vessel_n now_o for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new-testament_n observe_v that_o our_o lord_n christ_n not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n but_o also_o as_o he_o be_v man_n do_v officiate_v this_o ministry_n he_o forgive_v sin_n and_o reconcile_v man_n to_o god_n for_o he_o say_v unto_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n son_n be_v of_o good_a cheer_n thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o at_o which_o the_o scribe_n murmur_v our_o lord_n reply_v whether_o be_v it_o easy_a to_o say_v thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o or_o to_o say_v arise_v and_o walk_v but_o that_o you_o may_v know_v the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v power_n on_o earth_n to_o forgive_v sin_n what_o can_v the_o lord_n have_v say_v more_o plain_o he_o speak_v of_o very_a purpose_n as_o he_o say_v that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o power_n he_o have_v not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v god_n for_o that_o be_v not_o doubt_v of_o whether_o god_n can_v forgive_v sin_n but_o also_o as_o he_o be_v man_n and_o on_o earth_n wherefore_o when_o the_o multitude_n hear_v and_o see_v what_o be_v do_v they_o glorify_a god_n who_o have_v give_v such_o power_n unto_o man_n this_o power_n as_o he_o be_v man_n he_o purchase_v by_o his_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n as_o it_o be_v write_v for_o the_o suffering_n of_o death_n he_o be_v crown_v with_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o again_o he_o have_v god_n exalt_v to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n to_o give_v repentance_n unto_o israel_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n observe_v the_o word_n he_o have_v obtain_v not_o as_o he_o be_v god_n that_o can_v not_o be_v but_o as_o he_o be_v man_n he_o obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n so_o that_o now_o we_o may_v see_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n commit_v to_o a_o man_n of_o our_o own_o flesh_n compass_v about_o with_o infirmity_n even_o as_o ourselves_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v power_n on_o earth_n to_o forgive_v sin_n this_o be_v that_o elihu_n job_n 33.6_o his_o word_n to_o mankind_n be_v behold_v i_o be_o according_a to_o thy_o wish_n in_o god_n stead_n i_o also_o be_o form_v out_o of_o the_o clay_n behold_v my_o terror_n shall_v not_o make_v thou_o afraid_a 9.33,34_o job_n 9.33,34_o for_o job_n have_v wish_v for_o such_o a_o dayman_n to_o stand_v be_v betwixt_o he_o and_o god_n because_o if_o god_n shall_v speak_v his_o terror_n will_v be_v upon_o he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o israel_n at_o the_o deliver_n of_o the_o law_n when_o they_o hear_v god_n speak_v unto_o they_o out_o of_o the_o mount_n so_o terrible_a be_v it_o that_o they_o desire_v they_o may_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n again_o lest_o they_o die_v but_o desire_v that_o god_n will_v deliver_v his_o law_n to_o they_o by_o moses_n which_o desire_n god_n approve_v and_o then_o say_v that_o he_o will_v send_v they_o a_o prophet_n raise_v he_o from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_o moses_n who_o indeed_o be_v god_n substitute_n this_o be_v that_o great_a prophet_n into_o who_o mouth_n he_o say_v he_o will_v put_v his_o word_n and_o sure_o require_v it_o of_o every_o one_o 18._o deut._n 18._o and_o now_o our_o love_a lord_n condescend_v to_o man_n request_n have_v in_o send_v his_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n fulfil_v his_o good_a word_n this_o be_v the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o the_o father_n have_v send_v with_o authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n 16._o matth._n 16._o which_o authority_n he_o first_o promise_v to_o peter_n say_v i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o what_o ever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n which_o promise_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o perform_v not_o only_o to_o st._n peter_n but_o also_o to_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o that_o in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n 20._o joh._n 20._o when_o he_o say_v to_o they_o again_o the_o second_o time_n peace_n be_v unto_o you_o he_o then_o say_v as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v be_v ever_o any_o power_n upon_o earth_n put_v over_o from_o one_o to_o another_o in_o great_a plainness_n than_o this_o as_o the_o father_n say_v our_o lord_n send_v i_o to_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n so_o send_v i_o you_o what_o be_v do_v be_v do_v from_o god_n the_o father_n by_o my_o commission_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o you_o to_o which_o end_n i_o now_o breathe_v upon_o you_o give_v say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v to_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o let_v none_o serious_o imagine_v