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which_o wicked_a man_n have_v lay_v out_o for_o their_o return_n to_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o their_o go_v on_o for_o the_o present_a in_o their_o evil_a do_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n why_o that_o man_n shall_v expect_v grace_n to_o repent_v at_o the_o last_o who_o all_o his_o life_n long_o have_v neglect_v and_o despise_v the_o offer_n of_o it_o i_o will_v not_o now_o say_v how_o unfit_a a_o time_n that_o of_o old_a age_n and_o sickness_n be_v for_o so_o great_a a_o undertake_n when_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o body_n be_v feeble_a and_o impotent_a when_o the_o memory_n be_v decay_v the_o reason_n fail_v and_o our_o affection_n be_v dull_a our_o zeal_n be_v cold_a and_o all_o our_o thought_n take_v up_o with_o the_o horror_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o infirmity_n under_o which_o the_o body_n labour_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o all_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o desperate_a folly_n and_o even_o madness_n of_o such_o a_o 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prince_z and_o princess_z of_o denmark_z august_n 5_o the_o 1688._o 2_o pet._n iii_o 17_o 18._o 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 these_o word_n be_v not_o only_o the_o close_a of_o this_o epistle_n but_o also_o the_o application_n of_o all_o that_o the_o apostle_n before_o have_v write_v in_o it_o and_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o design_n of_o st._n peter_n in_o this_o address_n to_o the_o christian_n disperse_v abroad_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o now_o under_o great_a temptation_n either_o to_o corrupt_v or_o to_o abandon_v that_o faith_n that_o have_v once_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o iii._o be_v to_o 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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 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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
produce_v a_o 4_o the_o and_o which_o be_v the_o last_o cause_n i_o shall_v now_o mention_v of_o that_o incogitancy_n i_o be_o here_o complain_v of_o viz._n that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o procrastinate_v this_o great_a affair_n they_o resolve_v they_o will_v one_o time_n or_o other_o consider_v but_o never_o hearty_o and_o effectual_o do_v so_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a great_a and_o yet_o i_o fear_v a_o very_a general_a fault_n and_o such_o as_o perhaps_o have_v ruin_v more_o soul_n than_o any_o one_o thing_n again_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n total_o to_o silence_n conscience_n and_o stifle_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n but_o our_o unhappiness_n be_v that_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o either_o content_v ourselves_o with_o some_o very_a slight_a and_o superficial_a consideration_n of_o it_o or_o else_o we_o put_v off_o our_o conscience_n as_o felix_n do_v st._n paul_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n thus_o some_o refer_v these_o kind_n of_o thought_n to_o old_a age_n and_o never_o come_v to_o it_o but_o go_v down_o into_o the_o grave_a before_o they_o have_v make_v any_o just_a provision_n for_o it_o other_o it_o may_v be_v set_v it_o a_o short_a date_n but_o then_o still_o some_o business_n or_o hindrance_n interpose_n and_o then_o another_o time_n be_v fix_v and_o that_o too_o be_v disappoint_v and_o thus_o our_o life_n run_v on_o but_o the_o great_a work_n of_o consider_v be_v still_o to_o come_v it_o may_v be_v at_o length_n god_n grace_n be_v withdraw_v and_o conscience_n grow_v weary_a of_o be_v any_o long_a importunate_a when_o it_o have_v be_v so_o often_o deny_v and_o thus_o when_o we_o think_v to_o have_v consider_v we_o find_v neither_o will_n nor_o strength_n nor_o opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v how_o much_o the_o more_o earnest_o may_v i_o beg_v leave_n to_o exhort_v you_o this_o day_n no_o long_o to_o defer_v so_o great_a and_o to_o be_v sure_a so_o necessary_a a_o work_n as_o this_o and_o to_o that_o end_n that_o you_o will_v pass_v on_o with_o i_o to_o the_o three_o point_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o iii_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o consideration_n the_o sum_n whereof_o in_o general_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o resolution_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v to_o these_o two_o inquiry_n 1_o sy_n how_o or_o after_o what_o manner_n 2_o dly_a when_o or_o at_o what_o time_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o 1_o sy_n for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o how_o we_o be_v to_o practise_v this_o consideration_n i_o reply_v that_o we_o must_v do_v it_o by_o a_o serious_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n both_o into_o ourselves_o and_o into_o our_o religion_n by_o a_o diligent_a and_o strict_a examination_n what_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n be_v and_o what_o our_o own_o performance_n have_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v of_o it_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o consideration_n our_o duty_n towards_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o show_v how_o necessary_a this_o be_v to_o be_v well_o understand_v by_o we_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v no_o one_o how_o negligent_a soever_o he_o may_v have_v be_v in_o his_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o what_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v of_o his_o obligation_n to_o it_o i_o will_v rather_o complain_v that_o in_o a_o matter_n so_o necessary_a that_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o god_n be_v thank_v so_o easy_a too_o to_o the_o very_o mean_a capacity_n there_o shall_v nevertheless_o so_o many_o continue_v in_o as_o utter_v a_o ignorance_n of_o it_o as_o if_o we_o too_o be_v some_o of_o those_o who_o encourage_v a_o blind_a obedience_n and_o esteem_v a_o ungrounded_a assent_n to_o be_v the_o best_a faith_n and_o ignorance_n indeed_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n it_o have_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o many_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o consideration_n to_o fix_v their_o thought_n whole_o upon_o some_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o to_o take_v little_a or_o no_o notice_n at_o all_o of_o the_o rest_n thus_o many_o run_v away_o with_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o never_o consider_v what_o they_o have_v to_o entitle_v