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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n christian_a great_a life_n 2,755 4 4.1264 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A92744 The Christian life wheren is shew'd, I. The worth and excellency of the soul. II. The divinity and incarnation of our Saviour III. The authority of the Holy Scripture. IV. A dissuasive from apostacy. Vol. V. and last. By John Scott, D.D. late rector of St. Giles's in the Fields.; Christian life. Vol. 5 Scott, John, 1639-1695.; White, Robert, 1645-1703, engraver.; Zouch, Humphrey. 1700 (1700) Wing S2060; ESTC R230772 251,294 440

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a_o man_n and_o be_v a_o man_n it_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v live_v like_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a man_n in_o the_o condition_n and_o relation_n wherein_o he_o be_v place_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o or_o become_v he_o than_o so_o to_o do_v though_o he_o be_v still_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o the_o father_n for_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o he_o always_o act_n most_o reasonable_o according_a to_o the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n become_v man_n by_o assume_v our_o nature_n to_o his_o own_o it_o be_v his_o glory_n to_o act_v most_o reasonable_o in_o the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o a_o man._n and_o thus_o do_v the_o bless_a jesus_n do_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o conversation_n upon_o earth_n for_o his_o life_n be_v a_o most_o exact_a pattern_n of_o all_o humane_a virtue_n in_o which_o all_o that_o be_v ornamental_a to_o humane_a nature_n be_v represent_v in_o its_o fair_a colour_n there_o you_o may_v see_v a_o fair_a example_n of_o the_o most_o ardent_a love_n to_o and_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o god_n of_o the_o most_o profound_a humility_n and_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o his_o heavenly_a will._n there_o you_o may_v behold_v the_o moderation_n of_o humane_a passion_n and_o appetite_n set_v forth_o to_o the_o life_n and_o fair_o delineate_v in_o its_o most_o exquisite_a perfection_n in_o a_o word_n there_o you_o will_v find_v loyalty_n and_o submission_n to_o superior_n fidelity_n and_o justice_n to_o equal_n courtesy_n and_o candour_n and_o condescension_n to_o inferior_n universal_a love_n and_o a_o unbounded_a charity_n to_o all_o practise_v to_o the_o height_n and_o exactness_n and_o which_o way_n soever_o you_o turn_v your_o eye_n on_o this_o fair_a monument_n of_o virtue_n you_o can_v discover_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lovely_a and_o adorable_a and_o infinite_o become_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o the_o father_n have_v thus_o explain_v and_o demonstrate_v the_o proposition_n to_o you_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o these_o four_o inference_n from_o this_o fourfold_a glory_n of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o see_v 1._o they_o see_v the_o glorious_a splendour_n which_o invest_v his_o person_n at_o his_o baptison_n and_o transfiguration_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v his_o deputation_n from_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v his_o representative_a and_o viceroy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o this_o visible_a glory_n with_o which_o he_o be_v invest_v be_v always_o the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o the_o immediate_a representative_a of_o god_n and_o therefore_o by_o way_n of_o appropriation_n it_o be_v call_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o wheresover_v god_n as_o supreme_a monarch_n
single_a man_n will_v open_o testify_v a_o know_a lie_n without_o some_o temptation_n induce_v he_o thereunto_o much_o less_o that_o so_o many_o hundred_o of_o person_n as_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v shall_v conspire_v to_o cheat_v the_o world_n not_o only_a when_o they_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o it_o but_o when_o they_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n against_o it_o for_o they_o see_v their_o master_n suffer_v a_o shameful_a death_n before_o their_o eye_n by_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o divine_v what_o their_o own_o fate_n will_v be_v if_o they_o persevere_v to_o preach_v up_o his_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n which_o they_o can_v not_o resolve_v to_o do_v without_o bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o their_o temporal_a hope_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o undergo_v all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o testify_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a they_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o thereby_o forfeit_v all_o their_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o report_n and_o testify_v the_o miracle_n of_o a_o man_n who_o they_o have_v late_o see_v crucify_v before_o their_o eye_n when_o they_o know_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v all_o a_o mere_a forgery_n and_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v that_o by_o persist_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v incur_v a_o inevitable_a ruin_n in_o this_o life_n and_o a_o eternal_a damnation_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o desperate_a piece_n of_o madness_n hear_v of_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n and_o yet_o this_o monstrous_a thing_n which_o be_v by_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o must_v not_o only_o imagine_v may_v be_v but_o believe_v that_o it_o real_o be_v or_o else_o confess_v that_o st._n john_n say_v true_a here_o that_o they_o do_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o undoubted_a a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n wherefore_o since_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o by_o a_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a faith_n adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o quick_a and_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o the_o cast_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o our_o vicious_a habit_n and_o implant_n in_o we_o all_o those_o divine_a disposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o those_o endless_a joy_n which_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v promise_v to_o and_o prepare_v for_o we_o 3._o they_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o divine_a and_o incomparable_a doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v from_o whence_o i_o infer_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o man_n entertain_v mean_a and_o contemptible_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n since_o it_o be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o we_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o will_v fain_o be_v account_v the_o wit_n and_o virtuoso_n of_o the_o age_n who_o pretend_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o yet_o open_o profess_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o contemptible_a opinion_n of_o christianity_n and_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o ridiculous_a fiction_n fit_a only_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o credulous_a vulgar_a but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o these_o mighty_a man_n of_o reason_n what_o plausible_a pretence_n they_o can_v urge_v for_o this_o their_o bold_a and_o blasphemous_a censure_n be_v it_o because_o christianity_n be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n or_o because_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n who_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o revealer_n of_o it_o or_o because_o there_o want_v credible_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o if_o they_o pretend_v to_o reject_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n i_o will_v beseech_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o it_o can_v have_v comport_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n never_o to_o make_v any_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v lose_v in_o such_o a_o midnight_n of_o ignorance_n in_o respect_n of_o natural_a religion_n how_o even_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v corrupt_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o folly_n and_o vanity_n and_o man_n have_v form_v religion_n not_o only_o hateful_a to_o god_n but_o nauseous_a to_o all_o that_o be_v wise_a among_o themselves_o and_o how_o defective_a also_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a precept_n of_o morality_n have_v at_o last_o consecrate_v their_o vice_n and_o enthrone_v they_o among_o the_o grace_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o miserable_a state_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v a_o revelation_n that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o vindicate_v god_n goodness_n without_o suppose_v it_o for_o shall_v he_o have_v for_o ever_o leave_v mankind_n in_o this_o bewildered_a state_n without_o revelation_n he_o will_v have_v be_v more_o want_v to_o man_n who_o be_v the_o noble_a of_o all_o his_o earthly_a creature_n than_o he_o be_v to_o the_o most_o contemptible_a animal_n for_o to_o his_o mean_a creature_n he_o have_v give_v sufficient_a ability_n to_o attain_v the_o high_a end_n of_o their_o being_n which_o mankind_n can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v in_o his_o corrupt_a degegenerate_a state_n without_o suppose_v a_o new_a revelation_n from_o heaven_n for_o we_o have_v a_o innate_a notion_n within_o we_o of_o a_o supreme_a be_v above_o we_o that_o be_v superlative_o good_a and_o endue_v with_o all_o possible_a perfection_n our_o natural_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o that_o to_o converse_v with_o and_o enjoy_v he_o for_o ever_o be_v the_o high_a good_a that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o the_o most_o suitable_a to_o our_o rational_a nature_n but_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o this_o state_n of_o revolt_n whereinto_o we_o be_v fall_v and_o how_o at_o length_n we_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o can_v never_o have_v be_v