a_o persuasive_a to_o a_o ingenuous_a trial_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n london_n print_v for_o tho._n basset_n at_o the_o george_n near_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1685._o a_o persuasive_a to_o a_o ingenuous_a trial_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n §_o 1._o the_o great_a reason_n why_o they_o be_v few_o in_o comparison_n who_o come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o a_o wellgrounded_n persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o many_o who_o make_v a_o due_a inquiry_n into_o they_o be_v this_o do_v more_o general_o there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o ignorance_n and_o error_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o sect_n as_o there_o be_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o fail_v of_o know_v the_o truth_n for_o want_v of_o due_a endeavour_n to_o find_v it_o out_o some_o there_o be_v who_o want_n ability_n or_o opportunity_n to_o inquire_v other_o who_o want_v neither_o do_v utter_o neglect_v it_o and_o will_v not_o apply_v their_o mind_n to_o it_o at_o all_o a_o three_o sort_n make_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a search_n after_o truth_n and_o so_o all_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n in_o thing_n of_o moment_n that_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v attribute_v either_o to_o want_v of_o power_n and_o mean_n to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n or_o to_o unwillingness_n and_o perfect_a negligence_n where_o it_o may_v be_v seek_v and_o attain_v to_o or_o to_o laziness_n inactivity_n and_o partiality_n in_o seek_v it_o to_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o reckon_v idiot_n who_o want_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n wherewith_o to_o judge_v but_o those_o also_o that_o have_v the_o same_o common_a natural_a gift_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o other_o be_v yet_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n keep_v almost_o invincible_o ignorant_a have_v very_o little_a or_o no_o occasion_n give_v they_o to_o inquire_v into_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v know_v they_o better_o and_o thousand_o who_o sit_v in_o pagan_a or_o mahometan_a or_o popish_a darkness_n be_v thus_o detain_v in_o gross_a error_n and_o remediless_a ignorance_n as_o the_o case_n at_o present_a stand_v with_o they_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n who_o live_v in_o such_o a_o time_n and_o place_n as_o put_v no_o man_n under_o circumstance_n of_o incurable_a ignorance_n as_o for_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v plentiful_a mean_n and_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o be_v better_o inform_v but_o utter_o neglect_v to_o use_v they_o they_o be_v either_o such_o who_o remain_v under_o the_o power_n of_o those_o false_a principle_n which_o be_v instill_v into_o they_o in_o their_o education_n or_o who_o blind_o follow_v err_a guide_n who_o person_n they_o have_v in_o admiration_n resolve_v never_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o a_o free_a and_o impartial_a use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n concern_v those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o own_o opinion_n wise_o and_o safe_o take_v upon_o trust_n it_o happen_v likewise_o very_a often_o that_o man_n be_v lead_v away_o by_o lofty_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o the_o extravagant_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o themselves_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o attempt_v such_o a_o ingenuous_a examination_n of_o thing_n as_o imply_v a_o possibility_n of_o their_o be_v deceive_v but_o i_o believe_v they_o be_v more_o who_o take_v up_o opinion_n and_o engage_v in_o party_n for_o worldly_a end_n and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o these_o of_o all_o other_o be_v far_a from_o inquire_v &_o conviction_n because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a uneasiness_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n to_o find_v himself_o mistake_v in_o those_o opinion_n which_o be_v for_o his_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n in_o this_o world_n and_o most_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n strengthen_v all_o these_o cause_n of_o obstinacy_n in_o neglect_v to_o inquire_v man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o quit_v the_o persuasion_n they_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n entertain_v but_o have_v rather_o keep_v where_o they_o be_v without_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o begin_v all_o anew_o and_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v all_o along_o deceive_v and_o where_o most_o of_o these_o obstruction_n meet_v together_o as_o they_o often_o do_v in_o the_o same_o person_n if_o he_o be_v not_o succour_v mighty_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n his_o mind_n be_v bar_v up_o for_o ever_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n a_o three_o sort_n miss_v of_o the_o truth_n not_o that_o they_o make_v no_o inquiry_n but_o because_o they_o do_v this_o very_o imperfect_o and_o superficial_o and_o that_o either_o through_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o take_v that_o pain_n and_o care_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n or_o through_o partiality_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o examine_v and_o 〈◊〉_d only_o or_o chiesly_a what_o be_v offer_v in_o favour_n of_o their_o own_o side_n and_o make_v it_o the_o great_a end_n of_o their_o search_n not_o to_o follow_v what_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a upon_o inquiry_n but_o to_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o present_a persuasion_n and_o because_o diligence_n and_o honesty_n be_v very_o necessary_a disposition_n in_o order_n to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n in_o religion_n no_o wonder_n that_o they_o who_o inquire_v without_o these_o advantage_n be_v rather_o harden_v in_o error_n than_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n now_o these_o be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n and_o since_o they_o all_o centre_n in_o want_n of_o due_a inquiry_n i_o shall_v set_v myself_o to_o excite_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o be_v not_o make_v incapable_a by_o natural_a weakness_n of_o understanding_n to_o prove_v and_o examine_v thing_n which_o concern_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o christian_n with_o