Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n church_n faith_n true_a 15,470 5 5.2366 4 true
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
A66401 Sermons and discourses on several occasions by William Wake ...; Sermons. Selections Wake, William, 1657-1737. 1690 (1690) Wing W271; ESTC R17962 210,099 546

There are 12 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

but_o too_o fatal_o successful_a for_o many_o say_v he_o shall_v follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n 2._o by_o reason_n of_o who_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v evil_o speak_v of_o and_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n he_o go_v on_o to_o foretell_v the_o near_a approach_n of_o those_o judgement_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v so_o often_o denounce_v against_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o which_o those_o comply_a christian_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o be_v involve_v and_o by_o both_o these_o consideration_n he_o final_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o stir_v they_o up_o both_o to_o a_o care_n of_o themselves_o and_o to_o a_o constancy_n in_o their_o profession_n you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n such_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n and_o the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o at_o this_o time_n will_v engage_v i_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n and_o to_o exhort_v you_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o two_o duty_n than_o which_o i_o know_v none_o more_o proper_a for_o our_o serious_a consideration_n growth_n in_o grace_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n and_o from_o both_o which_o there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o seducer_n on_o every_o hand_n to_o turn_v we_o aside_o i_o shall_v pursue_v both_o in_o this_o follow_a order_n i._o i_o will_v show_v you_o what_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o which_o our_o text_n here_o exhort_v we_o ii_o by_o what_o motive_n especial_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n stir_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o that_o i_o will_v now_o crave_v leave_n to_o exhort_v you_o to_o such_o a_o steadfastness_n iii_o how_o high_o both_o necessary_a in_o its_o self_n it_o be_v but_o especial_o how_o advantageous_a to_o this_o great_a end_n that_o we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o endeavour_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n and_o first_o i._n what_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o which_o our_o text_n exhort_v we_o and_o which_o i_o be_o from_o thence_o to_o recommend_v to_o you_o for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o firmness_n that_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a and_o rational_a steadfastness_n and_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o exceed_v by_o a_o perverse_a unwarrantable_a resolution_n not_o to_o hearken_v to_o any_o motive_n though_o never_o so_o reasonable_a to_o change_v his_o opinion_n as_o by_o a_o unfixed_a and_o irresolute_a temper_n abandon_v himself_o to_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n that_o shall_v come_v to_o turn_v he_o aside_o from_o it_o constancy_n in_o religion_n be_v a_o virtue_n that_o like_o all_o other_o must_v be_v regulate_v by_o prudence_n it_o must_v be_v firm_a but_o it_o must_v be_v wellgrounded_n too_o and_o he_o who_o will_v go_v about_o at_o all_o adventure_n to_o recommend_v a_o perseverance_n in_o that_o faith_n whatever_o it_o be_v in_o which_o a_o man_n have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v without_o allow_v a_o just_a enquiry_n to_o be_v make_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o even_o a_o liberty_n to_o forsake_v it_o too_o shall_v they_o prove_v less_o solid_a than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v he_o may_v indeed_o provide_v for_o their_o security_n who_o chance_n to_o be_v already_o in_o the_o right_a way_n but_o shall_v render_v it_o utter_o impossible_a for_o those_o that_o be_v not_o ever_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o such_o a_o blind_a steadfastness_n as_o this_o a_o constancy_n in_o our_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a that_o either_o the_o apostle_n here_o mean_v or_o that_o i_o will_v now_o recommend_v to_o you_o this_o will_v be_v to_o make_v a_o plea_n for_o obstinacy_n rather_o than_o constancy_n while_o by_o such_o a_o rule_n it_o will_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o jew_n to_o remain_v a_o jew_n a_o heathen_a a_o heathen_a for_o a_o papist_n or_o socinian_n to_o continue_v all_o their_o life_n papist_n or_o socinian_n no_o less_o than_o for_o one_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a to_o the_o faith_n and_o communion_n of_o it_o that_o which_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o true_a steadfastness_n be_v this_o when_o a_o man_n be_v upon_o rational_a and_o good_a ground_n evident_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o religion_n then_o to_o resolve_v to_o stick_v close_o to_o it_o and_o not_o suffer_v any_o base_a unworthy_a motive_n to_o draw_v he_o aside_o from_o it_o our_o religion_n must_v first_o be_v well_o ground_v and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v true_a steadfastness_n to_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o give_v such_o necessary_a direction_n as_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o must_v distinct_o consider_v it_o in_o both_o its_o respect_n and_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o middle_a between_o the_o two_o extreme_n of_o a_o blind_a obstinacy_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o of_o a_o weak_a instability_n on_o the_o other_o and_o by_o either_o of_o which_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o will_v become_v equal_o destroy_v first_o then_o he_o that_o will_v be_v true_o steadfast_a in_o his_o religion_n must_v take_v heed_n that_o he_o do_v not_o mistake_v obstinacy_n for_o steadfastness_n this_o be_v a_o error_n so_o much_o the_o rather_o to_o be_v remark_v on_o this_o occasion_n in_o that_o a_o daily_a experience_n sad_o show_v we_o at_o once_o both_o the_o danger_n and_o easiness_n of_o such_o a_o mistake_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a perverseness_n in_o some_o man_n that_o they_o make_v it_o no_o less_o than_o a_o mortal_a sin_n to_o have_v any_o doubt_n though_o never_o so_o reasonable_a of_o any_o the_o least_o doctrine_n they_o have_v once_o be_v teach_v to_o profess_v and_o there_o be_v hardly_o a_o immorality_n so_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a so_o contrary_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o so_o destructive_a of_o salvation_n which_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n will_v not_o soon_o overpass_v than_o such_o a_o scruple_n insomuch_o that_o by_o the_o express_a order_n of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o man_n solemn_a reception_n into_o their_o communion_n etc._n the_o very_a condition_n of_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o state_n of_o proselytism_n with_o they_o not_o only_o to_o abjure_v for_o the_o present_a all_o those_o tenet_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v heretical_a but_o also_o to_o imprecate_v upon_o their_o head_n all_o the_o misery_n of_o eternal_a torment_n if_o ever_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o by_o any_o occasion_n or_o argument_n whatsoever_o to_o be_v hereafter_o better_o instruct_v this_o be_v in_o good_a truth_n to_o make_v a_o faction_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o combination_n rather_o than_o a_o constancy_n and_o what_o wretched_a effect_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o unfortunate_a delude_a man_n that_o have_v once_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o engage_v appear_v in_o this_o that_o no_o rational_a motive_n no_o argument_n though_o never_o so_o clear_a be_v almost_o able_a to_o work_v upon_o they_o the_o sad_a vow_n they_o have_v make_v recur_v continual_o upon_o their_o mind_n they_o have_v swear_v to_o continue_v where_o they_o be_v go_v at_o all_o adventure_n and_o therefore_o they_o now_o as_o obstinate_o resolve_v never_o to_o return_v to_o the_o truth_n as_o they_o once_o weak_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v from_o it_o to_o avoid_v such_o a_o unhappy_a obstinacy_n as_o this_o and_o be_v constant_a in_o our_o religion_n upon_o such_o rational_a ground_n as_o may_v justify_v we_o before_o god_n and_o man_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o pertinacious_a firmness_n we_o may_v please_v to_o observe_v these_o follow_a direction_n 1_o sy_n let_v our_o religion_n be_v found_v in_o knowledge_n i._n e._n let_v we_o be_v clear_o and_o evident_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o to_o which_o we_o do_v adhere_v and_o then_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o we_o can_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o obstinacy_n for_o our_o adhere_n to_o it_o he_o who_o take_v up_o his_o religion_n upon_o trust_n that_o receive_v all_o the_o article_n of_o his_o creed_n by_o wholesale_n believe_v as_o his_o church_n believe_v but_o it_o may_v be_v know_v not_o either_o what_o that_o be_v or_o wherefore_o he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o a_o credulous_a disciple_n as_o this_o may_v be_v blind_o
person_n both_o to_o consider_v and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v the_o endure_a of_o they_o and_o however_o man_n may_v please_v to_o put_v the_o evil_a day_n far_o from_o they_o and_o hope_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o because_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o too_o soon_o overtake_v they_o yet_o neither_o can_v any_o of_o we_o say_v how_o soon_o it_o may_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o be_v it_o at_o never_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n yet_o let_v we_o but_o remember_v that_o when_o it_o do_v come_v it_o bring_v a_o eternity_n along_o with_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o no_o present_a consideration_n how_o great_a soever_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v be_v yet_o fit_a to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a foolish_a or_o a_o very_a necessitous_a man_n indeed_o that_o will_v part_v with_o the_o certain_a reversion_n of_o a_o thousand_o pound_n a_o year_n for_o the_o obtain_v a_o present_a penny_n and_o yet_o such_o or_o rather_o god_n know_v infinite_o great_a be_v the_o folly_n of_o that_o man_n who_o for_o any_o secular_a advantage_n whatsoever_o sell_v his_o soul_n and_o thereby_o not_o only_o lose_v his_o title_n to_o all_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o heaven_n but_o exchange_n they_o for_o a_o dreadful_a portion_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o ever_o bless_a saviour_n what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o those_o little_a enjoyment_n man_n here_o pursue_v with_o so_o much_o greediness_n that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v deny_v thou_o and_o that_o faith_n which_o must_v save_v we_o when_o we_o appear_v before_o thou_o in_o judgement_n behold_v yet_o a_o little_a while_n and_o there_o we_o must_v stand_v to_o render_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o receive_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o what_o then_o will_v all_o these_o interest_n and_o advantage_n avail_v we_o what_o profit_n shall_v we_o then_o have_v though_o we_o can_v have_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n when_o we_o shall_v have_v lose_v our_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o how_o will_v it_o then_o please_v we_o that_o we_o have_v renounce_v our_o faith_n to_o preserve_v those_o little_a enjoyment_n that_o be_v now_o no_o more_o but_o the_o sad_a punishment_n of_o the_o soul_n apostasy_n to_o which_o they_o have_v tempt_v we_o will_v continue_v for_o ever_o certain_o be_v the_o comply_a hypocrite_n but_o capable_a of_o reflect_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o apostasy_n can_v he_o but_o once_o think_v with_o the_o prophet_n who_o can_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n he_o will_v need_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o folly_n of_o such_o courtly_a compliance_n and_o to_o keep_v he_o from_o fall_v away_o from_o his_o own_o steadfastness_n 3_o dly_z but_o the_o apostle_n add_v yet_o another_o motive_n and_o which_o have_v mention_v i_o shall_v conclude_v we_o have_v see_v the_o sad_a the_o unspeakable_a and_o what_o be_v yet_o more_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o he_o that_o fall_v from_o his_o steadfastness_n can_v i_o now_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o as_o infinite_a reward_n of_o the_o constant_a christian_a can_v i_o delineate_v to_o you_o but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o those_o joy_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o such_o a_o one_o what_o a_o illustrious_a crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v adorn_v his_o triumphant_a head_n to_o all_o eternity_n i_o may_v then_o hope_v to_o have_v full_o accomplish_v the_o design_n of_o this_o exhortation_n and_o to_o have_v effectual_o secure_v you_o against_o fall_v away_o from_o your_o steadfastness_n but_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n above_o my_o capacity_n to_o illustrate_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v 9_o nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o do_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v what_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o we_o have_v neither_o thought_n to_o imagine_v any_o thing_n comparable_a to_o its_o greatness_n much_o less_o word_n to_o express_v it_o and_o methinks_v even_o this_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v it_o that_o its_o excellency_n so_o far_o