wherefore_o for_o man_n to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v inveagle_v their_o soul_n to_o be_v pervert_v and_o their_o faith_n overthrow_v by_o a_o few_o captious_a sophystical_a reason_n of_o man_n of_o perverse_a mind_n pursue_v their_o own_o secular_a interest_n to_o turn_v aside_o from_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o so_o plain_a evident_a and_o indisputable_a a_o case_n and_o duty_n be_v such_o a_o folly_n in_o itself_o such_o a_o impiety_n against_o god_n such_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n his_o wisdom_n authority_n and_o care_n as_o must_v be_v eternal_o account_v for_o three_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o most_o part_n which_o this_o pretend_a guide_n propose_v unto_o and_o impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n faith_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o who_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o its_o conduct_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a so_o contrary_a unto_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o very_a first_o 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know_v nothing_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o obscure_a dangerous_a book_n unto_o all_o layman_n which_o heretic_n make_v use_v of_o unto_o their_o advantage_n such_o person_n can_v be_v content_v to_o want_v it_o or_o be_v without_o it_o all_o their_o life_n especial_o see_v it_o be_v full_a of_o light_n and_o principle_n inconsistent_a with_o their_o carnal_a lust_n and_o interest_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o who_o many_o of_o they_o like_o timothy_n have_v know_v the_o scripture_n from_o child_n and_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o they_o have_v have_v some_o experience_n of_o their_o power_n unto_o such_o as_o these_o come_v person_n in_o the_o name_n and_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o this_o pretend_a guide_n and_o a_o compass_n of_o plausible_a word_n they_o will_v use_v fit_a to_o distract_v and_o amuse_v weak_a and_o unstable_a mind_n but_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o what_o they_o say_v in_o this_o case_n be_v cast_v away_o this_o bible_n this_o book_n it_o do_v but_o perplex_v you_o and_o disturb_v your_o mind_n with_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o you_o which_o you_o can_v understand_v and_o be_v therefore_o a_o occasion_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o pernicious_a error_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o any_o such_o person_n be_v ready_a to_o say_v have_v god_n give_v this_o book_n this_o alone_a as_o the_o only_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o we_o as_o the_o guide_n and_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v unto_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o which_o you_o dare_v not_o direct_o deny_v have_v he_o command_v i_o to_o read_v study_v meditate_v and_o be_v conversant_a in_o it_o continual_o have_v i_o find_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o light_n counsel_n and_o consolation_n administer_v by_o it_o in_o my_o own_o soul_n and_o shall_v i_o now_o forsake_v it_o cast_v it_o away_o to_o betake_v myself_o unto_o your_o guidance_n and_o direction_n shall_v i_o forsake_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o daily_o speak_v unto_o i_o in_o and_o by_o this_o word_n to_o comply_v with_o you_o the_o very_a horror_n of_o the_o proposal_n be_v enough_o to_o secure_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o who_o have_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o spiritual_a light_n or_o grace_n from_o a_o compliance_n with_o it_o wherefore_o whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v full_a of_o light_n shine_v like_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n to_o follow_v the_o glimmering_n of_o this_o wander_a meteor_n which_o arise_v out_o of_o a_o horrible_a pit_n and_o there_o will_v end_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o consideration_n who_o take_v care_n of_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n 2._o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o tongue_n and_o language_n which_o the_o people_n do_v not_o understand_v be_v another_o of_o their_o proposal_n this_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v unto_o on_o pain_n of_o damnation_n but_o how_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o contrary_a unto_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o they_o who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n no_o man_n can_v conceive_v as_o unto_o they_o who_o do_v not_o yet_o be_v it_o not_o hard_a to_o convince_v they_o where_o they_o be_v not_o obstinate_a on_o other_o prejudices_fw-la how_o irrational_a this_o proposal_n be_v how_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o reasonable_a service_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o other_o will_v say_v that_o they_o find_v hindrance_n and_o difficulty_n enough_o from_o and_o in_o this_o duty_n from_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o instability_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n with_o diversion_n from_o outward_a object_n if_o you_o add_v thereunto_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o