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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 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
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 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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 his_o ordinance_n as_o also_o in_o our_o ordinary_a communication_n and_o conversation_n it_o likewise_o contain_v all_o duty_n of_o righteousness_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n require_v in_o the_o second_o table_n viz._n the_o preserve_n as_o well_o as_o not_o injure_v of_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o life_n and_o chastity_n of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n as_o also_o his_o estate_n good_a name_n etc._n etc._n and_o love_v he_o even_o as_o we_o love_v ourselves_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o etc._n etc._n these_o be_v general_a duty_n all_o christian_n be_v agree_v in_o make_v conscience_n to_o practice_v these_o 2_o those_o evangelical_n duty_n or_o commandment_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o beside_o these_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o law_n which_o the_o gospel_n do_v enforce_v also_o by_o renew_a and_o more_o indear_v argument_n there_o be_v peculiar_a duty_n require_v by_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a repentance_n for_o every_o sin_n and_o 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 bond_n of_o union_n whilst_o they_o hold_v of_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o body_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v confess_v duty_n all_o christian_n be_v agree_v in_o practice_v they_o conscionable_o the_o apostle_n give_v we_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o these_o together_o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n this_o then_o be_v the_o counsel_n i_o will_v give_v to_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v christian_n but_o be_v stumble_v at_o the_o variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o believe_v or_o what_o to_o practice_n that_o they_o will_v believe_v
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
reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evidence_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n page_n 23._o chap._n 5._o 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 page_n 30_o chap._n 6._o other_o direction_n in_o point_n of_o a_o secundary_a nature_n that_o be_v not_o so_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n nor_o unanimous_o receive_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o be_v problemaical_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o persuasion_n how_o to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n in_o such_o a_o case_n 4._o rule_n about_o this_o page_n 41_o chap._n 7._o a_o close_a application_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n with_o particular_a advice_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o different_a way_n and_o profession_n find_v among_o we_o pag._n 50._o chap._n 8._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 of_o what_o be_v disallowable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o scruple_n communion_n with_o she_o direction_n suit_v thereunto_o page_n 81_o chap_n 9_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 page_n 89._o chap._n 1._o religion_n the_o grand_a concernment_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n great_a difference_n about_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o deliberate_a choose_v once_o religion_n the_o counsel_n of_o joshua_n to_o the_o israelite_n apply_v to_o we_o a_o proposition_n lay_v down_o which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o grand_a concernment_n that_o all_o of_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o mind_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o man_n nature_n lay_v so_o deep_a a_o impression_n thereof_o in_o we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n so_o barbarous_a and_o inhuman_a but_o do_v place_n this_o among_o the_o great_a matter_n that_o they_o judge_v themselves_o to_o be_v interress_v in_o insomuch_o as_o some_o observe_v religion_n be_v more_o proper_a to_o man_n then_o reason_n all_o man_n and_o only_a man_n have_v a_o smatch_n of_o religion_n whereas_o some_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v find_v in_o many_o beast_n lactant._n de_fw-fr ira_fw-la dei_fw-la solus_fw-la home_n sapientia_fw-la instructus_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la religionem_fw-la solus_fw-la intelligat_fw-la &_o hac_fw-la est_fw-la 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to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o he_o may_v first_o choose_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o true_a god_n and_o then_o cleave_v to_o he_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n as_o barnabas_n exhort_v act_v 11.23_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n thereof_o man_n eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v on_o the_o right_a knowing_z and_z acknowledge_v god_n and_o serve_v he_o or_o his_o mistake_n about_o it_o according_a to_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n himself_n john_n 17.3_o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v so_o as_o to_o acknowledge_v unto_o godliness_n thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n &_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v we_o read_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o israelite_n the_o vanity_n of_o man_n nature_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n though_o no_o nation_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n have_v great_a discovery_n of_o the_o true_a god_n than_o they_o have_v both_o by_o his_o word_n and_o oracle_n instruct_v they_o from_o heaven_n and_o give_v they_o his_o law_n on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o teach_v they_o by_o his_o prophet_n the_o infallible_a interpreter_n of_o that_o law_n as_o also_o by_o his_o mighty_a work_n bring_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n by_o his_o outstretch_v arm_n work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n divide_v the_o red-sea_n give_v they_o water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n and_o bread_n and_o flesh_n from_o heaven_n in_o a_o wilderness_n and_o guide_v they_o by_o a_o cloud_n of_o smoke_n and_o a_o pillar_n of_o fire_n yet_o how_o apt_a be_v they_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v other_o god_n even_o of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o canaanites_n who_o god_n cast_v out_o before_o they_o a_o pregnant_a instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o business_n of_o the_o golden_a calf_n though_o but_o forty_o day_n before_o they_o hear_v the_o law_n proclaim_v in_o the_o great_a solemnity_n that_o ever_o be_v even_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n with_o thunder_n lightning_n and_o earthquake_n which_o wrought_v such_o plyableness_n in_o their_o spirit_n that_o they_o profess_v whatever_o the_o lord_n shall_v speak_v to_o they_o that_o that_o they_o will_v do_v deut._n 5.27_o yet_o when_o moses_n be_v but_o a_o while_n withdraw_v from_o they_o upon_o the_o mount_n they_o quick_o turn_v and_o make_v they_o a_o calf_n to_o worship_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o egypt_n this_o be_v observe_v by_o joshua_n his_o successor_n he_o become_v jealous_a over_o they_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n and_o be_v fearful_a that_o when_o he_o be_v go_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a he_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o bind_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o strong_a bond_n josh_n 24._o he_o bid_v they_o verse_n 15._o choose_v deliberate_o what_o god_n they_o will_v serve_v direct_v they_o by_o his_o own_o example_n and_o then_o when_o they_o have_v deliberate_o choose_v jehovah_n for_o their_o god_n he_o bind_v they_o unto_o he_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n verse_n 25._o and_o set_v up_o a_o last_a remembrance_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o do_v show_v what_o a_o spirit_n there_o be_v in_o we_o even_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n as_o well_o as_o in_o they_o former_o as_o the_o apostle_n show_v heb._n 3.12_o though_o we_o have_v as_o full_a discovery_n of_o god_n as_o they_o have_v and_o great_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n by_o gospel-light_n to_o know_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o our_o heart_n be_v equal_o fickle_a and_o ready_a to_o forsake_v god_n and_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n tax_v the_o galathian_o to_o turn_v to_o another_o gospel_n and_o another_o christ_n than_o we_o have_v receive_v yea_o to_o another_o god_n the_o world_n our_o lust_n or_o satan_n to_o serve_v they_o more_o than_o the_o true_a god_n therefore_o this_o counsel_n of_o joshua_n may_v be_v as_o seasonable_a to_o we_o now_o as_o to_o they_o former_o viz._n to_o choose_v deliberate_o and_o serious_o what_o god_n we_o will_v serve_v and_o then_o to_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v unto_o he_o for_o ever_o or_o wise_o to_o choose_v that_o religion_n we_o will_v profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o venture_v our_o salvation_n upon_o and_o then_o to_o labour_v to_o be_v establish_v and_o fix_v therein_o so_o as_o by_o no_o storm_n of_o temptation_n we_o be_v remove_v the_o urge_n of_o this_o counsel_n upon_o unsettled_a and_o waver_a soul_n be_v the_o intendment_n and_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n suit_v to_o these_o fluctuate_a and_o shake_v time_n it_o may_v be_v contract_v into_o this_o ensue_a proposition_n which_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o dilate_v on_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n viz_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o mean_v to_o take_v
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
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
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
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
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