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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n authority_n law_n power_n 1,453 5 4.7820 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A34207 A guide to the true religion, or, A discourse directing to make a wise choice of that religion men venture their salvation upon seasonable for these times wherein there are such diversities of opinions and wayes of religion : to inform the ignorant, to resolve the wavering, and to confirm the weak / by I.C., M.A. of T.C.C. I. C., M.A. of T.C.C. 1669 (1669) Wing C57; ESTC R5667 45,610 112

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entertain_v it_o not_o in_o the_o notion_n only_o but_o let_v it_o be_v so_o digest_v that_o you_o feel_v your_o sin_n and_o misery_n at_o your_o heart_n and_o dare_v not_o to_o continue_v a_o day_n long_o without_o reconcile_n and_o pardon_v mercy_n and_o renew_v and_o sanctify_a grace_n lest_o you_o perish_v that_o you_o despair_v of_o any_o creature_n help_v and_o feel_v yourselves_o eternal_o undo_v if_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n help_v not_o 3_o concern_v jesus_n christ_n our_o redeemer_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n coessential_a and_o coeternal_a with_o his_o father_n upon_o the_o appointment_n and_o designation_n of_o his_o father_n voluntary_o undertake_v the_o office_n of_o a_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n to_o mankind_n &_o be_v make_v man_n take_v on_o he_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o give_v himself_o up_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o offering_n to_o god_n for_o we_o purchase_v by_o his_o death_n all_o thing_n conduce_v to_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o have_v by_o his_o own_o power_n arisen_a from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n he_o be_v become_v a_o alsufficient_a saviour_n and_o will_v effectual_o confer_v pardon_n grace_n and_o salvation_n on_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v true_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n to_o be_v save_v by_o but_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n so_o clear_o hold_v forth_o in_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v beyond_o controversy_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o let_v this_o catholic_n verity_n be_v receive_v not_o in_o the_o nation_n only_o but_o dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n that_o you_o may_v see_v the_o infinite_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o jesus_n christ_n prize_v he_o as_o the_o only_a saviour_n close_o with_o he_o on_o all_o those_o glorious_a account_n and_o end_n she_o be_v send_v upon_o by_o the_o father_n and_o yield_v up_o yourselves_o to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n 4_o concern_v the_o application_n of_o redemption_n that_o our_o redeemer_n the_o lord_n josus_fw-la christ_n have_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n &_o earth_n give_v to_o he_o have_v make_v a_o new_a law_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n &_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n wherein_o he_o promise_v pardon_n and_o salvation_n to_o all_o that_o shall_v sincere_o accept_v and_o own_v he_o for_o their_o saviour_n and_o lord_n redeemer_n and_o tru_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n shall_v rest_v on_o his_o death_n and_o merit_n alone_o for_o life_n &_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o sincere_o obey_v his_o gospel_n law_n and_o commundment_n &_o shall_v persevere_v in_o these_o duty_n to_o the_o end_n and_o after_o he_o shall_v have_v send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o conversion_n in_o his_o elect_n he_o will_v certain_o come_v again_o from_o heaven_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n and_o by_o his_o mighty_a power_n shall_v raise_v the_o dead_a and_o convene_v all_o both_o quick_a &_o dead_a before_o his_o judgement_n seat_n and_o then_o such_o as_o do_v true_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o sincere_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n he_o will_v adjudge_v to_o eternal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n with_o himself_o and_o his_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n but_o unbeliever_n and_o impenitent_a person_n to_o eternal_a torment_n in_o hell_n with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n this_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n express_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o embrace_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n let_v this_o truth_n be_v receive_v not_o notional_o but_o hearty_o let_v it_o influence_n your_o heart_n and_o life_n so_o as_o you_o sincere_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o live_v in_o the_o daily_a expectation_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o give_v diligence_n to_o be_v find_v of_o he_o in_o peace_n without_o spot_n and_o blameless_a i_o shall_v add_v no_o other_o doctrinal_a verity_n beside_o these_o fundamental_a article_n they_o be_v the_o very_a substance_n of_o the_o christian_a creed_n embrace_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n 2._o for_o those_o practical_a duty_n