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most_o honourable_o explain_v and_o state_n the_o divine_a philanthropy_n in_o the_o great_a act_n of_o redemption_n perform_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o most_o intelligent_o and_o consistent_o explain_v the_o three_o great_a office_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o fortify_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o endeavour_v after_o salvation_n by_o all_o these_o again_o which_o of_o the_o two_o do_v most_o solid_o evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o lay_v the_o more_o firm_a and_o assure_a foundation_n upon_o which_o to_o superstruct_v that_o necessity_n which_o do_v add_v the_o most_o press_a argument_n and_o motive_n and_o most_o rational_o excite_v the_o endeavour_n of_o man_n after_o it_o and_o last_o which_o do_v more_o lively_o encourage_v and_o animate_v those_o endeavour_n with_o assurance_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o aid_n to_o help_v the_o infirmity_n and_o supply_v the_o imperfection_n of_o they_o and_o by_o this_o may_v all_o the_o antinomian_a error_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v but_o the_o tenet_n of_o the_o old_a gnostic_n new_o revive_v and_o all_o such_o wild_a opinion_n about_o faith_n and_o justification_n by_o it_o etc._n etc._n be_v clear_o discern_v and_o judge_v too_o and_o to_o conclude_v whatever_o doctrine_n fail_v in_o state_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o very_o necessary_a to_o encourage_v and_o help_v man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o goodness_n may_v safe_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o issue_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n i_o content_v myself_o sir_n only_o to_o give_v short_a touch_n on_o all_o these_o rule_n and_o to_o say_v only_o so_o much_o as_o may_v make_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o attend_v to_o they_o to_o appear_v after_o which_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v add_v will_v appear_v tedious_a and_o i_o think_v it_o not_o good_a manner_n to_o be_v burdensome_a to_o any_o chap._n x._o some_o inference_n make_v from_o this_o collection_n particular_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o may_v challenge_v any_o sect_n at_o this_o day_n to_o join_v issue_n upon_o this_o principle_n have_v now_o give_v all_o needful_a assurance_n to_o this_o truth_n and_o prescribe_v the_o right_a and_o safe_a management_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o make_v a_o inference_n or_o two_o from_o it_o before_o i_o put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o discourse_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a by_o attend_v to_o this_o rule_n to_o put_v a_o speedy_a end_n and_o issue_n to_o all_o dispute_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v no_o rule_n we_o can_v proceed_v by_o so_o probable_a to_o do_v this_o with_o effect_n as_o this_o be_v nor_o any_o thing_n by_o which_o private_a christian_n may_v so_o successful_o secure_v themselves_o from_o
piety_n the_o best_a rule_n of_o orthodoxy_n or_o a_o essay_n upon_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o conduciveness_n of_o doctrine_n to_o holiness_n or_o vice_n be_v the_o best_a rule_n for_o private_a christian_n to_o judge_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o they_o by_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o his_o honour_a friend_n h._n m._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n clem._n alexand._n by_o hen._n hesketh_n vicar_n of_o s._n helen_n and_o chaplain_n to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n 1680._o the_o content_n the_o introduction_n chap._n i._n the_o great_a need_n of_o every_o christian_n take_v heed_n of_o error_n the_o difficulty_n in_o our_o present_a circumstance_n of_o do_v so_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o charity_n that_o endeavour_v to_o assist_v man_n in_o order_n thereto_o the_o pitch_v upon_o a_o rule_n whereby_o every_o man_n may_v do_v this_o from_o that_o place_n of_o s._n john_n 1_o john_n 4.6_o chap._n ii_o the_o collection_n draw_v from_o the_o precede_a text_n that_o piety_n be_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o orthodoxy_n the_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o proposition_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v two_o postulata_n in_o order_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o god_n have_v provide_v such_o a_o rule_n for_o man_n to_o judge_v by_o and_o the_o reason_n urge_v a_o belief_n that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o this_o rule_n must_v be_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o guidance_n of_o all_o man_n chap._n iii_o two_o way_n propose_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o assertion_n scripture_n and_o reason_n this_o text_n improve_v large_o to_o this_o purpose_n and_o mat._n 7.16_o of_o which_o a_o full_a explication_n be_v endeavour_v chap._n iu._n the_o old_a testament_n cite_v also_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o and_o two_o great_a consideration_n add_v to_o give_v more_o evidence_n to_o it_o