as_o some_o bold_o affirm_v that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v only_o by_o preach_v and_o baptism_n and_o that_o be_v all_o which_o be_v here_o mean_v it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o sin_n commit_v before_o baptism_n be_v sacramental_o forgive_v by_o the_o wash_n of_o water_n in_o baptism_n but_o sin_n can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v retain_v in_o or_o by_o baptism_n and_o beside_o the_o apostle_n have_v authority_n before_o our_o lord_n passion_n both_o to_o preach_v and_o baptise_v without_o this_o solemn_a investment_n which_o commission_n be_v enlarge_v after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o first_o commission_n be_v to_o israel_n only_o but_o the_o second_o enlargement_n to_o all_o the_o world_n 28.18,20_o matth._n 10.5_o 28.18,20_o all_o power_n be_v give_v i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o into_o all_o nation_n teach_v and_o baptise_v lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o i_o do_v here_o conclude_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o only_o give_v unto_o his_o disciple_n authority_n to_o absolve_v by_o baptism_n such_o sin_n as_o be_v commit_v before_o but_o also_o in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n have_v give_v they_o authority_n to_o remit_v unto_o the_o penitent_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n which_o mercy_n the_o learned_a call_v the_o second_o table_n or_o board_n after_o shipwreck_n the_o which_o who_o ever_o contemn_v must_v utter_o perish_v for_o as_o at_o sea_n when_o a_o ship_n split_v some_o lay_v hold_n upon_o board_n be_v save_v from_o drown_v so_o in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o by_o deadly_a sin_n have_v make_v their_o baptism_n of_o none_o effect_n be_v likely_a to_o perish_v unless_o they_o hold_v upon_o the_o plank_n or_o board_n namely_o penitential_a confession_n and_o priestly_a absolution_n and_o true_o that_o man_n do_v not_o argue_v rational_o that_o question_n their_o authority_n in_o the_o latter_a more_o than_o in_o the_o former_a why_o a_o man_n repent_v of_o particular_a sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n may_v not_o by_o the_o priest_n be_v absolve_v as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v by_o a_o general_a repentance_n of_o all_o sin_n commit_v before_o baptism_n may_v we_o not_o say_v thou_o fool_n be_v it_o not_o as_o easy_a to_o forgive_v a_o few_o sin_n to_o a_o man_n true_o penitent_a though_o commit_v after_o baptism_n as_o to_o forgive_v a_o multitude_n suppose_v to_o a_o age_a man_n as_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n many_o such_o there_o be_v that_o come_v to_o be_v baptize_v commit_v before_o baptism_n for_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o sin_n commit_v all_o his_o life_n time_n whereby_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n wash_v away_o in_o baptism_n may_v not_o the_o same_o minister_n by_o the_o same_o authority_n viz._n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n forgive_v sin_n commit_v after_o baptism_n obj._n obj._n but_o they_o object_v that_o sin_n be_v loose_v or_o retain_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v ans_fw-fr ans_fw-fr the_o prophet_n of_o old_a preach_v man_n and_o woman_n by_o good_a counsel_n and_o advise_v may_v occasion_v the_o conversion_n of_o some_o if_o such_o therefore_o have_v they_o key_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v there_o be_v no_o excellency_n nor_o speciality_n in_o that_o gift_n which_o our_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o bestow_v upon_o peter_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o these_o thing_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o so_o understand_v their_o master_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o so_o do_v and_o practice_v certain_o
that_o they_o do_v so_o understand_v he_o their_o own_o practice_n with_o the_o general_a tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n east_n and_o west_n greek_n and_o latin_a down_o till_o this_o present_a presumptuous_a age_n do_v testify_v for_o till_o this_o last_o century_n it_o be_v scarce_o ever_o question_v or_o in_o any_o disrespect_n 2.6_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o see_v saint_n paul_n send_v a_o absolution_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o titus_n and_o luke_n for_o the_o incestuous_a person_n who_o before_o have_v be_v before_o excommunicate_v see_v the_o apostle_n demonstrate_v his_o authority_n receive_v from_o christ_n 10._o v._o 10._o sufficient_a to_o such_o a_o man_n be_v this_o punishment_n for_o your_o sake_n i_o forgive_v it_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o christ_n stead_n or_o name_n he_o forgive_v he_o what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o this_o example_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o bind_v here_o of_o lose_v there_o of_o