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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n church_n communion_n separation_n 2,767 5 10.7643 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A69762 A perswasive to an ingenuous tryal of opinions in religion Clagett, Nicholas, 1654-1727. 1685 (1685) Wing C4370; ESTC R927 37,500 66

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pretend_v to_o great_a thing_n in_o teach_v religion_n but_o then_o i_o shall_v be_v something_o forward_o to_o give_v he_o a_o trial_n too_o for_o otherwise_o i_o may_v encourage_v a_o very_a impudent_a hypocrite_n to_o be_v more_o impudent_a still_o and_o to_o play_v upon_o my_o easiness_n till_o i_o have_v swallow_v all_o the_o foolish_a and_o damnable_a opinion_n which_o he_o will_v have_v i_o believe_v for_o his_o own_o advantage_n second_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o doctrine_n that_o seem_v to_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o morality_n and_o good_a live_n we_o be_v to_o examine_v they_o too_o before_o we_o yield_v our_o assent_n though_o they_o be_v recommend_v by_o man_n of_o name_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o end_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v suspect_v that_o to_o be_v false_a doctrine_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n either_o take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n or_o discourage_v man_n from_o endeavour_v to_o attain_v they_o for_o instance_n i_o find_v this_o doctrine_n maintain_v by_o some_o man_n of_o great_a note_n that_o god_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n absolute_o choose_v some_o man_n to_o salvation_n and_o reprobate_v the_o rest_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o personal_a qualification_n now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a i_o can_v see_v for_o my_o life_n how_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o avoid_n of_o damnation_n depend_v upon_o any_o care_n of_o i_o or_o upon_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v do_v since_o every_o man_n state_n be_v absolute_o overrule_v by_o predestination_n and_o a_o irreversible_a decree_n so_o that_o let_v i_o do_v what_o i_o please_v all_o that_o i_o can_v do_v for_o another_o world_n will_v be_v but_o lose_v labour_n and_o may_v as_o well_o be_v spare_v but_o if_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o this_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o i_o shall_v not_o rely_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o author_n or_o of_o the_o preacher_n for_o so_o perilous_a a_o doctrine_n but_o because_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o nine_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o apostle_n myself_o and_o careful_o inquire_v into_o his_o meaning_n in_o that_o place_n by_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n that_o i_o can_v learn_v and_o whoever_o go_v thus_o impartial_o to_o work_v will_v find_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o place_n be_v discourse_v of_o another_o question_n and_o indeed_o upon_o a_o subject_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o this_o question_n of_o absolute_a election_n or_o reprobation_n of_o the_o person_n of_o man_n and_o that_o though_o the_o word_n sound_v that_o way_n to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v already_o prepossess_v yet_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n suspicion_n of_o doctrine_n when_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o so_o good_a a_o reason_n as_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o shall_v cause_v inquiry_n and_o then_o 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make_v it_o needful_a for_o a_o honest_a and_o wise_a christian_n to_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o little_a consequence_n for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v apply_v themselves_o with_o more_o diligence_n to_o weigh_v it_o in_o all_o the_o particular_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o reason_n in_o behalf_n of_o such_o inconsiderate_a people_n to_o convince_v they_o how_o bold_a and_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n of_o england_n unless_o they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v upon_o mature_a examination_n that_o there_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n for_o separation_n such_o namely_o as_o will_v make_v they_o sinner_n against_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o separate_v 1._o if_o without_o just_a cause_n i_o separate_v from_o this_o church_n i_o do_v wilful_o reject_v the_o great_a blessing_n and_o advantage_n of_o 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lead_v to_o a_o practice_n where_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o such_o a_o complicate_v sin_n 3._o i_o be_o to_o consider_v that_o difference_n in_o religion_n and_o worship_n do_v dangerous_o affect_v the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n and_o all_o other_o society_n especial_o where_o the_o interest_n of_o church_n and_o state_n be_v so_o mix_v and_o interweave_v together_o as_o they_o be_v in_o england_n they_o that_o agree_v in_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o to_o agree_v together_o in_o other_o thing_n but_o it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o they_o maintain_v hearty_a correspondence_n in_o any_o thing_n who_o be_v of_o opposite_a communion_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n when_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v break_v there_o be_v a_o foundation_n lay_v of_o those_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o animosity_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n end_v in_o violence_n and_o bloodshed_n very_o often_o to_o the_o dissolation_n of_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n 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never_o in_o all_o their_o life_n so_o much_o as_o read_v they_o and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o that_o they_o have_v not_o they_o call_v the_o bishop_n antichristian_a and_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a who_o yet_o never_o well_o consider_v what_o antichrist_n mean_v what_o be_v idolatry_n or_o superstition_n who_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o say_v if_o they_o be_v ask_v what_o evil_n be_v in_o bishop_n in_o liturgy_n and_o in_o the_o rite_n of_o our_o worship_n how_o many_o other_o be_v there_o who_o read_v the_o book_n write_v to_o defend_v the_o separation_n but_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v so_o much_o as_o to_o look_v upon_o any_o one_o that_o be_v publish_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n god_n of_o his_o mercy_n give_v a_o better_a spirit_n to_o such_o people_n and_o repentance_n to_o those_o that_o