this_o the_o rule_n to_o try_v prophet_n by_o of_o old_a and_o the_o best_a criterion_n of_o a_o true_a divine_a miracle_n chap._n v._o a_o further_a discourse_n of_o miracle_n and_o their_o evidence_n and_o how_o to_o know_v which_o be_v divine_a and_o which_o be_v not_o a_o addition_n to_o all_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o heresy_n and_o wherein_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v chap._n vi_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o collection_n four_o propose_v and_o two_o insist_v on_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o first_o take_v from_o the_o end_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n in_o the_o world_n the_o second_o from_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n chap._n vii_o the_o three_o and_o four_o argument_n propose_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o substitute_v any_o other_o rule_n but_o this_o and_o the_o manifest_a advantage_n of_o this_o above_o any_o that_o can_v be_v substitute_v chap._n viii_o six_o rule_n lay_v down_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o in_o our_o judge_n by_o this_o rule_n and_o three_o of_o they_o insist_v on_o 1._o that_o we_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n only_o and_o not_o the_o man_n that_o maintain_v they_o 2._o that_o we_o consider_v doctrine_n not_o only_o in_o themselves_o and_o appearance_n but_o also_o in_o their_o natural_a and_o direct_a consequence_n 3._o that_o we_o be_v sincere_a and_o unprejudiced_a in_o consider_v and_o do_v not_o allow_v ourselves_o to_o pervert_v and_o wrest_v they_o chap._n ix_o the_o other_o three_o rule_n insist_v on_o 1._o that_o doctrine_n and_o mode_n of_o religion_n form_v by_o they_o be_v not_o consider_v only_o in_o some_o single_a instance_n but_o complex_o and_o full_o in_o all_o especial_o those_o in_o which_o they_o differ_v from_o other_o 2._o that_o man_n have_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o holiness_n 3._o that_o holiness_n be_v consider_v not_o only_o in_o its_o immediate_a exercise_n but_o also_o with_o all_o the_o help_n advantage_n and_o encouragement_n to_o it_o chap._n x._o some_o inference_n make_v from_o this_o collection_n particular_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o may_v just_o challenge_v any_o sect_n at_o this_o day_n to_o join_v issue_n with_o it_o upon_o this_o principle_n the_o conclusion_n the_o introduction_n dear_a sir_n among_o those_o very_a many_o sweet_a and_o gustful_a relish_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o friendship_n leave_v upon_o my_o spirit_n the_o fresh_a discovery_n that_o i_o every_o day_n make_v of_o your_o real_a worth_n and_o goodness_n be_v true_o the_o great_a and_o certain_o that_o man_n owe_v much_o to_o providence_n and_o his_o recognition_n to_o it_o can_v hardly_o equal_a the_o blessing_n that_o have_v the_o good_a hap_n to_o contract_v intimacy_n and_o friendship_n of_o which_o he_o find_v no_o reason_n afterward_o to_o repent_v and_o be_v ashamed_a and_o to_o which_o he_o need_v not_o study_v to_o put_v any_o interruption_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o worthy_a man_n and_o a_o good_a man_n to_o his_o friend_n and_o it_o be_v at_o present_a i_o sir_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o flatter_v you_o in_o this_o i_o know_v that_o will_v be_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o make_v myself_o more_o unworthy_a of_o such_o a_o felicity_n than_o i_o be_o nor_o do_v i_o intend_v to_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o your_o worth_n from_o any_o thing_n but_o such_o as_o be_v certain_a and_o will_v assure_v such_o deduction_n i_o do_v not_o proclaim_v you_o worthy_a and_o good_a because_o you_o be_v rich_a and_o kind_a and_o affable_a and_o courteous_a and_o studious_a as_o become_v a_o philosopher_n but_o i_o do_v this_o because_o you_o be_v concern_v for_o religion_n and_o be_v tender_a of_o man_n eternal_a interest_n and_o have_v a_o dear_a respect_n to_o soul_n and_o will_v have_v all_o man_n partake_v of_o those_o felicity_n of_o which_o your_o great_a piety_n procure_v you_o many_o bless_a antepast_n now_o and_o perseverance_n in_o that_o piety_n will_v assure_v your_o full_a and_o perfect_a fruition_n afterward_o and_o true_o sir_n these_o be_v thing_n which_o in_o every_o age_n have_v reflect_v honour_n upon_o man_n but_o will_v much_o more_o do_v so_o in_o this_o for_o a_o gentleman_n to_o retain_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n now_o when_o unconcernedness_n for_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o mode_n and_o scoff_v at_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a so_o much_o the_o common_a entertainment_n and_o so_o huge_o gratify_v to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o age._n to_o be_v solicitous_a for_o humane_a soul_n when_o so_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o question_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o or_o no_o and_o of_o those_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o have_v yet_o so_o very_a few_o be_v please_v to_o have_v any_o regard_n for_o their_o welfare_n to_o be_v study_v