matter_n which_o yet_o be_v disputable_a among_o the_o wise_a and_o godly_a and_o you_o shall_v be_v necessitate_v to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o persuasion_n or_o way_n then_o let_v every_o one_o do_v that_o which_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o be_v best_a and_o most_o please_a to_o god_n nor_o dare_v to_o go_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n 10._o see_v ames_n case_n l._n 1._o c._n 5_o q._n 1._o sanders_n lect_v 3._o de_fw-fr juram_fw-la sect._n 10._o which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o as_o his_o vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n nor_o subject_v himself_o to_o the_o judgement_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o as_o lord_n of_o his_o faith_n i_o say_v believe_v and_o embrace_v that_o opinion_n and_o walk_v in_o that_o practice_n but_o yet_o to_o this_o 1_o humble_o with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n not_o proud_o censure_v and_o contemn_v such_o as_o differ_v from_o your_o persuasion_n 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thyself_o and_o phil._n 3._o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n &_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n will_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o they_o in_o all_o those_o principal_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n wherein_o be_v such_o perfect_a harmony_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n only_o forbear_v the_o same_o in_o these_o lesser_a matter_n wherein_o according_a to_o the_o present_a apprehension_n the_o sin_n and_o error_n lie_v 3_o cheerful_o and_o confident_o not_o trouble_v and_o perplex_v yourselves_o about_o such_o a_o persuasion_n and_o practice_n with_o fear_n arise_v from_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n which_o be_v like_o stone_n in_o the_o shoe_n trouble_v the_o foot_n of_o he_o that_o walk_v but_o with_o a_o comfortable_a persuasion_n that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o you_o see_v you_o do_v the_o utmost_a you_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a and_o therefore_o if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o right_n he_o will_v accept_v it_o or_o if_o through_o weakness_n there_o be_v a_o mistake_n yet_o he_o will_v gracious_o pardon_v it_o and_o in_o his_o good_a time_n reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o for_o if_o even_o earthly_a parent_n or_o master_n when_o their_o servant_n or_o child_n do_v their_o utmost_a to_o know_v their_o mind_n and_o to_o do_v their_o business_n so_o as_o to_o please_v they_o will_v accept_v their_o endeavour_n and_o take_v all_o in_o good_a part_n though_o in_o every_o punctìlio_n they_o have_v not_o do_v what_o be_v expect_v much_o more_o will_v the_o gracious_a god_n accept_v of_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n that_o desire_v to_o please_v he_o and_o pardon_v what_o be_v amiss_o in_o they_o and_o indeed_o if_o not_o no_o flesh_n live_v can_v be_v save_v for_o who_o be_v there_o of_o the_o high_a form_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v ascertain_v that_o in_o every_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o those_o thing_n controvert_v among_o the_o godly_a and_o wise_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a see_v the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v imperfect_a and_o may_v and_o do_v err_v &_o offend_v therefore_o go_v on_o cheerful_o with_o full_a assurance_n that_o the_o lord_n accept_v you_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n full_o lay_v down_o rom._n 14_o upon_o occasion_n of_o controversy_n about_o point_n not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n viz._n meat_n and_o drink_n and_o day_n he_o bid_v let_v every_o one_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o act_v according_o not_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o nor_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n &_o approve_v of_o man_n thus_o have_v we_o a_o safe_a conduct_n to_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n in_o matter_n circumstantial_a controvert_v among_o pious_a and_o wise_a christian_n in_o point_n less_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o matter_n of_o fundamental_a and_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n thereunto_o chap._n vii_o a_o close_a application_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n with_o particular_a advice_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o different_a way_n and_o profession_n find_v among_o we_o have_v give_v a_o more_o general_a advice_n suitable_a to_o all_o time_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o place_n it_o will_v be_v expedient_a next_z in_o behalf_n â—f_o those_o for_o who_o benefit_n this_o discourse_n be_v principal_o intend_v to_o apply_v the_o former_a direction_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n here_o in_o england_n and_o those_o many_o different_a persuasion_n and_o way_n that_o be_v among_o we_o we_o be_v a_o people_n that_o general_o do_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v be_v of_o long_a time_n transmit_v down_o to_o we_o from_o our_o ancestor_n wherein_o we_o be_v deep_o engage_v by_o education_n the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o manifold_a obligation_n but_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o christian_n be_v better_o instruct_v in_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o entertainment_n of_o this_o religion_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o other_o three_o before_o mention_v heathenism_n mahometanism_n and_o judaisme_n and_o that_o they_o may_v gain_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a article_n thereof_o and_o be_v thorough_o ground_v in_o the_o certainty_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v much_o want_v in_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n through_o their_o too_o great_a negligence_n and_o carelessness_n about_o thing_n spiritual_a but_o of_o exceed_v dangerous_a consequence_n to_o their_o soul_n as_o expose_v they_o to_o profaneness_n and_o error_n if_o not_o to_o total_a apostasy_n and_o therefore_o this_o duty_n though_o before_o hint_v deserve_v to_o be_v reinforce_v with_o the_o strong_a persuasion_n but_o although_o we_o all_o be_v christian_n in_o profession_n we_o be_v sad_o crumble_v into_o such_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o persuasion_n occasion_v much_o through_o the_o licentiousness_n of_o war_n &_o relaxation_n of_o government_n among_o we_o of_o which_o occasion_n satan_n and_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n have_v make_v too_o great_a improvement_n that_o be_v it_o most_o difficult_a for_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a person_n to_o find_v out_o the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n among_o they_o and_o to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o this_o temptation_n have_v lead_v very_o many_o into_o error_n