in_o which_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v agree_v for_o as_o there_o be_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n fundamental_a article_n so_o there_o be_v in_o the_o point_n of_o practice_n fundamental_a duty_n now_o these_o be_v either_o 1_o those_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o law_n or_o ten_o commandment_n promulgate_v on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o two_o table_n of_o stone_n which_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n though_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o be_v altogether_o typical_a and_o shadow_a good_a thing_n to_o come_v be_v abolish_v yea_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v it_o in_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n than_o the_o jew_n do_v interpret_v it_o former_o as_o appear_v by_o christ_n sermon_n mat_n 5._o this_o contain_v all_o duty_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n immediate_o require_v in_o the_o first_o table_n viz._n to_o take_v and_o accept_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n that_o make_v we_o and_o give_v we_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o be_v for_o our_o god_n alone_o to_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o fear_v love_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o seek_v his_o glory_n to_o give_v he_o that_o external_a worship_n he_o require_v in_o his_o word_n public_a private_a and_o secret_a as_o invocation_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n by_o prayer_n and_o praise_n hear_v and_o read_v meditate_v and_o confer_v on_o his_o word_n receive_v his_o sacrament_n sanctify_v his_o sabbath_n do_v all_o this_o in_o a_o holy_a reverend_a manner_n so_o as_o god_n name_n may_v be_v sanctify_v by_o we_o in_o 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transgression_n of_o god_n righteous_a and_o holy_a command_n for_o the_o law_n give_v no_o place_n to_o repentance_n but_o threaten_v death_n for_o every_o offence_n faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o pardon_n through_o his_o blood_n and_o salvation_n through_o his_o merit_n fervent_a love_n to_o god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n who_o love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o who_o have_v wash_v we_o in_o his_o blood_n &_o make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n and_o his_o father_n sincere_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v his_o glory_n upon_o the_o new_a obligation_n of_o redemption_n and_o live_v to_o he_o as_o his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v not_o our_o own_o but_o he_o buy_v with_o a_o price_n love_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n on_o account_n of_o that_o near_a union_n in_o christ_n which_o shall_v make_v we_o bear_v with_o small_a difference_n that_o do_v not_o violat_a the_o 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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 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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 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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 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the_o substantial_o of_o
where_o will_v it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v there_o be_v no_o church_n on_o earth_n but_o have_v some_o corruption_n 6._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o unchristian_a it_o be_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o those_o church_n where_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v yet_o continue_v in_o they_o have_v you_o any_o warrant_v to_o leave_v they_o before_o christ_n leave_v they_o when_o god_n be_v great_o provoke_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o as_o he_o be_v about_o to_o remove_v from_o his_o sanctuary_n and_o stand_v at_o the_o threshold_n ready_a to_o leave_v they_o we_o find_v many_o godly_a one_o mourn_v for_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o time_n but_o none_o hasten_v to_o depart_v from_o that_o church_n before_o the_o lord_n depart_v now_o can_v you_o deny_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n wherein_o as_o before_o be_v show_v the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v preserve_v if_o god_n shall_v be_v as_o unmerciful_a as_o man_n be_v uncharitable_a than_o woe_n to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n through_o the_o world_n nay_o woe_n to_o yourselves_o but_o i_o question_v not_o but_o there_o be_v thousand_o can_v sea●_n to_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o england_n at_o this_o day_n as_o well_o as_o in_o former_a time_n wherein_o the_o same_o corruption_n at_o which_o so_o much_o offence_n be_v take_v now_o be_v urge_v to_o plead_v for_o a_o separation_n then_o let_v such_o as_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o of_o popery_n in_o other_o beware_v of_o that_o miserable_a popish_a error_n they_o restrain_v the_o church_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n to_o their_o own_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n cast_v off_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_fw-mi maintain_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n 