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
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
venture_v their_o soul_n on_o a_o sure_a bottom_n consider_v as_o man_n and_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n you_o venture_v your_o salvation_n upon_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o you_o by_o tradition_n from_o your_o ancestor_n that_o you_o have_v learn_v it_o by_o education_n from_o godly_a parent_n that_o it_o be_v command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n wherein_o you_o live_v and_o commend_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o wise_a and_o pious_a person_n who_o you_o reverence_v but_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n for_o yourselves_o labour_v to_o understand_v distinct_o the_o several_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n contain_v therein_o and_o to_o know_v the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o so_o take_v it_o up_o upon_o deliberation_n weigh_v both_o the_o convenience_n and_o inconvenience_n so_o it_o compare_v the_o suffering_n loss_n reproach_n persecution_n you_o meet_v withal_o with_o the_o reward_n and_o crown_n promise_v and_o so_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o your_o religion_n resolve_v to_o live_v and_o die_v therein_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o to_o the_o end_n and_o be_v faithful_a even_o to_o death_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n necessary_a and_o seasonable_a to_o be_v press_v some_o have_v not_o yet_o choose_v their_o religion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v too_o many_o not_o only_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n but_o of_o the_o more_o ancient_a who_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n have_v their_o religion_n to_o choose_v some_o have_v make_v some_o kind_n of_o choice_n but_o need_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o establish_v therein_o upon_o good_a ground_n and_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o be_v true_a to_o the_o true_a religion_n they_o profess_v even_o to_o be_v serious_a thorough_a and_o constant_a christian_n make_v this_o choice_n then_o speedy_o for_o this_o be_v the_o business_n you_o come_v into_o the_o world_n about_o to_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v to_o worship_n and_o glorify_v god_n and_o your_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o live_v not_o without_o god_n any_o long_o but_o acknowledge_v he_o that_o make_v and_o redeem_v you_o that_o feed_v and_o preserve_v you_o and_o learn_v how_o to_o serve_v he_o acceptable_o do_v it_o wise_o lest_o you_o be_v delude_v there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o many_o false_a way_n in_o the_o world_n you_o have_v need_v to_o have_v your_o eye_n about_o you_o err_v herein_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o safety_n of_o your_o soul_n your_o external_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v upon_o it_o and_o then_o be_v true_a to_o that_o religion_n you_o choose_v play_v not_o fast_o and_o loose_a with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o high_a concernment_n to_o be_v serious_a in_o religion_n what_o ever_o you_o trifle_v in_o be_v not_o false_a herein_o what_o ever_o you_o be_v faulty_a in_o let_v the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n you_o receive_v influence_n your_o heart_n and_o life_n sanctify_v and_o change_v they_o rest_v not_o in_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o man_n may_v as_o well_o miscarry_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o in_o a_o false_a if_o they_o be_v false_a unto_o it_o quest_n but_o here_o a_o question_n must_v be_v resolve_v in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v this_o some_o may_v say_v see_v there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n among_o so_o many_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n especial_o such_o of_o we_o as_o be_v weak_a and_o ignorant_a when_o great_a and_o learned_a man_n differ_v so_o much_o about_o it_o among_o themselves_o answer_n this_o be_v a_o question_n of_o very_o great_a importance_n and_o indeed_o deserve_v a_o serious_a answer_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o it_o in_o two_o particular_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n to_o think_v because_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o opinion_n among_o man_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o every_o different_a opinion_n be_v not_o a_o different_a religion_n there_o be_v to_o speak_v proper_o but_o four_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n although_o there_o be_v different_a sect_n &_o party_n among_o each_o of_o these_o viz._n heathenism_n mahometanism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n indeed_o these_o four_o disagree_v much_o among_o themselves_o in_o heathenism_n some_o worship_n one_o god_n some_o another_o some_o multitude_n joint_o as_o may_v beseen_v in_o scripture_n and_o in_o all_o history_n in_o mahometanism_n all_o follow_v that_o impostor_n mahomet_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n among_o themselves_o so_o that_o they_o be_v at_o deadly_a feud_n often_o one_o with_o another_o for_o their_o religion_n sake_n as_o be_v story_v of_o the_o turkish_a and_o persian_a mahometan_n in_o judaisme_n all_o worship_n the_o true_a god_n the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o receive_v the_o law_n from_o moses_n serve_v god_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o yet_o have_v they_o different_a sect_n among_o themselves_o as_o the_o pharisee_n sadducee_n essen_n etc._n etc._n in_o christianity_n all_o worship_n god_n in_o christ_n although_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o heresy_n among_o they_o so_o that_o indeed_o there_o be_v but_o four_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o discern_v which_o of_o these_o four_o we_o shall_v choose_v for_o our_o religion_n even_o the_o weak_a understanding_n that_o indifferent_o weigh_v they_o may_v be_v convince_v 1._o for_o heathenism_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o reason_v their_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a to_o worship_v so_o many_o god_n and_o they_o also_o creature_n as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n