they_o to_o those_o promise_n other_o on_o the_o contrary_a look_v whole_o on_o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o command_n and_o as_o if_o that_o have_v give_v they_o a_o final_a release_n from_o all_o endeavour_n to_o fulfil_v they_o they_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o ever_o to_o be_v able_a to_o live_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o try_v whether_o they_o can_v or_o no._n some_z when_o they_o read_v the_o great_a and_o no_o doubt_n very_o just_a eulogy_n of_o faith_n in_o st._n paul_n stop_v there_o and_o never_o trouble_v themselves_o either_o to_o consider_v what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o s._n paul_n speak_v of_o much_o less_o to_o go_v on_o to_o st._n james_n and_o there_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n too_o they_o sit_v down_o content_v that_o they_o have_v a_o right_a faith_n they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o pure_a reform_a church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o else_o of_o a_o unerrable_a infallible_a catholic_n church_n on_o the_o other_o and_o so_o all_o be_v secure_a as_o if_o the_o espouse_v such_o or_o such_o a_o interest_n or_o party_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a mark_n of_o election_n and_o all_o that_o god_n require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n many_o be_v the_o mistake_v of_o this_o kind_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o all_o which_o i_o will_v only_o offer_v this_o one_o plain_a rule_n for_o their_o direction_n that_o whosoever_o will_v consider_v it_o as_o he_o ought_v must_v do_v it_o universal_o he_o must_v leave_v no_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n unexamined_a be_v assure_v of_o this_o that_o whatsoever_o consideration_n do_v any_o way_n contribute_v to_o lessen_v practice_n nay_o rather_o do_v not_o very_o much_o serve_v to_o help_v and_o promote_v it_o be_v false_a and_o imperfect_a and_o if_o he_o stop_v there_o will_v certain_o deceive_v and_o ruin_v he_o in_o the_o end_n 2._o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o consideration_n ourselves_o two_o thing_n there_o be_v on_o which_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o must_v chief_o terminate_v viz._n 1._o what_o our_o state_n be_v with_o reference_n to_o what_o be_v past_a 2._o how_o to_o govern_v ourselves_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v it_o will_v require_v some_o long_a time_n than_o i_o may_v presume_v to_o allow_v to_o this_o discourse_n but_o bare_o to_o enumerate_v the_o several_a rule_n and_o caution_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o do_n of_o this_o with_o what_o care_n and_o diligence_n with_o what_o exactness_n and_o particularity_n in_o a_o word_n with_o what_o piety_n and_o sincerity_n we_o must_v proceed_v in_o all_o this_o and_o search_v into_o the_o real_a ground_n we_o have_v either_o to_o hope_n or_o fear_n and_o according_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n whether_o by_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o that_o piety_n which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o practise_v or_o by_o our_o repentance_n for_o those_o sin_n we_o have_v unhappy_o commit_v this_o be_v a_o work_n which_o i_o have_v always_o think_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o a_o casuist_n or_o if_o you_o will_v of_o a_o confessor_n rather_o than_o a_o preacher_n general_n rule_v seldom_o come_v up_o to_o particular_a man_n condition_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o most_o exact_a discourse_n to_o give_v any_o satisfaction_n comparable_a to_o those_o direction_n which_o our_o church_n therefore_o exhort_v we_o to_o seek_v by_o a_o free_a open_n of_o our_o condition_n to_o some_o of_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v our_o guide_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o to_o they_o therefore_o let_v i_o beseech_v all_o those_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o any_o want_n of_o far_a instruction_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o address_v themselves_o for_o such_o advice_n as_o neither_o the_o nature_n nor_o limit_n of_o this_o discourse_n permit_v i_o to_o offer_v to_o they_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n propose_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n 2_o dly_a when_o or_o at_o what_o time_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o if_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o last_o sort_n of_o consideration_n i_o just_o now_o mention_v that_o of_o our_o action_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o must_v be_v perpetual_a because_o it_o have_v so_o necessary_a a_o influence_n upon_o all_o moral_a action_n the_o same_o prudence_n which_o direct_v every_o wise_a man_n before_o he_o act_n to_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v what_o he_o be_v go_v
their_o progress_n in_o piety_n and_o that_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o compliment_n and_o good_a breed_n when_o they_o neglect_v their_o duty_n it_o may_v be_v do_v that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o but_o yet_o rather_o than_o be_v think_v rude_a and_o precise_a rather_o than_o they_o will_v disturb_v company_n or_o be_v mark_v out_o as_o singular_a they_o will_v do_v as_o other_o do_v and_o so_o disobey_v god_n for_o fear_v of_o disoblige_a man_n that_o this_o be_v a_o case_n which_o very_o often_o occur_v in_o the_o method_n of_o our_o present_a conversation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v now_o then_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o the_o contest_v here_o be_v and_o what_o the_o issue_n most_o certain_o will_v be_v god_n and_o man_n be_v the_o party_n concern_v and_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o your_o duty_n towards_o he_o or_o your_o civility_n towards_o the_o other_o aught_o to_o preponderate_v whether_o you_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n with_o a_o few_o singular_a out-of-fashion_n christian_n or_o for_o company_n sake_n take_v the_o broad_a road_n though_o you_o know_v that_o it_o lead_v to_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o now_o when_o the_o choice_n be_v so_o plain_a methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o despise_v such_o a_o principle_n as_o this_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o their_o salvation_n be_v a_o concern_v of_o too_o great_a importance_n to_o be_v submit_v to_o these_o formality_n and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o push_v the_o compliment_n a_o great_a deal_n too_o far_o to_o be_v damn_v rather_o than_o be_v think_v