a our_o pace_n that_o so_o we_o may_v overtake_v and_o outstrip_v those_o who_o be_v go_v before_o we_o let_v not_o our_o charity_n partake_v of_o the_o coldness_n of_o our_o climate_n but_o let_v we_o endeavour_v that_o it_o may_v be_v equal_a to_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o country_n and_o as_o we_o be_v incomparable_o the_o great_a county_n of_o england_n let_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v so_o by_o the_o largeness_n and_o extent_n of_o our_o charity_n o_o lord_n who_o have_v teach_v we_o that_o all_o our_o do_n without_o charity_n be_v nothing_o send_v thy_o holy_a ghost_n and_o pour_v into_o our_o heart_n that_o most_o excellent_a gift_n of_o charity_n the_o very_a bond_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o all_o virtue_n without_o which_o whosover_n live_v be_v count_v dead_a before_o thou_o grant_v this_o for_o thy_o only_a son_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n who_o bring_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well_o please_v in_o his_o sight_n through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n april_n four_o 1679._o 1_o john_n iu._n 1._o belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n this_o caution_n and_o counsel_n be_v give_v upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n that_o be_v rise_v up_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o endeavour_v to_o seduce_v man_n from_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o these_o teach_n contrary_a thing_n can_v not_o both_o be_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n call_v upon_o christian_n to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n and_o pretence_n of_o those_o new_a teacher_n whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n â—hat_n be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v inspire_v and_o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v examine_v those_o that_o make_v this_o pretence_n whether_o it_o be_v real_a or_o not_o and_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o bring_v because_o there_o be_v many_o impostor_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n in_o which_o there_o be_v contain_v these_o four_o proposition_n first_o that_o man_n may_v and_o often_o do_v false_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o apostle_n ground_n this_o exhortation_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n therefore_o we_o shall_v try_v who_o be_v true_a and_o who_o be_v false_a second_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v inspire_v and_o to_o teach_v a_o divine_a doctrine_n this_o follow_v upon_o the_o former_a because_o man_n may_v false_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o make_v this_o pretence_n for_o any_o man_n that_o have_v but_o confidence_n enough_o and_o conscience_n little_a enough_o may_v pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o if_o we_o admit_v all_o pretence_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o crafty_a and_o confident_a man_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o he_o into_o what_o delusion_n he_o please_v three_o neither_o be_v we_o to_o reject_v all_o that_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n this_o be_v sufficient_o imply_v in_o the_o text_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n he_o suppose_v we_o be_v to_o believe_v some_o and_o when_o he_o say_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n he_o suppose_v some_o to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o those_o which_o be_v so_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v these_o three_o observation_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o i_o need_v only_o to_o name_v they_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o four_o which_o i_o principal_o design_v to_o insist_v upon_o from_o these_o word_n and_o
never_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n more_o seasonable_o and_o with_o great_a advantage_n than_o when_o we_o be_v meditate_v of_o this_o sacrament_n therefore_o beside_o our_o habitual_a preparation_n by_o repentance_n and_o the_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n it_o be_v a_o very_a pious_a and_o commendable_a custom_n in_o christian_n before_o their_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o set_v apart_o some_o particular_a time_n for_o this_o work_n of_o examination_n but_o how_o much_o time_n every_o person_n shall_v allot_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v matter_n of_o prudence_n and_o as_o it_o need_v not_o so_o neither_o indeed_o can_v it_o be_v precise_o determine_v some_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o spend_v more_o time_n upon_o this_o work_n than_o other_o i_o mean_v those_o who_o account_n be_v heavy_a because_o they_o have_v long_o run_v upon_o the_o score_n and_o neglect_a themselves_o and_o some_o also_o have_v more_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n for_o it_o by_o reason_n 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perhaps_o err_v on_o the_o strict_a hand_n and_o be_v a_o little_a superstitious_a on_o that_o side_n insomuch_o that_o unless_o they_o can_v gain_v so_o much_o time_n to_o set_v apart_o for_o a_o solemn_a preparation_n they_o will_v refrain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n at_o that_o time_n though_o otherwise_o they_o be_v habitual_o prepare_v this_o i_o