punish_v here_o of_o pardon_v there_o of_o retain_v sin_n here_o of_o remit_v they_o moreover_o as_o our_o lord_n forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o man_n sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n mat._n 9_o so_o say_v saint_n james_n if_o any_o man_n be_v sick_a let_v he_o send_v for_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n for_o i_o have_v see_v it_o so_o translate_v which_o translation_n by_o moderate_a learned_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o most_o consonant_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a scripture_n for_o if_o a_o original_a word_n about_o holy_a thing_n shall_v bear_v in_o english_a two_o signification_n the_o one_o common_a and_o profane_a the_o other_o more_o sacred_a shall_v not_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n render_v it_o in_o the_o most_o sacred_a as_o under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o elder_a in_o those_o time_n be_v contain_v priest_n magistrate_n and_o old_a man_n to_o which_o of_o these_o do_v we_o think_v saint_n james_n send_v we_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o bodily_a health_n by_o ghostly_a mean_n that_o we_o shall_v confess_v our_o sin_n unto_o they_o and_o they_o pray_v over_o we_o and_o in_o christ_n name_n anoint_v we_o with_o oil_n sure_o not_o to_o magistrate_n nor_o old_a man_n but_o priest_n except_o we_o will_v apply_v this_o to_o our_o churchwarden_n or_o late_o make_v lay-elders_a which_o experience_n show_v be_v as_o little_o concern_v in_o this_o as_o either_o magistrate_n or_o old_a man_n therefore_o let_v we_o read_v it_o as_o the_o church_n have_v always_o do_v and_o common_a reason_n and_o experience_n show_v if_o necessity_n constrain_v that_o the_o word_n must_v be_v render_v either_o priest_n magistrate_n old_a man_n churchwarden_n or_o lay-elders_a for_o so_o the_o learned_a affirm_v it_o may_v be_v english_v of_o all_o the_o word_n priest_n be_v most_o proper_a and_o consonant_a both_o to_o the_o matter_n to_o which_o it_o relate_v and_o also_o to_o god_n honour_n therefore_o if_o any_o be_v sick_a let_v he_o send_v say_v saint_n james_n for_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o pray_v for_o the_o sick_a to_o have_v confession_n make_v to_o they_o and_o for_o they_o in_o christ_n name_n to_o remit_v sin_n and_o to_o anoint_v the_o sick_a with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n beside_o the_o late_a english_a church_n which_o ever_o stand_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o the_o roman_a do_v allow_v of_o the_o title_n or_o word_n priest_n and_o if_o she_o can_v have_v have_v but_o some_o handsome_a colourable_a ground_n of_o a_o utter_a rejection_n of_o confession_n and_o absolution_n she_o will_v not_o for_o the_o advantage_n it_o give_v to_o the_o roman_a cause_n have_v insert_v it_o several_a time_n in_o her_o liturgy_n use_v the_o very_a same_o form_n as_o the_o romanist_n do_v at_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a viz_o by_o that_o authority_n which_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o i_o i_o absolve_v thou_o from_o all_o thy_o sin_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n amen_n and_o beside_o but_o for_o some_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o themselves_o they_o will_v have_v establish_v confession_n penance_n and_o absolution_n in_o another_o manner_n then_o at_o that_o time_n they_o do_v the_o word_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o commination_n before_o lent_n be_v these_o brethren_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v a_o godly_a discipline_n that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o lent_n such_o person_n as_o be_v notorious_a sinner_n be_v put_v to_o open_a penance_n and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our-lord_n and_o that_o other_o admonish_v by_o their_o example_n may_v be_v more_o afraid_a to_o offend_v instead_o whereof_o until_o the_o say_a discipline_n may_v be_v restore_v again_o which_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v mark_v that_o it_o be_v think_v good_a that_o these_o scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v etc._n etc._n by_o this_o we_o may_v see_v as_o in_o a_o glass_n what_o opinion_n the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v be_v such_o enemy_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n as_o spiteful_o to_o cast_v off_o that_o which_o be_v consonant_n and_o not_o against_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n that_o which_o our_o lord_n for_o our_o special_a benefit_n do_v constitute_v his_o apostle_n officiate_v the_o church_n universal_o till_o this_o present_a age_n practice_v with_o a_o full_a approbation_n of_o the_o english_a church_n scarce_o ever_o any_o contradict_v i_o mean_v private_a confession_n and_o absolution_n for_o the_o quiet_v of_o conscience_n it_o be_v true_a that_o private_a sin_n be_v public_o