one_o flesh_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o lord_n own_o complaint_n against_o his_o people_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v as_o to_o a_o wife_n that_o have_v forsake_v her_o husband_n without_o a_o cause_n on_o his_o behalf_n isaiah_n 50._o 1._o where_o say_v he_o be_v that_o bill_n of_o your_o mother_n divorcement_n whereby_o i_o send_v she_o away_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o give_v she_o no_o bill_n but_o her_o departure_n and_o separation_n from_o i_o be_v by_o she_o own_o sin_n which_o phrase_n show_v what_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o this_o case_n ii_o point_n the_o straitness_n of_o this_o law_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o the_o man_n only_o be_v permit_v to_o give_v this_o bill_n unto_o his_o wife_n but_o the_o wife_n may_v not_o give_v it_o to_o her_o husband_n for_o moses_n say_v whosoever_o shall_v put_v away_o his_o wife_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o place_n in_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o wife_n have_v this_o liberty_n so_o to_o deal_v with_o her_o husband_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v whether_o the_o wife_n in_o a_o just_a cause_n as_o for_o adultery_n have_v not_o the_o like_a liberty_n i_o answer_v if_o we_o respect_v god_n institution_n touch_v marriage_n the_o right_a of_o divorce_n be_v equal_a to_o they_o both_o for_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o marriage_n they_o be_v equal_o bind_v one_o to_o another_o here_o indeed_o this_o liberty_n be_v permit_v only_o to_o the_o man_n by_o this_o politic_a law_n not_o that_o he_o have_v more_o right_a but_o to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n who_o take_v displeasure_n at_o his_o wife_n will_v rather_o spill_v her_o blood_n then_o continue_v with_o she_o if_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o 3_o a_o man_n be_v the_o woman_n head_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v for_o regiment_n and_o direction_n in_o her_o place_n but_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o marriage_n whereby_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o his_o wife_n as_o well_o as_o she_o to_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v 1._o cor._n 7._o 4._o iii_o point_n the_o force_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o law_n be_v this_o it_o make_v the_o bill_n of_o divorcement_n for_o any_o cause_n give_v to_o be_v tolerable_a before_o man_n &_o marriage_n after_o such_o a_o divorce_n lawful_a and_o warrantable_a in_o the_o court_n of_o man_n deut._n 24._o 4._o but_o yet_o in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n before_o god_n the_o divorcement_n itself_o and_o second_o marriage_n make_v thereupon_o be_v both_o unlawful_a for_o god_n hate_v this_o separation_n mal._n 2._o 15._o and_o whether_o party_n soever_o marry_v another_o upon_o this_o divorce_n commit_v adultery_n matth._n 19_o 9_o this_o must_v be_v remember_v for_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o this_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o first_o word_n whereof_o be_v a_o permission_n to_o this_o effect_n if_o a_o man_n do_v conceive_v such_o a_o dislike_n against_o his_o wife_n as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o abide_v with_o she_o but_o will_v needs_o put_v she_o away_o than_o he_o may_v but_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o give_v she_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n which_o do_v not_o acquit_v he_o before_o god_n but_o before_o man_n only_o have_v thus_o show_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o law_n it_o remain_v now_o to_o see_v what_o the_o pharisee_n teach_v touch_v divorce_n their_o doctrine_n be_v this_o that_o he_o which_o give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorcement_n unto_o his_o wife_n for_o any_o light_a occasion_n be_v thereby_o acquit_v from_o she_o before_o god_n and_o thereupon_o may_v marry_v another_o without_o the_o guilt_n of_o adultery_n and_o also_o that_o another_o man_n may_v lawful_o marry_v she_o that_o be_v thus_o divorce_v that_o this_o be_v their_o meaning_n may_v appear_v by_o the_o contrary_a answer_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n wherein_o he_o cross_v and_o confute_v this_o their_o interpretation_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v verse_n 32._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whosoever_o shall_v put_v away_o his_o wife_n except_o it_o be_v for_o fornication_n cause_v she_o to_o commit_v adultery_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v marry_v she_o that_o be_v divorce_v commit_v adultery_n here_o christ_n answer_v not_o to_o moses_n law_n but_o to_o the_o corrupt_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n whereby_o they_o deprave_a that_o law_n by_o fornication_n christ_n mean_v not_o every_o sin_n of_o that_o kind_n but_o only_o the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n or_o that_o which_o be_v great_a in_o that_o kind_n namely_o incest_n adultery_n be_v a_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v by_o two_o party_n one_o whereof_o be_v either_o marry_v or_o espouse_v as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o cause_v she_o to_o commit_v adultery_n that_o be_v give_v her_o occasion_n to_o marry_v again_o and_o so_o to_o commit_v adultery_n because_o their_o first_o bond_n remain_v still_o and_o he_o that_o marry_v she_o that_o be_v divorce_v that_o be_v for_o any_o small_a cause_n &_o not_o for_o adultery_n he_o also_o commit_v adultery_n here_o then_o two_o point_n be_v set_v down_o first_o that_o he_o who_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n for_o any_o light_a cause_n cause_v she_o to_o commit_v adultery_n second_o he_o that_o marry_v she_o that_o be_v divorce_v commit_v adultery_n yet_o unto_o both_o these_o christ_n put_v a_o exception_n in_o the_o case_n of_o adultery_n the_o place_n papist_n and_o some_o other_o will_v restrain_v the_o exception_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o make_v it_o a_o negation_n to_o this_o effect_n he_o that_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n be_v no_o fornicator_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o exception_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a answer_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n deny_v divorce_n save_v only_o for_o adultery_n and_o permit_v no_o marriage_n after_o divorcement_n save_v only_o where_o the_o divorce_n be_v for_o adultery_n first_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n christ_n oppose_v unto_o this_o politic_a law_n use_n of_o moses_n concern_v divorce_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n touch_v marriage_n ge._n 2._o 24._o he_o give_v we_o a_o excellent_a distinction_n between_o all_o politic_a law_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o moral_a law_n for_o that_o be_v a_o law_n of_o eternal_a equity_n command_v good_a and_o forbid_v evil_a simple_o without_o respect_n of_o man_n but_o politic_a law_n be_v temper_v according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v yet_o sometime_o they_o permit_v evil_a for_o the_o avoid_n of_o great_a mischief_n yea_o they_o tolerate_v that_o which_o before_o god_n and_o in_o conscience_n be_v condemn_v this_o point_n must_v teach_v we_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o perform_v obedience_n to_o the_o politic_a law_n of_o man_n for_o the_o law_n of_o man_n may_v tolerate_v that_o which_o god_n law_n do_v condemn_v so_o the_o law_n of_o this_o land_n in_o practice_n tolerate_v usury_n but_o usurer_n must_v not_o hereupon_o think_v that_o all_o be_v safe_a &_o well_o with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o sin_v not_o in_o take_v ten_o in_o the_o hundred_o because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n permit_v it_o for_o our_o law_n tolerate_v that_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o great_a usury_n when_o as_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v utter_o condemn_v the_o same_o again_o our_o law_n be_v open_a for_o man_n to_o go_v to_o law_n at_o the_o first_o upon_o every_o light_a occasion_n without_o seek_v former_a mean_n of_o agreement_n but_o yet_o such_o man_n as_o do_v so_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n notwithstanding_o their_o liberty_n by_o our_o politic_a law_n some_o politic_a law_n also_o tolerate_v contract_n of_o marriage_n make_v without_o consent_n of_o parent_n yet_o such_o child_n sin_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o herein_o god_n require_v child_n subjection_n to_o their_o parent_n and_o governor_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v show_v in_o many_o other_o point_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o our_o action_n to_o say_v the_o law_n of_o man_n allow_v we_o so_o to_o do_v second_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o a_o man_n can_v lawful_o and_o with_o good_a conscience_n put_v away_o his_o wife_n except_o it_o be_v for_o adultery_n the_o text_n be_v clear_a both_o hear_v and_o also_o math._n 19_o 7._o which_o confute_v the_o civil_a law_n of_o some_o country_n &_o the_o 8._o popish_a constitution_n that_o allow_v other_o cause_n of_o 14._o divorce_n beside_o adultery_n here_o they_o object_v sundry_a thing_n in_o their_o defence_n against_o this_o doctrine_n as_o 1._o the_o say_n of_o christ_n whosoever_o forsake_v father_n or_o mother_n wife_n etc._n etc._n shall_v receive_v much_o reward_n mathâ—_n 19_o 29._o here_o say_v they_o be_v divorce_n for_o
