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 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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
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
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
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 hominis_fw-la atque_fw-la bruterum_fw-la vel_fw-la pracipua_fw-la vel_fw-la sola_fw-la distantia_fw-la but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n all_o do_v profess_v themselves_o interest_v in_o so_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o the_o world_n man_n be_v at_o great_a difference_n about_o some_o take_v up_o one_o religion_n and_o some_o another_o as_o please_v themselves_o best_a yea_o each_o nation_n almost_o have_v choose_v a_o peculiar_a deity_n as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n one_o serve_v baal_n another_o dagon_n other_o moloch_n or_o ashtaroth_n &c_n &c_n some_o worship_v the_o sun_n other_o the_o moon_n or_o star_n and_o almost_o every_o creature_n whence_o they_o receive_v any_o benefit_n and_o some_o have_v not_o be_v want_v that_o have_v adore_v the_o devil_n himself_o how_o great_o then_o do_v it_o behoove_v every_o one_o to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o god_n he_o intend_v to_o serve_v and_o of_o that_o religion_n he_o mean_v to_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n and_o 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
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 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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 pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n have_v dare_v open_o and_o direct_o to_o gainsay_v now_o these_o be_v the_o point_n that_o have_v great_a influence_n on_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o sanctify_v and_o change_v they_o and_o to_o promote_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o rare_o those_o question_n and_o matter_n of_o dispute_n that_o be_v so_o hot_o contest_v about_o and_o these_o avail_n to_o the_o save_v our_o soul_n upon_o our_o hearty_a embrace_n and_o receive_v these_o or_o our_o renounce_n of_o they_o either_o in_o heart_n or_o life_n depend_v our_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n we_o have_v need_v therefore_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n on_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o cordial_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_v those_o duty_n and_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v secure_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n now_o for_o further_a improvement_n of_o this_o advice_n we_o shall_v more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o these_o great_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o godliness_n and_o lay_v down_o some_o brief_a account_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o salvation_n 1._o for_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o that_o i_o undertake_v to_o give_v a_o exact_a account_n hereof_o for_o to_o determine_v this_o say_v a_o learned_a man_n be_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o all_o the_o divine_n in_o christendom_n but_o only_o do_v declare_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v more_o clear_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n have_v be_v general_o embrace_v by_o all_o church_n worthy_a the_o name_n of_o christian_n set_v aside_o controvert_v point_n wherein_o so_o much_o truth_n be_v contain_v as_o be_v join_v with_o holy_a obedience_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n this_o be_v premise_v they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o article_n 1_o concern_v god_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n of_o a_o infinite_a perfect_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n subsist_v in_o three_o most_o glorious_a person_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o maker_n preserver_n &_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o intend_v his_o own_o glory_n in_o all_o his_o work_n that_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v to_o know_v &_o acknowledge_v this_o god_n to_o fear_v love_n adore_v and_o glorify_v he_o and_o their_o chief_a felicity_n stand_v in_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o full_a conformity_n to_o his_o image_n and_o near_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o in_o no_o earthly_a good_a separate_a from_o he_o this_o be_v one_o article_n of_o religion_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v and_o not_o controvert_v among_o christian_n believe_v this_o thorough_o and_o let_v it_o influence_n your_o heart_n and_o life_n so_o as_o you_o study_v to_o know_v this_o god_n and_o to_o get_v acquaintance_n with_o he_o to_o fear_v love_n and_o 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matter_n which_o yet_o be_v disputable_a among_o the_o wise_a and_o godly_a and_o you_o shall_v be_v necessitate_v to_o be_v of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o persuasion_n or_o way_n then_o let_v every_o one_o do_v that_o which_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o be_v best_a and_o most_o please_a to_o god_n nor_o dare_v to_o go_v against_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n 10._o see_v ames_n case_n l._n 1._o c._n 5_o q._n 1._o sanders_n lect_v 3._o de_fw-fr juram_fw-la sect._n 10._o which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o as_o his_o vicegerent_n in_o the_o soul_n nor_o subject_v himself_o to_o the_o judgement_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o as_o lord_n of_o his_o faith_n i_o say_v believe_v and_o embrace_v that_o opinion_n and_o walk_v in_o that_o practice_n but_o yet_o to_o this_o 1_o humble_o with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n not_o proud_o censure_v and_o contemn_v such_o as_o differ_v from_o your_o persuasion_n but_o ever_o ready_a to_o hear_v what_o shall_v be_v offer_v for_o your_o conviction_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a and_o those_o which_o by_o god_n providence_n be_v in_o place_n of_o eminency_n in_o the_o church_n be_v rather_o matter_n of_o affliction_n to_o you_o then_o of_o exalt_v yourself_o that_o you_o shall_v differ_v from_o they_o 2_o peaceable_o and_o without_o all_o faction_n and_o schism_n not_o make_v party_n for_o you_o and_o rent_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o with_o who_o you_o agree_v in_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o so_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n where_o you_o live_v the_o