surpass_v whatever_o experience_n we_o can_v pretend_v to_o of_o any_o felicity_n in_o this_o life_n that_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o find_v upon_o it_o any_o tolerable_a apprehension_n of_o the_o joy_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o other_o at_o least_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o than_o enough_o to_o convince_v you_o how_o incomparable_o more_o worthy_a our_o desire_n and_o pursuit_n such_o a_o reward_n of_o our_o firmness_n be_v than_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o draw_v we_o aside_o from_o it_o and_o now_o have_v show_v you_o both_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v true_o steadfast_a in_o our_o faith_n and_o how_o great_a a_o obligation_n there_o lie_v upon_o we_o so_o to_o be_v what_o remain_v but_o that_o i_o brief_o close_v all_o with_o the_o last_o particular_a i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o iii_o how_o high_o necessary_a in_o its_o self_n but_o especial_o how_o advantageous_a to_o this_o great_a end_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o endeavour_v what_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n i_o can_v wish_v i_o have_v some_o long_a time_n to_o improve_v as_o i_o ought_v this_o great_a and_o useful_a exhortation_n but_o i_o have_v insist_v too_o long_o already_o and_o therefore_o may_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o it_o the_o duty_n in_o short_a recommend_v to_o we_o be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v serious_o endeavour_v according_a to_o our_o several_a opportunity_n to_o increase_v every_o day_n in_o our_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o suitable_a practice_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o he_o who_o true_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o do_v this_o need_v never_o fear_v fall_v away_o from_o his_o steadfastness_n his_o knowledge_n will_v teach_v he_o what_o be_v the_o right_a way_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n root_v in_o his_o heart_n will_v establish_v he_o that_o no_o unworthy_a consideration_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o draw_v he_o aside_o from_o it_o 1._o for_o what_o concern_v the_o former_a of_o these_o knowledge_n he_o must_v understand_v but_o very_o little_a of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v not_o able_a at_o the_o first_o sight_n to_o discover_v the_o illusion_n of_o those_o false_a teacher_n that_o be_v at_o present_a the_o most_o busy_a among_o we_o *_o christianity_n be_v a_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n it_o command_v we_o to_o love_v and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o man_n even_o our_o very_a enemy_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o 44_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o and_o can_v those_o be_v its_o disciple_n who_o scatter_v nothing_o but_o hatred_n and_o malice_n confusion_n and_o disorder_n wherever_o they_o come_v and_o make_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o conscience_n to_o root_v out_o and_o destroy_v from_o off_o the_o earth_n all_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o who_o religion_n consist_v in_o a_o maxim_n of_o the_o most_o detestable_a uncharitableness_n that_o all_o must_v be_v damn_v that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o persuasion_n *_o christianity_n be_v a_o wise_a and_o reasonable_a religion_n a_o religion_n become_v a_o most_o wise_a god_n to_o plant_v and_o rational_a creature_n to_o embrace_v but_o our_o new_a teacher_n be_v for_o a_o blind_a and_o unreasonable_a piety_n they_o be_v for_o a_o faith_n and_o a_o worship_n full_a of_o the_o great_a contradiction_n and_o esteem_v the_o true_a character_n of_o a_o thorough-paced_a believer_n to_o be_v to_o believe_v not_o only_o without_o any_o just_a ground_n but_o even_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n *_o christianity_n be_v a_o honest_a a_o upright_a a_o sincere_a religion_n a_o religion_n that_o require_v the_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n and_o can_v those_o be_v christian_n who_o be_v whole_o make_v up_o of_o fraud_n and_o dissimulation_n who_o palliate_v the_o very_a doctrine_n they_o profess_v deny_v the_o very_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v requisite_a thereby_o to_o seduce_v man_n to_o their_o party_n and_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o value_v not_o what_o they_o do_v or_o say_v as_o often_o as_o the_o mother-interest_n of_o their_o church_n require_v they_o to_o deceive_v *_o christianity_n teahce_n we_o to_o worship_v
dangerous_a mistake_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v in_o this_o affair_n be_v that_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o think_v they_o do_v very_o well_o consider_v these_o thing_n when_o in_o truth_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v they_o to_o any_o purpose_n at_o all_o for_o indeed_o what_o be_v that_o which_o man_n now_o a_o day_n to_o call_v consider_v if_o they_o be_v sometime_o a_o little_a serious_a if_o they_o reflect_v now_o and_o then_o upon_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o go_v to_o church_n on_o sunday_n and_o be_v not_o scandalous_o wicked_a the_o week_n after_o if_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o its_o season_n and_o when_o they_o do_v so_o sit_v down_o a_o while_n and_o reflect_v a_o little_a a_o day_n or_o two_o it_o may_v be_v the_o week_n before_o upon_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o vanity_n and_o then_o sigh_v and_o be_v sorry_a and_o resolve_v to_o sin_n no_o more_o this_o they_o call_v consider_v and_o this_o i_o fear_v be_v what_o make_v up_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o very_a great_a number_n among_o we_o but_o alas_o this_o be_v as_o far_o distant_a from_o that_o true_a consideration_n i_o will_v now_o recommend_v to_o you_o as_o the_o little_a imperfect_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n inferior_a to_o that_o excellent_a piety_n that_o will_v be_v the_o certain_a consequence_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v not_o every_o light_a reflection_n upon_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a consideration_n he_o that_o will_v do_v this_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v must_v resolve_v to_o do_v it_o thorough_o he_o must_v search_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n not_o a_o sin_n so_o secret_a not_o a_o lust_n or_o interest_n so_o dear_a or_o profitable_a to_o we_o but_o what_o to_o the_o best_a of_o our_o power_n must_v be_v inquire_v into_o now_o all_o the_o danger_n of_o sin_n in_o general_n all_o the_o black_a circumstance_n and_o heighten_v aggravation_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n in_o particular_a must_v serious_o be_v consider_v the_o hope_n and_o terror_n of_o eternity_n be_v thorough_o weigh_v what_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v if_o we_o will_v yet_o repent_v what_o his_o judgement_n will_v be_v if_o we_o shall_v continue_v to_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o treasure_n up_o to_o ourselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath._n in_o a_o word_n whatever_o may_v serve_v either_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o of_o our_o danger_n or_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o forsake_v the_o one_o that_o so_o we_o may_v escape_v the_o other_o must_v all_o be_v lay_v before_o we_o till_o final_o by_o god_n grace_n we_o be_v bring_v in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o condition_n as_o shall_v engage_v we_o to_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n command_n and_o so_o work_v in_o we_o that_o change_n of_o life_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n for_o ever_o he_o that_o give_v off_o before_o he_o have_v do_v this_o he_o may_v have_v think_v of_o his_o duty_n if_o you_o will_v but_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o consider_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v he_o may_v have_v prepare_v the_o way_n but_o he_o be_v yet_o to_o run_v in_o short_a he_o may_v have_v consider_v of_o religion_n as_o many_o now_o a_o day_n do_v who_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n run_v through_o all_o the_o various_a sect_n and_o party_n of_o christian_n who_o suffer_v not_o the_o least_o controversy_n to_o escape_v they_o nor_o a_o dispute_n to_o arise_v in_o which_o they_o do_v not_o interest_n themselves_o and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v have_v not_o one_o jot_n of_o real_a piety_n in_o their_o soul_n but_o after_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n get_v only_o that_o knowledge_n which_o puff_v up_o and_o be_v yet_o to_o learn_v that_o charity_n which_o edifi_v this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o perhaps_o one_o of_o the_o most_o fatal_a cheat_n man_n common_o put_v upon_o their_o soul_n they_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o they_o do_v very_o well_o consider_v these_o thing_n when_o indeed_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v they_o to_o any_o purpose_n nor_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o 2._o a_o second_o cause_n of_o man_n inconsideration_n and_o but_o little_a inferior_a to_o the_o forego_n either_o in_o the_o danger_n or_o the_o universality_n of_o it_o be_v that_o our_o consideration_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n total_o turn_v another_o way_n it_o be_v a_o long_a time_n since_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n seem_v to_o have_v fall_v under_o a_o very_a dangerous_a mistake_n that_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o their_o business_n but_o only_o as_o a_o thing_n by_o the_o by_o somewhat_o to_o entertain_v their_o thought_n with_o upon_o solemn_a time_n and_o in_o their_o melancholy_a hour_n but_o which_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v amid_o so_o great_a a_o plenty_n of_o other_o affair_n as_o the_o world_n now_o abound_v with_o shall_v ordinary_o be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o their_o consideration_n thus_o have_v we_o utter_o reverse_v the_o maxim_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o make_v not_o our_o salvation_n but_o the_o business_n of_o this_o world_n our_o employment_n and_o our_o interest_n nay_o good_a god_n our_o very_a vice_n and_o our_o sin_n the_o vnum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v take_v care_n of_o by_o we_o and_o we_o be_v so_o whole_o take_v up_o and_o engage_v with_o these_o that_o we_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o think_v at_o all_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o any_o purpose_n and_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v of_o that_o and_o now_o what_o wonder_v if_o when_o this_o be_v the_o case_n we_o see_v such_o very_a sad_a it_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o such_o very_a natural_a effect_n of_o it_o whilst_o man_n reckon_v the_o concern_v of_o this_o present_a life_n to_o be_v the_o main_a of_o their_o business_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v surprise_v if_o they_o consider_v no_o more_o of_o what_o may_v make_v for_o a_o better_a till_o this_o mistake_n be_v rectify_v we_o may_v be_v trouble_v indeed_o to_o see_v man_n so_o inconsiderate_a but_o sure_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o admire_v it_o we_o may_v with_o moses_n wish_v o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a that_o they_o will_v understand_v this_o but_o till_o that_o be_v do_v we_o can_v expect_v they_o shall_v very_o much_o consider_v their_o latter_a end_n but_o 3_o dly_a another_o cause_n and_o which_o i_o believe_v have_v keep_v very_o many_o from_o consider_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v be_v that_o it_o be_v uneasy_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o care_v to_o enter_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o religion_n that_o though_o there_o be_v real_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o please_a or_o more_o agreeable_a to_o our_o rational_a nature_n than_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o yet_o have_v it_o something_o that_o be_v rough_a and_o uneasy_a in_o the_o first_o set_v out_o and_o which_o the_o habitual_a sinner_n can_v without_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n get_v over_o he_o that_o thrive_v by_o sin_n that_o grow_v rich_a or_o great_a or_o honourable_a in_o the_o world_n by_o injury_n and_o oppression_n by_o fraud_n and_o flattery_n will_v no_o doubt_n be_v very_o uneasy_a to_o embrace_v a_o religion_n that_o require_v a_o justice_n and_o integrity_n in_o all_o our_o action_n that_o forbid_v all_o violence_n and_o rapine_n all_o artifice_n and_o dissimulation_n i._n e._n all_o those_o method_n by_o which_o he_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o increase_v and_o flourish_v heretofore_o again_o if_o a_o man_n have_v be_v use_v free_o to_o indulge_v himself_o in_o all_o that_o his_o heart_n desire_v to_o gratify_v his_o passion_n in_o their_o wild_a irregularity_n he_o will_v no_o doubt_n find_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a difficulty_n to_o deny_v himself_o and_o resist_v and_o do_v violence_n to_o those_o appetite_n which_o he_o have_v be_v so_o accustom_v to_o comply_v with_o heretofore_o so_o that_o in_o effect_n whether_o out_o of_o a_o prevail_a interest_n or_o a_o real_a fear_n whether_o out_o of_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o forsake_v sin_n or_o a_o mistake_a apprehension_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o overcome_v it_o many_o i_o believe_v content_v themselves_o to_o go_v on_o without_o ever_o consider_v at_o all_o and_o hate_v to_o reflect_v on_o what_o they_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o reform_v or_o if_o perhaps_o this_o do_v not_o carry_v they_o so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v they_o total_o lay_v aside_o the_o thought_n of_o religion_n yet_o at_o least_o it_o render_v they_o unwilling_a to_o set_v about_o it_o and_o so_o