7._o i_o may_v enumerate_v the_o many_o great_a mischief_n that_o follow_v upon_o such_o unwarrantable_a separation_n it_o plain_o tend_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n so_o overthrow_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n to_o heresy_n and_o popery_n &c_n &c_n yea_o to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n mat._n 12.25_o but_o it_o may_v seem_v needless_a to_o spend_v more_o word_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o case_n nor_o shall_v i_o have_v say_v thus_o much_o have_v not_o i_o be_v compel_v thereto_o by_o the_o uncatholick_n nay_o i_o confident_o call_v it_o unchristian_a practice_n of_o many_o well_o mean_v people_n through_o their_o too_o great_a prejudice_n in_o other_o temptation_n who_o do_v total_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a congregation_n in_o england_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n therein_o 2._o have_v give_v my_o advice_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o corruption_n suppose_v to_o be_v therein_o i_o do_v next_o advise_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o she_o nor_o with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o any_o evil_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n profess_v or_o practise_v therein_o be_v find_v real_o sinful_a which_o may_v be_v suppose_v of_o any_o church_n upon_o earth_n in_o that_o thing_n to_o withdraw_v and_o have_v no_o fellowship_n in_o it_o to_o keep_v yourselves_o pure_a from_o the_o same_o yea_o i_o shall_v add_v further_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v but_o appear_v sinful_a to_o thou_o thy_o conscience_n after_o humble_a and_o diligent_a search_v of_o the_o word_n tell_v thou_o this_o be_v sin_n then_o to_o suspend_v thy_o consent_n or_o practice_n in_o that_o particular_a till_o it_o appear_v otherwise_o to_o thou_o i_o will_v be_v here_o so_o far_o from_o urge_v any_o to_o do_v that_o act_n that_o a_o true_o tender_a conscience_n upon_o probable_a ground_n may_v scruple_n as_o sinful_a that_o i_o will_v rather_o persuade_v such_o to_o suspend_v their_o act_n therein_o till_o they_o be_v better_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o it_o it_o sanders_n de_fw-fr juram_fw-la p._n 84._o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n whether_o right_a or_o erroneous_a ever_o bind_v not_o to_o act_v against_o it_o and_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a but_o among_o thing_n disputable_a and_o tolerable_a i_o will_v rather_o become_v a_o humble_a suitor_n to_o authority_n can_v my_o intercession_n any_o whit_n avail_v herein_o for_o indulgence_n in_o such_o a_o case_n then_o to_o be_v a_o violent_a inforcer_n of_o any_o by_o terror_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o law_n to_o go_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o please_v man_n 3._o yet_o because_o conscience_n may_v be_v delude_v and_o my_o call_n that_o sinful_a which_o be_v lawful_a and_o a_o duty_n and_o so_o induce_v man_n to_o withdraw_v in_o such_o act_n of_o communion_n as_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o man_n will_v allow_v they_o to_o withdraw_v from_o for_o possible_o the_o devil_n may_v get_v into_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o delude_v they_o and_o the_o conscience_n may_v tell_v one_o he_o must_v separate_v from_o baptism_n because_o infant-baptism_n be_v antichristian_a another_o he_o must_v withdraw_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o of_o mix_a communion_n therein_o a_o three_o from_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n because_o the_o call_v of_o minister_n be_v antichristian_a a_o four_o he_o must_v cast_v off_o sabbath_n yea_o scripture_n and_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n because_o abolish_v all_o this_o we_o have_v too_o sad_a experience_n of_o in_o our_o time_n let_v therefore_o every_o good_a christian_a labour_n for_o a_o due_a information_n of_o his_o conscience_n in_o such_o point_n as_o he_o scruple_n communion_n in_o and_o not_o think_v his_o bare_a plea_n of_o conscience_n will_v warrant_v his_o total_a neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n though_o his_o suspend_v his_o own_o act_n till_o he_o may_v satisfy_v conscience_n about_o they_o may_v be_v grant_v yet_o possible_o a_o total_a neglect_n in_o some_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v grant_v impune_fw-la by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n parisian_n man_n a_o err_a conscience_n can_v discharge_v any_o from_o a_o duty_n be_v not_o a_o lawmaker_n but_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n parisian_n now_o here_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v i_o shall_v offer_v my_o help_n towards_o the_o satisfy_a conscience_n in_o such_o scruple_n as_o common_o do_v occur_v this_o day_n to_o those_o that_o withdraw_v in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o present_a state_n and_o administration_n but_o to_o do_v this_o full_o will_v too_o much_o disproportion_v this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n to_o the_o other_o part_n aforego_v i_o rather_o choose_v to_o send_v they_o to_o those_o treatise_n of_o such_o eminent_a nonconformist_n