confess_v do_v occasion_n scandal_n to_o some_o which_o be_v by_o the_o church_n in_o that_o age_n forbid_v socrat._v l._n 5._o c._n 19_o which_o place_n with_o some_o other_o of_o like_a nature_n some_o person_n for_o the_o hatred_n they_o general_o bear_v to_o all_o confession_n make_v a_o ground_n of_o writing_n and_o dispute_v against_o it_o but_o such_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_n that_o ensue_v upon_o the_o omission_n of_o confession_n for_o by_o this_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n both_o of_o the_o forgiveness_n and_o purgation_n of_o sin_n be_v reject_v and_o how_o salvation_n may_v be_v have_v in_o a_o church_n which_o have_v so_o do_v be_v very_o doubtful_a this_o donation_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o his_o apostle_n be_v a_o great_a mercy_n a_o high_a prerogative_n to_o the_o apostle_n as_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o what_o man_n on_o earth_n angel_n or_o archangel_n in_o heaven_n do_v he_o ever_o say_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v what_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n what_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n yet_o to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n be_v this_o grace_n give_v wherefore_o i_o pray_v such_o as_o tender_v their_o soul_n safety_n serious_o to_o think_v and_o consider_v on_o what_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o man_n sin_n namely_o 2_o court_n one_o in_o heaven_n and_o another_o on_o earth_n of_o that_o in_o heaven_n our_o lord_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n for_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n to_o the_o son_n but_o that_o on_o earth_n our_o lord_n have_v delegated_a and_o put_v over_o to_o his_o minister_n or_o priest_n give_v the_o key_n to_o they_o and_o have_v promise_v that_o what_o sin_n they_o bound_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o what_o they_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n he_o seem_v to_o give_v they_o the_o precedency_n and_o promise_v to_o confirm_v in_o heaven_n what_o they_o do_v on_o earth_n then_o what_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o dare_v deny_v or_o presume_v to_o contradict_v the_o bless_a trinity_n the_o father_n authorize_v the_o son_n and_o the_o son_n authorize_v his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n to_o forgive_v sin_n to_o which_o end_n they_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v they_o and_o therefore_o what_o they_o do_v be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o will_v thou_o venture_v to_o go_v time_n after_o time_n to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o at_o last_o to_o death_n and_o so_o to_o judgement_n without_o a_o penitential_a preparative_n by_o confession_n presume_v of_o a_o pardon_n from_o god_n the_o father_n without_o his_o substitute_n because_o thou_o do_v believe_v and_o fancy_v such_o a_o thing_n do_v thou_o think_v that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v with_o thy_o presumption_n thou_o will_v not_o except_v of_o a_o pardon_n from_o his_o minister_n but_o will_v have_v it_o from_o himself_o oh_o the_o soul_n be_v precious_a and_o the_o
a_o letter_n concern_v confession_n and_o absolution_n write_a to_o a_o friend_n some_o year_n since_o and_o now_o propose_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o gather_a church_n in_o london_n imprimatur_fw-la john_n downame_n london_n print_v by_o francis_n neile_n 1650._o a_o letter_n write_v to_o a_o friend_n touch_v confession_n sir_n the_o conference_n that_o i_o have_v with_o you_o about_o confession_n and_o absolution_n have_v occasion_v my_o further_a thought_n &_o meditation_n thereon_o which_o be_v fresh_a in_o memory_n i_o have_v commit_v to_o paper_n with_o intent_n you_o shall_v see_v they_o that_o so_o you_o may_v consider_v and_o if_o upon_o serious_a thought_n you_o find_v they_o disagree_v with_o holy_a scripture_n than_o i_o pray_v you_o show_v i_o how_o and_o impart_v for_o my_o help_n what_o you_o undoubted_o understand_v in_o this_o point_n and_o if_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o phrase_n that_o you_o like_v not_o pass_v they_o over_o as_o not_o material_o appertain_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n so_o i_o will_v deal_v with_o you_o and_o so_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o do_v with_o i_o and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v mind_v like_o those_o that_o slight_o and_o easy_o let_v pass_v every_o thing_n that_o please_v not_o their_o palate_n and_o fleshly_a mind_n as_o this_o of_o confession_n may_v not_o for_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v the_o flesh_n be_v at_o enmity_n with_o confession_n for_o that_o it_o lay_v it_o open_a and_o shame_v it_o yea_o confession_n make_v the_o soul_n stand_v tremble_v in_o a_o confuse_a condition_n before_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v