the_o former_a of_o these_o the_o consideration_n i_o sy_n of_o those_o device_n whereby_o the_o devil_n be_v wont_a to_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o those_o common_a and_o obvious_a method_n which_o every_o one_o know_v though_o few_o be_v so_o careful_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o prevent_v they_o such_o as_o carelessness_n and_o indifference_n in_o the_o concern_n of_o our_o salvation_n the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n and_o interest_n of_o it_o and_o which_o upon_o this_o account_n st._n paul_n call_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a 1_o tim._n vi_o 10_o and_o st._n james_n plain_o tell_v we_o be_v enmity_n with_o god_n james_n four_o 4_o the_o device_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v be_v such_o as_o have_v more_o of_o subtlety_n and_o contrivance_n in_o they_o and_o which_o by_o a_o show_n of_o somewhat_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v good_a seduce_v man_n many_o time_n into_o a_o neglect_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o alone_o real_o and_o true_o be_v so_o now_o four_o thing_n especial_o there_o be_v by_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v wont_a to_o discourage_v and_o hinder_v weak_a mind_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n viz_o 1_o sy_n by_o throw_v prejudices_fw-la in_o their_o way_n against_o it_o 2_o dly_z by_o instil_v into_o their_o mind_n false_a principle_n whereby_o to_o corrupt_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o 3_o dly_z by_o fill_v they_o with_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o discourage_v they_o in_o their_o piety_n 4_o thly_a by_o engage_v their_o zeal_n in_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a strife_n and_o dispute_n about_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 1_o sy_n it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o of_o the_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o hinder_v man_n piety_n by_o throw_v of_o false_a prejudices_fw-la in_o their_o way_n against_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o a_o frightful_a thing_n many_o look_n upon_o a_o christian_a course_n of_o life_n to_o be_v and_o how_o difficult_a and_o sometime_o even_o impossible_a they_o think_v it_o to_o fulfil_v that_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o they_o regard_v he_o as_o a_o hard_a and_o severe_a taskmaster_n that_o lay_v intolerable_a burden_n upon_o his_o servant_n and_o have_v prepare_v eternal_a punishment_n for_o the_o least_o defailure_n under_o they_o all_o their_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o with_o those_o strict_a command_n of_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n of_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o forgive_a and_o love_a enemy_n of_o despise_v any_o loss_n shame_n or_o other_o difficulty_n they_o may_v at_o any_o time_n be_v expose_v to_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n thus_o they_o look_v upon_o christianity_n to_o be_v a_o religion_n make_v up_o of_o nothing_o but_o melancholy_a fear_n and_o amaze_a danger_n that_o allow_v of_o no_o pleasure_n suffer_v not_o the_o least_o appetite_n to_o be_v gratify_v but_o deny_v even_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o reasonable_a enjoyment_n nor_o promise_v any_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n but_o upon_o the_o severe_a condition_n of_o be_v despise_v and_o miserable_a in_o this_o and_o now_o when_o such_o be_v man_n apprehension_n of_o christianity_n what_o wonder_v if_o we_o see_v so_o few_o care_n to_o enter_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n who_o have_v not_o thus_o deal_v with_o we_o 14_o straight_o indeed_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o impassable_a from_o the_o very_a first_o enter_v it_o dilate_v its_o self_n and_o in_o a_o little_a while_n become_v no_o less_o pleasant_a but_o much_o more_o secure_a than_o that_o high_a road_n which_o so_o many_o prefer_v before_o it_o to_o be_v plain_a i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o a_o state_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o four_o disagreeable_a state_n man_n common_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v the_o only_a state_n that_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o real_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n godliness_n be_v its_o own_o reward_n even_o in_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o it_o 8_o it_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v but_o serious_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o will_v soon_o be_v convince_v upon_o how_o good_a ground_n the_o wise_a man_n once_o pronounce_v concern_v it_o 17_o that_o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n as_o for_o that_o frightful_a idea_n which_o so_o many_o entertain_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v whole_o found_v on_o their_o own_o mistake_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o it_o for_o 1_o st_z it_o be_v utter_o false_a that_o christianity_n deny_v we_o any_o of_o those_o enjoyment_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v even_o desire_v to_o indulge_v it_o allow_v whatever_o be_v true_o fit_v for_o we_o and_o restrain_v only_o those_o brutish_a excess_n which_o even_o natural_a reason_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a morality_n forbid_v we_o to_o pursue_v nor_o 2_o dly_a do_v man_n any_o more_o true_o represent_v god_n than_o they_o do_v his_o religion_n they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o one_o who_o require_v great_a thing_n of_o we_o but_o they_o forget_v that_o he_o who_o require_v these_o thing_n do_v also_o promise_v that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v in_o our_o own_o endeavour_n he_o will_v give_v we_o grace_n and_o strength_n and_o ability_n to_o fulfil_v they_o they_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o most_o severe_a and_o just_a judge_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o his_o mercy_n be_v as_o infinite_a as_o his_o justice_n and_o that_o he_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o make_v allowance_n for_o our_o infirmity_n and_o pardon_v those_o sin_n we_o unwilling_o commit_v as_o to_o punish_v those_o offence_n which_o our_o malice_n and_o our_o negligence_n expose_v we_o to_o that_o for_o this_o he_o have_v send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v himself_o the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o open_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o a_o gospel_n of_o repentance_n see_v we_o can_v not_o attain_v to_o it_o by_o any_o way_n of_o a_o perfect_a and_o unsinning_a obedience_n so_o that_o now_o then_o let_v a_o christian_a be_v but_o upright_a and_o sincere_a let_v he_o but_o love_n god_n and_o delight_n in_o his_o service_n and_o strive_v and_o labour_v as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v it_o if_o he_o sin_v let_v he_o repent_v of_o it_o let_v he_o confess_v his_o wickedness_n and_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n and_o humble_o implore_v god_n mercy_n to_o forgive_v he_o and_o then_o how_o weak_a and_o impotent_a soever_o he_o be_v he_o shall_v certain_o find_v not_o only_a pardon_n but_o acceptance_n too_o with_o his_o bless_a saviour_n for_o ever_o and_o then_o 3_o dly_z for_o what_o concern_v those_o severe_a duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o upon_o which_o the_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la be_v common_o raise_v against_o it_o beside_o that_o they_o be_v thing_n infinite_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o by_o a_o divine_a assistance_n far_o from_o be_v burdensome_a to_o we_o nay_o when_o put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a glory_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o duty_n be_v not_o require_v either_o of_o all_o christian_n or_o at_o all_o time_n how_o few_o be_v there_o for_o instance_n now_o a_o day_n that_o have_v any_o occasion_n to_o put_v in_o practice_n that_o severe_a precept_n of_o all_o which_o our_o religion_n require_v of_o we_o viz_o 24_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o take_v up_o our_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n these_o be_v the_o trial_n only_o of_o some_o singular_a person_n and_o at_o some_o certain_a season_n and_o whenever_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o call_v any_o good_a man_n to_o they_o he_o never_o fail_v upon_o their_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o he_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o strength_n and_o grace_n proportionable_a to_o bear_v they_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o appear_v that_o all_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v only_o the_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o discourage_v man_n from_o their_o duty_n and_o by_o the_o false_a apprehension_n of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a difficulty_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n now_o to_o precipitate_v they_o into_o real_a and_o eternal_a misery_n hereafter_o but_o 2_o dly_a a_o second_o way_n whereby_o he_o hinder_v man_n progress_n in_o piety_n be_v by_o instil_v such_o principle_n into_o they_o as_o
all_o hot_a and_o furious_a for_o their_o several_a particular_a opinion_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o eternity_n depend_v on_o they_o but_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o gospel-life_n for_o that_o devotion_n that_o charity_n that_o humility_n and_o integrity_n which_o be_v once_o the_o great_a care_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n these_o god_n know_v be_v but_o little_o regard_v by_o the_o most_o of_o we_o if_o 1_o sy_n we_o consider_v the_o public_a effect_n of_o these_o controversy_n to_o a_o decay_n of_o piety_n what_o a_o desolation_n shall_v we_o find_v too_o often_o occasion_v by_o they_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o how_o many_o country_n have_v be_v ruin_v what_o king_n and_o prince_n have_v be_v murder_v and_o banish_v and_o depose_v by_o their_o own_o people_n what_o blood_n have_v be_v spill_v what_o number_n of_o honest_a and_o innocent_a people_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n have_v be_v lose_v and_o undo_v by_o they_o and_o by_o a_o strange_a metamorphosis_n cruelty_n and_o oppression_n falseness_n and_o dissimulation_n deceit_n and_o perjury_n all_o the_o vile_a and_o most_o scandalous_a sin_n by_o the_o sacred_a power_n of_o the_o church_n interest_n consecrate_v into_o christian_a and_o heroical_a virtue_n and_o to_o complete_a the_o astonishment_n the_o holy_a martyr_n and_o confessor_n have_v be_v damn_v to_o hell_n whilst_o their_o persecutor_n have_v be_v saint_v and_o place_v in_o heaven_n if_o 2_o dly_a we_o look_v upon_o these_o dispute_n in_o themselves_o only_o without_o regard_v any_o such_o desperate_a effect_n of_o they_o i_o wish_v i_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o say_v how_o prejudicial_a they_o have_v even_o thus_o be_v and_o without_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n may_v have_v be_v much_o more_o to_o our_o common_a christianity_n whilst_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o these_o not_o only_o schism_n and_o heresy_n and_o even_o those_o too_o st._n paul_n reckon_v among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n gal._n v._n 20_o which_o whoso_o be_v guilty_a of_o can_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n but_o some_o from_o these_o contest_v have_v conclude_v all_o our_o religion_n to_o be_v uncertain_a and_o esteem_v it_o the_o wise_a way_n not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o of_o we_o till_o we_o can_v somewhat_o better_a agree_v to_o which_o of_o we_o they_o ought_v to_o go_v other_o consider_v the_o manner_n how_o these_o controversy_n have_v of_o late_a especial_o be_v manage_v and_o carry_v on_o have_v with_o some_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v all_o our_o pretence_n to_o be_v only_a deceit_n and_o vision_n for_o that_o sure_o do_v those_o who_o stand_v up_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o religion_n believe_v it_o themselves_o they_o will_v never_o defend_v their_o faith_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o utter_o contradict_v all_o the_o morality_n of_o it_o which_o of_o the_o great_a article_n of_o christianity_n have_v not_o our_o modern_a dispute_n call_v in_o question_n it_o be_v but_o a_o very_a little_a while_n since_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n and_o the_o glorious_a incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v again_o be_v strike_v at_o by_o those_o who_o plain_o show_v they_o care_v not_o what_o become_v of_o christianity_n if_o they_o can_v make_v their_o popish_a heresy_n prevail_v with_o it_o and_o that_o if_o not_o in_o so_o plain_a and_o direct_v a_o manner_n as_o the_o arian_n and_o socinian_o of_o our_o day_n do_v yet_o in_o another_o no_o less_o repugnant_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o for_o if_o the_o contradiction_n as_o they_o say_v be_v indeed_o as_o great_a in_o these_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v in_o that_o other_o mystery_n or_o rather_o as_o one_o of_o their_o own_o great_a defender_n of_o it_o true_o call_v it_o perron_n that_o monster_n of_o transubstantiation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v compare_v i_o doubt_v all_o consider_v person_n will_v resolve_v from_o the_o self-evident_a falseness_n of_o the_o one_o to_o conclude_v against_o the_o other_o rather_o than_o from_o their_o belief_n of_o those_o to_o give_v up_o their_o assent_n to_o this_o if_o we_o look_v to_o the_o morality_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v the_o heat_n and_o the_o passion_n the_o bitterness_n and_o