as_o have_v write_v full_o on_o this_o subject-especial_o to_o mr._n w_n bradshaw_n book_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n prefaced_a to_o &_o publish_v by_o dr._n ames_n and_o to_o mr._n jo._n ball_n his_o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n tend_v to_o separation_n *_o only_o recommend_v a_o few_o general_a rule_n which_o be_v observe_v may_v be_v useful_a in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o so_o conclude_v my_o discourse_n *_o the_o reader_n be_v advertise_v that_o there_o be_v publish_v in_o print_n a_o aswer_n to_o that_o part_n of_o mr._n ball_n be_v book_n which_o be_v a_o discourse_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n under_o the_o name_n of_o mr._n jo._n cotton_n the_o answer_n be_v high_o value_v by_o some_o but_o by_o compare_v the_o discourse_n and_o the_o answer_v together_o it_o may_v be_v see_v that_o great_a injury_n be_v do_v to_o mr._n ball_n and_o to_o mr._n cotton_n both_o and_o also_o that_o the_o reader_n be_v gross_o abuse_v by_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o that_o discourse_n print_v at_o cambridge_n 1640._o which_o be_v therein_o answer_v but_o probable_o some_o imperfect_a note_n before_o that_o be_v publish_v which_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o because_o the_o number_n and_o order_n of_o the_o argument_n answer_v do_v differ_v from_o those_o lay_v down_o in_o that_o discourse_n but_o especial_o because_o the_o principal_a thing_n give_v in_o answer_n by_o mr._n cotton_n be_v so_o full_o speak_v to_o by_o mr._n ball_n herein_o by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o johnson_n greenwood_n and_o other_o that_o former_o object_v the_o same_o
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
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 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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 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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 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thing_n that_o there_o seem_v nothing_o more_o requisite_a to_o be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o reply_n thereunto_o thus_o much_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v certify_v because_o some_o have_v slight_v mr._n ball_n book_n not_o deem_v it_o worth_a read_n because_o sufficient_o answer_v by_o mr._n cotton_n whereas_o indeed_o this_o book_n may_v serve_v for_o a_o sufficient_a reply_n to_o his_o answer_n chap._n ix_o wherein_o be_v lay_v down_o some_o general_a rule_n of_o caution_n to_o preserve_v christian_n from_o rash_a and_o unjust_a separation_n the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o discourse_n although_o the_o answer_v all_o objection_n and_o satisfy_v every_o scruple_n that_o may_v occur_v about_o this_o point_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n be_v a_o work_n too_o large_a to_o be_v undertake_v in_o these_o paper_n and_o indeed_o needless_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o abundant_a pain_n take_v therein_o by_o those_o writer_n before_o refer_v to_o yet_o because_o i_o may_v not_o leave_v the_o sober_a and_o humble_a christian_a altogether_o without_o help_n that_o be_v desirous_a to_o find_v something_o here_o that_o may_v satisfy_v his_o conscience_n about_o the_o premise_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o general_a rule_n of_o caution_n which_o be_v due_o consider_v and_o improve_v may_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n much_o conduce_v to_o prevent_v or_o heal_v rash_a and_o unjust_a separation_n which_o be_v these_o that_o follow_v 1._o do_v not_o rash_o separate_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v find_v in_o almost_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n both_o in_o former_a and_o latter_a time_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o though_o we_o say_v not_o the_o church_n be_v so_o absolute_o infallible_a that_o it_o can_v err_v in_o the_o least_o particular_a yet_o we_o may_v easy_o defend_v that_o the_o universal_a church_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n can_v err_v so_o dangerous_o so_o as_o good_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o keep_v communion_n with_o she_o but_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v separation_n from_o she_o for_o this_o will_v infer_v that_o she_o have_v whole_o fall_v from_o christ_n and_o her_o bond_n of_o union_n with_o he_o be_v dissolve_v and_o he_o be_v no_o long_o present_v with_o she_o for_o till_o than_o christian_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o separate_v from_o she_o yea_o that_o christ_n have_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o so_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n that_o hell_n gate_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o she_o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o she_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v send_v his_o spirit_n to_o lead_v she_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o it_o shall_v abide_v with_o she_o for_o ever_o which_o promise_v though_o direct_o and_o primary_o they_o be_v make_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o