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scripture_n apostle_n church_n think_v 2,310 5 4.3923 4 false
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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

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neither_o more_o nor_o less_o and_o lie_v along_o with_o our_o head_n in_o one_o another_o bosom_n as_o the_o apostle_n now_o do_v and_o which_o i_o suppose_v no_o christian_a of_o whatsoever_o church_n or_o persuasion_n he_o be_v do_v at_o all_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o do_v but_o my_o meaning_n herein_o be_v this_o that_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n consist_v and_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v recount_v to_o we_o on_o purpose_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o in_o those_o we_o be_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o our_o saviour_n institution_n nor_o to_o presume_v to_o set_v up_o our_o own_o innovation_n as_o the_o council_n of_o constance_n have_v most_o presumptuous_o do_v in_o opposition_n to_o and_o even_o in_o defiance_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n appointment_n to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o this_o or_o that_o posture_n with_o such_o or_o such_o particular_a ceremony_n these_o be_v thing_n whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o may_v in_o different_a place_n and_o age_n be_v different_a and_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o comply_v with_o what_o be_v use_v and_o prescribe_v in_o that_o church_n with_o which_o he_o communicate_v but_o for_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v concern_v for_o such_o part_n as_o constitute_v the_o integrity_n of_o it_o and_o serve_v the_o more_o lively_a to_o set_v it_o off_o as_o a_o memorial_n of_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o christ_n and_o which_o therefore_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n to_o have_v seal_v with_o his_o express_a command_n do_v this_o in_o these_o i_o say_v we_o be_v to_o keep_v close_o both_o to_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o the_o command_n of_o the_o text_n and_o when_o he_o have_v distinct_o institute_v this_o holy_a supper_n in_o two_o kind_n not_o dare_v to_o command_v man_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o anathema_n to_o believe_v that_o one_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o my_o text_n what_o it_o be_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o that_o phrase_n of_o my_o text_n do_v this_o i_o go_v on_o second_o to_o inquire_v second_o what_o it_o be_v to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v i_o think_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o command_n be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o institute_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v up_o in_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o set_v forth_o to_o other_o a_o solemn_a and_o lively_a remembrance_n of_o his_o die_v for_o we_o and_o of_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n that_o accrue_v to_o we_o thereby_o and_o however_o it_o be_v pretty_a hard_a to_o reconcile_v this_o plain_a design_n of_o this_o institution_n with_o what_o those_o of_o the_o other_o communion_n now_o make_v to_o be_v the_o main_a business_n of_o it_o namely_o to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o live_n and_o of_o the_o dead_a in_o nothing_o differ_v from_o that_o upon_o the_o cross_n but_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o oblation_n a_o remembrance_n be_v ever_o of_o thing_n absent_a from_o not_o present_a with_o we_o and_o the_o same_o sacrifice_n very_o improper_o say_v to_o be_v a_o type_n or_o memorial_n of_o itself_o yet_o so_o clear_o be_v this_o design_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n here_o declare_v to_o be_v for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n that_o they_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o encounter_v all_o these_o absurdity_n than_o to_o adventure_v to_o deny_v what_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o very_o plain_o deliver_v as_o the_o end_n of_o this_o institution_n but_o though_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o intention_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n in_o this_o command_n be_v to_o oblige_v we_o by_o such_o a_o solemn_a ceremony_n as_o this_o to_o continue_v the_o memory_n of_o his_o death_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o think_v that_o all_o we_o have_v to_o do_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n and_o attend_v on_o this_o great_a memorial_n be_v simple_o to_o remember_v or_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n no_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v either_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o command_n or_o the_o design_n of_o this_o institution_n the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a which_o we_o here_o render_v remembrance_n be_v very_o emphatical_a and_o import_v not_o a_o bare_a call_n to_o mind_n but_o a_o renew_v commemoration_n it_o regard_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o the_o action_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o a_o word_n it_o denote_v not_o so_o much_o a_o private_a remembrance_n as_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a commemoration_n when_o in_o our_o apostle_n phrase_n ver_fw-la 26._o we_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d annunciate_n and_o show_v forth_o to_o other_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o thus_o call_v to_o mind_n ourselves_o the_o lord_n death_n and_o