yea_o mortal_a man_n that_o be_v dead_a such_o as_o jupiter_n juno_n saturn_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n their_o own_o poet_n have_v brand_v they_o with_o black_a note_n of_o infamy_n for_o adultery_n theft_n murder_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v god_n just_a judgement_n as_o the_o apostle_n observe_v rom._n 1._o to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o such_o delusion_n to_o worship_v such_o god_n because_o when_o they_o know_v the_o true_a god_n they_o do_v not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n many_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n be_v convince_v they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o right_n and_o therefore_o cicero_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr naturâ_fw-la deorum_fw-la say_v i_o will_v i_o can_v as_o well_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n as_o convince_v other_o to_o be_v false_a 2._o for_o mahometanism_n though_o it_o have_v spread_v far_o over_o the_o world_n yea_o further_o than_o christianity_n be_v spread_v at_o this_o day_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v a_o false_a religion_n their_o prophet_n be_v a_o deceiver_n and_o a_o very_a flagitious_a person_n and_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n their_o koran_n be_v most_o barbarous_a and_o without_o sense_n their_o doctrine_n impure_a as_o well_o as_o their_o life_n their_o religion_n promise_v a_o carnal_a paradise_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v full_a of_o sensual_a pleasure_n not_o spiritual_a and_o suitable_a to_o rational_a immortal_a soul_n it_o be_v propagate_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o maintain_v by_o ignorance_n and_o suppress_v all_o humane_a learning_n 3._o for_o judaisme_n the_o three_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v indeed_o of_o god_n confirm_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o it_o be_v to_o continue_v for_o a_o time_n till_o christ_n come_v of_o who_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n witness_n abundant_o then_o at_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v abolish_v heb_fw-mi 9.10_o their_o whole_a worship_n &_o ceremony_n have_v respect_n to_o he_o on_o who_o because_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o reject_v and_o crucify_v he_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a they_o and_o their_o temple_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o worship_n of_o it_o abrogate_a and_o to_o this_o day_n so_o continue_v 4_o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o else_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o indeed_o be_v witness_v to_o both_o in_o mahomet_n alcoran_n and_o in_o the_o jewish_a old_a testament_n which_o speak_v full_o of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o birth_n and_o parentage_n with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n his_o death_n resurrection_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o real_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o this_o religion_n heb._n 2.4_o by_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n of_o propagation_n of_o it_o by_o weak_a and_o unlearned_a man_n by_o who_o preach_v it_o soon_o overspread_v the_o world_n and_o
worship_n own_a viz._n that_o god_n only_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v &_o no_o creature_n saint_n or_o angel_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v only_o in_o and_o through_o christ_n as_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n &_o truth_n &_o to_o be_v sanctify_v of_o they_o that_o come_v near_o unto_o he_o 3_o as_o for_o fundamental_a duty_n and_o point_n of_o practice_n here_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o for_o salvation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v he_o and_o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o the_o then_o commandment_n here_o be_v a_o profess_a renuntiation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n with_o all_o their_o sinful_a work_n and_o lust_n all_o these_o call_v for_o a_o ingenuous_a and_o candid_a acknowledgement_n how_o will_v our_o forefather_n that_o live_v in_o former_a time_n of_o popery_n have_v rejoice_v to_o have_v see_v such_o thing_n in_o england_n we_o shall_v bresse_v god_n that_o have_v vouchase_v such_o a_o mercy_n to_o we_o honour_v our_o defender_n of_o the_o faith_n under_o who_o protection_n this_o profession_n be_v make_v and_o show_v more_o reverence_n to_o the_o church_n than_o many_o do_v who_o will_v pettish_o slight_v all_o this_o because_o they_o have_v not_o all_o they_o will_v have_v second_o we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v dislike_v by_o such_o as_o scruple_n communion_n which_o be_v especial_o reducible_a to_o three_o head_n 1._o government_n and_o discipline_n which_o though_o it_o be_v various_a in_o the_o reform_a church_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o hold_v mutual_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o as_o sister-churche_n and_o many_o particular_a wise_a and_o godly_a member_n of_o those_o church_n hold_v communion_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n administer_v in_o the_o church_n of_o different_a way_n occasional_o when_o they_o reside_v among_o they_o 2._o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n concern_v which_o some_o disallow_v all_o set_n and_o impose_v form_n whatsoever_o other_o only_o dislike_v the_o form_n by_o law_n establish_v account_v it_o inconvenient_a disorderly_a and_o defective_a and_o reject_v the_o ceremony_n yet_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n general_o nonconformist_n as_o well_o as_o conformist_n reckon_v external_a form_n and_o mode_n of_o divine_n service_n not_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o worship_n but_o adjunct_n thereunto_o belong_v exercise_n ames_n case_n l._n 4._o c._n 14_o etc._n etc._n 17._o prestons_n daity_n exercise_n e._n g._n the_o essence_n of_o prayer_n lie_v in_o lift_v up_o true_a desire_n to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o elevation_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o mind_n to_o god_n etc._n etc._n word_n be_v but_o the_o outward_a clothing_n of_o these_o desire_n and_o holy_a