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 it_o be_v easy_a to_o put_v this_o out_o of_o question_n by_o several_a instance_n of_o the_o sad_a experience_n which_o christendom_n have_v have_v of_o it_o but_o the_o late_a and_o sad_a example_n hereof_o at_o home_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v all_o other_o needless_a for_o our_o conviction_n the_o rebellion_n here_o be_v support_v by_o nothing_o more_o than_o by_o difference_n about_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n that_o bring_v together_o so_o many_o people_n against_o the_o king_n and_o that_o inslame_v they_o with_o anger_n and_o resolution_n to_o venture_v all_o till_o they_o have_v secure_v the_o king_n and_o enslave_v the_o kingdom_n i_o need_v not_o say_v for_o sure_a every_o body_n must_v be_v sensible_a of_o that_o how_o diversity_n of_o religion_n weaken_v the_o government_n and_o render_v a_o people_n unable_a to_o do_v well_o for_o themselves_o to_o oppose_v foreign_a enemy_n and_o to_o use_v the_o most_o likely_a opportunity_n for_o the_o common_a safety_n and_o prosperity_n therefore_o in_o love_n to_o our_o country_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n at_o home_n and_o of_o success_n in_o all_o just_a erterprise_n abroad_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o backward_o to_o violate_v the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o unsettle_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o never_o separate_v from_o the_o establish_a communion_n till_o we_o find_v ourselves_o force_v to_o it_o by_o reason_n so_o plain_a and_o weighty_a that_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v keep_v ourselves_o honest_a man_n and_o good_a christian_n 4._o the_o set_n of_o a_o bad_a example_n to_o other_o shall_v in_o this_o case_n be_v most_o consider_v for_o if_o where_o a_o necessary_a reformation_n in_o thing_n of_o religion_n be_v make_v by_o just_a authority_n or_o a_o lawful_a separation_n make_v by_o private_a person_n from_o a_o communion_n pollute_v with_o unlawful_a condition_n it_o be_v yet_o very_o hard_o to_o keep_v the_o example_n from_o be_v abuse_v by_o other_o in_o reform_v or_o separate_n without_o any_o such_o cause_n and_o will_v still_o be_v of_o worse_a consequence_n to_o set_v a_o example_n of_o wanton_a and_o unjustifiable_a separation_n for_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contempt_n of_o authority_n order_n and_o unity_n that_o other_o will_v be_v afraid_a to_o subdivide_v into_o more_o party_n as_o self-conceit_n ambition_n or_o revenge_n or_o the_o like_a evil_a disposition_n shall_v prompt_v they_o 5._o if_o separation_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v but_o with_o very_a great_a caution_n for_o fear_v of_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n by_o a_o causeless_a and_o unlawful_a departure_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o set_v up_o other_o assembly_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o this_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v no_o less_o than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o as_o the_o scripture_n plain_o tell_v we_o he_o that_o divide_v himself_o from_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o this_o body_n divide_v himself_o from_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o therefore_o schismatic_n be_v not_o account_v by_o the_o ancient_n to_o be_v within_o the_o church_n although_o they_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o sure_o a_o man_n will_v well_o advise_v with_o himself_o about_o a_o action_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o put_v himself_o into_o that_o condition_n the_o unity_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o body_n and_o communion_n be_v institute_v by_o our_o lord_n for_o very_o great_a and_o weighty_a reason_n and_o particular_o for_o the_o secure_n of_o brotherly_a kindness_n among_o his_o disciple_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n shall_v therefore_o love_v and_o care_n for_o one_o another_o more_o than_o other_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o for_o the_o retain_v of_o professor_n within_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a life_n from_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v break_v away_o by_o any_o scandalous_a practice_n they_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o by_o the_o shame_n of_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o set_v up_o one_o communion_n in_o opposition_n to_o another_o without_o necessary_a cause_n do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o render_v this_o provision_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o charity_n and_o purity_n of_o manner_n among_o believer_n altogether_o ineffectual_a and_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o hatred_n and_o ill_a will_n and_o looseness_n of_o life_n gain_v ground_n more_o by_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n than_o by_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o no_o wonder_n since_o man_n that_o be_v of_o different_a and_o opposite_a communion_n do_v not_o use_v to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o vicious_a person_n do_v not_o value_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o true_a church_n nor_o care_n if_o for_o their_o ill_a manner_n they_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o it_o when_o they_o can_v take_v sanctuary_n in_o a_o pretend_a church_n of_o another_o communion_n that_o make_v as_o loud_a a_o claim_n to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o chruch-society_n as_o that_o church_n can_v do_v from_o which_o they_o have_v divide_v themselves_o which_o thing_n be_v consider_v we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v