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
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
in_o their_o patrimony_n say_v bucer_n then_o in_o their_o opinion_n beside_o they_o may_v undergo_v the_o heavy_a charge_n of_o apostasy_n lasco_n ep._n to_o jo_n a_o lasco_n and_o desert_v the_o truth_n and_o change_v their_o religion_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o deterr_v many_o from_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o sobriety_n but_o it_o will_v be_v consider_v it_o be_v no_o discharge_n for_o the_o wise_a holy_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n to_o retract_v in_o some_o controversal_a opinion_n or_o practice_n augustine_n who_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o father_n write_v several_a book_n of_o retractation_n and_o i_o to_o ruffinus_n say_v never_o blush_v man_n to_o change_v thy_o opinion_n for_o neither_o you_o nor_o i_o nor_o any_o person_n live_v be_v of_o so_o great_a authority_n as_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v err_v and_o as_o for_o the_o charge_n of_o apostasy_n and_o change_v your_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o affirm_v this_o for_o if_o you_o search_v the_o scripture_n apostasy_n be_v a_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o main_a fundamental_a confess_v doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n into_o manifest_a heresy_n or_o wickedness_n not_o the_o change_a a_o man_n judgement_n or_o practice_n in_o some_o point_v disputable_a among_o the_o godly_a and_o orthodox_n say_v mr._n baxter_n in_o his_o catholic_n unity_n be_v it_o know_v to_o all_o the_o papist_n in_o the_o world_n that_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o change_v at_o all_o our_o worship_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o within_o book_n or_o without_o our_o prayer_n be_v the_o same_o for_o matter_n with_o those_o in_o the_o common_a prayer_n book_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v one_o day_n use_v the_o common_a prayer_n book_n and_o another_o day_n forbear_v it_o i_o shall_v not_o change_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v be_v part_n of_o his_o worship_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o a_o book_n or_o out_o of_o it_o be_v no_o part_n at_o all_o but_o a_o mode_n or_o circumstance_n which_o may_v be_v alter_v as_o occasion_n serve_v elsewhere_o the_o same_o learned_a and_o pious_a person_n show_v what_o yield_v in_o thing_n lawful_a the_o scripture_n recommend_v to_o we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n 488._o five_o disp_n p._n 488._o when_o he_o circumcise_v timothy_n act_n 16.3_o and_o when_o he_o take_v the_o man_n and_o purify_a himself_o with_o they_o in_o the_o temple_n to_o signify_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o day_n of_o purification_n etc._n etc._n act._n 21.26_o 27._o so_o also_o from_o what_o he_o say_v 1_o cor._n 9.19_o 20._o i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o i_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o and_o this_o i_o do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n xi_o i_o add_v but_o one_o rule_n of_o caution_n more_o against_o a_o very_a common_a but_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o be_v a_o occasion_n to_o many_o of_o run_v in_o to_o error_n and_o heresy_n as_o well_o as_o into_o schism_n and_o separation_n viz._n take_v heed_n of_o set_v up_o your_o own_o apprehension_n and_o conceit_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n about_o controvert_v point_n as_o infallible_a oracle_n that_o you_o trust_v so_o confident_o to_o that_o you_o will_v endanger_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o your_o own_o safety_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o they_o where_o you_o have_v not_o all_o those_o necessary_a help_n and_o mean_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o some_o that_o have_v their_o mind_n forestalled_n with_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n get_v a_o bible_n into_o their_o hand_n present_o conceive_v what_o ever_o they_o meet_v withal_o to_o make_v for_o their_o opinion_n and_o begin_v to_o be_v more_o confident_a than_o a_o hundred_o wise_a and_o more_o discern_a person_n dare_v to_o be_v who_o know_v their_o own_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o the_o thing_n controvert_v though_o they_o have_v far_o great_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o they_o this_o carry_v man_n into_o such_o wild_a fancy_n &_o strange_a delusion_n sometime_o as_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o fanaticism_n a_o name_n which_o be_v too_o unjust_o apply_v to_o other_o more_o sober_a and_o pious_a christian_n though_o the_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o plain_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o the_o weak_a christian_n may_v understand_v they_o and_o therefore_o have_v much_o profit_n by_o holy_a and_o humble_a meditation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n yet_o point_v controvert_v be_v oftentimes_o hide_v from_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o know_v not_o the_o language_n and_o proper_a idiom_n of_o scripture_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o other_o advantage_n of_o learning_n that_o its_o ordinary_o impossible_a they_o shall_v find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a delusion_n to_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n that_o some_o pretend_v to_o more_o confident_o than_o they_o have_v cause_n shall_v discover_v all_o deep_a mystery_n and_o obscure_a point_n of_o controversy_n to_o those_o that_o have_v but_o ordinary_a understanding_n and_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o outward_a necessary_a mean_n and_o hope_n for_o the_o gain_v knowledge_n thereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n teach_v not_o by_o such_o immediate_a enthusiasm_n but_o by_o irradiate_a the_o mind_n and_o