ill_o breed_v but_o 3_o dly_a a_o three_o device_n whereby_o the_o devil_n oftentimes_o endeavour_v to_o hinder_v man_n progress_n in_o religion_n be_v by_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o groundless_a fear_n and_o scruple_n as_o to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o sad_a consideration_n to_o think_v what_o discouragement_n many_o christian_n labour_n under_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n who_o either_o want_v a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v a_o satisfaction_n or_o indulge_v a_o close_a and_o melancholy_a disposition_n so_o long_o till_o they_o be_v at_o last_o incapable_a of_o any_o live_v in_o doubt_n and_o fear_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n and_o it_o may_v be_v by_o degree_n whole_o cast_v off_o all_o thought_n of_o religion_n since_o they_o can_v find_v any_o peace_n or_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o now_o though_o such_o trouble_n as_o these_o may_v much_o more_o easy_o be_v prevent_v before_o they_o arrive_v than_o remove_v after_o yet_o there_o be_v way_n to_o encounter_v even_o this_o device_n too_o of_o our_o enemy_n and_o to_o render_v it_o of_o no_o force_n to_o hinder_v our_o piety_n to_o which_o end_n 1_o st_z if_o any_o fear_n or_o scruple_n of_o this_o kind_n arise_v in_o your_o mind_n examine_v yourselves_o and_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o real_a ground_n or_o foundation_n for_o they_o whether_o your_o life_n have_v be_v such_o as_o may_v give_v you_o just_a cause_n to_o apprehend_v yourselves_o in_o danger_n of_o lose_v your_o soul_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n which_o you_o can_v discover_v to_o support_v such_o fear_n then_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o that_o the_o tenor_n of_o god_n threat_n and_o promise_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v that_o he_o will_v never_o condemn_v any_o man_n in_o another_o world_n but_o for_o live_v in_o a_o disobedience_n to_o his_o command_n in_o this._n that_o our_o duty_n be_v clear_a and_o express_v and_o that_o conscience_n when_o sincere_o examine_v will_v not_o fail_v to_o tell_v we_o whether_o we_o do_v true_o fulfil_v it_o or_o no._n and_o therefore_o that_o as_o st._n john_n say_v beloved_n 21_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o shall_v the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o shall_v you_o find_v yourselves_o in_o never_o so_o dangerous_a a_o course_n of_o sin_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n by_o god_n assistance_n to_o deliver_v yourselves_o out_o of_o it_o and_o then_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v 130.4_o so_o that_o be_v your_o state_n at_o the_o present_a never_o so_o dangerous_a yet_o if_o you_o will_v even_o now_o lie_v hold_v upon_o his_o mercy_n if_o you_o will_v yet_o repent_v and_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n 19_o and_o confess_v your_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v you_o your_o sin_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n shall_v cleanse_v you_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n but_o now_o 2_o dly_a if_o your_o case_n be_v dubious_a and_o neither_o these_o nor_o any_o other_o reflection_n be_v able_a to_o give_v you_o that_o satisfaction_n you_o desire_v yet_o shall_v not_o this_o move_v you_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o tempter_n but_o rather_o shall_v engage_v you_o to_o set_v yourselves_o the_o more_o diligent_o to_o this_o work_n to_o call_v in_o some_o spiritual_a guide_n to_o your_o assistance_n and_o if_o upon_o a_o sincere_a open_n of_o your_o state_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o find_v out_o any_o ground_n for_o your_o fear_n and_o scruple_n your_o doubt_n and_o your_o apprehension_n you_o ought_v then_o to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o possess_v your_o soul_n in_o peace_n and_o to_o conclude_v that_o these_o terror_n be_v only_o the_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o discourage_v you_o in_o your_o duty_n not_o any_o real_a cause_n for_o doubt_n or_o despair_v and_o yet_o 3_o dly_a tho'_o neither_o by_o these_o nor_o any_o other_o mean_v you_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a total_o to_o overcome_v these_o difficulty_n yet_o ought_v not_o this_o to_o make_v you_o ever_o the_o less_o careful_a of_o go_v on_o still_o in_o a_o serious_a discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o ought_v to_o make_v you_o the_o more_o zealous_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o a_o man_n that_o live_v here_o all_o his_o life_n in_o such_o perplexity_n if_o yet_o he_o fulfil_v that_o obedience_n and_o practice_n that_o repentance_n which_o god_n require_v may_v nevertheless_o be_v save_v at_o the_o last_o but_o he_o that_o upon_o any_o of_o these_o ground_n neglect_v this_o though_o he_o go_v on_o never_o so_o secure_o and_o comfortable_o in_o his_o evil_a way_n shall_v certain_o fall_v into_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n in_o the_o end_n and_o since_o such_o fear_n as_o these_o arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o we_o do_v not_o live_v so_o well_o nor_o serve_v god_n so_o sincere_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o best_a mean_n when_o all_o be_v do_v to_o remove_v they_o be_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o outlive_v even_o our_o own_o apprehension_n and_o to_o serve_v god_n so_o true_o and_o hearty_o as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o doubt_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o reward_n for_o it_o at_o his_o hand_n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o in_o this_o case_n 4_o thly_a and_o it_o be_v this_o be_v not_o discourage_v nor_o think_v your_o faith_n imperfect_a or_o your_o religion_n vain_a because_o you_o find_v yourselves_o still_o attend_v with_o some_o fear_n and_o anxiety_n about_o your_o future_a state_n st._n paul_n not_o only_o allow_v this_o but_o exhort_v we_o with_o his_o philipian_n to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a 12_o to_o be_v without_o all_o concern_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o moment_n be_v to_o be_v stupid_a and_o insensible_a rather_o than_o religious_a and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o christ_n in_o judgement_n we_o shall_v be_v sentence_v not_o according_a to_o our_o own_o opinion_n or_o apprehension_n of_o ourselves_o whether_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o according_a to_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o life_n to_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o repentance_n