Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n authority_n church_n scripture_n 4,231 5 6.1426 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A79832 Seventeen sermons preach'd upon several occasions By William Clagett, D.D. late preacher to the Honourable Society of Grays Inn, and one of His Majesty's chaplains in ordinary. With the summ of a conference, on February 21, 1686. between Dr. Clagett and Father Gooden, about the point of transubstantiation. The third edition. Vol. I. Clagett, William, 1646-1688.; Gooden, Peter, d. 1695. aut; Sharp, John, 1645-1714. 1699 (1699) Wing C4398; ESTC R230511 209,157 515

There are 7 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

between_o the_o prophet_n and_o jesus_n so_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o before_o he_o be_v bear_v or_o be_v these_o prediction_n and_o their_o event_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o chance_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o that_o some_o one_o thing_n may_v be_v foretell_v and_o happen_v according_o but_o that_o so_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o particular_n shall_v be_v foretell_v concern_v one_o person_n at_o all_o adventure_n and_o by_o strange_a luck_n come_v to_o pass_v afterward_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o only_o to_o believe_v that_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o casual_a hit_n of_o atom_n to_o name_v these_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o confute_v they_o 2._o all_o that_o can_v be_v far_o desire_v be_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o these_o prophecy_n be_v not_o forge_v by_o the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n but_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a write_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o the_o jew_n of_o our_o saviour_n time_n by_o their_o ancestor_n and_o the_o constant_a testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o be_v most_o bitter_a enemy_n to_o jesus_n and_o to_o his_o doctrine_n be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o point_n 4_o and_o last_o whereas_o these_o prediction_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o more_o convince_a testimony_n to_o jesus_n than_o any_o other_o take_v by_o its_o self_n they_o be_v indeed_o a_o more_o permanent_a testimony_n and_o withal_o less_o liable_a to_o cavil_v and_o objection_n i_o can_v stand_v to_o show_v this_o by_o make_v particular_a comparison_n but_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o prophecy_n include_v all_o other_o testimony_n and_o add_v strength_n to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o it_o comprehend_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n because_o these_o be_v all_o foretold_a it_o include_v all_o other_o proof_n as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n prove_v and_o those_o proof_n be_v the_o more_o convince_a because_o they_o also_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n from_o all_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o allow_v the_o scripture_n that_o tradition_n which_o other_o good_a history_n have_v and_o which_o they_o have_v more_o of_o than_o any_o other_o ancient_a write_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a do_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n and_o well_o be_v it_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o christianity_n must_v never_o look_v a_o infidel_n in_o the_o face_n since_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n at_o all_o till_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o i_o will_v make_v bold_a to_o add_v that_o when_o all_o those_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v put_v into_o this_o form_n of_o book_n from_o the_o light_a oversight_n of_o transcriber_n from_o various_a reading_n and_o all_o the_o cavil_n upon_o any_o part_n of_o it_o be_v put_v together_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n which_o run_v through_o it_o all_o will_v bear_v all_o this_o reckon_n and_o still_o remain_v a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o the_o first_o author_n be_v inspire_v that_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o that_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n well_o therefore_o might_n st._n peter_n commend_v the_o jewish_a convert_v for_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n since_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o wellgrounded_n faith_n indeed_o and_o to_o grow_v every_o day_n to_o great_a assurance_n and_o steadfastness_n therein_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n let_v we_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v exhort_v to_o like_a diligence_n in_o converse_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v more_o enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o that_o every_o doubt_n if_o any_o there_o be_v that_o shake_v our_o faith_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o this_o exhortation_n be_v so_o needful_a that_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n in_o their_o objection_n against_o it_o who_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o exclude_v all_o but_o the_o clergy_n and_o those_o that_o have_v special_a licence_n from_o read_v the_o scripture_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o say_v be_v this_o that_o the_o promiscuous_a liberty_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n lead_v the_o people_n into_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n make_v they_o insolent_a and_o ungovernable_a and_o ready_a to_o throw_v off_o all_o respect_n to_o their_o lawful_a guide_n that_o almost_o all_o heresy_n have_v proceed_v from_o misinterpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a place_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o to_o translate_v the_o bible_n into_o vulgar_a tongue_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o people_n to_o read_v it_o be_v to_o betray_v they_o into_o the_o danger_n of_o infinite_a error_n which_o they_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o fall_v into_o by_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a text_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o laity_n as_o we_o will_v keep_v child_n from_o meddle_v with_o edge_a tool_n and_o lay_v sword_n out_o of_o madman_n way_n now_o if_o this_o charge_n be_v true_a the_o bible_n be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a book_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a there_o be_v some_o other_o reason_n doubtless_o why_o they_o that_o pretend_v this_o have_v no_o kindness_n for_o the_o bible_n i_o shall_v omit_v several_a advantage_n that_o may_v be_v take_v against_o this_o flourish_n because_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v show_v very_o brief_o that_o it_o pretend_v thing_n that_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n hang_v well_o together_o that_o it_o take_v thing_n for_o grant_v that_o be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o it_o conclude_v as_o strong_o against_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v by_o the_o clergy_n as_o by_o the_o laity_n it_o pretend_v some_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o hang_v well_o together_o on_o the_o one_o side_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o liberty_n of_o read_v the_o bible_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o people_n throw_v off_o all_o dependence_n upon_o the_o priest_n as_o to_z instruction_n on_o the_o one_o side_n that_o there_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a passage_n in_o it_o by_o mistake_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o which_o they_o will_v be_v lead_v into_o heresy_n and_o consequent_o into_o the_o way_n of_o damnation_n now_o indeed_o the_o scripture_n say_v this_o of_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o they_o which_o ignorant_a and_o unstable_a man_n have_v wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destructien_n but_o if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o modest_a dependence_n