elevate_a the_o reason_n that_o be_v exercise_v in_o search_v the_o truth_n in_o all_o god_n appoint_v mean_n and_o do_v also_o help_v the_o weak_a to_o understand_v savoury_o all_o those_o plain_a and_o necessary_a truth_n that_o tend_v to_o godliness_n and_o to_o conform_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o they_o it_o be_v more_o become_v weak_a christian_n in_o matter_n disputable_a to_o consult_v with_o the_o write_n of_o able_a and_o learned_a expositor_n that_o have_v all_o those_o advantage_n which_o themselves_o want_v and_o not_o to_o presume_v too_o much_o on_o their_o own_o understanding_n in_o such_o thing_n which_o will_v be_v account_v unsufferable_a presumption_n in_o other_o art_n and_o science_n and_o can_v be_v less_o in_o divinity_n wherein_o the_o great_a mystery_n be_v contain_v other_o rule_n of_o caution_n may_v here_o be_v lay_v down_o which_o to_o avoid_v prolixity_n i_o forbear_v to_o enumerate_v recommend_v the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o sober_a and_o humble_a christian_a as_o great_o conduce_v to_o keep_v he_o from_o the_o by-path_n of_o unjust_a separation_n and_o here_o conclude_v with_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v to_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o nation_n both_o ruler_n and_o people_n to_o mind_v more_o and_o to_o be_v more_o zealous_a for_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o to_o contend_v less_o about_o thing_n not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n necessary_a that_o high_a imposition_n may_v not_o occasion_v violent_a opposition_n nor_o these_o again_o produce_v further_a imposition_n but_o we_o may_v love_v one_o another_o unfeigned_o for_o the_o great_a thing_n we_o be_v unite_v in_o &_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o more_o in_o thing_n wherein_o difference_n be_v tolerable_a and_o all_o may_v seek_v the_o unity_n peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o good_a of_o one_o another_o etc._n etc._n then_o shall_v religion_n flourish_v the_o gospel_n be_v advance_v the_o fame_n of_o god_n be_v honour_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n edify_v and_o all_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o which_o let_v every_o good_a christian_a say_v amen_n finis_fw-la
up_o and_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o intend_v to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o &_o to_o venture_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o chap._n ii_o show_v wherein_o this_o wise_a choose_v our_o religion_n stand_v &_o what_o act_n concur_v thereunto_o have_v lay_v down_o the_o proposition_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o discourse_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n we_o come_v now_o to_o inquire_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o choice_n wherein_o it_o stand_v and_o what_o thing_n necessary_o must_v concur_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o intend_v to_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n election_n or_o choose_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n proceed_v from_o the_o previous_a knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o among_o diverse_a way_n or_o mean_v propound_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o some_o end_n it_o do_v resolve_v upon_o some_o one_o above_o the_o rest_n that_o it_o will_v add_v here_o unto_o and_o make_v use_n of_o for_o that_o purpose_n in_o particular_a choose_v once_o religion_n be_v also_o a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n arise_v from_o the_o previous_a knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o understanding_n discern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n whereby_o among_o the_o many_o different_a religion_n or_o way_n of_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n and_o of_o attain_v unto_o happiness_n with_o he_o that_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n a_o man_n do_v pitch_n and_o resolve_v upon_o one_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o with_o rejection_n of_o all_o other_o with_o full_a purpose_n to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o it_o and_o even_o venture_v a_o man_n salvation_n and_o happiness_n on_o it_o here_o be_v 3_o act_n wherein_o this_o right_a choose_n one_o religion_n do_v stand_v to_o be_v explain_v in_o order_n 1._o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n judge_a and_o discern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o will_n choose_v and_o its_o excellency_n above_o all_o thing_n that_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o for_o to_o a_o right_a choice_n of_o the_o will_v the_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n must_v proceed_v it_o must_v know_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o discern_v it_o good_a or_o else_o it_o be_v but_o a_o blind_a choice_n not_o become_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o a_o man_n may_v else_o embrace_v evil_a as_o well_o as_o good_a the_o will_n when_o be_v act_n regular_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o understanding_n this_o tell_v what_o be_v good_a and_o then_o what_o choose_v as_o the_o palate_n judge_v of_o what_o it_o taste_v and_o then_o the_o stomach_n or_o appetite_n crave_v it_o so_o must_v the_o understanding_n go_v before_o she_o &_o discern_v the_o nature_n verity_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o religion_n as_o also_o the_o falseness_n vanity_n and_o dangerousnesse_n of_o other_o religion_n before_o the_o will_n can_v make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o it_o man_n be_v a_o religious_a creature_n by_o the_o common_a instinct_n of_o his_o natural_a conscience_n be_v move_v strong_o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v a_o deity_n as_o we_o see_v in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n much_o more_o when_o he_o be_v further_a stir_v up_o by_o a_o divine_a