a_o persuasive_a to_o a_o ingenuous_a trial_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n london_n print_v for_o tho._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n near_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1685._o a_o persuasive_a to_o a_o ingenuous_a trial_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n §_o 1._o the_o great_a reason_n why_o they_o be_v few_o in_o comparison_n who_o come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o a_o wellgrounded_n persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o many_o who_o make_v a_o due_a inquiry_n into_o they_o be_v this_o do_v more_o general_o there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o ignorance_n and_o error_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o sect_n as_o there_o be_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o fail_v of_o know_v the_o truth_n for_o want_v of_o due_a endeavour_n to_o find_v it_o out_o some_o there_o be_v who_o want_n ability_n or_o opportunity_n to_o inquire_v other_o who_o want_v neither_o do_v utter_o neglect_v it_o and_o will_v not_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o it_o at_o all_o a_o three_o sort_n make_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a search_n after_o truth_n and_o so_o all_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n in_o thing_n of_o moment_n that_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v attribute_v either_o to_o want_v of_o power_n and_o mean_n to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n or_o to_o unwillingness_n and_o perfect_a negligence_n where_o it_o may_v be_v seek_v and_o attain_v to_o or_o to_o laziness_n inactivity_n and_o partiality_n in_o seek_v it_o to_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o reckon_v idiot_n who_o want_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n wherewith_o to_o judge_v but_o those_o also_o that_o have_v the_o same_o common_a natural_a gift_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o other_o be_v yet_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n keep_v almost_o invincible_o ignorant_a have_v very_o little_a or_o no_o occasion_n give_v they_o to_o inquire_v into_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v know_v they_o better_o and_o thousand_o who_o sit_v in_o pagan_a or_o mahometan_a or_o popish_a darkness_n be_v thus_o detain_v in_o gross_a error_n and_o remediless_a ignorance_n as_o the_o case_n at_o present_a stand_v with_o they_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n who_o live_v in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o place_n as_o put_v no_o man_n under_o circumstance_n of_o incurable_a ignorance_n as_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v plentiful_a mean_n and_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o be_v better_o inform_v but_o utter_o neglect_v to_o use_v they_o they_o be_v either_o such_o who_o remain_v under_o the_o power_n of_o those_o false_a principle_n which_o be_v instill_v into_o they_o in_o their_o education_n or_o who_o blind_o follow_v err_a guide_n who_o person_n they_o have_v in_o admiration_n resolve_v never_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n concern_v those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n wise_o and_o safe_o take_v upon_o trust_n it_o happen_v likewise_o very_a often_o that_o man_n be_v lead_v away_o by_o lofty_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o extravagant_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o themselves_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o attempt_v such_o a_o ingenuous_a examination_n of_o thing_n as_o imply_v a_o possibility_n of_o their_o be_v deceive_v but_o i_o believe_v they_o be_v more_o who_o take_v up_o opinion_n and_o engage_v in_o party_n for_o worldly_a end_n and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o these_o of_o all_o other_o be_v far_a from_o inquire_v &_o conviction_n because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a uneasiness_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n to_o find_v himself_o mistake_v in_o those_o opinion_n which_o be_v for_o his_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n in_o this_o world_n and_o most_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n strengthen_v all_o these_o cause_n of_o obstinacy_n in_o neglect_v to_o inquire_v man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o quit_v the_o persuasion_n they_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n entertain_v but_o have_v rather_o keep_v where_o they_o be_v without_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o begin_v all_o anew_o and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v all_o along_o deceive_v and_o where_o most_o of_o these_o obstruction_n meet_v together_o as_o they_o often_o do_v in_o the_o same_o person_n if_o he_o be_v not_o succour_v mighty_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n his_o mind_n be_v bar_v up_o for_o ever_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n a_o three_o sort_n miss_v of_o the_o truth_n not_o that_o they_o make_v no_o inquiry_n but_o because_o they_o do_v this_o very_o imperfect_o and_o superficial_o and_o that_o either_o through_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o take_v that_o pain_n and_o care_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n