and_o contrive_v help_n and_o advantage_n for_o they_o in_o their_o progress_n to_o heaven_n when_o the_o disbelief_n of_o any_o future_a state_n have_v so_o much_o obtain_v and_o when_o it_o be_v count_v wit_n and_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o part_n to_o buffoon_n and_o droll_n all_o thought_n of_o it_o out_o of_o the_o breast_n of_o man_n to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n with_o sincerity_n and_o zeal_n which_o perhaps_o will_v meet_v with_o no_o better_a entertainment_n than_o derision_n or_o scorn_n be_v certain_o a_o evidence_n of_o a_o great_a and_o fix_a goodness_n and_o render_v you_o little_o less_o worthy_a of_o that_o praise_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v job_n for_o be_v perfect_a at_o luz_n and_o lot_n for_o retain_v his_o purity_n in_o sodom_n i_o shall_v not_o so_o far_o trespass_v upon_o your_o humility_n and_o modesty_n as_o to_o mention_v all_o the_o instance_n in_o which_o these_o thing_n discover_v themselves_o this_o that_o your_o present_a command_n for_o so_o i_o always_o interpret_v a_o friend_n desire_n require_v of_o i_o be_v alone_o enough_o it_o be_v to_o give_v you_o my_o thought_n what_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o best_a criterion_n of_o truth_n and_o by_o what_o mark_v a_o man_n may_v most_o certain_o discover_v it_o in_o this_o mist_n and_o great_a dust_n that_o the_o eager_a contention_n and_o tumultuous_a dispute_n of_o man_n have_v raise_v about_o it_o and_o obscure_v it_o in_o and_o by_o what_o method_n a_o private_a christian_n shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o amaze_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o from_o whence_o take_v his_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o safety_n this_o be_v if_o i_o mistake_v not_o much_o a_o act_n of_o such_o kindness_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o you_o to_o show_v or_o man_n to_o receive_v a_o great_a and_o if_o i_o can_v do_v any_o service_n towards_o reallize_a the_o effect_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v many_o instance_n in_o which_o i_o may_v more_o safe_o rejoice_v and_o true_o as_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o do_v the_o more_o willing_o
towards_o the_o jewish_a convert_v you_o will_v soon_o perceive_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o censure_v any_o error_n present_o for_o heresy_n if_o they_o maintain_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n for_o you_o will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o instance_n in_o a_o doctrine_n more_o true_o contrary_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o whole_a purport_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o of_o those_o jewish_a convert_v be_v which_o think_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o observe_v the_o ancient_a rite_n and_o as_o s._n james_n inform_v s._n paul_n 21.20_o act_n 21.20_o be_v all_o zealous_a of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v these_o be_v always_o tolerate_v no_o ill_a character_n fix_v upon_o they_o fellowship_n always_o allow_v they_o indulge_v and_o permit_v to_o their_o error_n which_o last_v among_o they_o for_o the_o time_n of_o fifteen_o christian_a bishop_n who_o be_v all_o circumcise_a yea_o till_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o all_o under_z adrian_z the_o emperor_n and_o long_o afterward_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n we_o know_v of_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n in_o that_o first_o great_a council_n which_o be_v all_o contrive_v in_o favour_n to_o they_o and_o count_v necessary_a only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o avoid_v scandal_n to_o they_o as_o be_v also_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n for_o some_o century_n of_o year_n only_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v safe_o collect_v thus_o much_o that_o in_o those_o best_a and_o most_o charitable_a of_o time_n no_o man_n be_v count_v a_o heretic_n that_o do_v err_v bonâ_fw-la ment_fw-la and_o retain_v a_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o great_a ground_n upon_o which_o that_o necessity_n be_v found_v and_o now_o sir_n this_o addition_n will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n for_o all_o heretical_a doctrine_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o contrary_n unto_o holiness_n and_o their_o be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o be_v the_o other_o and_o while_o they_o be_v not_o one_o we_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o call_v they_o the_o other_o unless_o we_o will_v imitate_v the_o passion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o can_v endure_v none_o no_o not_o the_o least_o dissent_v in_o opinion_n from_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n under_o any_o kind_a character_n than_o heresy_n so_o that_o he_o that_o maintain_v the_o be_v of_o antipode_n be_v like_a to_o be_v brand_v once_o with_o that_o name_n and_o galileo_n hardly_o escape_v the_o same_o character_n for_o maintain_v the_o copernican_n hypothesis_n but_o sir_n if_o you_o desire_v to_o see_v this_o matter_n