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wisdom_n be_v it_o to_o make_v a_o good_a choice_n 4._o because_o else_o if_o one_o shall_v happen_v on_o the_o true_a religion_n he_o will_v never_o be_v true_a unto_o it_o unless_o he_o take_v it_o up_o on_o such_o a_o right_a choice_n as_o before_o be_v speak_v of_o we_o can_v be_v serious_a christian_n nor_o through_o christian_n but_o by_o half_n only_a nor_o constant_a hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n without_o this_o right_a choice_n 1._o not_o serious_a christian_n such_o as_o take_v up_o a_o religion_n they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o on_o ground_n they_o know_v not_o why_o will_v be_v but_o sleighty_a and_o formal_a in_o it_o a_o little_a of_o outside_n profession_n they_o may_v have_v but_o the_o power_n of_o it_o will_v be_v want_v thus_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o christian_n that_o take_v not_o up_o religion_n on_o a_o wise_a choice_n understand_v what_o it_o be_v and_o discern_v the_o verity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o 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meet_v with_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n the_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n he_o will_v go_v throughstitch_n will_v follow_v god_n full_o and_o will_v be_v altogether_o a_o christian_a 3._o not_o constant_a but_o turn_v away_o from_o it_o upon_o every_o temptation_n such_o be_v ever_o waver_v and_o halt_v betwixt_o two_o as_o the_o israelite_n of_o old_a betwixt_o jehovah_n and_o baal_n if_o heresy_n seducement_n and_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n come_v among_o such_o how_o do_v they_o turn_v away_o from_o that_o religion_n they_o have_v embrace_v by_o company_n and_o turn_v runnagado_n or_o if_o the_o heat_n of_o persecution_n scorch_v they_o they_o wither_v away_o because_o they_o have_v no_o root_n mat_n 13._o we_o have_v have_v too_o sad_a experience_n of_o this_o among_o the_o giddy_a unstable_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o our_o time_n when_o god_n have_v let_v loose_a error_n and_o heresy_n among_o we_o to_o try_v who_o be_v sound_a and_o sincere_a and_o who_o not_o how_o many_o be_v carry_v away_o as_o with_o a_o flood_n and_o if_o popery_n shall_v prevail_v again_o or_o mahometanism_n through_o the_o conquer_a sword_n of_o the_o turk_n one_o may_v tremble_v to_o think_v whither_o such_o ungrounded_a christian_n may_v be_v carry_v whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o christian_n that_o take_v up_o his_o religion_n on_o good_a ground_n through_o a_o wise_a choice_n know_v what_o and_o in_o who_o he_o have_v believe_v will_v through_o grace_n stand_v strong_o as_o the_o house_n build_v upon_o the_o rock_n mat._n 7._o when_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o the_o wave_n beat_v he_o stand_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o such_o therefore_o we_o see_v what_o a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o take_v up_o else_o he_o will_v not_o be_v true_a unto_o it_o he_o will_v not_o be_v a_o serious_a christian_a nor_o a_o thorough_a nor_o a_o constant_a christian_a and_o then_o as_o good_a be_v none_o at_o all_o it_o will_v nothing_o avail_v they_o unto_o salvation_n to_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v profit_v the_o israelite_n of_o old_a to_o have_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n among_o they_o or_o the_o philistines_n to_o have_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o they_o it_o will_v but_o increase_v their_o condemnation_n these_o consideration_n be_v sufficient_a without_o insist_v upon_o any_o other_o to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o proposition_n and_o to_o commend_v to_o we_o this_o great_a duty_n viz._n the_o wise_a choose_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o profess_v in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o mean_v to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o and_o to_o venture_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o chap._n four_o wherein_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v insist_v on_o and_o direction_n give_v how_o to_o choose_v the_o true_a religion_n among_o so_o many_o as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n all_o other_o religion_n be_v reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evidence_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o our_o discourse_n to_o show_v how_o this_o may_v be_v reduce_v into_o action_n that_o we_o have_v be_v treat_v on_o but_o in_o word_n hitherto_o let_v every_o one_o that_o god_n have_v give_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n unto_o be_v induce_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a choice_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o venture_v his_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o this_o discourse_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v of_o some_o religion_n and_o will_v not_o live_v as_o atheist_n as_o for_o they_o that_o will_v not_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n at_o all_o but_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n only_o