that_o diligence_n and_o ingenuity_n which_o become_v reasonable_a creature_n and_o though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a task_n that_o i_o be_o undertake_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a interest_n of_o man_n which_o i_o must_v encounter_v yet_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o advice_n can_v be_v more_o rational_a than_o this_o that_o we_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o use_v our_o reason_n which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o lay_v up_o the_o common_a talon_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o a_o napkin_n for_o god_n have_v endue_v we_o with_o faculty_n whereby_o we_o can_v discern_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o moreover_o with_o a_o natural_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o the_o use_n of_o these_o faculty_n be_v inexcusable_o neglect_v and_o this_o desire_n be_v foul_o corrupt_v and_o debase_v if_o we_o be_v easy_o impose_v upon_o in_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n god_n in_o our_o creation_n have_v enable_v and_o incline_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n and_o therefore_o to_o neglect_v this_o be_v to_o abuse_v the_o first_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o to_o sin_n against_o nature_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v every_o man_n care_n to_o find_v out_o that_o truth_n which_o concern_v religion_n and_o another_o life_n 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v every_o man_n great_a interest_n we_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d most_o diligence_n there_o where_o to_o be_v deceive_v be_v of_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o plausible_a pretence_n against_o a_o due_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v prepare_v my_o way_n by_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o lie_v against_o it_o and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o three_o question_n 1._o whether_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o private_a man_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o use_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n 2._o whether_o a_o general_a liberty_n of_o examine_v and_o judge_v in_o those_o thing_n do_v mischief_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n 3._o whether_o if_o every_o one_o have_v a_o just_a right_o to_o examine_v for_o himself_o this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a reason_n for_o toleration_n or_o the_o universal_a liberty_n of_o practise_v according_a to_o a_o man_n conscience_n or_o persuasion_n after_o examination_n §_o 2._o 1._o whether_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o private_a man_n to_o allow_v they_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n now_o to_o leave_v man_n whole_o to_o themselves_o
lead_v to_o a_o practice_n where_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o such_o a_o complicate_v sin_n 3._o i_o be_o to_o consider_v that_o difference_n in_o religion_n and_o worship_n do_v dangerous_o affect_v the_o peace_n of_o kingdom_n and_o all_o other_o society_n especial_o where_o the_o interest_n of_o church_n and_o state_n be_v so_o mix_v and_o interweave_v together_o as_o they_o be_v in_o england_n they_o that_o agree_v in_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o to_o agree_v together_o in_o other_o thing_n but_o it_o seldom_o happen_v that_o they_o maintain_v hearty_a correspondence_n in_o any_o thing_n who_o be_v of_o opposite_a communion_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n when_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v break_v there_o be_v a_o foundation_n lay_v of_o those_o uncharitable_a censure_n and_o animosity_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n end_v in_o violence_n and_o bloodshed_n very_o often_o to_o the_o dissolation_n of_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o put_v this_o out_o of_o question_n by_o several_a instance_n of_o the_o sad_a experience_n which_o christendom_n have_v have_v of_o it_o but_o the_o late_a and_o sad_a example_n hereof_o at_o home_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v all_o other_o needless_a for_o our_o conviction_n the_o rebellion_n here_o be_v support_v by_o nothing_o more_o than_o by_o difference_n about_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n that_o bring_v together_o so_o many_o people_n against_o the_o king_n and_o that_o inslame_v they_o with_o anger_n and_o resolution_n to_o venture_v all_o till_o they_o have_v secure_v the_o king_n and_o enslave_v the_o kingdom_n i_o need_v not_o say_v for_o sure_a every_o body_n must_v be_v sensible_a of_o that_o how_o diversity_n of_o religion_n weaken_v the_o government_n and_o render_v a_o people_n unable_a to_o do_v well_o for_o themselves_o to_o oppose_v foreign_a enemy_n and_o to_o use_v the_o most_o likely_a opportunity_n for_o the_o common_a safety_n and_o prosperity_n therefore_o in_o love_n to_o our_o country_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o peace_n at_o home_n and_o of_o success_n in_o all_o just_a erterprise_n abroad_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o backward_o to_o violate_v the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o unsettle_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o never_o separate_v from_o the_o establish_a communion_n till_o we_o find_v ourselves_o force_v to_o it_o by_o reason_n so_o plain_a and_o weighty_a that_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v keep_v ourselves_o honest_a man_n and_o good_a christian_n 4._o the_o set_n of_o a_o bad_a example_n to_o other_o shall_v in_o this_o case_n be_v most_o consider_v for_o if_o where_o a_o necessary_a reformation_n in_o thing_n of_o religion_n be_v make_v by_o just_a authority_n or_o a_o lawful_a separation_n make_v by_o private_a person_n from_o a_o communion_n pollute_v with_o unlawful_a condition_n it_o be_v yet_o very_o hard_o to_o keep_v the_o example_n from_o be_v abuse_v by_o other_o in_o reform_v or_o separate_n without_o any_o such_o cause_n and_o will_v still_o be_v of_o worse_a consequence_n to_o set_v a_o example_n of_o wanton_a and_o unjustifiable_a separation_n for_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contempt_n of_o authority_n order_n and_o unity_n that_o other_o will_v be_v afraid_a to_o subdivide_v into_o more_o party_n as_o self-conceit_n ambition_n or_o revenge_n or_o the_o like_a evil_a disposition_n shall_v prompt_v they_o 5._o if_o separation_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v