religion_n allow_v ans._n christ_n by_o forsake_v mean_v not_o that_o separation_n which_o be_v make_v by_o give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorcement_n but_o that_o which_o be_v cause_v by_o imprisonment_n banishment_n or_o by_o death_n 2._o object_n 1._o cor._n 7._o 15._o if_o the_o unbelieve_a depart_n let_v he_o depart_v a_o brother_n or_o a_o sister_n be_v not_o bind_v in_o such_o thing_n here_o say_v they_o be_v another_o cause_n of_o divorce_n ans._n the_o malicious_a and_o wilful_a depart_n of_o the_o unbeliever_n do_v dissolve_v the_o marriage_n but_o that_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n only_a adultery_n cause_v that_o here_o the_o believer_n be_v a_o mere_a patient_n and_o the_o divorce_n be_v make_v by_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o unjust_o forsake_v and_o so_o put_v away_o the_o other_o 3._o object_n titus_n 9_o 10._o avoid_v a_o heretake_v after_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n this_o say_v they_o be_v speak_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o therefore_o for_o heresy_n may_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n be_v give_v ans._n first_o that_o commandment_n be_v not_o give_v to_o every_o private_a person_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o after_o one_o or_o two_o admonition_n be_v to_o excommunicate_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o heretic_n from_o the_o church_n second_o it_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o bond_n of_o marriage_n may_v remain_v sure_a and_o firm_a though_o one_o of_o the_o party_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n for_o the_o believe_a husband_n must_v not_o forsake_v his_o unbelieve_a wife_n if_o she_o will_v dwell_v with_o he_o 1._o corinthian_n 7._o 12._o 4._o object_n after_o marriage_n one_o party_n may_v have_v a_o contagious_a and_o incurable_a disease_n which_o may_v cause_v the_o other_o to_o give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n answer_n a_o contagious_a disease_n may_v cause_v a_o separation_n for_o a_o time_n but_o no_o divorce_n and_o if_o that_o disease_n be_v incurable_a and_o disable_v the_o party_n from_o the_o duty_n of_o marriage_n than_o such_o party_n must_v think_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o live_v in_o single_a life_n 5._o object_n but_o marry_v person_n may_v seek_v to_o spill_v the_o blood_n one_o of_o another_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n to_o prevent_v that_o evil_a answer_n such_o enmity_n may_v cause_v a_o separation_n for_o a_o time_n till_o reconciliation_n be_v make_v but_o the_o bond_n of_o marriage_n must_v not_o therefore_o be_v break_v 6._o object_n death_n make_v a_o divorce_n ans._n death_n indeed_o end_v marriage_n estate_n and_o set_v the_o party_n live_v free_a to_o marry_v in_o the_o lord_n where_o he_o or_o she_o will_v but_o this_o come_v not_o by_o divorce_n give_v of_o either_o party_n so_o that_o the_o conclusion_n still_o remain_v firm_a that_o a_o man_n with_o good_a conscience_n can_v give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n for_o any_o cause_n but_o for_o adultery_n and_o therefore_o those_o law_n which_o permit_v divorce_n for_o other_o cause_n be_v great_o faulty_a before_o god_n if_o any_o shall_v ask_v whether_o man_n law_n may_v not_o make_v more_o cause_n of_o divorcement_n than_o this_o one_o i_o answer_v no_o for_o marriage_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a civil_a thing_n but_o partly_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o therefore_o god_n only_o have_v power_n to_o appoint_v the_o beginning_n the_o continuance_n and_o the_o end_n thereof_o if_o any_o yet_o ask_v why_o idolatry_n &_o magic_n which_o be_v great_a sin_n than_o adultery_n may_v not_o break_v marriage_n ans._n they_o be_v great_a indeed_o against_o god_n but_o not_o in_o this_o ordinance_n of_o marriage_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n break_v only_o the_o bond_n of_o marriage_n which_o may_v remain_v still_o between_o two_o party_n though_o one_o be_v a_o idolater_n a_o witch_n or_o a_o atheist_n now_o consider_v that_o adultery_n be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n that_o it_o cut_v of_o the_o knot_n off_o marriage_n above_o all_o thing_n those_o person_n that_o be_v call_v to_o this_o estate_n must_v take_v heed_n of_o all_o sin_n so_o of_o this_o especial_o three_o here_o may_v be_v ask_v whether_o after_o divorce_n for_o adultery_n the_o party_n divorce_v may_v marry_v again_o without_o commit_v adultery_n this_o point_n have_v be_v diverse_o discuss_v we_o will_v consider_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n first_o for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o especial_o to_o the_o party_n innocent_a 1._o from_o christ_n doctrine_n in_o this_o place_n for_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o false_a interpretation_n of_o moses_n politic_a law_n touch_v divorce_n he_o first_o propound_v a_o general_a rule_n and_o then_o put_v a_o exception_n thereto_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o exception_n be_v always_o to_o imply_v and_o put_v down_o the_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n as_o in_o this_o place_n the_o general_a rule_n be_v whosoever_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n cause_v she_o to_o commit_v adultery_n &_o he_o that_o marry_v she_o commit_v adultery_n the_o exception_n than_o must_v be_v contrary_a namely_o that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o adultery_n he_o that_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n lawful_o convict_v thereof_o cause_v she_o not_o to_o commit_v adultery_n neither_o he_o that_o marry_v she_o that_o be_v divorce_v do_v commit_v adultery_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n propound_v two_o rule_n one_o for_o the_o case_n of_o divorce_n the_o other_o for_o the_o case_n of_o marry_v after_o divorce_n &_o apply_v his_o exception_n for_o adultery_n only_o to_o the_o case_n of_o divorce_n and_o not_o to_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n after_o divorce_n ans._n as_o the_o exception_n for_o adultery_n be_v here_o in_o this_o chapter_n join_v with_o the_o case_n of_o divorce_n he_o that_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n except_o it_o be_v for_o fornication_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o the_o 19_o cha_n v_o 9_o the_o same_o exception_n for_o adultery_n be_v express_o apply_v not_o only_o to_o the_o case_n of_o divorce_n but_o also_o to_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n after_o divorce_n say_v whosoever_o shall_v put_v away_o his_o wife_n except_o it_o be_v for_o fornication_n and_o marry_v another_o commit_v adultery_n so_o that_o if_o in_o this_o place_n the_o exception_n make_v the_o divorce_n lawful_a for_o adultery_n then_o in_o the_o 19_o chapter_n it_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o marry_v again_o after_o such_o divorce_n without_o the_o guilt_n of_o adultery_n 2._o the_o innocent_a party_n be_v not_o to_o be_v punish_v for_o 2_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o therefore_o the_o party_n that_o be_v faultless_a may_v with_o good_a conscience_n marry_v again_o after_o lawful_a divorce_n 3._o god_n have_v provide_v marriage_n to_o be_v a_o remedy_n against_o 3_o incontinency_n for_o all_o person_n 1._o corinth_n 7._o 2._o but_o if_o party_n lawful_o divorce_v may_v not_o marry_v again_o than_o they_o shall_v want_v this_o remedy_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o this_o benefit_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o may_v reconcile_v themselves_o each_o to_o other_o and_o so_o have_v remedy_n answer_n but_o what_o if_o the_o party_n offend_v live_a in_o adultery_n still_o than_o the_o party_n innocent_a can_v in_o conscience_n join_v he_o or_o herself_o to_o the_o other_o and_o reunite_v the_o bond_n of_o matrimony_n for_o that_o be_v too_o much_o lenity_n towards_o so_o foul_a a_o crime_n and_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o want_v of_o christian_a reconciliation_n which_o require_v that_o this_o reunit_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o in_o the_o flesh_n alone_o 4._o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n use_v by_o the_o 16._o holy_a ghost_n 4_o concern_v marriage_n after_o divorce_n restrain_v it_o to_o some_o case_n and_o allow_v it_o in_o other_o seem_v to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o after_o lawful_a divorce_n it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o marry_v again_o reason_n allege_v on_o the_o other_o side_n first_o christ_n general_a say_n 11_o whosoever_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n and_o marry_v another_o commit_v adultery_n hence_o some_o infer_v that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o marriage_n at_o all_o after_o any_o divorce_n but_o they_o abuse_v that_o scripture_n for_o though_o saint_n mark_v put_v down_o no_o exception_n yet_o matthew_n have_v make_v supply_n thereof_o in_o two_o place_n chapter_n 5._o 32._o and_o 19_o 9_o now_o the_o gospel_n be_v pen_v by_o several_a man_n that_o that_o which_o be_v not_o full_o express_v by_o one_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o another_o that_o so_o by_o confer_v writer_n with_o writer_n the_o whole_a truth_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a second_o matth._n 19_o 6._o who_o god_n have_v couple_v let_v not_o man_n put_v asunder_o therefore_o after_o divorce_n they_o still_o remain_v man_n and_o wife_n before_o god_n and_o may_v not_o marry_v to_o