live_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o work_v and_o sleap_v and_o mind_n their_o sensual_a pleasure_n they_o degenerate_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o be_v even_o turn_v unto_o beast_n foolish_a be_v they_o and_o ignorant_a to_o use_v the_o psalmist_n word_n psal_n 73._o and_o even_o in_o this_o point_n as_o beast_n as_o far_o below_o man_n as_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v when_o he_o do_v eat_v grass_n as_o the_o ox_n and_o couch_v among_o the_o beast_n for_o such_o violate_v the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v teach_v all_o nation_n however_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a to_o take_v up_o some_o profession_n of_o religion_n they_o transgress_v also_o the_o write_a law_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v give_v in_o his_o word_n and_o will_v judge_v man_n by_o at_o the_o last_o day_n which_o require_v solemn_a worship_n and_o service_n from_o the_o son_n of_o man_n they_o bring_v themselves_o direct_o under_o the_o curse_n or_o imprecation_n jer._n 10.25_o pour_v out_o thy_o fury_n upon_o the_o heathen_a and_o upon_o the_o family_n that_o call_v not_o on_o thy_o name_n the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n with_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n psalm_n 9.17_o as_o they_o say_v to_o god_n now_o depart_v from_o we_o we_o will_v not_o know_v thy_o way_n so_o they_o shall_v hear_v god_n say_v to_o they_o short_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v etc._n etc._n nor_o do_v i_o speak_v to_o such_o base_a and_o low_a spirit_n as_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n on_o trust_n from_o other_o and_o pin_n their_o faith_n upon_o the_o sleeve_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o have_v subject_v their_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n upon_o account_n of_o any_o worldly_a or_o corrupt_a interest_n but_o to_o such_o noble_a spirit_n as_o with_o the_o berean_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o fearch_v the_o scripture_n and_o use_v all_o god_n appoint_v mean_n to_o inform_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v
where_o will_v it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v there_o be_v no_o church_n on_o earth_n but_o have_v some_o corruption_n 6._o let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o unchristian_a it_o be_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o those_o church_n where_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v yet_o continue_v in_o they_o have_v you_o any_o warrant_v to_o leave_v they_o before_o christ_n leave_v they_o when_o god_n be_v great_o provoke_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o as_o he_o be_v about_o to_o remove_v from_o his_o sanctuary_n and_o stand_v at_o the_o threshold_n ready_a to_o leave_v they_o we_o find_v many_o godly_a one_o mourn_v for_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o time_n but_o none_o hasten_v to_o depart_v from_o that_o church_n before_o the_o lord_n depart_v now_o can_v you_o deny_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n wherein_o as_o before_o be_v show_v the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n be_v preserve_v if_o god_n shall_v be_v as_o unmerciful_a as_o man_n be_v uncharitable_a than_o woe_n to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n through_o the_o world_n nay_o woe_n to_o yourselves_o but_o i_o question_v not_o but_o there_o be_v thousand_o can_v seaâ—_n to_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o england_n at_o this_o day_n as_o well_o as_o in_o former_a time_n wherein_o the_o same_o corruption_n at_o which_o so_o much_o offence_n be_v take_v now_o be_v urge_v to_o plead_v for_o a_o separation_n then_o let_v such_o as_o cry_v out_o so_o much_o of_o popery_n in_o other_o beware_v of_o that_o miserable_a popish_a error_n they_o restrain_v the_o church_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n and_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n to_o their_o own_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n cast_v off_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_fw-mi maintain_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n 7._o i_o may_v enumerate_v the_o many_o great_a mischief_n that_o follow_v upon_o such_o unwarrantable_a separation_n it_o plain_o tend_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n so_o overthrow_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n to_o heresy_n and_o popery_n &c_n &c_n yea_o to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n mat._n 12.25_o but_o it_o may_v seem_v needless_a to_o spend_v more_o word_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o case_n nor_o shall_v i_o have_v say_v thus_o much_o have_v not_o i_o be_v compel_v thereto_o by_o the_o uncatholick_n nay_o i_o confident_o call_v it_o unchristian_a practice_n of_o many_o well_o mean_v people_n through_o their_o too_o great_a prejudice_n in_o other_o temptation_n who_o do_v total_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a congregation_n in_o england_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n therein_o 2._o have_v give_v my_o advice_n