that_o with_o all_o those_o pious_a motion_n and_o resentment_n that_o befit_v so_o excellent_a and_o so_o advantageous_a a_o remembrance_n to_o know_v therefore_o what_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v of_o we_o when_o he_o bid_v we_o to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o first_o what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v or_o show_v forth_o when_o we_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n second_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o with_o what_o motion_n and_o affection_n we_o be_v to_o do_v it_o and_o first_o let_v we_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v or_o show_v forth_o when_o we_o come_v to_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n now_o this_o in_o general_n st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o death_n ver_fw-la 26._o that_o be_v that_o bitter_a death_n and_o passion_n which_o he_o be_v just_a then_o about_o to_o undergo_v for_o our_o sake_n when_o he_o establish_v this_o solemn_a memorial_n of_o it_o for_o say_v he_o as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v forth_o the_o lord_n be_v death_n till_o his_o come_n but_o because_o a_o bare_a remembrance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o far_a consideration_n either_o of_o the_o cause_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o or_o of_o those_o infinite_a advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o we_o thereby_o will_v afford_v but_o a_o very_a imperfe_a memorial_n to_o we_o we_o must_v therefore_o for_o a_o full_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o to_o raise_v up_o in_o our_o soul_n those_o suitable_a resentment_n we_o ought_v to_o bring_v to_o this_o holy_a administration_n take_v a_o far_o and_o more_o particular_a prospect_n of_o it_o and_o consider_v first_o what_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n be_v that_o oblige_v our_o bless_a saviour_n thus_o to_o die_v for_o we_o second_o what_o that_o death_n &_o passion_n be_v which_o he_o undergo_v for_o our_o sake_n and_o have_v therefore_o command_v we_o to_o remember_v in_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n three_o what_o the_o benefit_n be_v that_o accrue_v to_o we_o thereby_o and_o first_o to_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n will_v engage_v we_o to_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n be_v that_o oblige_v our_o bless_a saviour_n thus_o to_o die_v for_o we_o for_o however_o we_o be_v by_o baptism_n wash_v from_o all_o the_o gild_n and_o deliver_v from_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o original_a pollution_n and_o admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o make_v heir_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a glory_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o think_v ourselves_o 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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 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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 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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 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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 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not_o trust_v their_o own_o interpretation_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o abraham_n beget_v isaac_n if_o the_o church_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o expound_v it_o otherwise_o for_o such_o and_o so_o plain_o be_v many_o of_o those_o passage_n that_o we_o allege_v against_o they_o to_o show_v their_o corruption_n in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o if_o you_o offer_v they_o reason_n as_o clear_a as_o the_o plain_a demonstration_n why_o that_o be_v well_o but_o still_o private_a reason_n may_v err_v and_o the_o church_n can_v convince_v they_o by_o their_o sense_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v convince_v any_o body_n desire_v they_o to_o consult_v the_o verdict_n of_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o mouth_n and_o nose_n and_o feel_v it_o be_v no_o purpose_n the_o sense_n may_v deceive_v they_o but_o the_o church_n can_v thus_o have_v they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v conjure_v into_o a_o circle_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a 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themselves_o and_o their_o own_o opinion_n do_v moreover_o engage_v their_o proselyte_n by_o a_o most_o solemn_a oath_n haer._n never_o upon_o any_o account_n or_o by_o any_o argument_n whatsoever_o to_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o those_o error_n in_o which_o they_o have_v engage_v they_o such_o than_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o these_o the_o vice_n that_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o second_o qualification_n require_v in_o a_o christian_a auditor_n viz._n docility_n 3._o the_o next_o i_o mention_v be_v that_o he_o must_v be_v diligent_a by_o which_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o a_o carefulness_n to_o attend_v upon_o all_o the_o public_a mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o but_o yet_o much_o more_o to_o apply_v those_o mean_n to_o a_o right_n and_o due_a end_n to_o be_v sedulous_a and_o diligent_a in_o embrace_v the_o opportunity_n of_o hear_v be_v indeed_o very_o commendable_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a but_o yet_o if_o his_o diligence_n stop_v here_o he_o may_v for_o all_o that_o reap_v but_o little_a benefit_n by_o all_o his_o care_n he_o that_o will_v be_v true_o sedulous_a