the_o evil-speaking_a shall_v i_o add_v and_o even_o the_o fraud_n and_o dissimulation_n which_o have_v appear_v in_o these_o debate_n be_v a_o sad_a evidence_n how_o destructive_a such_o dispute_n be_v of_o true_a piety_n and_o religion_n whilst_o to_o lessen_v a_o adversary_n or_o to_o be_v think_v to_o get_v the_o better_a in_o a_o argument_n man_n value_v not_o how_o or_o what_o they_o write_v but_o seem_v resolve_v at_o any_o rate_n to_o maintain_v their_o point_n tho'_o for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o they_o be_v force_v to_o such_o shift_n as_o without_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n must_v lose_v they_o their_o own_o soul_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o that_o epidemical_a vncharitableness_n that_o be_v from_o hence_o diffuse_v into_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n while_o every_o one_o seem_v to_o reckon_v his_o enemy_n no_o better_o than_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n and_o have_v by_o their_o uncharitable_a censure_n cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n hereafter_o think_v themselves_o afterward_o disengage_v from_o all_o obligation_n even_o of_o common_a humanity_n towards_o he_o now_o i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o if_o i_o mean_v to_o accuse_v those_o of_o our_o church_n who_o have_v so_o generous_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n and_o sacrifice_v their_o peace_n their_o quiet_n and_o their_o interest_n to_o the_o defence_n of_o a_o excellent_a cause_n and_o a_o true_o orthodox_n catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o much_o less_o will_v i_o be_v think_v hereby_o to_o discourage_v you_o from_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o the_o faith_n and_o as_o constant_a in_o its_o defence_n as_o both_o your_o duty_n require_v and_o as_o i_o bless_v god_n you_o all_o of_o you_o be_v this_o day_n and_o i_o hope_v and_o be_o persuade_v will_v ever_o be_v so_o but_o i_o speak_v this_o to_o deplore_v the_o sad_a state_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o bewail_v ●●●se_a division_n than_o which_o nothing_o ha●_n 〈◊〉_d ●ore_o destructive_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n i_o speak_v it_o earnest_o to_o beseech_v and_o exhort_v you_o even_o by_o the_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o you_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o add_v to_o your_o faith_n work_v to_o adorn_v your_o holy_a profession_n by_o a_o suitable_a conversation_n to_o live_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o dispute_v for_o it_o and_o see_v you_o know_v what_o danger_n these_o controversy_n be_v apt_a to_o bring_v to_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n that_o you_o will_v be_v careful_a to_o prevent_v they_o and_o not_o suffer_v your_o zeal_n for_o your_o faith_n ever_o to_o carry_v you_o to_o any_o unchristian_a or_o unwarrantable_a measure_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o set_v before_o you_o some_o of_o those_o device_n whereby_o the_o devil_n be_v wont_a to_o hinder_v our_o piety_n i_o have_v but_o just_a time_n to_o mention_v a_o very_a few_o of_o the_o other_o kind_n viz._n two_o dly_z those_o by_o which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o draw_v we_o into_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n it_o have_v be_v a_o ancient_a remark_n and_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v so_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o very_a nature_n as_o may_v just_o make_v it_o a_o first_o principle_n in_o this_o enquiry_n that_o evil_a as_o such_o be_v not_o desirable_a no_o man_n ever_o commit_v a_o sin_n for_o sin_v sake_n but_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o good_a or_o other_o which_o he_o either_o real_o do_v or_o at_o least_o think_v shall_v accrue_v to_o he_o thereby_o now_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o the_o devil_n find_v all_o his_o device_n to_o deceive_v we_o he_o observe_v our_o interest_n our_o temper_n and_o inclination_n what_o it_o be_v that_o either_o our_o condition_n or_o circumstance_n or_o design_n in_o the_o world_n render_v we_o the_o most_o apt_a to_o be_v catch_v with_o and_o according_o offer_v his_o temptation_n to_o we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v be_v most_o like_a to_o prevail_v with_o we_o so_o that_o then_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o those_o artifices_fw-la by_o which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o draw_v we_o into_o sin_n we_o shall_v need_v no_o long_a search_n no_o laborious_a enquiry_n into_o his_o particular_a temptation_n only_o let_v we_o turn_v our_o eye_n into_o our_o own_o soul_n there_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o sin_n they_o be_v we_o be_v the_o most_o apt_a to_o fall_v into_o what_o passion_n the_o most_o command_v we_o to_o what_o irregularity_n our_o
to_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o right_a faith_n he_o may_v deserve_v indeed_o to_o be_v pity_v now_o but_o i_o fear_v he_o will_v hardly_o be_v hereafter_o excuse_v but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o secure_v ourselves_o against_o this_o danger_n he_o that_o will_v be_v constant_a in_o his_o religion_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v must_v see_v 2_o dly_a that_o he_o be_v not_o too_o apt_a to_o entertain_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v obstinacy_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o conviction_n thò_fw-la never_n so_o clear_a and_o reasonable_a it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a weakness_n on_o the_o other_o to_o be_v affright_v at_o every_o shadow_n of_o a_o argument_n and_o to_o put_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o little_a disputer_n to_o prejudice_v we_o against_o our_o religion_n because_o one_o who_o be_v its_o profess_a enemy_n rail_v against_o it_o and_o pretend_v it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a one_o he_o will_v i_o believe_v be_v think_v a_o very_a credulous_a person_n indeed_o who_o shall_v begin_v to_o stagger_v and_o fall_v into_o a_o tremble_a tho'_o he_o see_v himself_o upon_o plain_a and_o even_a ground_n because_o a_o bold_a and_o fanciful_a man_n be_v very_o positive_a that_o it_o be_v a_o precipice_n and_o doubtless_o that_o man_n be_v no_o less_o to_o be_v pity_v that_o be_v fright_v for_o fear_n he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o wrong_n tho'_o he_o have_v the_o undoubted_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n nay_o and_o even_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n too_o on_o his_o side_n as_o often_o as_o every_o common-place_n trifler_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o run_v over_o his_o division_n upon_o the_o church_n the_o antiquity_n succession_n infallibility_n of_o it_o and_o without_o either_o modesty_n or_o proof_n call_v we_o heretic_n if_o man_n have_v reason_n on_o their_o side_n if_o they_o have_v scripture_n for_o what_o they_o say_v let_v they_o on_o god_n name_n produce_v it_o we_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o consider_v and_o to_o submit_v to_o such_o conviction_n but_o otherwise_o to_o think_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o utter_a darkness_n when_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n shine_v in_o our_o face_n that_o we_o must_v be_v damn_v for_o not_o believe_v that_o what_o we_o see_v and_o taste_v and_o know_v to_o be_v but_o a_o bit_n of_o bread_n be_v not_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n that_o they_o be_v not_o infallible_a who_o be_v actual_o involve_v in_o the_o gross_a error_n in_o a_o word_n that_o our_o church_n have_v no_o be_v before_o luther_n every_o article_n of_o who_o faith_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o have_v be_v profess_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o day_n this_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o what_o ought_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o stagger_v our_o steadfastness_n and_o now_o have_v secure_v ourselves_o on_o both_o these_o side_n it_o only_o remain_v to_o preserve_v our_o constancy_n 3_o dly_a that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n any_o argument_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o we_o that_o may_v deserve_v our_o regard_n we_o then_o be_v sure_a to_o give_v they_o that_o due_a and_o wise_a examination_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a weakness_n and_o indeed_o a_o very_a great_a fault_n in_o many_o person_n that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v in_o their_o belief_n of_o any_o part_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o profess_v they_o present_o abandon_v their_o own_o guide_n and_o run_v for_o satisfaction_n to_o those_o who_o be_v the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o their_o religion_n from_o henceforth_o they_o hear_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v ill_a of_o their_o church_n they_o be_v teach_v more_o and_o more_o to_o suspect_v the_o way_n that_o they_o be_v in_o and_o then_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o a_o very_a little_a examination_n suffice_v to_o make_v they_o leave_v it_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a great_a fault_n and_o will_v one_o day_n prove_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n what_o such_o person_n may_v think_v of_o change_v their_o religion_n i_o can_v tell_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o our_o great_a charity_n will_v hardly_o enable_v we_o to_o entertain_v any_o very_a comfortable_a opinion_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v they_o such_o as_o those_o that_o we_o either_o say_v or_o believe_v may_v be_v save_v notwithstanding_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n with_o which_o they_o communicate_v he_o that_o will_v make_v a_o safe_a change_n from_o one_o religion_n to_o another_o must_v not_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o inquire_v into_o one_o or_o two_o point_n and_o have_v receive_v a_o satisfaction_n in_o they_o embrace_v all_o the_o rest_n at_o a_o venture_n for_o their_o sake_n but_o he_o must_v pass_v distinct_o through_o every_o article_n in_o debate_n he_o must_v inquire_v not_o only_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v at_o present_a a_o member_n be_v not_o mistake_v in_o some_o point_n it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v absolute_o free_a from_o all_o kind_n of_o error_n but_o whether_o those_o mistake_n be_v of_o such_o a_o consequence_n that_o he_o can_v communicate_v any_o long_o with_o it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o when_o this_o be_v do_v the_o great_a difficulty_n will_v still_o remain_v to_o examine_v with_o the_o same_o diligence_n every_o article_n of_o that_o other_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v tempt_v for_o else_o tho'_o he_o shall_v have_v reason_n to_o forsake_v his_o own_o church_n he_o will_v yet_o be_v but_o little_a advantage_v if_o he_o go_v to_o another_o that_o be_v as_o bad_a or_o it_o may_v be_v worse_o than_o that_o if_o there_o he_o shall_v find_v the_o most_o part_n well_o yet_o so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o any_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n so_o erroneous_a as_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o profess_v what_o he_o think_v to_o be_v false_a or_o to_o practise_v what_o be_v unlawful_a even_o this_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o hinder_v he_o from_o reconcile_n himself_o to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o this_o there_o must_v be_v a_o serious_a and_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a search_n there_o must_v be_v no_o prejudice_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o one_o or_o against_o the_o other_o no_o desire_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v on_o this_o side_n rather_o than_o on_o that_o in_o short_a nothing_o must_v be_v omit_v whereby_o he_o may_v reasonable_o have_v get_v a_o better_a information_n and_o to_o all_o this_o care_n there_o must_v be_v add_v fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o assistance_n he_o who_o fall_v away_o from_o his_o first_o faith_n on_o any_o lesser_a convicton_n than_o this_o can_v never_o excuse_v himself_o from_o a_o criminal_a lightness_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o concern_n and_o for_o he_o that_o sincere_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v for_o my_o part_n be_v content_a that_o he_o shall_v leave_v the_o church_n of_o england_n whenever_o he_o can_v be_v thus_o convince_v that_o any_o other_o but_o especial_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o safe_a way_n to_o salvation_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o particular_a what_o that_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o which_o our_o text_n exhort_v we_o i_o go_v on_o 2_o dly_a to_o show_v ii_o upon_o what_o motive_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o stir_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o that_o i_o be_o now_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o exhort_v you_o to_o such_o a_o steadfastness_n now_o these_o our_o text_n reduce_v to_o this_o one_o general_a consideration_n that_o they_o both_o understand_v their_o danger_n and_o be_v express_o forewarn_v by_o his_o epistle_n how_o careful_a it_o will_v behoove_v they_o to_o be_v to_o arm_v themselves_o against_o it_o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a security_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v also_o a_o great_a engagement_n to_o such_o a_o vigilance_n to_o be_v thus_o express_o forewarn_v of_o our_o danger_n and_o he_o who_o either_o neglect_v or_o despise_v the_o admonition_n suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v seduce_v from_o his_o own_o steadfastness_n must_v certain_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a both_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n for_o his_o inconstancy_n but_o that_o which_o will_v aggravate_v this_o neglect_n yet_o much_o more_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o those_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o caution_n they_o to_o beware_v and_o which_o therefore_o i_o must_v lay_v a_o little_a more_o distinct_o before_o you_o now_o such_o