to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o corruption_n suppose_v to_o be_v therein_o i_o do_v next_o advise_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o she_o nor_o with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o any_o evil_n but_o if_o any_o thing_n profess_v or_o practise_v therein_o be_v find_v real_o sinful_a which_o may_v be_v suppose_v of_o any_o church_n upon_o earth_n in_o that_o thing_n to_o withdraw_v and_o have_v no_o fellowship_n in_o it_o to_o keep_v yourselves_o pure_a from_o the_o same_o yea_o i_o shall_v add_v further_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v but_o appear_v sinful_a to_o thou_o thy_o conscience_n after_o humble_a and_o diligent_a search_v of_o the_o word_n tell_v thou_o this_o be_v sin_n then_o to_o suspend_v thy_o consent_n or_o practice_n in_o that_o particular_a till_o it_o appear_v otherwise_o to_o thou_o i_o will_v be_v here_o so_o far_o from_o urge_v any_o to_o do_v that_o act_n that_o a_o true_o tender_a conscience_n upon_o probable_a ground_n may_v scruple_n as_o sinful_a that_o i_o will_v rather_o persuade_v such_o to_o suspend_v their_o act_n therein_o till_o they_o be_v better_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o it_o it_o sanders_n de_fw-fr juram_fw-la p._n 84._o the_o dictate_v of_o conscience_n whether_o right_a or_o erroneous_a ever_o bind_v not_o to_o act_v against_o it_o and_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n necessary_a but_o among_o thing_n disputable_a and_o tolerable_a i_o will_v rather_o become_v a_o humble_a suitor_n to_o authority_n can_v my_o intercession_n any_o whit_n avail_v herein_o for_o indulgence_n in_o such_o a_o case_n then_o to_o be_v a_o violent_a inforcer_n of_o any_o by_o terror_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o law_n to_o go_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o please_v man_n 3._o yet_o because_o conscience_n may_v be_v delude_v and_o my_o call_n that_o sinful_a which_o be_v lawful_a and_o a_o duty_n and_o so_o induce_v man_n to_o withdraw_v in_o such_o act_n of_o communion_n as_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o man_n will_v allow_v they_o to_o withdraw_v from_o for_o possible_o the_o devil_n may_v get_v into_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o delude_v they_o and_o the_o conscience_n may_v tell_v one_o he_o must_v separate_v from_o baptism_n because_o infant-baptism_n be_v antichristian_a another_o he_o must_v withdraw_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o of_o mix_a communion_n therein_o a_o three_o from_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n because_o the_o call_v of_o minister_n be_v antichristian_a a_o four_o he_o must_v cast_v off_o sabbath_n yea_o scripture_n and_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n because_o abolish_v all_o this_o we_o have_v too_o sad_a experience_n of_o in_o our_o time_n let_v therefore_o every_o good_a christian_a labour_n for_o a_o due_a information_n of_o his_o conscience_n in_o such_o point_n as_o he_o scruple_n communion_n in_o and_o not_o think_v his_o bare_a plea_n of_o conscience_n will_v warrant_v his_o total_a neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n though_o his_o suspend_v his_o own_o act_n till_o he_o may_v satisfy_v conscience_n about_o they_o may_v be_v grant_v yet_o possible_o a_o total_a neglect_n in_o some_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v grant_v impune_fw-la by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o man_n parisian_n man_n a_o err_a conscience_n can_v discharge_v any_o from_o a_o duty_n be_v not_o a_o lawmaker_n but_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n parisian_n now_o here_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v i_o shall_v offer_v my_o help_n towards_o the_o satisfy_a conscience_n in_o such_o scruple_n as_o common_o do_v occur_v this_o day_n to_o those_o that_o withdraw_v in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o its_o present_a state_n and_o administration_n but_o to_o do_v this_o full_o will_v too_o much_o disproportion_v this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n to_o the_o other_o part_n aforego_v i_o rather_o choose_v to_o send_v they_o to_o those_o treatise_n of_o such_o eminent_a nonconformist_n as_o have_v write_v full_o on_o this_o subject-especial_o to_o mr._n w_n bradshaw_n book_v of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n prefaced_a to_o &_o publish_v by_o dr._n ames_n and_o to_o mr._n jo._n ball_n his_o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n tend_v to_o separation_n *_o only_o recommend_v a_o few_o general_a rule_n which_o be_v observe_v may_v be_v useful_a in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o so_o conclude_v my_o discourse_n *_o the_o reader_n be_v advertise_v that_o there_o be_v publish_v in_o print_n a_o aswer_n to_o that_o part_n of_o mr._n ball_n be_v book_n which_o be_v a_o discourse_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o set_v form_n of_o prayer_n under_o the_o name_n of_o mr._n jo._n cotton_n the_o answer_n be_v high_o value_v by_o some_o but_o by_o compare_v the_o discourse_n and_o the_o answer_v together_o it_o may_v be_v see_v that_o great_a injury_n be_v do_v to_o mr._n ball_n and_o to_o mr._n cotton_n both_o and_o also_o that_o the_o reader_n be_v gross_o abuse_v by_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o that_o discourse_n print_v at_o cambridge_n 1640._o which_o be_v therein_o answer_v but_o probable_o some_o imperfect_a note_n before_o that_o be_v publish_v which_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o because_o the_o number_n and_o order_n of_o the_o argument_n answer_v do_v differ_v from_o those_o lay_v down_o in_o that_o discourse_n but_o especial_o because_o the_o principal_a thing_n give_v in_o answer_n by_o mr._n cotton_n be_v so_o full_o speak_v to_o by_o mr._n ball_n herein_o by_o way_n of_o reply_n to_o johnson_n greenwood_n and_o other_o that_o former_o object_v the_o same_o