and_o all_o these_o support_v and_o make_v perfect_a by_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o most_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a redeemer_n who_o will_v pity_v and_o pardon_n beyond_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v or_o to_o conceive_v but_o 4_o thly_a and_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n the_o last_o device_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n in_o these_o day_n especial_o have_v endeavour_v to_o hinder_v our_o piety_n be_v by_o turn_v that_o zeal_n into_o strife_n and_o dispute_n about_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v employ_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o indeed_o be_v we_o now_o to_o inquire_v what_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o all_o our_o zeal_n be_v both_o in_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o people_n what_o other_o account_n shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v back_o than_o this_o that_o they_o be_v
obstinate_a but_o he_o can_v be_v wise_o steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n a_o good_a christian_a must_v be_v able_a to_o give_v some_o more_o reasonable_a account_n of_o his_o faith_n than_o this_o if_o ever_o he_o mean_v to_o be_v secure_o firm_a in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o his_o creed_n must_v be_v found_v on_o some_o better_a authority_n than_o a_o bare_a credulity_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a useless_a plea_n at_o the_o last_o day_n that_o a_o man_n believe_v as_o his_o church_n believe_v when_o he_o may_v have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o a_o better_a information_n shall_v he_o chance_v by_o so_o do_v to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n unless_o he_o can_v render_v some_o tolerable_a account_n either_o wherefore_o his_o church_n believe_v so_o or_o at_o least_o wherefore_o it_o be_v that_o he_o submit_v himself_o so_o servile_o to_o her_o authority_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v with_o knowledge_n because_o he_o be_v clear_o and_o evident_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n need_v never_o fear_v either_o the_o danger_n or_o imputation_n of_o such_o a_o obstinacy_n for_o his_o firmness_n in_o adhere_v to_o his_o faith_n if_o for_o instance_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n read_v in_o his_o bible_n those_o express_a word_n of_o the_o second_o commandment_n thou_o shall_v not_o make_v to_o thyself_o any_o grave_a image_n nor_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o etc._n etc._n thou_o shall_v not_o bow_v down_o to_o it_o nor_o worship_n it_o if_o he_o look_v forward_o to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o there_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o bless_a eucharist_n see_v those_o word_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o in_o as_o plain_a and_o legible_a character_n as_o those_o other_o take_v and_o eat_v and_o thereupon_o resolve_v never_o to_o be_v prevail_v upon_o either_o to_o bow_v down_o himself_o before_o a_o image_n or_o to_o give_v up_o his_o right_n to_o the_o cup_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o bread_n in_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n whatever_o gloss_n may_v be_v make_v or_o pretence_n be_v use_v to_o induce_v he_o to_o either_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o a_o firmness_n as_o this_o can_v be_v call_v obstinacy_n unless_o these_o scripture_n be_v no_o long_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o no_o long_o a_o principle_n of_o scripture_n that_o in_o matter_n of_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a command_n 19_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n and_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a instance_n where_o the_o matter_n be_v clear_a even_o to_o demonstration_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o such_o knowledge_n will_v certain_o secure_v we_o against_o the_o charge_n and_o danger_n of_o obstinacy_n but_o because_o all_o point_n in_o debate_n be_v not_o thus_o evident_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a many_o be_v not_o a_o little_a obscure_a therefore_o for_o the_o secure_n ourselves_o from_o danger_n in_o our_o adherence_n to_o these_o too_o we_o must_v to_o our_o knowledge_n add_v 2_o dly_a a_o sincere_a zeal_n to_o discover_v the_o truth_n with_o a_o affectionate_a charity_n to_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o such_o case_n as_o this_o tho'_o we_o must_v believe_v and_o profess_v according_a to_o what_o appear_v to_o we_o at_o present_a to_o be_v the_o truth_n yet_o since_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o such_o as_o to_o exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o our_o be_v mistake_v our_o adherence_n to_o it_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o this_o reserve_n neither_o rash_o to_o censure_v those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v nor_o obstinate_o to_o resolve_v never_o to_o change_v our_o opinion_n if_o we_o shall_v perhaps_o be_v hereafter_o convince_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o now_o in_o order_n hereunto_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v either_o fluctuate_v in_o his_o present_a faith_n or_o not_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o he_o shall_v never_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o forsake_v it_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v off_o the_o imputation_n of_o obstinacy_n that_o our_o steadfastness_n be_v such_o as_o not_o to_o exclude_v either_o a_o readiness_n of_o be_v better_o inform_v if_o that_o be_v possible_a or_o of_o make_v upon_o all_o occasion_n a_o strict_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o even_o of_o hear_v free_o whatever_o objection_n can_v fair_o be_v bring_v against_o it_o and_o all_o this_o with_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o steadfast_a resolution_n to_o discover_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n wheresoever_o it_o lie_v whether_o it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o now_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o or_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a side_n he_o who_o be_v thus_o dispose_v in_o his_o mind_n at_o all_o time_n to_o receive_v instruction_n and_o never_o presume_v rash_o to_o condemn_v any_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o in_o like_a manner_n dispose_v however_o otherwise_o disagree_v in_o opinion_n from_o he_o need_v never_o fear_v that_o his_o firmness_n be_v any_o other_o than_o that_o wise_a and_o christian_a