other_o ans._n the_o party_n offend_v break_v the_o bond_n of_o marriage_n and_o so_o sin_v grievous_o against_o that_o commandment_n but_o the_o party_n innocent_a marry_v again_o after_o lawful_a divorce_n only_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o liberty_n whereto_o god_n have_v set_v he_o free_a through_o the_o unlawful_a break_n of_o the_o bond_n by_o the_o party_n offend_v three_o rom._n 6._o 2._o the_o woman_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o man_n while_o he_o live_v and_o therefore_o may_v not_o marry_v again_o after_o divorcement_n ans._n that_o place_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o state_n of_o marriage_n continue_v undissolue_v till_o death_n but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o adultery_n the_o bond_n of_o marriage_n be_v break_v and_o therefore_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o marriage_n may_v be_v after_o lawful_a divorce_n four_o 1._o corinth_n 7._o 10_o 11._o let_v not_o the_o wife_n depart_v from_o her_o husband_n and_o if_o she_o depart_v let_v she_o remain_v unmarried_a and_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o her_o husband_n and_o let_v not_o the_o husband_n put_v away_o his_o wife_n here_o say_v they_o be_v a_o plain_a place_n against_o marriage_n after_o divorcement_n answer_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o departure_n and_o put_v away_o for_o other_o cause_n than_o adultery_n as_o for_o hatred_n dislike_n etc._n etc._n which_o indeed_o be_v no_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o divorce_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o separate_v thereupon_o ought_v not_o to_o marry_v five_o the_o bond_n of_o marriage_n be_v a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o conjunction_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n which_o be_v inseparable_a and_o eternal_a and_o therefore_o marriage_n also_o be_v inseparable_a answer_n that_o resemblance_n stand_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n but_o in_o this_o that_o as_o in_o marriage_n two_o be_v make_v one_o flesh_n so_o spiritual_o christ_n and_o every_o true_a member_n of_o his_o church_n become_v one_o and_o that_o as_o eve_n be_v take_v out_o of_o adam_n side_n and_o make_v flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o bone_n of_o his_o bone_n so_o the_o church_n spring_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o christ_n blood_n which_o issue_v from_o his_o side_n for_o else_o if_o their_o reason_n be_v good_a we_o may_v say_v that_o marriage_n shall_v be_v eternal_a in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v because_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o church_n be_v eternal_a which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v false_a for_o 30._o in_o the_o resurrection_n man_n marry_v not_o but_o be_v as_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n six_o if_o party_n divorce_v may_v marry_v again_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v miury_v have_v stepfathers_n or_o stepmother_n in_o stead_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a parent_n ans._n this_o reason_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o disallow_v divorce_n or_o marriage_n after_o it_o for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v delude_v all_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o all_o country_n which_o impose_v death_n for_o sundry_a crime_n because_o thereby_o some_o child_n shall_v loose_v their_o parent_n but_o justice_n must_v be_v justice_n with_o all_o man_n though_o the_o posterity_n have_v hindrance_n by_o the_o execution_n thereof_o quest._n but_o what_o if_o the_o law_n of_o some_o country_n forbid_v marriage_n after_o divorcement_n ans._n yet_o the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n remain_v still_o for_o this_o be_v give_v of_o god_n can_v be_v take_v away_o by_o man_n and_o therefore_o when_o man_n have_v freedom_n from_o the_o magistrate_n they_o may_v with_o good_a conscience_n marry_v again_o after_o lawful_a divorce_n and_o yet_o here_o we_o must_v know_v that_o divorcement_n or_o marriage_n after_o caâ—â—ion_n must_v not_o be_v do_v private_o by_o man_n and_o wife_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n 1_o but_o by_o order_n of_o law_n before_o the_o magistrate_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o that_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n who_o it_o concern_v again_o there_o 2_o be_v some_o particular_a cause_n which_o may_v just_o hinder_v marriage_n after_o divorce_n as_o first_o if_o the_o party_n reunite_v their_o bond_n again_o by_o reconciliation_n for_o the_o knot_n break_v by_o adultery_n may_v be_v reunite_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o party_n innocent_a second_o when_o the_o one_o party_n be_v a_o manifest_a cause_n of_o the_o adultery_n of_o the_o other_o and_o so_o become_v a_o accessary_a to_o the_o other_o offence_n for_o it_o seem_v unequal_a that_o he_o who_o have_v put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o commit_n of_o a_o sin_n shall_v reap_v any_o benefit_n or_o privilege_n by_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v the_o party_n innocent_a have_v freedom_n in_o this_o case_n verse_n 33._o again_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o it_o be_v say_v to_o they_o of_o old_a time_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v thy_o oath_n unto_o the_o lord_n 34._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o swear_v not_o at_o all_o etc._n etc._n our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v restore_v the_o seven_o commandment_n to_o his_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n do_v here_o proceed_v to_o do_v the_o like_a unto_o the_o three_o commandment_n observe_v herein_o the_o same_o order_n that_o he_o do_v in_o the_o former_a for_o first_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o false_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n give_v to_o this_o commandment_n concern_v swear_v v_o 33._o and_o then_o deliver_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o a_o oath_n v_o 34._o the_o corrupt_a sense_n give_v by_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisy_n be_v propound_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n levit._n 19_o 12._o deut._n 5._o 11._o thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v thy_o oath_n unto_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v not_o here_o take_v in_o that_o true_a meaning_n wherein_o moses_n set_v they_o down_o but_o in_o the_o false_a interpretation_n of_o the_o jewish_a teacher_n whereof_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a judge_n let_v we_o search_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o moses_n law_n concern_v a_o oath_n for_o which_o end_n we_o must_v first_o see_v what_o perjury_n be_v then_o propound_v the_o kind_n of_o perjury_n and_o last_o show_v the_o grievousnes_n of_o this_o sin_n i._o point_n in_o perjury_n there_o must_v be_v two_o thing_n first_o a_o man_n periâ—â—iâ—_n must_v affirm_v or_o avouch_v something_o against_o his_o own_o mind_n his_o own_o meaning_n purpose_n intention_n or_o persuasion_n when_o a_o man_n know_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o say_v it_o be_v true_a or_o know_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a and_o say_v it_o be_v false_a and_o swear_v thereto_o this_o be_v no_o perjury_n because_o his_o speech_n be_v answerable_a to_o that_o which_o be_v in_o his_o mind_n but_o when_o a_o man_n know_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o avouch_v it_o to_o be_v false_a or_o know_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a avouch_v it_o to_o be_v true_a upon_o his_o oath_n this_o be_v perjury_n because_o in_o so_o do_v he_o speak_v against_o his_o mind_n and_o persuasion_n second_o in_o perjury_n there_o must_v be_v a_o oath_n it_o be_v not_o perjury_n to_o speak_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a unless_o he_o also_o swear_v to_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v false_o against_o his_o mind_n and_o yet_o every_o oath_n make_v not_o direct_a perjury_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o bind_a oath_n for_o a_o man_n may_v swear_v to_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v unlawful_a and_o after_o alter_v his_o mind_n and_o not_o perform_v his_o oath_n without_o the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n as_o if_o a_o child_n be_v under_o age_n do_v bind_v himself_o by_o oath_n to_o marry_v without_o his_o parent_n consent_n but_o come_v to_o ripe_a year_n do_v better_a consider_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o subject_n himself_o to_o his_o parent_n dispose_v who_o marry_v he_o to_o another_o now_o though_o he_o sin_v in_o so_o swear_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o perjure_a because_o the_o oath_n be_v not_o a_o bind_a oath_n for_o a_o child_n under_o year_n have_v not_o power_n to_o take_v a_o oath_n ii_o point_n that_o we_o may_v yet_o better_a judge_n of_o this_o sin_n we_o must_v perjury_n know_v that_o there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o perjury_n first_o when_o a_o man_n confirm_v by_o oath_n that_o which_o he_o know_v or_o think_v to_o be_v otherwise_o as_o when_o 1_o he_o take_v a_o oath_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v false_a that_o a_o thing_n be_v thus_o which_o he_o know_v be_v otherwise_o second_o deceitful_a 2_o swear_n be_v perjury_n when_o a_o man_n either_o about_o thing_n past_a or_o to_o come_v swear_v contrary_a to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o purpose_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n example_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o the_o romish_a priest_n who_o both_o defend_v in_o writing_n and_o practice_v in_o action_n this_o deceitful_a swear_n for_o be_v