understand_v a_o word_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v in_o prayer_n and_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o they_o shall_v never_o pray_v at_o all_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v do_v we_o not_o know_v whence_o they_o take_v occasion_n for_o this_o strange_a contrivance_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o what_o advantage_n they_o make_v of_o it_o unto_o themselves_o it_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o admire_v how_o such_o a_o senseless_a imagination_n shall_v befall_v their_o mind_n i_o do_v not_o design_n to_o show_v how_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o scripture_n precept_n and_o example_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a with_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o on_o all_o account_n what_o a_o abominable_a sacrilege_n it_o be_v so_o to_o rob_v the_o church_n of_o its_o chief_a treasure_n it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o sufficient_o i_o only_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instance_n how_o unmeet_a this_o pretend_a church_n be_v to_o be_v such_o a_o guide_n as_o whereunto_o we_o be_v to_o make_v a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n in_o all_o concern_v of_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v make_v they_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n unto_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o reject_v its_o guidance_n with_o more_o detestation_n shall_v they_o accept_v they_o for_o their_o guide_n in_o religion_n who_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n confine_v they_o in_o all_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o a_o language_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o instead_o of_o pray_v with_o their_o understanding_n they_o must_v be_v content_a with_o a_o dumb_a show_n with_o posture_n and_o gesture_n with_o altar_n and_o picture_n the_o antic_a act_n of_o a_o priest_n and_o a_o noise_n of_o word_n who_o sense_n they_o know_v not_o at_o all_o if_o a_o man_n will_v seek_v for_o a_o infallible_a guide_n to_o hell_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v one_o more_o likely_a and_o better_o qualify_v unto_o that_o purpose_n than_o be_v this_o church_n of_o rome_n 3._o there_o be_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n propose_v unto_o we_o by_o this_o guide_n the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n with_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n thereon_o depend_v this_o they_o say_v we_o must_v believe_v at_o least_o avow_v that_o we_o do_v believe_v on_o pain_n of_o eternal_a and_o temporal_a destruction_n also_o but_o herein_o they_o require_v of_o we_o that_o on_o the_o mere_a credit_n of_o their_o conduct_n we_o must_v renounce_v the_o use_n of_o our_o sense_n the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n on_o divine_a revelation_n all_o thing_n whereby_o we_o be_v either_o man_n or_o christian_n that_o we_o may_v become_v blind_a idolater_n but_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v our_o guide_n in_o religion_n do_v thereon_o impose_v this_o monstrous_a imagination_n on_o our_o credulity_n with_o the_o idolatrous_a practice_n
the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o safe_a guide_n or_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o no_o rational_a man_n who_o take_v due_a care_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n can_v give_v himself_o up_o unto_o the_o conduct_n of_o that_o church_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n jerem._n 7._o 4_o 9_o 10._o trust_v you_o not_o in_o lie_v word_n say_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o will_v you_o steal_v murder_n and_o commit_v adultery_n and_o swear_v false_o and_o burn_v incense_n unto_o baal_n and_o walk_v after_o other_o god_n who_o you_o know_v not_o and_o come_v and_o stand_v before_o i_o in_o this_o house_n which_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n london_n print_v for_o nathaniel_n ponder_n at_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n over_o against_o the_o stock_n market_n 1679._o imprimatur_fw-la march_v 5._o 1679._o preface_n the_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v the_o subject_a and_o substance_n of_o two_o sermon_n preach_v unto_o a_o private_a congregation_n the_o author_n of_o they_o have_v no_o design_n or_o purpose_n ever_o to_o have_v make_v they_o public_a the_o importunity_n of_o many_o who_o judge_v they_o may_v be_v of_o use_n unto_o other_o because_o they_o find_v they_o so_o unto_o themselves_o give_v occasion_n unto_o this_o publication_n of_o they_o yet_o have_v they_o not_o so_o prevail_v but_o that_o he_o judge_v it_o be_v neither_o unmeet_a for_o he_o nor_o unseasonable_a for_o other_o in_o publico_fw-la discrimine_fw-la omnis_fw-la homo_fw-la mile_n est_fw-la no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v forbid_v to_o bring_v his_o bucket_n to_o help_v allay_v the_o flame_n of_o a_o rage_a fire_n and_o it_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o only_a guide_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v here_o examine_v a_o work_n which_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n render_v seasonable_a for_o