or_o through_o partiality_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o examine_v and_o 〈◊〉_d only_o or_o chiesly_a what_o be_v offer_v in_o favour_n of_o their_o own_o side_n and_o make_v it_o the_o great_a end_n of_o their_o search_n not_o to_o follow_v what_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a upon_o inquiry_n but_o to_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o present_a persuasion_n and_o because_o diligence_n and_o honesty_n be_v very_o necessary_a disposition_n in_o order_n to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n in_o religion_n no_o wonder_n that_o they_o who_o inquire_v without_o these_o advantage_n be_v rather_o harden_v in_o error_n than_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n now_o these_o be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n and_o since_o they_o all_o centre_n in_o want_n of_o due_a inquiry_n i_o shall_v set_v myself_o to_o excite_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o be_v not_o make_v incapable_a by_o natural_a weakness_n of_o understanding_n to_o prove_v and_o examine_v thing_n which_o concern_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o christian_n with_o that_o diligence_n and_o ingenuity_n which_o become_v reasonable_a creature_n and_o though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a task_n that_o i_o be_o undertake_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a interest_n of_o man_n which_o i_o must_v encounter_v yet_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o advice_n can_v be_v more_o rational_a than_o this_o that_o we_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o use_v our_o reason_n which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o lay_v up_o the_o common_a talon_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o a_o napkin_n for_o god_n have_v endue_v we_o with_o faculty_n whereby_o we_o can_v discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o moreover_o with_o a_o natural_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o the_o use_n of_o these_o faculty_n be_v inexcusable_o neglect_v and_o this_o desire_n be_v foul_o corrupt_v and_o debase_v if_o we_o be_v easy_o impose_v upon_o in_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n god_n in_o our_o creation_n have_v enable_v and_o incline_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o therefore_o to_o neglect_v this_o be_v to_o abuse_v the_o first_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o to_o sin_n against_o nature_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v every_o man_n care_n to_o find_v out_o that_o truth_n which_o concern_v religion_n and_o another_o life_n 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v every_o man_n great_a interest_n we_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d most_o diligence_n there_o where_o to_o be_v deceive_v be_v of_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o plausible_a pretence_n against_o a_o due_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v prepare_v my_o way_n by_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o lie_v against_o it_o and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o three_o question_n 1._o whether_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o private_a man_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o use_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n 2._o whether_o a_o general_a liberty_n of_o examine_v and_o judge_v in_o those_o thing_n do_v mischief_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n 3._o whether_o if_o every_o one_o have_v a_o just_a right_o to_o examine_v for_o himself_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a reason_n for_o toleration_n or_o the_o universal_a liberty_n of_o practise_v according_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n or_o persuasion_n after_o examination_n §_o 2._o 1._o whether_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o private_a man_n to_o allow_v they_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n now_o to_o leave_v man_n whole_o to_o themselves_o
yield_v more_o easy_o to_o the_o antecedent_n argument_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o church_n but_o if_o the_o doctrine_n for_o which_o she_o vouch_v this_o authority_n do_v upon_o the_o most_o impartial_a trial_n that_o i_o can_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v worldly_a unscriptural_a or_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n then_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o pretence_n more_o severe_o than_o in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o such_o doctrine_n may_v be_v teach_v by_o man_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n or_o infallibility_n which_o will_v justify_v a_o man_n in_o reject_v that_o pretence_n out_o of_o hand_n and_o trouble_v himself_o no_o more_o about_o it_o if_o a_o physician_n of_o never_o so_o great_a name_n shall_v tell_v i_o that_o he_o will_v infallible_o cure_v my_o disease_n and_o then_o prescribe_v a_o dose_n of_o arsenic_n i_o think_v reason_n will_v advise_v rather_o to_o question_v his_o infallibility_n because_o he_o go_v thus_o mad_o to_o work_v than_o to_o take_v his_o poison_n because_o he_o promise_v a_o infallible_a cure_n now_o if_o i_o be_o not_o to_o do_v violence_n to_o my_o own_o understanding_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v my_o bodily_a health_n much_o less_o shall_v i_o do_v the_o same_o in_o thing_n that_o regard_v my_o everlasting_a state_n and_o they_o be_v a_o strange_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o will_v allow_v people_n the_o liberty_n of_o use_v their_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v for_o the_o security_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n but_o will_v have_v they_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o religion_n and_o eternity_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o to_o judge_v aright_o and_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v our_o high_a concernment_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o