sufficient_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o this_o maze_n of_o ignorance_n wherein_o we_o be_v involve_v without_o some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v revelation_n unreasonable_a in_o our_o miserable_a state_n and_o circumstance_n be_v to_o suppose_v it_o unreasonable_a for_o the_o great_a and_o good_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n to_o furnish_v his_o noble_a creature_n man_n with_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o obtain_v his_o most_o excellent_a end_n and_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v so_o high_o reasonable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v let_v we_o consider_v which_o of_o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o we_o impartial_o compare_v they_o but_o our_o reason_n will_v soon_o give_v its_o vote_n for_o christianity_n if_o you_o inquire_v for_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o enthusiastic_a poet_n of_o the_o heathen_a how_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a be_v that_o religion_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o theology_n of_o hesiod_n the_o hymn_n of_o orpheus_n the_o ode_n of_o pindar_n and_o the_o poem_n of_o homer_n virgil_n and_o ovid_n if_o you_o consult_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n of_o delphos_n dodona_n and_o jupiter_n hammon_n how_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a how_o uncertain_a and_o fallacious_a be_v all_o their_o response_n beside_o that_o the_o book_n and_o record_n of_o they_o be_v long_o since_o perish_v and_o consume_v if_o you_o inquire_v for_o this_o revelation_n in_o the_o old_a roman_a theology_n which_o numa_n pretend_v to_o receive_v from_o his_o goddess_n egeria_n that_o also_o be_v lose_v be_v burn_v by_o the_o roman_a senate_n as_o valerius_n maximus_n tell_v we_o for_o that_o it_o contain_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o not_o only_o destructive_a to_o the_o god_n and_o religion_n of_o other_o country_n but_o also_o to_o his_o own_o and_o the_o roman_a profession_n or_o shall_v we_o confront_v christianity_n with_o the_o koran_n of_o mahomet_n which_o he_o often_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n there_o we_o shall_v find_v every_o page_n almost_o abound_v with_o monstrous_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n the_o whole_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o confuse_a medley_n of_o impious_a and_o contemptible_a foppery_n heap_v
understanding_n so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n he_o do_v not_o only_o live_v without_o but_o against_o his_o reason_n which_o instead_o of_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o his_o action_n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o like_o a_o idle_a spectator_n do_v only_o behold_v the_o brutish_a scene_n without_o any_o part_n or_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o whilst_o a_o man_n thus_o abandon_v himself_o to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o own_o blind_a will_n and_o live_v not_o only_o in_o the_o perpetual_a neglect_n but_o contempt_n of_o his_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o not_o to_o waste_v and_o impair_v it_o for_o as_o our_o rational_a faculty_n be_v improve_v and_o perfect_v by_o exercise_n so_o they_o natural_o languish_v and_o decay_n through_o disuse_n and_o inactivity_n and_o consequent_o the_o less_o use_v we_o make_v of_o they_o in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n which_o be_v their_o proper_a office_n and_o employment_n like_o stand_v water_n they_o must_v corrupt_v and_o putrify_v and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o impure_a lust_n but_o do_v by_o its_o own_o natural_a efficacy_n disable_v man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o these_o body_n our_o mind_n be_v fain_o to_o work_v by_o bodily_a instrument_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o brain_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n in_o all_o its_o operation_n and_o according_a as_o their_o temper_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a its_o operation_n will_v be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a but_o while_o a_o man_n indulge_v himself_o in_o any_o impure_a affection_n that_o will_v natural_o distemper_v these_o organ_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o indispose_v they_o for_o the_o use_v of_o his_o reason_n for_o so_o madness_n which_o be_v such_o a_o distemperature_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n do_v whole_o alienate_v they_o from_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n be_v usual_o find_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a affection_n such_o as_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n anger_n or_o fearfulness_n jealousy_n or_o lust_n and_o if_o these_o passion_n be_v once_o arrive_v to_o their_o utmost_a rage_n and_o excess_n do_v so_o often_o run_v into_o downright_a madness_n and_o distraction_n to_o be_v sure_o every_o inordinate_a degree_n of_o they_o must_v be_v a_o tendency_n towards_o it_o a_o great_a disturbance_n of_o mind_n though_o not_o a_o total_a distraction_n and_o how_o much_o they_o exceed_v their_o due_a bound_n and_o measure_n by_o so_o much_o they_o must_v taint_v and_o vitiate_v these_o necessary_a instrument_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o reason_n thus_o every_o inordinate_a lust_n do_v by_o a_o natural_a influence_n disturb_v man_n reason_n and_o sully_v the_o clearness_n of_o their_o discern_a faculty_n so_o that_o what_o clearness_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n that_o purity_n from_o vicious_a affection_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o brighten_v its_o apprehension_n and_o render_v its_o conception_n of_o thing_n more_o quick_a distinct_a and_o vigorous_a whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o disorderly_a affection_n do_v more_o or_o less_o cloud_n and_o disturb_v the_o brain_n chill_a or_o inflame_v the_o spirit_n hurry_v they_o into_o tumultuous_a motion_n or_o render_v they_o listless_a and_o unactive_a by_o which_o continual_a disorder_n our_o discern_a faculty_n must_v by_o degree_n be_v extreme_o weaken_v and_o confound_v and_o whilst_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o lose_v in_o the_o fog_n of_o inordinate_a affection_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o seduce_v and_o mislead_v it_o it_o be_v through_o the_o dimness_n of_o its_o sight_n apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a colour_n and_o tincture_v with_o prejudice_n and_o undue_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n weak_a mind_n be_v easy_o abuse_v especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v place_v beyond_o the_o prospect_n of_o sense_n require_v a_o severe_a attention_n in_o order_n to_o the_o form_n of_o right_a apprehension_n concern_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o more_o man_n weaken_v their_o understanding_n by_o their_o lust_n the_o more_o they_o must_v be_v expose_v to_o error_n and_o delusion_n but_o they_o 2._o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n render_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n uneasy_a to_o man_n mind_n whilst_o a_o man_n lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n his_o religious_a principle_n if_o they_o be_v pure_a and_o true_a will_v perpetual_o reproach_v and_o upbraid_v he_o for_o there_o be_v no_o contrary_n in_o nature_n more_o irreconcilable_a to_o one_o another_o than_o true_a faith_n and_o bad_a manner_n the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o true_a faith_n be_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n if_o therefore_o a_o man_n faith_n be_v true_a and_o genuine_a he_o can_v live_v wicked_o without_o act_v against_o the_o full_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o must_v necessary_o render_v he_o very_o uneasy_a for_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n he_o act_v with_o a_o self-condemning_a judgement_n and_o every_o compliance_n with_o his_o inclination_n set_v he_o at_o odds_o with_o his_o reason_n all_o the_o while_o he_o be_v meditate_v any_o wicked_a design_n he_o struggle_v with_o his_o conscience_n and_o confront_v and_o outrage_n his_o own_o conviction_n and_o when_o he_o have_v act_v it_o every_o reflection_n he_o make_v on_o it_o be_v a_o bitter_a invective_n against_o himself_o thus_o so_o long_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n possess_v his_o mind_n he_o find_v himself_o continual_o hag_v and_o oppress_v by_o they_o they_o sit_v as_o a_o uneasy_a load_n upon_o his_o soul_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o sin_n in_o quiet_a but_o perpetual_o cause_v his_o sinful_a delight_n to_o go_v off_o with_o a_o ungrateful_a farewell_o and_o recoil_v upon_o he_o in_o many_o a_o sickly_a qualm_n and_o convulsion_n in_o which_o state_n of_o thing_n he_o have_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o either_o to_o forsake_v his_o principle_n or_o his_o lust_n or_o to_o live_v in_o perpetual_a variance_n with_o himself_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o still_o resolve_v to_o sin_n on_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o will_v soon_o grow_v quite_o weary_a of_o true_a religion_n and_o quit_v his_o mind_n as_o soon_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v of_o those_o stern_a and_o inflexible_a principle_n which_o create_v these_o discord_n in_o his_o breast_n and_o whilst_o he_o be_v in_o this_o temper_n it_o will_v be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o pervert_v he_o to_o any_o religion_n that_o will_v give_v ease_n to_o his_o straitlaced_a conscience_n and_o cast_v a_o more_o favourable_o aspect_n on_o his_o lust_n for_o be_v resolve_v to_o follow_v his_o vicious_a inclination_n he_o now_o see_v through_o they_o and_o understand_v by_o they_o and_o whilst_o his_o mind_n run_v upon_o the_o false_a bias_n of_o his_o lust_n that_o religion_n which_o be_v most_o grateful_a to_o they_o will_v seem_v most_o reasonable_a to_o he_o show_v he_o a_o way_n how_o he_o may_v worship_n god_n acceptable_o without_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o strict_a attention_n and_o the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o heavenly_a affection_n