but_o one_o god_n 5_o and_o one_o only_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n christ_n jesus_n but_o our_o new-master_n be_v not_o thus_o content_a they_o set_v up_o if_o not_o more_o god_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_o more_o object_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n more_o mediator_n than_o one_o and_o teach_v man_n to_o address_v their_o prayer_n more_o frequent_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o their_o new_a advocate_n to_o who_o patronage_n they_o have_v commit_v themselves_o than_o through_o his_o who_o be_v the_o true_a christian_n only_o advocate_n christ_n bless_v for_o ever_o *_o christianity_n forbid_v we_o to_o make_v any_o grave_a image_n com._n the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o heaven_n above_o to_o bow_v down_o before_o it_o and_o worship_v it_o these_o false_a prophet_n set_v up_o their_o image_n in_o every_o church_n and_o bow_v down_o to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n for_o this_o end_n they_o consecrate_v they_o with_o many_o abomination_n and_o however_o some_o think_v fit_a to_o dissemble_v it_o yet_o other_o speak_v it_o bold_o out_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n that_o the_o very_a same_o religious_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n school_n that_o be_v pay_v to_o he_o that_o suffer_v upon_o it_o *_o christianity_n command_v we_o to_o pray_v in_o a_o tongue_n which_o the_o church_n understand_v fourteen_o that_o so_o the_o unlearned_a may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v amen_o at_o our_o give_v of_o thanks_o our_o new_a guide_n direct_v man_n to_o pray_v in_o a_o tongue_n which_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o people_n do_v not_o and_o which_o sometime_o even_o the_o priest_n too_o that_o officiate_n understand_v as_o little_a as_o they_o *_o christianity_n be_v a_o religion_n that_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a not_o to_o think_v of_o themselves_o above_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o to_o say_v they_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n but_o our_o new_a teacher_n have_v not_o so_o learn_v of_o christ._n they_o know_v a_o little_o better_a how_o to_o value_v their_o own_o performance_n instead_o of_o say_v they_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n they_o teach_v man_n to_o value_v themselves_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o merit_n to_o look_v upon_o heaven_n to_o be_v but_o a_o equal_a recompense_n of_o their_o piety_n nay_o yet_o more_o that_o they_o may_v live_v so_o as_o to_o make_v god_n a_o debtor_n to_o they_o beyond_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o eternity_n and_o to_o merit_v a_o crown_n both_o for_o themselves_o and_o other_o *_o in_o short_a for_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o end_n of_o the_o contradiction_n christianity_n command_v we_o to_o take_v bread_n to_o bless_v it_o and_o break_v it_o to_o take_v wine_n bless_v it_o and_o pour_v it_o out_o and_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o holy_a table_n in_o remembrance_n of_o that_o death_n and_o passion_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n once_o for_o all_o undergo_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o but_o what_o now_o do_v our_o new_a instructor_n they_o tell_v we_o here_o be_v neither_o bread_n nor_o wine_n to_o be_v eat_v or_o drink_v that_o they_o be_v i_o know_v not_o how_o convert_v into_o the_o very_a natural_a substance_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n that_o he_o be_v not_o offer_v up_o once_o for_o all_o but_o be_v here_o again_o as_o true_o offer_v as_o ever_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n that_o thereby_o a_o new_a expiation_n be_v make_v for_o the_o sin_n both_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o live_n and_o tho'_o our_o saviour_n have_v as_o express_o command_v both_o kind_n as_o either_o yet_o they_o declare_v that_o one_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o people_n to_o partake_v of_o and_o according_o they_o give_v no_o more_o to_o they_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o very_a little_a a_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o religion_n will_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o just_a cause_n for_o any_o one_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n to_o plunge_v himself_o into_o such_o a_o abyss_n of_o error_n and_o superstition_n as_o this_o and_o then_o if_o he_o be_v but_o equal_o advance_v 2_o dly_a in_o grace_n too_o this_o will_v certain_o secure_v he_o that_o no_o base_a motive_n no_o danger_n or_o interest_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o he_o so_o to_o do_v let_v the_o seducer_n display_v all_o the_o seem_a advantage_n of_o such_o a_o change_n let_v he_o with_o his_o master_n the_o devil_n set_v we_o up_o upon_o the_o high_a mountain_n of_o our_o own_o vain_a imagination_n there_o let_v he_o show_v we_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n 8_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o and_o to_o complete_a the_o parallel_n let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v add_v too_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v i_o and_o to_o whosoever_o i_o will_v i_o can_v give_v they_o if_o thou_o will_v therefore_o renounce_v thy_o faith_n and_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o all_o shall_v be_v thou_o by_o grace_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o despise_v they_o all_o this_o will_v convince_v we_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a honour_n in_o dissemble_v a_o man_n conscience_n and_o prostitute_v his_o soul_n his_o religion_n and_o his_o god_n to_o a_o little_a present_a advantage_n that_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n be_v but_o vanity_n that_o the_o true_a treasure_n be_v in_o heaven_n in_o a_o word_n that_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o great_a monarch_n be_v not_o worth_a the_o purchase_n if_o to_o obtain_v that_o we_o must_v lose_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o let_v he_o shift_v the_o scene_n instead_o of_o all_o these_o advantage_n let_v he_o set_v forth_o all_o the_o danger_n that_o either_o the_o devil_n can_v suggest_v or_o his_o own_o more_o furious_a zeal_n invent_v by_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o despise_v even_o those_o too_o this_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n who_o shall_v laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v and_o who_o counsel_n it_o be_v that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v shall_v stand_v that_o if_o he_o please_v to_o protect_v we_o it_o be_v not_o all_o their_o malice_n that_o can_v do_v we_o the_o least_o injury_n but_o that_o shall_v he_o either_o for_o our_o punishment_n or_o our_o trial_n expose_v we_o to_o their_o rage_n yet_o still_o we_o ought_v with_o moses_n 26._o to_o esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n beyond_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n this_o be_v the_o brave_a resolution_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a they_o be_v torture_v 35_o not_o accept_v deliverance_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n iii._o when_o nabuchadnezzar_n command_v the_o three_o child_n in_o daniel_n 15._o to_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o they_o regard_v neither_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o king_n nor_o the_o threat_n of_o his_o fiery_a furnace_n 16._o they_o tell_v he_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o in_o that_o matter_n 17._o that_o their_o god_n if_o he_o please_v both_o can_v and_o will_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n but_o if_o not_o yet_o be_v it_o know_v to_o thou_o o_o king_n 18_o that_o we_o will_v not_o serve_v thy_o god_n nor_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o thou_o have_v set_v up_o and_o the_o same_o have_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o our_o forerunner_n in_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v overcome_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n whilst_o that_o bless_a saviour_n who_o first_o give_v the_o command_n have_v ever_o since_o inspire_v his_o follower_n with_o strength_n and_o resolution_n to_o fulfil_v it_o 28_o fear_v not_o they_o who_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o fear_v he_o who_o can_v cast_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n into_o hellfire_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o here_o then_o let_v we_o exercise_v ourselves_o let_v we_o be_v steadfast_a to_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v so_o let_v we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n the_o seducer_n among_o we_o be_v many_o they_o be_v diligent_a and_o watchful_a by_o any_o mean_n to_o draw_v we_o into_o their_o net_n and_o god_n know_v both_o their_o religion_n and_o their_o argument_n be_v but_o too_o much_o adapt_v to_o our_o passion_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o may_v therefore_o be_v but_o too_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o we_o but_o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v behold_v i_o have_v
so_o wise_a or_o it_o may_v be_v be_v wise_a than_o i_o be_o and_o see_v far_a than_o i_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o exact_o of_o my_o opinion_n in_o every_o thing_n now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o as_o both_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n conclude_v it_o very_o well_o may_v be_v and_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o mankind_n not_o only_o in_o the_o particular_a concern_v of_o religion_n but_o in_o most_o other_o thing_n assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v that_o man_n understanding_n be_v different_a and_o they_o will_v argue_v different_a way_n and_o entertain_v different_a opinion_n from_o one_o another_o about_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o yet_o may_v nevertheless_o deserve_v on_o all_o side_n to_o be_v esteem_v very_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n for_o all_o that_o how_o vain_a then_o must_v that_o argument_n be_v which_o a_o late_a author_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n etc._n have_v with_o so_o much_o pomp_n revive_v against_o we_o from_o our_o difference_n in_o a_o few_o lesser_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o conclude_v we_o to_o be_v erroneous_a in_o the_o great_a and_o that_o because_o we_o be_v not_o exact_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v credit_v in_o nothing_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o because_o protestant_n when_o they_o differ_v be_v mistake_v on_o one_o side_n therefore_o when_o they_o agree_v they_o be_v mistake_v on_o both_o 1_o sy_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o amid_o all_o our_o other_o division_n we_o be_v yet_o on_o all_o side_n agree_v in_o whatsoever_o be_v fundamental_a in_o the_o faith_n or_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o profess_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n there_o be_v no_o good_a protestant_n but_o what_o do_v firm_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o embrace_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o ready_o acknowledge_v whatsoever_o be_v plain_o reveal_v therein_o and_o be_v at_o all_o time_n dispose_v to_o submit_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v by_o any_o necessary_a and_o certain_a consequence_n be_v prove_v to_o he_o thereby_o in_o short_a our_o difference_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v they_o do_v no_o more_o nor_o even_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n as_o those_o of_o the_o judaize_v christian_n here_o do_v if_o their_o differ_v therefore_o with_o one_o another_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o common_a christianity_n then_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v for_o what_o reason_n our_o difference_n which_o be_v lesser_a shall_v become_v so_o much_o a_o great_a argument_n against_o our_o common_a christianity_n now_o but_o second_o if_o our_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o some_o point_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a in_o any_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o altogether_o as_o uncertain_a as_o we_o be_v see_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o do_v no_o less_o differ_v among_o themselves_o and_o that_o in_o point_n too_o much_o more_o considerable_a than_o we_o do_v for_o to_o take_v only_o one_o instance_n instead_o of_o many_o and_o that_o so_o considerable_a that_o card._n 1586._o bellarmin_n once_o think_v the_o sum_n of_o christianity_n he_o mean_v the_o sum_n of_o popery_n to_o consist_v in_o it_o viz._n the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n both_o in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n *_o some_o there_o be_v who_o hold_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n by_o divine_a right_n other_o the_o contrary_n *_o some_o that_o he_o be_v infallible_a other_o that_o he_o be_v not_o *_o some_o that_o the_o pope_n alone_o without_o a_o council_n may_v determine_v all_o controversy_n other_o that_o he_o can_v now_o if_o in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o point_n of_o no_o less_o importance_n they_o themselves_o be_v as_o far_o from_o agree_v with_o one_o another_o as_o they_o can_v possible_o pretend_v we_o to_o be_v what_o shall_v hinder_v we_o but_o that_o we_o