we_o have_v reason_n and_o be_v creature_n of_o judgement_n and_o choice_n and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o a_o man_n to_o walk_v abroad_o with_o his_o eye_n open_a as_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o he_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o judge_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o not_o §_o 2._o if_o we_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o answer_v the_o second_o question_n 2._o whether_o a_o liberty_n of_o examine_v and_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v mischief_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o to_o affirm_v this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v much_o better_o in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o prevail_a of_o truth_n that_o man_n have_v be_v near_o to_o stock_n and_o stone_n than_o endue_v with_o natural_a ability_n of_o judge_v and_o natural_a propension_n to_o use_v those_o ability_n which_o i_o think_v will_v be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o maker_n for_o certain_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o man_n to_o have_v want_v the_o faculty_n of_o judge_v and_o prove_v if_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v against_o her_o interest_n for_o man_n to_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o use_v their_o reason_n about_o it_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o examination_n and_o judgement_n in_o order_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o cause_v heresy_n and_o schism_n but_o the_o not_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o this_o liberty_n i._n e._n mens_fw-la enter_v upon_o this_o work_n with_o pride_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n their_o want_n of_o care_n and_o diligence_n and_o of_o prove_v thing_n sufficient_o their_o take_v up_o opinion_n without_o reasonable_a examination_n and_o then_o seek_v for_o pretence_n to_o colour_v their_o obstinacy_n the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n be_v against_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n but_o not_o the_o use_n of_o that_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o divine_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o restrain_v and_o govern_v our_o inferior_a faculty_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o if_o few_o or_o none_o trouble_v themselves_o at_o all_o to_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o heresy_n but_o it_o be_v true_a too_o that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n at_o all_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o heresy_n and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v heresy_n in_o religion_n but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o reason_n or_o religion_n be_v therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o heresy_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o say_v this_o as_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o use_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o heresy_n these_o thing_n be_v too_o gross_a to_o need_v a_o confutation_n and_o yet_o this_o pretence_n against_o the_o liberty_n of_o prove_v what_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o in_o religion_n be_v intend_v chief_o against_o private_a and_o ordinary_a person_n but_o not_o against_o the_o public_a guide_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o in_o truth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o it_o hold_v more_o strong_o against_o these_o than_o against_o the_o other_o and_o that_o because_o the_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n that_o ever_o come_v into_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n and_o if_o this_o pretence_n be_v good_a they_o of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v forbid_v to_o inquire_v into_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o if_o they_o fall_v into_o any_o dangerous_a mistake_n their_o authority_n be_v likely_a to_o give_v reputation_n to_o it_o and_o to_o make_v it_o go_v down_o more_o easy_o with_o the_o common_a people_n than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v start_v by_o one_o of_o themselves_o so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o lay_v the_o heresy_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o liberty_n we_o have_v be_v contend_v for_o unless_o we_o will_v be_v content_a to_o exclude_v all_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o prove_v what_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o 〈◊〉_d and_o no_o man_n can_v think_v this_o reasonable_a unless_o he_o 〈◊〉_d all_o religion_n to_o be_v equal_o true_a that_o be_v every_o one_o to_o be_v alike_o false_a and_o he_o that_o believe_v this_o need_v not_o care_v what_o heresy_n he_o be_v of_o §_o 3._o 3._o but_o if_o every_o man_n have_v a_o just_a liberty_n and_o right_a to_o examine_v for_o himself_o be_v not_o this_o a_o good_a reason_n for_o toleration_n or_o for_o the_o universal_a liberty_n of_o practise_v according_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n or_o persuasion_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v liberty_n of_o enquiry_n if_o after_o all_o i_o must_v be_v conclude_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o my_o superior_n or_o else_o suffer_v under_o those_o law_n by_o which_o they_o provide_v for_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o every_o man_n right_a and_o duty_n to_o judge_v for_o himself_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o good_a reason_n for_o toleration_n unless_o it_o be_v also_o apparent_a that_o every_o man_n use_v that_o right_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v i._n e._n with_o industry_n deliberation_n and_o impartiality_n if_o all_o man_n be_v sincere_a and_o will_v examine_v without_o prejudice_n without_o that_o bias_n to_o one_o side_n which_o be_v make_v by_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n if_o they_o all_o intend_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v do_v their_o duty_n then_o doubtless_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a that_o all_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o undisturbed_a liberty_n of_o practice_n according_a to_o their_o judgement_n for_o than_o no_o man_n will_v err_v in_o thing_n plain_a and_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n for_o our_o lord_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n but_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v that_o hypocrisy_n in_o the_o world_n whereof_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o so_o long_o as_o all_o those_o vice_n also_o reign_v which_o insensible_o corrupt_v the_o judgement_n and_o make_v man_n disloyal_a to_o the_o truth_n