as_o this_o pretence_n be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a papacy_n with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o secular_a advantage_n that_o it_o have_v obtain_v unto_o itself_o so_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v countenance_n and_o warranty_n unto_o the_o factor_n and_o agent_n of_o that_o church_n to_o design_n and_o prepetrate_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v destructive_a of_o all_o that_o be_v praiseworthy_a or_o desirable_a among_o mankind_n and_o unspeakable_o scandalous_a unto_o christian_a religion_n remove_v the_o sand_n or_o rubbish_n hereof_o and_o the_o whole_a fabric_n will_v dissolve_v of_o itself_o and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n this_o small_a discourse_n be_v a_o attempt_n unto_o that_o end_n who_o success_n be_v humble_o recommend_v unto_o the_o care_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n if_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o severity_n of_o expression_n use_v towards_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o reader_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o hard_a thing_n can_v well_o be_v represent_v in_o soft_a and_o pliant_a word_n and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n find_v but_o what_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o severity_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v express_v there_o be_v no_o unblamable_a excess_n however_o the_o author_n be_v one_o who_o hearty_o desire_v and_o pray_v for_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o all_o man_n in_o this_o world_n who_o principle_n will_v allow_v they_o to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o other_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o safe_a guide_n the_o foundation_n of_o the_o small_a ensue_a discourse_n shall_v be_v lay_v in_o a_o position_n wherein_o as_o i_o suppose_v person_n of_o all_o sort_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o thing_n treat_v about_o be_v agree_v namely_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o betake_v himself_o into_o some_o guide_n or_o conduct_v that_o may_v safe_o lead_v he_o unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_a obedience_n the_o nature_n of_o religion_n the_o state_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n in_o this_o world_n with_o the_o eternal_a importance_n of_o a_o safe_a unerring_a guidance_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a do_v require_v that_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o diligence_n and_o prudence_n be_v use_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o guide_n no_o man_n of_o himself_o be_v sufficient_a by_o his_o own_o reason_n alâ—ne_v to_o be_v his_o own_o guide_n they_o who_o think_v themselves_o wise_a have_v attempt_v so_o to_o be_v have_v wax_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n have_v be_v darken_v rom._n 1._o 21._o the_o warning_n and_o instruction_n give_v by_o solomon_n do_v principal_o respect_v this_o case_n he_o that_o trust_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n be_v a_o fool_n but_o whoso_o walk_v wise_o shall_v be_v deliver_v prov._n 28._o 26._o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o and_o adherence_n unto_o such_o a_o guide_n be_v eminent_o necessary_a when_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n and_o division_n among_o man_n about_o religion_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v manage_v in_o way_n and_o by_o mean_n not_o only_o scandalous_a unto_o religion_n itself_o but_o pernicious_a unto_o humane_a society_n in_o their_o consequent_n when_o man_n not_o only_o say_v and_o contend_v that_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o lo_o there_o be_v christ_n matth._n 24._o 23._o but_o also_o on_o the_o account_n of_o these_o difference_n engage_v into_o way_n and_o practice_n ruinous_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o destructive_a unto_o all_o that_o be_v praise_v worthy_a in_o this_o world_n those_o who_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o choose_v and_o adhere_v unto_o a_o faithful_a guide_n and_o conduct_n be_v no_o less_o defective_a in_o wisdom_n than_o negligent_a in_o their_o duty_n be_v a_o man_n in_o a_o wilderness_n where_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o cross_a path_n all_o pretend_v to_o lead_v unto_o a_o inhabit_a city_n whither_o he_o must_v go_v or_o perish_v if_o he_o see_v man_n not_o only_o contend_v some_o for_o one_o way_n some_o for_o another_o but_o kill_v and_o destroy_v one_o another_o about_o the_o preference_n of_o the_o several_a way_n they_o esteem_v best_a and_o safe_a he_o deserve_v to_o wander_v and_o perish_v if_o he_o refuse_v a_o guide_n that_o be_v tender_v unto_o he_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o ready_a in_o our_o present_a case_n shall_v be_v immedate_o evince_v the_o difference_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v at_o present_a among_o we_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o such_o as_o comparative_o be_v of_o small_a moment_n as_o unto_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n the_o measure_n of_o these_o difference_n be_v that_o which_o way_n soever_o they_o be_v