that_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n schism_n be_v account_v no_o less_o but_o rather_o a_o great_a fault_n than_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o persecution_n for_o though_o idolatry_n simple_o consider_v be_v in_o itself_o worse_a yet_o schism_n in_o its_o consequence_n be_v more_o pernicious_a he_o that_o be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o schism_n do_v more_o mischief_n to_o the_o church_n than_o if_o he_o turn_v a_o pagan_a or_o a_o mahometan_a the_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v this_o that_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o separate_v himself_o from_o a_o establish_a church_n it_o concern_v he_o i_o say_v as_o much_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o look_v to_o it_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o separation_n be_v just_a and_o necessary_a and_o such_o as_o will_v throw_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n upon_o that_o church_n from_o which_o he_o separate_v but_o alas_o how_o few_o be_v they_o that_o examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o have_v break_v away_o from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o many_o that_o when_o they_o be_v press_v in_o good_a earnest_n can_v say_v no_o more_o for_o themselves_o then_o that_o they_o have_v better_a preach_n and_o more_o spiritual_a pray_v elsewhere_o than_o in_o our_o parish-church_n how_o will_v they_o abuse_v our_o prayer_n and_o call_v they_o porridge_n and_o such_o other_o vile_a name_n who_o 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
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 that_o inquiry_n will_v discover_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o libertine_n and_o live_v as_o he_o list_v may_v be_v please_v when_o he_o meet_v with_o any_o pretend_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n that_o will_v excuse_v a_o wicked_a life_n or_o discourage_v virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o he_o will_v rest_v satisfy_v and_o examine_v no_o far_o but_o a_o honest_a mind_n will_v not_o let_v a_o man_n deceive_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n but_o if_o it_o do_v not_o cause_v he_o to_o reject_v such_o opinion_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o have_v well_o satisfy_v himself_o of_o their_o consequence_n it_o will_v at_o least_o keep_v he_o from_o admit_v they_o till_o he_o have_v try_v they_o every_o way_n that_o he_o can_v three_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v and_o that_o upon_o much_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o we_o live_v for_o whatever_o some_o man_n may_v think_v of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o business_n of_o so_o weighty_a a_o nature_n and_o consequence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v resolve_v upon_o or_o continue_v in_o till_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o that_o upon_o most_o plain_a and_o evident_a reason_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o case_n in_o which_o a_o christian_a ought_v not_o to_o go_v rash_o to_o work_v this_o be_v one_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o so_o many_o among_o we_o pretend_v to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n shall_v make_v so_o light_a a_o matter_n as_o they_o plain_o do_v of_o run_v into_o separate_a congregation_n it_o be_v very_o notorious_a when_o one_o discourse_n the_o point_n with_o they_o that_o they_o never_o inquire_v why_o the_o church-assembly_n be_v to_o be_v forsake_v and_o what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o establish_a form_n of_o worship_n or_o in_o the_o term_n of_o our_o communion_n that_o 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 communion_n with_o it_o and_o must_v be_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o slight_v that_o merciful_a providence_n of_o he_o through_o which_o i_o happen_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o a_o place_n where_o i_o may_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o church-communion_n without_o venture_v at_o any_o disorderly_a and_o sinful_a practice_n for_o they_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a blessing_n if_o my_o lot_n have_v be_v cast_v where_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n do_v as_o it_o be_v lie_v in_o wait_n for_o i_o where_o the_o true_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v recommend_v to_o i_o by_o public_a authority_n and_o establish_v by_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o defend_v to_o my_o hand_n by_o clear_a and_o strong_a argument_n if_o this_o be_v our_o case_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o my_o separation_n from_o she_o i_o say_v it_o again_o make_v i_o guilty_a of_o a_o stupid_a and_o ungrateful_a contempt_n of_o god_n exceed_v mercy_n in_o dispose_v my_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n so_o to_o my_o advantage_n that_o i_o be_v bear_v baptize_v and_o breed_v in_o a_o place_n where_o the_o truth_n invite_v i_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v i_o before_o i_o make_v one_o step_n towards_o a_o search_n after_o she_o indeed_o to_o be_v baptize_v within_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o to_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o to_o live_v under_o that_o authority_n which_o require_v i_o to_o keep_v close_o to_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o no_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v continue_v to_o be_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v examine_v thing_n careful_o before_o we_o leave_v it_o or_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n never_o to_o return_v to_o it_o if_o we_o have_v leave_v