as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v let_v he_o 1_o st_z when_o he_o come_v to_o these_o holy_a exercise_n be_v very_o careful_a that_o he_o attend_v with_o all_o his_o soul_n to_o what_o be_v deliver_v but_o especial_o if_o any_o thing_n chance_n to_o be_v speak_v in_o which_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v either_o altogether_o ignorant_a before_o or_o not_o sufficient_o instruct_v in_o it_o 2_o dly_z when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o let_v he_o be_v careful_a to_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o retire_v within_o himself_o and_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o either_o by_o writing_n or_o some_o other_o way_n let_v he_o provide_v for_o the_o future_a preservation_n of_o it_o but_o especial_o 3_o dly_a let_v he_o employ_v his_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o he_o hear_v let_v he_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n to_o which_o all_o his_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v and_o that_o without_o this_o he_o shall_v become_v but_o the_o more_o inexcusable_a for_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o he_o who_o know_v his_o master_n will_n 47_o and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n it_o be_v for_o this_o that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n to_o preach_v his_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o that_o we_o still_o be_v commission_v by_o he_o to_o declare_v to_o you_o your_o duty_n and_o press_v you_o with_o the_o strong_a argument_n the_o hope_n and_o terror_n of_o eternity_n to_o be_v careful_a and_o sedulous_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o end_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o puff_n we_o up_o but_o to_o edify_v we_o to_o make_v we_o better_o rather_o than_o more_o know_v and_o more_o know_v only_o that_o we_o may_v be_v better_a they_o be_v not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n that_o shall_v be_v justify_v before_o god_n but_o the_o doer_n of_o it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o half_a diligence_n that_o carry_v man_n to_o learn_v their_o duty_n he_o be_v the_o true_o sedulous_a christian_a indeed_o who_o both_o seek_v with_o all_o earnestness_n to_o know_v what_o god_n require_v of_o he_o and_o then_o as_o careful_o endeavour_v to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n now_o to_o this_o end_n and_o to_o conclude_v all_o 4_o thly_a he_o that_o will_v hear_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v must_v to_o all_o these_o other_o qualification_n add_v his_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o assistance_n it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o become_v a_o perfect_a christian_a so_o high_a and_o excellent_a be_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o interest_n and_o inclination_n of_o sensual_a man_n that_o without_o some_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o be_v not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o comprehend_v any_o thing_n of_o these_o kind_n of_o instruction_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o to_o bring_v a_o willing_a and_o ready_a disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o word_n to_o become_v such_o a_o auditor_n as_o not_o only_o speculative_o to_o learn_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o to_o resolve_v effectual_o to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n too_o this_o must_v certain_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v his_o grace_n alone_o that_o can_v both_o enlighten_v our_o understand_n and_o incline_v our_o wi_n and_o here_o therefore_o we_o may_v see_v at_o once_o both_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o last_o disposition_n our_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o in_o that_o the_o true_a cause_n why_o so_o many_o make_v no_o better_o a_o advantage_n by_o their_o hear_n they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v go_v into_o a_o theatre_n 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be_v i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o such_o person_n as_o these_o who_o not_o only_o continue_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n but_o project_n and_o contrive_v for_o the_o continue_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o put_v off_o the_o time_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o a_o work_n that_o may_v be_v well_o enough_o do_v hereafter_o do_v in_o effect_n despise_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o trample_v under_o foot_n that_o grace_n which_o shall_v have_v lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o it_o must_v certain_o be_v a_o most_o dare_a presumption_n in_o any_o sinner_n to_o think_v that_o notwithstanding_o such_o a_o provocation_n god_n will_v yet_o attend_v his_o leisure_n and_o continue_v to_o afford_v he_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o his_o salvation_n at_o the_o last_o though_o he_o have_v so_o often_o wilful_o and_o design_o reject_v all_o the_o offer_v of_o it_o i_o be_o sufficient_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o who_o god_n do_v not_o call_v most_o true_o and_o sincere_o to_o salvation_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o to_o who_o he_o have_v not_o offer_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o may_v enable_v he_o to_o fulfil_v his_o duty_n in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o perfect_a his_o repentance_n but_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v without_o some_o concern_v think_v what_o a_o unworthy_a use_n we_o have_v the_o most_o of_o we_o make_v of_o it_o and_o