special_a presence_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o most_o eminent_a manner_n yet_o be_v make_v to_o they_o for_o the_o behoof_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o shall_v be_v verify_v to_o it_o this_o due_o consider_v will_v much_o prevent_v the_o scandal_n take_v at_o bishop_n at_o form_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n for_o who_o be_v there_o if_o acquaint_v with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n that_o know_v not_o that_o bishop_n even_o in_o a_o superiority_n of_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o other_o minister_n have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n almost_o universal_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o our_o day_n and_o that_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n have_v be_v of_o exceed_v long_a continuance_n in_o the_o christian_a curche_n through_o the_o world_n therefore_o such_o as_o separate_v for_o these_o thing_n now_o must_v have_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n to_o have_v separate_v from_o almost_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n which_o thing_n how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v need_v not_o much_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o she_o to_o manifest_v the_o same_o 2._o let_v not_o inconvenience_n defect_n addition_n or_o error_n circumstantial_a cause_v you_o to_o withdraw_v communion_n whole_o from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o substantial_a duty_n of_o god_n worship_n where_o the_o essential_o be_v preserve_v though_o some_o lesser_a evil_n may_v be_v find_v do_v not_o utter_o refuse_v communion_n there_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v not_o reject_v such_o church_n therefore_o do_v not_o you_o 24._o ames_n eas_fw-la lib_fw-la 4._o cap_n 24._o this_o have_v pass_v for_o good_a divinity_n general_o among_o nonconformist_n who_o acknowledge_v communion_n may_v be_v maintain_v where_o some_o divine_a institution_n be_v want_v and_o some_o humane_a additament_n mere_o extrinsical_a be_v join_v to_o divine_a worship_n 3.12_o commis_fw-la paper_n p._n 3.12_o they_o say_v that_o where_o the_o substantial_o of_o worship_n be_v preserve_v 2.15_o bayne_n on_o eph_n 2.15_o though_o the_o external_a form_n and_o mode_n be_v more_o inconvenient_a disorderly_a and_o defective_a 35._o hilders_n on_o ps_n 51._o lect._n 35._o yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a yea_o a_o duty_n to_o offer_v such_o worship_n to_o god_n rather_o than_o none_o at_o all_o that_o what_o ever_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o reform_v it_o shall_v be_v our_o zeal_n and_o piety_n to_o tolerate_v and_o with_o patience_n to_o bear_v &_o in_o such_o church_n there_o may_v be_v more_o cause_n to_o rejoice_v then_o to_o grieve_v indeed_o the_o contrary_a practice_n will_v lead_v to_o separation_n from_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n for_o which_o of_o they_o all_o be_v perfect_a 3._o as_o christian_n shall_v fly_v from_o what_o be_v real_o idolatry_n will-worship_n antichristianism_n popery_n etc._n etc._n so_o let_v they_o not_o be_v affright_v with_o those_o name_n when_o impose_v on_o thing_n without_o good_a ground_n lest_o they_o be_v scare_v from_o necessary_a duty_n and_o worship_n for_o these_o terrify_a name_n have_v be_v abusive_o apply_v to_o deter_v weak_a people_n from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n e._n g._n idolatry_n will-worship_n imagery_n have_v be_v charge_v upon_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o they_o have_v be_v censure_v to_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o what_o christian_n not_o prepossess_v beforehand_o with_o prejudice_n against_o they_o can_v find_v they_o therein_o condemn_v or_o in_o any_o of_o the_o commentary_n of_o the_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n or_o in_o any_o exposition_n of_o ancient_a or_o modern_a writer_n till_o some_o few_o of_o latter_a time_n may_v not_o any_o simple_a plain_a heart_a christian_n to_o who_o apprehension_n the_o scripture_n be_v suit_v in_o all_o necessary_a duty_n psal_n 19.7_o profess_v he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o see_v any_o such_o thing_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o find_v set_v form_n not_o only_o use_v and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o also_o in_o the_o new_a he_o find_v jesus_n christ_n give_v a_o form_n to_o his_o disciple_n as_o john_n do_v to_o he_o and_o how_o can_v he_o then_o resent_v those_o charge_n of_o imagery_n idolatry_n superstition_n but_o as_o mere_a scare-crow_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o charge_n of_o popery_n draw_v up_o by_o some_o against_o the_o present_a form_n of_o prayer_n by_o law_n establish_v that_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n book_n be_v popish_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n which_o affright_v some_o poor_a weak_a christian_n they_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v near_o they_o when_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o 1._o they_o be_v compile_v by_o sundry_a godly_a man_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n some_o of_o they_o