upon_o the_o instruction_n of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n be_v to_o lay_v the_o bible_n before_o they_o and_o not_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o they_o since_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o attend_v to_o their_o pastor_n in_o order_n to_o far_a instruction_n than_o the_o several_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o warning_n that_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o have_v give_v of_o the_o danger_n that_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n be_v in_o of_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o experience_n show_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o argument_n can_v make_v people_n modest_a if_o they_o be_v general_o permit_v to_o have_v the_o scripture_n i_o add_v 2._o that_o this_o argue_v take_v thing_n for_o grant_v which_o be_v not_o true_a in_o point_n of_o fact_n all_o the_o faithful_n ancient_o have_v the_o scripture_n but_o we_o find_v little_a complaint_n by_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n then_o of_o the_o wantonness_n and_o insolence_n of_o the_o people_n so_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a exhortation_n that_o all_o will_v deligent_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o christian_n people_n that_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o the_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o allow_v they_o but_o require_v to_o read_v the_o
some_o awaken_n reproof_n from_o man_n or_o some_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o be_v already_o provide_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o effectual_a to_o his_o conversion_n but_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o hope_v this_o of_o a_o man_n who_o very_a principle_n be_v corrupt_v and_o have_v no_o fear_n within_o himself_o for_o a_o charitable_a man_n to_o take_v hold_n upon_o and_o therefore_o that_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n may_v be_v well_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o person_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n moreover_o as_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n to_o reform_v that_o man_n evil_a practice_n who_o persuasion_n make_v he_o secure_a and_o easy_a all_o the_o while_n so_o there_o be_v no_o little_a difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o try_v to_o undeceive_v he_o for_o man_n will_v hold_v comfortable_a error_n as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v find_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mischief_n of_o this_o offence_n though_o such_o error_n be_v not_o lay_v down_o without_o a_o great_a trouble_n yet_o they_o be_v take_v up_o with_o much_o readiness_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o spread_v far_o and_o wide_o and_o to_o this_o i_o believe_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n agree_v viz._n that_o although_o there_o be_v mistake_n that_o lead_v to_o trouble_v of_o mind_n and_o overmuch_o restraint_n yet_o for_o one_o that_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o such_o mistake_v a_o hundred_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v comfortable_a lie_n which_o either_o whole_o take_v off_o the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o such_o part_n as_o to_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a 3._o perverse_a dispute_n and_o a_o obstinate_a maintenance_n of_o error_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o sophistry_n have_v this_o lamentable_a evil_n common_o attend_v it_o that_o it_o render_v many_o person_n utter_o careless_a to_o examine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v perhaps_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n that_o be_v frame_v to_o a_o inquisitive_a spirit_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o so_o frame_v by_o nature_n or_o by_o education_n must_v force_v their_o temper_n to_o patience_n and_o take_v pain_n with_o themselves_o which_o be_v a_o employment_n that_o man_n soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o and_o common_o they_o break_v off_o pretend_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o search_v any_o far_o but_o that_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o and_o against_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o give_v over_o be_v judge_n for_o themselves_o and_o indeed_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o real_o disputable_a or_o of_o less_o moment_n this_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v blame_v but_o in_o matter_n of_o high_a consequence_n and_o question_n that_o touch_v the_o very_a vital_n of_o religion_n it_o often_o happen_v that_o man_n grow_v weary_a of_o search_a truth_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o after_o the_o controversy_n be_v stiff_o maintain_v for_o some_o time_n on_o both_o side_n and_o it_o be_v well_o in_o this_o case_n if_o it_o be_v a_o even_o lay_v whether_o they_o choose_v the_o true_a guide_n or_o not_o but_o when_o a_o guide_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o follow_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n the_o false_a guide_n have_v this_o advantage_n always_o that_o he_o exceed_v in_o confidence_n in_o lofty_a pretence_n in_o swell_a title_n in_o positive_a denounce_v damnation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o though_o a_o modest_a man_n that_o speak_v just_o of_o thing_n and_o claim_v not_o to_o be_v infallible_a deserve_v the_o most_o credit_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o that_o the_o other_o have_v most_o follower_n among_o those_o that_o understand_v not_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n 4._o the_o same_o cause_n have_v too_o often_o a_o yet_o worse_o effect_n and_o that_o be_v to_o run_v some_o person_n into_o infidelity_n and_o a_o utter_a neglect_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o no_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o controversy_n about_o it_o and_o some_o have_v say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v then_o time_n enough_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o when_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o secret_a impression_n of_o his_o own_o be_v which_o god_n have_v leave_v upon_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o the_o monstrous_a error_n that_o have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n under_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o force_n and_o the_o fraud_n wherewith_o they_o have_v be_v maintain_v have_v let_v in_o atheism_n like_o a_o deluge_n upon_o the_o world_n especial_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v so_o full_a of_o zeal_n for_o their_o own_o way_n that_o they_o have_v no_o tenderness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o faith_n but_o be_v rather_o content_a that_o all_o shall_v sink_v together_o than_o that_o their_o own_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o stand_v we_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o hand_n that_o no_o assurance_n can_v be_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o and_o such_o man_n and_o they_o that_o believe_v upon_o other_o ground_n have_v as_o good_a have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o one_o article_n that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o same_o exception_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o story_n of_o latter_a miracle_n and_o final_o that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o any_o of_o their_o tradition_n be_v reject_v the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v reject_v too_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n now_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o dreadful_a offence_n and_o have_v do_v infinite_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n who_o be_v violent_o engage_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n of_o religion_n care_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n what_o they_o venture_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o