of_o heresy_n more_o full_o discourse_v i_o refer_v you_o to_o a_o place_n in_o dr._n tailor_n be_v work_n where_o it_o be_v insist_v on_o at_o large_a with_o that_o plainness_n and_o candour_n and_o strength_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v so_o common_a and_o usual_a to_o that_o most_o excellent_a man_n it_o be_v his_o liberty_n of_o prophesy_v a_o good_a book_n under_o a_o ill_a name_n but_o true_o i_o know_v not_o for_o what_o reason_n unless_o it_o be_v for_o endeavour_v by_o much_o truth_n to_o assuage_v and_o mitigate_v the_o rash_a zeal_n and_o unjust_a severity_n of_o the_o late_a time_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o that_o adhere_v unto_o she_o from_o whence_o whoever_o take_v liberty_n to_o traduce_v that_o great_a man_n as_o a_o allower_n of_o all_o opinion_n and_o any_o medley_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v very_o unjust_a and_o proclaim_v himself_o either_o ignorant_a or_o unobservant_a of_o his_o design_n which_o though_o it_o be_v to_o gain_v favour_n to_o some_o speculative_a opinion_n yet_o no_o man_n reflect_v more_o severe_o upon_o all_o that_o contradict_v holiness_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o be_v vent_v to_o the_o disorder_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o government_n either_o of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o church_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o well_o see_v what_o disservice_n it_o can_v do_v that_o church_n which_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o imperious_o impose_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o rigorous_a tie_v they_o up_o to_o exact_a compliance_n with_o it_o in_o all_o doctrine_n but_o allow_v as_o all_o church_n must_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o a_o liberty_n to_o man_n thought_n provide_v they_o reserve_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o vent_v they_o not_o in_o order_n to_o schism_n and_o faction_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v thus_o or_o not_o be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o determine_v much_o less_o become_v i_o to_o undertake_v to_o reach_v those_o above_o i_o what_o to_o say_v or_o think_v but_o this_o i_o free_o say_v i_o have_v so_o great_a a_o honour_n for_o the_o name_n of_o dr._n taylor_n that_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o have_v any_o ill_a thing_n to_o blot_v his_o memory_n and_o will_v do_v more_o than_o this_o be_v it_o in_o my_o power_n to_o cause_v it_o may_v not_o chap._n vi_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o collection_n four_o of_o these_o propound_v and_o two_o insist_v on_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o first_o take_v from_o the_o end_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n in_o the_o world_n the_o second_o from_o the_o great_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o now_o i_o be_o at_o liberty_n to_o advance_v to_o the_o second_o way_n i_o propose_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n and_o that_o be_v from_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o there_o be_v four_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v choose_v to_o insist_v on_o not_o that_o i_o think_v they_o the_o only_a one_o we_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o so_o sufficient_a that_o they_o may_v supersede_n all_o need_n of_o other_o 1._o the_o first_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o different_a end_n and_o design_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o second_o from_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n 3._o the_o three_o from_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o substitute_v any_o other_o rule_n beside_o this_o in_o this_o case_n 4._o from_o the_o manifest_a advantage_n of_o this_o above_o any_o other_o that_o can_v be_v so_o substitute_v these_o four_o thing_n will_v give_v assurance_n enough_o to_o this_o truth_n and_o make_v it_o very_o evident_a 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o design_n that_o these_o two_o spirit_n have_v in_o the_o world_n the_o strength_n of_o which_o argument_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n will_v discover_v itself_o in_o these_o two_o or_o three_o consequential_a notice_n 1._o first_o as_o these_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o so_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o intend_v and_o drive_v on_o different_a aim_n and_o design_n in_o the_o world_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o error_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o when_o light_n and_o darkness_n be_v reconcile_v each_o to_o other_o when_o christ_n and_o belial_n become_v friend_n then_o may_v we_o suppose_v these_o two_o spirit_n to_o consent_n and_o agree_v together_o in_o the_o fame_n design_n but_o not_o before_o there_o be_v no_o communion_n say_v the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 6.14_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o nothing_o that_o be_v in_o common_a nothing_o that_o be_v mutual_o share_v betwixt_o light_n and_o darkness_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o