determine_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n they_o neither_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n nor_o obstruct_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n for_o this_o be_v our_o great_a duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o doctrine_n in_o religion_n that_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v so_o small_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v that_o they_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n yet_o if_o they_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o operation_n and_o due_a exercise_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v pernicious_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o in_o who_o they_o have_v that_o effect_n but_o such_o difference_n which_o comply_v with_o this_o measure_n tend_v unto_o nothing_o in_o themselves_o that_o be_v obstructive_a unto_o the_o glory_n or_o power_n of_o religion_n whatever_o they_o may_v be_v press_v and_o wrest_v unto_o by_o the_o lust_n prejudices_fw-la and_o carnal_a interest_n of_o man_n for_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o for_o severe_a thought_n concern_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o they_o who_o so_o differ_v as_o unto_o their_o interest_n in_o present_a grace_n and_o future_a glory_n to_o live_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o love_n in_o all_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o it_o towards_o such_o on_o any_o pretence_n to_o design_v their_o hurt_n and_o evil_a be_v to_o live_v in_o open_a contradiction_n unto_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o severe_a thought_n be_v the_o principal_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o all_o pernicious_a evil_n in_o religion_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v most_o scandalous_a unto_o it_o and_o most_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o christian_a religion_n be_v design_v to_o promote_v for_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n among_o the_o generality_n
this_o pretence_n for_o 1._o all_o believer_n be_v command_v themselves_o to_o examine_v and_o try_v all_o false_a teacher_n prophet_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v not_o of_o god_n doctrine_n subvert_v the_o faith_n and_o endanger_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o absolute_a universal_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o unto_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v claim_v by_o it_o see_v 1_o joh._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o 2._o they_o be_v direct_v unto_o the_o way_n means_n and_o rule_n whereby_o they_o must_v make_v this_o trial_n and_o come_v unto_o the_o final_a determination_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n isa._n 8._o 20._o 2_o pet._n 1._o v._n 19_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o this_o also_o be_v diametrical_o opposite_a unto_o that_o resignation_n of_o themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o it_o require_v of_o they_o 3._o they_o have_v a_o guide_v promise_v unto_o they_o to_o give_v they_o a_o understanding_n of_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o make_v a_o right_a and_o safe_a determination_n thereon_o joh_n 16._o 13._o 1_o joh._n 2_o 26_o 27._o these_o thing_n be_v consistent_a with_o a_o ministerial_a guide_n such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o all_o true_a church_n wherein_o none_o pretend_v to_o be_v lord_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o only_a helper_n of_o our_o joy_n but_o with_o a_o supreme_a authoritative_a guide_n require_v a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n unto_o itself_o they_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o our_o case_n and_o this_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o it_o give_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n diversity_n and_o division_n in_o principle_n opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n be_v suppose_v unto_o as_o great_a a_o height_n as_o they_o can_v beat_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n teacher_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n departure_n from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n teacher_n not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n turn_v away_o man_n ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o turn_v they_o unto_o fable_n false_a teacher_n bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o many_o follow_v their_o pernicious_a way_n spirit_n of_o false_a prophet_n go_v out_o in_o the_o world_n the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v all_o suppose_a and_o foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n and_o state_n of_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v not_o seduce_v that_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o ruin_v we_o be_v command_v ourselves_o to_o try_v and_o examine_v all_o those_o who_o teach_v such_o thing_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o try_v they_o if_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o undo_v for_o ever_o unto_o the_o right_a understanding_n hereof_o a_o sure_a and_o faithful_a guide_n be_v promise_v unto_o we_o to_o lead_v we_o unto_o all_o truth_n so_o that_o no_o