want_n thereof_o ought_v not_o to_o keep_v the_o godly_a from_o this_o sacrament_n for_o another_o man_n evil_a conscience_n can_v defile_v thy_o good_a conscience_n another_o man_n sin_n can_v hurt_v thou_o unless_o thou_o do_v some_o way_n communicate_v with_o he_o therein_o christ_n be_v more_o careful_a in_o his_o duty_n than_o ever_o man_n be_v and_o yet_o he_o communicate_v with_o the_o wicked_a jew_n scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n under_o the_o law_n the_o four_o head_n from_o whence_o offence_n be_v take_v be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o wicked_a wicked_a principal_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o prosperity_n hence_o some_o holy_a one_o suspect_v their_o own_o estate_n and_o religion_n as_o either_o not_o good_a or_o not_o regard_v of_o god_n this_o befall_v david_n psal._n 37._o when_o he_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o their_o increase_n in_o riches_n with_o peace_n and_o ease_n he_o say_v 13_o certain_o i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a â—nd_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocence_n hence_o also_o jeremie_n reason_n with_o god_n 1._o why_o the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v prosper_v and_o they_o be_v in_o wealth_n that_o transgress_v rebellious_o hence_o undoubted_o at_o this_o day_n many_o call_n into_o question_n the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n now_o the_o way_n to_o cut_v off_o this_o offence_n be_v to_o 17_o enter_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o god_n as_o david_n do_v that_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n where_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v for_o there_o a_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o manifold_a reason_n why_o god_n will_v have_v his_o own_o people_n afflict_v &_o also_o the_o fearful_a end_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o wicked_a namely_o a_o fit_v of_o they_o to_o further_a destruction_n again_o from_o this_o same_o ground_n do_v many_o rich_a man_n take_v offence_n for_o have_v the_o world_n at_o will_n they_o bless_v themselves_o with_o this_o persuasion_n that_o god_n love_v they_o and_o thereupon_o take_v occasion_n to_o condemn_v all_o religion_n and_o to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o worldly_a profit_n and_o delight_n and_o this_o be_v one_o main_a cause_n why_o among_o the_o rich_a we_o have_v so_o few_o good_a and_o sound_a professor_n because_o that_o from_o a_o false_a ground_n of_o outward_a thing_n they_o persuade_v themselves_o of_o god_n love_n &_o favour_n but_o to_o cut_v off_o this_o offence_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o man_n remedy_n case_n be_v the_o more_o fearful_a when_o he_o want_v all_o cross_n for_o god_n chasten_v every_o child_n who_o he_o receive_v heb._n 12._o 6._o &_o it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o god_n child_n to_o be_v in_o affliction_n if_o he_o profit_v thereby_o the_o stall_v ox_n come_v soon_o to_o the_o slaughter_n than_o the_o ox_n that_o be_v under_o the_o yoke_n and_o the_o sheep_n that_o go_v in_o fat_a pasture_n come_v soon_o to_o the_o shambles_n then_o that_o which_o go_v on_o the_o bare_a commons_o so_o oftentimes_o god_n fat_v the_o wicked_a with_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o he_o do_v 25._o the_o rich_a glutton_n that_o he_o may_v more_o just_o condemn_v they_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v last_o we_o must_v remember_v what_o solomon_n say_v 2._o no_o man_n know_v love_n or_o hatred_n of_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o that_o be_v of_o all_o outward_a thing_n all_o thing_n fall_v alike_o unto_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a &_o therefore_o no_o man_n must_v so_o bless_v himself_o with_o his_o outward_a estate_n that_o he_o be_v draw_v to_o esteem_v of_o religion_n as_o a_o thing_n needless_a or_o superfluous_a verse_n 31._o it_o have_v be_v say_v also_o whosoever_o shall_v put_v away_o his_o wife_n let_v he_o give_v she_o a_o bill_n of_o divorcement_n 32._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whosoever_o shall_v put_v away_o his_o wife_n except_o it_o be_v for_o fornication_n cause_v she_o to_o commit_v adultery_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v marry_v she_o that_o be_v divorce_v commit_v adultery_n our_o saviour_n christ_n proceed_v further_o to_o restore_v the_o seven_o commandment_n to_o his_o perfection_n do_v here_o confute_v a_o false_a interpretation_n of_o a_o politic_a law_n of_o moses_n give_v by_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n for_o this_o end_n first_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n politic_a law_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o false_a interpretation_n of_o the_o jewish_a teacher_n ver_fw-la 31._o then_o he_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n against_o their_o false_a interpretation_n and_o maintain_v the_o first_o institution_n of_o marriage_n v_o 32._o for_o the_o first_o moses_n politic_a law_n be_v that_o he_o which_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n shall_v give_v she_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n this_o law_n the_o jewish_a teacher_n do_v false_o interpret_v for_o the_o better_a perceive_v whereof_o these_o three_o point_n be_v to_o be_v handle_v touch_v moses_n politic_a law_n 1._o what_o kind_n of_o law_n it_o be_v 2._o the_o straitness_n of_o that_o law_n 3._o what_o effect_n and_o force_v it_o have_v for_o the_o first_o the_o law_n be_v set_v down_o deut._n 24._o 1._o when_o a_o man_n marry_v a_o wife_n and_o she_o find_v no_o favour_n in_o his_o eye_n because_o he_o have_v espy_v some_o filthiness_n in_o she_o then_o let_v he_o write_v she_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n and_o put_v it_o in_o her_o hand_n and_o send_v she_o out_o of_o his_o house_n this_o law_n be_v not_o moral_a but_o civil_a or_o politic_a for_o the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n now_o among_o their_o particular_a law_n some_o be_v law_n of_o toleration_n and_o permission_n which_o be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o concern_v but_o do_v only_o tolerate_v and_o permit_v that_o evil_n which_o can_v not_o be_v avoid_v for_o the_o prevent_n of_o a_o great_a evil_a which_o otherwise_o will_v fall_v out_o as_o when_o the_o sea_n have_v make_v â—_o breach_n into_o the_o land_n if_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v stop_v the_o best_a course_n be_v to_o make_v it_o as_o narrow_a as_o may_v be_v such_o be_v the_o law_n concern_v usury_n deut._n 23._o 20._o permit_v the_o jew_n to_o exercise_v it_o upon_o a_o stranger_n but_o not_o towards_o a_o brother_n and_o the_o like_a be_v the_o law_n touch_v polygamy_n deut._n 21._o 15._o if_o a_o man_n have_v two_o wife_n the_o one_o hate_v the_o other_o love_v and_o they_o both_o have_v bear_v he_o child_n if_o the_o first_o bear_v be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o hate_v though_o she_o be_v marry_v to_o he_o the_o latter_a yet_o her_o seed_n be_v legitimate_a and_o her_o son_n have_v the_o right_a of_o the_o first_o bear_v in_o both_o which_o law_n be_v tolerate_v that_o which_o god_n condemn_v only_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o a_o great_a evil_n under_o this_o sort_n come_v our_o law_n of_o usury_n for_o take_v ten_o in_o the_o hundred_o not_o approve_v 1._o but_o permit_v so_o much_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o great_a usury_n unto_o this_o kind_n the_o papist_n will_v reduce_v their_o law_n of_o permit_v stew_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o great_a sin_n but_o that_o law_n can_v have_v no_o title_n to_o such_o permission_n for_o a_o law_n of_o permission_n be_v to_o diminish_v that_o evil_a which_o by_o man_n can_v possible_o be_v cut_v off_o altogether_o now_o that_o sin_n which_o they_o will_v prevent_v by_o their_o stew_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o among_o they_o if_o they_o will_v give_v allowance_n to_o god_n own_o ordinance_n of_o lawful_a marriage_n unto_o all_o sort_n and_o sex_n so_o likewise_o this_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o divorce_n be_v a_o law_n of_o permission_n not_o approve_v of_o the_o give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n for_o every_o light_a cause_n but_o tolerate_v of_o it_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o great_a mischief_n even_o of_o murder_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v this_o if_o a_o man_n once_o take_v dislike_n to_o his_o wife_n he_o will_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n till_o he_o have_v shed_v her_o blood_n if_o they_o may_v not_o be_v part_v asunder_o now_o this_o law_n of_o divorce_n be_v give_v to_o restrain_v this_o great_a evil_n for_o hereby_o a_o man_n be_v tolerate_v to_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n when_o she_o find_v no_o favour_n in_o his_o eye_n lest_o he_o shall_v kill_v she_o yet_o so_o as_o he_o give_v she_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n wherein_o he_o must_v set_v down_o the_o cause_n why_o he_o put_v she_o away_o whereby_o also_o many_o be_v restrain_v from_o put_v away_o their_o wife_n because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a shame_n for_o a_o light_a occasion_n so_o high_o to_o transgress_v god_n holy_a institution_n who_o make_v they_o by_o marriage_n