byway_n &_o pernicious_a and_o other_o into_o atheism_n we_o shall_v therefore_o attempt_v to_o give_v some_o direction_n what_o course_n to_o steer_v herein_o what_o opinion_n and_o sect_n to_o shun_v and_o avoid_v and_o what_o people_n and_o principales_fw-la we_o shall_v close_v withal_o for_o it_o will_v great_o conduce_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o safety_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o be_v due_o inform_v what_o christian_n or_o societye_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v with_o who_o communion_n may_v be_v hold_v and_o how_o far_o as_o also_o who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v utter_o to_o be_v avoid_v it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o christian_n who_o sometime_o abound_v in_o zeal_n but_o be_v much_o want_v in_o knowledge_n to_o close_o with_o the_o most_o pernicious_a principales_fw-la and_o way_n where_o any_o strong_a temptation_n insinnate_a themselves_o then_o with_o those_o that_o be_v far_o more_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n if_o they_o have_v take_v up_o a_o prejudice_n against_o they_o and_o so_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n we_o shall_v therefore_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o different_a persuasion_n &_o way_n among_o we_o which_o may_v
be_v branch_v into_o these_o two_o 1._o the_o way_n &_o profession_n which_o be_v public_o own_a by_o authority_n and_o have_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n for_o its_o sanction_n 2._o those_o persuasion_n or_o way_n that_o be_v take_v up_o by_o private_a person_n conâ—â—ary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o these_o latter_a begin_v there_o first_o they_o be_v as_o exceed_v many_o so_o of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n some_o retain_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o lesser_a matter_n controvert_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n other_o that_o overthrow_v the_o very_a foundation_n itself_o those_o that_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o differ_v about_o point_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n be_v too_o many_o in_o which_o rank_n we_o shall_v place_v the_o papist_n first_o of_o all_o because_o most_o considerable_a and_o above_o all_o other_o most_o formidable_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n all_o a_o long_a to_o this_o day_n continue_v such_o a_o system_fw-la of_o save_a truth_n which_o god_n have_v of_o his_o great_a mercy_n preserve_v in_o the_o great_a anti_n christian_n apostasy_n as_o be_v true_o believe_v and_o obey_v other_o soul-destroying_a error_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n either_o not_o know_v or_o not_o cordial_o embrace_v may_v be_v effectual_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o many_o that_o live_v and_o dye_v within_o that_o church_n but_o yet_o popery_n itself_o understand_v thereby_o that_o religion_n which_o consist_v of_o so_o many_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n utter_o unknown_a to_o the_o old_a church_n of_o rome_n in_o its_o purity_n but_o now_o ratify_v in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o require_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o all_o man_n upoâ—_n pain_n of_o anathema_n which_o plain_o overthrow_v many_o of_o the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n as_o also_o of_o such_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o superstitious_a foppery_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o say_v be_v such_o a_o religion_n that_o none_o that_o love_v their_o salvation_n shall_v close_v with_o this_o babylon_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o lest_o we_o communicate_v in_o her_o plague_n as_o say_v the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n revel_v 18_o 4._o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n the_o ground_n of_o our_o withdraw_n from_o that_o religion_n be_v 1._o their_o many_o dangerous_a error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n overthrow_v direct_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christiantie_n to_o instance_n in_o some_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n over-throweth_a the_o truth_n of_o christ_n humane_a nature_n their_o proper_a sacrifice_n his_o only_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n offer_v once_o for_o all_o their_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n plain_o destroy_v the_o merin_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o multitude_n of_o mediator_n among_o they_o deny_v that_o only_a mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o tim._n 2.5_o their_o sacrifice_a priest_n overthrow_v christ_n priestly_a office_n their_o vilify_n the_o scripture_n and_o set_v up_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n to_o be_v receive_v with_o equal_a reverence_n with_o they_o etc._n etc._n overthrow_v christ_n prophetical_a office_n the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n be_v overthrow_v by_o the_o pope_n usurpation_n dispense_n with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o set_v up_o other_o law_n of_o his_o own_o devise_v and_o lording_n it_o over_o the_o conscience_n of_o men._n the_o great_a article_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o free_a justification_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v overthrow_v by_o their_o pardon_n indulgence_n and_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n and_o humane_a satisfaction_n 2._o their_o abominable_a idolatry_n in_o point_n of_o worship_n as_o angel-worship_n saint-worship_n relique-worship_n image-worship_n etc._n etc._n 3._o their_o profane_a sacrilege_n rob_v the_o people_n of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o cup_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n nay_o almost_o of_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n cause_v it_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o language_n the_o vulgar_a understand_v not_o 4._o their_o cruelty_n and_o blood_n shed_v wherein_o rome_n papal_n exceed_v rome_n ethuicall_a 5._o their_o spiritual_a tyranny_n in_o exact_v blind_a obedience_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o philistines_n pull_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o samson_n and_o lead_v he_o whither_o they_o will_v in_o burden_v christian_n with_o innumerable_a ceremony_n and_o superstition_n destroy_v the_o substance_n of_o religion_n 6._o their_o proud_a usurpation_n over_o king_n and_o prince_n 7._o the_o notorious_a schism_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o worse_a than_o that_o of_o the_o novation_n and_o donatist_n of_o old_a whereby_o they_o not_o only_o cast_v off_o the_o reform_a church_n but_o the_o muscovite_n and_o grecian_n in_o europe_n the_o egyptian_a and_o aethiopian_a church_n in_o africa_n &_o all_o these_o great_a company_n of_o christian_n scatter_v all_o over_o asia_n even_o from_o constantinople_n to_o the_o east_n