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
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
duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o it_o be_v prescribe_v and_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o they_o stand_v be_v more_o full_o and_o clear_o express_v but_o their_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o performance_n be_v only_o couch_v under_o general_a rule_n this_o may_v be_v show_v abundant_o by_o instance_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o prayer_n preach_v sacrament_n &c_n &c_n but_o it_o be_v do_v by_o other_o sully_v and_o must_v be_v omit_v here_o because_o of_o the_o brevity_n of_o these_o rule_n nor_o do_v this_o derogate_a from_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o argue_v want_n of_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o christ_n as_o some_o plead_v if_o he_o shall_v not_o prescribe_v every_o particular_a as_o moses_n do_v even_o to_o the_o pinn_v of_o the_o tabernacle_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o end_n god_n give_v they_o to_o make_v wise_a to_o salvation_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o for_o church-government_n and_o worship_n there_o be_v enough_o in_o these_o essential_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n for_o the_o preserve_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o secure_v of_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n among_o man_n those_o be_v due_o observe_v and_o wherein_o then_o be_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v argue_v of_o insufficiency_n if_o they_o leave_v some_o particular_a circumstance_n undetermined_a and_o for_o the_o charge_n of_o unfaithfulnesse_n in_o jesus_n christ_n if_o he_o shall_v not_o particularize_v those_o thing_n it_o be_v strange_o presumptuous_a such_o shall_v rather_o show_v where_o christ_n have_v particular_o determine_v all_o those_o circumstance_n then_o impute_v unfaithfulnesse_n unto_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o what_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v do_v there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n to_o determine_v all_o circumstance_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o one_o be_v in_o its_o minority_n the_o other_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o state_n of_o great_a liberty_n and_o perfection_n gal._n 4_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 10._o a_o boy_n that_o go_v to_o school_n have_v his_o lesson_n set_v he_o and_o in_o every_o particular_a he_o be_v stint_v to_o his_o work_n but_o when_o he_o go_v to_o the_o university_n he_o only_o hear_v lecture_n have_v general_a rule_n for_o his_o study_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o disposition_n for_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o study_n beside_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o nation_n that_o have_v its_o civil_a government_n and_o law_n from_o god_n as_o well_o as_o its_o church_n instiution_n but_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o spread_v throughout_o the_o world_n under_o different_a civil_a government_n different_a circumstance_n may_v best_o suit_v with_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o different_a people_n ix_o take_v heed_n of_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n whilst_o you_o profess_v to_o oppose_v the_o institution_n of_o men._n my_o meaning_n be_v whilst_o you_o withstand_v humane_a invention_n as_o you_o suppose_v they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n beware_v you_o oppose_v not_o lawful_a authority_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o enjoin_v in_o and_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o the_o lord_n that_o magistrate_n have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o dominion_n commit_v to_o they_o &_o shall_v see_v to_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n therein_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n may_v be_v manifest_a to_o all_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o see_v it_o by_o the_o laudable_a example_n of_o godly_a king_n in_o former_a time_n such_o as_o david_n solomon_n asa_n jehosaphat_n hezekiah_n etc._n etc._n who_o chief_a care_n be_v about_o religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o dominion_n indeed_o they_o be_v not_o to_o make_v any_o new_a institution_n of_o worship_n nor_o alter_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v