return_v their_o own_o inference_n upon_o they_o that_o see_v they_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o absolute_a infallibility_n they_o set_v up_o for_o that_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o certainty_n among_o they_o even_o in_o those_o point_n wherein_o they_o do_v agree_v be_v it_o that_o in_o their_o church_n though_o there_o be_v indeed_o as_o many_o difference_n as_o in_o we_o yet_o this_o make_v not_o against_o they_o a._n see_v they_o have_v a_o certain_a rule_n whenever_o they_o please_v for_o the_o compose_n of_o they_o viz._n the_o definition_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o of_o the_o church_n this_o indeed_o i_o find_v be_v common_o say_v by_o they_o but_o then_o certain_o if_o they_o have_v such_o a_o ready_a mean_n 100_o as_o they_o say_v of_o agreement_n among_o they_o it_o be_v the_o more_o shame_n for_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v he_o be_v much_o more_o inexcusable_o guilty_a in_o the_o omission_n of_o any_o duty_n who_o have_v a_o ready_a mean_n to_o fulfil_v it_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v than_o he_o who_o have_v none_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n do_v not_o know_v that_o he_o have_v any_o but_o indeed_o they_o have_v no_o mean_n of_o end_v their_o difference_n any_o more_o than_o we_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o both_o of_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o for_o any_o other_o direction_n they_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v where_o to_o seek_v it_o and_o sure_o that_o can_v be_v no_o very_o good_a mean_n of_o end_v all_o their_o other_o difference_n which_o be_v itself_o one_o of_o their_o chief_a controversy_n or_o be_v it_o ●_o that_o they_o agree_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o it_o because_o if_o they_o differ_v about_o any_o point_n they_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o beside_o the_o impenitence_n of_o this_o answer_n which_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o they_o do_v agree_v in_o what_o they_o do_v agree_v and_o differ_v only_o in_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o differ_v this_o be_v what_o we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o concern_v our_o difference_n we_o agree_v in_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o sound_n and_o save_v faith_n and_o if_o we_o differ_v in_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o all_o other_o christian_n have_v ever_o do_v and_o what_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o at_o this_o day_n do_v so_o that_o still_o it_o must_v remain_v either_o that_o those_o difference_n which_o be_v among_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a and_o which_o be_v among_o we_o now_o be_v no_o prejudice_n at_o all_o to_o the_o common_a truth_n which_o we_o profess_v or_o if_o they_o be_v the_o consequence_n will_v fall_v upon_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o less_o that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v and_o more_o severe_o than_o upon_o we_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n against_o their_o religion_n that_o it_o can_v be_v against_o we_o but_o i_o must_v carry_v this_o reflection_n a_o great_a deal_n far_o for_o three_o if_o once_o this_o principle_n be_v allow_v that_o because_o man_n differ_v in_o some_o thing_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v credit_v in_o any_o what_o then_o will_v become_v not_o only_o of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o it_o now_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o popery_n but_o even_o of_o christianity_n itself_o for_o may_v not_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o jew_n if_o he_o be_v mind_v to_o give_v himself_o so_o much_o trouble_v to_o so_o little_a purpose_n as_o this_o late_a author_n have_v do_v draw_v out_o a_o large_a history_n of_o the_o variation_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o from_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o text_n unto_o this_o day_n and_o then_o by_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n conclude_v against_o we_o all_o that_o we_o have_v none_o of_o we_o any_o certain_a ground_n for_o our_o religion_n because_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o we_o plain_o show_v that_o some_o of_o we_o must_v be_v deceive_v and_o to_o go_v yet_o one_o step_n far_o may_v not_o a_o sceptic_a by_o the_o same_o rule_n argue_v against_o all_o religion_n and_o even_o against_o all_o reason_n too_o that_o the_o disagreement_n of_o mankind_n in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o point_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n clear_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o that_o
we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v either_o upon_o the_o one_o or_o upon_o the_o other_o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o unless_o we_o will_v overthrow_v all_o the_o measure_n of_o christian_a charity_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o common_a truth_n i_o do_v not_o say_v both_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o of_o our_o own_o but_o even_o of_o christianity_n itself_o nay_o and_o of_o all_o religion_n and_o reason_n in_o general_a we_o must_v conclude_v that_o good_a christian_n may_v differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n without_o any_o just_a reflection_n either_o upon_o themselves_o or_o their_o religion_n but_o here_o therefore_o i_o must_v desire_v not_o to_o be_v misunderstand_v for_o when_o i_o say_v that_o christian_n may_v without_o any_o danger_n to_o themselves_o or_o disparagement_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n differ_v with_o one_o another_o i_o mean_v only_o as_o the_o term_n of_o my_o proposition_n express_o show_v in_o lesser_a matter_n such_o as_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n nor_o destroy_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v otherwise_o so_o clear_o reveal_v but_o that_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n after_o all_o their_o inquiry_n may_v still_o continue_v to_o differ_v in_o their_o opinion_n concern_v they_o for_o otherwise_o if_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n blind_a man_n eye_n and_o they_o err_v because_o they_o resolve_v they_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v and_o so_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n continue_v in_o mistake_v contrary_a to_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o destructive_a of_o piety_n if_o for_o instance_n man_n will_v profess_v to_o believe_v but_o in_o one_o god_n and_o yet_o worship_v thousand_o if_o they_o will_v read_v over_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o nevertheless_o both_o make_v and_o bow_v down_o before_o grave_v image_n in_o despite_n of_o it_o if_o whilst_o they_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o have_v institute_v the_o bless_a eucharist_n in_o both_o kind_n they_o command_v it_o to_o be_v administer_v but_o in_o one_o and_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n though_o s._n paul_n have_v spend_v almost_o a_o whole_a chapter_n to_o show_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o these_o be_v error_n in_o which_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v and_o though_o i_o shall_v be_v unwilling_a even_o here_o at_o all_o adventure_n to_o pronounce_v any_o sentence_n against_o the_o man_n yet_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o religion_n can_v be_v very_o sound_a which_o stand_v corrupt_v with_o so_o many_o and_o such_o fundamental_a abuse_n and_o this_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o those_o error_n for_o which_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o those_o controversy_n which_o sometime_o arise_v among_o protestant_n themselves_o the_o former_a be_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n such_o as_o tend_v direct_o to_o overthrow_v the_o integrity_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n destructive_a of_o the_o very_a essential_o of_o christianity_n whereas_o our_o difference_n do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v the_o foundation_n either_o of_o faith_n or_o worship_n and_o be_v therefore_o such_o in_o which_o good_a man_n if_o they_o be_v otherwise_o diligent_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o enquiry_n may_v differ_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o themselves_o or_o any_o just_a reflection_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o common_a profession_n which_o be_v thus_o clear_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o little_a endeavour_n of_o one_o of_o the_o late_a of_o our_o adversary_n against_o we_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o go_v on_o second_o to_o show_v 2._o second_o that_o such_o difference_n as_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v such_o person_n from_o agree_v together_o not_o only_o in_o a_o common_a charity_n but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o a_o common_a worship_n of_o god_n too_o this_o be_v what_o s._n paul_n here_o express_o exhort_v these_o dissent_v christian_n to_o and_o earnest_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o may_v see_v accomplish_v in_o they_o that_o when_o they_o come_v together_o to_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o their_o common_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o they_o may_v do_v it_o not_o only_o in_o the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n but_o with_o the_o same_o affection_n of_o mind_n too_o both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o one_o another_o now_o the_o god_n of_o patience_n and_o consolation_n grant_v you_o to_o be_v likeminded_a one_o towards_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n such_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o then_o and_o we_o ought_v certain_o no_o less_o to_o esteem_v the_o same_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n towards_o one_o another_o now_o and_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o business_n of_o charity_n god_n forbid_v that_o any_o difference_n in_o religion_n whatsoever_o much_o less_o such_o little_a one_o as_o those_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o shall_v ever_o make_v we_o deny_v that_o to_o our_o fellow_n christian_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o our_o saviour_n christ_n once_o foretell_v to_o his_o disciple_n that_o there_o shall_v rise_v up_o man_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n who_o shall_v upon_o this_o account_n not_o only_o put_v they_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n 2_o but_o even_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o kill_v they_o but_o they_o be_v jew_n not_o christian_n who_o be_v to_o do_v this_o and_o he_o express_o add_v that_o it_o be_v their_o ignorance_n of_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n that_o shall_v carry_v they_o on_o to_o so_o furious_a and_o intemperate_a a_o zeal_n for_o these_o thing_n 3._o say_v he_o shall_v they_o do_v unto_o you_o because_o they_o have_v not_o know_v the_o father_n nor_o me._n and_o we_o must_v confess_v it_o to_o the_o scandal_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n now_o that_o still_o continue_v to_o fulfil_v this_o prophecy_n in_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o it_o who_o not_o only_o cast_v we_o out_o of_o their_o synagogue_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o much_o complain_v of_o and_o as_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v cut_v we_o off_o from_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n too_o but_o to_o complete_a the_o parallel_n open_o arm_v the_o whole_a world_n against_o we_o and_o teach_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o piety_n to_o root_v we_o out_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o whosoever_o kill_v we_o do_v do_v god_n service_n but_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o error_n they_o give_v we_o but_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o understand_v how_o little_o they_o have_v in_o they_o of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n for_o sure_a such_o thing_n as_o these_o they_o can_v never_o do_v but_o only_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o other_o case_n before_o say_v they_o have_v not_o know_v the_o father_n nor_o he_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v need_v no_o argument_n to_o persuade_v you_o not_o to_o be_v mislead_v by_o that_o which_o we_o all_o of_o we_o so_o just_o lament_v as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o deplorable_a corruption_n even_o of_o popery_n itself_o christianity_n command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o sure_a than_o we_o can_v but_o think_v it_o very_o high_o reasonable_a not_o to_o hate_v our_o brethren_n but_o especial_o on_o such_o a_o account_n as_o if_o it_o be_v once_o admit_v will_v in_o this_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n utter_o drive_v the_o very_a name_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o charity_n out_o of_o it_o see_v by_o whatsoever_o argument_n we_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o justify_v our_o uncharitableness_n to_o any_o other_o they_o will_v all_o equal_o warrant_v they_o to_o withhold_v in_o like_a manner_n their_o charity_n from_o we_o there_o be_v no_o honest_a sincere_a christian_a how_o erroneous_a soever_o he_o may_v be_v but_o what_o at_o least_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a and_o look_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v as_o far_o from_o the_o truth_n by_o differ_v from_o he_o as_o we_o esteem_v he_o for_o not_o agree_v with_o we_o now_o if_o upon_o the_o sole_a account_n of_o such_o difference_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o hate_v another_o we_o must_v for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n allow_v it_o to_o be_v as_o lawful_a for_o he_o also_o to_o hate_n us._n thus_o shall_v we_o at_o once_o invert_v the_o characteristic_a of_o our_o religion_n 35_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o and_o turn_v it_o into_o the_o quite_o contrary_a note_n