mere_o by_o number_v so_o many_o prayer_n on_o a_o string_n of_o bead_n by_o see_v a_o priest_n act_n over_o such_o a_o set_a of_o ceremony_n and_o hear_v he_o in_o vary_a tone_n sometime_o pronounce_v and_o sometime_o murmur_v a_o form_n of_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a language_n and_o though_o at_o first_o view_v it_o may_v seem_v very_o absurd_a to_o he_o yet_o the_o very_a looseness_n and_o carnality_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o engage_v his_o affection_n to_o it_o and_o then_o they_o by_o degree_n will_v go_v near_o to_o wheedle_n his_o understanding_n into_o a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o it_o propose_v to_o he_o a_o expedient_a how_o he_o may_v go_v to_o heaven_n at_o last_o without_o undergo_n the_o severity_n of_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n tell_v he_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a church_n in_o the_o world_n who_o priest_n if_o he_o confess_v his_o sin_n to_o they_o with_o any_o degree_n of_o sorrow_n and_o remorse_n have_v full_a power_n to_o pardon_n and_o absolve_v he_o so_o that_o if_o he_o do_v but_o take_v care_v not_o to_o die_v without_o confession_n however_o he_o live_v he_o can_v miscarry_v for_o ever_o he_o may_v indeed_o go_v into_o a_o very_a hot_a place_n call_v purgatory_n and_o there_o suffer_v a_o while_n very_o grievous_a thing_n before_o he_o get_v to_o heaven_n but_o if_o instead_o of_o part_v with_o his_o lust_n while_o he_o live_v he_o will_v part_v with_o his_o money_n when_o he_o die_v he_o may_v at_o easy_a rate_n purchase_v of_o that_o church_n such_o a_o
render_v he_o a_o mere_a lackey_n to_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n that_o be_v without_o he_o and_o whither_o ever_o they_o send_v he_o he_o must_v go_v wherever_o they_o lead_v he_o he_o must_v follow_v let_v their_o vagary_n be_v never_o so_o wild_a or_o wicked_a if_o therefore_o while_o his_o soul_n be_v thus_o enslave_v to_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v be_v tempt_v by_o he_o to_o apostatise_v from_o his_o religion_n what_o have_v he_o to_o restrain_v or_o secure_v he_o for_o ever_o since_o he_o get_v loose_a from_o his_o conscience_n he_o be_v whole_o lead_v by_o his_o affection_n and_o these_o be_v chain_v and_o saftn_v to_o the_o world_n hale_v he_o after_o it_o which_o way_n soever_o it_o move_v so_o long_o as_o his_o religion_n and_o his_o worldly_a interest_n consist_v and_o go_v hand_n in_o hand_n he_o be_v very_o well_o content_a to_o own_o and_o follow_v it_o but_o if_o ever_o a_o storm_n of_o persecution_n shall_v part_v they_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o will_v follow_v his_o interest_n and_o like_o the_o treacherous_a orpha_n give_v his_o religion_n a_o part_a kiss_n and_o leave_v it_o for_o his_o heart_n be_v now_o so_o wed_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o esteem_v nothing_o so_o good_a as_o its_o good_n and_o nothing_o so_o evil_a as_o its_o evil_n and_o the_o one_o be_v his_o heaven_n and_o the_o other_o his_o hell_n all_o other_o consideration_n be_v overcome_v by_o they_o and_o to_o obtain_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o he_o must_v stick_v at_o nothing_o no_o not_o at_o renounce_v his_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n together_o with_o all_o his_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a immortality_n 6._o and_o last_o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n for_o so_o long_o as_o man_n submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o not_o only_o direct_v their_o will_n but_o also_o inform_v their_o understanding_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o discern_v the_o beauty_n and_o reality_n of_o those_o heavenly_a truth_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o though_o since_o he_o have_v reveal_v already_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n to_o we_o concern_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o will_v reveal_v new_a truth_n to_o we_o yet_o see_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a he_o have_v promise_v and_o engage_v that_o he_o will_v cooperate_v with_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o as_o well_o to_o understand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o perform_v it_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o depend_v upon_o it_o that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o cherish_v his_o heavenly_a inspiration_n by_o yield_v to_o they_o our_o free_a and_o ready_a compliance_n he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o a_o assist_a genius_n to_o our_o understanding_n as_o to_o suggest_v to_o we_o those_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v already_o reveal_v and_o set_v they_o before_o our_o eye_n in_o so_o fair_a a_o light_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o fail_v more_o clear_o to_o discern_v and_o more_o distinct_o to_o apprehend_v they_o than_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v or_o can_v have_v do_v for_o when_o he_o write_v his_o truth_n upon_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v with_o such_o a_o victorious_a sunbeam_n as_o will_v endure_v neither_o cloud_n nor_o shadow_n before_o it_o whenever_o he_o speak_v he_o speak_v not_o to_o our_o ear_n but_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o represent_v thing_n naked_o and_o immediate_o to_o our_o understanding_n he_o converse_v with_o our_o spirit_n as_o spirit_n do_v with_o spirit_n without_o involve_v his_o sense_n in_o articulate_a sound_n or_o material_a representation_n but_o object_n it_o to_o we_o in_o its_o own_o naked_a light_n and_o characterize_v it_o immediate_o on_o our_o understanding_n and_o as_o he_o propose_v the_o divine_a light_n to_o we_o so_o he_o also_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n to_o discern_v and_o comprehend_v it_o he_o raise_v and_o exalt_v our_o intellectual_a power_n and_o as_o a_o vital_a form_n to_o the_o light_n of_o our_o reason_n invigorate_n and_o actuate_v it_o and_o thereby_o render_v its_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n more_o quick_a and_o pierce_v and_o sagacious_a thus_o do_v the_o holy_a spirit_n more_o or_o less_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o divine_a thing_n as_o he_o find_v we_o more_o or_o less_o compliant_a with_o his_o heavenly_a pleasure_n and_o though_o he_o stand_v no_o more_o oblige_v to_o render_v our_o mind_n infallible_a than_o our_o will_n impeccable_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o by_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a suggestion_n we_o keep_v ourselves_o under_o his_o conduct_n and_o direction_n we_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o he_o will_v either_o preserve_v we_o from_o all_o dangerous_a error_n or_o if_o for_o just_a reason_n he_o shall_v permit_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o such_o they_o shall_v not_o prove_v dangerous_a to_o we_o but_o either_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o they_o while_o we_o live_v or_o obtain_v pity_n and_o pardon_v for_o they_o when_o we_o die_v but_o whilst_o we_o persist_v in_o any_o wilful_a course_n of_o sin_n we_o do_v not_o only_o violate_v our_o own_o conscience_n but_o also_o repel_v those_o good_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o strive_v to_o reduce_v and_o reclaim_v we_o in_o do_v which_o we_o continual_o grieve_v he_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o forbear_v shall_v at_o length_n provoke_v he_o whole_o to_o forsake_v and_o abandon_v we_o to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n lust_n as_o desperate_a wretch_n with_o who_o he_o have_v hitherto_o strive_v and_o struggle_v in_o vain_a and_o of_o who_o future_a recovery_n there_o remain_v no_o far_a hope_n or_o prospect_n and_o when_o he_o have_v forsake_v we_o our_o mind_n will_v not_o only_o be_v leave_v naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o all_o those_o help_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o it_o receive_v from_o he_o but_o also_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o cheat_n and_o fallacy_n of_o evil_a spirit_n who_o recreation_n it_o be_v to_o put_v trick_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o banter_n and_o play_n upon_o our_o easy_a faith_n to_o cast_v mist_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o therein_o to_o juggle_v away_o all_o true_a religion_n from_o we_o and_o foist_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o the_o most_o fulsome_a error_n and_o mistake_v for_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o of_o antichrist_n the_o great_a deceiver_n that_o he_o shall_v come_v with_o all_o the_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n to_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o that_o for_o that_o cause_n viz._n their_o not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o god_n shall_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o be_v by_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o cheat_v and_o delude_a spirit_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n 2_o thess_n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o god_n grant_v that_o this_o at_o last_o prove_v not_o our_o fate_n that_o because_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o go_v astray_o in_o all_o unrighteousness_n under_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n we_o be_v not_o at_o length_n give_v up_o by_o god_n to_o follow_v the_o wile_n delusion_n of_o antichrist_n and_o to_o believe_v all_o those_o fulsome_a lie_n and_o imposture_n which_o he_o from_o age_n to_o age_n have_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o whether_o it_o prove_v thus_o or_o no_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o by_o persist_v in_o any_o vicious_a course_n against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n we_o high_o provoke_v almighty_a god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o we_o and_o give_v we_o up_o to_o our_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v our_o own_o heart_n lust_n will_v soon_o betray_v and_o give_v up_o our_o faith_n to_o false_a and_o vicious_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o now_o have_v show_v at_o large_a what_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a tendency_n there_o be_v in_o a_o wicked_a life_n to_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o argument_n with_o two_o or_o three_o inference_n 1._o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v what_o a_o great_a malignity_n there_o be_v in_o man_n be_v inconstant_a to_o and_o apostatise_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o sinful_a affection_n it_o be_v as_o you_o see_v the_o