but_o with_o very_a great_a caution_n for_o fear_v of_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n by_o a_o causeless_a and_o unlawful_a departure_n from_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o set_v up_o other_o assembly_n in_o opposition_n to_o they_o this_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v no_o less_o than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o one_o as_o the_o scripture_n plain_o tell_v we_o he_o that_o divide_v himself_o from_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o this_o body_n divide_v himself_o from_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o therefore_o schismatic_n be_v not_o account_v by_o the_o ancient_n to_o be_v within_o the_o church_n although_o they_o retain_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o sure_o a_o man_n will_v well_o advise_v with_o himself_o about_o a_o action_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o put_v himself_o into_o that_o condition_n the_o unity_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o body_n and_o communion_n be_v institute_v by_o our_o lord_n for_o very_o great_a and_o weighty_a reason_n and_o particular_o for_o the_o secure_n of_o brotherly_a kindness_n among_o his_o disciple_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n shall_v therefore_o love_v and_o care_n for_o one_o another_o more_o than_o other_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o for_o the_o retain_v of_o professor_n within_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a life_n from_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v break_v away_o by_o any_o scandalous_a practice_n they_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o by_o the_o shame_n of_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o divide_v the_o communion_n of_o christian_n and_o set_v up_o one_o communion_n in_o opposition_n to_o another_o without_o necessary_a cause_n do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o render_v this_o provision_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o charity_n and_o purity_n of_o manner_n among_o believer_n altogether_o ineffectual_a and_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o hatred_n and_o ill_a will_n and_o looseness_n of_o life_n gain_v ground_n more_o by_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n than_o by_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o no_o wonder_n since_o man_n that_o be_v of_o different_a and_o opposite_a communion_n do_v not_o use_v to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o vicious_a person_n do_v not_o value_v the_o communion_n of_o a_o true_a church_n nor_o care_n if_o for_o their_o ill_a manner_n they_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o it_o when_o they_o can_v take_v sanctuary_n in_o a_o pretend_a church_n of_o another_o communion_n that_o make_v as_o loud_a a_o claim_n to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o chruch-society_n as_o that_o church_n can_v do_v from_o which_o they_o have_v divide_v themselves_o which_o thing_n be_v consider_v we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v that_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n schism_n be_v account_v no_o less_o but_o rather_o a_o great_a fault_n than_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o persecution_n for_o though_o idolatry_n simple_o consider_v be_v in_o itself_o worse_a yet_o schism_n in_o its_o consequence_n be_v more_o pernicious_a he_o that_o be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o schism_n do_v more_o mischief_n to_o the_o church_n than_o if_o he_o turn_v a_o pagan_a or_o a_o mahometan_a the_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v this_o that_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o separate_v himself_o from_o a_o establish_a church_n it_o concern_v he_o i_o say_v as_o much_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v worth_a to_o look_v to_o it_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o separation_n be_v just_a and_o necessary_a and_o such_o as_o will_v throw_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n upon_o that_o church_n from_o which_o he_o separate_v but_o alas_o how_o few_o be_v they_o that_o examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o have_v break_v away_o from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n how_o many_o that_o when_o they_o be_v press_v in_o good_a earnest_n can_v say_v no_o more_o for_o themselves_o then_o that_o they_o have_v better_a preach_n and_o more_o spiritual_a pray_v elsewhere_o than_o in_o our_o parish-church_n how_o will_v they_o abuse_v our_o prayer_n and_o call_v they_o porridge_n and_o such_o other_o vile_a name_n who_o never_o in_o all_o their_o life_n so_o much_o as_o read_v they_o and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o own_o that_o they_o have_v not_o they_o call_v the_o bishop_n antichristian_a and_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n idolatrous_a or_o superstitious_a who_o yet_o never_o well_o consider_v what_o antichrist_n mean_v what_o be_v idolatry_n or_o superstition_n who_o have_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o say_v if_o they_o be_v ask_v what_o evil_n be_v in_o bishop_n in_o liturgy_n and_o in_o the_o rite_n of_o our_o worship_n how_o many_o other_o be_v there_o who_o read_v the_o book_n write_v to_o defend_v the_o separation_n but_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v so_o much_o as_o to_o look_v upon_o any_o one_o that_o be_v publish_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n god_n of_o his_o mercy_n give_v a_o better_a spirit_n to_o such_o people_n and_o repentance_n to_o those_o that_o