doubt_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o pious_a mind_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o case_n about_o the_o sacrament_n shall_v i_o praise_v they_o in_o this_o i_o praise_v they_o not_o for_o provide_v there_o be_v no_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o due_a preparation_n it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o come_v so_o prepare_v as_o we_o can_v nay_o i_o think_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v rather_o than_o to_o abstain_v upon_o this_o punctilio_fw-la for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o general_a care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o prepare_v may_v receive_v at_o any_o time_n when_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v though_o he_o have_v no_o particular_a foresight_n of_o that_o opportunity_n and_o i_o think_v in_o that_o case_n such_o a_o one_o shall_v do_v much_o better_a to_o receive_v than_o to_o refrain_v because_o he_o be_v habitual_o prepare_v for_o the_o sacrament_n though_o he_o have_v no_o time_n to_o make_v such_o actual_a preparation_n as_o he_o desire_v and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o allowable_a how_o can_v minister_n communicate_v with_o sick_a person_n at_o all_o time_n or_o persuade_v other_o to_o do_v it_o many_o time_n upon_o very_o short_a and_o sudden_a warning_n and_o indeed_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n so_o frequent_o that_o for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n they_o judge_v it_o as_o essential_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o their_o public_a worship_n as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o even_o as_o their_o hymn_n and_o prayer_n and_o read_v and_o interpret_n the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o say_v we_o can_v well_o conceive_v how_o they_o who_o celebrate_v it_o so_o constant_o can_v allot_v any_o more_o time_n for_o a_o solemn_a preparation_n for_o it_o than_o they_o do_v for_o any_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o bid_v the_o corinthian_n examine_v themselves_o can_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o that_o confider_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o institution_n they_o shall_v come_v to_o it_o with_o great_a reverence_n and_o reflect_v upon_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n in_o this_o matter_n shall_v be_v careful_a upon_o this_o admonition_n to_o avoid_v they_o for_o the_o future_a and_o to_o amend_v what_o have_v be_v amiss_o which_o to_o do_v require_v rather_o resolution_n and_o care_n than_o any_o long_a time_n of_o preparation_n i_o speak_v this_o that_o devout_a person_n may_v not_o be_v entangle_v in_o a_o apprehension_n of_o a_o great_a necessity_n than_o real_o there_o be_v of_o a_o long_a and_o solemn_a preparation_n every_o time_n they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n the_o great_a necessity_n that_o lie_v upon_o man_n be_v to_o live_v as_o become_v christians_n and_o then_o they_o can_v never_o be_v absolute_o unprepared_a nay_o i_o think_v this_o to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a preparation_n and_o i_o see_v not_o why_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v with_o it_o unless_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o many_o of_o the_o papist_n do_v of_o confession_n and_o absolution_n which_o be_v to_o quit_v with_o god_n once_o or_o twice_o a_o year_n that_o so_o they_o may_v begin_v to_o sin_n again_o upon_o a_o new_a score_n but_o because_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o very_o useful_a and_o the_o time_n which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o set_v apart_o for_o their_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v so_o advantageous_a a_o opportunity_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o very_o much_o commend_v those_o who_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o search_v and_o try_v their_o way_n and_o to_o call_v themselves_o to_o a_o more_o solemn_a account_n of_o their_o action_n because_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v sometime_o and_o i_o know_v no_o fit_a time_n for_o it_o than_o this_o and_o perhaps_o some_o will_v never_o find_v time_n to_o recollect_v themselves_o and_o to_o take_v the_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n into_o serious_a consideration_n be_v it_o not_o upon_o this_o solemn_a occasion_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o that_o suppose_v a_o person_n to_o be_v habitual_o prepare_v by_o a_o religious_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o good_a life_n this_o more_o solemn_a actual_a preparation_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a and_o it_o be_v better_o when_o there_o be_v a_o opportunity_n to_o receive_v without_o it_o than_o not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o but_o the_o great_a our_o actual_a preparation_n be_v the_o better_a for_o no_o man_n can_v examine_v himself_o too_o often_o and_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n too_o well_o and_o exercise_v repentance_n and_o renew_v the_o resolution_n of_o a_o good_a life_n too_o frequent_o and_o there_o be_v perhaps_o no_o fit_a opportunity_n for_o the_o do_v of_o all_o this_o than_o when_o we_o approach_v the_o lord_n table_n there_o to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n and_o to_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o