steadfastness_n which_o our_o text_n require_v not_o such_o a_o obstinacy_n as_o both_o that_o and_o we_o most_o just_o detest_v and_o condemn_v but_o here_o then_o we_o must_v look_v to_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o take_v heed_n lest_o for_o fear_n of_o be_v perverse_o constant_a to_o our_o faith_n we_o fall_v into_o a_o weak_a and_o criminal_a instability_n to_o prevent_v this_o these_o three_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1_o sy_n that_o we_o careful_o avoid_v all_o unworthy_a motive_n of_o change_v our_o religion_n 2_o dly_z that_o we_o be_v not_o too_o apt_a to_o entertain_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o it_o 3_o dly_z that_o if_o any_o argument_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v bring_v against_o it_o that_o may_v deserve_v our_o consider_v we_o then_o be_v sure_a to_o give_v they_o that_o due_a and_o diligent_a examination_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v i_o sy_n he_o that_o will_v be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n must_v above_o all_o thing_n take_v heed_n to_o arm_v himself_o against_o all_o unworthy_a motive_n of_o change_v his_o religion_n it_o be_v very_o sad_a to_o consider_v what_o unchristian_a mean_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o some_o person_n to_o propagate_v their_o religion_n and_o a_o man_n need_v almost_o no_o other_o assurance_n that_o it_o can_v be_v from_o god_n than_o to_o see_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o pursue_v such_o method_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o its_o interest_n as_o most_o certain_o never_o come_v down_o from_o above_o thus_o if_o a_o man_n fortune_n be_v mean_a or_o his_o ambition_n great_a if_o religion_n have_v not_o take_v so_o deep_a root_n in_o his_o soul_n as_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o overcome_v the_o flattery_n and_o temptation_n of_o a_o present_a interest_n and_o advantage_n then_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v want_v a_o seducer_n present_o 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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 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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 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country_n of_o europe_n depend_v on_o the_o success_n of_o our_o present_a erterprise_n this_o be_v the_o fatal_a crisis_n that_o must_v secure_v or_o ruin_n both_o they_o and_o we_o for_o ever_o may_v the_o consideration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n inspire_v every_o one_o of_o you_o with_o a_o spirit_n suitable_a both_o to_o our_o present_n needs_o and_o to_o that_o great_a trust_n that_o be_v here_o commit_v to_o you_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n a_o spirit_n of_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n a_o spirit_n of_o charity_n and_o moderation_n but_o above_o all_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o piety_n and_o unity_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o these_o excellent_a quality_n you_o may_v become_v the_o repairer_n of_o our_o breach_n the_o restorer_n of_o our_o almost_o lose_v and_o trample_v liberty_n the_o defender_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o support_v of_o your_o country_n the_o avenger_n of_o your_o barbarous_o abuse_a ally_n the_o scourge_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o universal_a enemy_n of_o truth_n peace_n religion_n nature_n in_o short_a of_o all_o the_o common_a law_n and_o right_n both_o of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o mankind_n may_v your_o council_n be_v govern_v with_o such_o a_o calmness_n and_o temper_n as_o may_v settle_v and_o compose_v all_o the_o unquiet_a and_o dissatisfy_v spirit_n if_o there_o be_v any_o yet_o remain_v among_o we_o and_o suffer_v none_o to_o regret_n our_o wonderful_a preservation_n but_o those_o only_a who_o fury_n have_v once_o prompt_v they_o to_o attempt_v and_o who_o principle_n still_o carry_v they_o on_o to_o desire_v even_o when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o accomplish_v our_o destruction_n may_v your_o resolution_n be_v as_o speedy_a as_o the_o public_a necessity_n be_v press_v and_o their_o execution_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o fidelity_n and_o success_n that_o may_v equal_v not_o only_o our_o expectation_n but_o even_o our_o very_a hope_n and_o our_o desire_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o all_o these_o 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it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o ever_o to_o have_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o to_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o we_o and_o not_o upon_o any_o account_n to_o be_v forsake_v by_o we_o but_o when_o to_o this_o we_o shall_v add_v that_o these_o truth_n be_v not_o matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n only_o to_o employ_v the_o mind_n and_o exercise_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o that_o the_o concern_v here_o be_v not_o a_o useless_a theorem_a which_o whether_o we_o believe_v or_o not_o we_o be_v neither_o at_o all_o the_o worse_o now_o nor_o shall_v be_v ever_o the_o less_o happy_a hereafter_o but_o such_o by_o our_o keep_n or_o betray_v whereof_o we_o shall_v final_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o that_o therefore_o to_o give_v up_o these_o truth_n be_v to_o become_v the_o vile_a traditor_n the_o betrayer_n not_o only_o of_o our_o religion_n but_o of_o our_o soul_n too_o and_o that_o to_o all_o eternity_n we_o can_v certain_o but_o 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firm_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o when_o he_o see_v other_o the_o most_o violent_a in_o oppose_v it_o what_o though_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o suffer_v for_o it_o death_n ought_v never_o to_o amaze_v that_o man_n who_o be_v able_a to_o look_v forward_o into_o heaven_n beyond_o it_o and_o there_o see_v that_o crown_n of_o glory_n which_o these_o light_a affliction_n that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n shall_v place_v upon_o his_o head_n for_o all_o eternity_n a_o true_a christian_a be_v never_o great_a than_o when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o cross_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o glorious_a to_o the_o faithful_a disciple_n than_o to_o follow_v his_o dear_a master_n not_o only_o in_o welldoing_a but_o if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o in_o patient_a suffer_v too_o what_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n 35_o