344._o 2._o from_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n approbation_n of_o this_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n p_o 345_o 346._o 3_o from_o the_o great_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o write_v the_o scripture_n p._n 347_o 348._o 4._o from_o the_o direction_n of_o these_o holy_a write_n to_o the_o people_n p._n 349._o to_o 352._o 5._o from_o the_o great_a concernmènt_n the_o people_n have_v in_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n p._n 352._o to_o 356._o 6._o from_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o this_o matter_n p._n 355._o to_o 359._o a_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o a_o general_a permission_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n must_v necessary_o open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o error_n and_o heresy_n p._n 360._o to_o 366._o another_o objection_n that_o it_o will_v prove_v a_o unavoidable_a occasion_n of_o great_a corruption_n in_o manner_n answer_v p._n 367._o to_o 371._o two_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a p._n 372._o to_o the_o end_n dis_n v._o a_o dissuasive_a from_o apostasy_n a_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n p._n 385._o to_o p._n 388._o the_o general_a proposition_n p._n 389._o six_o instance_n of_o the_o mighty_a tendency_n there_o be_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n to_o error_n and_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n as_o 1._o it_o corrupt_v man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n p._n 390_o 391._o 2._o it_o render_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n uneasy_a to_o their_o mind_n p._n 392_o 393_o 394._o 3._o it_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o constancy_n and_o steadiness_n in_o religion_n p._n 395._o 4._o it_o weaken_v the_o natural_a force_n of_o man_n conscience_n p._n 396._o to_o p._n 399._o 5._o it_o strengthen_v and_o enforce_v the_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n p._n 400._o to_o 402._o 6._o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n p._n 403._o to_o p._n 406._o two_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a p._n 406._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n part_n iv_o matth_n xuj_o 26._o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n in_o the_o 24_o verse_n our_o saviour_n urge_v his_o disciple_n to_o that_o necessary_a duty_n of_o deny_v themselves_o that_o be_v of_o surrender_v up_o their_o will_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o he_o and_o renounce_v all_o their_o worldly_a interest_n when_o it_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o that_o be_v of_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o endure_v persecution_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o to_o persist_v courageous_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o religion_n whatsoever_o opposition_n they_o shall_v meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o press_v they_o hereunto_o he_o urge_v this_o argument_n ver._n 25._o for_o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o whosoever_o will_v lose_v his_o life_n shall_v find_v it_o where_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v life_n may_v perhaps_o be_v better_o render_v himself_o it_o be_v familiar_a both_o with_o hebrew_n and_o syrian_n to_o call_v a_o man_n life_n and_o soul_n himself_o so_o the_o psalmist_n thou_o shall_v not_o leave_v my_o soul_n in_o hell_n that_o be_v thou_o shall_v not_o leave_v i_o perish_v in_o my_o grave_n psal_n 16.10_o and_o levit._n 20.25_o you_o shall_v not_o make_v your_o soul_n abominable_a i._n e._n yourselves_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o render_v here_o be_v evident_a because_o st._n luke_n so_o expound_v it_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v himself_o or_o be_v cast_v away_o luke_n 9.25_o and_o indeed_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o man_n and_o that_o which_o advance_v he_o into_o a_o species_n of_o be_v above_o that_o of_o a_o mere_a animal_n may_v very_o well_o be_v call_v himself_o according_a to_o that_o of_o hierecles_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thy_o soul_n be_v thou_o thy_o body_n thou_o and_o thy_o outward_a good_n thy_o body_n and_o if_o instead_o of_o life_n we_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d himself_o the_o word_n will_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a for_o whosoever_o will_v save_v himself_o by_o renounce_v i_o and_o my_o religion_n shall_v lose_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v content_a to_o lose_v himself_o for_o my_o sake_n shall_v save_v himself_o for_o ever_o and_o this_o he_o far_o enforce_v in_o the_o text_n what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n that_o be_v what_o will_v it_o avail_v a_o man_n to_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o he_o for_o ever_o ruin_v himself_o by_o it_o and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o ruin_v himself_o what_o will_v he_o give_v if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o save_v and_o recover_v himself_o again_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v resolve_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o into_o these_o five_o proposition_n i._o that_o a_o man_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o inestimable_a price_n and_o value_n for_o our_o saviour_n here_o weigh_v it_o against_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o be_v against_o all_o the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n that_o this_o inferior_a world_n can_v afford_v and_o declare_v that_o in_o the_o just_a balance_n of_o his_o esteem_n it_o outweigh_v they_o all_o and_o certain_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v exceed_v precious_a who_o worth_a the_o whole_a world_n can_v counter-poise_n ii_o that_o this_o precious_a soul_n may_v be_v lose_v this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o suppose_v in_o these_o word_n if_o he_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n iii_o that_o our_o renounce_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n will_v most_o certain_o infer_v this_o loss_n for_o these_o word_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o our_o saviour_n urge_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o dissuade_v man_n from_o apostasy_n but_o if_o without_o lose_v our_o soul_n we_o may_v renounce_v he_o and_o apostatise_v from_o he_o there_o will_v be_v no_o force_n in_o all_o this_o argument_n to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o it_o iv_o that_o when_o this_o soul_n be_v lose_v it_o be_v lose_v irrecoverable_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n where_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v exchange_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o price_n of_o redemption_n denote_v that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v or_o can_v give_v never_o so_o much_o to_o buy_v his_o soul_n from_o perdition_n yet_o no_o price_n of_o redemption_n will_v be_v take_v for_o it_o v._o that_o this_o irrecoverable_a loss_n of_o a_o soul_n be_v of_o such_o a_o vast_a moment_n that_o the_o gain_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o compensate_a it_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v that_o be_v he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o profit_v nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o he_o be_v a_o vast_a loser_n i._o that_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o a_o inestimable_a price_n and_o value_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o proposition_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o represent_v to_o you_o of_o what_o vast_a worth_n it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o natural_a capacity_n second_o to_o show_v you_o of_o what_o vast_a esteem_v it_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o those_o who_o as_o we_o must_v needs_o suppose_v do_v best_a understand_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o 1._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o of_o what_o vast_a worth_n it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o natural_a capacity_n particular_o in_o these_o four_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o its_o capacity_n of_o understanding_n 2._o of_o moral_a perfection_n 3._o of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n 4._o of_o immortality_n 1._o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v of_o vast_a worth_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o capacity_n of_o understanding_n for_o certain_o to_o understand_v be_v the_o great_a and_o noble_a operation_n that_o a_o be_v be_v capable_a of_o for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o give_v beauty_n and_o excellence_n to_o all_o our_o other_o operation_n whether_o they_o be_v natural_a or_o moral_a it_o be_v this_o that_o propose_v the_o end_n and_o direct_v the_o course_n and_o prescribe_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o our_o other_o action_n and_o though_o we_o have_v never_o so_o much_o force_n or_o