he_o to_o live_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n all_o the_o reflection_n i_o shall_v now_o make_v upon_o this_o discourse_n shall_v be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v earnest_o to_o excite_v all_o that_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o themselves_o for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o a_o frequent_a participation_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o and_o the_o undoubted_a practice_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a and_o best_a time_n when_o man_n have_v more_o devotion_n and_o few_o scruple_n about_o their_o duty_n if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v institute_v by_o our_o lord_n in_o remembrance_n of_o his_o die_a love_n we_o can_v but_o have_v a_o very_a high_a value_n and_o esteem_v for_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n methinks_v so_o often_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o those_o word_n of_o our_o dear_a lord_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o consider_v what_o he_o who_o say_v they_o do_v for_o we_o this_o die_a charge_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n shall_v stick_v with_o we_o and_o make_v a_o strong_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n especial_o if_o we_o add_v to_o these_o those_o other_o word_n of_o he_o not_o
friend_n how_o can_v he_o possible_o use_v he_o more_o barbarous_o than_o to_o feast_v upon_o his_o live_a flesh_n and_o blood_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a wonder_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o put_v upon_o our_o saviour_n word_n so_o easy_o capable_a of_o a_o more_o convenient_a sense_n and_o so_o necessary_o require_v it_o a_o meaning_n so_o plain_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o sense_n and_o even_o to_o humanity_n itself_o have_v the_o ancient_a christian_n own_v any_o such_o doctrine_n we_o shall_v have_v hear_v of_o it_o from_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o every_o page_n of_o their_o write_n and_o they_o will_v have_v desire_v no_o great_a advantage_n against_o the_o christian_n than_o to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o hit_v they_o in_o the_o tooth_n with_o their_o feast_n upon_o the_o natural_a flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o their_o god_n and_o their_o best_a friend_n what_o endless_a triumph_n will_v they_o have_v make_v upon_o this_o subject_a and_o with_o what_o confidence_n will_v they_o have_v set_v the_o cruelty_n use_v by_o christian_n in_o their_o sacrament_n against_o their_o god_n saturn_n eat_n his_o own_o child_n and_o all_o the_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a rite_n of_o their_o idolatry_n but_o that_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v then_o object_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o the_o christian_n be_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o demonstration_n that_o no_o such_o doctrine_n be_v then_o believe_v 3._o it_o be_v scandalous_a also_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a consequence_n of_o this_o doctrine_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a law_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o one_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o this_o sacrament_n which_o be_v to_o unite_v christian_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a love_n and_o charity_n to_o one_o another_o whereas_o this_o doctrine_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o most_o barbarous_a and_o bloody_a tragedy_n that_o ever_o be_v act_v in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o great_a burn_a article_n and_o as_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a as_o it_o be_v more_o christian_n have_v be_v murder_v for_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o than_o perhaps_o for_o all_o the_o other_o article_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v general_o pass_v for_o a_o true_a observation_n that_o all_o sect_n be_v common_o most_o hot_a and_o furious_a for_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o there_o be_v least_o reason_n for_o what_o man_n want_v of_o reason_n for_o their_o opinion_n they_o usual_o supply_v and_o make_v up_o in_o rage_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o need_v to_o use_v this_o severity_n upon_o this_o occasion_n for_o nothing_o but_o the_o cruel_a fear_n of_o death_n can_v in_o probability_n have_v drive_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n into_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o senseless_a a_o doctrine_n o_o bless_a saviour_n i_o thou_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a lover_n of_o mankind_n who_o can_v imagine_v thou_o do_v ever_o intend_v that_o man_n shall_v kill_v one_o another_o for_o not_o be_v able_a to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o their_o sense_n for_o be_v unwilling_a to_o think_v that_o thou_o shall_v make_v one_o of_o the_o most_o horrid_a and_o barbarous_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v a_o main_a duty_n and_o principal_a mystery_n of_o thy_o religion_n for_o not_o flatter_v the_o pride_n and_o presumption_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o say_v he_o can_v make_v god_n and_o for_o not_o comply_v with_o the_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o can_v eat_v