or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n as_o it_o be_v write_v 36_o for_o thy_o sake_n we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o we_o be_v account_v as_o sheep_n for_o the_o slaughter_n nay_o 37._o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o but_o second_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a danger_n they_o be_v then_o likely_a to_o run_v nor_o it_o may_v be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o hazard_n of_o corrupt_v their_o religion_n by_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o those_o heretic_n who_o be_v unaware_o creep_v in_o among_o they_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o be_v apprehend_v than_o their_o total_a apostatise_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o st._n judas_n here_o exhort_v they_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n i._n e._n to_o be_v very_o wary_a and_o circumspect_a to_o maintain_v it_o in_o that_o purity_n in_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o not_o suffer_v any_o little_a sophistry_n or_o insinuation_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o any_o error_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o whosoever_o shall_v look_v into_o the_o annal_n of_o the_o church_n will_v find_v this_o to_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o more_o fatal_a danger_n of_o the_o two_o and_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v in_o all_o age_n gain_v more_o by_o the_o secret_a cunning_n of_o his_o false_a teacher_n than_o by_o the_o open_a violence_n of_o his_o persecutor_n there_o be_v many_o a_o christian_n who_o have_v carriage_n enough_o to_o die_v for_o his_o faith_n that_o yet_o have_v not_o skill_n enough_o to_o defend_v it_o and_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o deceive_v never_o fail_v to_o set_v most_o upon_o such_o as_o they_o think_v be_v the_o least_o able_a to_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v certain_o but_o be_v very_o advisable_v in_o we_o all_o and_o especial_o for_o those_o who_o be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a to_o be_v very_o careful_a of_o themselves_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n not_o to_o hearken_v to_o every_o little_a pretender_n that_o will_v but_o undertake_v to_o lead_v they_o but_o if_o any_o such_o offer_v himself_o to_o they_o to_o draw_v they_o away_o from_o the_o right_a faith_n either_o absolute_o to_o reject_v he_o or_o rather_o to_o bring_v he_o forth_o unto_o the_o light_n to_o refer_v he_o to_o their_o teacher_n who_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o who_o be_v therefore_o the_o fit_a to_o defend_v the_o interest_n of_o it_o and_o so_o maintain_v that_o wise_a indifference_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o every_o good_a man_n in_o the_o search_n of_o all_o but_o especial_o of_o divine_a truth_n neither_o obstinate_o to_o refuse_v a_o better_a instruction_n whenever_o it_o shall_v indeed_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o much_o less_o to_o be_v cheat_v out_o of_o his_o religion_n by_o noise_n and_o confidence_n by_o high_a pretence_n and_o no_o argument_n and_o so_o by_o his_o easiness_n betray_v that_o faith_n which_o our_o apostle_n here_o call_v we_o so_o earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o and_o this_o be_v a_o caution_n that_o can_v be_v unseasonable_a at_o any_o time_n but_o yet_o some_o time_n there_o be_v wherein_o it_o be_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o christian_n and_o such_o be_v that_o wherein_n st._n judas_n write_v this_o epistle_n which_o therefore_o bring_v i_o to_o my_o next_o point_n iii_o of_o the_o reason_n which_o the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n have_v more_o especial_o thus_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o general_a obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o all_o christian_n thus_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n viz._n the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n according_a as_o they_o be_v careful_a or_o not_o in_o so_o do_v though_o this_o ought_v certain_o to_o have_v always_o its_o weight_n too_o with_o we_o both_o because_o i_o have_v already_o say_v somewhat_o to_o this_o before_o and_o because_o i_o be_o now_o only_o to_o consider_v the_o particular_a reason_n which_o those_o to_o who_o st._n judas_n here_o write_v have_v at_o that_o time_n so_o to_o do_v and_o those_o whethersoever_o of_o the_o two_o thing_n we_o consider_v which_o i_o have_v before_o show_v they_o be_v herein_o exhort_v to_o be_v such_o as_o ought_v very_o much_o to_o have_v engage_v their_o care_n in_o this_o contention_n for_o first_o as_o to_o the_o renounce_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v actual_o under_o a_o persecution_n for_o it_o their_o interest_n their_o ease_n their_o inclination_n all_o solicit_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o as_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o some_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n among_o they_o not_o only_o encourage_v they_o by_o their_o example_n but_o even_o maintain_v it_o
be_v dangerous_a to_o profess_v christianity_n they_o may_v free_o deny_v it_o and_o judaïze_v rather_o than_o suffer_v persecution_n if_o their_o lust_n disturb_v they_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o therefore_o lawful_a to_o gratify_v they_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v so_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o repeat_v in_o this_o place_n what_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n have_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o concern_v they_o and_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o refer_v you_o only_o to_o this_o short_a epistle_n 19_o for_o the_o character_n both_o of_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n for_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o this_o alone_a will_v not_o suffice_v to_o show_v what_o just_a cause_n our_o apostle_n have_v to_o fear_v their_o prevail_a and_o that_o such_o a_o easy_a practice_n support_v by_o such_o high_a pretence_n may_v be_v but_o too_o apt_a to_o gain_v over_o proselyte_n to_o its_o party_n let_v we_o see_v therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n 4_o thly_a by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o st._n judas_n here_o exhort_v the_o yet_o orthodox_n christian_n to_o contend_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o secure_v themselves_o in_o those_o dangerous_a time_n and_o those_o be_v principal_o these_o five_o 1._o by_o a_o close_a adherence_n to_o that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o 