indies_n because_o they_o be_v not_o the_o pope_n subject_n they_o will_v not_o account_v they_o christ_n for_o they_o declare_v determine_v and_o pronounce_v it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n unto_o salvation_n for_o every_o humane_a creature_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n 8._o add_v hereunto_o their_o unsufferable_a wickedness_n overspread_v that_o church_n and_o their_o allowance_n thereof_o by_o give_v licence_n to_o uncleanness_n sodomy_n prostitute_v pardon_n for_o money_n dispensation_n with_o god_n law_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o which_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v incorrigible_a pretend_v unerring_a infallibility_n and_o the_o pope_n himself_o will_v be_v supreme_a judge_n alone_o in_o all_o these_o case_n for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a ground_n which_o can_v all_o be_v here_o enumerate_v its_o necessary_a for_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o beware_v of_o popery_n and_o have_v no_o peace_n with_o rome_n till_o she_o return_v to_o her_o ancient_a primitive_a purity_n other_o there_o be_v also_o that_o err_v in_o fundamental_a point_n and_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o antitrinitarians_a anti-scripturists_a arian_n socinian_o etc._n etc._n the_o last_o of_o which_o sect_n be_v esteem_v by_o the_o learned_a the_o very_a sink_v into_o which_o all_o heresy_n of_o former_a and_o latter_a time_n have_v empty_v themselves_o and_o direct_o lead_v man_n to_o mahometanism_n judaisme_n or_o atheism_n these_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n a_o fundamental_a point_n and_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o deity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reject_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o maintain_v justification_n by_o work_n refuse_v such_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o they_o can_v comprehend_v with_o their_o reason_n etc._n etc._n these_o sect_n as_o almost_o all_o church_n former_a and_o latter_a and_o divine_v in_o their_o syncretism_n have_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o line_n of_o christian_a communication_n so_o it_o become_v all_o person_n to_o avoid_v they_o as_o pest_n and_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o have_v no_o followship_n with_o they_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o one_o sect_n more_o of_o such_o as_o err_v in_o fundamental_a point_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o want_n of_o learning_n and_o outward_a accomplishment_n be_v contemptible_a yet_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o number_n and_o their_o singular_a obstinancy_n in_o their_o way_n whereby_o they_o amuse_v the_o vulgar_a be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v by_o viz._n the_o quaker_n although_o quakerism_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o séct_n of_o christian_n but_o rather_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o christianity_n for_o except_v it_o be_v they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o mouth_n they_o scarce_o retain_v any_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o light_n in_o all_o man_n they_o extol_v as_o the_o only_a sufficient_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o to_o the_o apparent_a slight_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o preach_a so_o that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v what_o advantage_n have_v the_o christian_a above_o the_o naked_a indian_a we_o can_v answer_v as_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 3.2_o much_o every_o way_n chief_o because_o unto_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n they_o open_o deny_v the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o his_o humane_a nature_n with_o all_o his_o office_n assign_v to_o he_o by_o his_o father_n they_o utter_o reject_v though_o this_o be_v a_o arcanum_n that_o be_v keep_v hide_v from_o their_o novice_n they_o call_v not_o upon_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o trust_v not_o in_o his_o death_n
for_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n but_o in_o a_o pretend_a sinless_a perfection_n they_o deny_v any_o necessiy_a of_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o conversion_n and_o sanctification_n say_v pamphlet_n i_o charge_v not_o every_o particular_a quaker_n with_o all_o these_o error_n for_o many_o understand_v not_o what_o they_o hold_v but_o mention_v what_o i_o find_v assert_v in_o their_o print_a pamphlet_n the_o light_n within_o they_o be_v sufficient_a hereunto_o and_o scoff_n at_o they_o that_o pray_v for_o more_o bid_v they_o heed_n that_o only_o and_o it_o will_v lead_v they_o from_o sin_n to_o god_n sabbath_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o institute_v worship_n they_o cast_v off_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n last_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n they_o turn_v into_o allegory_n etc._n etc._n these_o and_o other_o thing_n consider_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o plain_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n &_o therefore_o christian_n can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o that_o way_n thus_o where_o difference_n be_v in_o point_n destructive_a to_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o against_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n worship_n and_o obedience_n there_o can_v be_v no_o closure_n and_o agreement_n but_o a_o total_a withdraw_n be_v necessary_a so_o far_o as_o civil_a relation_n and_o office_n will_v permit_v we_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v these_o other_o persuasion_n and_o party_n among_o we_o that_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o salvation_n yet_o differ_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v less_o necessary_a though_o some_o be_v of_o great_a and_o some_o of_o less_o moment_n than_o other_o these_o difference_n be_v either_o in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o â—n_a matter_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o poiâ—ts_n oâ—_n doctrine_n we_o have_v arminian_o antinomian_o etc._n etc._n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n we_o have_v anabaptist_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v sound_n in_o the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o err_v only_o in_o the_o point_n of_o baptism_n independent_o presbyterian_o etc._n etc._n now_o about_o these_o differ_a way_n take_v these_o brief_a direction_n suitable_a to_o those_o general_a rule_n before_o lay_v down_o 1._o account_v they_o all_o as_o christian_n if_o they_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o life_n answerable_a let_v not_o any_o evil_a representation_n of_o their_o opinion_n or_o wave_n or_o odious_a and_o invidious_a consequence_n draw_v from_o their_o principle_n but_o disow_v by_o they_o so_o far_o alienate_v your_o heart_n from_o they_o as_o not_o to_o