it_o already_o because_o if_o there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o separation_n we_o shall_v have_v the_o more_o to_o answer_v to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n to_o neglect_v search_v after_o the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o concern_v even_o when_o it_o lie_v a_o great_a way_n off_o from_o a_o man_n but_o it_o be_v much_o more_o inexcusable_a to_o reject_v it_o when_o it_o lie_v at_o our_o door_n 2._o i_o have_v need_n be_v very_o careful_a and_o impartial_a in_o this_o case_n since_o if_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o i_o separate_v be_v not_o real_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a i_o be_o at_o once_o guilty_a of_o throw_v off_o that_o subordination_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o christian_a profession_n require_v and_o of_o contemn_v the_o lawful_a command_n of_o my_o superior_n in_o the_o state_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o oblige_v i_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o ordinance_n i_o shall_v not_o easy_o be_v
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 our_o own_o satisfaction_n about_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o want_n of_o argument_n by_o which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o persuasion_n to_o other_o for_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o rule_n must_v be_v common_a to_o i_o and_o to_o other_o man_n who_o i_o will_v also_o guide_v so_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o truth_n to_o which_o i_o have_v attain_v and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o reason_n which_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n to_o all_o man_n 2._o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n to_o all_o christian_n 3._o antiquity_n or_o the_o uniform_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n to_o those_o who_o be_v verse_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n the_o two_o former_a rule_n be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o necessary_a and_o 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 they_o prove_v by_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o by_o these_o fundamental_a truth_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n else_o and_o if_o there_o be_v none_o such_o we_o can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o that_o nothing_o can_v make_v itself_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o common_a sense_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v that_o god_n be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a that_o the_o good_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o evil_a to_o be_v refuse_v and_o that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a and_o the_o like_a now_o whatever_o be_v by_o true_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o such_o principle_n be_v thereby_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v repugnant_a to_o they_o or_o can_v be_v disprove_v by_o they_o be_v false_a they_o be_v the_o forementioned_a proposition_n with_o other_o as_o self-evident_a as_o they_o which_o make_v up_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o 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
in_o search_v for_o truth_n we_o must_v implore_v his_o help_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o word_n be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o who_o spirit_n be_v the_o guide_n into_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o from_o every_o thing_n which_o obstruct_v a_o right_a understanding_n if_o we_o lack_v wisdom_n we_o must_v ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o now_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o all_o that_o read_v these_o paper_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v to_o the_o unspeakable_a advantage_n of_o god_n church_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o all_o that_o profess_v christianity_n have_v inquire_v into_o the_o controversy_n of_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o with_o these_o disposition_n that_o i_o have_v recommend_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v the_o more_o earnest_o desire_v they_o to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o breast_n and_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o ask_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v in_o this_o manner_n seek_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n with_o a_o mind_n thus_o prepare_v with_o impartiality_n and_o diligence_n and_o constant_a prayer_n for_o god_n blessing_n and_o direction_n §_o 8._o iv._o my_o next_o business_n be_v to_o offer_v some_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v our_o people_n to_o a_o honest_a and_o impartial_a trial_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n this_o indeed_o can_v be_v do_v by_o all_o with_o equal_a advantage_n because_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n ability_n but_o something_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o all_o and_o every_o one_o be_v to_o do_v what_o he_o can_v and_o god_n expect_v no_o more_o if_o we_o choose_v a_o way_n of_o religion_n at_o random_n or_o without_o honest_a care_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o delusion_n because_o there_o be_v false_a religion_n and_o damnable_a error_n in_o the_o 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not_o resolve_v to_o try_v before_o we_o trust_v nay_o if_o we_o be_v secure_a from_o impostor_n yet_o because_o no_o man_n be_v infallible_a we_o shall_v not_o surrender_v up_o our_o belief_n whole_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n but_o judge_n of_o his_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v