how_o just_o we_o have_v deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v at_o last_o leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o and_o no_o long_o in_o vain_a attend_v our_o amendment_n and_o o_o that_o we_o will_v therefore_o be_v persuade_v serious_o to_o reflect_v upon_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o no_o long_o go_v on_o to_o expose_v our_o immortal_a soul_n to_o such_o desperate_a hazard_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o all_o these_o consideration_n we_o do_v every_o day_n that_o we_o neglect_v to_o provide_v for_o eternity_n be_v it_o enough_o that_o we_o be_v not_o already_o make_v the_o fatal_a monument_n of_o abuse_a mercy_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o on_o this_o side_n hell_n and_o may_v if_o we_o please_v by_o our_o speedy_a repentance_n still_o prevent_v those_o judgement_n which_o our_o former_a impenitence_n have_v but_o too_o just_o deserve_v 16_o let_v we_o begin_v in_o this_o our_o day_n to_o see_v and_o to_o pursue_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o our_o peace_n b●fore_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n 13_o let_v we_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o we_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n 1_o let_v we_o fear_v lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v we_o of_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n any_o of_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o come_v short_a of_o it_o let_v we_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n before_o darkness_n come_v and_o our_o foot_n stumble_v upon_o the_o dark_a mountain_n i_o conclude_v all_o with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n chap._n lv._o vers._n 6_o 7._o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o he_o and_o unto_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v of_o the_o danger_n of_o man_n delay_v their_o repentance_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n act_v xxiv_o 25_o felix_n tremble_v and_o answer_v go_v thy_o way_n for_o this_o time_n when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a season_n i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o among_o all_o the_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v none_o great_a than_o to_o continue_v it_o not_o only_o against_o the_o check_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o after_o many_o admonition_n in_o vain_a send_v we_o by_o his_o merciful_a providence_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n there_o be_v i_o believe_v but_o few_o if_o any_o in_o the_o world_n so_o lose_v to_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n who_o have_v not_o some_o time_n or_o other_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o invite_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o man_n will_v nevertheless_o continue_v still_o incorrigible_a and_o harden_v themselves_o against_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o reclaim_v they_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o they_o be_v at_o last_o give_v up_o to_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o reserve_v as_o monument_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o his_o glorious_a appear_v i_o will_v not_o now_o enter_v on_o any_o enquiry_n what_o the_o cause_n shall_v be_v why_o we_o who_o be_v all_o of_o we_o sufficient_o convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repent_v and_o the_o deplorable_a state_n in_o which_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v if_o we_o do_v not_o some_o time_n or_o other_o effectual_o set_v about_o it_o shall_v yet_o still_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v so_o very_o unwilling_a to_o repent_v but_o because_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o fatal_a delusion_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o cheat_v themselves_o withal_o that_o with_o felix_n here_o in_o my_o text_n they_o put_v off_o this_o business_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n and_o by_o their_o unseasonable_a procrastination_n in_o a_o affair_n that_o of_o all_o other_o ought_v the_o least_o to_o be_v defer_v too_o often_o die_v without_o ever_o perform_v it_o at_o all_o i_o will_v make_v it_o my_o endeavour_n so_o to_o lay_v before_o you_o the_o danger_n of_o such_o a_o delay_n as_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o convince_v you_o not_o so_o much_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o repent_v some_o time_n or_o other_o which_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v without_o my_o speak_v you_o be_v all_o of_o you_o already_o resolve_v to_o do_v as_o of_o the_o great_a concern_v we_o have_v immediate_o to_o set_v about_o it_o and_o do_v that_o present_o which_o we_o must_v some_o time_n or_o other_o do_v and_o can_v never_o do_v so_o well_o as_o now_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n i_o sy_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n we_o run_v by_o delay_v our_o repentance_n two_o dly_z of_o the_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o will_v arise_v to_o we_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o have_v due_o perform_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o former_a of_o these_o consideration_n i_o sy_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n we_o run_v by_o delay_v our_o repentance_n now_o that_o in_o one_o word_n be_v this_o that_o whilst_o we_o go_v on_o continual_o to_o put_v off_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o business_n of_o repentance_n to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n and_o like_o felix_n in_o the_o text_n think_v it_o