whilst_o they_o lay_v the_o same_o stress_n upon_o false_a or_o at_o least_o disputable_a point_n that_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o religion_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o show_v that_o no_o difference_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v they_o give_v occasion_n to_o man_n that_o will_v fain_o be_v atheist_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o what_o they_o will_v be_v for_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n will_v serve_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o something_o be_v false_a which_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o as_o a_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o they_o know_v they_o have_v then_o leave_v give_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v true_a 5._o there_o be_v another_o great_a mischief_n of_o offence_n that_o be_v give_v by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o a_o mischief_n that_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v that_o of_o run_v into_o a_o contrary_a extreme_a the_o church_n find_v this_o by_o sad_a experience_n in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o age_n when_o man_n of_o no_o small_a note_n dispute_v against_o one_o heresy_n fall_v into_o another_o of_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o the_o no_o small_a trouble_n of_o christendom_n truth_n sometime_o as_o well_o as_o virtue_n lie_v in_o the_o mean_a and_o they_o that_o transgress_v on_o any_o one_o side_n do_v not_o only_o this_o mischief_n to_o give_v what_o authority_n they_o can_v to_o the_o wrong_a side_n they_o be_v of_o but_o they_o do_v this_o mischief_n too_o of_o giving_z occasion_n to_o other_o to_o offend_v on_o the_o other_o extreme_a thus_o the_o abuse_n of_o church_n authority_n on_o the_o one_o side_n have_v breed_v in_o some_o man_n contempt_n of_o all_o such_o authority_n on_o the_o other_o the_o scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v by_o propagate_a opinion_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n have_v produce_v in_o many_o a_o fond_a persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o restraint_n whatsoever_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n superior_n have_v require_v unlawful_a thing_n in_o divine_a service_n and_o to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o that_o abuse_n it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o
the_o temptation_n man_n of_o probity_n and_o lover_n of_o truth_n shall_v upon_o diligent_a examination_n hold_v it_o fast_o than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o which_o that_o opposition_n tend_v which_o truth_n have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o lofty_a those_o pretence_n be_v by_o which_o the_o other_o church_n will_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a submission_n to_o her_o authority_n in_o every_o point_n of_o religion_n so_o much_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o examine_v every_o one_o of_o her_o particular_n and_o if_o i_o find_v that_o she_o be_v mistake_v in_o any_o of_o they_o i_o be_o very_o sure_a that_o she_o be_v not_o infallible_a in_o all_o and_o if_o she_o will_v not_o allow_v i_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o particular_n it_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v try_v to_o hinder_v i_o from_o cast_v up_o my_o own_o account_n by_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o he_o can_v possible_o mistake_v in_o do_v it_o he_o may_v indeed_o show_v some_o wit_n in_o work_v his_o demonstration_n but_o i_o shall_v show_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o folly_n in_o trust_v he_o to_o conclude_v we_o have_v a_o rule_n whereby_o to_o try_v the_o doctrine_n i_o will_v not_o only_o say_v of_o a_o church_n or_o a_o pope_n or_o a_o council_n but_o even_o of_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n if_o a_o angel_n shall_v come_v and_o preach_v to_o we_o and_o that_o rule_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n these_o be_v by_o all_o christian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a and_o the_o most_o ancient_a record_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o they_o have_v have_v a_o tradition_n so_o uncontrollable_a as_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v the_o like_a whoever_o therefore_o be_v our_o guide_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o rule_n and_o of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v never_o trust_v myself_o to_o her_o discretion_n that_o will_v not_o trust_v i_o with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o study_n of_o this_o rule_n here_o we_o may_v if_o we_o please_v make_v ourselves_o very_o sure_o that_o we_o be_v of_o those_o who_o god_n will_v justify_v for_o here_o we_o may_v discern_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n st._n paul_n and_o the_o christian_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n and_o what_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v for_o those_o book_n which_o acquaint_v we_o with_o their_o name_n and_o which_o be_v write_v by_o some_o of_o themselves_o do_v also_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o faith_n they_o profess_v what_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o what_o live_v they_o lead_v now_o if_o we_o profess_v that_o very_a faith_n and_o teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n and_o frame_v our_o practice_n by_o their_o rule_n and_o good_a example_n then_o without_o all_o question_n we_o be_v such_o kind_n of_o christian_n as_o they_o be_v and_o than_o although_o we_o shall_v be_v use_v by_o the_o world_n as_o they_o be_v too_o yet_o the_o encouragement_n and_o comfort_n which_o they_o have_v will_v also_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o we_o too_o may_v say_v who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n it_o be_v god_n that_o justifi_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o have_v therefore_o the_o infallible_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n whereby_o to_o guide_v ourselves_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n and_o exhort_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o as_o you_o have_v receive_v of_o we_o how_o you_o ought_v to_o walk_v and_o to_o please_v god_n so_o you_o will_v abound_v more_o and_o more_o that_o while_o evil_a man_n and_o seducer_n shall_v wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v you_o may_v continue_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v know_v of_o who_o you_o have_v learn_v they_o even_o from_o the_o say_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o we_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v to_o we_o not_o forget_v by_o any_o mean_n that_o it_o be_v a_o way_n of_o righteousness_n we_o have_v be_v make_v to_o know_v and_o a_o holy_a commandment_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o from_o which_o therefore_o we_o may_v depart_v as_o damnable_o by_o a_o impure_a conversation_n as_o by_o let_v go_v our_o pure_a profession_n in_o which_o case_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v justify_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o condemn_v by_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v no_o false_a principle_n to_o save_v our_o heart_n from_o condemn_v we_o if_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o any_o way_n of_o wickedness_n and_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n whoever_o else_o condemn_v we_o that_o be_v more_o than_o recompense_n enough_o if_o god_n justifi_v but_o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v justify_v we_o if_o god_n condemn_v finis_fw-la the_o sum_n of_o a_o conference_n on_o feb._n 21._o 1686._o between_o dr._n clagett_n and_o father_n gooden_o about_o the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n the_o three_o edition_n london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over-against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1698._o the_o sum_fw-la of_o a_o conference_n on_o feb._n 21._o 