account_v they_o christian_n &_o brethren_n see_v they_o retain_v the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o hold_v the_o head_n christ_n though_o they_o build_v on_o the_o precious_a foundation_n wood_n hay_o stubble_n who_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n free_a from_o error_n what_o church_n or_o person_n upon_o earth_n 2._o have_v the_o great_a respect_n and_o the_o most_o intimate_a friendship_n for_o those_o in_o who_o principle_n be_v great_a purity_n that_o come_v nigh_a the_o rule_n and_o who_o most_o follow_v after_o peace_n &_o holiness_n and_o lay_v out_o themselves_o more_o to_o promote_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n than_o their_o private_a persuasion_n but_o as_o for_o they_o who_o with_o the_o wild_a fire_n of_o their_o zeal_n will_v set_v the_o church_n on_o a_o flame_n and_o be_v more_o for_o make_v proselyte_n for_o their_o own_o way_n then_o for_o seek_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n avoid_v they_o 3._o if_o god_n cast_v your_o lot_n into_o these_o place_n or_o country_n where_o those_o profession_n or_o way_n be_v set_v up_o &_o you_o can_v enjoy_v that_o way_n of_o serve_v god_n that_o you_o approve_v as_o most_o pure_a it_o be_v a_o unqueâ—â—inable_a duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n there_o in_o france_n &_o holland_n with_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o germany_n with_o the_o lutheran_n &_o in_o other_o country_n with_o those_o other_o persuasion_n before_o name_v provide_v the_o condition_n of_o thy_o communion_n be_v not_o to_o give_v thy_o allowance_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a but_o in_o that_o particular_a thou_o may_v be_v forbear_v communion_n with_o such_o church_n where_o many_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n be_v if_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o essential_o of_o worship_n be_v preserve_v ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v with_o a_o due_a care_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o only_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o such_o a_o church_n else_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v enjoin_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o corruption_n find_v there_o and_o the_o novatian_o donatist_n and_o other_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v unjust_o tax_v for_o withdraw_v from_o her_o communion_n for_o laxness_n of_o discipline_n or_o other_o corruption_n which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v therein_o this_o duty_n our_o church_n of_o england_n have_v teach_v by_o she_o own_o practice_n who_o have_v ever_o own_v the_o reform_a church_n beyond_o sea_n for_o sister-churche_n &_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n though_o differ_v from_o she_o in_o some_o matter_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o the_o great_a controversy_n of_o communion_n with_o or_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v discuss_v a_o view_n of_o what_o be_v therein_o praiseworthy_a and_o what_o be_v disallowable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o scruple_n communion_n direction_n suit_v thereunto_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o those_o different_a way_n and_o persuasion_n find_v among_o private_a person_n without_o and_o against_o the_o own_n and_o approbation_n of_o authority_n and_o give_v advice_n in_o reference_n to_o they_o we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v of_o that_o proâ—ession_n public_o set_v up_o by_o authority_n and_o â—hat_n have_v the_o civil_a sanction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o â—his_fw-la land_n no_o sober_a person_n can_v gainsay_v but_o this_o deserve_v a_o most_o serious_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n partly_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o those_o in_o authority_n to_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o settle_n of_o it_o in_o their_o dominion_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o they_o think_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o have_v enjoin_v we_o obedience_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n partly_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o welfare_n who_o may_v else_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v need_v to_o see_v to_o it_o if_o we_o obey_v that_o we_o do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o if_o we_o suffer_v that_o we_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o as_o evil_a doer_n and_o partly_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o groundless_o make_v a_o rent_n therein_o and_o thereby_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o procure_v the_o ruin_n thereof_o for_o all_o division_n tend_v to_o destruction_n it_o will_v therefore_o serious_o be_v inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n for_o christian_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n according_a to_o its_o present_a state_n and_o administration_n or_o whether_o separation_n from_o it_o be_v warrantable_a and_o necessary_a and_o how_o far_o for_o the_o resolve_v of_o which_o question_n we_o shall_v take_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v commendable_a in_o the_o say_a church_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o scruple_n communion_n with_o she_o and_o also_o of_o what_o thing_n they_o disallow_v and_o dislike_v in_o she_o and_o then_o cast_v up_o whether_o it_o will_v warrant_v separation_n or_o how_o far_o according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o concord_n we_o have_v proceed_v upon_o with_o those_o of_o the_o other_o profession_n before_o name_v and_o first_o it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o all_o dissenter_n that_o have_v understanding_n and_o sobriety_n in_o they_o but_o that_o here_o be_v to_o be_v find_v 1._o a_o clear_a profession_n of_o all_o those_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v account_v among_o christian_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n yea_o such_o a_o poor_a confession_n of_o other_o point_n of_o a_o secondary_a and_o more_o inferior_a nature_n as_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o a_o great_a purity_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n than_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o here_o also_o be_v the_o christian_a sabbath_n embrace_v with_o much_o great_a honour_n than_o in_o many_o other_o reform_a church_n 2._o homily_n of_o time_n and_o place_n of_o prayer_n part_n 2._o the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o preach_a prayer_n sacrament_n administer_v and_o all_o the_o substantial_o of_o