of_o real_a and_o penitential_a confession_n that_o by_o it_o some_o man_n sin_n go_v to_o judgement_n beforehand_o 5.24_o 1_o tim_n 5.24_o and_o be_v this_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o all_o must_v come_v to_o judgement_n and_o every_o secret_a must_v be_v make_v manifest_a let_v the_o christian_n account_v it_o 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now_o what_o shall_v let_v that_o we_o accept_v not_o of_o this_o great_a mercy_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v judge_v by_o god_n ambassador_n and_o let_v not_o any_o one_o think_v this_o needless_a for_o such_o person_n as_o be_v eminent_a for_o knowledge_n 1.7_o deut._n 17._o mal._n 1.7_o some_o be_v ignorant_a say_v they_o and_o that_o may_v occasion_v they_o to_o go_v to_o the_o priest_n for_o law_n and_o judgement_n the_o priest_n lip_n be_v to_o keep_v knowledge_n and_o the_o people_n to_o seek_v law_n at_o their_o mouth_n but_o some_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o their_o teacher_n what_o need_v such_o go_v i_o answer_v he_o be_v a_o proud_a man_n that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o god_n way_n 119.99_o psal_n 119.99_o our_o saviour_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v show_v we_o a_o example_n of_o another_o fashion_n 3.14,15_o matth._n 3.14,15_o john_n say_v to_o our_o lord_n i_o have_v need_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o thou_o and_o come_v thou_o to_o i_o observe_v our_o lord_n answer_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v say_v he_o for_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n so_o likewise_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o there_o be_v many_o a_o jew_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o priest_n discern_v his_o own_o leprosy_n and_o also_o pronounce_v himself_o unclean_a yea_o and_o separate_v himself_o according_a to_o law_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o approvable_a without_o the_o priest_n have_v do_v it_o and_o when_o that_o leper_n be_v cure_v he_o be_v not_o so_o esteem_v till_o he_o be_v so_o pronounce_v by_o the_o priest_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n offer_v as_o when_o our_o lord_n himself_o have_v cleanse_v the_o leper_n matth._n 8.4_o yet_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n he_o command_v the_o say_a leper_n to_o go_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o offer_v a_o gift_n which_o moses_n have_v command_v for_o a_o testimony_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v man_n of_o such_o knowledge_n that_o understand_v all_o mystery_n if_o they_o have_v live_v loose_a life_n commit_v heinous_a and_o great_a sin_n and_o yet_o think_v to_o be_v pardon_v and_o justify_v without_o the_o help_n of_o god_n minister_n their_o way_n be_v not_o god_n way_n neither_o can_v they_o produce_v any_o holy_a man_n in_o former_a age_n that_o have_v tread_v such_o a_o path_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v further_o what_o reason_n may_v induce_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o ordinance_n 1._o 1._o first_o for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o we_o find_v some_o footstep_n thereof_o under_o the_o law_n yea_o before_o the_o law_n though_o more_o dark_o for_o god_n himself_o require_v a_o confession_n of_o adam_n eve_n and_o cain_n and_o according_o proceed_v against_o they_o and_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n whereunto_o they_o be_v sentence_v namely_o that_o in_o the_o sweat_n of_o his_o brow_n he_o shall_v eat_v his_o bread_n and_o she_o bring_v forth_o in_o sorrow_n it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v a_o penance_n impose_v upon_o they_o for_o save_v their_o soul_n 2.15_o 1_o tim._n 2.15_o for_o as_o he_o by_o labour_n so_o she_o by_o sorrow_n in_o childbearing_n shall_v be_v save_v if_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n the_o like_a example_n in_o another_o place_n we_o have_v of_o god_n himself_o aaron_z and_o his_o sister_n miriam_n have_v murmur_v against_o moses_n about_o take_v a_o aethiopian_a to_o wife_n god_n be_v so_o displease_v with_o their_o murmur_a that_o he_o smite_v miriam_n with_o leprosy_n which_o do_v occasion_n aaron_n as_o for_o himself_o so_o for_o his_o sister_n to_o confess_v their_o fault_n to_o moses_n and_o moses_n have_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o she_o the_o lord_n heal_v she_o but_o what_o though_o she_o be_v heal_v yet_o for_o her_o penance_n or_o punishment_n let_v she_o be_v separate_v seven_o day_n say_v god_n that_o so_o she_o may_v be_v ashamed_a for_o if_o her_o father_n have_v spit_v in_o her_o face_n shall_v she_o not_o be_v ashamed_a this_o be_v do_v by_o god_n own_o appointment_n but_o under_o the_o law_n we_o may_v see_v the_o footstep_n thereof_o more_o manifest_a though_o not_o so_o perspicuous_a as_o under_o the_o gospel_n where_o truth_n appear_v as_o it_o be_v with_o