one_o appear_v the_o other_o present_o fly_v away_o as_o when_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o morning_n discover_v themselves_o the_o dark_a shade_n run_v away_o and_o hide_v themselves_o on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o this_o globe_n and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o these_o two_o spirit_n they_o be_v inconsistent_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a each_o to_o other_o and_o can_v never_o be_v any_o more_o reconcile_v in_o their_o design_n than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n but_o those_o will_v still_o be_v as_o different_a as_o these_o be_v as_o we_o see_v it_o still_o to_o be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n who_o nature_n be_v contrary_a each_o to_o other_o 2._o second_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o issue_n from_o or_o be_v suggest_v to_o man_n by_o these_o two_o spirit_n must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o these_o different_a end_n and_o design_v on_o purpose_n to_o promote_v the_o same_o to_o suppose_v otherwise_o be_v to_o imagine_v they_o false_a to_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o neglectful_a of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o dull_a and_o shortsighted_a and_o unable_a to_o choose_v or_o pitch_v upon_o proper_a mean_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o same_o when_o no_o man_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o imagine_v either_o of_o these_o thing_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v both_o
this_o be_v one_o honour_n just_o due_a to_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v any_o useless_a theorem_n nor_o any_o dry_a and_o unprofitable_a speculation_n to_o its_o votary_n but_o only_o require_v of_o they_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a useful_a and_o great_o conducive_a to_o the_o real_a advantage_n of_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o this_o sir_n may_v perhaps_o be_v make_v appear_v hereafter_o in_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o all_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o particular_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o have_v be_v most_o except_v against_o in_o this_o matter_n at_o present_a i_o content_v myself_o only_o in_o general_n and_o to_o add_v that_o this_o truth_n be_v so_o very_a plain_n and_o so_o full_o illustrate_v and_o substantial_o prove_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n not_o only_o those_o ancient_a hero_n and_o worthy_a apologist_n for_o christianity_n but_o even_o some_o late_a writer_n and_o good_a man_n of_o our_o own_o communion_n that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o insist_v further_o upon_o it_o but_o only_o to_o intimate_v that_o you_o may_v bold_o defy_v any_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o challenge_v the_o whole_a world_n either_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o particular_a of_o it_o that_o tolerate_v or_o encourage_v any_o manner_n of_o vice_n or_o to_o produce_v any_o other_o way_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o strict_o and_o universal_o enjoin_v and_o promote_v holiness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o we_o may_v very_o safe_o from_o hence_o also_o draw_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o present_a assertion_n for_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v design_v only_o to_o this_o great_a end_n than_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v true_o and_o genuine_o christian_n do_v certain_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o promote_v the_o same_o and_o whatever_o doctrine_n fail_v to_o do_v this_o and_o be_v in_o any_o degree_n or_o instance_n repugnant_a hereunto_o be_v certain_o antichristian_a and_o we_o have_v warrant_n enough_o to_o reject_v it_o as_o dictate_v by_o that_o spirit_n of_o error_n which_o be_v certain_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o truth_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o suppose_v the_o bless_a author_n of_o this_o religion_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o prudent_a as_o god_n and_o to_o have_v intend_v hereby_o only_o to_o make_v man_n holy_a it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v therein_o shall_v not_o be_v conducive_a to_o that_o great_a design_n for_o otherwise_o he_o will_v frustrate_v that_o by_o some_o doctrine_n which_o he_o do_v endeavour_v to_o promote_v by_o other_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o very_o unbecoming_a a_o wise_a man_n that_o it_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v it_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n chap._n vii_o the_o three_o and_o four_o argument_n propose_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o substitute_v any_o other_o rule_n but_o this_o and_o the_o manifest_a advantage_n of_o this_o above_o any_o other_o that_o can_v be_v so_o substitute_v the_o last_o chapter_n have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o two_o argument_n upon_o the_o strength_n of_o which_o i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v