understanding_n for_o when_o hypocrite_n have_v for_o their_o worldly_a interest_n debauch_a religion_n in_o this_o manner_n they_o know_v that_o the_o mean_a people_n will_v never_o swallow_v their_o gross_a absurdity_n unless_o they_o can_v first_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o trust_v their_o own_o eye_n or_o to_o hearken_v to_o any_o discourse_n from_o principle_n of_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a and_o strong_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o merit_n to_o believe_v thing_n incredible_a and_o to_o stick_v to_o a_o conclusion_n the_o fast_o the_o more_o impossible_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v true_a but_o by_o the_o way_n if_o reason_n be_v one_o and_o that_o the_o first_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o say_v it_o be_v i_o shall_v vehement_o suspect_v without_o far_a examination_n that_o they_o know_v their_o opinion_n to_o be_v very_o foolish_a who_o at_o first_o dash_n renounce_v the_o most_o general_a and_o necessary_a rule_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o because_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o all_o the_o world_n over_o reason_n be_v therefore_o the_o most_o public_a rule_n and_o test_n whereby_o to_o judge_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o therefore_o if_o a_o council_n define_v thing_n in_o that_o manner_n that_o i_o must_v forsake_v right_a reason_n to_o follow_v its_o definition_n when_o i_o make_v this_o plain_a this_o be_v not_o oppose_v a_o private_a spirit_n to_o a_o public_a judgement_n but_o appeal_n from_o a_o less_o public_a judgement_n to_o the_o most_o public_a sense_n and_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n §_o 6._o 2._o as_o reason_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o all_o man_n so_o be_v scripture_n a_o rule_n to_o all_o christian_n at_o least_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o and_o all_o pretend_v to_o make_v it_o a_o rule_n for_o their_o judgement_n by_o appeal_n to_o it_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n indeed_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v but_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o say_v it_o be_v a_o entire_a and_o perfect_a rule_n thereof_o however_o so_o long_o as_o she_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n though_o she_o pretend_v there_o be_v another_o rule_n beside_o that_o she_o be_v to_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o be_v acquit_v by_o she_o in_o not_o believe_v she_o against_o the_o scripture_n now_o every_o body_n must_v grant_v that_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v right_o by_o the_o scripture_n where_o we_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text._n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o sense_n wherein_o we_o take_v any_o place_n be_v the_o true_a sense_n before_o we_o make_v our_o interpretation_n of_o it_o a_o rule_n whereby_o to_o examine_v other_o thing_n where_o the_o sense_n be_v very_o plain_a it_o require_v nothing_o more_o than_o common_a sense_n and_o common_a honesty_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v all_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o clear_o and_o plain_o that_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a for_o a_o honest_a man_n to_o understand_v what_o they_o be_v but_o because_o there_o be_v many_o obscure_a place_n in_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o ground_v any_o doctrine_n upon_o they_o till_o we_o have_v well_o weigh_v and_o examine_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o place_n and_o the_o way_n to_o be_v secure_a from_o any_o dangerous_a mistake_n in_o conclude_v from_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v more_o or_o less_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v to_o observe_v such_o caution_n as_o these_o be_v which_o i_o think_v all_o christian_n must_v allow_v to_o be_v reasonable_a 1._o that_o we_o take_v no_o text_n in_o a_o sense_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n 2._o that_o we_o put_v no_o sense_n upon_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o general_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o we_o understand_v no_o difficult_a place_n in_o a_o sense_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o to_o those_o place_n who_o meaning_n be_v plain_a and_o manifest_a to_o all_o man_n 4._o that_o we_o mistake_v not_o those_o place_n for_o plain_a which_o be_v not_o so_o 5._o that_o we_o put_v no_o other_o sense_n upon_o a_o text_n than_o what_o agree_v with_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o that_o particular_a discourse_n wherein_o we_o find_v it_o 1._o before_o we_o conclude_v upon_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o text_n so_o as_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o sense_n be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o natural_a reason_n for_o if_o it_o be_v it_o can_v be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o god_n be_v the_o original_a of_o natural_a truth_n as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o come_v by_o particular_a revelation_n and_o as_o hierocles_n say_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v right_a reason_n and_o to_o follow_v god_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o no_o proposition_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o part_n of_o god_n book_n and_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n can_v no_o more_o be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o scripture_n than_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o can_v contradict_v himself_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o that_o sense_n which_o make_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o contradiction_n shall_v be_v true_a and_o we_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a that_o any_o thing_n be_v true_a than_o we_o be_v that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v false_a there_o be_v some_o other_o doctrine_n maintain_v by_o man_n of_o name_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v no_o better_a ground_n for_o than_o obscure_a text_n interpret_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n this_o caution_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v in_o the_o first_o place_n 2._o we_o must_v put_v no_o sense_n upon_o a_o difficult_a place_n which_o contradict_v the_o great_a end_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n now_o that_o be_v to_o work_v faith_n in_o man_n and_o thereby_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n do_v natural_o tend_v to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o care_n of_o holy_a live_n by_o nourish_v they_o in_o foolish_a presumption_n or_o drive_v they_o to_o miserable_a despair_n can_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v be_v prove_v from_o any_o obscure_a text_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o sense_n of_o a_o obsure_n text_n from_o which_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v be_v not_o the_o true_a sense_n unless_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n teach_v something_o that_o undermine_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o whole_a there_o be_v too_o many_o opinion_n among_o some_o christian_n that_o have_v no_o other_o colour_n for_o they_o than_o scripture_n interpret_v without_o this_o necessary_a