open_a face_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n we_o find_v it_o manifest_v 5.6_o levit._fw-la 5.5_o numb_a 5.6_o that_o god_n command_v all_o such_o man_n and_o woman_n as_o have_v sin_v shall_v come_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o make_v confession_n thereof_o before_o atonement_n can_v be_v make_v and_o it_o be_v explain_v by_o ainsworth_n in_o his_o annotation_n upon_o they_o verse_n that_o no_o atonement_n be_v ever_o make_v without_o confession_n yea_o though_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n do_v all_o other_o thing_n that_o the_o law_n do_v require_v yet_o without_o confession_n there_o be_v no_o atonement_n make_v and_o he_o that_o in_o confession_n do_v most_o aggravate_v his_o sin_n be_v account_v the_o best_a man_n hence_o we_o may_v see_v that_o as_o the_o minister_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n be_v after_o penitential_a confession_n minister_n of_o reconciliation_n but_o yet_o in_o a_o dark_a manner_n and_o not_o so_o glorious_a for_o it_o be_v write_v of_o they_o under_o the_o gospel_n 7._o 2_o cor._n 3.10_o &_o 3.6.8,9_o 4_o 7._o for_o even_o that_o which_o be_v make_v glorious_a have_v no_o glory_n in_o this_o respect_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o excel_v their_o ministry_n be_v of_o the_o letter_n we_o of_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v write_v he_o have_v make_v we_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o of_o the_o letter_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n such_o treasure_n have_v we_o in_o earthen_a
redemption_n thereof_o cease_v for_o ever_o tremble_v when_o thou_o think_v of_o go_v thy_o own_o way_n at_o the_o best_a thou_o do_v but_o venture_v and_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n at_o adventure_n be_v a_o dangerous_a path_n remember_v that_o say_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o father_n hear_v you_o if_o you_o ask_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o sin_n of_o infidel_n after_o conversion_n be_v wash_v away_o in_o baptism_n have_v it_o be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o according_a to_o his_o will_n for_o the_o gentile_n to_o pray_v for_o pardon_n without_o a_o baptism_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o penitential_a confession_n let_v therefore_o the_o humble_a conscientious_a christian_a address_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o god_n own_o way_n namely_o by_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v shepherd_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n quest_n quest_n but_o some_o query_n be_v no_o sin_n forgive_v in_o heaven_n but_o such_o as_o be_v confess_v to_o a_o priest_n on_o earth_n ans_fw-fr ans_fw-fr i_o answer_v our_o love_a lord_n lay_v no_o impossibility_n upon_o we_o for_o to_o relate_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o fail_n which_o as_o our_o hair_n be_v numberless_a 19.12_o psal_n 19.12_o for_o who_o can_v understand_v his_o error_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o confess_v they_o for_o so_o be_v israel_n under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v as_o a_o schoolmaster_n lead_v unto_o christ_n for_o as_o then_o upon_o confession_n contrition_n and_o restitution_n atonement_n be_v make_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o beast_n in_o like_a manner_n do_v the_o christian_n priest_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n warrant_v from_o our_o lord_n absolve_v the_o true_o penitent_a and_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a beat_a path_n the_o good_a old_a way_n which_o whosoever_o faithful_o tread_v find_v rest_n unto_o his_o soul_n but_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v other_o forcible_a inducement_n move_v honest_a heart_n tender_a of_o their_o soul_n good_a not_o to_o slight_a confession_n 1._o confession_n much_o repress_v pride_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o occasion_v shame_n and_o blush_a which_o breed_v humility_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o humility_n so_o be_v it_o also_o of_o charity_n move_v pity_n towards_o the_o penitent_a consider_v that_o ourselves_o have_v be_v tempt_v also_o a_o motive_n it_o will_v be_v that_o we_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o such_o penitent_n 3._o confession_n weaken_v the_o very_a power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n for_o sin_n have_v its_o seat_n strength_n and_o residence_n in_o the_o flesh_n so_o long_o as_o the_o flesh_n be_v lusty_a and_o frolic_a sin_n be_v so_o too_o but_o confession_n ashame_v astonish_v and_o cast_v down_o the_o flesh_n by_o which_o sin_n lose_v strength_n and_o do_v not_o so_o easy_o carry_v captive_a 4._o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v at_o enmity_n with_o sin_n and_o even_o to_o cause_v it_o to_o loath_a detest_v and_o abhor_v that_o which_o do_v daily_o bring_v it_o