one_o sure_a and_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_v doctrine_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_a by_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o two_o other_o argument_n who_o design_n it_o be_v to_o make_v this_o rule_n appear_v the_o best_a and_o safe_a to_o judge_v by_o 3._o and_o the_o form_n of_o they_o be_v take_v from_o the_o manifest_a inconvenience_n of_o substitute_v any_o other_o rule_n to_o judge_v by_o in_o this_o case_n i_o shall_v name_v those_o that_o be_v most_o plausible_o contend_v for_o and_o show_v you_o the_o inconvenience_n that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v subject_a unto_o 1._o i_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o likely_a of_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v by_o any_o thing_n i_o shall_v say_v in_o this_o discourse_n to_o derogate_v in_o the_o least_o either_o from_o the_o authority_n or_o perfection_n of_o they_o and_o i_o ready_o and_o thankful_o grant_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o will_v sufficient_o secure_v i_o from_o such_o a_o imputation_n first_o if_o man_n be_v honest_a and_o sincere_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v this_o rule_n will_v sufficient_o supersede_n all_o need_n of_o any_o other_o because_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o which_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o needful_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v full_o contain_v and_o intelligible_o deliver_v and_o express_v and_o nothing_o but_o perverseness_n and_o design_n can_v perplex_v they_o second_o if_o man_n desire_v to_o know_v what_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v and_o to_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o their_o duty_n then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v full_o satisfy_v they_o and_o if_o man_n honest_o consult_v these_o none_o but_o the_o obstinate_a and_o such_o as_o design_n to_o cheat_v themselves_o can_v mistake_v their_o direction_n but_o still_o after_o all_o this_o i_o say_v we_o i_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o see_v that_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o controversy_n we_o live_v in_o a_o church_n that_o allow_v we_o these_o in_o the_o fair_a translation_n and_o plain_a exposition_n and_o not_o only_o allow_v but_o enjoin_v we_o the_o perusal_n of_o they_o and_o think_v it_o have_v divine_a warrant_n to_o recommend_v to_o man_n the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n 5.39_o john_n 5.39_o and_o therefore_o commit_v man_n to_o their_o plain_a duty_n against_o which_o it_o will_v permit_v no_o prudential_a motive_n as_o they_o of_o rome_n call_v they_o to_o interpose_v and_o yet_o even_o among_o we_o there_o be_v many_o sharp_a and_o eager_a contention_n and_o dispute_n to_o which_o scripture_n perhaps_o if_o man_n be_v honest_a will_v but_o we_o see_v it_o do_v not_o put_v a_o issue_n and_o it_o may_v be_v never_o can_v for_o these_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o all_o party_n plead_v it_o and_o pretend_v to_o it_o yea_o that_o very_o novel_a sect_n among_o we_o that_o at_o first_o so_o great_o disparage_v and_o contend_v against_o it_o it_o be_v notorious_o know_v what_o man_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o form_v this_o sect_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v many_o clear_a signature_n upon_o the_o foetus_fw-la to_o enable_v we_o to_o judge_v who_o be_v the_o parent_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v one_o and_o the_o design_n and_o policy_n in_o it_o plain_a which_o be_v to_o disparage_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o disesteem_a and_o contempt_n as_o they_o have_v always_o do_v and_o then_o the_o process_n be_v very_o easy_a for_o the_o private_a spirit_n they_o can_v easy_o when_o they_o please_v take_v they_o off_o by_o show_v it_o liable_a to_o a_o thousand_o inconvenience_n and_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v undervalue_v too_o than_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o he_o that_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o infallible_a head_n of_o it_o be_v the_o next_o refuge_n but_o these_o man_n soon_o see_v that_o such_o thing_n will_v not_o long_o take_v in_o england_n where_o all_o man_n general_o have_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o scripture_n and_o who_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o debauch_v into_o a_o total_a disesteem_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o now_o the_o scene_n be_v change_v and_o these_o man_n be_v permit_v to_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n as_o strong_o as_o other_o and_o all_o imaginable_a art_n use_v that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o as_o plausible_o and_o indeed_o it_o may_v too_o true_o be_v say_v that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o common_a refuge_n of_o almost_o all_o heretic_n who_o by_o plead_v and_o pervert_v of_o it_o have_v endeavour_v to_o gain_v reputation_n to_o their_o several_a heresy_n 2._o for_o second_o cunning_a man_n can_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o