church_n the_o apostleship_n of_o the_o twelve_o by_o this_o visible_a glory_n which_o he_o derive_v upon_o they_o for_o now_o according_a to_o john_n the_o baptist_n prediction_n of_o he_o he_o baptize_v they_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n luke_n 3.16_o that_o be_v by_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o that_o visible_a glory_n which_o rest_v like_o fire_n upon_o they_o he_o solemn_o initiate_v they_o into_o their_o apostleship_n and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v the_o herald_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n and_o as_o this_o visible_a glory_n with_o which_o he_o baptize_v they_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o their_o be_v send_v from_o and_o commissionated_a by_o he_o to_o bear_v his_o authority_n and_o represent_v his_o person_n so_o that_o visible_a glory_n with_o which_o he_o be_v baptize_v from_o heaven_n first_o in_o the_o river_n jordan_n and_o afterward_o upon_o mount_n tabor_n be_v a_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o above_o to_o be_v his_o father_n representative_a in_o the_o church_n for_o if_o their_o shine_a uviht_n his_o glory_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o their_o be_v invest_v with_o his_o authority_n than_o his_o shine_a with_o his_o father_n glory_n must_v be_v a_o equal_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o father_n and_o as_o this_o visible_a glory_n be_v always_o the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o god_n immediate_a representative_a and_o the_o royal_a crown_n and_o robe_n as_o it_o be_v with_o which_o the_o most_o high_o adorn_v he_o at_o his_o inauguration_n and_o investment_n with_o his_o own_o kingly_a authority_n so_o st._n peter_n express_o tell_v cornelius_n and_o his_o company_n that_o god_n have_v anoint_v he_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n act_v 10.13_o that_o be_v by_o that_o outward_a sign_n of_o the_o visible_a glory_n in_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o he_o he_o have_v invest_v he_o with_o regal_a power_n and_o depute_a and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v king_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o declare_v his_o transfiguration_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a mark_v 9.9_o because_o he_o know_v that_o if_o they_o do_v the_o jew_n will_v not_o believe_v it_o but_o will_v malicious_o interpret_v it_o to_o be_v a_o false_a pretence_n of_o he_o to_o the_o title_n of_o god_n immediate_a representative_a and_o viceroy_n that_o visible_a glory_n in_o which_o he_o appear_v be_v the_o proper_a character_n of_o that_o divine_a king_n by_o who_o the_o most_o high_a god_n have_v former_o govern_v they_o and_o therefore_o in_o all_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n you_o find_v he_o do_v industrious_o avoid_v open_o to_o avow_v his_o regal_a authority_n and_o only_o insinuate_v it_o by_o consequence_n and_o obseure_fw-fr intimation_n for_o so_o violent_o be_v they_o prejudice_v against_o his_o be_v their_o king_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o obscure_a parentage_n and_o mean_a condition_n that_o he_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v how_o unseasonable_a it_o will_v yet_o be_v public_o to_o own_o his_o regal_a authority_n and_o consequent_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o transfiguration_n which_o do_v so_o apparent_o infer_v it_o till_o by_o more_o miraculous_a effect_n and_o particular_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o demonstrate_v it_o and_o then_o he_o open_o declare_v without_o any_o reserve_v that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_a by_o this_o characteristical_a glory_n in_o which_o his_o person_n be_v inrobe_v and_o which_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o they_o see_v he_o invest_v with_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o most_o high_a god_n have_v depute_v he_o to_o be_v king_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o see_v this_o visible_a glory_n which_o shine_v upon_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n and_o transfiguration_n he_o do_v as_o good_a as_o say_v that_o they_o see_v all_o the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o divine_a coronation_n that_o they_o behold_v the_o most_o high_a god_n circle_v his_o brow_n with_o the_o royal_a diadem_n and_o invest_v his_o sacred_a body_n with_o the_o imperial_a robe_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a what_o st._n john_n say_v that_o they_o do_v see_v this_o glory_n as_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v because_o he_o offer_v to_o seal_v his_o testimony_n of_o it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o other_o two_o that_o see_v it_o with_o he_o actual_o do_v so_o than_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v the_o bless_a jesus_n to_o be_v our_o king_n to_o who_o divine_a authority_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v the_o low_a homage_n and_o obedience_n and_o that_o whensoever_o we_o wilful_o transgress_v his_o law_n we_o do_v open_o rebel_v against_o our_o most_o rightful_a sovereign_n to_o who_o service_n we_o be_v bind_v by_o all_o possible_a tie_n and_o obligation_n 2._o they_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o miraculous_a power_n which_o he_o exert_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v the_o credibility_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o many_o stupendous_a miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v be_v a_o most_o plain_a and_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n reside_v in_o he_o and_o accompany_v his_o ministry_n for_o never_o be_v there_o so_o many_o miraculous_a effect_n produce_v either_o before_o or_o since_o in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o most_o renown_a worker_n of_o miracle_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o most_o famous_a magician_n that_o be_v record_v in_o history_n be_v but_o like_o the_o little_a trick_n and_o delusion_n of_o juggler_n compare_v with_o the_o wondrous_a work_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o his_o education_n have_v be_v most_o plain_a and_o simple_a that_o he_o never_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o any_o mathematical_a science_n or_o mystical_a rite_n or_o in_o any_o other_o art_n of_o perform_v wonder_n either_o by_o humane_a wit_n or_o diabolical_a assistance_n but_o be_v breed_v up_o under_o the_o care_n of_o his_o poor_a honest_a parent_n who_o be_v force_v to_o earn_v their_o bread_n with_o the_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n and_o so_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v train_v up_o in_o his_o father_n profession_n that_o so_o by_o his_o daily_a labour_n he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o contribute_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o his_o maintenance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o homebred_a person_n sometime_o only_o by_o speak_v of_o a_o word_n sometime_o mere_o by_o the_o touch_n of_o his_o hand_n sometime_o by_o a_o silent_a virtue_n proceed_v from_o he_o without_o any_o outward_a sign_n intervening_a do_v more_o and_o far_o great_a wonder_n in_o three_o or_o four_o year_n time_n than_o all_o the_o most_o skilful_a physician_n magician_n and_o mathematician_n can_v ever_o do_v either_o before_o or_o after_o he_o now_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o ever_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v ever_o have_v accomplish_v such_o great_a and_o mighty_a thing_n as_o he_o do_v have_v he_o not_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o above_o and_o if_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o a_o power_n what_o great_a evidence_n can_v we_o desire_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v not_o supposable_a that_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v have_v endue_v our_o saviour_n with_o this_o miraculous_a power_n have_v that_o doctrine_n be_v false_a which_o he_o seek_v to_o confirm_v by_o it_o because_o in_o so_o do_v he_o will_v have_v open_o patronise_v a_o cheat_n and_o design_o contribute_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o a_o imposture_n which_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o truth_n and_o veracity_n so_o that_o now_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n final_o resolve_v into_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o certainty_n in_o the_o world_n for_o admit_v that_o god_n can_v either_o deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o our_o faculty_n may_v be_v constant_o impose_v upon_o and_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o st._n john_n here_o testify_v that_o they_o do_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n that_o be_v a_o most_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o that_o they_o do_v see_v it_o i_o think_v be_v as_o evident_a for_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o any_o
write_v they_o down_o in_o order_n that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v instruct_v from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o suppose_v st._n luke_n perform_v what_o he_o promise_v his_o gospel_n must_v contain_v a_o full_a declaration_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o first_o by_o promise_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n he_o engage_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o entire_a account_n of_o christianity_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o part_n of_o christianity_n which_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o time_n do_v not_o sure_o believe_v second_o in_o promise_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a understanding_n from_o the_o first_o and_o in_o which_o his_o theophilus_n have_v be_v instruct_v he_o also_o engage_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o complete_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a religion_n unless_o we_o 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write_v unto_o you_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o that_o you_o may_v believe_v or_o continue_v to_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o by_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o mean_v only_o that_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v throughout_o the_o whole_a epistle_n from_o which_o two_o place_n i_o argue_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n be_v write_v because_o he_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v beget_v and_o nourish_v in_o we_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n but_o if_o that_o faith_n which_o these_o write_a thing_n be_v design_v to_o beget_v in_o we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o eternal_a life_n than_o be_v these_o thing_n write_v in_o vain_a and_o the_o end_n of_o write_v they_o which_o be_v that_o we_o 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pretend_v