1686._o between_o dr._n clagett_n and_o father_n gooden_o about_o the_o point_n of_o transubstantiation_n introduction_n it_o will_v perhaps_o appear_v to_o some_o a_o little_a strange_a that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v almost_o incredible_a that_o there_o shall_v have_v pass_v a_o conference_n above_o two_o year_n since_o in_o which_o mr._n gooden_o be_v concern_v and_o the_o world_n yet_o to_o learn_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o the_o vanity_n of_o that_o gentleman_n to_o thrust_v himself_o upon_o all_o occasion_n into_o dispute_n with_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o church_n first_o and_o then_o to_o boast_v of_o his_o own_o performance_n in_o they_o be_v so_o great_a that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o coffee-house_n in_o the_o town_n that_o have_v not_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o noise_n of_o his_o impertinent_a vapour_n and_o if_o those_o of_o the_o other_o communion_n have_v be_v always_o remarkable_a for_o a_o assurance_n become_v the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n i_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o next_o to_o father_n p_o the_o jesuit_n and_o his_o friend_n mr._n m_o i_o scarce_o know_v any_o among_o they_o that_o have_v ever_o talk_v so_o loud_o or_o make_v such_o heroical_a defiance_n of_o the_o champion_n and_o army_n of_o our_o israel_n in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o mr._n gooden_o these_o late_a year_n have_v do_v among_o we_o but_o thus_o shallow_a water_n always_o run_v with_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o violence_n and_o little_a sophister_n who_o either_o want_n capacity_n to_o see_v into_o their_o own_o fallacy_n or_o think_v they_o have_v forehead_n enough_o to_o carry_v that_o off_o with_o clamour_n and_o confidence_n which_o they_o can_v do_v by_o reason_n and_o argument_n delight_v to_o expose_v themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n to_o the_o most_o dangerous_a trial_n whilst_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o judgement_n be_v modest_a and_o ingenuous_a and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v neither_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o church_n nor_o their_o own_o reputation_n to_o challenge_v all_o mankind_n to_o answer_v paradox_n and_o to_o show_v that_o not_o to_o be_v demonstration_n which_o when_o bring_v to_o the_o trial_n be_v hardly_o sense_n pap._n see_v mr._n g's_o pap._n i_o hope_v this_o will_v not_o be_v think_v too_o severe_a a_o reflection_n on_o the_o late_a pretender_n of_o this_o kind_n among_o we_o which_o i_o speak_v out_o of_o a_o just_a respect_n to_o the_o more_o learned_a and_o charitable_a person_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o have_v be_v no_o less_o scandalize_v at_o these_o forward_a zealot_n than_o ourselves_o and_o to_o who_o i_o ought_v to_o give_v this_o testimony_n that_o during_o a_o long_a acquaintance_n with_o many_o of_o they_o i_o never_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o those_o i_o have_v beforementioned_a our_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n make_v no_o disturbance_n either_o in_o our_o friendship_n or_o conversation_n with_o one_o another_o if_o the_o discourse_n at_o anytime_n lead_v to_o a_o controversy_n of_o
be_v disgrace_v with_o the_o company_n of_o folly_n and_o lie_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n recommend_v their_o absurd_a tradition_n to_o the_o people_n because_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n they_o teach_v they_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thus_o some_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v ready_a to_o reject_v christianity_n when_o they_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v it_o necessary_a for_o they_o also_o to_o observe_v the_o moysaicall_a law_n if_o they_o will_v be_v christian_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o common_a scandal_n of_o the_o world_n that_o truth_n be_v so_o often_o insincere_o represent_v and_o false_a doctrine_n propound_v still_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o hold_v forth_o some_o necessary_a truth_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o gospel_n do_v not_o allow_v but_o command_v we_o to_o use_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n not_o to_o reject_v that_o which_o be_v good_a because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o require_v evil_a nor_o to_o admit_v error_n because_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o truth_n but_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 4._o all_o popular_a artifices_fw-la that_o be_v use_v to_o recommend_v either_o wicked_a error_n or_o practice_n be_v also_o great_a offence_n and_o lead_v many_o silly_a soul_n astray_o of_o which_o kind_n the_o most_o obvious_a be_v these_o a_o external_a show_n of_o strictness_n and_o piety_n without_o real_a virtue_n and_o godliness_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o and_o of_o this_o the_o pharisee_n be_v the_o first_o notable_a instance_n who_o place_v religion_n in_o abundance_n of_o nice_a observation_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o strict_a and_o devout_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n know_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n compare_v they_o to_o white_v sepulcher_n that_o within_o be_v full_a of_o dead_a man_n bone_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o this_o offence_n will_v be_v so_o powerful_a whenever_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o spirit_n to_o foretell_v it_o express_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o another_o offence_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o be_v also_o express_o foretell_v be_v pretend_v the_o testimony_n of_o miracle_n for_o say_v our_o saviour_n himself_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a behold_v say_v he_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o matth._n 24.24_o 25._o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n foretell_v that_o when_o that_o wicked_a one_o shall_v be_v reveal_v his_o come_n shall_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o other_o popular_a device_n for_o the_o support_v of_o error_n and_o that_o be_v to_o denounce_v damnation_n peremptory_a against_o all_o gainsayer_n with_o which_o artifice_n the_o judaizer_n secure_v themselves_o against_o the_o gentile_a christian_n say_v except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n you_o can_v be_v save_v now_o although_o every_o man_n that_o have_v a_o tongue_n may_v if_o he_o please_v lay_v this_o weight_n upon_o his_o cause_n as_o to_o exclude_v all_o from_o salvation_n that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o the_o threaten_v be_v not_o worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n thought_n till_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v examine_v yet_o it_o have_v two_o notable_a advantage_n that_o it_o be_v frame_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n more_o than_o upon_o their_o judgement_n and_o in_o most_o man_n their_o passion_n be_v strong_a than_o their_o reason_n and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o use_v as_o to_o bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v not_o uncharitableness_n but_o mere_a pity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o compel_v they_o to_o speak_v so_o harsh_a but_o so_o necessary_a a_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o observe_v how_o easy_a man_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v when_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v a_o positive_a sentence_n of_o damnation_n to_o work_v upon_o their_o fear_n and_o on_o the_o other_o a_o appearance_n of_o serious_a charity_n to_o win_v their_o affection_n for_o by_o this_o art_n man_n of_o contrary_a party_n have_v with_o strange_a success_n serve_v contrary_a opinion_n and_o practice_n i_o can_v if_o i_o be_v willing_a reckon_v all_o the_o offence_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o