to_o such_o shame_n and_o in_o the_o end_n if_o amendment_n be_v not_o to_o utter_v destruction_n 5._o it_o be_v a_o strong_a mean_n to_o reduce_v a_o sinner_n to_o a_o good_a life_n for_o what_o man_n who_o conscience_n be_v not_o total_o sear_v and_o in_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n will_v come_v often_o to_o confession_n with_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sin_n but_o that_o such_o a_o one_o must_v needs_o be_v somewhat_o reform_v 6._o it_o help_v the_o priest_n much_o both_o in_o his_o private_a exhortation_n and_o rebuke_n and_o also_o in_o his_o public_a preach_n for_o by_o confession_n he_o come_v to_o know_v the_o disease_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o what_o remedy_n to_o administer_v 7._o as_o it_o help_v the_o minister_n in_o apply_v the_o word_n of_o god_n seasonable_o to_o the_o sinner_n so_o do_v it_o how_o to_o put_v up_o petition_n for_o the_o penitent_a for_o as_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n carry_v the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o ezekiah_n spread_v the_o letter_n before_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n so_o do_v the_o faithful_a pastor_n those_o soul_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o penitent_n do_v both_o inform_v the_o pastor_n understanding_n how_o to_o pray_v and_o stir_v up_o his_o fervour_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o penitent_a 8._o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o set_v in_o this_o world_n many_o crooked_a thing_n straight_o which_o through_o the_o pastor_n wisdom_n may_v be_v do_v many_o suit_n in_o law_n scandal_n and_o offence_n stop_v or_o hinder_v yea_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n may_v be_v keep_v from_o make_v themselves_o away_o 9_o it_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n not_o only_o to_o obtain_v pardon_n by_o god_n messenger_n in_o a_o ministerial_a way_n but_o also_o peace_n to_o the_o conscience_n for_o true_a penitential_a confession_n do_v pierce_v the_o very_a heaven_n and_o so_o move_v god_n that_o he_o say_v to_o penitent_a ephraim_n be_v ashamed_a and_o confound_v because_o of_o his_o sin_n 31.19_o jer._n 31.19_o my_o bowel_n be_v trouble_v for_o he_o i_o will_v sure_o have_v mercy_n on_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n 10._o true_a and_o real_a confession_n prepare_v and_o make_v a_o man_n ready_a for_o death_n for_o the_o penitential_a sinner_n do_v so_o manifest_a and_o lay_v open_a his_o sin_n with_o hearty_a sorrow_n shame_n and_o blush_v for_o the_o same_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v thereby_o arreigned_a yea_o judge_v and_o acquit_v of_o such_o a_o one_o say_v god_n job_n 33.27,28_o he_o look_v upon_o man_n and_o if_o any_o say_v i_o have_v sin_v and_o pervert_v that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o it_o profit_v i_o not_o if_o any_o make_v that_o manner_n of_o confession_n which_o god_n require_v mark_v the_o answer_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 28._o he_o will_v deliver_v his_o soul_n from_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n and_o his_o life_n shall_v see_v the_o light_n these_o thing_n consider_v if_o there_o be_v no_o tract_n of_o confession_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n no_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a no_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o succeed_a age_n to_o be_v find_v if_o god_n shall_v so_o please_v that_o the_o church_n of_o this_o present_a age_n for_o the_o much_o profit_n that_o come_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o confession_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o lay_v this_o so_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a a_o burden_n upon_o her_o member_n what_o man_n without_o manifest_a sin_n and_o wrong_v to_o his_o own_o soul_n but_o will_v yield_v obedience_n by_o what_o scripture_n can_v any_o man_n show_n do_v the_o apostle_n do_v away_o circumcision_n but_o only_o by_o a_o conference_n one_o with_o another_o in_o that_o holy_a counsel_n at_o jerusalem_n 15._o act_n 15._o by_o which_o they_o perceive_v the_o unprofitablenesse_n thereof_o and_o after_o st._n peter_n have_v show_v how_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v to_o man_n uncircumcised_a in_o the_o very_a same_o miraculous_a manner_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o circumcision_n in_o the_o beginning_n 11.15_o act_n 11.15_o and_o that_o want_v of_o circumcision_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o descend_v upon_o man_n than_o forthwith_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o gentile_n shall_v not_o be_v circumcise_v and_o so_o send_v their_o decree_n to_o all_o the_o church_n never_o mention_v any_o scripture_n only_o the_o unprofitablenesse_n of_o circumcision_n which_o st._n paul_n mention_n in_o several_a place_n as_o 7.19_o 1_o cor._n 