bring_v before_o the_o magistrate_n and_o make_v to_o swear_v to_o this_o demand_n or_o such_o like_a whether_o they_o say_v mass_n or_o know_v where_o mass_n be_v say_v at_o such_o a_o time_n they_o answer_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o they_o do_v not_o or_o know_v not_o though_o indeed_o they_o do_v which_o be_v according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n that_o unto_o dangerous_a interrogatory_n a_o man_n may_v frame_v a_o safe_a 21._o meaning_n unto_o himself_o and_o swear_v to_o it_o as_o in_o the_o former_a instance_n they_o swear_v they_o know_v not_o where_o mass_n be_v say_v meaning_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o judge_n but_o this_o be_v flat_a perjury_n for_o their_o oath_n be_v give_v they_o to_o answer_v according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o magistrate_n demand_v and_o if_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o frame_v a_o meaning_n to_o himself_o in_o swear_v he_o may_v easy_o delude_v all_o truth_n and_o so_o shall_v not_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v the_o end_n of_o strife_n but_o the_o breeder_n thereof_o through_o surmise_n of_o false_a meaning_n in_o he_o that_o swear_v the_o three_o kind_n of_o perjury_n be_v the_o break_n of_o a_o bind_a oath_n as_o when_o a_o man_n upon_o his_o oath_n promise_v to_o 3_o do_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v lawful_a and_o do_v it_o not_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o always_o perjury_n as_o first_o if_o god_n after_o the_o oath_n take_v make_v the_o thing_n promise_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v as_o if_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o make_v another_o his_o heir_n of_o such_o and_o such_o land_n now_o dwell_v by_o the_o sea_n side_n the_o sea_n break_v out_o drown_v all_o his_o land_n before_o he_o die_v be_v this_o man_n perjure_a because_o he_o perform_v not_o his_o promise_n bind_v with_o a_o oath_n no_o very_o for_o god_n make_v the_o thing_n impossible_a second_o if_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o break_v his_o oath_n thus_o 20_o david_n swear_v rash_o to_o slay_v nabal_n and_o his_o family_n be_v yet_o stay_v from_o so_o do_v by_o abigals_n counsel_n and_o break_v his_o oath_n and_o 3â—_n give_v god_n thanks_n for_o it_o for_o indeed_o his_o oath_n be_v unlawful_a be_v the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o the_o do_v of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o double_n of_o his_o sin_n here_o it_o may_v well_o be_v demand_v whether_o those_o that_o be_v swear_v to_o the_o statute_n and_o law_n of_o society_n and_o incorporation_n be_v perjure_a if_o they_o break_v the_o same_o ans._n the_o statute_n of_o incorporation_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v of_o the_o foundation_n of_o society_n without_o which_o the_o incorporation_n can_v stand_v and_o these_o not_o be_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v break_v without_o the_o guilt_n of_o perjury_n other_o be_v statute_n only_o of_o outward_a order_n and_o decency_n as_o touch_v apparel_n gesture_z and_o such_o like_a as_o in_o some_o incorporation_n the_o statute_n require_v that_o every_o man_n therein_o shall_v wear_v the_o round_a cap_n hereunto_o many_o be_v swear_v who_o always_o wear_v it_o not_o now_o though_o i_o say_v not_o that_o they_o be_v faultless_a altogether_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o perjure_a because_o this_o statute_n of_o order_n bind_v not_o a_o man_n simple_o but_o either_o to_o obedience_n or_o to_o pay_v the_o mulct_n which_o if_o a_o man_n be_v content_a to_o pay_v he_o satisfy_v the_o statute_n and_o benefit_n the_o society_n as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o keep_v the_o statute_n have_v show_v what_o perjury_n be_v with_o the_o kind_n thereof_o let_v we_o see_v whether_o we_o be_v free_a from_o it_o after_o examination_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o man_n life_n be_v full_a of_o perjury_n for_o where_o be_v much_o swear_v usual_o there_o can_v but_o be_v much_o perjury_n because_o they_o that_o swear_v in_o their_o common_a talk_n do_v forget_v their_o oath_n as_o they_o do_v their_o communication_n but_o say_v we_o be_v clear_a from_o perjury_n yet_o be_v we_o in_o danger_n of_o god_n heavy_a judgement_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o our_o vow_n in_o baptism_n wherein_o we_o promise_v to_o believe_v in_o god_n &_o to_o serve_v he_o forsake_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n milit_fw-la and_o the_o devil_n now_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o vow_n be_v as_o ill_a as_o perjury_n for_o therefore_o may_v baptism_n be_v call_v a_o sacrament_n because_o of_o the_o oath_n and_o vow_n which_o a_o christian_a make_v to_o god_n therein_o for_o the_o word_n sacrament_n proper_o betoken_v the_o oath_n which_o a_o soldier_n make_v to_o his_o captain_n for_o his_o fidelity_n the_o break_n of_o josua_n his_o oath_n unto_o the_o gibeonite_n by_o saul_n 1_o cause_v 3._o year_n dearth_n and_o be_v not_o satisfy_v but_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o 7._o of_o saul_n kindred_n and_o 16._o zedekias_n perjury_n to_o the_o king_n of_o babel_n be_v one_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n fierce_a wrath_n against_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o prince_n thereof_o now_o shall_v one_o man_n perjury_n cause_v such_o judgement_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v that_o among_o other_o sin_n this_o our_o perjury_n unto_o god_n in_o break_v our_o vow_n in_o baptism_n bring_v upon_o we_o god_n heavy_a wrath_n by_o plague_n famine_n and_o unseasonable_a weather_n wherefore_o let_v the_o consideration_n hereof_o persuade_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o a_o more_o conscionable_a care_n of_o perform_v our_o vow_n unto_o god_n iii_o point_n the_o grievousnesse_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o perjury_n which_o here_o perjury_n the_o lord_n forbid_v appear_v by_o these_o three_o sin_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o first_o the_o utter_n or_o maintain_v of_o a_o lie_n second_o the_o call_n on_o god_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n unto_o a_o lie_n wherein_o man_n do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v set_v the_o devil_n himself_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n in_o the_o room_n of_o god_n and_o so_o great_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o honour_n and_o majesty_n three_o in_o perjury_n a_o man_n pray_v for_o a_o curse_n upon_o himself_o wish_v god_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o speech_n and_o a_o judge_n to_o revenge_v if_o he_o swear_v false_o so_o as_o herein_o a_o man_n be_v his_o own_o utter_a enemy_n &_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v do_v cast_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o hell_n quest._n see_v this_o sin_n of_o perjury_n be_v so_o great_a whether_o may_v such_o a_o man_n be_v put_v to_o his_o oath_n as_o be_v certain_o think_v will_v perjure_v himself_o if_o he_o be_v put_v to_o swear_v i_o answer_v man_n that_o put_v other_o to_o swear_v be_v either_o private_a person_n or_o public_a magistrate_n a_o private_a man_n for_o his_o own_o private_a cause_n may_v not_o put_v such_o a_o man_n to_o his_o oath_n for_o he_o shall_v have_v great_a care_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o the_o other_o man_n soul_n then_o of_o his_o private_a gain_n and_o therefore_o ought_v rather_o to_o depart_v from_o his_o temporal_a right_n then_o suffer_v his_o brother_n so_o to_o dishonour_n god_n and_o to_o hurt_v his_o own_o soul_n but_o if_o a_o magistrate_n be_v to_o put_v such_o a_o man_n to_o his_o oath_n as_o be_v very_o think_v will_v perjure_v himself_o he_o may_v lawful_o do_v it_o but_o yet_o he_o be_v first_o to_o advertise_v the_o party_n of_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o of_o the_o fearful_a sin_n of_o perjury_n and_o then_o if_o the_o order_n of_o law_n and_o justice_n so_o require_v he_o may_v minister_v a_o oath_n unto_o he_o leave_v the_o event_n to_o god_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o justice_n must_v not_o stay_v on_o man_n misdemeanour_n nor_o wait_v till_o they_o make_v conscience_n of_o sin_n for_o if_o it_o do_v no_o common_a wealth_n can_v stand_v no_o war_n can_v be_v make_v moses_n and_o the_o levite_n execute_v 〈◊〉_d vengeance_n upon_o the_o idolatrous_a jew_n without_o wait_v for_o their_o repentance_n but_o shall_v perform_v thy_o oath_n unto_o the_o lord_n these_o word_n be_v not_o set_v down_o in_o any_o of_o moses_n book_n but_o be_v a_o collection_n from_o the_o former_a law_n of_o moses_n gather_v by_o the_o jewish_a teacher_n which_o collection_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o set_v down_o yet_o be_v it_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n for_o if_o a_o man_n can_v without_o perjury_n break_v a_o lawful_a bind_a oath_n than_o that_o law_n which_o forbid_v perjury_n bind_v man_n to_o perform_v all_o that_o he_o have_v lawful_o swear_v unto_o god_n here_o then_o in_o this_o collection_n of_o the_o jewish_a teacher_n be_v set_v down_o a_o oath_n excellent_a point_n touch_v the_o straitness_n of_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o every_o lawful_a oath_n there_o be_v a_o double_a bond_n first_o it_o bind_v one_o man_n to_o another_o for_o