be_v popular_a and_o plausible_a way_n of_o deceive_v but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v such_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o only_o foretell_v in_o the_o general_n when_o he_o say_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o in_o particular_a also_o when_o he_o say_v beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n which_o come_v to_o you_o in_o sheep_n clothing_n matth._n 7.15_o 5._o to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v what_o st._n paul_n observe_v 1_o tim._n 6.5_o perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n that_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v defend_v as_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v for_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v no_o such_o hard_a matter_n to_o perplex_v thing_n that_o be_v plain_a to_o find_v colour_n for_o deny_v thing_n that_o be_v evident_a to_o hide_v the_o weakness_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o argument_n to_o divert_v from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o person_n so_o artificial_o as_o if_o the_o cause_n go_v on_o still_o to_o lose_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n to_o make_v truth_n look_v like_o error_n and_o error_n like_o truth_n to_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v if_o a_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o bend_v all_o his_o wit_n this_o way_n for_o something_o may_v be_v say_v for_o any_o thing_n 6._o and_o last_o bad_a example_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v another_o most_o dangerous_a offence_n since_o i_o doubt_v most_o man_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o take_v up_o their_o opinion_n more_o easy_o from_o authority_n than_o from_o other_o argument_n and_o they_o understand_v more_o easy_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a manner_n than_o between_o strong_a and_o weak_a reason_n and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a fruit_n of_o practice_n it_o bring_v forth_o in_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o which_o doubtless_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v in_o those_o word_n let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o other_o see_v your_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n be_v not_o only_o a_o scandal_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o error_n confirm_v they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_a way_n but_o likewise_o to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n by_o encourage_v they_o to_o sin_n in_o like_a manner_n especial_o when_o evil_a example_n be_v set_v by_o those_o that_o be_v particular_o oblige_v to_o set_v none_o but_o good_a one_o who_o place_n or_o office_n wealth_n or_o quality_n make_v they_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o gives_z other_o any_o kind_n of_o dependence_n upon_o they_o and_o because_o of_o the_o pernicious_a influence_n of_o bad_a example_n we_o find_v st._n paul_n often_o call_v upon_o the_o christian_n with_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v to_o fix_v their_o observation_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v good_a brethren_n say_v he_o be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n for_o many_o walk_n of_o who_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n thus_o i_o have_v very_o brief_o consider_v the_o largeness_n of_o the_o subject_a show_v what_o offence_n be_v to_o come_v by_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o obvious_a offence_n which_o we_o know_v by_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o alas_o for_o the_o world_n by_o too_o sad_a experience_n and_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o point_n which_o be_v to_o consider_v why_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n shall_v come_v that_o be_v why_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o these_o or_o such_o scandal_n as_o these_o will_v be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o enquiry_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v
careful_a to_o take_v none_o i._o be_v careful_a to_o give_v no_o offence_n i._n e._n to_o lay_v no_o stumbling-block_n in_o any_o man_n way_n to_o lead_v he_o into_o sin_n or_o error_n or_o to_o confirm_v he_o in_o it_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v now_o the_o way_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a from_o this_o guilt_n be_v to_o love_v the_o truth_n ourselves_o sincere_o to_o desire_v it_o diligent_o to_o pursue_v it_o and_o likewise_o in_o all_o our_o action_n to_o live_v by_o rule_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v give_v ill_a example_n and_o we_o be_v the_o more_o oblige_v to_o this_o because_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n but_o of_o ourselves_o also_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o good_a or_o ill_n that_o other_o have_v receive_v by_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v my_o brethren_n how_o careful_a we_o shall_v be_v of_o our_o own_o action_n and_o those_o especial_o that_o lie_v open_a to_o other_o when_o if_o we_o do_v ill_a ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o our_o own_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n but_o very_o likely_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o who_o be_v either_o lead_v into_o some_o unlawful_a practice_n or_o confirm_v in_o it_o by_o our_o example_n which_o make_v such_o a_o increase_n of_o gild_n and_o be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n in_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v sometime_o needful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o abate_v of_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o liberty_n in_o thing_n not_o unlawful_a of_o themselves_o lest_o another_o that_o be_v likely_a enough_o to_o make_v a_o wrong_a construction_n of_o it_o and_o to_o encourage_v himself_o in_o manifest_a sin_n shall_v indeed_o do_v so_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n st._n paul_n handle_v the_o question_n of_o eat_v thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n acknowledge_v that_o meat_n commend_v we_o not_o unto_o god_n for_o neither_o if_o we_o eat_v be_v we_o the_o better_a neither_o if_o we_o eat_v not_o be_v we_o the_o worse_o but_o say_v he_o take_v heed_n lest_o by_o any_o mean_v this_o liberty_n of_o you_o become_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a who_o be_v not_o thorough_o confirm_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o if_o any_o man_n see_v thou_o which_o have_v knowledge_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o the_o idol_n temple_n shall_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o he_o which_o be_v weak_a be_v embolden_v to_o eat_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o idol_n i._o e._n be_v embolden_v to_o commit_v idolatry_n 1_o cor._n 8._o so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o unlawful_a to_o be_v present_a at_o those_o sacrifice_n yet_o the_o example_n be_v scandalous_a st._n paul_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o brethren_n and_o against_o christ_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o this_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o will_v grieve_v their_o weak_a conscience_n i._n e._n not_o as_o we_o use_v i_o doubt_v to_o understand_v that_o word_n grieve_v that_o it_o will_v trouble_v and_o displease_v they_o but_o real_o hurt_v they_o by_o make_v they_o bold_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o idolatrous_a sacrifice_n and_o now_o brethren_n if_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v perhaps_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n lawful_a we_o ought_v to_o use_v caution_n lest_o by_o a_o uncharitable_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n we_o encourage_v other_o to_o do_v thing_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o absolute_o unlawful_a how_o much_o more_o cautious_a shall_v we_o be_v not_o to_o give_v any_o authority_n to_o sin_n by_o a_o example_n