caution_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a 3._o we_o must_v not_o understand_v a_o difficult_a place_n in_o a_o sense_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o place_n who_o meaning_n be_v plain_a and_o manifest_a to_o all_o man_n for_o the_o scripture_n can_v teach_v one_o thing_n plain_o in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o quite_o contrary_a obscure_o in_o another_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a therefore_o in_o try_v to_o understand_v a_o difficult_a place_n or_o in_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n from_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v compare_v scripture_n with_o scripture_n and_o the_o obscure_a place_n with_o those_o that_o be_v plain_a not_o to_o interpret_v the_o plain_a by_o the_o obscure_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o discourse_n but_o the_o obscure_a by_o the_o plain_a especial_o because_o the_o plain_a place_n contain_v thing_n that_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v without_o great_a danger_n forsake_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v as_o every_o man_n in_o effect_n do_v who_o take_v a_o difficult_a place_n in_o a_o sense_n contrary_a to_o that_o doctrine_n in_o a_o word_n the_o scripture_n be_v our_o rule_n principal_o where_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o the_o
scripture_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o discourse_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o discourse_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v this_o rule_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o to_o observe_v so_o it_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v urge_v upon_o man_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o interpret_v place_n that_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o plain_a by_o those_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o but_o for_o which_o they_o have_v little_a ground_n beside_o the_o mere_a sound_n of_o some_o text_n which_o at_o first_o hear_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o their_o side_n but_o which_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a writer_n in_o that_o chapter_n or_o book_n will_v be_v find_v to_o mean_v quite_o another_o thing_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v beside_o of_o this_o rule_n be_v that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o many_o place_n that_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o plain_a will_v be_v remove_v by_o observe_v it_o for_o instance_n by_o this_o way_n we_o shall_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v that_o that_o forementioned_a place_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o be_v chief_o mean_v of_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n which_o be_v distribute_v among_o believer_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o though_o in_o a_o qualify_a sense_n this_o be_v true_a of_o all_o save_a grace_n it_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o all_o those_o scripture_n that_o suppose_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a to_o depend_v upon_o something_o which_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o righteous_a if_o we_o mangle_v coherent_a discourse_n and_o take_v a_o shred_n or_o a_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n by_o itself_o without_o regard_n to_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o this_o to_o prove_v what_o what_o we_o will_v have_v we_o do_v not_o try_v our_o opinion_n by_o scripture_n but_o we_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o our_o own_o opinion_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o judge_v by_o scripture_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o equal_a and_o if_o all_o man_n have_v observe_v they_o who_o have_v a_o just_a veneration_n for_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v be_v better_o understand_v and_o less_o wrest_v unsound_a divinity_n have_v not_o easy_o pass_v for_o scriptural_a truth_n and_o all_o occasion_n of_o those_o unjust_a reproach_n have_v be_v take_v away_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n throw_v upon_o we_o for_o allow_v to_o all_o christian_n the_o free_a use_n of_o god_n holy_a book_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n 3._o the_o three_o i_o mention_v be_v antiquity_n and_o catholic_n tradition_n now_o if_o this_o rule_n as_o i_o say_v at_o first_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a way_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n by_o it_o who_o stick_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n though_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o use_v it_o otherwise_o for_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o be_v most_o ancient_o teach_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v receive_v all_o along_o in_o the_o best_a age_n of_o the_o church_n then_o he_o that_o can_v prove_v his_o faith_n by_o scripture_n have_v the_o argument_n of_o antiquity_n and_o catholic_n tradition_n unquestionable_o on_o his_o side_n because_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a record_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o as_o such_o from_o the_o begin_n through_o all_o age_n to_o our_o present_a time_n but_o we_o acknowledge_v also_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n of_o something_o of_o a_o late_a date_n that_o be_v of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o some_o place_n in_o scripture_n for_o show_v what_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n for_o confirm_v we_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n but_o which_o have_v be_v dispute_v and_o oppose_v by_o heretic_n and_o likewise_o for_o confute_v those_o gross_a error_n in_o belief_n or_o practice_n which_o of_o late_a day_n have_v be_v bring_v in_o among_o christian_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o how_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o this_o rule_n i_o shall_v not_o etc._n here_o direct_v because_o this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o a_o excellent_a discourse_n already_o publish_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v rule_n whereby_o to_o try_v opinion_n in_o religion_n §_o 7._o iii_o the_o disposition_n wherewith_o we_o be_v to_o search_v for_o the_o truth_n by_o these_o mean_n be_v also_o of_o necessary_a consideration_n for_o whatever_o other_o advantage_n we_o have_v if_o we_o be_v great_o defective_a in_o these_o we_o