still_o too_o soon_o to_o set_v present_o about_o it_o we_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o never_o do_v it_o at_o all_o and_o like_o felix_n too_o often_o die_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o impenitence_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o danger_n there_o be_v of_o die_v without_o ever_o repent_v the_o same_o be_v the_o danger_n which_o we_o run_v by_o delay_v our_o repentance_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v 1_o st_z from_o the_o great_a shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o present_a state_n 2_o dly_z from_o the_o nature_n and_o difficulty_n of_o repentance_n and_o 3_o dly_z from_o the_o method_n of_o god_n proceed_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o 1_o sy_n that_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o present_a state_n aught_o to_o convince_v we_o how_o great_a a_o danger_n we_o run_v by_o delay_v our_o repentance_n for_o proof_n whereof_o i_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o entertain_v you_o with_o any_o common-place-argument_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o many_o casualty_n to_o which_o our_o life_n here_o be_v perpetual_o expose_v and_o against_o which_o we_o can_v never_o say_v we_o be_v secure_a for_o the_o next_o moment_n how_o many_o person_n have_v be_v strike_v with_o sudden_a death_n what_o accident_n have_v befall_v other_o to_o render_v they_o whole_o unfit_a for_o their_o duty_n so_o that_o though_o they_o have_v have_v a_o long_a warning_n of_o their_o approach_v end_n yet_o either_o by_o the_o intolerable_a sharpness_n of_o their_o pain_n or_o its_o influence_n upon_o their_o understand_a faculty_n so_o as_o many_o time_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o render_v they_o utter_o uncapable_a either_o to_o reflect_v upon_o their_o life_n
of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o some_o violence_n that_o they_o break_v through_o the_o restraint_n of_o shame_n and_o modesty_n to_o pursue_v it_o sometime_o it_o set_v before_o they_o the_o obligation_n which_o their_o duty_n lay_v upon_o they_o to_o fulfil_v it_o how_o worthy_a and_o honourable_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o live_v virtuous_o what_o a_o credit_n and_o respect_v it_o gain_v a_o man_n here_o and_o what_o a_o glorious_a reward_n shall_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o hereafter_o sometime_o it_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o force_v they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o to_o think_v of_o that_o time_n 9_o when_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o judgement_n and_o how_o they_o shall_v then_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v a_o eternity_n of_o torment_n in_o that_o wretched_a place_n 4●_n where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o where_o the_o fire_n never_o shall_v be_v quench_v now_o all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o hindrance_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n which_o the_o sinner_n meet_v with_o in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o his_o evil_a course_n be_v not_o only_o so_o many_o barrier_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o set_v in_o our_o way_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o ruin_n but_o so_o many_o help_v too_o to_o assist_v we_o if_o we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v entice_v to_o do_v wicked_o to_o recover_v ourselves_o again_o out_o of_o it_o but_o by_o a_o long_a continuance_n in_o sin_n all_o these_o be_v overcome_v and_o we_o be_v not_o only_o thereby_o more_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o wickedness_n but_o have_v lose_v all_o these_o assistance_n our_o retreat_n be_v also_o render_v infinite_o more_o difficult_a than_o whilst_o we_o lie_v under_o the_o restraint_n of_o shame_n and_o fear_v and_o conscience_n to_o reclaim_v we_o but_o this_o be_v not_o yet_o all_o for_o by_o continue_v in_o sin_n and_o put_v off_o the_o time_n of_o our_o repentance_n we_o do_v not_o only_o diminish_v our_o own_o natural_a strength_n and_o thereby_o render_v ourselves_o still_o less_o able_a to_o encounter_v with_o it_o but_o what_o be_v yet_o more_o to_o be_v consider_v we_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n too_o without_o which_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o ever_o to_o overcome_v it_o it_o be_v lay_v down_o by_o isaiah_n as_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n forsake_v his_o ancient_a people_n the_o jew_n chap._n lxiii_o vers_fw-la 10._o that_o they_o rebel_v and_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n therefore_o be_v he_o turn_v to_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o he_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o his_o gospel_n everywhere_o proceed_v upon_o this_o measure_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o etc._n to_o he_o who_o have_v i._n e._n who_o make_v use_v of_o and_o improve_v what_o god_n have_v already_o bestow_v upon_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v more_o abundant_o but_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o i._n e._n that_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o and_o improve_v what_o he_o have_v even_o that_o which_o he_o once_o have_v shall_v be_v take_v away_o and_o however_o it_o may_v sometime_o please_v god_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o raise_v up_o sinner_n at_o the_o last_o and_o though_o they_o continue_v long_o in_o their_o wickedness_n yet_o nevertheless_o still_o continue_v his_o divine_a assistance_n to_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n yet_o can_v