take_v such_o root_n that_o the_o power_n craft_n and_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n can_v root_v it_o out_o it_o be_v evidence_v by_o the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o its_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o mystery_n reveal_v in_o it_o wherein_o the_o high_a wisdom_n of_o god_n shine_v forth_o by_o the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n &_o punishment_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n appear_v in_o the_o serious_a professor_n of_o it_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n as_o be_v no_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o design_n it_o have_v to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o humble_a man_n etc._n etc._n by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a evidence_n the_o weak_a may_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n of_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v direct_v to_o make_v choice_n thereof_o chap._n v._n further_a direction_n how_o to_o choose_v the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n among_o such_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o opinion_n as_o be_v among_o christian_n a_o discovery_n of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o practical_a duty_n of_o godliness_n general_o embrace_v by_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n with_o advice_n in_o reference_n unto_o they_o have_v inquire_v into_o the_o several_a religion_n this_o day_n profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o find_v upon_o good_a evidence_n the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n man_n may_v venture_v their_o salvation_n upon_o we_o meet_v next_o with_o no_o small_a difficulty_n whereby_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a person_n be_v perplex_v occasion_v by_o the_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o opinion_n which_o be_v find_v among_o christian_n viz._n quest_n to_o know_v after_o they_o once_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v christian_n how_o to_o choose_v the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n among_o such_o various_a sect_n and_o different_a persuasion_n of_o those_o call_a christian_n unless_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v in_o any_o of_o these_o sect_n and_o way_n what_o direction_n be_v there_o for_o the_o safe_a conduct_n of_o such_o as_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n herein_o answer_n because_o this_o be_v a_o grand_a case_n wherein_o very_o many_o in_o these_o sad_a time_n of_o division_n great_o need_v direction_n i_o shall_v guide_v they_o to_o a_o safe_a way_n wherein_o they_o may_v secure_o walk_v and_o venture_v their_o soul_n without_o fear_n of_o miscarry_v and_o it_o be_v this_o let_v they_o labour_n to_o understand_v clear_o and_o to_o embrace_v hearty_o those_o fundamental_a &_o catholic_n verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v more_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o have_v be_v own_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n general_o in_o all_o age_n &_o place_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o our_o day_n and_o transmit_v to_o we_o in_o their_o creed_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v now_o own_v by_o all_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o the_o christian_n without_o dispute_n through_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n let_v they_o so_o believe_v they_o that_o they_o influence_n their_o heart_n and_o life_n thorough_o and_o also_o all_o those_o confess_v duty_n of_o godliness_n that_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v in_o and_o walk_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o their_o soul_n shall_v certain_o be_v secure_v know_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o variety_n of_o opinion_n which_o be_v find_v among_o christian_n from_o which_o they_o be_v not_o privilege_v as_o neither_o be_v those_o other_o three_o religion_n heathenism_n mahometanism_n and_o judaisme_n as_o before_o be_v show_v nor_o shall_v be_v full_o whilst_o we_o be_v imperfect_a and_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o be_v in_o part_n carnal_a as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a whilst_o the_o envious_a one_o shall_v fow_v tare_n in_o the_o field_n of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a yet_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o fundamental_a and_o catholic_n verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d point_v general_o believe_v of_o all_o have_v antiquity_n universality_n and_o consent_n concur_v with_o they_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o foundation_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o 11._o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n heb._n 6.1_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o rom._n 6.17_o the_o proportion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n rom._n 〈◊〉_d 6._o which_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o from_o the_o apostle_n even_o to_o we_o in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o can_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n ever_o prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o extirpate_v they_o and_o these_o be_v such_o confess_v duty_n of_o godliness_n as_o none_o that_o have_v pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n have_v dare_v open_o and_o direct_o to_o gainsay_v now_o these_o be_v the_o point_n that_o have_v great_a influence_n on_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o sanctify_v and_o change_v they_o and_o to_o promote_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o rare_o those_o question_n and_o matter_n of_o dispute_n that_o be_v so_o hot_o contest_v about_o and_o these_o avail_n to_o the_o save_v our_o soul_n upon_o our_o hearty_a embrace_n and_o receive_v these_o or_o our_o renounce_n of_o they_o either_o in_o heart_n or_o life_n depend_v our_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n we_o have_v need_v therefore_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n on_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o cordial_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_v those_o duty_n and_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v secure_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n now_o for_o further_a improvement_n of_o this_o advice_n we_o shall_v more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o these_o great_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n and_o lay_v down_o some_o brief_a account_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o salvation_n 1._o for_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o that_o i_o undertake_v to_o give_v a_o exact_a account_n hereof_o for_o to_o determine_v this_o say_v a_o learned_a man_n be_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o all_o the_o divine_n in_o christendom_n but_o only_o do_v declare_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v more_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n have_v be_v general_o embrace_v by_o all_o church_n worthy_a the_o name_n of_o christian_n set_v aside_o controvert_v point_n wherein_o so_o much_o truth_n be_v contain_v as_o be_v join_v with_o holy_a