because_o there_o can_v be_v a_o strong_a ground_n for_o our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n than_o that_o god_n have_v say_v it_o we_o be_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a how_o we_o receive_v a_o opinion_n for_o which_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v multiply_v one_o upon_o another_o i._n e._n we_o must_v see_v whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o prove_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n for_o otherwise_o we_o may_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n be_v the_o more_o fasten_v in_o some_o dangerous_a error_n we_o be_v expose_v to_o manifest_a hazard_n if_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v a_o man_n for_o bring_v much_o scripture_n to_o serve_v his_o purpose_n but_o not_o to_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o see_v whether_o those_o passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n be_v pertinent_o apply_v or_o not_o to_o this_o i_o must_v add_v that_o the_o error_n we_o may_v fall_v into_o for_o want_v of_o enquiry_n and_o examination_n may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n some_o there_o be_v that_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o their_o way_n they_o may_v wrest_v they_o to_o we_o too_o we_o may_v inconsiderate_o take_v up_o principle_n that_o will_v by_o degree_n debauch_v our_o conscience_n and_o reconcile_v we_o to_o wicked_a practice_n and_o in_o many_o instance_n eat_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n sin_n and_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n by_o consider_v thing_n as_o impartial_o and_o judicious_o as_o we_o can_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v secure_a from_o run_v into_o great_a error_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o true_a religion_n will_v become_v more_o plain_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o they_o which_o will_v reward_v our_o endeavour_n with_o great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o next_o to_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n gain_v by_o do_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n more_o pure_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n than_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o a_o improve_a knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o have_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o persuasion_n we_o shall_v adhere_v more_o steadfast_o to_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o not_o be_v easy_o unsettle_a by_o the_o sophistry_n or_o the_o confidence_n of_o ill_a man_n be_v prepare_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sound_a reason_n in_o the_o former_a and_o no_o just_a cause_n for_o the_o latter_a and_o when_o seducer_n perceive_v that_o we_o have_v inquire_v too_o far_o into_o thing_n to_o be_v bear_v down_o with_o peremptoriness_n or_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o colour_n they_o will_v be_v discourage_v from_o attempt_v to_o draw_v we_o into_o their_o net_n moreover_o it_o will_v be_v no_o little_a satisfaction_n to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v all_o along_o take_v due_a pain_n to_o inform_v ourselves_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o viz._n those_o which_o regard_v our_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o that_o the_o error_n into_o which_o we_o may_v have_v fall_v be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o want_v of_o honest_a diligence_n in_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n but_o only_o to_o humane_a infirmity_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o can_v have_v the_o conscience_n of_o sincerity_n upon_o good_a ground_n if_o we_o do_v not_o with_o diligence_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o know_v all_o our_o duty_n and_o consequent_o all_o that_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o or_o which_o lead_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o one_o character_n of_o that_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n which_o our_o saviour_n compare_v to_o the_o good_a ground_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o pharisee_n do_v not_o understand_v be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n who_o lust_n they_o do_v one_o reason_n why_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n permit_v imposture_n and_o error_n to_o go_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o world_n be_v because_o this_o serve_v to_o make_v a_o more_o evident_a difference_n between_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o for_o in_o these_o circumstance_n good_a man_n will_v take_v the_o more_o pain_n to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n while_o the_o insincere_a either_o take_v up_o that_o profession_n which_o serve_v best_a for_o their_o worldly_a end_n or_o take_v occasion_n by_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n about_o religion_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n itself_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o say_v st._n paul_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o by_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n qualify_v ourselves_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n and_o show_v that_o we_o be_v dispose_v heavenwards_o and_o desirous_a of_o that_o infinitely-bet_a state_n of_o thing_n where_o darkness_n and_o error_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o for_o one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reward_n promise_v in_o a_o better_a life_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v divine_a thing_n more_o perfect_o there_o than_o we_o can_v do_v in_o this_o world_n but_o this_o can_v be_v