the_o high_a that_o agree_v unto_o man_n be_v of_o life_n and_o death_n this_o revenge_n be_v execute_v partly_o in_o peace_n and_o partly_o in_o war_n in_o peace_n by_o the_o confiscation_n of_o good_n by_o imprisonment_n banishment_n and_o if_o the_o offence_n deserve_v it_o by_o take_v away_o of_o life_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o state_n public_a in_o time_n of_o war_n when_o as_o not_o for_o every_o case_n but_o for_o the_o just_a repel_v or_o requite_v of_o wrong_n war_n be_v make_v against_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o state_n now_o though_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n only_o to_o execute_v public_a revenge_n yet_o every_o private_a man_n may_v have_v the_o benefit_n hereof_o &_o may_v upon_o just_a cause_n use_v the_o magistrate_n help_v for_o his_o revenge_n as_o first_o if_o his_o cause_n be_v weighty_a wherein_o he_o be_v wrong_v 2._o if_o revenge_n it_o be_v necessary_a &_o 3._o if_o it_o be_v for_o his_o just_a defence_n for_o the_o common_a good_a &_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o the_o magistrate_n in_o these_o case_n may_v lawful_o nay_o he_o must_v put_v in_o execution_n revenge_n for_o private_a man_n for_o without_o this_o neither_o church_n nor_o common_a wealth_n nor_o any_o society_n can_v stand_v thus_o we_o see_v what_o just_a revenge_n be_v now_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n this_o must_v admonish_v we_o to_o eschew_v all_o outward_a offence_n that_o we_o may_v so_o escape_v the_o just_a revenge_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o also_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o sin_n that_o so_o we_o may_v avoid_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o general_a rule_n now_o because_o this_o general_a rule_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v hard_o therefore_o christ_n explain_v the_o same_o in_o 3._o particular_a example_n wherein_o he_o show_v wrong_n how_o man_n be_v to_o behave_v themselves_o when_o they_o be_v wrong_v the_o first_o example_n be_v in_o these_o word_n whosoever_o shall_v smiâ—e_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o also_o under_o which_o be_v comprehend_v all_o injury_n do_v to_o man_n body_n not_o only_o by_o blow_n &_o word_n but_o also_o in_o the_o contempt_n of_o their_o person_n signify_v by_o strike_v on_o the_o right_a cheek_n for_o usual_o man_n strike_v with_o the_o right_a hand_n which_o direct_o shall_v light_v on_o the_o left_a cheek_n and_o if_o the_o right_a cheek_n be_v smite_v it_o be_v common_o with_o the_o back_n of_o the_o hand_n which_o be_v a_o blow_n with_o contempt_n now_o say_v a_o man_n be_v abuse_v in_o his_o body_n even_o by_o blow_n of_o contempt_n yet_o he_o must_v not_o revenge_v himself_o but_o turn_v the_o other_o cheek_n also_o which_o word_n must_v not_o simple_o be_v understand_v but_o by_o comparison_n thus_o rather_o than_o thou_o revenge_v thyself_o and_o resist_v the_o evil_a one_o that_o have_v strike_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o other_o for_o this_o particular_a example_n comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o not_o resist_v evil_a by_o private_a revenge_n and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o simple_o be_v take_v may_v hereby_o appear_v first_o because_o christ_n shall_v then_o command_v the_o sufferer_n to_o give_v further_a occasion_n of_o wrong_n do_v to_o the_o evil_a man_n which_o be_v not_o his_o meaning_n again_o christ_n himself_o who_o give_v this_o rule_n do_v not_o so_o practice_v it_o when_o he_o be_v smite_v by_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n joh._n 18._o 22_o 23._o first_o by_o this_o example_n christ_n condemn_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o unlawful_a chaleng_v the_o field_n for_o personal_a wrong_n and_o of_o take_v that_o challenge_n when_o it_o be_v give_v as_o also_o the_o fight_v the_o single_a combat_n for_o christ_n teach_v that_o a_o man_n must_v take_v many_o wrong_n before_o he_o seek_v to_o revenge_v himself_o by_o any_o such_o course_n if_o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v a_o disgrace_n to_o refuse_v a_o challenge_n we_o must_v know_v that_o true_a grace_n and_o credit_n stand_v in_o yield_a obedience_n unto_o god_n and_o not_o in_o sin_v against_o he_o for_o the_o save_n of_o our_o reputation_n with_o man_n second_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o fight_v and_o quarrel_v be_v here_o quarrel_v condemn_v many_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a to_o give_v the_o first_o blow_n but_o yet_o if_o a_o other_o strike_v they_o than_o they_o think_v they_o may_v strike_v again_o but_o this_o christ_n here_o condemn_v and_o his_o own_o example_n be_v against_o it_o for_o when_o he_o be_v smite_v before_o the_o high_a priest_n he_o 23._o smite_v not_o again_o when_o paul_n 3._o be_v smite_v he_o only_o defend_v himself_o in_o word_n but_o smite_v not_o again_o and_o christ_n check_v peter_n for_o take_v the_o sword_n to_o resist_v the_o officer_n that_o apprehend_v he_o in_o the_o garden_n indeed_o he_o permit_v his_o disciple_n to_o wear_v weapon_n yet_o not_o for_o revenge_v but_o for_o their_o just_a defence_n only_o three_o christ_n here_o condemn_v their_o opinion_n that_o make_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o praise_n for_o a_o man_n that_o he_o will_v not_o turn_v his_o face_n from_o any_o man_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o be_v courageous_a and_o not_o to_o fear_v the_o face_n of_o man_n but_o yet_o a_o private_a man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o strong_a aught_o to_o turn_v his_o face_n from_o the_o adversary_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o his_o necessary_a defence_n for_o a_o man_n must_v suffer_v double_a or_o treble_a wrong_n rather_o than_o defend_v himself_o if_o any_o shall_v think_v this_o to_o be_v a_o great_a disgrace_n still_o he_o must_v remember_v that_o our_o chief_a honour_n consist_v in_o approve_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n by_o obey_v his_o will_n who_o here_o command_v we_o rather_o to_o turn_v our_o back_n and_o fly_v then_o to_o resist_v in_o our_o own_o revenge_n question_n but_o what_o if_o a_o man_n be_v assault_v either_o on_o the_o high_a way_n or_o assault_v in_o his_o house_n may_v he_o not_o then_o resist_v to_o save_v his_o life_n and_o his_o good_n answer_n in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o may_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o he_o may_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o his_o power_n defend_v himself_o and_o his_o good_n for_o this_o text_n speak_v not_o against_o defence_n but_o against_o revenge_n second_o if_o a_o man_n can_v see_v no_o way_n to_o escape_v either_o by_o flight_n or_o call_v for_o help_n of_o the_o magistrate_n than_o he_o be_v to_o stand_v so_o far_o in_o his_o own_o defence_n that_o he_o be_v rather_o to_o kill_v then_o be_v kill_v for_o in_o this_o case_n god_n put_v the_o sword_n into_o a_o private_a man_n hand_n and_o make_v he_o a_o magistrate_n to_o execute_v revenge_n upon_o his_o adversary_n and_o thus_o may_v a_o man_n lawful_o kill_v a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n without_o the_o guilt_n of_o blood_n exod._n 22._o 2._o four_o hence_o observe_v that_o no_o private_a man_n may_v lawful_o kill_v a_o tyrant_n prince_n though_o he_o shall_v tyrannical_o destroy_v both_o church_n &_o common_a wealth_n for_o this_o rule_n must_v square_v the_o action_n of_o private_a man_n they_o must_v rather_o bear_v double_a and_o treble_a wrong_n then_o by_o way_n of_o private_a revenge_n resist_v the_o evil_a one_o the_o revenge_n of_o evil_a magistrate_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o god_n to_o who_o it_o just_o belong_v as_o david_n do_v 1._o sam._n 26._o 10._o and_o psal._n 43._o 1._o last_o in_o this_o first_o example_n of_o particular_a injury_n we_o may_v see_v one_o property_n person_n of_o a_o evil_a man_n namely_o to_o be_v give_v to_o fight_v quarrel_a and_o contend_v such_o a_o one_o may_v think_v himself_o a_o goodly_a fellow_n but_o yet_o he_o that_o use_v his_o strength_n to_o ordinary_a quarrel_v and_o wrong_v do_v to_o other_o be_v here_o make_v a_o evil_a one_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o excel_v in_o strength_n if_o they_o will_v be_v approve_v of_o christ_n must_v make_v conscience_n of_o quarrel_v and_o fight_v and_o offer_v violence_n to_o no_o man_n verse_n 40._o and_o if_o any_o man_n will_v sue_v thou_o at_o the_o law_n and_o take_v away_o thy_o coat_n let_v he_o have_v thy_o cloak_n also_o here_o christ_n propound_v the_o second_o example_n of_o wrong_n do_v unto_o man_n wrong_n wherein_o he_o forbid_v the_o party_n wrong_v to_o revenge_v himself_o to_o wit_n be_v injury_v in_o his_o good_n either_o private_o or_o under_o colour_n of_o law_n for_o both_o these_o may_v here_o well_o be_v understand_v by_o coat_n proper_o be_v mean_v the_o inner_a garment_n &_o by_o cloak_n the_o outward_a but_o here_o the_o word_n be_v