shall_v very_o often_o lose_v our_o labour_n and_o fall_v into_o mistake_n of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o receive_v truth_n when_o propound_v with_o sufficient_a evidence_n or_o to_o find_v it_o out_o by_o his_o own_o search_n there_o must_v be_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o a_o prepare_a mind_n 2._o competent_a diligence_n 3._o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o that_o diligence_n 1._o a_o prepare_a mind_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n now_o this_o consist_v in_o humility_n ingenuity_n and_o sincerity_n humility_n be_v necessary_a because_o overween_v and_o self-concit_a make_v a_o man_n apt_a to_o despise_v what_o those_o of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o before_o their_o argument_n be_v consider_v and_o in_o general_a to_o neglect_v that_o help_n which_o may_v be_v have_v by_o the_o advice_n and_o reason_n of_o other_o so_o likewise_o vainglory_n fix_v a_o man_n in_o a_o error_n he_o have_v once_o defend_v and_o while_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o acknowledge_v a_o mistake_n he_o strain_v all_o his_o wit_n to_o delude_v himself_o into_o a_o strong_a belief_n of_o it_o and_o of_o his_o ability_n to_o defend_v it_o in_o controversy_n he_o be_v desirous_a of_o victory_n and_o will_v fain_o be_v think_v somebody_o and_o therefore_o he_o study_v more_o to_o expose_v a_o adversary_n than_o to_o inform_v himself_o and_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o to_o choose_v his_o side_n of_o a_o question_n he_o take_v the_o wrong_a one_o if_o it_o be_v more_o fashionable_a than_o the_o right_n therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n whosoever_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o a_o little_a child_n i._n e._n with_o a_o meek_a and_o pliable_a spirit_n shall_v not_o enter_v therein_o again_o say_v he_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n intimate_v that_o they_o will_v be_v easy_o convince_v who_o be_v of_o tractable_a and_o humble_a mind_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v concern_v the_o pharisee_n that_o they_o reject_v he_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o sheep_n i._n e._n because_o of_o their_o haughty_a and_o inflexible_a disposition_n prejudice_n be_v apt_a to_o bar_v the_o mind_n against_o conviction_n as_o well_o as_o pride_n and_o therefore_o to_o humility_n we_o must_v add_v ingenuity_n and_o sincerity_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v qualify_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o suggestion_n of_o prejudice_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o force_n of_o good_a reason_n on_o the_o other_o ingenuity_n be_v oppose_v to_o those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v either_o unavoidable_o contract_v or_o take_v up_o through_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n or_o converse_v altogether_o with_o our_o own_o party_n man_n be_v general_o prepossess_v with_o great_a favour_n to_o those_o opinion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v all_o along_o train_v up_o and_o which_o have_v be_v instill_v into_o they_o by_o all_o that_o they_o have_v converse_v with_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v meet_a inquirer_n after_o truth_n if_o we_o want_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o suspect_v ourselves_o on_o this_o side_n and_o try_v those_o persuasion_n in_o which_o we_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n and_o severity_n some_o man_n be_v prejudice_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a inclination_n towards_o a_o opinion_n or_o a_o antipathy_n against_o it_o and_o these_o aught_o the_o more_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o warmth_n of_o their_o imagination_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o force_n of_o argument_n on_o the_o other_o and_o not_o to_o take_v a_o passionate_a fondness_n for_o a_o conclusion_n or_o a_o aversion_n from_o it_o to_o be_v a_o reason_n one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o be_v very_o incident_a to_o weak_a mind_n to_o prejudg_v in_o favour_n of_o
do_v this_o good_a office_n and_o that_o because_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o lord_n say_v to_o peter_n when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n and_o if_o those_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v far_o instruct_v there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o endeavour_v to_o recover_v those_o that_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o way_n therefore_o if_o any_o of_o our_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n or_o other_o who_o at_o any_o time_n we_o have_v a_o good_a opportunity_n of_o instruct_v remain_v under_o those_o error_n that_o we_o have_v forsake_v and_o have_v discern_v good_a cause_n to_o forsake_v we_o must_v remember_v that_o though_o it_o be_v chief_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o disposal_n of_o god_n that_o we_o come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n yet_o it_o be_v also_o by_o humane_a mean_n by_o converse_v with_o 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glad_a that_o thou_o be_v now_o better_o inform_v and_o go_v to_o thy_o friend_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o thou_o be_v full_o persuade_v thy_o be_v have_v be_v wrong_a all_o this_o while_n and_o show_v he_o these_o argument_n that_o have_v set_v thou_o right_n that_o he_o as_o well_o as_o thyself_o may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o thou_o have_v now_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o resolve_v let_v we_o by_o no_o mean_n forget_v in_o what_o manner_n we_o be_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o our_o mistake_a brother_n for_o his_o information_n i._n e._n in_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n without_o rail_v and_o bitterness_n though_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o unhandsome_a opposition_n remember_v that_o we_o ourselves_o not_o long_o since_o be_v under_o the_o same_o mistake_n and_o have_v the_o like_a fondness_n for_o those_o erroneous_a opinion_n which_o we_o will_v now_o rescue_v our_o brother_n from_o if_o he_o do_v not_o take_v information_n and_o receive_v instruction_n as_o fast_o as_o we_o do_v we_o must_v not_o present_o grow_v into_o passion_n for_o some_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la be_v great_a and_o strong_a than_o other_o and_o all_o man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o