afterward_o martyr_n in_o queen_n marys_n day_n &_o be_v ever_o high_o value_v by_o they_o 2._o the_o papist_n have_v ever_o have_v they_o in_o detestation_n queen_n mary_n be_v report_v to_o have_v raze_v they_o out_o of_o the_o parliament_n record_n so_o as_o it_o can_v not_o till_o some_o have_v late_a act_n pass_v be_v well_o know_v which_o be_v the_o authorize_v book_n and_o harding_n their_o great_a champion_n say_v of_o it_o in_o his_o dispute_n with_o bishop_n jewel_n on_o art_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o service_n as_o their_o good_a catholic_n can_v join_v with_o we_o in_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n but_o because_o say_v he_o many_o necessary_a thing_n be_v want_v in_o it_o and_o many_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o faith_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n 3._o popery_n can_v return_v upon_o we_o whilst_o the_o say_a common-prayer-book_n be_v keep_v unaltered_a how_o can_v their_o proper_a sacrifice_n communion_n in_o one_o kind_n prayer_n to_o saint_n etc._n etc._n come_v in_o whilst_o this_o be_v keep_v up_o and_o observe_v and_o as_o for_o the_o take_v these_o prayer_n out_o of_o the_o
mass_n book_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o there_o be_v several_a prayer_n of_o ancient_a father_n use_v before_o popery_n be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o the_o papist_n corrupt_v and_o abuse_v in_o their_o mass_n our_o first_o reformer_n purge_v out_o what_o corruption_n the_o papist_n have_v bring_v in_o and_o do_v retain_v those_o ancient_a prayer_n according_a to_o their_o primitive_a institution_n all_o this_o will_v be_v ready_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o that_o judge_v this_o book_n unnecessary_a and_o inconvenient_a do_v desire_v a_o reformation_n therein_o and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o this_o that_o shall_v so_o affright_v good_a christian_n out_o of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o charge_n of_o antichristianism_n it_o be_v so_o common_a a_o word_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o that_o listen_v to_o rail_v that_o it_o be_v no_o scandal_n to_o any_o till_o the_o thing_n be_v full_o prove_v if_o bishop_n and_o minister_n etc._n etc._n be_v judge_v by_o any_o to_o be_v antichristian_a i_o shall_v send_v they_o to_o that_o most_o excellent_a piece_n of_o dr._n moor_n his_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n where_o they_o may_v see_v the_o idea_n of_o anti-christianism_a open_v and_o thence_o be_v inform_v who_o this_o censure_n best_o befit_v iv_o take_v heed_n of_o pretend_v to_o great_a purity_n and_o strictness_n about_o church_n communion_n and_o administration_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n commend_v or_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v commend_v nor_o be_v so_o extreme_o rigid_a as_o not_o to_o bear_v with_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v tolerate_v it_o be_v a_o observable_a rule_n lay_v down_o by_o wise_a and_o eminent_a divine_n that_o too_o much_o strictness_n and_o severity_n often_o do_v injury_n the_o church_n more_o than_o profit_v it_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o overturn_v church_n not_o to_o reform_v they_o especial_o this_o severity_n be_v unbecoming_a private_a christian_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n yet_o complain_v such_o person_n and_o such_o thing_n be_v defilement_n they_o must_v separate_v from_o they_o they_o must_v not_o touch_v the_o unclean_a thing_n such_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o be_v not_o righteous_a over_o much_o and_o not_o dare_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v lest_o their_o too_o much_o affect_v purity_n and_o misguide_a zeal_n hurt_v more_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n then_o the_o corruption_n they_o so_o much_o complain_v of_o calvin_n adv_o anab._n art_n 2._o cum_fw-la sub_fw-la specie_fw-la studii_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la imperfectionem_fw-la nulam_fw-la tollerare_fw-la possumus_fw-la tune_v diabolum_fw-la nos_fw-la tumefacere_fw-la superbia_fw-la et_fw-la hypocrisi_fw-la seducere_fw-la moneamur_fw-la v._o have_v public_a spirit_n and_o look_v not_o so_o much_o on_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v most_o desirable_a in_o your_o eye_n and_o conduce_v to_o your_o interest_n as_o on_o what_o tend_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n there_o have_v be_v very_o few_o in_o our_o unhappy_a day_n but_o have_v be_v so_o eager_o contend_v for_o their_o private_a opinion_n and_o way_n that_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o welfare_n have_v be_v almost_o forget_v by_o they_o from_z whence_o have_v come_v in_o such_o a_o inundation_n of_o error_n heresy_n profaneness_n and_o atheism_n that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v almost_o ruin_v thereby_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o contend_v about_o the_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o the_o very_a be_v and_o life_n of_o it_o by_o our_o contention_n and_o division_n be_v endanger_v what_o will_v become_v of_o our_o contest_v for_o great_a reformation_n in_o discipline_n worship_n