say_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v to_o be_v love_v and_o fear_v and_o that_o we_o must_v love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o live_v well_o they_o seek_v no_o further_o and_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o wilderness_n he_o may_v see_v all_o this_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o wicked_a eye_n see_v thus_o much_o but_o we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o herewith_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o the_o life_n be_v full_a of_o darkness_n still_o and_o the_o soul_n may_v go_v to_o utter_v darkness_n with_o all_o this_o we_o therefore_o must_v remember_v to_o get_v the_o single_a eye_n else_o we_o be_v no_o scholar_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ._n indeed_o some_o plead_v that_o preacher_n can_v say_v no_o more_o in_o effect_n but_o this_o love_n god_n above_o all_o and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o but_o these_o man_n know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v blessing_n themselves_o in_o their_o ignorance_n they_o must_v know_v that_o grace_n must_v be_v put_v to_o nature_n and_o sanctify_v it_o and_o spiritual_a knowledge_n join_v with_o natural_a or_o else_o we_o remain_v with_o the_o wicked_a eye_n if_o we_o have_v no_o more_o but_o a_o general_a confuse_a knowledge_n in_o moral_a point_n that_o serve_v not_o to_o save_v we_o but_o to_o make_v we_o without_o excuse_n at_o the_o last_o day_n again_o another_o common_a fault_n worthy_a reproof_n be_v this_o that_o man_n content_v themselves_o with_o natural_a reformation_n they_o will_v grant_v that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o love_v that_o we_o must_v live_v well_o deal_v just_o and_o love_v our_o neighbour_n but_o the_o blind_a eye_n see_v thus_o much_o the_o mere_a civil_a man_n will_v go_v thus_o far_o and_o yet_o his_o life_n be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n all_o this_o reformation_n be_v but_o natural_a we_o therefore_o must_v labour_v for_o renew_a heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o reform_a liveâ—_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o howsoever_o a_o civil_a conversation_n may_v commend_v we_o unto_o man_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o save_v we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n three_o be_v this_o evil_a eye_n in_o every_o one_o by_o nature_n then_o beware_v we_o be_v salvation_n not_o wise_a in_o ourselves_o and_o from_o ourselves_o in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n herein_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v our_o wisdom_n deut._n 12._o 8._o 11._o you_o shall_v not_o do_v every_o man_n that_o which_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o â—ies_n but_o that_o which_o i_o command_v you_o far_o be_v it_o therefore_o from_o we_o to_o appoint_v to_o our_o self_n how_o we_o will_v worship_v god_n or_o how_o we_o will_v be_v save_v and_o yet_o such_o be_v our_o blind_a presumption_n that_o we_o will_v be_v our_o own_o master_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o turk_n have_v his_o religion_n the_o jew_n his_o and_o the_o papist_n his_o all_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o every_o one_o of_o these_o look_n to_o be_v save_v in_o their_o religion_n each_o one_o of_o these_o have_v a_o different_a manner_n of_o worship_v god_n and_o all_o swerve_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o their_o service_n and_o thus_o it_o go_v with_o natural_a man_n among_o uâ—_n though_o otherwise_o sufficient_o wise_a for_o worldly_a thing_n they_o resolve_v upon_o their_o own_o course_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n let_v the_o preacher_n say_v what_o he_o will_v some_o think_v if_o they_o repent_v at_o their_o end_n and_o then_o commend_v their_o soul_n to_o god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a other_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o their_o welldoing_a and_o other_o by_o their_o faith_n as_o they_o call_v it_o but_o in_o truth_n by_o their_o own_o good_a meaning_n and_o intent_n to_o live_v well_o for_o what_o faith_n have_v they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n word_n and_o promise_n thus_o by_o their_o own_o wisdom_n will_v man_n be_v save_v and_o hereby_o the_o devil_n destroy_v many_o a_o soul_n but_o let_v god_n be_v wise_a and_o every_o man_n a_o fool_n and_o let_v we_o submit_v ourselves_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n whole_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o guide_v by_o his_o write_a word_n lest_o jewish_o and_o popish_o we_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v our_o own_o conceit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n do_v plunge_v our_o soul_n into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n four_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n natural_o corrupt_a then_o must_v we_o seek_v labour_v for_o a_o better_a eye_n that_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o rely_v on_o god_n mercy_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o on_o his_o providence_n for_o all_o needful_a thing_n in_o life_n and_o death_n this_o eye_n make_v supply_v to_o that_o which_o be_v want_v to_o natural_a knowledge_n hereby_o we_o discern_v right_o of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o this_o enable_v we_o to_o see_v afar_o off_o yea_o hereby_o we_o see_v thing_n invisible_a for_o it_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v heb._n 11._o 1._o hereby_o abraham_n see_v the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v glad_a joh._n 8._o 58._o and_o all_o the_o patriarch_n see_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n afar_o off_o heb._n 11._o 13._o this_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o their_o step_n towards_o the_o heavenly_a city_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o get_v this_o faith_n that_o so_o become_v child_n of_o the_o promise_n we_o may_v be_v count_v for_o the_o seed_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o wicked_a eye_n the_o three_o kind_n of_o eye_n be_v the_o blind_a eye_n which_o be_v set_v out_o with_o the_o fruit_n eye_n thereof_o in_o these_o word_n wherefore_o if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n for_o the_o better_a discern_v of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n with_o this_o blind_a eye_n we_o must_v see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o light_n and_o also_o by_o darkness_n by_o light_n be_v mean_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o justice_n &_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n by_o nature_n now_o though_o this_o can_v be_v quite_o put_v out_o for_o the_o most_o wicked_a wretch_n and_o the_o very_a atheist_n that_o live_v have_v some_o conscience_n remain_v which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o this_o light_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v so_o bury_v and_o cover_v that_o no_o light_n shall_v appear_v nor_o any_o use_n be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o then_o be_v it_o say_v to_o be_v darkness_n which_o be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o that_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n as_o when_o a_o man_n deny_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o such_o like_a in_o these_o man_n natural_a light_n be_v become_v darkness_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o change_n in_o they_o be_v their_o corrupt_a will_n and_o rebellious_a affection_n which_o overrule_a natural_a knowledge_n and_o conscience_n cause_n man_n to_o give_v themselves_o to_o actual_a sin_n whereby_o at_o length_n they_o come_v to_o commit_v sin_n greedy_o and_o without_o remorse_n yea_o even_o against_o conscience_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o bury_v they_o both_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o they_o have_v no_o more_o use_n of_o they_o then_o if_o they_o be_v quite_o put_v out_o now_o where_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v thus_o put_v out_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v most_o etc_n palpable_a darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n that_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o that_o man_n life_n but_o brutish_a confusion_n in_o hellish_a action_n of_o pride_n covetousness_n envy_n blasphemy_n and_o unnatural_a uncleanness_n as_o rom._n 1._o 27_o 29_o etc._n etc._n the_o use._n consider_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v thus_o put_v out_o we_o vileness_n must_v hereby_o be_v admonish_v first_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o our_o own_o vileness_n for_o natural_o we_o have_v in_o we_o even_o the_o best_a of_o we_o all_o such_o rebellious_a lust_n and_o damnable_a desire_n as_o unless_o they_o be_v restrain_v or_o renew_v by_o grace_n will_v darken_v and_o as_o good_a as_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o vile_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n that_o nourish_v such_o corruption_n and_o esteem_v so_o of_o sin_n which_o will_v put_v out_o that_o light_n which_o yet_o adam_n fall_n leave_v in_o us._n second_o hereby_o we_o be_v admonish_v to_o have_v special_a care_n to_o mortify_v desire_n our_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o our_o unruly_a affection_n that_o else_o will_v extinguish_v in_o we_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o fall_n the_o