this_o be_v any_o ground_n for_o any_o one_o to_o rely_v upon_o in_o this_o matter_n see_v it_o be_v plain_a both_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o mankind_n that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n providence_n his_o grace_n be_v withdraw_v in_o proportion_n to_o man_n neglect_n of_o it_o till_o at_o last_o they_o be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o it_o 26_o and_o give_v up_o to_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o the_o devil_n at_o his_o will._n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o sometime_o read_v in_o holy_a scripture_n of_o person_n deliver_v up_o to_o a_o hardness_n and_o impenitence_n of_o heart_n 5_o not_o that_o i_o think_v god_n ordain_v any_o man_n to_o destruction_n or_o deny_v he_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v he_o from_o it_o but_o when_o man_n neglect_v his_o offer_n and_o despise_v and_o grieve_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o method_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n when_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n be_v now_o fill_v up_o and_o they_o be_v become_v ripe_a for_o vengeance_n then_o god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o they_o and_o seal_v they_o up_o unto_o destruction_n and_o though_o he_o may_v sometime_o permit_v they_o for_o other_o end_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o continue_v still_o in_o this_o world_n yet_o he_o no_o long_o continue_v the_o power_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n this_o i_o take_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n after_o the_o six_o judgement_n till_o then_o 32._o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o harden_v his_o herd_n or_o that_o his_o heart_n be_v harden_v but_o when_o his_o own_o magician_n confess_v that_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n plain_o show_v itself_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o yet_o he_o still_o continue_v obstinate_a then_o god_n declare_v that_o he_o harden_v he_o exod._n ix_o 12_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o stand_v i._n e._n keep_v he_o alive_a when_o he_o have_v deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o a_o quick_a destruction_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o he_o may_v show_v in_o he_o his_o power_n exod._n ix_o 16_o many_o be_v the_o declaration_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o confirm_v this_o to_o we_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o old_a world_n before_o the_o flood_n god_n himself_o declare_v gen._n vi_fw-la 3_o that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n yet_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n and_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o in_o that_o time_n than_o he_o will_v bring_v a_o utter_a destruction_n upon_o they_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o find_v holy_a david_n speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o rebellious_a israelite_n and_o which_o i_o the_o rather_o remark_n because_o saint_n paul_n apply_v it_o hebr._n iii._o 12_o to_o the_o very_a purpose_n of_o what_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v that_o because_o they_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o tempt_v and_o grieve_a god_n forty_o year_n therefore_o he_o at_o last_o swear_v to_o they_o in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o the_o application_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v be_v this_o plain_a conclusion_n take_v heed_n 11._o brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n 12._o but_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n and_o last_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o the_o same_o be_v the_o declaration_n which_o solomon_n make_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o harden_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n prov._n i._n where_o have_v first_o set_v forth_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n ready_a to_o assist_v they_o if_o they_o will_v repent_v verse_n 22_o 23._o how_o long_o you_o simple_a one_o will_v you_o love_v simplicity_n and_o you_o scorner_n delight_v in_o their_o scorn_v and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o you_o i_o will_v make_v know_v my_o word_n unto_o you_o he_o afterward_o declare_v the_o just_a indignation_n of_o god_n against_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v still_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a verse_n 24_o 25_o 26._o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v have_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v and_o again_o verse_n 28_o 29_o 30._o then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o for_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n they_o despise_v all_o my_o reproof_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o