wrest_v and_o pervert_v it_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o original_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v be_v so_o very_o copious_a that_o they_o be_v capable_a easy_o of_o various_a and_o different_a interpretation_n sometime_o a_o small_a point_n and_o a_o comma_n make_v a_o difference_n even_o to_o contrary_a exposition_n it_o be_v so_o of_o old_a among_o the_o jew_n and_o it_o be_v so_o long_o since_o among_o christian_n as_o s._n peter_n tell_v we_o and_o we_o ourselves_o sad_o see_v it_o to_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n 3.16_o 2_o pet._n 3.16_o now_o in_o these_o case_n i_o ask_v what_o man_n shall_v do_v two_o man_n equal_o pretend_v scripture_n and_o two_o man_n give_v different_a exposition_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n what_o be_v a_o private_a christian_a best_o to_o do_v i_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o remedy_n the_o learned_a may_v
do_v if_o you_o require_v it_o hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o will_v render_v it_o mighty_a necessary_a and_o wise_a not_o to_o consider_v erroneous_a doctrine_n only_o in_o their_o fair_a appearance_n but_o to_o examine_v careful_o what_o the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n likewise_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n orthodox_n and_o divine_a that_o perhaps_o at_o first_o sight_n may_v appear_v very_o irrelative_a to_o practice_n or_o at_o least_o of_o no_o great_a moment_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o life_n yea_o which_o to_o some_o man_n may_v appear_v unreasonable_a and_o pure_o speculative_a which_o yet_o when_o a_o man_n have_v examine_v close_o and_o consider_v well_o of_o may_v be_v find_v very_o important_a and_o great_o concern_v and_o very_o conducive_a to_o many_o real_a purpose_n of_o goodness_n and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o instance_n in_o any_o which_o i_o can_v show_v to_o be_v conducive_a to_o some_o great_a instance_n of_o holiness_n and_o who_o truth_n and_o divinity_n i_o dare_v not_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a by_o the_o same_o 3._o the_o three_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a in_o our_o consider_a doctrine_n before_o we_o bring_v they_o to_o this_o standard_n i_o mean_v that_o we_o bring_v with_o we_o no_o other_o design_n in_o the_o world_n but_o real_o to_o know_v what_o such_o doctrine_n be_v and_o tend_v unto_o for_o if_o any_o other_o thing_n be_v have_v in_o aim_n any_o other_o design_n or_o prejudice_n be_v permit_v to_o mingle_v with_o our_o search_n into_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o we_o shall_v deflect_v and_o warp_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o judgement_n a_o very_a little_a skill_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o honesty_n will_v enable_v a_o man_n to_o expose_v any_o doctrine_n and_o those_o man_n that_o can_v so_o easy_o wrest_v the_o holy_a scripture_n doubtless_o can_v as_o easy_o pervert_v any_o doctrine_n though_o never_o so_o holy_a facile_fw-la est_fw-la invenire_fw-la baculum_fw-la say_v the_o old_a adage_n and_o it_o hold_v true_a both_o way_n he_o that_o come_v either_o with_o a_o prejudice_n against_o or_o a_o prepossession_n for_o any_o doctrine_n will_v easy_o find_v fault_n against_o the_o one_o though_o never_o so_o rational_o and_o something_o to_o justify_v his_o kindness_n to_o the_o other_o though_o never_o so_o weak_o assert_v and_o when_o man_n will_v permit_v interest_n or_o passion_n or_o humour_n or_o prejudice_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n to_o sit_v upon_o the_o tribunal_n and_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o judge_a doctrine_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o real_a merit_n and_o truth_n of_o they_o a_o gift_n say_v solomon_n blind_v the_o eye_n 7.7_o eccles_n 7.7_o or_o destroy_v the_o heart_n and_o a_o receiver_n of_o they_o be_v seldom_o upright_o and_o it_o be_v equal_o true_a of_o any_o other_o by-respect_n or_o sinister_a inclination_n nothing_o but_o a_o fix_a resolution_n and_o purpose_n to_o be_v honest_a and_o just_a and_o true_o to_o inform_v ourselves_o can_v enable_v we_o to_o be_v true_a to_o our_o discovery_n and_o pronounce_v aright_o concern_v doctrine_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v no_o very_a unreasonable_a project_n in_o the_o platonist_n of_o old_a to_o institute_v some_o previous_a purgation_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v submit_v unto_o by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o quest_n of_o truth_n well_o know_v that_o till_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v unprejudiced_a and_o free_a it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o divine_a irradiation_n nor_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o understand_v truth_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n aristotle_n prohibit_v young_a man_n the_o study_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n till_o they_o have_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n subdue_v the_o vigour_n and_o tame_v the_o