7.19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n again_o 6.15_o gal_n 6.15_o circumcision_n avail_v not_o nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n gal._n 5.6_o again_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v not_o but_o a_o new_a creature_n upon_o this_o very_a ground_n do_v the_o holy_a apostle_n do_v away_o circumcision_n which_o do_v not_o give_v the_o proud_a and_o self_n will_v of_o that_o age_n satisfaction_n but_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o their_o stumble_n and_o fall_v into_o sect_n as_o those_o of_o the_o concision_n ebionites_n and_o other_o and_o therefore_o most_o offensive_a to_o god_n and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n to_o thing_n command_v and_o enjoin_v although_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o manifest_a as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v if_o a_o disputable_a controversy_n do_v arise_v in_o israel_n the_o man_n be_v to_o ascend_v from_o council_n to_o council_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o great_a sanhedrim_n in_o jerusalem_n whereof_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v chief_a and_o who_o ever_o do_v not_o submit_v his_o understanding_n to_o what_o the_o say_v high_a council_n determine_v be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n that_o all_o israel_n may_v hear_v and_o fear_v and_o do_v no_o more_o presumptuous_o this_o be_v god_n law_n deut._n 17._o and_o certain_o that_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o do_v not_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o christian_n then_o in_o be_v the_o proud_a and_o presumptuous_a will_v not_o submit_v their_o not_o conceive_v how_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v will_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n they_o must_v submit_v god_n approve_v not_o of_o such_o proud_a self-willed_a one_o the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n be_v great_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o for_o thing_n not_o so_o manifest_o plain_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o do_v away_o of_o circumcision_n by_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o without_o but_o seem_o against_o scripture_n for_o circumcision_n be_v not_o of_o moses_n but_o before_o he_o of_o the_o patriarch_n what_o may_v be_v think_v of_o disobedience_n to_o a_o thing_n so_o manifest_a as_o this_o of_o confession_n be_v as_o appeareth_z by_o the_o tract_n thereof_o before_o christ_n the_o institution_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o so_o great_a a_o solemnity_n the_o manifest_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o succeed_a church_n down_o to_o this_o age_n and_o that_o upon_o such_o godly_a and_o wholesome_a ground_n as_o no_o pious_a soul_n can_v gainsay_v if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o ground_n and_o reason_n sufficient_a for_o our_o generation_n to_o move_v and_o bind_v they_o to_o obedience_n god_n know_v then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o but_o as_o other_o by_o disobedience_n fall_v from_o the_o church_n and_o as_o we_o may_v say_v even_o perish_v in_o the_o gainsay_n of_o core_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o even_o these_o will_v fall_v into_o divers_a sect_n and_o never_o return_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o path_n of_o life_n and_o let_v none_o say_v they_o can_v believe_v that_o any_o man_n on_o earth_n can_v forgive_v sin_n in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n it_o be_v true_a none_o can_v but_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o this_o authority_n let_v we_o not_o question_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o believe_v 5.12_o 2_o king_n 5.12_o when_o the_o prophet_n bid_v naaman_n the_o syrian_a for_o the_o cure_n of_o his_o leprosy_n to_o go_v and_o wash_v in_o jordan_n he_o be_v angry_a at_o the_o prophet_n and_o say_v i_o think_v he_o will_v have_v come_v and_o pray_v and_o put_v his_o hand_n over_o the_o place_n and_o will_v he_o not_o but_o bid_v i_o go_v and_o wash_v seven_o time_n in_o jordan_n thus_o naaman_n in_o his_o conceit_n contemn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o if_o he_o have_v so_o persevere_v he_o have_v not_o be_v cure_v of_o his_o leprosy_n god_n almighty_n grant_v we_o heavenly_a wisdom_n humble_a mind_n and_o grace_n not_o to_o contend_v and_o contest_v against_o his_o church_n especial_o in_o thing_n evident_a because_o to_o worldly_a wisdom_n they_o seem_v but_o foolishness_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o say_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v foolishness_n with_o man_n he_o take_v the_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o craftiness_n our_o lord_n preserve_v we_o from_o all_o proud_a and_o by-pachs_a and_o every_o evil_a way_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o your_o friend_n t._n s._n finis_fw-la