way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o multiply_v passage_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n out_o of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o already_o to_o show_v the_o danger_n of_o delay_v our_o repentance_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o overpass_a the_o time_n of_o it_o and_o to_o warrant_v that_o great_a conclusion_n which_o i_o think_v be_v general_o receive_v by_o most_o christian_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v to_o every_o wicked_a man_n a_o certain_a time_n when_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o iniquity_n be_v accomplish_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o any_o space_n for_o repentance_n nor_o any_o far_a assistance_n give_v they_o by_o god_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o will_v i_o only_o desire_v that_o these_o three_o thing_n may_v serious_o be_v consider_v by_o every_o one_o of_o we_o 1_o sy_n whether_o he_o who_o be_v invite_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o cheek_n of_o conscience_n within_o and_o the_o importunate_a call_v of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o to_o repentance_n nevertheless_o neglect_v all_o these_o admonition_n and_o with_o felix_n still_o put_v off_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o some_o more_o convenient_a season_n do_v not_o thereby_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n 30_o and_o despise_v his_o grace_n and_o affront_v his_o goodness_n who_o thus_o gracious_o offer_v and_o continue_v to_o he_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n 2_o dly_z whether_o by_o so_o do_v he_o do_v not_o provoke_v god_n in_o as_o high_a a_o manner_n as_o can_v well_o be_v imagine_v no_o long_o to_o continue_v his_o grace_n to_o he_o nor_o to_o expose_v his_o mercy_n to_o contempt_n by_o suffer_v his_o holy_a spirit_n still_o to_o strive_v with_o such_o obstinate_a offender_n and_o then_o by_o consequence_n 3_o dly_a and_o last_o whether_o 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everlasting_a misery_n pronounce_v against_o he_o for_o his_o neglect_n or_o in_o that_o other_o of_o the_o figtree_n 6_o which_o be_v to_o be_v prune_v and_o dig_v and_o then_o try_v another_o year_n and_o if_o still_o it_o continue_v to_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n then_o to_o be_v cut_v down_o and_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o vineyard_n the_o meaning_n of_o both_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o he_o who_o despise_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n continue_v still_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o improve_v not_o those_o ability_n god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v bestow_v upon_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o by_o a_o severe_a but_o most_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v deprive_v of_o they_o and_o have_v his_o neglect_n punish_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o god_n grace_n here_o and_o in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o with_o a_o eternal_a damnation_n hereafter_o and_o this_o than_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o put_v off_o the_o business_n of_o repentance_n at_o the_o present_a out_o of_o a_o unwarrantable_a presumption_n that_o it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o perform_v it_o hereafter_o but_o now_o if_o the_o question_n be_v what_o a_o man_n who_o have_v unhappy_o do_v this_o shall_v do_v i_o reply_v 1_o sy_n let_v he_o by_o all_o mean_n hasten_v his_o repentance_n all_o he_o can_v and_o the_o long_o he_o have_v defer_v it_o already_o the_o more_o careful_a and_o resolute_a let_v he_o be_v not_o to_o put_v it_o off_o one_o moment_n long_o 2_o dly_z let_v he_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o zealous_a and_o diligent_a in_o his_o religious_a performance_n let_v his_o sorrow_n be_v the_o more_o pungent_a his_o confession_n the_o more_o humble_a his_o prayer_n the_o more_o fervent_a but_o especial_o his_o resolution_n and_o his_o endeavour_n the_o more_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a to_o break_v off_o the_o course_n of_o his_o sin_n the_o long_o he_o have_v continue_v in_o they_o that_o so_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a vigour_n of_o his_o present_a endeavour_n he_o may_v make_v some_o kind_n of_o reparation_n for_o the_o slowness_n he_o have_v be_v hitherto_o guilty_a of_o in_o set_v about_o his_o duty_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v far_o inquire_v whether_o upon_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o of_o the_o withdraw_a god_n grace_n from_o such_o as_o refuse_v and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o it_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o such_o person_n as_o these_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o in_o a_o desperate_a estate_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o now_o to_o think_v of_o repent_v at_o all_o but_o this_o be_v a_o question_n which_o every_o man_n will_v best_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o about_o that_o he_o who_o put_v off_o his_o repentance_n now_o upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o fulfil_v it_o 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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 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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 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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 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well_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o to_o maintain_v a_o paradox_n and_o show_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o skill_n only_o to_o demonstrate_v how_o much_o may_v be_v say_v for_o the_o most_o incredible_a thing_n heaven_n be_v a_o place_n which_o can_v raise_v his_o desire_n who_o have_v not_o thought_n purify_v enough_o to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o innocent_a and_o spiritual_a delight_n the_o pleasure_n of_o those_o happy_a region_n be_v not_o suit_v to_o the_o sensual_a apprehension_n of_o such_o man_n as_o know_v no_o attractive_n but_o those_o of_o a_o mahometan_a paradise_n and_o hell_n itself_o though_o the_o most_o formidable_a consideration_n of_o any_o yet_o such_o as_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o put_v as_o far_o