etc._n etc._n if_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o be_v lose_v they_o be_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a christian_n that_o have_v most_o endeavour_v that_o the_o main_a fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v preserve_v though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o yield_v in_o small_a matter_n that_o concern_v the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n thereof_o wait_v in_o a_o wise_a and_o peaceable_a manner_n till_o the_o lord_n will_v grant_v they_o their_o desire_n therein_o also_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o time_n vi_o take_v heed_n of_o run_v into_o manifest_a sin_n and_o evil_n upon_o fear_n of_o what_o be_v only_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o viz._n of_o cast_v off_o ordinance_n neglect_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n breach_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n upon_o pretence_n of_o suppose_a evil_n in_o communion_n the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n &_o the_o church_n peace_n be_v clear_a and_o cogent_a the_o matter_n except_v against_o be_v dark_a and_o disputable_a point_n of_o controversy_n and_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n have_v approve_v of_o they_o therefore_o be_v afraid_a while_o you_o will_v shun_v a_o evil_a suppose_a you_o run_v not_o into_o another_o that_o be_v a_o real_a and_o far_o great_a evil_a a_o true_o tender_a conscience_n shall_v fear_v evil_a on_o either_o hand_n and_o on_o this_o side_n rather_o than_o that_o vii_o charge_v not_o on_o yourselves_o other_o man_n sin_n but_o look_v to_o your_o own_o way_n and_o duty_n if_o you_o judge_v superior_n to_o sin_n in_o their_o imposition_n or_o bishop_n in_o any_o command_n or_o minister_n in_o their_o conformity_n if_o you_o find_v sin_n in_o laxnesse_n of_o discipline_n in_o loose_a admission_n to_o the_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o your_o sin_n who_o still_o communicate_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n provide_v you_o do_v your_o part_n and_o office_n it_o be_v sad_a live_n in_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o shall_v be_v charge_v on_o such_o as_o have_v neither_o call_n not_o power_n to_o reform_v they_o fit_a it_o be_v by_o far_o to_o mourn_v and_o pray_v for_o redress_v of_o such_o evil_n then_o to_o run_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o viii_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o great_a and_o common_a mistake_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o and_o about_o the_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o least_o circumstantial_o thereof_o but_o what_o be_v particular_o and_o clear_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o mistake_n have_v occasion_v many_o needless_a scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o weak_a christian_n and_o much_o promote_v groundless_a separation_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n lay_v down_o by_o a_o whole_a assembly_n of_o divine_n 1._o assem_fw-la conf._n of_o faith_n c_o 1._o many_o of_o they_o not_o much_o affect_v to_o the_o present_a establishment_n that_o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n common_a to_o humane_a action_n and_o society_n which_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o christian_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o same_o be_v practise_v among_o all_o those_o that_o be_v most_o averse_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o retain_v among_o themselves_o many_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v produce_v little_a true-scripture-proof_n for_o but_o only_o practice_v they_o prudential_o as_o best_a conduce_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o church_n and_o as_o they_o judge_v to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n worship_n therein_o and_o some_o have_v ingenious_o acknowledge_v as_o much_o if_o you_o search_v the_o scripture_n impartiallie_o concern_v church-government_n you_o will_v find_v therein_o little_o beside_o the_o main_a essential_o of_o it_o as_o that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o that_o by_o its_o proper_a officer_n and_o direction_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v qualify_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o their_o office_n what_o the_o several_a duty_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n be_v and_o some_o general_a direction_n about_o the_o management_n thereof_o all_o which_o may_v suit_v with_o the_o several_a form_n of_o government_n that_o have_v be_v competitor_n among_o we_o wherein_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n officer_n be_v further_o extend_v or_o more_o restrain_v 8._o stillingf_n iren_n pt_n 2._o c_o 4._o &c_n &c_n 8._o wherein_o some_o act_n in_o a_o superior_a other_o ina_fw-la coordinate_a way_n and_o therefore_o very_a many_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n have_v judge_v that_o no_o one_o form_n of_o government_n be_v prescribe_v as_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n where_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v plant_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v gospel_n worship_n the_o main_a