to_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n any_o unwritten_a tradition_n or_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n not_o record_v in_o scripture_n as_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o record_v in_o scripture_n and_o equal_o necessary_a to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o men._n for_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o bold_a imposer_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n irenaeus_n assure_v we_o in_o the_o 2d_o chapter_n of_o his_o second_o book_n against_o heresy_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o sort_n of_o heretic_n who_o teach_v that_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o those_o to_o who_o tradition_n be_v unknown_a for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v by_o write_v but_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o these_o heretic_n 25._o heretic_n de_fw-fr praescrip_n haeret_fw-la c._n 25._o as_o tertullian_n observe_v confess_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v ignorant_a and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o at_o 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receive_v and_o honour_v with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n in_o which_o word_n they_o express_o own_o another_o word_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o scripture_n viz._n tradition_n which_o they_o equalise_v with_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o this_o be_v almost_o verbatim_o the_o very_a assertion_n which_o both_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n condemn_v for_o heresy_n and_o as_o they_o be_v the_o same_o so_o we_o find_v they_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o same_o authority_n for_o those_o very_a text_n of_o scripture_n which_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n urge_v for_o their_o tradition_n be_v urge_v by_o bellarmin_n for_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o church_n thus_o for_o their_o tradition_n as_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n acquaint_v we_o they_o urge_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o also_o o_o timothy_n keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o thy_o trust_n and_o again_o that_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v commit_v 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the_o simple_a wise_a or_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n unless_o it_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o clear_o deliver_v as_o that_o the_o simple_a may_v be_v capable_a of_o apprehend_v and_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n of_o discern_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o i_o know_v it_o be_v object_v by_o bellarmin_n that_o these_o word_n do_v only_o imply_v that_o this_o law_n indeed_o be_v understand_v do_v enlighten_v man_n eye_n and_o direct_v their_o practice_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v but_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a cavil_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v by_o understand_v the_o law_n that_o the_o simple_a be_v make_v wise_a and_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n enlighten_v if_o therefore_o this_o law_n be_v so_o obscure_a in_o its_o self_n as_o that_o it_o can_v make_v itself_o understand_v by_o all_o that_o sincere_o inquire_v into_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o it_o shall_v make_v they_o wise_a or_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o mind_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o intent_n of_o those_o passage_n of_o david_n be_v to_o excite_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o study_v and_o observe_v the_o law_n but_o what_o though_o the_o law_n make_v the_o simple_a wise_a when_o they_o understand_v it_o what_o encouragement_n be_v this_o for_o the_o simple_a to_o study_v it_o if_o it_o be_v so_o obscure_a that_o they_o can_v understand_v it_o and_o since_o they_o must_v understand_v it_o before_o they_o can_v observe_v it_o what_o encouragement_n do_v this_o consideration_n give_v they_o to_o observe_v it_o that_o it_o will_v make_v they_o wise_a when_o they_o understand_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a enough_o for_o they_o to_o understand_v it_o but_o then_o that_o forecited_a passage_n of_o moses_n do_v in_o express_a word_n contradict_v this_o cavil_v of_o bellarmin_n for_o he_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o the_o commandment_n he_o give_v they_o be_v not_o hide_v from_o they_o whereas_o if_o it_o have_v 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which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o in_o other_o place_n what_o say_v the_o scripture_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v so_o and_o so_o now_o how_o impertinent_a will_v it_o have_v be_v for_o our_o saviour_n thus_o to_o appeal_v to_o it_o at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o people_n if_o he_o think_v it_o so_o obscure_a that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o understand_v it_o how_o trifle_a will_v it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o appeal_v to_o suarez'_v metaphysic_n in_o a_o controversy_n with_o a_o ploughman_n or_o to_o refer_v he_o to_o euclid_n element_n for_o the_o determine_v the_o bound_n and_o measure_n of_o a_o field_n and_o as_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v at_o least_o in_o all_o necessary_n plain_a and_o clear_a to_o the_o jew_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o to_o christian_n since_o it_o give_v the_o same_o testimony_n to_o itself_o of_o its_o own_o clearness_n as_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v for_o thus_o 2_o cor._n 4.2_o 3_o 4._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o to_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o suppose_v then_o that_o they_o write_v with_o the_o same_o plainness_n and_o clearness_n with_o which_o they_o speak_v which_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o then_o from_o these_o word_n it_o be_v evident_a first_o that_o they_o do_v neither_o in_o their_o preach_a nor_o write_n affect_v to_o discourse_v dubious_o or_o obscure_o but_o that_o their_o great_a design_n be_v so_o to_o manifest_v and_o make_v know_v the_o truth_n as_o that_o by_o their_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n they_o may_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v or_o read_v they_o second_o that_o in_o fact_n they_o have_v in_o their_o sermon_n and_o write_n so_o clear_o teach_v the_o gospel_n that_o if_o after_o all_o it_o remain_v hide_v or_o obscure_a to_o any_o it_o be_v only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v lose_v and_o irrecoverable_a three_o that_o that_o which_o render_v the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v teach_v and_o write_v hide_a or_o obscure_a to_o such_o be_v not_o the_o obscurity_n either_o of_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o teach_v or_o of_o their_o manner_n of_o teach_v it_o but_o their_o own_o worldly_a affection_n which_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o see_v that_o which_o in_o its_o self_n be_v illustrious_o visible_a which_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a evidence_n of_o the_o clearness_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o all_o necessary_a thing_n for_o if_o they_o be_v clear_a to_o all_o but_o such_o as_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o they_o they_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o they_o need_v be_v to_o honest_a and_o teachable_a mind_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v clear_a enough_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o understand_v and_o according_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n be_v say_v to_o have_v appear_v or_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2.11_o now_o if_o the_o gospel_n do_v shine_v forth_o unto_o all_o man_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n of_o those_o that_o have_v preach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o so_o preach_v it_o as_o that_o it_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o man_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v preach_v it_o very_o plain_o and_o clear_o either_o therefore_o it_o be_v write_v as_o it_o be_v preach_v or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v not_o write_v true_o and_o sincere_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v write_v very_o plain_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v and_o shine_v forth_o to_o all_o that_o read_v it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n obscure_a both_o in_o the_o old_a scripture_n and_o new_a but_o then_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o necessary_n and_o essential_o of_o religion_n such_o thing_n as_o man_n may_v be_v safe_o ignorant_a of_o or_o be_v mistake_v about_o without_o any_o hazard_n of_o their_o eternal_a life_n for_o all_o that_o the_o forecited_n testimony_n prove_v be_v only_o this_o that_o that_o true_a religion_n by_o which_o god_n govern_v the_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o beside_o this_o all_o man_n agree_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n reveal_v in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o because_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o understand_v be_v many_o of_o they_o not_o so_o plain_o reveal_v as_o that_o all_o man_n may_v understand_v they_o but_o since_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v man_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o teach_v they_o most_o plain_o that_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n as_o be_v