that_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o so_o likewise_o we_o ought_v with_o the_o more_o care_n to_o choose_v our_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n because_o in_o all_o likelihood_n we_o do_v not_o choose_v they_o for_o ourselves_o only_o but_o for_o our_o child_n for_o our_o servant_n for_o some_o of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o many_o that_o some_o way_n or_o other_o depend_v upon_o we_o and_o for_o who_o we_o must_v answer_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o since_o we_o can_v profess_v we_o can_v live_v but_o the_o world_n observe_v we_o so_o how_o instruct_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o profession_n how_o instruct_v our_o conversation_n how_o apt_a to_o promote_v innocence_n truth_n virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o this_o the_o more_o the_o more_o we_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o in_o short_a no_o word_n i_o can_v use_v can_v make_v such_o a_o impression_n upon_o you_o as_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n ought_v to_o make_v woe_n be_v to_o he_o by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o 2._o we_o must_v also_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o take_v offence_n not_o to_o be_v lead_v into_o sin_n and_o error_n by_o example_n or_o allurement_n by_o any_o kind_n of_o temptation_n whatsoever_o to_o justify_v which_o exhortation_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o observe_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v foretell_v that_o offence_n will_v come_v nay_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o they_o come_v nay_o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o most_o dangerous_a offence_n be_v particular_o foretell_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o brethren_n this_o very_a warning_n in_o general_n much_o more_o those_o particular_a warning_n be_v design_v to_o take_v away_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n the_o danger_n of_o those_o scandal_n by_o arm_v we_o with_o caution_n against_o they_o beforehand_o since_o that_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o other_o particular_a scandal_n that_o be_v express_o add_v to_o the_o prediction_n of_o lie_a wonder_n behold_v i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o now_o if_o the_o offence_n though_o very_o dangerous_a of_o themselves_o be_v lessen_v by_o be_v foretell_v our_o guilt_n in_o fall_v by_o such_o offence_n must_v be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o be_v forewarn_v we_o will_v yet_o take_v no_o warning_n the_o offensiveness_n of_o these_o offence_n be_v in_o some_o part_n abate_v by_o the_o caution_n of_o the_o scripture_n inasmuch_o as_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v startle_v and_o amaze_v and_o to_o question_v the_o care_n of_o god_n providence_n over_o his_o church_n because_o offence_n come_v since_o the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v tell_v we_o beforehand_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o come_v and_o 2._o we_o be_v also_o forewarn_v of_o the_o guilt_n and_o misery_n of_o fall_v by_o offence_n inasmuch_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v woe_n to_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n i_o e._n as_o i_o tell_v you_o at_o first_o because_o of_o that_o evil_n which_o will_v happen_v by_o take_v offence_n but_o if_o man_n be_v free_a from_o guilt_n in_o the_o commit_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o they_o fall_v into_o by_o reason_n of_o scandal_n that_o be_v lay_v in_o their_o way_n in_o short_a if_o take_v offence_n be_v not_o itself_o a_o sin_n and_o in_o many_o case_n a_o very_a great_a sin_n and_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o we_o shall_v be_v sad_o accountable_a for_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v why_o our_o saviour_n shall_v denounce_v a_o woe_n upon_o this_o account_n woe_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o of_o offence_n 3._o let_v we_o not_o forget_v what_o be_v observe_v last_o time_n that_o god_n permit_v offence_n to_o come_v which_o according_a to_o the_o common_a course_n of_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o most_o likely_a to_o come_v he_o permit_v they_o i_o say_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o ingenuity_n our_o honesty_n and_o sincerity_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n unavoidable_a to_o stumble_v at_o scandal_n because_o we_o be_v forewarn_v of_o they_o but_o if_o we_o take_v warning_n it_o be_v for_o the_o praise_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o keep_v to_o god_n word_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n do_v by_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_n that_o be_v they_o will_v deceive_v the_o very_o best_a man_n but_o that_o they_o be_v guard_v by_o sincerity_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o these_o word_n plain_o intimate_v that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o touchstone_n to_o distinguish_v person_n true_o and_o solid_o good_a from_o all_o other_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o fair_a colour_n that_o will_v be_v put_v upon_o wicked_a practice_n and_o error_n they_o will_v persevere_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o godliness_n and_o now_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v mislead_v by_o offence_n but_o keep_v ourselves_o
down_o which_o be_v proper_o religious_a that_o be_v which_o accompany_v and_o go_v along_o with_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n or_o any_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o divine_a perfection_n we_o be_v to_o give_v to_o no_o other_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o outward_a worship_n which_o by_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o be_v religious_a or_o a_o signification_n of_o the_o least_o divine_a honour_n upon_o these_o ground_n i_o intend_v to_o build_v and_o now_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v what_o those_o sin_n be_v which_o manifest_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v these_o rule_n and_o they_o may_v i_o think_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o atheism_n and_o idolatry_n first_o atheism_n of_o which_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n proper_o so_o call_v either_o i._n not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o ii_o not_o worship_v he_o 1._o not_o believe_v a_o god_n that_o be_v a_o invisible_a spiritual_n be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v common_o understand_v by_o atheism_n to_o deny_v the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o high_a stupidity_n and_o the_o great_a corruption_n imaginable_a of_o a_o man_n understanding_n so_o it_o be_v fundamental_o opposite_a to_o all_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o worship_n which_o suppose_v the_o be_v of_o god_n of_o god_n i_o say_v that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a be_v which_o know_v and_o understand_v which_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o upon_o which_o all_o other_o thing_n depend_v but_o 2._o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o atheism_n true_o so_o call_v which_o consist_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o a_o direct_a denial_n of_o his_o be_v and_o that_o be_v not_o worship_v he_o he_o that_o do_v not_o worship_n god_n before_o man_n be_v a_o atheist_n to_o the_o world_n and_o he_o that_o worship_v he_o not_o at_o all_o be_v a_o atheist_n before_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n too_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o question_n but_o he_o that_o be_v the_o one_o be_v the_o other_o too_o every_o wicked_a man_n though_o he_o profess_v religion_n and_o worship_n god_n may_v indeed_o be_v call_v a_o practical_a atheist_n because_o he_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o god_n but_o he_o that_o be_v grow_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o make_v no_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o