particular_o enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o they_o be_v to_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v administer_v according_a to_o the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n undetermined_a by_o god_n they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o order_n and_o settle_v thing_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o word_n and_o however_o you_o plead_v you_o be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o man_n you_o must_v be_v therein_o subject_a to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n it_o have_v be_v a_o notion_n take_v up_o by_o some_o that_o as_o in_o former_a time_n the_o saint_n have_v suffer_v in_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o priestly_a office_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o they_o must_v bear_v witness_n to_o his_o kingly_a office_n what_o ever_o they_o suffer_v and_o not_o yield_v to_o any_o commandment_n of_o man_n in_o and_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o let_v such_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o oppose_v not_o his_o kingly_a office_n when_o they_o seem_v to_o stand_v up_o for_o it_o for_o if_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n be_v his_o vicegerent_n as_o certain_o they_o be_v and_o there_o be_v a_o care_n of_o his_o worship_n delegated_a unto_o they_o and_o some_o power_n for_o order_v affair_n in_o his_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o outward_a conveniency_n and_o order_n where_o he_o have_v not_o express_o determine_v in_o withstand_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n they_o may_v resist_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o indeed_o it_o may_v be_v a_o further_a scruple_n in_o case_n magistrate_n enjoin_v thing_n inexpedient_a and_o inconvenient_a and_o so_o swerve_v from_o those_o general_a rule_n that_o they_o be_v to_o go_v by_o whether_o they_o be_v to_o yield_v to_o they_o in_o such_o thing_n or_o no_o but_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o nonconformist_n may_v be_v take_v herein_o etc._n baxt._n five_o disp_n p._n 460_o etc._n etc._n they_o determine_v in_o such_o case_n its_o better_a to_o obey_v then_o to_o withstand_v they_o may_v sin_v in_o command_v such_o thing_n and_o yet_o subject_n not_o sin_n in_o obey_v they_o when_o command_v they_o be_v judge_n in_o such_o particular_a case_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v expedient_a as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n determine_v what_o be_v necessary_a and_o herein_o they_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o calvin_n ep._n 379_o which_o have_v be_v ever_o approve_v by_o they_o who_o speak_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n say_v some_o thing_n neither_o right_a nor_o profitable_a but_o scandalous_a and_o draw_v evil_a consequence_n with_o they_o yet_o not_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n in_o any_o express_a determination_n of_o it_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o godly_a brethren_n when_o they_o can_v help_v it_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o forsake_v and_o indeed_o if_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v admit_v but_o so_o often_o as_o any_o shall_v judge_v such_o or_o such_o matter_n inexpedient_a they_o may_v withstand_v the_o axe_n seem_v to_o be_v lay_v at_o the_o root_n of_o all_o government_n and_o there_o will_v be_v little_a order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o society_n in_o the_o world_n but_o a_o yield_n in_o some_o thing_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o that_o society_n x._o let_v not_o any_o principle_n or_o practice_n that_o you_o have_v inconsiderat_o take_v up_o so_o far_o engage_v you_o as_o to_o make_v you_o loath_a to_o teturn_v to_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n some_o have_v it_o may_v be_v unwilling_o and_o with_o reluctancy_n only_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o some_o of_o their_o own_o party_n be_v lead_v into_o the_o way_n of_o rigid_a separation_n to_o condemn_v all_o other_o church_n but_o their_o own_o however_o sound_n in_o all_o the_o main_a fundamental_a and_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o refuse_v any_o communion_n with_o they_o though_o this_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o know_v â—o_o their_o own_o profession_n cotton_n t._n g._n mr._n cotton_n style_v by_o some_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o separation_n the_o way_n god_n never_o blessed_v with_o peace_n and_o holiness_n etc._n etc._n and_o now_o to_o return_v to_o way_n of_o sobriety_n and_o own_o such_o as_o they_o have_v former_o so_o hot_o contend_v against_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o do_v it_o there_o be_v natural_o in_o man_n a_o tenaciousnesse_n of_o those_o way_n and_o opinion_n they_o have_v once_o profess_v that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o recede_v from_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o have_v contend_v for_o they_o this_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o denial_n man_n will_v rather_o yield_v