of_o other_o principle_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o those_o see_v there_o be_v no_o common_a principle_n of_o chrstian_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o reeal_v in_o scripture_n as_o these_o but_o this_o will_v spoil_v all_o for_o if_o man_n may_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n upon_o scripture_n authority_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n rely_v upon_o the_o church_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o man_n can_v arrive_v at_o no_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o religion_n by_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o indeed_o any_o other_o authority_n but_o the_o church_n but_o if_o i_o can_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o those_o two_o principle_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o infallible_a by_o those_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o urge_v to_o prove_v they_o how_o can_v i_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o declare_v and_o define_v for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v the_o church_n for_o all_o i_o know_v the_o church_n may_v be_v infallible_a and_o yet_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o if_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v infallible_a for_o all_o i_o know_v they_o may_v be_v the_o church_n and_o yet_o still_o be_v mistake_v in_o short_a no_o authority_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a no_o infallibility_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o of_o which_o i_o have_v a_o infallible_a certainty_n either_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n can_v render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n and_o if_o it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a nothing_o can_v or_o it_o can_v if_o it_o can_v why_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o render_v i_o infallible_o certain_a of_o other_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o reveal_v in_o it_o as_o that_o if_o i_o can_v how_o can_v i_o be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o any_o thing_n she_o define_v and_o declare_v to_o i_o be_v true_a if_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n can_v give_v we_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n we_o have_v as_o just_a a_o pretence_n to_o it_o as_o they_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o authority_n that_o we_o ground_n our_o faith_n if_o it_o can_v neither_o they_o nor_o we_o can_v just_o pretend_v to_o it_o because_o they_o can_v otherwise_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o their_o own_o infallibility_n but_o by_o scripture_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v god_n never_o intend_v either_o that_o they_o or_o we_o shall_v be_v infallible_o certain_a in_o the_o mtter_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o after_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o certainty_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o he_o still_o suppose_v that_o we_o may_v err_v and_o plain_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o that_o even_o from_o among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n 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a_o dissuasive_a from_z apostasy_n 1_o timothy_n i._n 19_o hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n these_o word_n be_v a_o part_n of_o st._n paul_n charge_n to_o his_o son_n timothy_n wherein_o he_o pathetical_o exhort_v he_o as_o a_o valiant_a bishop_n to_o take_v all_o possible_a care_n to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o his_o diocese_n of_o ephesus_n which_o at_o that_o time_n abound_v with_o false_a teacher_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o sow_v the_o tare_n of_o heresy_n and_o false_a doctrine_n in_o that_o large_a and_o fruitful_a field_n the_o cultivation_n whereof_o st._n paul_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o that_o he_o may_v discharge_v this_o office_n the_o more_o effectual_o the_o apostle_n warn_v he_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v care_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v not_o suffer_v his_o own_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o be_v deprave_v and_o corrupt_v by_o those_o lewd_a and_o irreligious_a principle_n which_o those_o antichristian_a seminary_n be_v then_o scatter_v among_o his_o people_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v a_o example_n to_o his_o flock_n as_o well_o as_o a_o teacher_n of_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n and_o this_o v._o 18._o he_o press_v upon_o he_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v foretell_v of_o he_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n before_o ever_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n viz._n that_o he_o shall_v war_v a_o good_a warfare_n that_o be_v prove_v a_o constant_a and_o courageous_a champion_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o prophecy_n he_o exhort_v he_o to_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o verify_v both_o in_o his_o profession_n and_o practice_n by_o hold_v or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v or_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o late_a viz._n a_o good_a conscience_n some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v the_o former_a viz._n faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o design_n of_o these_o word_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a brief_o to_o explain_v some_o term_n in_o they_o as_o 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o faith_n 2._o what_o by_o a_o good_a conscience_n 3._o what_o by_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o 4._o what_o by_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o keep_v the_o faith_n i_o answer_v by_o this_o phrase_n faith_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o christian_a creed_n or_o summary_n of_o those_o necessary_a and_o essential_a doctrine_n whereof_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v compose_v for_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v little_a else_o profess_v and_o teach_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o only_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n together_o with_o the_o near_a and_o most_o immediate_a inference_n from_o they_o so_o that_o few_o then_o 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be_v true_a or_o false_a yet_o they_o seldom_o undergo_v any_o mild_a name_n than_o heresy_n or_o gentle_a doom_n than_o damnation_n which_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o grand_a occasion_n of_o all_o the_o rupture_n and_o division_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o as_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v of_o a_o much_o less_o bulk_n than_o what_o it_o be_v now_o arrive_v to_o by_o roll_v through_o the_o wild_a opiniatry_n of_o sixteen_o disputation_n age_n which_o by_o degree_n have_v swell_v it_o from_o a_o short_a script_n into_o a_o large_a volume_n for_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a father_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a faith_n therein_o contain_v consist_v of_o very_a few_o article_n and_o those_o such_o only_a as_o be_v essential_a to_o christian_a religion_n and_o such_o as_o wherein_o almost_o all_o the_o differ_a persuasion_n of_o christian_n do_v to_o this_o day_n concentre_v to_o hold_v the_o faith_n therefore_o be_v to_o persevere_v immovable_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o desert_n or_o forsake_v it_o either_o through_o fear_n of_o persecution_n or_o hope_v of_o temporal_a advantage_n or_o the_o knavish_a art_n and_o sly_a insinuation_n of_o false_a teacher_n 2._o the_o second_o term_n here_o to_o be_v explain_v be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n conscience_n in_o general_n be_v nothing_o but_o our_o practical_a judgement_n direct_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v and_o approve_v or_o reprove_v according_a as_o we_o follow_v its_o direction_n or_o run_v counter_a to_o they_o the_o conscience_n therefore_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a according_a as_o the_o direction_n be_v which_o it_o give_v for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n 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and_o evil_a and_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o preserve_v our_o practical_a judgement_n pure_a from_o all_o false_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v either_o our_o vicious_a inclination_n or_o worldly_a interest_n to_o warp_v and_o seduce_v it_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o mistake_v evil_a for_o good_a and_o good_a for_o evil._n second_o it_o imply_v our_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n our_o do_v what_o it_o bid_v and_o abstain_v from_o what_o it_o forbid_v and_o faithful_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o its_o conduct_n and_o government_n and_o not_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o to_o act_v counter_a to_o its_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n in_o short_a to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o well-informed_n judgement_n and_o not_o to_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o any_o course_n of_o action_n which_o this_o vice-god_n within_o we_o forbid_v or_o disapprove_v 3._o the_o three_o term_n to_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o text_n be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v direct_o oppose_v here_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n must_v denote_v the_o contrary_n to_o it_o to_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n therefore_o be_v either_o first_o to_o corrupt_v our_o own_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o action_n out_o of_o vicious_a affection_n or_o worldly_a interest_n and_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o false_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o second_o to_o act_v direct_o contrary_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n to_o leave_v undo_v those_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o conscience_n tell_v we_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o it_o tell_v we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v in_o short_a to_o put_v away_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a course_n of_o sin_n either_o of_o omission_n or_o commission_n to_o practice_v contradiction_n to_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o our_o will_n against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n 4._o the_o last_o enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v here_o set_v in_o opposition_n to_o hold_v or_o keep_v the_o faith_n must_v signify_v opposite_o and_o consequent_o must_v