obedience_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n this_o be_v premise_v they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o article_n 1_o concern_v god_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n of_o a_o infinite_a perfect_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n subsist_v in_o three_o most_o glorious_a person_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o maker_n preserver_n &_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o intend_v his_o own_o glory_n in_o all_o his_o work_n that_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v to_o know_v &_o acknowledge_v this_o god_n to_o fear_v love_n adore_v and_o glorify_v he_o and_o their_o chief_a felicity_n stand_v in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o full_a conformity_n to_o his_o image_n and_o near_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o in_o no_o earthly_a good_a separate_a from_o he_o this_o be_v one_o article_n of_o religion_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v and_o not_o controvert_v among_o christian_n believe_v this_o thorough_o and_o let_v it_o influence_n your_o heart_n and_o life_n so_o as_o you_o study_v to_o know_v this_o god_n and_o to_o get_v acquaintance_n with_o he_o to_o fear_v love_n and_o serve_v he_o to_o own_v he_o for_o your_o sovereign_a lord_n &_o chief_a good_a 2_o concern_v man_n that_o god_n make_v man_n at_o the_o first_o in_o a_o very_a holy_a &_o happy_a estate_n from_o which_o he_o soon_o fall_v through_o satan_n temptation_n and_o all_o mankind_n become_v plunge_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n that_o we_o be_v all_o heinous_a offender_n against_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n under_o his_o dreadful_a wrath_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n bar_v out_o of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n and_o liable_a to_o eternal_a torment_n if_o not_o speedy_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o pardon_v and_o by_o renew_v grace_n sanctify_v and_o convert_v which_o neither_o we_o nor_o any_o mere_a creature_n be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o this_o be_v another_o fundamental_a article_n of_o faith_n so_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o controversy_n
those_o fundamental_a and_o catholic_n truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n about_o which_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o we_o and_o let_v they_o be_v so_o believe_v that_o they_o influence_n their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o sanctify_v they_o and_o also_o that_o they_o will_v conscionable_o practice_v those_o know_v and_o confess_v duty_n that_o all_o be_v agree_v in_o and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o question_v their_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o it_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o be_v contend_v violent_o about_o disputable_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o external_a form_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o such_o like_a question_n about_o thing_n not_o so_o clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n noâ—_n embrace_v so_o general_o by_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o church_n nor_o indeed_o easy_a to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o the_o weak_a sort_n of_o professor_n whilst_o those_o weighty_a thing_n before_o name_v be_v neglect_v and_o disregard_v such_o will_v hardly_o evade_v the_o imputation_n of_o hypocrisy_n be_v so_o like_o the_o pharisee_n that_o tithe_v mint_n annise_v and_o cummin_n and_o neglect_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n chap._n vi_o other_o direction_n in_o point_n of_o a_o secondary_a nature_n that_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n nor_o unanimous_o receive_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o be_v problematical_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o persuasion_n how_o to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n in_o such_o a_o case_n four_o rule_n about_o this_o but_o what_o be_v not_o the_o least_o truth_n of_o religion_n worth_n contend_v for_o and_o the_o small_a circumstantial_o of_o faith_n or_o worship_n do_v not_o god_n stand_v upon_o small_a matter_n in_o his_o service_n yes_o very_o in_o their_o due_a place_n and_o after_o a_o christian_a manner_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o inquire_v after_o they_o when_o we_o have_v yield_v that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o great_a and_o more_o necessary_a point_n of_o salvation_n we_o be_v then_o to_o study_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o other_o thing_n of_o a_o secondary_a and_o more_o inferior_a nature_n nor_o be_v the_o most_o minute_n truth_n to_o be_v despise_v or_o neglect_v by_o we_o that_o therefore_o we_o may_v make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o the_o true_a and_o right_a way_n in_o such_o circumstantial_a and_o less_o necessary_a point_n as_o true_o pious_a and_o wife_n christian_n differ_v in_o which_o be_v marter_n non_fw-la fideì_n sed_fw-la questìonum_fw-la 23._o aug_n de_fw-fr peccat_fw-la orig_n chap._n 23._o as_o st._n augustine_n speak_v not_o proper_o point_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n but_o problematical_a and_o disputable_a in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o be_v necessitate_v to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o persuasion_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o give_v some_o direction_n about_o they_o for_o which_o end_n observe_v these_o few_o rule_n which_o will_v be_v useful_a to_o we_o herein_o 1._o humh_o seek_v god_n by_o daily_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o make_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n know_v to_o you_o herein_o lean_v not_o to_o your_o own_o understanding_n and_o wisdom_n but_o confess_v how_o weak_a you_o be_v and_o full_a of_o error_n and_o darkness_n beseech_v he_o to_o take_v away_o the_o vail_n from_o before_o your_o eye_n to_o give_v you_o understanding_n and_o teach_v you_o good_a judgement_n and_o knowledge_n that_o what_o you_o see_v not_o he_o will_v teach_v you_o and_o wherein_o you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v he_o will_v reveal_v the_o truth_n unto_o you_o plead_v his_o promise_n of_o lead_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v reveal_v his_o secret_n to_o such_o as_o fear_v he_o and_o guide_v the_o meek_a in_o the_o way_n and_o lead_v you_o by_o his_o spirit_n hang_v upon_o the_o lord_n daily_o for_o his_o guidance_n in_o such_o difficult_a case_n as_o you_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o 2._o search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5.39_o and_o look_v well_o to_o they_o they_o be_v your_o chard_n and_o compass_n to_o steer_v your_o course_n by_o try_v all_o thing_n by_o they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n take_v nothing_o on_o trust_n from_o man_n for_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v