from_o he_o as_o he_o can_v and_o either_o fancy_n that_o perhaps_o there_o be_v no_o such_o place_n or_o if_o there_o be_v yet_o ho●e_v it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o hereafter_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o escape_n of_o it_o 3._o and_o 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he_o be_v docile_a by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v endue_v with_o quick_a part_n and_o ability_n to_o learn_v that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o which_o sometime_o may_v do_v more_o harm_n than_o good_a but_o i_o mean_v that_o he_o be_v desirous_a of_o instruction_n and_o to_o that_o end_n prepare_v with_o such_o a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o to_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o pursue_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o and_o to_o this_o end_n more_o particular_o 1_o st_z that_o he_o be_v humble_a i._n e._n neither_o vain_o conceit_v of_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o instruction_n nor_o esteem_v himself_o to_o be_v too_o great_a to_o receive_v it_o even_o from_o the_o mean_a preacher_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o great_a a_o enemy_n to_o our_o proficiency_n in_o any_o thing_n as_o pride_n when_o man_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o too_o great_a to_o learn_v and_o as_o such_o neglect_n and_o despise_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n indeed_o i_o be_o not_o so_o vain_a as_o to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v not_o many_o time_n call_v to_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o be_v much_o fit_a to_o become_v our_o teacher_n but_o yet_o neither_o can_v i_o so_o far_o undervalue_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o deliver_v unto_o you_o as_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v ordinary_o any_o sermon_n so_o mean_a and_o despicable_a but_o that_o a_o humble_a mind_n may_v have_v profit_v by_o it_o and_o have_v find_v somewhat_o at_o least_o to_o exercise_v his_o charity_n and_o his_o patience_n if_o not_o to_o excite_v his_o zeal_n and_o improve_v his_o knowledge_n 2._o a_o second_o thing_n require_v to_o this_o docility_n be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v free_a from_o passion_n this_o disturb_v the_o mind_n and_o blind_v the_o reason_n and_o hinder_v many_o time_n the_o best_a doctrine_n from_o produce_v any_o suitable_a effect_n upon_o we_o those_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o command_n of_o their_o own_o affection_n judge_v more_o according_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o they_o than_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n he_o that_o espouse_n a_o party_n or_o interest_n that_o love_v a_o opinion_n and_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v true_a easy_o approve_v of_o whatsoever_o do_v but_o seem_v to_o make_v for_o it_o and_o reject_v almost_o at_o all_o adventure_n whatsoever_o appear_v against_o it_o how_o do_v the_o hope_n and_o desire_n of_o honour_n or_o favour_n or_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n carry_v man_n away_o to_o the_o vile_a thing_n for_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o and_o so_o all_o the_o other_o passion_n of_o the_o mind_n whether_o it_o be_v fear_n or_o pleasure_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v the_o affection_n that_o rule_v we_o they_o hinder_v the_o reason_n from_o judge_v aright_o and_o weigh_v impartial_o what_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o such_o a_o auditor_n receive_v or_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n not_o according_a as_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a sripture_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o right_a reason_n require_v he_o shall_v but_o as_o his_o own_o passion_n and_o inclination_n prompt_v he_o to_o do_v 3._o a_o three_o thing_n require_v to_o docility_n be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v free_a from_o prejudice_n he_o that_o will_v advance_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o find_n out_o of_o truth_n must_v bring_v to_o it_o that_o traveller_n indifference_n which_o the_o heathen_a so_o long_o since_o recommend_v to_o the_o world_n he_o must_v not_o desire_v it_o shall_v lie_v on_o the_o one_o side_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o lest_o his_o desire_n that_o it_o shall_v prompt_v he_o without_o just_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o do_v and_o so_o in_o religion_n too_o he_o that_o will_v make_v a_o right_a judgement_n what_o to_o believe_v or_o what_o to_o practice_n must_v first_o throw_v off_o all_o prejudice_n in_o favour_n of_o his_o own_o opinion_n or_o against_o any_o other_o and_o resolve_v never_o to_o be_v so_o tie_v up_o to_o any_o point_n or_o party_n as_o not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o time_n ready_a impartial_o to_o examine_v whatsoever_o can_v reasonable_o be_v object_v against_o either_o how_o far_o the_o want_n of_o this_o do_v at_o this_o day_n divide_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o will_v to_o god_n we_o have_v not_o too_o great_a reason_n on_o all_o side_n to_o complain_v there_o be_v many_o among_o we_o so_o strange_o engage_v by_o false_a principle_n to_o a_o ill_a cause_n that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o offer_v they_o the_o clear_a argument_n to_o convince_v they_o if_o you_o bring_v they_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a that_o must_v be_v hear_v but_o then_o be_v it_o never_o so_o plain_a they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o and_o they_o dare_v