concernment_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o plain_o state_v and_o as_o unto_o our_o duty_n more_o express_o determine_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o this_o be_v it_o be_v so_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n before_o the_o end_n of_o his_o day_n division_n error_n heresy_n begin_v to_o abound_v in_o christian_a religion_n this_o he_o full_o testify_v chap._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o epist._n the_o 2._o 7._o according_a unto_o his_o duty_n he_o write_v unto_o believer_n to_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o danger_n with_o reference_n unto_o they_o that_o seduce_v they_o or_o attempt_v so_o to_o do_v chap._n 2._o 26._o and_o he_o write_v unto_o this_o purpose_n unto_o father_n young_a man_n and_o child_n or_o profess_a believer_n of_o all_o sort_n degree_n and_o endowment_n ver_fw-la 12_o 13._o and_o this_o not_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n but_o because_o they_o do_v know_v it_o and_o have_v experience_n of_o its_o power_n ver_fw-la 21._o but_o in_o all_o the_o direction_n he_o give_v they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v escape_v the_o danger_n they_o be_v expose_v unto_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o word_n any_o intimation_n that_o they_o shall_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o guidance_n of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o church_n much_o less_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o direction_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v rely_v on_o the_o unction_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o holy_a one_o or_o the_o aid_n and_o supply_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o examination_n and_o trial_n they_o be_v to_o make_v of_o all_o these_o thing_n chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 20_o 27._o but_o to_o preserve_v their_o interest_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o precept_n and_o promise_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o not_o unto_o individual_a believer_n as_o though_o the_o church_n be_v any_o thing_n material_o but_o individual_a believer_n and_o formal_o but_o a_o disposition_n of_o they_o into_o a_o sacred_a order_n for_o their_o edification_n man_n be_v not_o make_v for_o the_o sabbath_n but_o the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o man_n believer_n be_v not_o make_v for_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v make_v for_o believer_n and_o be_v of_o no_o use_n but_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o edification_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o individual_a person_n to_o be_v the_o first_o object_n of_o all_o gospel_n precept_n and_o promise_n church_n in_o what_o sense_n soever_o you_o take_v they_o be_v so_o only_o as_o they_o be_v directive_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v to_o exempt_v their_o conscience_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n to_o turn_v they_o into_o beast_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o gospel_n let_v man_n now_o who_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o eternal_a salvation_n place_n themselves_o in_o their_o thought_n in_o that_o condition_n which_o the_o present_a case_n and_o their_o own_o circumstance_n do_v place_n they_o in_o the_o world_n the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v the_o people_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v fill_v with_o different_a apprehension_n principle_n opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n some_o of_o these_o as_o those_o between_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o protestant_n have_v immediate_a influence_n into_o their_o eternal_a condition_n of_o blessedness_n or_o misery_n as_o both_o party_n contend_v dreadful_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n have_v follow_v and_o be_v like_a to_o follow_v these_o difference_n even_o in_o this_o world_n they_o will_v in_o this_o case_n find_v that_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v and_o thereby_o ruin_v eternal_o as_o multitude_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o high-minded_a but_o fear_v a_o guide_n be_v that_o which_o they_o be_v to_o look_v after_o that_o may_v carry_v they_o safe_o through_o all_o these_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n two_o immediate_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o they_o tender_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n the_o one_o be_v the_o pope_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o require_v no_o more_o of_o they_o but_o a_o blind_a submission_n unto_o its_o guidance_n a_o way_n i_o confess_v to_o extricate_v themselves_o and_o to_o deliver_v they_o from_o all_o care_n about_o their_o own_o soul_n easy_a and_o facile_a if_o safe_a the_o other_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o the_o promise_a aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o lead_v we_o unto_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o but_o in_o this_o way_n it_o be_v require_v of_o man_n that_o they_o make_v use_v of_o their_o own_o reason_n understanding_n judgement_n diligence_n with_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o divine_a