by_o appear_v in_o his_o worship_n be_v much_o more_o so_o and_o do_v in_o effect_n renounce_v his_o maker_n before_o the_o world_n and_o it_o can_v be_v more_o true_o say_v of_o any_o one_o than_o of_o such_o a_o man_n that_o he_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o although_o the_o epicurean_a sect_n acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n yet_o because_o they_o deny_v his_o providence_n and_o take_v away_o all_o the_o foundation_n of_o worship_v he_o they_o be_v by_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n call_v atheist_n this_o however_o be_v also_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o rule_n we_o be_v upon_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n but_o 3._o idolatry_n be_v oppose_v to_o it_o likewise_o and_o this_o be_v that_o impiety_n which_o the_o rule_n be_v chief_o design_v against_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v idolatry_n be_v a_o term_n in_o religion_n or_o divinity_n to_o which_o we_o must_v give_v that_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v it_o and_o i_o think_v all_o be_v agree_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o there_o that_o it_o be_v the_o give_v of_o any_o divine_a worship_n to_o a_o creature_n i._n e._n any_o part_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n only_o and_o therefore_o these_o word_n be_v a_o rule_n against_o all_o idolatry_n whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n etc._n etc._n now_o 1._o all_o honour_n which_o be_v do_v to_o any_o invisible_a be_v beside_o god_n by_o formal_a invocation_n of_o it_o or_o call_v upon_o it_o must_v therefore_o necessary_o be_v idolatry_n because_o it_o ascribe_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o act_n omnipresence_n to_o it_o which_o be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n 2._o all_o the_o external_a honour_n do_v to_o any_o such_o being_n which_o refer_v to_o that_o service_n be_v also_o idolatrous_a because_o they_o be_v signification_n of_o divine_a honour_n also_o and_o therefore_o dedicate_a church_n and_o altar_n to_o they_o bowing_n kneel_v prostrate_v burn_a incense_n and_o the_o like_a religious_a rite_n perform_v to_o they_o be_v idolatry_n 3._o any_o service_n pay_v to_o a_o create_v be_v that_o be_v either_o visible_a or_o invisible_a see_v nor_o not_o see_v present_a or_o absent_a which_o service_n do_v imply_v that_o thing_n to_o be_v god_n or_o ascribe_v any_o divine_a attribute_n to_o it_o or_o much_o more_o that_o service_n which_o in_o all_o circumstance_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o what_o be_v give_v to_o god_n himself_o this_o also_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o idolatrous_a service_n 4._o the_o worship_n of_o a_o image_n or_o any_o visible_a representation_n of_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o must_v be_v idolatrous_a for_o if_o it_o be_v worship_v as_o the_o representation_n of_o a_o creature_n it_o can_v '_o escape_v be_v so_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o than_o that_o religious_a worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o original_a but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o pretend_a image_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o worship_n of_o it_o be_v idolatrous_a worship_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v set_v there_o to_o receive_v that_o external_a worship_n at_o least_o which_o be_v due_a to_o that_o invisible_a be_v who_o it_o be_v say_v to_o represent_v but_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o and_o to_o none_o but_o he_o i_o pass_v by_o two_o material_a thing_n one_o be_v that_o the_o image-worship_n of_o the_o people_n be_v know_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o expectation_n of_o receive_v benefit_n from_o the_o image_n itself_o which_o make_v the_o idolatry_n to_o be_v very_o gross_a in_o they_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o image_n be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o outward_a act_n of_o divine_a honour_n by_o all_o that_o worship_v they_o they_o give_v to_o the_o image_n that_o worship_n which_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n only_o another_o be_v this_o that_o to_o pretend_v to_o make_v a_o image_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o gross_a dishonour_n that_o can_v be_v possible_o do_v to_o he_o because_o that_o suppose_v the_o godhead_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o wood_n or_o to_o stone_n and_o the_o work_n of_o man_n hand_n and_o tend_v to_o corrupt_v the_o notion_n of_o god_n in_o all_o that_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v his_o image_n or_o representation_n but_o i_o do_v not_o place_v idolatry_n in_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o actual_a worship_v of_o it_o and_o that_o because_o we_o be_v to_o worship_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o only_o but_o to_o worship_v image_n be_v not_o to_o worship_v he_o for_o god_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o a_o pretend_a image_n of_o he_o be_v another_o all_o this_o i_o make_v bold_a to_o lay_v down_o peremptory_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o these_o kind_n of_o worship_n be_v prohibit_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o serve_v god_n only_o and_o that_o these_o prohibit_v worship_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n call_v idolatry_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o more_o particular_o prove_v against_o a_o certain_a pretence_n that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a notion_n of_o idolatry_n be_v this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o viz._n the_o worship_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n the_o sun_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n or_o any_o other_o visible_a and_o corporeal_a deity_n as_o the_o supreme_a god_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v all_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a godhead_n the_o plain_a english_a of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o idolater_n that_o be_v not_o such_o a_o sot_n as_o to_o take_v something_o which_o he_o know_v can_n neither_o understand_v any_o thing_n nor_o choose_v one_o thing_n before_o another_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a god_n and_o as_o such_o to_o worship_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n he_o must_v take_v something_o which_o have_v no_o more_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n in_o it_o than_o a_o piece_n of_o stone_n or_o a_o log_n of_o wood_n and_o exclude_v all_o reference_n that_o it_o can_v have_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o he_o must_v fall_v down_o upon_o his_o knee_n to_o
faith_n we_o argue_v it_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o with_o the_o same_o calmness_n that_o we_o do_v any_o other_o subject_n whatsoever_o by_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v we_o to_o do_v if_o these_o do_v not_o convince_v they_o never_o fly_v off_o to_o the_o common-place_n topic_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o to_o that_o explode_a refuge_n of_o oral_a tradition_n but_o the_o controversy_n end_v and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v they_o be_v content_a to_o hope_v well_o of_o those_o of_o our_o church_n who_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o inquiry_n and_o willing_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o truth_n wherever_o it_o be_v still_o continue_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o instead_o of_o call_v i_o a_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_a or_o thunder_v out_o damnation_n against_o i_o as_o such_o a_o mutual_a charity_n conclude_v the_o discourse_n we_o hope_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o err_v party_n which_o ever_o it_o be_v but_o make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o same_o heaven_n may_v receive_v we_o all_o though_o we_o shall_v continue_v to_o disagree_v to_o the_o