2._o by_o take_v heed_n of_o those_o that_o will_v seduce_v they_o from_o it_o 3._o by_o building_n themselves_o on_o their_o holy_a faith_n i._n e._n by_o add_v innocency_n of_o life_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o faith_n 4._o by_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o assistance_n and_o 5._o by_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o future_a state_n these_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o st._n judas_n here_o exhort_v they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o to_o secure_v their_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v indeed_o such_o as_o if_o due_o observe_v will_v not_o fail_v to_o have_v a_o prosperous_a effect_n to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v propose_v 1_o sy_n the_o first_o way_n to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n be_v to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v this_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n in_o our_o text_n advise_v they_o to_o do_v or_o rather_o not_o bare_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o it_o but_z as_o the_o phrase_n here_o be_v to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o it_o and_o that_o be_v then_o a_o most_o undoubted_a security_n when_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o teach_v they_o their_o religion_n and_o so_o their_o faith_n come_v to_o they_o without_o all_o dispute_n pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a and_o however_o we_o do_v not_o now_o pretend_v that_o man_n shall_v give_v up_o themselves_o so_o entire_o to_o our_o conduct_n as_o to_o stop_v their_o ear_n to_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v against_o we_o yet_o since_o we_o profess_v no_o other_o faith_n than_o that_o which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n since_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o go_v can_v be_v deny_v to_o contain_v that_o faith_n and_o we_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o you_o any_o far_a than_o what_o we_o teach_v be_v find_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o rule_n i_o think_v we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o thus_o far_o at_o least_o make_v the_o application_n even_o now_o that_o you_o ought_v not_o light_o to_o forsake_v a_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o such_o a_o foundation_n i_o be_o sure_a not_o for_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v build_v upon_o any_o other_o and_o though_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o encourage_v a_o blind_a obstinacy_n in_o any_o one_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v rather_o all_o man_n will_v search_v and_o see_v whether_o what_o we_o profess_v be_v not_o indeed_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n yet_o this_o deference_n we_o think_v every_o one_o ought_v to_o pay_v to_o that_o church_n which_o first_o make_v he_o christian_n and_o to_o those_o guide_n who_o god_n providence_n have_v set_v over_o he_o to_o build_v he_o up_o in_o the_o faith_n as_o not_o light_o to_o forsake_v either_o they_o or_o their_o doctrine_n but_o to_o presume_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o already_o profess_v till_o they_o can_v be_v very_o clear_o and_o evident_o convince_v of_o the_o contrary_n but_o 2_o dly_a the_o next_o mean_n propose_v whereby_o they_o be_v to_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n be_v by_o take_v heed_n of_o those_o who_o will_v have_v seduce_v they_o from_o it_o this_o be_v the_o general_a design_n of_o this_o whole_a epistle_n and_o i_o have_v before_o show_v what_o great_a need_n there_o be_v of_o such_o a_o caution_n now_o by_o take_v heed_n of_o seducer_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o imply_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o obstinate_o wary_a as_o not_o to_o hearken_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o one_o of_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n be_v able_a to_o say_v either_o for_o his_o own_o opinion_n or_o against_o we_o for_o that_o be_v to_o lead_v man_n by_o faction_n not_o reason_n but_o i_o mean_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v our_o ear_n so_o open_a as_o to_o hearken_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o offer_v to_o disquiet_v our_o mind_n and_o disturb_v our_o conscience_n without_o any_o just_a occasion_n for_o it_o nay_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o such_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v certain_o and_o evident_o convince_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n much_o less_o that_o we_o shall_v seek_v occasion_n of_o dispute_n and_o love_n to_o be_v perpetual_o raise_v difficulty_n against_o our_o religion_n lest_o we_o shall_v at_o last_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v we_o over_o to_o delusion_n and_o punish_v our_o needless_a expose_v ourselves_o to_o temptation_n by_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o it_o nor_o second_o so_o far_o comply_v with_o such_o person_n as_o to_o give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o their_o seduction_n and_o become_v easy_a and_o willing_a to_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a weakness_n in_o any_o man_n to_o go_v to_o his_o enemy_n for_o the_o character_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o inquire_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o profess_a opposer_n of_o it_o if_o man_n have_v doubt_n or_o if_o their_o curiosity_n must_v be_v gratify_v in_o start_v of_o needless_a scruple_n and_o one_o part_n only_o be_v consult_v both_o charity_n and_o duty_n and_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v even_o common_a civility_n too_o may_v satisfy_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v their_o instructor_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o to_o be_v their_o guide_n in_o holy_a thing_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o but_o if_o this_o be_v think_v too_o great_a a_o partiality_n to_o hear_v one_o side_n only_o and_o not_o inquire_v at_o all_o of_o the_o other_o yet_o at_o least_o if_o our_o enemy_n may_v be_v admit_v our_o own_o guide_n sure_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v but_o to_o be_v allow_v at_o least_o to_o be_v as_o worthy_a our_o regard_n as_o their_o adversary_n nor_o can_v i_o think_v any_o otherwise_o than_o that_o he_o be_v mind_v to_o be_v seduce_v who_o instead_o of_o take_v heed_n of_o heretic_n seek_v only_o to_o they_o instead_o of_o avoid_v they_o avoid_v those_o from_o who_o if_o not_o alone_o yet_o i_o be_o sure_a principal_o he_o ought_v to_o