instinct_n now_o we_o shall_v consider_v as_o man_n as_o the_o prophet_n phrase_n be_v and_o not_o exert_a action_n of_o high_a importance_n without_o understanding_n and_o reason_n worship_v we_o know_v not_o what_o as_o christ_n tax_v the_o samaritan_n john_n 4._o but_o give_v god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n know_v what_o god_n we_o serve_v and_o what_o religion_n we_o take_v up_o and_o not_o take_v up_o the_o next_o at_o hand_n at_o adventure_n as_o most_o man_n do_v that_o religion_n profess_v where_o they_o live_v &_o commend_v to_o they_o by_o education_n example_n etc._n etc._n but_o understanding_n what_o we_o do_v therein_o and_o therefore_o man_n that_o act_n according_a to_o reason_n will_v look_v into_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o judge_v which_o be_v best_a among_o they_o or_o rather_o into_o the_o word_n and_o oracle_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o they_o best_o discover_v what_o god_n be_v and_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o divine_a oracle_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n we_o shall_v have_v special_a recourse_n unto_o they_o now_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n common_o call_v the_o bible_n be_v such_o that_o be_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n wherein_o he_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n this_o may_v appear_v even_o to_o those_o that_o have_v not_o yet_o take_v upon_o they_o any_o profession_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o infallible_a demonstration_n as_o reason_n can_v contradict_v viz._n from_o these_o character_n imprint_v on_o they_o which_o show_v they_o to_o be_v of_o god_n from_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v they_o from_o that_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n see_v in_o such_o as_o serious_o believe_v they_o from_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o those_o thing_n reveal_v therein_o even_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v utter_o invisible_a and_o improbable_a to_o create_v understanding_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o exact_a consideration_n in_o the_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n of_o that_o religion_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n he_o shall_v 1_o take_v a_o particular_a view_n of_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n the_o great_a mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n teach_v therein_o not_o take_v all_o in_o the_o lump_n together_o but_o have_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o they_o he_o who_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o gross_a only_o and_o have_v no_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n which_o that_o religion_n teach_v he_o have_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o how_o can_v these_o doctrine_n influence_n his_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o make_v he_o fear_v and_o love_n god_n true_o and_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o power_n and_o practice_n of_o godliness_n if_o not_o distinct_o know_v and_o discern_v by_o he_o then_o 2._o he_o must_v discern_v the_o verity_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o doctrine_n that_o he_o may_v venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o they_o know_v he_o in_o who_o he_o have_v believe_v for_o which_o and_o it_o be_v exceed_o necessary_a to_o be_v conversant_a in_o those_o treatise_n which_o prove_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o it_o be_v set_v down_o of_o which_o many_o be_v extant_a in_o our_o own_o language_n without_o this_o a_o man_n shall_v never_o hold_v fast_o his_o religion_n especial_o in_o try_v time_n 3._o he_o shall_v know_v the_o excellency_n thereof_o that_o its_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o magnify_v of_o god_n and_o give_v glory_n unto_o he_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o man_n to_o true_a happiness_n in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o his_o god_n and_o near_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o full_a conformity_n unto_o he_o he_o shall_v often_o look_v upon_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o mystery_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o precept_n excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o dreadfulness_n of_o the_o punishment_n and_o thus_o the_o understanding_n precede_v in_o discern_v and_o judge_v the_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v be_v one_o act_n in_o this_o election_n 2._o act_n after_o the_o understanding_n do_v thus_o present_a the_o true_a religion_n before_o we_o in_o the_o certainty_n glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o then_o the_o next_o act_n be_v for_o the_o will_v to_o elect_v choose_v and_o embrace_v it_o solemn_o to_o espouse_v this_o religion_n and_o say_v it_o shall_v be_v i_o it_o be_v that_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o profess_v and_o to_o venture_v my_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o what_o ever_o inconvenience_n i_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o profession_n thereof_o what_o ever_o disgrace_n reproach_n loss_n persecution_n etc._n etc._n yet_o this_o religion_n i_o will_v be_v of_o and_o this_o god_n i_o will_v serve_v we_o must_v sit_v down_o and_o consider_v what_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o then_o espouse_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o take_v it_o for_o better_a for_o worse_a embrace_z the_o cross_v it_o threaten_v as_o well_o as_o the_o crown_n it_o promise_n for_o so_o our_o lord_n warn_v his_o disciple_n tell_v they_o he_o that_o will_v come_v after_o i_o and_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n must_v deny_v himself_o in_o his_o dear_a lust_n &_o sin_n nay_o in_o his_o estate_n and_o life_n sometime_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n of_o