this_o i_o note_v because_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o disgrace_n with_o many_o and_o corrupt_v popish_a writer_n be_v far_o better_o account_v of_o three_o if_o any_o among_o we_o doubt_v of_o any_o point_n in_o religion_n let_v he_o do_v religion_n these_o two_o thing_n for_o his_o resolution_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n first_o let_v he_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n diligent_o not_o by_o private_a study_n only_o but_o by_o conference_n with_o the_o godly_a second_o let_v he_o in_o true_a humility_n of_o heart_n pray_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o illumination_n of_o his_o spirit_n whereby_o he_o may_v in_o mind_n right_o conceive_v of_o the_o truth_n embrace_v it_o by_o faith_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o honour_v it_o by_o obedience_n in_o his_o life_n thus_o do_v constant_o and_o in_o sincerity_n he_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v preserve_v from_o error_n both_o final_a and_o fundamental_a and_o in_o due_a time_n shall_v know_v the_o truth_n for_o the_o promise_n be_v ask_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v verse_n 12._o and_o saint_n james_n say_v if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n necessary_a for_o 5._o his_o salvation_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n use_v withal_o other_o lawful_a mean_n to_o come_v thereby_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o he_o hereto_o may_v be_v add_v this_o good_a help_n for_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n of_o doubt_v namely_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o general_a confession_n of_o reform_a church_n which_o may_v be_v have_v in_o that_o notable_a book_n the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n for_o although_o private_a man_n may_v err_v as_o also_o particular_a church_n not_o only_o several_o but_o joint_o in_o some_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o reform_a church_n may_v be_v a_o good_a direction_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o good_a persuasion_n to_o constancy_n therein_o four_o we_o must_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v the_o rule_n truth_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n for_o faith_n and_o good_a conscience_n go_v always_o together_o whereupon_o saint_n paul_n persuade_v timothy_n to_o this_o duty_n bid_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o some_o have_v put_v away_o &_o as_o concern_v faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n 1._o tim._n 1._o 19_o where_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v resemble_v to_o a_o ship_n which_o sail_v over_o the_o sea_n of_o this_o world_n be_v lade_v with_o faith_n that_o be_v with_o true_a religion_n and_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n needful_a to_o salvation_n now_o if_o the_o ship_n of_o our_o conscience_n be_v crazy_a and_o unsound_a then_o be_v our_o faith_n and_o salvation_n in_o great_a danger_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v endeavour_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v a_o clear_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n in_o instruct._n this_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o beware_v unlawful_a of_o false_a prophet_n do_v bar_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o from_o converse_v with_o false_a prophet_n after_o they_o be_v convict_v to_o be_v such_o it_o be_v eve_n fault_n to_o admit_v conference_n with_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o serpent_n and_o all_o of_o we_o feel_v the_o smart_n thereof_o at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v paul_n counsel_n to_o the_o roman_n to_o mark_v they_o diligent_o which_o cause_v 17._o division_n and_o offence_n among_o they_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v and_o to_o avoid_v they_o and_o saint_n john_n plain_o forbid_v this_o society_n with_o they_o 2._o epist._n verse_n 10._o receive_v not_o he_o to_o thy_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n that_o come_v to_o teach_v you_o and_o bring_v not_o this_o doctrine_n yea_o though_o we_o say_v paul_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n teach_v you_o otherwise_o then_o that_o which_o we_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o hold_v he_o accurse_v galat._n 1._o 8._o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v record_v that_o s._n john_n 25._o will_v not_o wash_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o bath_n wherein_o cerinthus_n a_o heretic_n be_v wash_v himself_o nor_o abide_v under_o the_o same_o roof_n but_o leap_v out_o and_o persuade_v other_o so_o to_o do_v and_o indeed_o by_o eve_n example_n we_o may_v see_v the_o danger_n of_o conference_n with_o false_a prophet_n for_o the_o same_o evil_a spirit_n speak_v in_o they_o now_o this_o show_n first_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o student_n be_v dangerous_a unlawful_a and_o against_o this_o commandment_n who_o take_v delight_n in_o popish_a commentary_n and_o postil_v ascribe_v to_o they_o more_o learning_n and_o judgement_n then_o can_v be_v sound_a in_o those_o writer_n that_o be_v the_o restorer_n of_o true_a religion_n unto_o we_o &_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o labour_v more_o in_o they_o then_o in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o or_o in_o other_o sound_a writer_n thereupon_o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o false_a prophet_n at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v the_o papist_n and_o their_o write_n be_v dangerous_a to_o be_v read_v of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v in_o the_o truth_n for_o by_o read_v we_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o familiarity_n with_o they_o and_o indeed_o many_o suck_n out_o of_o they_o at_o unaware_o much_o venom_n in_o weighty_a point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n we_o ought_v rather_o to_o do_v with_o they_o as_o the_o believer_n of_o ephesus_n do_v with_o their_o book_n of_o curious_a art_n namely_o bring_v 19_o they_o out_o and_o burn_v they_o then_o take_v such_o delight_n in_o they_o albeit_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o man_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o piety_n do_v labour_n in_o they_o second_o hence_o also_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o it_o can_v be_v but_o a_o great_a dangerous_a hindrance_n to_o true_a religion_n that_o heretical_a book_n may_v be_v public_o sell_v to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v buy_v they_o without_o due_a consideration_n whether_o the_o party_n have_v gift_n to_o discern_v of_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n they_o be_v more_o careful_a they_o permit_v not_o a_o man_n to_o read_v a_o heretic_n book_n as_o they_o call_v we_o protestant_n without_o leave_n and_o that_o under_o a_o great_a penalty_n which_o be_v severe_o inflict_v upon_o offender_n that_o way_n v._o instruct._n this_o commandment_n also_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a unlawful_a to_o grant_v to_o any_o man_n or_o to_o any_o people_n the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n permit_v they_o to_o profess_v what_o religion_n they_o will_v for_o how_o shall_v false_a prophet_n be_v avoid_v when_o every_o man_n may_v free_o profess_v what_o he_o will_v in_o religion_n all_o governor_n therefore_o must_v follow_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a king_n josias_n who_o assemble_v all_o juda_n and_o cause_v all_o his_o people_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o stand_v to_o that_o religion_n which_o the_o book_n of_o god_n make_v know_v unto_o they_o 2._o chro._n 34._o 32._o v._o doctr._n we_o have_v from_o this_o commandment_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o schism_n false_a charge_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o accuse_v we_o of_o schism_n and_o apostasy_n because_o we_o separate_v from_o their_o church_n but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o schism_n &_o apostasy_n be_v there_o where_o the_o cause_n of_o depart_v be_v which_o indeed_o be_v not_o in_o we_o who_o do_v no_o more_o herein_o but_o obey_v this_o commandment_n of_o christ_n the_o cause_n be_v in_o they_o who_o be_v become_v false_a prophet_n who_o we_o must_v avoid_v here_o yet_o two_o question_n may_v be_v demand_v i._o whether_o a_o false_a death_n prophet_n may_v be_v put_v to_o death_n see_v christ_n bid_v only_o to_o beware_v of_o they_o answ._n christ_n here_o speak_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o other_o of_o his_o auditor_n that_o be_v private_a man_n who_o duty_n reach_v no_o further_o but_o yet_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o a_o false_a prophet_n be_v judicial_o convict_v be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o word_n of_o god_n elsewhere_o be_v plain_a levit._n 24._o 14._o there_o be_v both_o a_o commandment_n and_o a_o practice_n every_o blasphemer_n must_v die_v this_o wicked_a jesabel_n know_v well_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o blasphemy_n cause_v 13._o naboth_n to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o hereupon_o the_o jew_n seek_v to_o put_v christ_n to_o death_n yea_o nabuchadnezzar_n a_o heathen_a king_n have_v but_o a_o 29._o taste_n of_o this_o that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o true_a god_n make_v this_o law_n that_o whosoever_o blaspheme_v