err_v i_o think_v there_o be_v hardly_o any_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o corruption_n in_o worship_n but_o have_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o follow_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o repute_a godly_a man_n more_o than_o the_o scripture_n when_o a_o peter_n shall_v judaize_v and_o not_o walk_v upright_o he_o may_v not_o only_o seduce_v by_o his_o example_n many_o ordinary_a christian_n but_o a_o barnabas_n also_o may_v be_v carry_v away_o from_o the_o truth_n by_o his_o dissimulation_n gal._n 2._o hold_v close_o therefore_o to_o the_o scripture_n those_o infallible_a oracle_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o inquire_v daily_o into_o they_o 3_o if_o yet_o after_o prayer_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n we_o find_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n insome_a opinion_n or_o practice_n because_o it_o be_v but_o dark_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n or_o at_o least_o through_o the_o darkness_n of_o mind_n in_o godly_a man_n who_o can_v so_o well_o discern_v it_o then_o observe_v this_o further_a rule_n there_o be_v some_o general_a criteria_fw-la or_o mark_n whereby_o we_o may_v discern_v any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o may_v thereby_o try_v any_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n when_o we_o can_v not_o so_o clear_o see_v they_o in_o the_o particular_n viz._n 1_o such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o but_o agree_v and_o correspond_v with_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o first_o principle_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n or_o analogy_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12.6_o they_o be_v of_o god_n receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o consonant_a thereunto_o then_o reject_v they_o 2_o such_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n as_o tend_v to_o holiness_n tit._n 1.2_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o holiness_n follow_v they_o but_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o looseness_n and_o profaneness_n be_v to_o be_v shun_v as_o not_o of_o god_n this_o mark_n discover_v the_o evil_a of_o such_o opinion_n as_o teach_v man_n to_o cast_v off_o sabbath_n ordinance_n scripture_n family_n and_o closet_n devotion_n and_o other_o libertine_n principle_n yet_o here_o beware_v on_o the_o contrary_a of_o a_o pretend_a holiness_n above_o what_o be_v write_v of_o be_v righteous_a over_o much_o above_z and_z beyond_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o monkish_a or_o solitary_a live_n among_o the_o papist_n of_o their_o pretend_a holy_a order_n vow_n etc._n etc._n and_o among_o other_o it_o have_v cause_v separation_n superstition_n and_o many_o other_o irregular_a act_n 3_o such_o doctrine_n and_o way_n as_o tend_v not_o to_o division_n and_o faction_n but_o to_o peace_n love_n and_o union_n among_o such_o as_o fear_v god_n those_o be_v of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v follow_v by_o we_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o phil._n 2.1_o 2._o eph._n 4.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v shun_v and_o avoid_v rom._n 16.17_o 4_o such_o thing_n as_o tend_v to_o edification_n and_o to_o further_a the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o rom._n 14.19_o but_o those_o thing_n that_o minister_v question_n and_o cause_n strife_n and_o contention_n rather_o than_o godly_a edify_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v 1_o tim._n 1.4_o 5._o 5_o such_o opinion_n and_o practice_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o set_n up_o his_o righteousness_n and_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o humble_v and_o debase_v of_o man_n and_o cast_v he_o down_o from_o all_o high_a thought_n of_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o ability_n they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o from_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 1._o a_o fin_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v these_o general_a criteria_fw-la or_o mark_n may_v be_v some_o guide_n to_o find_v out_o the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n in_o some_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n that_o you_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o because_o you_o can_v read_v they_o so_o plain_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rule_n 4_o after_o you_o have_v thus_o do_v the_o utmost_a you_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o these_o controvert_v
duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o it_o be_v prescribe_v and_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o they_o stand_v be_v more_o full_o and_o clear_o express_v but_o their_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o performance_n be_v only_o couch_v under_o general_a rule_n this_o may_v be_v show_v abundant_o by_o instance_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o prayer_n preach_v sacrament_n &c_n &c_n but_o it_o be_v do_v by_o other_o sully_v and_o must_v be_v omit_v here_o because_o of_o the_o brevity_n of_o these_o rule_n nor_o do_v this_o derogate_a from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o argue_v want_n of_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o christ_n as_o some_o plead_v if_o he_o shall_v not_o prescribe_v every_o particular_a as_o moses_n do_v even_o to_o the_o pinn_v of_o the_o tabernacle_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o end_n god_n give_v they_o to_o make_v wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o for_o church-government_n and_o worship_n there_o be_v enough_o in_o these_o essential_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n for_o the_o preserve_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o secure_v of_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n among_o man_n those_o be_v due_o observe_v and_o wherein_o then_o be_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v argue_v of_o insufficiency_n if_o they_o leave_v some_o particular_a circumstance_n undetermined_a and_o for_o the_o charge_n of_o unfaithfulnesse_n in_o jesus_n christ_n if_o he_o shall_v not_o particularize_v those_o thing_n it_o be_v strange_o presumptuous_a such_o shall_v rather_o show_v where_o christ_n have_v particular_o determine_v all_o those_o circumstance_n then_o impute_v unfaithfulnesse_n unto_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o what_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v do_v there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o determine_v all_o circumstance_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o one_o be_v in_o its_o minority_n the_o other_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o state_n of_o great_a liberty_n and_o perfection_n gal._n 4_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 10._o a_o boy_n that_o go_v to_o school_n have_v his_o lesson_n set_v he_o and_o in_o every_o