evil_a of_o which_o can_v never_o be_v repair_v by_o a_o violent_a contention_n for_o any_o truth_n or_o practice_n not_o fundamental_a and_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n here_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v seasonable_a rom._n 14_o if_o thou_o have_v faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o and_o phil._n 3._o whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n &_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n will_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o they_o in_o all_o those_o principal_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n wherein_o be_v such_o perfect_a harmony_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a duty_n to_o hold_v communion_n only_o forbear_v the_o same_o in_o these_o lesser_a matter_n wherein_o according_a to_o the_o present_a apprehension_n the_o sin_n and_o error_n lie_v 3_o cheerful_o and_o confident_o not_o trouble_v and_o perplex_v yourselves_o about_o such_o a_o persuasion_n and_o practice_n with_o fear_n arise_v from_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n which_o be_v like_o stone_n in_o the_o shoe_n trouble_v the_o foot_n of_o he_o that_o walk_v but_o with_o a_o comfortable_a persuasion_n that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o you_o see_v you_o do_v the_o utmost_a you_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a and_o therefore_o if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o right_n he_o will_v accept_v it_o or_o if_o through_o weakness_n there_o be_v a_o mistake_n yet_o he_o will_v gracious_o pardon_v it_o and_o in_o his_o good_a time_n reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o for_o if_o even_o earthly_a parent_n or_o master_n when_o their_o servant_n or_o child_n do_v their_o utmost_a to_o know_v their_o mind_n and_o to_o do_v their_o business_n so_o as_o to_o please_v they_o will_v accept_v their_o endeavour_n and_o take_v all_o in_o good_a part_n though_o in_o every_o punctìlio_n they_o have_v not_o do_v what_o be_v expect_v much_o more_o will_v the_o gracious_a god_n accept_v of_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n that_o desire_v to_o please_v he_o and_o pardon_v what_o be_v amiss_o in_o they_o and_o indeed_o if_o not_o no_o flesh_n live_v can_v be_v save_v for_o who_o be_v there_o of_o the_o high_a form_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v ascertain_v that_o in_o every_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n in_o those_o thing_n controvert_v among_o the_o godly_a and_o wise_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a see_v the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v imperfect_a and_o may_v and_o do_v err_v &_o offend_v therefore_o go_v on_o cheerful_o with_o full_a assurance_n that_o the_o lord_n accept_v you_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n full_o lay_v down_o rom._n 14_o upon_o occasion_n of_o controversy_n about_o point_n not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n viz._n meat_n and_o drink_n and_o day_n he_o bid_v let_v every_o one_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o act_v according_o not_o judge_v and_o condemn_v other_o nor_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n &_o approve_v of_o man_n thus_o have_v we_o a_o safe_a conduct_n to_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o right_a way_n in_o matter_n circumstantial_a controvert_v among_o pious_a and_o wise_a christian_n in_o point_n less_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o matter_n of_o fundamental_a and_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n thereunto_o chap._n vii_o a_o close_a application_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n with_o particular_a advice_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o different_a way_n and_o profession_n find_v among_o we_o have_v give_v a_o more_o general_a advice_n suitable_a to_o all_o time_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o place_n it_o will_v be_v expedient_a next_z in_o behalf_n â—f_o those_o for_o who_o benefit_n this_o discourse_n be_v principal_o intend_v to_o apply_v the_o former_a direction_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n here_o in_o england_n and_o those_o many_o different_a persuasion_n and_o way_n that_o be_v among_o we_o we_o be_v a_o people_n that_o general_o do_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v be_v of_o long_a time_n transmit_v down_o to_o we_o from_o our_o ancestor_n wherein_o 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deserve_v to_o be_v reinforce_v with_o the_o strong_a persuasion_n but_o although_o we_o all_o be_v christian_n in_o profession_n we_o be_v sad_o crumble_v into_o such_o diversity_n of_o sect_n and_o persuasion_n occasion_v much_o through_o the_o licentiousness_n of_o war_n &_o relaxation_n of_o government_n among_o we_o of_o which_o occasion_n satan_n and_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n have_v make_v too_o great_a improvement_n that_o be_v it_o most_o difficult_a for_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a person_n to_o find_v out_o the_o right_n and_o safe_a way_n among_o they_o and_o to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o this_o temptation_n have_v lead_v very_o many_o into_o error_n byway_n &_o pernicious_a and_o other_o into_o atheism_n we_o shall_v therefore_o attempt_v to_o give_v some_o direction_n what_o course_n to_o steer_v herein_o what_o opinion_n and_o sect_n to_o shun_v and_o avoid_v and_o what_o people_n and_o principales_fw-la we_o shall_v close_v withal_o for_o it_o will_v great_o conduce_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o safety_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o be_v due_o inform_v what_o christian_n or_o societye_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v with_o who_o communion_n may_v be_v hold_v and_o how_o far_o as_o also_o who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v utter_o to_o be_v avoid_v it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o christian_n who_o sometime_o abound_v in_o zeal_n but_o be_v much_o want_v in_o knowledge_n to_o close_o with_o the_o most_o pernicious_a principales_fw-la and_o way_n where_o any_o strong_a temptation_n insinnate_a themselves_o then_o with_o those_o that_o be_v far_o more_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n if_o they_o have_v take_v up_o a_o prejudice_n against_o they_o and_o so_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n we_o shall_v therefore_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o different_a persuasion_n &_o way_n among_o we_o which_o may_v