capacity_n of_o understanding_n and_o quickness_n of_o apprehension_n and_o therefore_o more_o time_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v and_o more_o patience_n be_v to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o one_o man_n than_o may_v be_v needful_a in_o the_o case_n of_o another_o and_o because_o nothing_o put_v a_o slow_a or_o a_o prejudice_v man_n more_o backward_o than_o rough_a and_o bitter_a discourse_n therefore_o more_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n be_v requisite_a in_o deal_v with_o he_o than_o if_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o one_o of_o better_a wit_n or_o less_o prejudice_n when_o we_o will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n we_o must_v avoid_v all_o thing_n that_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o drive_v he_o at_o a_o far_a distance_n from_o it_o as_o clamour_n fierceness_n and_o rail_v will_v certain_o do_v for_o this_o carriage_n do_v but_o harden_v the_o obstinate_a and_o confound_v the_o simple_a 3._o when_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n as_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a so_o neither_o must_v we_o be_v afraid_a to_o own_v it_o but_o constant_o adhere_v to_o it_o by_o profess_v it_o and_o practise_v according_a to_o it_o whatever_o we_o lose_v or_o suffer_v for_o so_o do_v for_o otherwise_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o guilt_n for_o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n if_o therefore_o thou_o have_v hitherto_o be_v a_o papist_n but_o be_v now_o convince_v of_o the_o impious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o a_o dissenter_n but_o be_v now_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o afraid_a of_o the_o reproach_n and_o accusation_n of_o those_o who_o error_n thou_o have_v leave_v no_o not_o though_o your_o dependence_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n upon_o they_o or_o your_o expectation_n of_o worldly_a advantage_n from_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a consider_v that_o thy_o salvation_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o that_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o god_n love_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o their_o favour_n and_o that_o you_o be_v now_o to_o show_v that_o you_o do_v not_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n tell_v they_o that_o you_o will_v be_v still_o glad_a of_o their_o friendship_n but_o that_o you_o can_v purchase_v it_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n as_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o it_o either_o by_o renounce_v that_o which_o you_o be_v thorough_o convince_v be_v god_n truth_n or_o by_o go_v contrary_a to_o a_o conscience_n well_o inform_v of_o your_o duty_n let_v they_o know_v that_o you_o have_v be_v at_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o discover_v the_o truth_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o more_o than_o they_o have_v be_v at_o that_o you_o value_v that_o knowledge_n of_o your_o duty_n to_o which_o the_o grace_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v lead_v you_o at_o a_o more_o just_a rate_n than_o to_o sacrifice_v it_o to_o every_o worldly_a interest_n and_o that_o the_o industry_n you_o have_v use_v to_o inform_v yourself_o aright_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o very_a evil_a account_n if_o after_o all_o you_o shall_v play_v the_o hypocrite_n when_o we_o have_v the_o truth_n our_o loin_n must_v be_v gird_v about_o with_o it_o we_o must_v love_v it_o hearty_o profess_v it_o sincere_o and_o contend_v for_o it_o earnest_o and_o practice_v it_o honest_o when_o we_o have_v buy_v the_o truth_n by_o diligent_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n we_o we_o must_v not_o sell_v it_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o worldly_a wealth_n or_o honour_n or_o any_o other_o secular_a advantage_n no_o not_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o life_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a finis_fw-la a_o catalogue_n of_o several_a tract_n write_v by_o some_o divine_n in_o and_o about_o the_o city_n of_o london_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n 1._o a_o persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 2._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 3._o a_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 4._o the_o case_n of_o lay-communion_n 5._o the_o case_n of_o mix_a communion_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o separate_a from_o a_o church_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o promiscuous_a congregation_n and_o mix_a communion_n 6._o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n propose_v and_o state_v 7._o a_o vindication_n of_o it_o 8._o a_o discourse_n of_o conscience_n 9_o a_o discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 10._o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n 11._o certain_a case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 12._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o some_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 13._o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 14._o a_o defence_n of_o it_o 15._o the_o case_n of_o infant-baptism_n in_o five_o question_n 16._o the_o case_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n 17._o a_o persuasive_a to_o frequent_v communion_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 18._o the_o case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n state_v and_o resolve_v in_o two_o part_n 29._o a_o discourse_n about_o edification_n 20._o a_o discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n and_o of_o go_v to_o hear_v where_o man_n think_v they_o can_v profit_v most_o 21._o a_o argument_n to_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 22._o a_o serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n recommend_v to_o the_o present_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o popery_n these_o 1._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n upon_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o england_n make_v by_o the_o papist_n ask_v of_o we_o the_o question_n where_o be_v our_o religion_n before_o luther_n 2._o discourse_v about_o tradition_n show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o what_o tradition_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v 3._o the_o difference_n of_o the_o case_n between_o the_o separation_n of_o protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o the_o protestant_a