have_v mislead_v they_o four_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o believe_v those_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n who_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n by_o fair_a way_n of_o trial_n and_o will_v affright_v we_o into_o a_o implicit_a faith_n by_o pronounce_v damnation_n against_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o way_n if_o man_n use_v violence_n or_o subtlety_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o a_o bad_a cause_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o trial_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o this_o reach_v the_o roman_a church_n which_o forbid_v the_o laity_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n unless_o some_o one_o layman_n have_v that_o special_a favour_n grant_v he_o of_o leave_n so_o to_o do_v from_o his_o ordinary_n who_o common_o be_v wise_a enough_o not_o to_o give_v this_o licence_n but_o where_o he_o be_v sure_a the_o party_n be_v fast_o enough_o 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the_o people_n from_o harken_v to_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v say_v to_o they_o and_o to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o conclude_v against_o we_o without_o think_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v offer_v on_o both_o side_n they_o that_o have_v a_o good_a cause_n need_v not_o use_v those_o disingenuous_a art_n they_o will_v not_o fright_v man_n from_o consider_v what_o their_o adversary_n say_v by_o denounce_v damnation_n against_o they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v their_o book_n but_o rather_o encourage_v they_o to_o do_v so_o that_o they_o may_v see_v the_o difference_n between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o reason_n and_o sophistry_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v this_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n apparent_o discernible_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o this_o church_n both_o to_o their_o friend_n and_o enemy_n they_o desire_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o consider_v impartial_o what_o be_v say_v for_o we_o and_o against_o we_o and_o whatever_o guide_v of_o a_o party_n do_v otherwise_o they_o give_v just_a cause_n to_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o to_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o have_v they_o examine_v it_o be_v a_o bad_a sign_n when_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o have_v their_o opinion_n see_v in_o the_o day_n but_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v thus_o i_o have_v show_v in_o what_o case_n we_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o undertake_v to_o inftruct_v and_o guide_v we_o §_o 5._o ii_o because_o the_o duty_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n suppose_v certain_a rule_n and_o test_n by_o which_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v i_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v now_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o try_v doctrine_n for_o 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we_o be_v safe_a if_o our_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n will_v bear_v the_o test_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o withal_o those_o rule_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n for_o every_o man_n use_n among_o we_o but_o the_o last_o rule_n be_v also_o of_o good_a use_n to_o those_o that_o can_v use_v it_o for_o their_o own_o confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a but_o more_o particular_o 1._o by_o reason_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o faculty_n by_o which_o we_o be_v man_n and_o can_v compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o and_o argue_v and_o conclude_v etc._n etc._n for_o this_o be_v that_o natural_a power_n by_o which_o we_o use_v any_o kind_n of_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n but_o i_o understand_v by_o it_o those_o common_a truth_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o which_o we_o give_v a_o ready_a assent_n without_o any_o need_n of_o have_v 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reason_n and_o i_o mention_v this_o rule_n in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o it_o must_v be_v presuppose_v to_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o inquire_v after_o truth_n and_o without_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deduce_v from_o mere_a natural_a reason_n but_o depend_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o a_o rational_a act_n and_o rely_v upon_o this_o natural_a principle_n that_o god_n can_v lie_v wherefore_o they_o that_o cry_v down_o reason_n as_o if_o it_o be_v at_o no_o hand_n to_o be_v trust_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o call_v it_o carnal_a blind_a and_o foolish_a reason_n and_o suchlike_a vile_a name_n if_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n they_o be_v incapable_a of_o search_v after_o truth_n themselves_o and_o of_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n from_o other_o while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o humour_n i_o may_v as_o well_o take_v a_o beast_n to_o dispute_v with_o as_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v they_o and_o if_o all_o man_n be_v thus_o senseless_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v serviceable_a to_o instruct_v one_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o to_o abandon_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o scorn_v a_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v consistent_o and_o argue_v clear_o from_o common_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v such_o a_o wretched_a sort_n of_o unmanliness_n that_o i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n take_v up_o in_o design_n by_o those_o man_n that_o have_v bring_v nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n and_o absurd_a opinion_n into_o religion_n which_o no_o man_n can_v admit_v without_o do_v violence_n to_o his_o own_o