assistance_n the_o present_a question_n be_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o guide_n such_o person_n ought_v to_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o i_o be_o on_o the_o consideration_n of_o one_o directive_n reason_n only_o other_o shall_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o and_o this_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n which_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n express_o suppose_v this_o case_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o before_o lay_v down_o do_v thereon_o frequent_o direct_a and_o command_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o latter_a guide_n if_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v save_v and_o do_v no_o where_o no_o not_o once_o on_o a_o supposition_n of_o this_o case_n send_v we_o unto_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n or_o pope_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o other_o church_n whatever_o
opposite_a unto_o the_o way_n and_o means_n prescribe_v by_o god_n himself_o unto_o that_o end_n it_o be_v so_o whether_o we_o respect_v the_o internal_a qualification_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o the_o duty_n that_o he_o prescribe_v or_o the_o aid_n that_o he_o promise_v thereunto_o for_o as_o unto_o the_o first_o he_o require_v that_o those_o who_o will_v learn_v the_o truth_n aught_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o humble_a for_o such_o alone_a he_o will_v teach_v psal._n 25._o 8_o 9_o 14._o joh._n 6._o 45._o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n we_o learn_v nothing_o as_o we_o ought_v or_o not_o unto_o any_o purpose_n that_o they_o cast_v out_o all_o wickedness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n that_o so_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o engraft_a word_n with_o meekness_n jam._n 1._o 21._o without_o these_o thing_n they_o may_v be_v always_o learning_n but_o shall_v never_o come_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o as_o unto_o mean_n and_o duty_n two_o thing_n he_o enjoin_v and_o indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n unto_o this_o end_n 1._o that_o we_o study_v the_o word_n continual_o that_o we_o meditate_v upon_o it_o and_o place_v our_o delight_n in_o it_o joh._n 1._o 8._o deut._n 6._o 7._o psal._n 1._o 2._o isa._n 8._o 20._o joh._n 5._o 30._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o psal._n 119._o 18._o joh._n 16._o 13._o 1_o joh._n 2._o 20._o 2._o fervent_a and_o diligent_a prayer_n that_o we_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o and_o preserve_v in_o the_o truth_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o receive_v it_o and_o hold_v it_o fast_o against_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n for_o our_o aid_n and_o assistance_n herein_o he_o command_v we_o to_o wait_v for_o it_o and_o expect_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o open_v our_o eye_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n or_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o due_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o hear_v nothing_o from_o this_o pretend_a guide_n she_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o to_o put_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n into_o these_o way_n and_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o learn_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n be_v to_o loose_v they_o from_o herself_o for_o ever_o howbeit_o they_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n prescribe_v and_o bless_v of_o god_n unto_o this_o end_n with_o those_o other_o especial_a duty_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o they_o will_v say_v it_o may_v be_v that_o they_o do_v instruct_v their_o convert_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o press_v they_o withal_o unto_o high_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o mortification_n than_o other_o do_v but_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o deprive_v they_o of_o any_o advantage_n by_o this_o pretence_n for_o 1._o we_o see_v and_o know_v of_o what_o sort_n for_o the_o most_o part_n their_o convert_v be_v i_o shall_v not_o give_v that_o character_n of_o they_o in_o word_n which_o general_o they_o give_v of_o themselves_o in_o their_o work_n for_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o person_n of_o man_n and_o i_o shall_v rejoice_v to_o see_v they_o give_v a_o better_a evidence_n of_o be_v instruct_v in_o these_o thing_n than_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v do_v but_o 2._o whatever_o of_o this_o nature_n they_o propose_v and_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o unto_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o know_v the_o truth_n they_o require_v no_o more_o of_o any_o hereunto_o but_o that_o on_o their_o sophistical_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n he_o give_v up_o himself_o unto_o their_o guidance_n or_o submit_v himself_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n for_o hereby_o he_o formal_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o faith_n whether_o he_o know_v it_o or_o no_o immediate_o become_v he_o and_o for_o particular_n he_o must_v wait_v for_o the_o priest_n