resolution_n of_o faith_n 5._o a_o discourse_n concern_v a_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n 6._o a_o discourse_n concern_v invocation_n of_o saint_n 7._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 8._o a_o discourse_n of_o auricular_a confession_n 9_o a_o discourse_n against_o transubstantiation_n a_o catalogue_n of_o some_o book_n print_v for_o t._n basset_z speed_n map_n and_o geography_n of_o great_a britain_n and_o ireland_n and_o of_o foreign_a part_n hooker_n ecclesiastical_a polity_n guillim_n heraldry_n bishop_n sanderson_n sermon_n mezaray_n history_n of_o france_n dr._n howell_n history_n of_o the_o world_n in_o 2_o vol._n dr._n littleton_n dictionary_n complete_a clerk_n dr._n sherlock_n sermon_n on_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o plot._n medicina_fw-la curiosa_fw-la miege_n french_a dictionary_n willis_n london_n tract_n of_o physic_n bishop_n wilkin_n sermon_n principle_n and_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n bishop_n land_n devotion_n ☞_o all_o the_o work_n new_o print_v of_o doctor_n john_n lightfoot_n in_o two_o volume_n in_o folio_n illustrate_v with_o map_n and_o several_a table_n to_o the_o whole_a with_o some_o thing_n never_o before_o print_v phil._n 2._o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 24._o 1_o cor_fw-la 4._o 7._o rom._n 12._o 2._o discourse_v about_o tradition_n show_v etc._n etc._n abridgement_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n print_v at_o douai_n
have_v mislead_v they_o four_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o believe_v those_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n who_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n by_o fair_a way_n of_o trial_n and_o will_v affright_v we_o into_o a_o implicit_a faith_n by_o pronounce_v damnation_n against_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o way_n if_o man_n use_v violence_n or_o subtlety_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o a_o bad_a cause_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o trial_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o this_o reach_v the_o roman_a church_n which_o forbid_v the_o laity_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n unless_o some_o one_o layman_n have_v that_o special_a favour_n grant_v he_o of_o leave_n so_o to_o do_v from_o his_o ordinary_n who_o common_o be_v wise_a enough_o not_o to_o give_v this_o licence_n but_o where_o he_o be_v sure_a the_o party_n be_v fast_o enough_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o church_n those_o of_o the_o separate_a congregation_n best_o know_v what_o art_n be_v use_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n that_o go_v that_o way_n from_o inform_v themselves_o by_o read_v our_o book_n or_o discourse_v with_o our_o minister_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o but_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o all_o of_o they_o some_o of_o their_o leader_n teach_v they_o to_o pity_v our_o ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o illumination_n alas_o poor_a wretch_n that_o we_o be_v we_o know_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n thus_o they_o use_v to_o represent_v we_o they_o take_v all_o the_o good_a name_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o themselves_o and_o leave_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o his_o enemy_n to_o we_o now_o this_o be_v but_o a_o cunning_a and_o indirect_a way_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o harken_v to_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v say_v to_o they_o and_o to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o conclude_v against_o we_o without_o think_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v offer_v on_o both_o side_n they_o that_o have_v a_o good_a cause_n need_v not_o use_v those_o disingenuous_a art_n they_o will_v not_o fright_v man_n from_o consider_v what_o their_o adversary_n say_v by_o denounce_v damnation_n against_o they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v their_o book_n but_o rather_o encourage_v they_o to_o do_v so_o that_o they_o may_v see_v the_o difference_n between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o reason_n and_o sophistry_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v this_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n apparent_o discernible_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o this_o church_n both_o to_o their_o friend_n and_o enemy_n they_o desire_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o consider_v impartial_o what_o be_v say_v for_o we_o and_o against_o we_o and_o whatever_o guide_v of_o a_o party_n do_v otherwise_o they_o give_v just_a cause_n to_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o to_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o have_v they_o examine_v it_o be_v a_o bad_a sign_n when_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o have_v their_o opinion_n see_v in_o the_o day_n but_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v thus_o i_o have_v show_v in_o what_o case_n we_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o undertake_v to_o inftruct_v and_o guide_v we_o §_o 5._o ii_o because_o the_o duty_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n suppose_v certain_a rule_n and_o test_n by_o which_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v i_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v now_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o try_v doctrine_n for_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n about_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o want_n of_o argument_n by_o which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o persuasion_n to_o other_o for_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o rule_n must_v be_v common_a to_o i_o and_o to_o other_o man_n who_o i_o will_v also_o guide_v so_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o truth_n to_o which_o i_o have_v attain_v and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o reason_n which_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n to_o all_o man_n 2._o scripture_n which_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n to_o all_o christian_n 3._o antiquity_n or_o the_o uniform_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n to_o those_o who_o be_v verse_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n the_o two_o former_a rule_n be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o necessary_a and_o 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