last_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o temper_n of_o mr._n gooden_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o little_a herd_n of_o that_o church_n who_o give_v so_o much_o trouble_v and_o disturbance_n to_o their_o own_o and_o the_o nation_n repose_v and_o have_v contribute_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v by_o their_o heat_n and_o folly_n to_o ruin_n both_o themselves_o and_o we_o as_o for_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o present_a conference_n it_o be_v this_o a_o gentlewoman_n of_o a_o good_a estate_n and_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o divers_a r._n c's_o be_v by_o a_o frequent_a conversation_n with_o they_o wrought_v up_o by_o degree_n into_o a_o extraordinary_a opinion_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o recluse_n life_n for_o the_o better_a perform_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n insomuch_o that_o the_o desire_v she_o begin_v to_o have_v for_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o retirement_n make_v she_o almost_o willing_a to_o leave_v our_o church_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o roman_a communion_n but_o that_o she_o still_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n in_o those_o point_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o to_o be_v false_a and_o dangerous_a and_o to_o one_o so_o persuade_v as_o she_o be_v destructive_a of_o salvation_n be_v thus_o prepare_v for_o their_o seduction_n they_o let_v slip_v no_o opportunity_n to_o finish_v their_o work_n and_o gain_v their_o proselyte_n for_o which_o purpose_n care_n be_v take_v first_o by_o one_o of_o her_o acquaintance_n to_o represent_v to_o she_o all_o the_o popular_a pretence_n of_o that_o church_n by_o which_o many_o be_v prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o and_o the_o advantage_n it_o have_v in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n unity_n universality_n infallibility_n and_o what_o not_o beyond_o we_o and_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o get_v father_n gooden_o bring_v to_o she_o as_o one_o that_o will_v give_v she_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o all_o these_o matter_n if_o she_o will_v but_o afford_v he_o the_o opportunity_n of_o discourse_v with_o she_o and_o to_o the_o end_n his_o argument_n may_v make_v the_o deep_a impression_n upon_o she_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o priest_n to_o she_o not_o in_o the_o glorious_a idea_n of_o the_o great_a master_n of_o demonstration_n one_o who_o have_v devour_v all_o mr._n i._o s_n principle_n and_o be_v thereby_o become_v such_o a_o mighty_a man_n of_o controversy_n that_o none_o of_o our_o divine_n dare_v cope_v with_o he_o he_o in_o who_o hand_n the_o dean_n of_o paul_n himself_n be_v nothing_o who_o have_v a_o certain_a paper_n that_o in_o a_o few_o line_n baffle_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v or_o write_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o reformation_n which_o be_v a_o great_a thing_n answer_v in_o a_o few_o sheet_n all_o the_o book_n and_o sermon_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v publish_v or_o preach_v against_o they_o but_o in_o the_o humble_a character_n of_o a_o country_n priest_n a_o little_a inconsiderable_a man_n among_o they_o and_o his_o dress_n be_v accommodate_v to_o his_o character_n that_o so_o under_o this_o disguise_n he_o may_v talk_v with_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o she_o but_o mr._n gooden_o forget_v the_o person_n he_o have_v put_v on_o present_o fall_v into_o his_o usual_a strain_n he_o begin_v to_o talk_v of_o nothing_o but_o infallibility_n antiquity_n demonstration_n that_o all_o the_o father_n and_o council_n be_v on_o their_o side_n that_o he_o have_v baffle_v our_o most_o considerable_a divine_n and_o particular_o the_o dean_n of_o paul_n who_o have_v in_o truth_n all_o of_o they_o so_o little_a to_o say_v for_o themselves_o when_o he_o come_v among_o they_o that_o he_o desire_v nothing_o more_o to_o convince_v she_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n than_o that_o she_o will_v pitch_v upon_o some_o point_n and_o bring_v one_o of_o our_o man_n to_o meet_v he_o and_o she_o shall_v see_v what_o work_n he_o will_v make_v with_o he_o such_o a_o noise_n as_o this_o from_o one_o of_o the_o little_a inconsiderable_a priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n amaze_v the_o poor_a lady_n and_o have_v he_o prudent_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o boast_n of_o the_o victory_n he_o have_v already_o gain_v without_o aspire_v after_o the_o honour_n of_o add_v one_o more_o for_o the_o increase_a his_o triumph_n he_o may_v possible_o have_v save_v himself_o from_o the_o shame_n of_o that_o discovery_n the_o follow_a conference_n make_v of_o his_o ability_n and_o have_v gain_v his_o proselyte_n but_o as_o great_a wit_n be_v too_o often_o a_o little_a inconsiderate_a and_o before_o they_o be_v aware_a run_v themselves_o into_o difficulty_n out_o of_o which_o they_o can_v tell_v afterward_o how_o to_o extricate_v themselves_o so_o it_o fall_v out_o with_o mr._n gooden_o on_o this_o occasion_n for_o the_o lady_n present_o take_v hold_v on_o his_o offer_n and_o apply_v herself_o to_o dr._n clagett_n and_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o subject_a be_v fix_v mr._n gooden_o and_o the_o doctor_n meet_v according_o at_o gray's-inn_n feb._n 21_o 1686._o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o menage_n of_o the_o conference_n itself_o but_o that_o it_o be_v with_o much_o noise_n on_o mr._n gooden_n side_n who_o in_o discourse_n let_v fall_v some_o very_a extraordinary_a thing_n and_o which_o may_v have_v pass_v into_o the_o abstract_n too_o have_v not_o another_o person_n who_o be_v with_o he_o and_o seem_v much_o more_o modest_a and_o understanding_n than_o himself_o observe_v what_o pass_v and_o correct_v his_o blunder_n after_o the_o dispute_n be_v end_v which_o last_v about_o four_o or_o five_o hour_n a_o new_a discourse_n arise_v about_o the_o paper_n which_o mr._n gooden_o make_v such_o boast_n of_o about_o the_o town_n and_o have_v so_o often_o represent_v to_o the_o lady_n and_o other_o as_o unanswerable_a he_o be_v very_o unwilling_a a_o great_a while_n to_o let_v the_o doctor_n have_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o though_o he_o promise_v to_o give_v he_o a_o answer_n to_o it_o till_o at_o last_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o let_v he_o have_v it_o the_o company_n will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o idle_a paper_n that_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o dare_v not_o trust_v he_o with_o it_o upon_o this_o he_o give_v he_o a_o copy_n of_o it_o and_o the_o doctor_n in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o promise_n the_o next_o day_n send_v he_o the_o follow_a answer_n to_o it_o for_o what_o concern_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o conference_n here_o publish_v it_o be_v take_v in_o write_v and_o sign_v by_o both_o party_n upon_o the_o place_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n for_o any_o one_o to_o question_v the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o and_o though_o the_o abstract_n be_v very_o short_a yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v every_o impartial_a reader_n why_o mr._n gooden_o do_v not_o care_n to_o make_v any_o boast_n of_o it_o and_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o meeting_n and_o hear_v all_o that_o pass_v between_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o lady_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o meet_v be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o he_o will_v not_o force_v they_o to_o publish_v the_o history_n of_o it_o but_o though_o the_o doctor_n be_v willing_a to_o let_v this_o matter_n die_v and_o show_v himself_o as_o careful_a of_o mr._n gooden_n reputation_n after_o the_o conference_n as_o he_o be_v of_o the_o lady_n conviction_n in_o it_o yet_o be_v now_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n remove_v from_o we_o i_o think_v it_o a_o just_a