information_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v this_o be_v i_o confess_v their_o great_a advantage_n in_o this_o world_n the_o way_n they_o propose_v to_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v easy_a consistent_a with_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n expose_v equal_o to_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a to_o the_o sober_a and_o intemperate_a put_v man_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n give_v they_o all_o the_o quiet_a assurance_n which_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n can_v communicate_v the_o way_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n be_v difficult_a unto_o flesh_n and_o blood_n destructive_a unto_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n &_o of_o the_o mind_n require_v diligence_n humility_n and_o watchfulness_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o grace_n all_o our_o day_n which_o thing_n few_o be_v please_v withal_o yet_o be_v this_o way_n of_o god_n so_o suit_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n so_o become_v the_o importance_n of_o this_o duty_n so_o effectual_a not_o only_o unto_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n but_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o it_o in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n be_v so_o necessary_a on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o infinite_a greatness_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o that_o no_o man_n who_o be_v not_o blind_v with_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a affection_n can_v decline_v it_o to_o embrace_v the_o other_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a of_o a_o high_a abomination_n to_o deter_v all_o sober_a person_n from_o touch_v with_o this_o guide_n than_o those_o already_o insist_v on_o and_o such_o they_o be_v as_o the_o present_a contrivance_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o adversary_n do_v unavoidable_o compel_v we_o to_o plead_v in_o this_o cause_n and_o be_v in_o themselves_o sufficient_a for_o ever_o to_o divest_v that_o church_n of_o this_o great_a and_o gainful_a pretence_n of_o be_v the_o only_a guide_n of_o all_o man_n in_o religion_n for_o five_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v wherein_o they_o instruct_v many_o of_o they_o who_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o their_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n i_o mean_v of_o the_o agent_n for_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o first_o thing_n which_o they_o labour_v to_o fix_v on_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v absolute_a obedience_n unto_o their_o immediate_a guide_n with_o a_o blind_a belief_n of_o what_o they_o propose_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o they_o prevail_v on_o they_o unto_o by_o assume_v a_o twofold_a authority_n unto_o themselves_o and_o the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o forgive_a they_o all_o their_o sin_n though_o against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o they_o confess_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o confession_n they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n some_o thing_n indeed_o they_o do_v require_v of_o they_o in_o order_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o priestly_a absolution_n but_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o prescribe_v decline_v or_o accept_v which_o latter_a they_o will_v not_o be_v uneasy_a unto_o when_o it_o conduce_v unto_o their_o advantage_n the_o issue_n be_v that_o in_o this_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v as_o safe_o acquiesce_v as_o if_o they_o be_v immediate_o pardon_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o if_o they_o have_v occasion_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o catholic_n cause_n to_o put_v they_o on_o thing_n that_o be_v open_o sinful_a as_o murder_n and_o sedition_n either_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o direction_n guidance_n and_o command_n of_o the_o priest_n they_o lose_v their_o nature_n and_o become_v no_o sin_n at_o all_o or_o they_o be_v so_o assure_v of_o pardon_n as_o put_v they_o in_o their_o conscience_n into_o as_o good_a a_o state_n and_o condition_n as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o sin_v and_o 2._o they_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o a_o authority_n to_o grant_v especial_a privilege_n and_o reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o the_o do_v of_o what_o tâ—ey_n command_n or_o require_v whatever_o it_o be_v as_o unto_o the_o earth_n so_o many_o prayer_n so_o many_o mass_n shall_v be_v assign_v unto_o their_o advantage_n and_o in_o some_o case_n canoninozation_n with_o all_o the_o glorious_a privilege_n of_o it_o and_o as_o unto_o heaven_n what_o they_o so_o do_v shall_v have_v such_o a_o proportion_n of_o merit_n as_o shall_v exalt_v they_o unto_o the_o second_o three_o or_o four_o place_n of_o precedency_n and_o honour_n therein_o among_o all_o the_o holy_a martyr_n it_o be_v uncredible_a what_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o proselyte_n they_o obtain_v by_o these_o mean_n with_o other_o artifices_fw-la of_o the_o like_a nanture_n hence_o many_o of_o they_o know_v of_o no_o other_o dependence_n