denote_v not_o hold_v and_o keep_v it_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n lose_v and_o abandon_v it_o for_o in_o this_o allegory_n the_o true_a christian_a faith_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o ship_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a life_n as_o the_o pilot_n that_o steer_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o indeed_o in_o that_o state_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o other_o pilot_n but_o purity_n of_o conscience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v able_a to_o conduct_v and_o preserve_v this_o ship_n and_o carry_v it_o safe_a through_o those_o incessant_a storm_n of_o persecution_n wherein_o at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v toss_v and_o agitate_a for_o when_o christian_n have_v once_o throw_v off_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n by_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o a_o wicked_a and_o dissolute_a life_n what_o be_v there_o left_a to_o restrain_v they_o from_o abandon_v their_o faith_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o worldly_a ease_n and_o interest_n and_o though_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o competition_n between_o their_o faith_n and_o interest_n but_o they_o may_v free_o enjoy_v they_o both_o without_o any_o disturbance_n yet_o their_o wicked_a life_n will_v natural_o tempt_v they_o to_o corrupt_v their_o faith_n with_o wicked_a principle_n of_o which_o late_a in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o give_v a_o eminent_a instance_n in_o hymenaeus_n who_o have_v not_o whole_o desert_v christianity_n but_o only_o renounce_v one_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o of_o the_o former_a he_o give_v another_o instance_n in_o alexander_n who_o as_o it_o seem_v probable_a have_v through_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n desert_v christianity_n itself_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o sense_n that_o man_n live_v wicked_o against_o the_o conviction_n and_o obligation_n of_o their_o conscience_n do_v very_o much_o expose_v they_o to_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n into_o gross_a and_o impious_a error_n thus_o to_o the_o love_n of_o money_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a the_o apostle_n attribute_n man_n err_v from_o the_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 6.10_o and_o that_o which_o expose_v those_o silly_a woman_n 2_o tim._n 3.6_o to_o the_o seduction_n of_o false_a teacher_n be_v their_o be_v lade_v with_o sin_n and_o lead_v away_o with_o divers_a lust_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n ascribe_v demas_n apostasy_n to_o his_o covetousness_n or_o inordinate_a love_n of_o this_o present_a world_n 2_o tim._n 4.10_o but_o that_o i_o may_v evince_v this_o truth_n more_o full_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o particular_a instance_n of_o the_o mighty_a tendency_n there_o be_v in_o every_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n to_o error_n and_o apostasy_n from_o true_a religion_n 1._o it_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_n man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n 2._o it_o render_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n uneasy_a to_o their_o mind_n 3._o it_o deprive_v man_n of_o the_o high_a encouragement_n to_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n 4._o it_o weaken_v the_o natural_a force_n of_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o great_a restraint_n from_o apostasy_n 5._o it_o strengthen_v the_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n 6._o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n 1._o live_v in_o any_o know_v and_o wilful_a course_n of_o sin_n corrupt_v and_o debauch_n man_n reason_n and_o
number_n of_o mass_n requiem_n and_o indulgency_n as_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n soon_o procure_v his_o dismission_n from_o those_o temporary_a suffering_n into_o eternal_a happiness_n how_o odd_o soever_o this_o doctrine_n may_v appear_v to_o his_o reason_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v be_v charm_a enough_o to_o his_o lust_n and_o when_o once_o a_o man_n lust_n be_v retain_v the_o cause_n be_v half_o carry_v at_o the_o bar_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n it_o be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o false_a that_o man_n faith_n and_o reason_n be_v so_o much_o sway_v and_o bias_v by_o their_o lust_n for_o though_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n can_v be_v true_a but_o what_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a yet_o it_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o true_a religion_n that_o do_v provoke_v their_o lust_n against_o it_o and_o it_o be_v their_o lust_n that_o do_v provoke_v their_o reason_n and_o when_o all_o 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to_o give_v we_o under_o any_o temptation_n to_o apostasy_n for_o how_o can_v we_o hope_v for_o any_o good_a from_o god_n and_o much_o less_o for_o so_o great_a a_o good_a as_o a_o heaven_n of_o immortal_a joy_n amount_v to_o whilst_o we_o persist_v in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o especial_o when_o he_o have_v express_o suspend_v this_o mighty_a recompense_n upon_o our_o constant_a and_o faithful_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o tell_v we_o plain_o before_o hand_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o to_o trust_v to_o that_o if_o we_o fail_v of_o this_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o admit_v we_o into_o that_o place_n and_o state_n of_o blessedness_n that_o he_o will_v banish_v we_o for_o ever_o from_o his_o presence_n into_o outer_a darkness_n and_o eternal_a wretchedness_n and_o despair_n when_o by_o wilful_a sin_n therefore_o we_o have_v cast_v away_o our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n what_o have_v we_o leave_v to_o support_v our_o constancy_n to_o the_o truth_n if_o ever_o we_o 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secure_v their_o worldly_a interest_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o base_a and_o infamous_a so_o foul_a a_o instance_n of_o a_o cowardly_a degenerous_a and_o prostitute_v soul_n that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v under_o no_o other_o restraint_n but_o only_o that_o sense_n of_o honour_n that_o be_v lodge_v in_o all_o brave_a mind_n he_o will_v scorn_v so_o mean_a so_o poor_a a_o condescension_n but_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o such_o powerful_a restraint_n upon_o man_n as_o that_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a bridle_n by_o which_o god_n curb_v our_o headstrong_a nature_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o fly_v out_o into_o all_o the_o wild_a extravagancy_n it_o be_v incline_v to_o for_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o in_o god_n stead_n that_o conscience_n act_n who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a be_v in_o the_o world_n when_o it_o command_v it_o be_v with_o god_n authority_n when_o it_o rebuke_n it_o be_v with_o god_n majesty_n when_o it_o applaud_v it_o be_v with_o god_n complacency_n it_o proceed_v not_o upon_o principle_n of_o mere_a policy_n or_o prudence_n which_o require_v we_o to_o act_v this_o way_n now_o and_o anon_o the_o contrary_a as_o circumstance_n after_o but_o upon_o the_o awful_a principle_n of_o divinity_n which_o oblige_v we_o by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v hope_v or_o fear_v for_o ever_o and_o require_v of_o we_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n and_o action_n in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o the_o sole_a reason_n it_o insist_o on_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o pleasure_n or_o displeasure_n can_v make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o this_o i_o judge_v most_o expedient_a for_o thou_o to_o do_v and_o this_o to_o avoid_v but_o this_o thou_o must_v do_v and_o this_o avoid_v as_o thou_o tender_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o dread_a his_o everlasting_a hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o eternal_a bliss_n that_o conscience_n allure_v our_o hope_n with_o and_o eternal_a vengeance_n that_o it_o alarm_n our_o fear_n with_o and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o be_v withhold_v by_o such_o powerful_a restraint_n as_o these_o what_o can_v withhold_v they_o whilst_o therefore_o a_o man_n cherish_v his_o conscience_n by_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o follow_v its_o direction_n this_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v secure_v his_o steadfastness_n to_o the_o truth_n against_o all_o temptation_n whilst_o this_o have_v any_o power_n over_o he_o he_o will_v as_o soon_o eat_v fire_n as_o sacrifice_v his_o faith_n to_o his_o interest_n for_o for_o a_o man_n to_o renounce_v his_o religion_n upon_o any_o prospect_n of_o temporal_a gain_n or_o loss_n be_v such_o a_o flagitious_a violation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a such_o a_o monstrous_a instance_n of_o high-treason_n against_o god_n such_o a_o open_a blasphemy_n of_o his_o truth_n such_o a_o bold_a defiance_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o in_o a_o word_n such_o a_o complication_n of_o vile_a perfidy_n base_a ingratitude_n and_o impious_a falsehood_n that_o but_o to_o think_v of_o it_o be_v like_o look_v down_o from_o a_o stupendous_a precipice_n that_o swim_v the_o head_n and_o strike_v the_o mind_n with_o horror_n and_o amazement_n so_o that_o while_o a_o man_n conscience_n have_v any_o power_n over_o he_o he_o will_v no_o more_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o himself_o to_o commit_v the_o one_o than_o to_o throw_v himself_o headlong_a down_o from_o the_o other_o whilst_o he_o be_v under_o the_o horror_n of_o the_o prospect_n and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o so_o much_o more_o easy_a to_o endure_v the_o worst_a of_o persecution_n than_o to_o commit_v such_o a_o outrage_n and_o violence_n on_o his_o conscience_n and_o undergo_v those_o horrible_a reflection_n and_o sting_a remorse_n that_o must_v follow_v it_o but_o after_o a_o man_n by_o wilful_a sin_v have_v often_o wound_v
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