affection_n or_o the_o chariot_n wherein_o they_o mount_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o for_o the_o ceremony_n use_v in_o england_n they_o be_v utter_o deny_v to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o declare_v only_o circumstantial_a appendant_o thereunto_o see_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o canon_n etc._n etc._n 3._o corruption_n in_o manner_n and_o that_o both_o in_o people_n and_o in_o minister_n which_o when_o find_v in_o the_o latter_a make_v the_o offence_n far_o great_a as_o when_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n be_v wicked_a they_o make_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v abhor_v these_o thing_n premise_v we_o shall_v now_o offer_v our_o advice_n in_o this_o great_a controversy_n and_o annex_v such_o reason_n thereto_o as_o shall_v evidence_n it_o both_o safe_a and_o profitable_a we_o lay_v it_o down_o in_o three_o particular_n 1._o to_o beware_v of_o a_o total_a withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therein_o whilst_o the_o fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o essential_o of_o worship_n be_v therein_o maintain_v because_o you_o apprehend_v therein_o some_o corruption_n defect_n addition_n or_o error_n which_o be_v circumstantial_a this_o advice_n though_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v with_o manifold_a argument_n yet_o the_o brevity_n i_o intend_v in_o this_o discourse_n require_v i_o to_o give_v but_o a_o few_o 1._o if_o you_o will_v make_v the_o scripture_n your_o rule_n herein_o you_o may_v see_v so_o clear_a a_o beam_n of_o light_n all_o along_o through_o the_o same_o witness_v hereunto_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n any_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o question_v this_o duty_n consider_v the_o prophet_n and_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v they_o separate_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n or_o teach_v any_o to_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v very_o great_a defect_n &_o corruption_n therein_o there_o be_v at_o some_o time_n a_o defect_n of_o some_o solemn_a ordinance_n for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o as_o circumcision_n the_o passeover_n etc._n etc._n some_o monument_n of_o idolatry_n remain_v among_o they_o and_o the_o people_n many_o of_o they_o defile_v therewith_o very_o great_a corruption_n of_o manner_n not_o only_o in_o the_o people_n but_o in_o the_o priest_n as_o in_o eli_n son_n etc._n etc._n yet_o whilst_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v continue_v among_o they_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n or_o practice_n to_o be_v find_v of_o total_a withdraw_n therefrom_o indeed_o the_o godly_a levite_n &_o people_n do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o jereboam_n calf_n leave_v their_o dwelling_n and_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n 2_o chro._n 11.14_o 16._o but_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o withdraw_a from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o such_o cause_n as_o be_v before_o name_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n be_v great_o corrupt_v by_o many_o degree_n more_o than_o any_o sober_a person_n can_v judge_v the_o present_a church_n in_o this_o nation_n now_o to_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o little_a knowledge_n that_o remain_v be_v miserable_o corrupt_v not_o only_o with_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n but_o with_o the_o damnable_a heresy_n of_o the_o sadducee_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n much_o profane_v and_o the_o temple_n pollute_v and_o make_v a_o den_n of_o thief_n a_o multitude_n of_o superstitious_a ceremony_n introduce_v that_o be_v a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a to_o bear_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n subvert_v whilst_o small_a thing_n be_v exact_o mind_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n as_o judgement_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v neglect_v a_o general_a over_o spread_v of_o sin_n not_o only_o among_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o priest_n themselves_o and_o that_o in_o their_o ministration_n and_o calling_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o life_n etc._n etc._n yet_o do_v not_o the_o godly_a withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n for_o the_o same_o we_o read_v that_o simeon_n anna_n and_o other_o continue_v in_o the_o temple_n worship_v god_n daily_o holy_a zachary_n forsake_v not_o his_o priestly_a office_n but_o minister_v in_o his_o course_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o christ_n himself_o be_v circumcise_v and_o present_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o temple_n with_o the_o accustom_a sacrifice_n offer_v for_o he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o keep_v the_o passeover_n and_o other_o feast_n of_o that_o church_n be_v frequent_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o the_o synagogue_n with_o his_o disciple_n allow_v of_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o that_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n only_o give_v caution_n against_o their_o error_n and_o bad_a life_n send_v divers_a to_o the_o priest_n to_o offer_v their_o accustom_a offering_n require_v in_o the_o law_n nor_o do_v he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n whole_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n nor_o his_o disciple_n after_o he_o until_o the_o jew_n do_v contradict_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o truth_n obstinate_o refuse_v to_o own_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o the_o christ_n and_o persecute_v to_o death_n the_o professor_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n galatia_n etc._n etc._n we_o read_v of_o great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n in_o faith_n grievous_a pollution_n in_o worship_n &_o sad_a miscarriage_n in_o manner_n yet_o concern_v withdraw_v from_o these_o church_n we_o find_v not_o a_o word_n but_o many_o reprehension_n of_o their_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n they_o be_v blame_v for_o as_o well_o as_o some_o thing_n commend_v in_o they_o but_o no_o hint_n of_o separation_n from_o