hurry_n of_o their_o animal_n passion_n and_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o man_n will_v do_v something_o like_o this_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o manner_n of_o partial_a anticipation_n when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o consider_v and_o judge_v for_o their_o soul_n and_o let_v i_o add_v sir_n there_o be_v never_o any_o age_n wherein_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v more_o necessary_a never_o a_o time_n certain_o wherein_o the_o effect_n of_o partiality_n and_o prejudice_n more_o discover_v themselves_o to_o the_o warp_a of_o man_n judgement_n and_o clap_v false_a biass_n upon_o they_o so_o that_o they_o either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o impartial_o and_o true_o weigh_v thing_n or_o deal_v with_o any_o degree_n of_o candour_n by_o they_o wherein_o unjust_o to_o pervert_v and_o misrepresent_v book_n be_v to_o answer_v they_o and_o the_o fasten_n on_o they_o a_o design_n which_o the_o author_n never_o think_v of_o a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o they_o when_o man_n read_v book_n on_o purpose_n to_o misunderstand_v and_o traduce_v they_o and_o think_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o baffle_v and_o defeat_v they_o be_v to_o buffoon_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o ridicule_n let_v i_o give_v you_o a_o few_o speciman_n of_o this_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o you_o have_v already_o observe_v they_o yourself_o can_v you_o think_v we_o shall_v ever_o have_v hear_v of_o a_o rehearsal_n transprose_v or_o a_o ill_a play_n think_v a_o good_a answer_n to_o a_o serious_a book_n have_v not_o this_o perverse_a humour_n possess_v some_o man_n that_o be_v proud_a of_o their_o great_a wit_n and_o too_o fanciful_a to_o be_v able_a true_o to_o consider_v thing_n can_v any_o honest-hearted_a man_n that_o sincere_o read_v over_o a_o excellent_a book_n call_v the_o design_n of_o christianity_n ever_o have_v traduce_v it_o as_o a_o plain_a undermine_v the_o purpose_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v we_o ever_o hear_v of_o a_o antisozzo_n or_o a_o melius_fw-la inquirendum_fw-la if_o that_o author_n have_v have_v as_o much_o honesty_n as_o he_o think_v he_o have_v wit_n or_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n in_o those_o book_n he_o will_v expose_v with_o half_a as_o much_o integrity_n as_o he_o have_v take_v pain_n unworthy_o to_o misrepresent_v they_o can_v you_o imagine_v satan_n will_v ever_o have_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n complement_a sherlock_n if_o the_o devil_n have_v not_o mighty_o assist_v one_o danson_n to_o misunderstand_v and_o pervert_v the_o design_n of_o that_o book_n can_v that_o perfidious_a dote_a exile_v frenchman_n have_v ever_o espy_v and_o report_v such_o advance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o popery_n have_v not_o himself_o make_v great_a advance_n first_o towards_o frenzy_n or_o knavery_n or_o the_o late_a furious_a collector_n of_o the_o invidious_a parallel_n make_v such_o a_o clamour_n with_o they_o and_o seek_v so_o base_o to_o disturb_v the_o ash_n and_o deface_v the_o monument_n of_o those_o that_o rest_n in_o honour_n but_o that_o something_o make_v a_o noise_n in_o his_o own_o head_n and_o hinder_v he_o from_o hear_v or_o attend_v to_o the_o check_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o injustice_n i_o pray_v god_n sir_n deliver_v you_o and_o i_o and_o bless_v we_o from_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o man_n who_o read_v book_n on_o purpose_n to_o misunderstand_v they_o and_o consider_v doctrine_n only_o to_o expose_v they_o who_o react_v the_o cruelty_n and_o injustice_n of_o ancient_a persecutor_n that_o clothe_v the_o poor_a christian_n in_o skin_n of_o beast_n and_o then_o glut_v their_o malice_n and_o envy_n in_o worry_v of_o they_o and_o deal_v with_o book_n as_o procrustes_n do_v with_o man_n rack_v they_o till_o they_o come_v up_o to_o their_o own_o humour_n or_o cut_v they_o in_o piece_n for_o not_o do_v so_o who_o first_o tincture_n their_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o apprehend_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n or_o have_v their_o own_o palate_n vitiate_v reproach_n as_o unsavoury_a and_o bitter_a every_o thing_n that_o comport_v not_o with_o the_o ill_a affection_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v my_o hard_a fate_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o man_n and_o be_v treat_v by_o they_o as_o some_o of_o my_o brethren_n have_v be_v i_o will_v yet_o have_v this_o to_o comfort_n and_o support_v i_o that_o it_o be_v not_o truth_n or_o honesty_n but_o spleen_n and_o malice_n only_o that_o persecute_v i_o i_o shall_v be_v concern_v indeed_o shall_v i_o offend_v the_o first_o but_o if_o man_n act_v by_o the_o other_o speak_v evil_a of_o i_o i_o know_v who_o have_v bid_v i_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a chap._n ix_o the_o four_o five_o and_o six_o rule_n be_v mention_v and_o insist_v on_o 4._o the_o four_o rule_n be_v that_o doctrine_n and_o mode_n of_o religion_n form_v by_o they_o be_v not_o consider_v only_o