few_o exception_n that_o have_v sometime_o be_v offer_v to_o justify_v the_o do_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o work_n both_o too_o large_a for_o such_o a_o discourse_n and_o beside_o the_o design_n of_o my_o present_a undertake_n and_o that_o one_o concession_n of_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o who_o though_o they_o continue_v ordinary_o to_o separate_v from_o we_o yet_o nevertheless_o free_o allow_v of_o what_o they_o call_v occasional_a communion_n with_o we_o i_o think_v sufficient_o show_v how_o little_a real_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o those_o scruple_n that_o have_v so_o long_o detain_v they_o in_o a_o unjust_a aversion_n to_o our_o worship_n bless_a be_v god_n who_o have_v abundant_o justify_v both_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o doctrine_n and_o the_o innocency_n of_o our_o worship_n not_o only_o by_o the_o general_a approbation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o who_o both_o free_o communicate_v with_o we_o in_o our_o religious_a office_n and_o have_v often_o give_v testimony_n in_o favour_n of_o they_o but_o in_o the_o happy_a conviction_n of_o many_o at_o home_n who_o be_v once_o enemy_n to_o our_o constitution_n but_o who_o now_o go_v with_o we_o into_o the_o same_o house_n of_o god_n as_o friend_n and_o indeed_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o some_o forsake_v we_o now_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o they_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n when_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o separation_n from_o our_o communion_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o old_a nonconformist_n themselves_o though_o they_o dislike_v some_o thing_n in_o our_o worship_n yet_o free_o declare_v they_o think_v it_o a_o crime_n to_o divide_v the_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o they_o and_o they_o who_o at_o this_o day_n separate_v from_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o few_o constitution_n that_o have_v be_v make_v for_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o our_o public_a worship_n must_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n have_v separate_v from_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n for_o above_o 1500_o year_n in_o none_o of_o which_o they_o may_v not_o have_v find_v as_o great_a that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v and_o much_o great_a occasion_n of_o offence_n than_o they_o can_v in_o we_o but_o yet_o since_o man_n scruple_n be_v unaccountable_a and_o after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v they_o will_v still_o differ_v even_o about_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o be_v afraid_a many_o time_n where_o no_o fear_n be_v and_o a_o too_o long_a experience_n have_v already_o show_v we_o that_o if_o ever_o we_o mean_v to_o accomplish_v that_o union_n so_o much_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o our_o apostle_n so_o advantageous_a to_o the_o church_n at_o all_o time_n but_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n so_o necessary_a to_o our_o peace_n and_o our_o establishment_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n that_o yet_o remain_v to_o settle_v and_o to_o secure_v we_o and_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n so_o much_o to_o be_v desire_v by_o all_o good_a man_n we_o must_v seek_v it_o by_o that_o rule_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o propose_v to_o the_o dissent_v christian_n of_o my_o text_n we_o then_o that_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o faith_n 1_o aught_o to_o bear_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o a_o reflection_n become_v every_o good_a christian_n among_o we_o but_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n worthy_a the_o consideration_n of_o such_o a_o auditory_a as_o this_o whether_o somewhat_o may_v not_o yet_o be_v do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n and_o to_o bring_v thing_n to_o such_o a_o tower_n temper_n that_o both_o order_n and_o decency_n may_v still_o be_v preserve_v and_o yet_o our_o unity_n no_o long_o break_v and_o for_o exhortation_n to_o so_o good_a and_o christian_n a_o work_n shall_v i_o set_v before_o you_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n recommend_v to_o we_o in_o the_o text_n with_o what_o a_o mighty_a condescension_n he_o have_v treat_v we_o how_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n 7._o and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o sinful_a man_n humble_v himself_o even_o to_o the_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o how_o he_o still_o bear_v not_o only_o with_o our_o infirmity_n but_o with_o our_o sin_n too_o and_o by_o all_o these_o wonderful_a instance_n of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o teach_v we_o say_v st._n john_n how_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 11_o or_o rather_o shall_v i_o show_v you_o how_o far_o such_o a_o bless_a union_n as_o this_o will_v conduce_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o security_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o promotion_n of_o peace_n and_o charity_n and_o piety_n among_o we_o i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o a_o dishonour_n our_o division_n have_v already_o bring_v to_o the_o reformation_n nor_o what_o a_o stop_v they_o have_v put_v to_o the_o progress_n of_o it_o great_a to_o be_v sure_a be_v the_o advantage_n which_o our_o enemy_n either_o have_v or_o at_o least_o hope_v to_o have_v make_v by_o those_o contest_v which_o they_o have_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n both_o to_o bring_v in_o and_o to_o keep_v up_o among_o we_o and_o methinks_v there_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o stir_v up_o every_o true_a friend_n to_o the_o name_n of_o protestant_n to_o endeavour_v all_o he_o can_v to_o compose_v our_o difference_n than_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v who_o they_o be_v that_o we_o please_v and_o who_o interest_n we_o serve_v by_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o let_v we_o add_v to_o this_o what_o great_a obligation_n our_o holy_a religion_n lay_v upon_o we_o 19_o to_o follow_v after_o those_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o whereby_o we_o may_v edify_v one_o another_o how_o our_o saviour_n have_v set_v it_o down_o as_o the_o very_a badge_n of_o our_o discipleship_n by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n 35_o if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o what_o exhortation_n his_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o 18_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o difference_n about_o religion_n 17_o to_o mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o with_o what_o a_o scrupulous_a care_n do_v st._n paul_n manage_v himself_o between_o the_o dissent_v party_n in_o my_o text_n what_o admirable_a rule_n do_v he_o lie_v down_o for_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o and_o with_o what_o a_o affectionate_a earnestness_n do_v he_o enforce_v they_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v likeminded_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n and_o may_v i_o not_o beg_v leave_n though_o not_o with_o the_o authority_n yet_o with_o the_o charity_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o those_o unhappy_a division_n that_o at_o this_o day_n rend_v in_o piece_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o and_o beseech_v you_o by_o all_o these_o endear_n consideration_n to_o pursue_v those_o thing_n which_o may_v make_v for_o our_o peace_n and_o for_o the_o close_n of_o those_o breach_n which_o the_o malice_n of_o our_o enemy_n too_o successful_o begin_v and_o our_o own_o weakness_n have_v too_o fatal_o keep_v up_o among_o we_o never_o certain_o be_v there_o a_o time_n since_o the_o name_n of_o separation_n be_v first_o hear_v of_o among_o we_o in_o which_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o consider_v of_o such_o a_o union_n or_o i_o hope_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o promise_v ourselves_o a_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o only_o let_v we_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n as_o careful_a to_o improve_v it_o as_o i_o be_o persuade_v we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o not_o only_o seem_v to_o desire_v but_o have_v indeed_o earnest_o long_v for_o it_o let_v we_o show_v the_o sense_n we_o have_v of_o that_o wonderful_a deliverance_n god_n have_v give_v we_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n by_o unite_n ourselves_o in_o the_o strict_a league_n of_o friendship_n with_o one_o another_o hitherto_o we_o have_v defend_v our_o church_n by_o our_o argument_n let_v we_o now_o by_o our_o charity_n settle_v and_o establish_v it_o against_o the_o like_a danger_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v this_o will_v indeed_o render_v both_o our_o self_n and_o our_o religion_n glorious_a to_o the_o world_n and_o may_v be_v a_o happy_a augury_n
that_o the_o bless_a time_n so_o long_o wrap_v up_o in_o sacred_a prophecy_n be_v indeed_o now_o ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v when_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v purge_v from_o those_o corruption_n that_o have_v so_o long_o deface_v its_o beauty_n shall_v again_o appear_v in_o its_o primitive_a purity_n when_o all_o heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v every_o where_o abolish_v and_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n lay_v full_o open_a and_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n destroy_v true_a religion_n and_o sincere_a piety_n shall_v again_o reign_v throughout_o the_o world_n god_n himself_o shall_v pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o 3_o and_o dwell_v with_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v his_o people_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v our_o god_n o_o bless_a state_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n the_o glorious_a antepast_n of_o that_o peace_n and_o piety_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o his_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n who_o will_v not_o wish_v to_o see_v those_o day_n when_o a_o general_a reformation_n and_o a_o true_a zeal_n and_o a_o perfect_a charity_n pass_v through_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v all_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o worship_n the_o same_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o when_o all_o pride_n and_o prejudice_n all_o interest_n and_o design_n be_v submit_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v again_o triumph_v over_o the_o vain_a tradition_n of_o man_n and_o religion_n no_o long_o take_v its_o denomination_n from_o little_a sect_n and_o faction_n but_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v content_a with_o the_o same_o common_a primitive_a name_n of_o christian_n and_o brethren_n and_o live_v together_o as_o become_v our_o character_n in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o christian_a charity_n with_o one_o another_o and_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o such_o a_o change_n as_o this_o and_o which_o we_o have_v otherwise_o some_o reason_n to_o believe_v be_v nigh_o at_o hand_n may_v even_o now_o break_v forth_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o will_v we_o but_o all_o serious_o labour_n to_o perfect_v the_o great_a work_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o glorious_o begin_v among_o we_o and_o establish_v that_o love_n and_o unity_n among_o ourselves_o which_o may_v afterward_o diffuse_v itself_o from_o we_o into_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n beside_o but_o however_o whether_o we_o shall_v ever_o see_v i_o do_v not_o say_v such_o a_o bless_a effect_n as_o this_o but_o even_o any_o good_a effect_n at_o all_o of_o our_o endeavour_n here_o on_o earth_n or_o no_o yet_o this_o we_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v not_o lose_v our_o reward_n in_o heaven_n when_o to_o have_v contribute_v though_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n to_o the_o heal_n of_o those_o division_n we_o so_o unhappy_o labour_v under_o shall_v be_v esteem_v a_o great_a honour_n than_o to_o have_v silence_v all_o the_o cavil_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o even_o to_o have_v pray_v and_o wish_v for_o it_o and_o where_o we_o can_v not_o any_o otherwise_o have_v contribute_v ourselves_o but_o to_o have_v exhort_v other_o to_o it_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o blessing_n more_o than_o all_o the_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n for_o number_n now_o the_o god_n of_o patience_n and_o consolation_n grant_v you_o to_o be_v likeminded_a one_o towards_o another_o according_a to_o christ_n jesus_n that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o he_o be_v honour_n and_o praise_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o at_o st._n margaret_n westminster_n june_n 5_o the_o 1689._o be_v the_o fastday_n appoint_v by_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n proclamation_n to_o implore_v the_o blessing_n of_o almighty_n god_n upon_o their_o majesty_n force_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n and_o success_n in_o the_o war_n now_o declare_v against_o the_o french_z king_n jovis_n 6_o o_o die_v junii_fw-la 1689._o resolve_v that_o the_o thanks_o of_o this_o house_n be_v give_v to_o mr._n wake_v for_o the_o sermon_n he_o preach_v before_o they_o yesterday_o and_o that_o he_o be_v desire_v to_o print_v the_o same_o ordered_n that_o mr._n grey_n do_v give_v he_o the_o thanks_o and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o