particular_a he_o be_v stint_v to_o his_o work_n but_o when_o he_o go_v to_o the_o university_n he_o only_o hear_v lecture_n have_v general_a rule_n for_o his_o study_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o disposition_n for_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o study_n beside_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o nation_n that_o have_v its_o civil_a government_n and_o law_n from_o god_n as_o well_o as_o its_o church_n instiution_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o spread_v throughout_o the_o world_n under_o different_a civil_a government_n different_a circumstance_n may_v best_o suit_v with_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o different_a people_n ix_o take_v heed_n of_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n whilst_o you_o profess_v to_o oppose_v the_o institution_n of_o men._n my_o meaning_n be_v whilst_o you_o withstand_v humane_a invention_n as_o you_o suppose_v they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n beware_v you_o oppose_v not_o lawful_a authority_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o enjoin_v in_o and_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o the_o lord_n that_o magistrate_n have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o dominion_n commit_v to_o they_o &_o shall_v see_v to_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n therein_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n may_v be_v manifest_a to_o all_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o see_v it_o by_o the_o laudable_a example_n of_o godly_a king_n in_o former_a time_n such_o as_o david_n solomon_n asa_n jehosaphat_n hezekiah_n etc._n etc._n who_o chief_a care_n be_v about_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o dominion_n indeed_o they_o be_v not_o to_o make_v any_o new_a institution_n of_o worship_n nor_o alter_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v particular_o enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v to_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v administer_v according_a to_o the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n undetermined_a by_o god_n they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o order_n and_o settle_v thing_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n and_o however_o you_o plead_v you_o be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n you_o must_v be_v therein_o subject_a to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n it_o have_v be_v a_o notion_n take_v up_o by_o some_o that_o as_o in_o former_a time_n the_o saint_n have_v suffer_v in_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o priestly_a office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o they_o must_v bear_v witness_n to_o his_o kingly_a office_n what_o ever_o they_o suffer_v and_o not_o yield_v to_o any_o commandment_n of_o man_n in_o and_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o let_v such_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o oppose_v not_o his_o kingly_a office_n when_o they_o seem_v to_o stand_v up_o for_o it_o for_o if_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n be_v his_o vicegerent_n as_o certain_o they_o be_v and_o there_o be_v a_o care_n of_o his_o worship_n delegated_a unto_o they_o and_o some_o power_n for_o order_v affair_n in_o his_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o outward_a conveniency_n and_o order_n where_o he_o have_v not_o express_o determine_v in_o withstand_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n they_o may_v resist_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v a_o further_a scruple_n in_o case_n magistrate_n enjoin_v thing_n inexpedient_a and_o inconvenient_a and_o so_o swerve_v from_o those_o general_a rule_n that_o they_o be_v to_o go_v by_o whether_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v to_o they_o in_o such_o thing_n or_o no_o but_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o nonconformist_n may_v be_v take_v herein_o etc._n baxt._n five_o disp_n p._n 460_o etc._n etc._n they_o determine_v in_o such_o case_n its_o better_a to_o obey_v then_o to_o withstand_v they_o may_v sin_v in_o command_v such_o thing_n and_o yet_o subject_n not_o sin_n in_o obey_v they_o when_o command_v they_o be_v judge_n in_o such_o particular_a case_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v expedient_a as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n determine_v what_o be_v necessary_a and_o herein_o they_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o calvin_n ep._n 379_o which_o have_v be_v ever_o approve_v by_o they_o who_o speak_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n say_v some_o thing_n neither_o right_a nor_o profitable_a but_o scandalous_a and_o draw_v evil_a consequence_n with_o they_o yet_o not_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n in_o any_o express_a determination_n of_o it_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o godly_a brethren_n when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o forsake_v and_o indeed_o if_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v but_o so_o often_o as_o any_o shall_v judge_v such_o or_o such_o matter_n inexpedient_a they_o may_v withstand_v the_o axe_n seem_v to_o be_v lay_v at_o the_o root_n of_o all_o government_n and_o there_o will_v be_v little_a order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o society_n in_o the_o world_n but_o a_o yield_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o that_o society_n x._o let_v not_o any_o principle_n or_o practice_n that_o you_o have_v inconsiderat_o take_v up_o so_o far_o engage_v you_o as_o to_o make_v you_o loath_a to_o teturn_v to_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n some_o have_v it_o may_v be_v unwilling_o and_o with_o reluctancy_n only_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o some_o of_o their_o own_o party_n be_v lead_v into_o the_o way_n of_o rigid_a separation_n to_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n but_o their_o own_o however_o sound_n in_o all_o the_o main_a fundamental_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o refuse_v any_o communion_n with_o they_o though_o this_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o know_v â—o_o their_o own_o profession_n cotton_n t._n g._n mr._n cotton_n style_v by_o some_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o separation_n the_o way_n god_n never_o blessed_v with_o peace_n and_o holiness_n etc._n etc._n and_o now_o to_o return_v to_o way_n of_o sobriety_n and_o own_o such_o as_o they_o have_v former_o so_o hot_o contend_v against_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v natural_o in_o man_n a_o tenaciousnesse_n of_o those_o way_n and_o opinion_n they_o have_v once_o profess_v that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o recede_v from_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o have_v contend_v for_o they_o this_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o denial_n man_n will_v rather_o yield_v