fortify_v himself_o against_o they_o 3_o dly_z the_o next_o mean_n propose_v for_o their_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n be_v by_o innocence_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n this_o st._n judas_n call_v a_o building_n up_o ourselves_o upon_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n ver_fw-la 20._o and_o again_o a_o keep_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 21._o and_o a_o excellent_a mean_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o be_v seduce_v from_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o how_o powerful_a a_o motive_n the_o want_n of_o piety_n have_v be_v to_o most_o of_o those_o error_n that_o have_v infest_a the_o church_n whilst_o man_n to_o gratify_v their_o passion_n have_v corrupt_v their_o faith_n and_o pride_n and_o discontent_n interest_n and_o ambition_n looseness_n and_o indulgence_n more_o than_o want_v of_o knowledge_n have_v make_v man_n heretic_n and_o be_v we_o now_o to_o inquire_v what_o the_o true_a cause_n be_v that_o keep_v up_o these_o division_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n why_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o obstinate_a in_o error_n so_o plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o even_o pose_n our_o
charity_n to_o think_v they_o do_v not_o themselves_o know_v they_o to_o be_v so_o i_o fear_v the_o best_a account_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v that_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n blind_v their_o eye_n and_o that_o their_o error_n be_v as_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o gross_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o will_v man_n indeed_o lay_v aside_o all_o humane_a consideration_n as_o in_o thing_n wherein_o eternity_n be_v at_o stake_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v will_v they_o with_o charity_n and_o humility_n seek_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o discover_v their_o own_o as_o they_o be_v but_o too_o forward_o to_o censure_v other_o man_n fault_n in_o plain_a term_n will_v they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o seek_v nothing_o but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o most_o of_o our_o controversy_n will_v present_o vanish_v and_o we_o shall_v yet_o recover_v that_o truth_n which_o i_o fear_v some_o man_n have_v too_o long_o detain_v in_o unrighteousness_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n but_o especial_o will_v they_o to_o this_o honesty_n and_o integrity_n add_v 4_o thly_a the_o apostle_n next_o direction_n of_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o assistance_n for_o certain_o the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o great_a a_o good_a and_o so_o please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n almighty_a to_o be_v implore_v of_o he_o that_o a_o pious_a and_o upright_a man_n earnest_o pray_v and_o hearty_o seek_v after_o it_o shall_v hardly_o be_v deny_v the_o happiness_n of_o be_v constant_a to_o the_o faith_n if_o he_o be_v already_o in_o the_o right_a way_n or_o of_o be_v bring_v to_o it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v the_o true_a votary_n not_o to_o refuse_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a or_o but_o expedient_a for_o he_o if_o he_o ask_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v will_n never_o fail_v to_o answer_v he_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o moment_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v himself_o while_o he_o pray_v to_o god_n but_o use_v such_o care_n and_o caution_n as_o st._n judas_n here_o direct_v we_o to_o do_v for_o our_o security_n he_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a though_o he_o be_v encompass_v with_o seducer_n on_o every_o side_n but_o be_v confident_a that_o he_o shall_v either_o still_o go_v on_o in_o the_o right_a way_n or_o obtain_v god_n pardon_n if_o after_o all_o this_o he_o shall_v chance_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o there_o be_v yet_o one_o mean_n more_o whereby_o st._n judas_n exhort_v the_o christian_n earnest_o to_o contend_v for_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v 5_o thly_a by_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o future_a state_n keep_v yourselves_o say_v he_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n look_v for_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o eternal_a life_n ver_fw-la 21._o and_o indeed_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o this_o great_a consideration_n which_o so_o high_o influence_n all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n must_v here_o also_o prove_v of_o a_o singular_a advantage_n to_o keep_v we_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o our_o faith_n this_o will_v make_v we_o diligent_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v awaken_v our_o care_n will_v perfect_v our_o piety_n and_o inflame_v our_o devotion_n by_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v secure_a that_o no_o worldly_a consideration_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o prevail_v upon_o we_o to_o forsake_v our_o religion_n we_o shall_v neither_o be_v move_v for_o any_o terror_n to_o renounce_v it_o nor_o be_v cajol_v by_o any_o interest_n or_o persuasion_n to_o give_v it_o up_o but_o we_o shall_v resolve_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v diligent_o into_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o profession_n to_o judge_v impartial_o and_o steadfast_o follow_v what_o we_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v the_o right_a faith_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o comfortable_a account_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n when_o we_o shall_v appear_v at_o his_o tribunal_n no_o matter_n how_o severe_o we_o may_v be_v censure_v by_o man_n for_o our_o so_o do_v we_o know_v that_o truth_n very_o often_o meet_v with_o and_o make_v enemy_n to_o the_o best_a men._n christianity_n itself_o be_v once_o every_o where_o speak_v against_o and_o st._n paul_n arraign_v as_o a_o heretic_n but_o whilst_o with_o that_o apostle_n we_o know_v wherefore_o we_o believe_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o censure_n or_o ashamed_a of_o our_o profession_n that_o shall_v we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v be_v bring_v even_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o our_o enemy_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a with_o assurance_n to_o answer_v for_o ourselves_o as_o he_o do_v that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n 14_o so_o worship_v we_o the_o 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