desire_n of_o this_o house_n according_o paul_n jodrell_n cl._n dom._n com._n of_o the_o nature_n and_o benefit_n of_o a_o public_a humiliation_n joel_n two_o 12_o 13._o therefore_o also_o now_o say_v the_o lord_n turn_v you_o even_o to_o i_o with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o fast_v and_o with_o weep_v and_o with_o mourn_v and_o rend_v your_o heart_n and_o not_o your_o garment_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n for_o he_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n and_o repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil._n though_o the_o time_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v uncertain_a so_o that_o neither_o the_o jewish_a rabbin_n nor_o christian_a antiquary_n be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v the_o design_n plain_a and_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n a_o most_o proper_a and_o pathetic_a enforcement_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o this_o day_n to_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o fast_v and_o with_o weep_v and_o with_o mourning_n for_o he_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n and_o repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil._n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o forego_n chapter_n we_o shall_v there_o find_v a_o astonish_a account_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o be_v just_o ready_a to_o befall_v the_o jew_n for_o their_o sin_n but_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o surprise_v be_v that_o though_o all_o this_o be_v about_o to_o come_v upon_o they_o yet_o be_v they_o nevertheless_o insensible_a of_o their_o danger_n nor_o take_v any_o the_o least_o care_n to_o prevent_v their_o utter_a desolation_n to_o awaken_v a_o stupid_a and_o inconsiderate_a people_n a_o nation_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o security_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o prepare_v a_o lofty_a and_o magnificent_a scene_n he_o set_v before_o they_o a_o prophecy_n of_o yet_o great_a danger_n than_o any_o they_o have_v hitherto_o experiment_a and_o that_o in_o a_o manner_n so_o unusual_a with_o such_o a_o pomp_n of_o word_n and_o in_o such_o triumphant_a expression_n as_o carry_v a_o terror_n even_o in_o the_o repetition_n of_o they_o blow_v you_o the_o trumpet_n in_o zion_n 1●_n sound_v a_o alarm_n in_o my_o holy_a mountain_n let_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n tremble_v for_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v for_o it_o be_v nigh_o at_o hand_n 2_o a_o day_n of_o darkness_n and_o of_o gloominess_n a_o day_n of_o cloud_n and_o of_o thick_a darkness_n as_o the_o morning_n spread_v upon_o the_o mountain_n a_o great_a people_n and_o a_o strong_a there_o have_v not_o be_v ever_o the_o like_a neither_o shall_v be_v any_o more_o after_o it_o a_o fire_n devour_v before_o they_o 3_o and_o behind_o they_o a_o flame_n burn_v the_o land_n be_v as_o the_o garden_n of_o eden_n before_o they_o and_o behind_o they_o a_o desolate_a wilderness_n the_o earth_n shall_v quake_v before_o they_o 10._o the_o heaven_n shall_v tremble_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n shall_v be_v dark_a and_o the_o star_n shall_v withdraw_v their_o shine_a whatever_o be_v the_o import_n of_o these_o phrase_n whether_o by_o the_o mighty_a and_o terrible_a host_n here_o speak_v of_o we_o be_v only_o to_o understand_v that_o swarm_n of_o 6._o locust_n and_o other_o infect_v that_o we_o be_v 4_o before_o tell_v be_v utter_o to_o devour_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o land_n or_o whether_o under_o the_o character_n of_o these_o we_o shall_v pl._n with_o most_o interpreter_n comprehend_v the_o numerous_a and_o mighty_a army_n of_o the_o chaldean_n and_o babylonian_n which_o at_o divers_a time_n bring_v such_o desolation_n as_o we_o read_v of_o upon_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o have_v here_o the_o denunciation_n of_o some_o judgement_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o great_a as_o the_o sin_n and_o incorrigibleness_n that_o occasion_v it_o and_o now_o who_o will_v not_o here_o expect_v the_o final_a desolation_n of_o such_o a_o people_n as_o this_o but_o behold_v god_n even_o yet_o in_o his_o anger_n remember_v mercy_n and_o though_o they_o have_v hitherto_o neglect_v all_o the_o call_v and_o invitation_n of_o his_o holy_a prophet_n to_o repentance_n yet_o he_o resolve_v once_o more_o to_o try_v whether_o they_o will_v now_o at_o least_o in_o their_o danger_n harken_v to_o his_o admonition_n he_o raise_v up_o joel_n at_o once_o both_o to_o set_v before_o
not_o well_o see_v how_o they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o clear_v themselves_o altogether_o of_o those_o folly_n which_o they_o so_o ready_o encourage_v and_o not_o only_o neglect_v to_o correct_v themselves_o but_o will_v not_o suffer_v those_o who_o will_v to_o do_v it_o nay_o but_o we_o must_v not_o stop_v here_o they_o have_v give_v a_o yet_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o this_o if_o we_o look_v into_o their_o church_n and_o there_o view_v their_o picture_n and_o their_o image_n those_o book_n of_o the_o ignorant_a as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o what_o can_v be_v either_o more_o wretched_a in_o itself_o or_o more_o apt_a to_o seduce_v unthinking_a votary_n than_o every_o where_o to_o see_v holy_a mary_n with_o our_o saviour_n still_o a_o infant_n in_o her_o arm_n as_o if_o he_o be_v never_o to_o get_v out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o his_o pupillage_n and_o this_o be_v yet_o tolerable_a if_o they_o thereby_o take_v care_n to_o call_v back_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o infancy_n once_o when_o on_o earth_n but_o alas_o i_o must_v add_v what_o exceed_v all_o extravagance_n beside_o that_o they_o set_v he_o out_o still_o as_o a_o child_n in_o heaven_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o common_a in_o the_o live_v of_o their_o saint_n in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o virgin_n and_o even_o in_o their_o office_n and_o book_n of_o devotion_n than_o to_o hear_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bring_v down_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o mother_n and_o still_o behave_v himself_o as_o a_o little_a child_n towards_o her_o votary_n and_o what_o mean_v and_o low_a opinion_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o must_v needs_o create_v in_o superstitious_a and_o ignorant_a mind_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o natural_a to_o conceive_v and_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n towards_o the_o bless_a virgin_n compare_v with_o their_o notion_n and_o zeal_n towards_o the_o holy_a jesus_n do_v but_o too_o fatal_o demonstrate_v but_o second_o this_o consideration_n be_v not_o only_o thus_o important_a in_o itself_o but_o of_o a_o more_o especial_a concern_v with_o regard_n to_o we_o be_v the_o votary_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n content_a with_o a_o speculative_a opinion_n of_o her_o excellency_n or_o will_v they_o be_v satisfy_v to_o pay_v she_o what_o homage_n they_o think_v fit_v themselves_o without_o force_v other_o to_o join_v in_o it_o this_o matter_n though_o very_o scandalous_a to_o our_o religion_n yet_o will_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v our_o practice_n but_o now_o that_o the_o very_a public_a devotion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v whole_o overrun_v with_o this_o abuse_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o they_o unless_o you_o will_v be_v content_a to_o pray_v to_o holy_a mary_n too_o it_o be_v certain_o very_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v the_o danger_n of_o such_o a_o error_n which_o be_v thus_o combine_v with_o the_o most_o public_a and_o solemn_a piety_n of_o a_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n and_o then_o three_o this_o be_v a_o point_n not_o only_o of_o very_o great_a moment_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o a_o particular_a concern_v to_o we_o but_o very_o plain_a too_o and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o other_o thing_n though_o our_o argument_n be_v strong_a to_o those_o that_o comprehend_v the_o force_n of_o they_o yet_o many_o time_n the_o subject_n be_v obscure_a and_o the_o disputation_n past_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ordinary_a christian._n thus_o in_o their_o doctrine_n about_o the_o church_n the_o authority_n unity_n infallibility_n and_o other_o either_o real_a or_o pretend_a privilege_n of_o it_o the_o argument_n be_v nice_a and_o easy_o perplex_v a_o uninstructed_a capacity_n but_o here_o the_o advice_n be_v evident_a and_o the_o whole_a subject_a easy_a the_o only_a hardship_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o own_o their_o doctrine_n but_o afterward_o the_o most_o vulgar_a christian_a be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o falseness_n of_o it_o those_o first_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n 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 how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o like_a be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o those_o shall_v not_o have_v depart_v from_o their_o first_o faith_n who_o give_v religious_a honour_n to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o set_v she_o up_o as_o a_o mediatrix_fw-la in_o heaven_n now_o this_o be_v once_o prove_v it_o will_v from_o hence_o present_o follow_v four_o that_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n against_o we_o be_v vain_a and_o that_o we_o not_o only_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n but_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o reform_v as_o we_o do_v from_o they_o for_o to_o consider_v this_o argument_n in_o one_o word_n if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v actual_o and_o undoubted_o erroneous_a in_o this_o point_n then_o let_v she_o fancy_v what_o she_o please_v it_o be_v plain_a she_o can_v err_v and_o be_v not_o what_o she_o say_v infallible_a if_o she_o be_v not_o infallible_a then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n to_o believe_v and_o follow_v she_o at_o all_o adventure_n without_o examine_v what_o she_o teach_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a if_o we_o may_v examine_v her_o doctrine_n than_o the_o end_n of_o all_o examination_n be_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o it_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o when_o upon_o the_o enquiry_n we_o have_v discover_v she_o to_o be_v involve_v in_o grievous_a error_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o abandon_v her_o corruption_n and_o to_o declare_v against_o they_o and_o thus_o this_o one_o point_n alone_o be_v well_o clear_v do_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o plain_o prove_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v any_o unprejudiced_a mind_n what_o just_a cause_n we_o have_v for_o it_o and_o let_v we_o then_o bless_v god_n who_o have_v open_v our_o eye_n to_o discover_v such_o abuse_n as_o these_o and_o which_o have_v almost_o subvert_v the_o very_a chief_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o let_v we_o as_o we_o ought_v value_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o that_o purity_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o we_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o exceed_v most_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n let_v our_o adversary_n if_o they_o please_v revile_v we_o let_v they_o call_v we_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n despiser_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hater_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n let_v they_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o their_o anathema_n against_o we_o because_o we_o will_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a abomination_n but_o let_v we_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v know_v from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o and_o that_o though_o i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o or_o we_o or_o any_o other_o church_n or_o society_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o but_o though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n though_o st._n peter_n himself_o shall_v come_v to_o we_o and_o preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n 9_o he_o be_v to_o be_v accurse_v i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o those_o excellent_a word_n of_o a_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n against_o some_o who_o begin_v in_o his_o time_n to_o honour_v the_o bless_a virgin_n though_o not_o with_o any_o part_n of_o that_o excess_n that_o these_o man_n now_o do_v yet_o more_o than_o he_o suppose_v be_v fit_v for_o they_o it_o be_v true_a say_v he_o mary_n be_v holy_a but_o she_o be_v not_o therefore_o god_n she_o be_v a_o virgin_n and_o high_o honour_v but_o she_o be_v not_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o to_o be_v worship_v and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a gospel_n have_v herein_o arm_v we_o before_o hand_n our_o lord_n himself_o say_v woman_n what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o wherefore_o do_v he_o say_v this_o but_o only_o leave_v some_o shall_v think_v of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n more_o high_o than_o they_o ought_v he_o call_v her_o woman_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v those_o schism_n and_o heresy_n that_o shall_v arise_v upon_o her_o account_n but_o god_n permit_v we_o not_o to_o worship_v angel_n how_o much_o less_o the_o daughter_n of_o anna_n let_v mary_n be_v hold_v in_o honour_n but_o let_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v worship_v let_v no_o one_o worship_n mary_n for_o though_o she_o be_v most_o fair_a and_o holy_a and_o honourable_a yet_o she_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o