their_o opinion_n who_o person_n they_o admire_v and_o most_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o not_o to_o hear_v with_o any_o patience_n a_o argument_n against_o they_o such_o a_o precious_a man_n say_v this_o or_o that_o and_o therefore_o no_o body_n must_v say_v otherwise_o but_o it_o be_v at_o once_o disingenuous_a and_o silly_a to_o entertain_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o any_o man_n as_o to_o take_v all_o that_o he_o say_v for_o gospel_n for_o the_o best_a man_n be_v fallible_a and_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o hypocrite_n to_o make_v himself_o pass_v for_o a_o saint_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o ordinary_a people_n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v be_v lead_v into_o great_a error_n who_o judgement_n be_v captivate_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o prejudice_n which_o arise_v from_o conceive_v hard_a thing_n of_o man_n person_n which_o a_o ingenuous_a man_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n yield_v to_o but_o will_v consider_v what_o another_o say_v though_o he_o do_v not_o 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that_o when_o they_o be_v get_v together_o they_o hear_v the_o rite_n and_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n scoff_v at_o and_o call_v by_o vile_a name_n but_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o the_o least_o ingenuity_n to_o run_v away_o with_o prejudice_n against_o thing_n that_o be_v abuse_v and_o laugh_v at_o without_o examine_v whether_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o it_o sincerity_n be_v oppose_v to_o those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o arise_v from_o vicious_a affection_n and_o worldly_a interest_n and_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o vehement_a desire_n to_o know_v it_o for_o that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a preparation_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n because_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o the_o pervert_n of_o man_n judgement_n by_o the_o inordinacy_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o serve_v of_o a_o corrupt_a interest_n the_o love_n of_o any_o vice_n make_v a_o man_n partial_a and_o insincere_a in_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n by_o which_o he_o stand_v condemn_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v uneasy_a to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o interest_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o fool_n say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o worldly_a interest_n of_o man_n do_v strange_o bias_n and_o fashion_n their_o judgement_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n never_o enough_o to_o be_v admire_v that_o so_o many_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o those_o pitiful_a ground_n upon_o which_o they_o maintain_v the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n the_o doctrine_n of_o purgatory_n the_o half_a communion_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o like_a but_o that_o those_o thing_n do_v notorious_o serve_v the_o wealth_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o go_v to_o a_o conventicle_n for_o the_o get_n of_o a_o rich_a fortune_n or_o the_o better_n of_o a_o man_n trade_n a_o little_a enquiry_n will_v for_o the_o most_o part_n serve_v his_o turn_n and_o satisfy_v he_o that_o the_o separation_n be_v lawful_a and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v just_a a_o man_n ought_v to_o set_v aside_o all_o consideration_n of_o his_o worldly_a interest_n and_o to_o propound_v eternal_a life_n to_o himself_o as_o the_o end_n of_o his_o inquiry_n when_o he_o labour_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n the_o affectation_n of_o popularity_n and_o the_o love_n of_o praise_n and_o flattery_n can_v consist_v with_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v very_o often_o hinder_v the_o attainment_n of_o it_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o check_v their_o vainglorious_a end_n and_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n how_o can_v you_o believe_v in_o i_o that_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o that_o honour_n which_o come_v of_o god_n only_o the_o wise_a man_n exhort_v we_o to_o buy_v the_o truth_n intimate_v thereby_o that_o we_o must_v quit_v all_o our_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n and_o our_o carnal_a interest_n in_o prosecute_a of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n we_o must_v be_v in_o mind_n prepare_v to_o believe_v all_o truth_n by_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n let_v what_o will_v come_v of_o it_o in_o this_o world_n have_v our_o heart_n evermore_o fix_v upon_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o the_o best_a knowledge_n than_o vastness_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n where_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o prepare_v there_o will_v be_v little_a need_n to_o press_v the_o two_o remain_a disposition_n whereof_o the_o former_a be_v 2._o competent_a diligence_n error_n be_v sometime_o make_v to_o look_v so_o like_o the_o truth_n that_o a_o superficial_a examination_n will_v not_o serve_v to_o distinguish_v one_o from_o the_o other_o sometime_o the_o 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