he_o 4._o upon_o account_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n which_o they_o be_v certain_o guilty_a of_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o true_a and_o such_o a_o change_n as_o they_o pretend_v be_v not_o make_v in_o the_o sacrament_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o they_o worship_v a_o creature_n instead_o of_o the_o creator_n god_n bless_v for_o ever_o but_o such_o a_o change_n i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v impossible_a or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v yet_o they_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v and_o consequent_o be_v always_o in_o danger_n of_o idolatry_n and_o that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o a_o change_n be_v make_v be_v evident_a because_o according_a to_o the_o express_a determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o depend_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o can_v certain_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n which_o be_v not_o pretend_v in_o this_o case_n and_o if_o they_o be_v mistake_v about_o this_o change_n through_o the_o knavery_n or_o crossness_n of_o the_o priest_n who_o will_v not_o make_v god_n but_o when_o he_o think_v fit_a they_o must_v not_o think_v to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o idolatry_n because_o they_o intend_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o not_o a_o creature_n for_o so_o the_o persian_n may_v be_v excuse_v from_o idolatry_n in_o worship_v the_o sun_n because_o they_o intend_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o not_o a_o creature_n and_o so_o indeed_o we_o may_v excuse_v all_o the_o idolatry_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mistake_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o upon_o that_o mistake_v a_o worship_v of_o something_o as_o god_n which_o be_v not_o god_n ii_o beside_o the_o infinite_a scandal_n of_o this_o doctrine_n upon_o the_o account_n i_o have_v mention_v the_o monstrous_a absurdity_n of_o it_o make_v it_o insupportable_a to_o any_o religion_n i_o be_o very_a well_o assure_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a and_o yet_o i_o can_v see_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o any_o reveal_v religion_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a absurdity_n as_o this_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n will_v load_v it_o withal_o and_o to_o make_v this_o evident_a i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o those_o gross_a contradiction_n of_o the_o same_o body_n be_v in_o so_o many_o several_a place_n at_o once_o of_o our_o saviour_n give_v away_o himself_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o every_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o yet_o still_o keep_v himself_o to_o himself_o and_o a_o thousand_o more_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n but_o to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v only_o ask_v these_o few_o question_n 1._o whether_o any_o man_n have_v or_o ever_o have_v great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n than_o any_o man_n have_v of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o transubstantiation_n infidelity_n be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o man_n if_o all_o man_n have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v against_o transubstantiation_n that_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o irresistible_a evidence_n of_o sense_n he_o that_o can_v once_o be_v bring_v to_o contradict_v or_o deny_v his_o sense_n be_v at_o a_o end_n of_o certainty_n for_o what_o can_v a_o man_n be_v certain_a of_o if_o he_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o what_o he_o see_v in_o some_o circumstance_n our_o sense_n may_v deceive_v we_o but_o no_o faculty_n deceive_v we_o so_o little_a and_o so_o seldom_o and_o when_o our_o sense_n do_v deceive_v we_o even_o that_o error_n be_v not_o to_o be_v correct_v without_o the_o help_n of_o our_o sense_n 2._o suppose_v this_o doctrine_n have_v be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n that_o it_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n by_o what_o clear_a evidence_n or_o strong_a argument_n can_v any_o man_n prove_v to_o i_o that_o such_o word_n be_v in_o the_o bible_n than_o i_o can_v prove_v to_o he_o that_o bread_n and_o wine_n after_o consecration_n be_v bread_n and_o wine_n still_o he_o can_v but_o appeal_v to_o my_o eye_n to_o prove_v such_o word_n to_o be_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o with_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o justice_n may_v i_o appeal_v to_o several_a of_o his_o sense_n to_o prove_v to_o he_o that_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n after_o consecration_n be_v bread_n and_o wine_n still_o 3._o whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v that_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o shake_v the_o main_a external_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o mean_v the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o assurance_n whereof_o do_v at_o first_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n for_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o say_v they_o see_v they_o be_v deceive_v then_o there_o may_v be_v no_o miracle_n wrought_v and_o consequent_o it_o may_v just_o be_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